the cheeky whale

Ellens Dance Dare

2012-01-26T22:44:00.000-07:00

It's been a dream of mine forEVER to dance with Ellen Degeneres on her show. The other day I saw this, and just knew I had to do it. Here is our video:

Drawing class

2012-01-26T22:00:00.000-07:00

I am offering an 8 week online drawing course.In this course I will teach you how to draw from the right side of the brain using my favorite tricks and techniques. These are the techniques that took my drawing to a whole new level and I want to teach them to you. I have seen some amazing results from students using these steps. You will have weekly assignments and critiquing. The 8 week course costs $300.To sign up, click on the Paypal button in the left sidebar. Once your payment has been accepted, I will send you a detailed email with the schedule and materials needed.Looking forward to it!

Stories From My Past - "A Fart and a Fiance"

2012-01-21T23:24:00.000-07:00

Tom proposed to me 8 months after dating. The entire time we were dating, he kept asking me to fart in front of him. I wouldn't do it. Let it be known, that I grew up in a house where everyone (except my mom) thought bodily functions were the cats pajamas.But I really liked this guy, and I sure as heck didn't want to toot in front of him. I kept waiting for just the right moment. Is there a "right" moment to pass gas in front of such a hottie? Well, when he proposed it was really romantic. He told me we were going to some dance at his school, so I got one of my fancy pants dresses out and gussied up. To my surprise we drove up to his dads office. We went inside to a large meeting room, where he had gone to a lot of work. Rose petals, candles, a fancy dinner. It was awesome. I had a tiny inkling that I knew what was going on, but it was the day before my birthday so I figured it was probably for that.His best friend, Josh Egan, and his then girlfriend, were our waiters. Josh even drew a mustache on and talked in a french accent. After eating, Tom put on a CD he had made for me, and we danced to Ben Folds "The Luckiest". Then he got down on one knee and proposed. I started crying, he started crying, and it was magical. Good times had by all, ya'll. Later, after our "waiters" had gone, Tom and were embracing and staring into each others eyes and just basking in the moment.Then it happened. Without my approval, a small poof of gas escaped my being. At first I was relieved that it wasn't loud. And then....I smelled it. It was bad. I prayed Tom wouldn't notice.All of a sudden, Toms eyes lit up. His mouth grew into the biggest grin I've seen on him to this day. He stooped down, gazed into my eyes and whispered excitedly,"Did you just FART?!" "No! I, well....yes." I felt so sheepish. Out of all the nights for me to show him this side of me!Tom grabbed me in a huge bearhug and exclaimed,"I'm so proud of you! It smells so bad!"And that, my friends, is when I knew for sure, I had found my soulmate.

decisions, decisions...

2012-01-21T15:02:00.000-07:00

I choose.......

HERBALIFE!

Stories From My Past- "You Have Grapes"

2012-01-20T23:49:00.002-07:00

Once upon a time, when Tom and I were first married, I was constantly drugged up on stomach medication. I had recently had my gall bladder removed and was still having issues. One of my meds made me incredibly tired.

Now, I've always been a very vivid dreamer. I often fall asleep and don't know it because it's like I still have my eyes open. Everything looks the exact same. I have frequent sleep paralysis and wake up screaming from horrible nightmares. But those are different stories.

Anyways, I was laying on our bed and Tom was kneeling next to the bed as were talking. I fell asleep, but I had no idea because everything looked exactly the same, EXCEPT....Tom had a beautiful silver platter full of fat, juicy grapes. Purple grapes. My faves.

He was still talking, but in my excitement about the delicious fruit he was displaying, I interrupted him with an enthusiastic,"You have GRAPES?!"

He looked at me, confused. "What?"

"You have grapes!" I stated.

He looked at me like I was crazy, and laughed nervously. "Um...what are you talking about?"

And then I woke up, and to my disappointment, the grapes were gone.

I laughed, a bit embarassed. We were newlyweds after all, and I didn't want my husband finding out that he had married a Crazy-face McGoo. Not yet, anyways.

I told him what had happened, and after having a good laugh, Tom, being the awesome guy that he is, went to the fridge and got me some grapes.

They tasted awesome.

Stories From My Past- "A Cozy Hand Cave"

2012-01-20T23:37:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, my husband Tom and I were in a deep slumber. All of a sudden, I woke up to find Toms hand fluttering around my body as if trying to find something. I lay there in confusion, when Toms hand settled on my butt. It then promptly burrowed into a cozy spot right in between my butt cheeks.
My eyes popped out of my head in total surprise and I quickly pushed his hand away. "What are you doing?!" I exclaimed.
Tom replied groggily,"I need to find some juice......" and then fell back into a deep sleep.

Mmmmkay.....

Horace

2012-01-20T23:29:00.002-07:00

A couple of years back, my little sister started a blog for my family where one of us would come up with a sentence, and then everyone else had to write a story implementing the sentence.

The sentence was,"With one final glance over his shoulder, Horace turned the corner and vowed to never walk down this street again."

