Oh the joys

Not officially - I have 1 week left to enjoy my youthful 20’s. But to make the transition a memorable and enjoyable one, my wonderful husband threw me a surprise party last night! Not only was I impressed that he scheduled a “date” for us in advance complete with a babysitter, I had no idea what was in store for me. It’s a surreal feeling walking into a room filled with friends and family members whom I love and cherish, all celebrating on my behalf. I was crowned “Miss Spectacular” complete with a sash, tiara, and handed a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Just when I thought the evening couldn’t get any better, I was in for the most entertaining night of my life! I took my seat with the panel of judges to decide who my successor would be. Honestly, words cannot describe what happened next. Judge for yourself…

Miss Spectacular 2008 from Skowronek on Vimeo.

Let’s just say, my jaw has not ached that much from laughing that hard in a LONG time. The pageant was planned to a T with evening gown and an on stage question. While all 5 contestants were absolutely radiant, I must admit I was quite partial to Miss Germany who wasn’t afraid to show off her very muscular legs adorned in fishnet stockings and who shared her belief that “everyone should be a gentleman”. After the scores were tallied, I had the honor of witnessing as Miss Germany was crowned the new Miss Spectacular!

I wanted take a moment to thank my friends and family who were there to celebrate with me. I feel so honored and blessed to know you. Each of you have touched my life in a unique way and in doing so, have made me a better person. I also wanted to extend an extra big hug to all those who took countless hours to make this evening so wonderful for me! Allison, who spent the last few weeks with the phone glued to her ear ensuring I would have a good turnout. Jenn, who has added yet a new skill to her repertoire - pageant director, along with her lovely co-director/MC for the evening, Courtney. Emily, who beautifully transformed the sterile meeting room into party central. My 5 beautiful contestants whose poise, radiant smiles and willingness to wear high heels, bras and pantyhose has just generated world peace. Bren, whose talent never fails to impress me - the invitations were amazing! My sweet mother, who prepared my home for the after-party party (amongst many other things). Annika, who sacrificed her time (and sleep) so Jason and I could rendezvous to a late night showing of Ironman. And last but not least, the master party planner - my wonderful husband, the man I adore, my best friend…my everything! You have given me the best birthday present of all - a memory that will bring me a lifetime of smiles! I love you! The evening could not have been more perfect!

Turning 30 is really old to my five year old - feeling old when my back suddenly freezes while picking up a cheerio - not so old when I talk to my parents - and still a baby according to my grandparents. Regardless of how this milestone is viewed, I don’t mind my new decade advancement. In fact, I’m actually looking forward to it! I know I have so much in store for me, so much to learn and experience. Being 30 won’t be so bad. But turning 40, now…that will be a different story!

We’re back after yet another exciting trip to my grandparents Rockin’ R Ranch. With all good intentions on leaving first thing in the morning, we left late Friday afternoon for our 3 1/2 hour trip down to Antimony, UT only to encounter nightfall halfway through our trip. Anyone who is accustomed to traveling in rural areas knows that you are destined to have at least 5 near misses of the local animal life. After swerving away from a few jackrabbits, Jason thought he’d spice things up a bit and started swerving towards them instead. I didn’t find the thought as humorous as he did. We drove slowly through 3 herds of deer (all exceeding 15 at least) stopping entirely for one deer in particular, which stood 6 inches away from our car, looking in every direction but ours to see what all the commotion was about. After a minute, she finally noticed us, became startled and hopped away. That instance prompted our next topic of conversation - why blonds and deer have so much in common.

I made the mistake of telling my children a month ago that we were going. Everyday, we had to revisit the countdown calendar for proof that we weren’t leaving “tomorrow”. Going to the Rockin’ R has become more enjoyable now that we have children. They find excitement in everything down there, except for bedtime. Brianne and Jaryn spent the majority of their time on the swingset and playing in the dirt. They enjoyed decorating Easter eggs and adding to their stash of candy during the town Easter Egg hunt that my grandmother puts on each year. Jaryn especially loved the free reign he had with his cousins. Brianne danced around all weekend in her flashing tiara she got from the Easter Bunny. Beauen explored the ranch with Jason, who backpacked him around everywhere. He got to see the horses, play with a little puppy and had his cheeks kissed and pinched by every passing relative. I enjoyed the late night visits with my family, listening to my grandparents sing while grandpa Black played his guitar, eating Easter treats, and coming home with a box full of organic beef steaks, compliments of grandpa.

Despite the lack of sleep, the mystery hole in Brianne’s new capri’s, and the inevitable dirt that becomes caked just about everywhere, I always leave wondering how the time managed to slip by so quickly.

Jason and I went on a hot date last night to see Collective Soul in concert at the Energy Solutions Arena, compliments of my brother-in-law who works for Novell. I was quite impressed…they were actually really good live. They played some of their new stuff like Hollywood as well as classics like The World I Know and Shine which flashed back memories of the early 90’s high school dances and all the single years (having “classics” and “high school” in the same sentence - WOW…I feel old!). The concert opened with Frank Caliendo, a hilarious impersonator. I haven’t laughed that hard in a long time.

Good music, good laughs, ogling at beautiful talented men play the guitar, what more could I ask for?

So, what better way to begin this new era in my online life than to show off 3 of my greatest joys…Jaryn, Brianne, and Beauen. Being their mother, I know I’m somewhat biased, but they truly are the cutest kids I’ve ever seen!

Allow me to introduce them to you.

Jaryn (5) is my never ending fountain of knowledge. He has advanced from asking all the questions to being the expert in….well….everything. He loves to learn! When he’s not busy trying to solve all the mysteries of the universe, he enjoys practicing his Star Wars Jedi moves on Brianne, being a yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do, singing silly songs to Beauen, roughing with friends, riding his bicycle on the big hill by our home, Saturdays filled with playstation time, trips to Disneyland, and cake batter gelato.

Brianne (3) is my little sweetie. She has a smile and laugh to brighten any room. She’s my girlie girl, although she’s learning to hold her own next to her big brother. Throughout the course of the day (or the hour), our home will be graced with the presence of Princess Aurora, Belle, Cinderella and Tinkerbell. Brianne also enjoys tea parties with her cousin Cali, movies parties, eating chocolate under the couch where I can’t see her, Friday night sleepovers in Jaryn’s room, Dora the Explorer, playing peek-a-boo with Beauen to make him laugh, dancing with all her “sisters”, and sour cream.

Beauen (9 months) is just the best baby - what more can I say? Like his father, as long as he’s had a good meal, he’s happy! Beauen enjoys climbing the stairs, pulling on Jaryn’s playstation controller, being tickled above his elbow, splashing in the tub, seeking out lost treasures off the floor, long afternoon naps, practicing his walking skills with his push toy, door stops, and late night snacks.