Here is my story:

"Hey! Stop moving my kidney beans!" yelled Horace.
They were at it again. Those stupid kids at school always took his plate of kidney beans and hid them in the cafeteria while he wasn't looking. He hated being the new kid.
"Why I oughta!" he said, while shaking his fist. Their was an uproar of laughter as a plate of kidney beans went flying through the air, straight into Horace's face. The bell rang, and people began to file out of the cafeteria, high fiving and laughing.
Horace stared Aubrey-style for a good minute while kidney beans dripped down his cheeks. He sighed and plucked one from his nostril.
"My life sucks,"he grumbled to himself. He gathered his things and walked to the bathroom to clean up.

Later, as he was walking home from school, he decided to explore his new neighborhood and go a different way. He turned down an unfamiliar road. It was called Achoo St. As he walked along he noticed something moving in a shrubbery. It looked like whatever was in there was stuck.
"Stupid cat" he thought as he walked over to the bush.
He parted the branches and peered in, trying to see what it was. He jumped back in surprise as a small figure bolted out and ran straight into his legs. The creature fell flat on his back and stared up at Horace. It was what looked like to be a gnome.
"Do you have any lemon meringue pie?" he asked.
"Um...er..what?" Horace stammered.
"LEMON-MERINGUE-PIE" the little man enunciated, his fingers held up in the shape of a slice of pie.
Horace stared. The gnome stared.
"Gah!" huffed the gnome as he slouched away, frustrated.
"Wait!" called Horace.
The gnome turned around, waiting.
"So...who are you? And why do you want...pie?"
"Psh. For the same reason ANYONE wants pie. I'm hungry and I'm in the mood for something sweet."
"Oh..well, who are you?"
"Shiggle-be-doodles. I'm from the land of Larbenstein"
"Where's that...uh...Kibble-Me-Noodles?"
"It's SHIGGLE-BE-DOODLES. sheesh! And I don't know. I'm lost. I was cleaning my kitchen cupboard in hopes to find a spare piece of pie, when I slipped and fell out my window. Instead of landing on the ground, I just went right through it and landed in that bush."
"You fell through the ground?"
"Yes! That's right! THROUGH THE GROUND. I don't understand why you aren't getting any of this." he turned away and headed across the street, huffing and puffing.
"WAIT! Where are you going?" Horace called after him. He jogged across the street and fell in stride next to the leetle gnome.
"AH, what do you care?! I just need to get home!" cried Shiggle-Be-Doodles, waggling his finger in the air.
"Let me help. I know this neighborhood like the back of my head." said Horace.
"Well THAT'S not very helpful, is it?"snorted Shiggle-Be-Doodles.
They fell into an awkward silence, the gnomes shoes squeaking with every other step.
"My name is Horace..."he told the little man,"um...I like kidney beans. I play the recorder...and the kids at school are mean to me."
Shiggle-Be-Doodles stopped abruptly and stared up at Horace. He looked so upset it was almost comical. Tears started to roll down his chubby cheeks and he sniffled.
"Really? Where I come from, people don't treat me all that well either. They make fun of me because I'm so passionate about my snail farm. They just don't get it. Snails are very intelligent creatures, you know."
Just then a rumbling like thunder filled the air, and the ground shook under their feet.
"Earthquake!" panicked Horace. He ran in circles looking for a something to take cover under. The rumbling got closer and closer, and Shiggle-Be-Doodles was screaming like a girl and was looking in horror at something in the distance. Horace turned to see what it was, and saw the source of the noise. It was a walrus, running full speed at them! The walrus was no ordinary walrus. It was as big as a house!
Horace put his arms up as if this would protect him from getting squashed by a gigantic, galloping tusked monster. As he waited for the pain, he realized it was quiet. So quiet. He cautiously looked out between his fingers and saw the walrus standing above him, staring down. Shiggle-Be-Doodles was frozen in place, eyes wide with horror. And then he began to scream like a girl again. Just looking up and screaming. Like a girl. The walrus looked incredibly annoyed and finally smacked Shiggle-Be-Doodles with his large flipper. The gnome went flying into the air and grew smaller, smaller and smaller until he was just a tiny dot in the distance, his scream getting quieter and finally dying out.
Trembling, Horace looked up at the walrus. The walrus looked down at Horace. And then he said in a big booming voice,"Kneecaps are desperately needed. May you always have a cheese stick to nibble" and with that, he shot into the sky like a rocket and disappeared among the clouds.
"WHAT the?!..." Horace was speechless. He looked around, puzzled. Did anyone else see that? The street was empty. As he looked around, he realized that this was no ordinary looking street. All of the houses were slowly spinning in circles. It was so slow that you only noticed it if you really looked closely. In place of sidewalks, there were glass panels. He peered down into one and saw another face staring up at him.
"AGGGHHHHH!" Horace screamed, jumping back. He peered over again and realized it was his own reflection. But his reflection was doing its own thing. It was dancing around in a purple leotard and green leg warmers. It leapt and twirled and flipped.
Horace was totally disturbed by the scene and started to run away. All of a sudden kidney beans started pelting him in the face and the street turned into sticky taffy. He tried as hard as he could to run but was stuck, kidney beans smacking every inch of his body.
"HELP ME!" he screamed to no one in particular.
A swarm of flies came streaking towards him, and appeared to have little squirt guns. As they passed by the sprayed him in the face with something wet and stinky.
Just then, from above, he heard a familiar girlish scream. Shiggle-Be-Doodles was finally making his way back down to the ground. SMACK! He landed on top of Horace.
He jumped up and reached down to his shoes. Little propellors popped out, and he grabbed Horace by the ears, lifting him into the air. It hurt like the dickens, but he was happy to be anywhere else. "Fwip fwip fwip" went the little shoe propellors.
"So long my friend! Don't give the laundry to the flamingoes!" yelled Shiggle-Be-Doodle as he dropped Horace on the end of the street.
Horace jumped up, shook his head as if this would make it all go away, and then bolted away from Achoo St. With one final glance over his shoulder, Horace turned the corner and vowed to never walk down this street again.

stories from my past - a voice lost

2012-01-19T05:52:00.000-07:00

Once upon a time, when I was in 9th grade, my english teacher, Mrs. Stevens, lost her voice for months. For no apparent reason. They doctors didn't know what was going on. As her voice got smaller and smaller, the less we listened. So out came the karaoke machine, and she would whisper the entire hour into the microphone. Poor lady!
One day we had an assembly, and as always the teachers were standing in the aisles next to their classes so as to reprimand anyone that was being disruptive.
This particular assembly I was sitting in the aisle seat and Mrs. Stevens was standing right beside me. To my horror, all of a sudden she started smacking her head and shaking it and gyrating about and flailing her arms. This lasted for a good 10 seconds, and then she just stopped, folder her hands in front of her, and proceeded to watch the program as if nothing had just happened.
I stared at her with my mouth open for what seemed an awkward amount of time, trying to figure out what had just happened. But she just gazed toward the front with a slight smile on her face, thoroughly enjoying the spectacular on the stage.
Later on in class I asked if she was okay, and she laughed (which sounded like she was just exhaling loudly over and over) and she informed me that a spider had dropped from the ceiling onto her head.
I have no idea if Mrs. Stevens voice ever came back, but I will always have her to thank for the hilarious image of her silhouette spazzing out in the dark auditorium of Butler Middle School.

Johnson Family

2012-01-18T23:06:00.000-07:00

My in-laws came into town a couple of weeks ago, and we had such a blast! I sure love them to peices.

I decided while we were all together I should bring my tripod and get some family shots.

My cute FIL played photographer for my little families shots. He did a great job!

photo hunt

2012-01-17T03:12:00.000-07:00

My photo appeared on the Disney Imagineering Blog for their Photo Hunt.

(I'm the cutie sitting next to Minnie)

like a love song

2012-01-12T21:04:00.002-07:00

I've been rolling some quotes around in my head that I want to draw and make into prints.
My first one:

i wanna be....

2012-01-12T15:31:00.001-07:00

I posted awhile back about how I came SOOO close to my dreams of being an artist for Disney.

I was really discouraged and I had a good cry.

But after that, I had a great talk with my friend (can I call him my mentor?) David Bird, who is a very talented guest artist for Disney.

He has been nothing but encouraging and advised me to take this experience and use it to gain motivation and kick some arse. To get going! To better my skills! To work hard! And especially, not to give up on my dream.

I know that I have a lot to learn. I have a lot of practice, a lot of hard work ahead of me. I am totally up to it. The thought excites me. I am willing to work as hard as I need to to be able to create in any capacity for Disney.

Minnie Mouse and I have a heart to heart - Circa 1986

I'm over the moon to be at Disneyland!

Every dream begins with baby steps in the right direction:

I draw everyday

My goal is to draw for at least an hour, even if its just doodling. The point is to get any kind of practice in. Every little bit builds skills. Twice a week I take off to Barnes and Noble and sketch for two hours while Tom is at home with the kids. I drink some tea and just go at it. I love every second of it.

I also take Mae to McDonalds to play on the playset while I get some drawing in. I try to fit it in however I can.

I'm learning the style of Disney.

I am going through my "Disney Villians" book and drawing every single thing on every single page to gain a better understanding of Disneys style and become better at it.

Illustrating is what I do, and I can get away with anything I want because I'm creating it from my imagination. If I want to create for Disney, I need to be skilled in drawing their characters as they are, as well as have my own interpretations. It's very important to me to be able to hold on to my individual style as well.

my recent sketches

I'm networking

I am building a network of people that have been successful at Disney. Thanks to my friend David, he has put me in touch with some really great people who are willing to give me their opinion and advice.

I also email every artist I can find and ask for their advice. Some write back, some don't. But I'm asking, and that is what counts.

I'm going to school

I went to college for 3 years, dabbling in music, sign language, nutrition, zoology, photography, and of course, art. After a loooong time, I finally decided my passion was illustration. Going to school is a big deal, a lot of money, and a lot of time. I wanted to make absolutely SURE that what I majored in was my biggest passion.

With my husband job I have an opportunity to get my associates for free from University of Phoenix. They don't have any art programs, but they do have Web Design, so that is what I'm going to do, then get my Bachelors in Fine Art after that. I think having a well rounded background in digital and traditional creativity will benefit me.

I'm on my way. I'm not going to worry about "how"it's going to happen, but that it WILL happen if I do my part. Take steps everyday. Do it because I love it.

And I plan on doing it without sacrificing time with my family.

2012-01-12T09:55:00.000-07:00

You may have noticed some really random blog posts coming from me lately. I'm making a little money on the side blogging about assigned subjects, so check them out if they are of interest to you! If not...skip on over them :)

Gay and love to travel?

2012-01-09T15:18:00.003-07:00

I came across Gay Travel Buddy and thought of friends who this might benefit:

"GTB is the go to destination for all of your LGBT-friendly travel needs. From finding the perfect companion for the journey, to discovering content that is relevant for you and your interests, to getting the inside scoop on the most fabulous deals, flights, getaways, and more. GTB’s reviews are based on LGBT travelers and our staff to ensure that Gay Friendly, means just that."

The person behind the website, www.gaytravelbuddy.com provides reviews and destinations so you don't have to do all the work.

They have several destinations you can check out:
Gay beaches, Las Vegas, New York, etc.

Go to www.gaytravelbuddy.com to see more!

Love My Little House

2012-01-08T18:08:00.001-07:00

Guest post from: Winston Stewart

I love my little house but it takes a lot of work to keep up a great place like this one in this kind of climate. Between the sea water and the moist air and all the sun as well as the plants and bugs you’ve got to be doing maintenance all the time or the whole thing falls apart. I recently got wireless internet providers Honolulu so I could keep my laptop in my car with me and use it to look up measurements and whatnot while I was out at the home improvement store. I found out a long time ago that I work best when I’m not under pressure so I keep what I need on the computer and only buy once. I love living in the great state of Hawaiiand I think there are a lot of perks to having a house like this one but you know that it’s a lot more time consuming than I ever thought it would be. If only I had known I’d have bought smaller!

5 months

2011-12-21T21:23:00.001-07:00

and summore:

Sawyer my boy! At 5 months:
You are marvelous! What a handsome, sweet, snuggly, silly little boy you are!
You are already saying,"dada"!!!!
You adore your big sister, just adore her. (so do we).
You love when I sing to you, your whole face lights up.
You love being tickled.
You laugh at everything. Sometimes we just look at each other and laugh our heads off for no reason.
We love you!

its wicket, ya'll

2011-12-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

Finally took some pictures of Sawyer in his Wicket costume.

I'm pretty sure he's the cutest Ewok. EVER.

And once again, I must declare my undying love for my mom who crafted this fine work of art for my little guy.

ha ha! I love this one!

And thanks to Tom for being Sawyers tripod

hutch, you need a facelift, girl!

2011-12-18T21:10:00.000-07:00

I inherited a beautiful dining set from my grandmother.

I love it, but really wanted to give it a little oomph without making any permanent changes to it.

So I gots me somes of this

And somes of this (just wrapping paper from Target)

AND.............

***********************************

TA DA!

A fun update that doesn't permanently change a beautiful piece of furniture.

Williams

2011-12-17T20:45:00.001-07:00

To book a session, email me at thecheekywhale@gmail.com.

yay!

2011-12-14T22:29:00.002-07:00

My official Herbalife website is up!

tape paintings

2011-12-14T10:58:00.001-07:00

her facial expression is so E.T. ish

i used mine in a photoshoot

looksie

2011-12-12T08:48:00.000-07:00

There are some really great items up for auction! So get on over there and start bidding!

a little help from my friends

2011-12-11T21:12:00.001-07:00

If you have more Christmas shopping to do and want to help with a good cause at the same time, please head over here.
There are some awesome items to bid on, and monetary donations are accepted as well.
If you would like to donate an item or service, please email me at thecheekywhale@gmail.com.

Thanks! Love ya,
melissa mae

there's no place like home

2011-12-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

Mae wore my Dorothy costume this Halloween.
My mom made it for me when I was 4.
The only thing that is different is the shoes.
Back then glitter shoes were not a common thing, so my mom got plain Mary Janes and glittered them herself.
You have no idea how cool everyone thought I was because of those shoes.
(Thanks, mom!)
I wore this costume 2 years in a row.
I have a picture somewhere, but I don't know where to even start looking.

Ready to kick some serious Wicked Witch butt.

Sawyers Room

2011-12-04T21:30:00.001-07:00

Soy Sauces room is still in progress. I have a vintage Disney poster to frame and an old Coke bottle crate I'm turning into a shelf. But until I can get around to those things, here it is:

Every house needs a pirate flag.

I found the vintage "Tom Sawyer" book a couple of years ago. I took it as a sign. I always knew I'd have a boy next. And its pretty cool that it has the names of the two most important guys in my life, don't you think?

(yay for crappy cell phone pics!)

Mae painted this for Sawyer when he was still in my belly. It's all of us, standing under a rainbow. It hangs over his changing table, and he looks up at it and giggles. He loves it.

Vintage suitcases my buddy gave us.

Soy Sauce himself! What a handsome fellow!

These are from my large collection of dolls/stuffed animals that I used to collect. In high school. :)

What? Who's this, you ask? Just the cutest baby alive in a fuzzy aviator hat with EARS! WHAT?! I know....you get it...I adore him.

the

end.

today i am....

2011-12-04T11:09:00.001-07:00

drinking herbalife tea

while reading this

soaking in here

then editing these

ordering more yummy shakes

and reading this:

http://www.danoah.com/2011/11/im-christian-unless-youre-gay.html

lately

2011-12-03T23:13:00.001-07:00

lately: drawing, playing, eating, enjoying our little family

Coffee

2011-12-03T22:58:00.001-07:00

My favorite drink is iced coffee. I just LOVE it.

A really good online coffee store is ROASTe.

Free shipping on orders $35 or more.

Get 5$ off with the coupon code: BLOGME5.

Yum!

Business Cards

2011-12-03T22:26:00.001-07:00

I have a couple of "businesses" and getting business cards can get pricey.
I sell Herbalife.
I am an artist.
I am a photographer.

Three seperate business cards= Lots of money

Any time I've ordered business cards I've ordered from VistaPrint. I really like their designs and format, and the best part is, for your first order you get 250 FREE. That's pretty darn awesome, wouldn't you say?

I've always been really happy with their service and quality. Sometimes they even throw in a free something or other with your order. Last time I got a free address stamp. I loved that thing. Too bad we moved and our address changed.

Anyways, this is an ongoing thing with them. It's not a limited time offer. So if you need business cards, head over there, and I think you'll be pretty happy.

Hallows Eve

2011-12-01T23:47:00.001-07:00

A little late, I know.....

Toms place of work had a huge Halloween party for employees and their families with games, trick or treating, and a couple of Haunted Houses!

Wicket the Ewok

(thanks to my talented mom for making this costume!)

Dorothy Gail

(My mom made this costume as well, but about 25 years ago. It was mine when I was Maes age!)

Cindel and Wicket from The Ewok Adventure

and then it was off to my sisters church Trunk or Treat, where Mae was posing "cool". I wonder what kind of teenager she's going to be....

It has seriously been a dream of mine to dress up as Cindel and dress my baby as Wicket. If you haven't seen the movies, DO IT! Good stuff, for sure, my friends.

No one knew who I was. One lady saw me and started singing Olivia Newton Johns "Lets Get Physical." My sister pointed out to me later that the hair and headband made sense, but why would Olivia Newton John be wearing snow boots and a puffer vest while working out? Silly lady!

Comfy AND Cute

2011-12-01T21:05:00.001-07:00

I worked as a Vet/Kennel Tech for about a year, and while I loved not having to worry about deciding on what to wear, the scrubs were UGLY. I kind of feel that way about all scrubs.

But it seems like lately companies are starting to realize that people wear these everyday, and well, they might want to feel somewhat fashionable on a day to day basis.

I thought these scrubs were way cute:
http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

They even make custom made scrubs!

Kinda makes me wish I had an excuse to wear scrubs still.

gift idea

2011-11-30T22:14:00.001-07:00

What are some of your favorite gifts to give or get during the Holidays?

One of the easiest and highly favored gifts is to sign someone up for a wine club or send them a wine basket.

I love that you can do this online from the comfort of your own home. Ahhh.....online shopping is the greatest, right?

What are your favorite wines?

Agreed

2011-11-30T21:49:00.001-07:00

your dreams coming true

2011-11-28T19:59:00.001-07:00

I am about to make your biggest dream come true.
I know your deepest desire is for me to have a beautiful, new iMac. The very thought of me clicking away, my smiling face lit up in the fluorescent lighting of the screen, my fingers tip tapping away at the keys.....
Is your heart singing?
I know....mine too.

If you want your dream of me having a new iMac to come true, please click on this link and sign up at. When I get to 1200 friends signed up, I get that iMac.

If you haven't heard of nomorerack.com, then you are in for a real treat. It is my new favorite site and the deals are amazing. So it's a win win for the both of us!

Pretty please with an apple on top? (get it? cause its an iMac...)

1 Billion Thirsty

2011-11-22T21:50:00.001-07:00

I've donated 3 illustrations to 1 Billion Thirsty.
Do you have a handmade something or other you would like to donate?
Take a look here.

It is a wonderful cause, and I'm glad I can help out in some way.
The shop opens on November 25th, so please take a look and consider donating or buying something!

black friday 25% off

2011-11-22T18:58:00.001-07:00

This Black Friday I am offering everyone 25% off everything Herbalife!
Also, if you refer someone and they place an order, get 15% off your next order!

Check out www.herbalife.com to see the large variety of products available. There is something for everyone!

contact me melissamaej@gmail.com

sweet!

2011-11-20T10:14:00.001-07:00

I just found the best website!

the good stuff

2011-11-19T21:29:00.001-07:00

This is the Quickstart Program that I use from Herbalife.

Formula 1 Shake- (AWESOME flavors) Depending on if you want to lose, maintain, or gain weight, you replace a certain number of meals with a shake. Tons of vitamins and minerals, low in sugar, no cholesterol. Awesome awesome stuff.

Herbal Tea Concentrate- (also with lots of delicious flavors). The first time I had this I was ready to run a million miles. My energy levels shot through the roof, AND you burn 80-90 calories just by drinking the stuff.

Multivitamin-self explanatory

Cell Activator- Supports the body's absorption of micronutrients and promotes cellular energy production.

Can I get a WOOT for feeling amazing?

4 months

2011-11-17T16:55:00.001-07:00

Dear Sawyer/Soy Soy/Soy Sauce/Sawyer Magoney-

You're pretty much just the raddest lil thing. Still the smiliest, happiest baby ever! We laugh all day with you. You're snuggly and warm and soft and I can't stop kissing those little cheeks.

You're really starting to want to get your hands and mouth on everything possible.

You've already got a sense of humor, just like your big sister. You both came out of the womb trying to make people laugh.

Throughout the day, you and I just stare and smile at each other. You get so happy that you bring your little hands together and up under your chin, tilt your head to the side, and give me a bashful grin. Boy is it the sweetest thing!

I love you, buddy!

Mommy

an amazing woman

2011-11-17T00:03:00.001-07:00

About 4-5 years ago I documented one of my moms many bouts with cancer. She is amazing!

I would love to do this for other cancer patients. Does that sounds weird? I just would love to do it. I dunno. Maybe do their makeup, take some awesome pictures, do some silly shots.....just something to lift their spirits.

our room

2011-11-15T20:11:00.001-07:00

a tour of our bedroom

this is a painting i did of my favorite quote from "monsters inc."

the cutest thing in the room!

tom bought me this print because he thinks it looks like mae and i

when tom and i were newlyweds, he drew this for me. he calls me "the princess of angels" and so he drew aurora with angel wings. i'm pretty impressed with his drawing skillz!

my favorite piece of furniture! it needs a fresh coat of paint.

my leetle art corner

another piece tom bought me, for obvious reasons. whale!

books i'm reading. good stuff

thanks for comin along!

I did it!

2011-11-15T12:29:00.001-07:00

Welp. I did it. I lost 2 inches in 2 weeks! And even an inch off my butt!
My waist went from 34" to 32" and my butt from 36" to 34".

Wanna know how I did it?

3 things: Herbalife, Combined Eating, and Ab Flexers.

Herbalife: As I stated in an earlier post, I love this stuff so much I signed up to help other people succeed with it as well.
(I am using the Quickstart Program. The shakes are so good. I just finished off my Pumpkin Spice and need to order more.)

A couple of days ago, my husband said to me,"You are getting so tiny. You're like the incredible shrinking woman!" And that day he started on it as well, because he's seen the results. It's amazing and so good for you.
Its not just for weight loss, it's for gaining and maintaining as well. Herbalife also has products for just about everything else. Take a look at www.herbalife.com. I'm giving everyone 15% off their first order! Contact me at thecheekywhale@gmail.com to find out more.

Combined Eating: I've talked about this a lot before. It's obviously not something EVERYONE has to do to lose weight. I started doing it a couple of years ago because I'm prone to stomach problems and had developed Gastritis. Combined eating is supposed to help with stomach problems, so I started doing it and felt better immediately. I also lost 15 lbs and kept it off. I stick to it because its awesome and really good for our digestive system.

Stomach Flexers: I don't really know the correct term for these, but after I had Mae I could not get my stomach to go flat again, which was really frustrating after having the nickname "Abs" in school. I was used to having a flat stomach. I got all the baby weight off, but that pooch just wanted to hang out. Literally.
I tried EVERYTHING. Seriously. But as soon as I stopped doing crunches and situps of any kind, and started doing these, my stomach went back down to normal so fast. It's amazing, and I haven't really done crunches since. I do them all throughout the day. While I'm in the shower, holding Sawyer, cleaning, etc. That's the great thing about them. You don't have to get in workout clothes to do them. They can be done anywhere, anytime, any place.

How to do Stomach Flexers: Suck your belly button into your spine until you feel your ab muscles engage. Hold this for up to 60 seconds. Wait one minute. Repeat.
OR
Hold for 30 seconds, then do 10 mini pulses, bringing your belly button into your spine a little closer each time.

I do these throughout the day. I usually try to do at least 10 sets of either or both.

If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!

Back down to 115!

2011-11-08T16:37:00.001-07:00

Today marks the day I hit my pre-pregnancy weight. I'm pretty excited about it! It took just under 4 months, and I still have yet to workout.

In the last month, I've lost 10 lbs with Herbalife. My friend became a distributor a few months back and has lost 25 lbs on it, so I thought I'd give it a try. I loved it so much, and got such great results, that I signed up to become an Herbalife Wellness Coach last week.

I'm really excited about it. It's a product that I really believe in, and I've always been very interested in nutrition and fitness. I am really excited to help people reach their goals. Have I mentioned I'm excited yet?

If you want to know more about it, feel free to email me. I will answer your questions as best as I can.
Take a look at www.herbalife.com.

Small Town Travel

2011-11-01T19:54:00.002-07:00

Thanks for the guest post by Eugene Fulton:

It’s a small town we live in and other than working for the cable companies or the government there’s not a lot to do. That’s why I like to travel whenever I get the chance which seems to confuse my friends and family to no end. They’re the type that would much rather sit at home and make a nice leisurely dinner but for me, getting out on the road and seeing something new over the weekend is totally worth it. Sometimes I even camp or sleep in my car when I can’t afford to spend money on a hotel but it’s all part of the fun! My friend Chris is also the same as me when it comes to getting out of town and he’s become my unofficial travel buddy lately. We go everywhere together and email all day long about things and places we want to see – it’s nice to have something to look forward to when you live in such a boring little town! Travelling makes it all bearable at the end of the day!

purdy

2011-10-30T22:28:00.001-07:00

2 inches in 2 weeks

2011-10-30T22:22:00.003-07:00

Starting tomorrow I am going to do an experiment.
I am going to lose 2 inches off my waist in 2 weeks using a combination of my favorite weight loss tricks. Right now I am 118 lbs and measuring 34 inches around my middle.
I will share these secrets with you at the end of the 2 weeks. (If your lucky ;)

Here I go!

photography

2011-10-30T22:16:00.000-07:00

I am booking photography sessions in Phoenix and surrounding areas for the next month. There is limited space, so sign up fast!
$175 per session with CD

Social Networking and Marketing

2011-10-30T21:42:00.002-07:00

Via: Wpromote

Pretty awesome, right?

I think about how I was able to raise money for a good cause last year, and all because of social networking.

It's pretty amazing how companies have been able to spread the word about new products, fundraisers, and receive feedback through the World Wide Web. We have this information at our fingertips.

Since information can be sent so fast and to so many people now, just about anyone can own a business and get the word out there.

It's crazy how by just the click of a mouse, businesses, big and small, can have their company ad up and running for thousands of people to see.

yes, please

2011-10-30T21:29:00.003-07:00

my memories giveaway!

2011-10-25T20:06:00.001-07:00

My Memories was kind enough to send me a copy of their digital scrapbook software to try, and now I get to give one away to my awesome readers!

This is a downloadable program, so you can access it anytime, which I love! I played around with it and created this page:

I love digital scrapbooking. Remember when scrapbooking started to get really big, and you basically had to have an entire room dedicated to all your paper, stickers, die cuts, scissors, blah blah blah? I do NOT miss those days. It's great to just hop on the computer and create something awesome with the click of a mouse and not have to clean up a huge mess, not to mention wash the glue stick off my hands.

My Memories has hundreds of free backgrounds, embellishments, kits, etc. too choose from, as well as ones you can buy for a small price.

The software is so easy to navigate and has some great features. You can make your album into an interactive album with music, load it onto your ipod, make it into a movie, print it, etc.

*******************************************************************************

To enter to win a copy of My Memories Digital Scrapbooking software, leave a comment below telling me your favorite scrapbooking kit on their website AND.....

For additional entries, follow them here:
Blog
Facebook
Twitter

and order a print or custom illustration for my Breast Cancer Awareness fundraiser!

Please make sure to let me know in your comment if you have additional entries. You can get up to FIVE entries!

Winner will be chosen at random on Thursday, November 4th.

Good luck!

lets save some boobs

2011-10-24T00:15:00.004-07:00

buy a print and get a second entry to my giveaway coming up this week for a free copy of digital scrapbooking software from mymemories.com!

link to this post, and receive a third entry!

see how many great things you'll be doing at once?

helping save boobs, getting some rad art, and maybe winning a giveaway! this is the cats meow, baby!

or you can just do all that just to be nice if you're not interested in getting a free copy of mymemories.com software :)

black pens and viking calves

2011-10-23T00:07:00.003-07:00

so...sup?

i've been trying to get this lil house of ours in order. it's been so nice to have a place of our own again!
can't wait to post some pics :) i FINALLY got to unearth my E.T. poster and display it! (like...a REAL poster from the movie theaters. its not paper..its like..plastic... wow i sound like an idiot)

being a mommy to a 3 month old is so busy but so fun! man, the way that little guy looks up at me with complete adoration and that bashful grin on his face....heart melting right now.

mae is of course busy and loving being a big sister. she will be turning 5 in a few weeks and i just can't believe it. just can't!

i'm working on some really awesome illustrations that i'm super proud of, but i'm stuck on both of them. i just stand there and stare at them and wonder what in the H-E-double-hockey-sticks i should do with the background.

see....i have a pretty unconventional, not smart way of drawing. i got in trouble for it a lot in college. you're supposed to sketch it all out into a final drawing, have a pretty good idea of your colors, etc.
i don't do that. i have an idea in my head, i kinda sketch it out....and then my A.D.D takes over and it's like,"let's get the show on the road!" so i start coloring it in and outlining it with my wonderful black pen. speaking of that black pen, it's so ME. i outline everything and crosshatch everything. it's muh style. i sketch in black pen, which is also a no-no since you can't erase your mistakes. but my pencil sketches suck. i just can't do it. i hate pencils.

anyways, i get all excited to see how the main object of drawing is going to look so i get it completely done, then i worry about the background later. i can't help it. i am a fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants-follow-my-intuition kind of artist. i just go with the flow, go with what feels right, listen to my pen.

but it kind of sucks when i start working on the background, mess it up, and then have to cut out the main object and glue it on more paper and start over. but its a process, and its MY process, and by golly, in the end it always comes out quite nicely! it just takes longer then it probably should.

anyways. that's all.

now go over here and read what my sister has to say about buying boots for viking calves. it's hilarious. she's always been so clever with words!

true

2011-10-21T08:58:00.003-07:00

yes siree

Get this look

2011-10-20T12:11:00.000-07:00

Get the look:

Lips- Sweet Talk

Last chance deals! You can find them all here.

Get free shipping with any order of $30 or more! enter code MARKFS30 at checkout.

Last Chance! Head over to mark

makeup

2011-10-19T23:06:00.005-07:00

Get this look:

No Place to Run Eyeliner
Get In Line Eyeliner
iMark Custom Pick Eyeshadow in Dragonfly
Lash All You Want Mascara
Get a Tint Tinted Moisturizer
Good Glowing Blush in Kitten Glo
SPF 15 Color Shine Lipstick

3 months

2011-10-19T11:05:00.002-07:00

Sawyer-
What a beautiful, sweet, funny baby you are! You laugh and smile all day long. You're such a good eater and sleeper. Pretty much, you are perfect! I can't get enough of your sweet little cheeks! You love music, and love when we sing to you. Mommy sings "Doe a Deer" and that always gets a big grin out of you. You're trying so hard to talk to us. You think ceiling fans are the most hilarious thing ever. Mae loves you so much, sometimes she ends up hurting you because she squeezes you too hard.
You rock!

lately

2011-10-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

i decided my kids need to stop growing up. will it always go this fast?

i got a mini penny ring for $2 at the thrift store. i have a feeling it will bring good luck.

tthis little dude is laughing and smiling up a storm. such a happy guy!

coming soon: a giveaway for My Memories Digital Scrapbooking! stay tuned, it's a goodie!

I RAWR love you

2011-10-16T17:24:00.002-07:00

my latest illustration.
they really do love each other.

test test

2011-10-12T23:30:00.002-07:00

If you can see the poll to the left, click "yes".
Thanks!

giveaway winna!

2011-10-12T20:26:00.000-07:00

and the winna is.....

allison said...

i so want that red swimsuit!

conrats, Allison! Please email me your full name and address at thecheekywhale@gmail.com so we can get this shipped off to you!

2011-10-12T12:52:00.001-07:00

Last day to enter the giveaway! I will be posting the winna tonight around 9pm MST.
Remember to take advantage of the coupon code for 10% off! CHEEKYWHALE10OFF

so much....

2011-10-08T21:19:00.000-07:00

Tonight I ran to the store, and while I was grabbing a cart I got a call from Tom. Sawyer was crying his little lungs off in the background and Tom said he had been like that since I left. Sawyer hardly ever cries. If he cries, its because he's hungry or tired, and it lasts about 2 seconds.
I quickly abandoned my cart and ran to my car. Driving home, quickly yet safely, I was anxious to get home and comfort my little guy.

Earlier our friend Josh and I were talking about domestic violence. He is in law school and was telling me about how hard it is to read some of the cases on this subject, particularly the ones involving children.

I personally cannot watch the news. If someone starts telling a story about this kind of situation, I can't listen. I can't handle the thought of kids being treated in such a way.
I watched "The Changling" with Angelina Jolie and I was disturbed for months. After we watched it, I just went in and layed down next to Mae and cried and held her. It just made me sick.

Before Mae was born, I was a coordinator for an after school program for foster kids. These foster kids came from severely abusive homes. Reading their files brought me to tears and kept me up most of the night. While working there, I also read a lot of books on the subject. After reading "A Child Called It", I slept for 4 hours straight in the middle of the day. My mind couldn't handle it, and just shut down. It was like I needed to recover from reading about the horrific situation this little boy had been through. My heart couldn't take it.
I ended up quitting because I couldn't handle it emotionally. The kids all had serious problems because of their abusive backgrounds, and could get violent as well.

Anyways....back to the story I started off with. I got home and Sawyer had calmed down a bit. I took him from Tom and went back to the bedroom where we snuggled up on the bed and I fed him. His obvious relief at being with his mommy was a feeling I can't describe. He immediately rolled his body towards mine and made relieved little grunting noises. There is no feeling like the feeling of being needed. His innocence and complete vulnerability astounds me, and makes me feel like a superhuman to be the one to take care of him, to basically keep him alive. As I lay there with my son, I just started sobbing. I thought about all of these kids out there in the world that are being hurt, that don't have enough to eat, that aren't being loved, and it just killed me. I tried with all of my strength to push love out to them, begged for relief for them. I wanted to gather them all and just love them and hug them and show them what life should be like. I couldn't stop crying, looking down at my son and thinking about Mae and wondering how someone could harm such beautiful creations.

So what can we do to help? My mind is racing and I'm brainstorming up ideas to help in some way.

I believe so strongly that our purpose on this earth is to love and help one another. I also strongly believe that there is enough love, food, money, etc. to go around. No one should have to go without. If we could all just get into this mindset, no one would be suffering! What can we do?

shabby apple giveaway

2011-10-07T22:34:00.001-07:00

yay! i've partnered up with one of my favorite lines, Shabby Apple, to give one lucky reader this gorgeous necklace and ALL of my readers a 10% off coupon! 

light as a feather

Shabby Apple has been a longtime favorite of mine. it is totally my style, with their vintage inspired jewelry, beautifully made dresses, and super dreamy swimwear. the look is so classic. 

a few on my wishlist (are you reading this, husband of mine?):

fitzgerald
   side saddle

with honors 

lost at sea 

ondina

pomodoro 

swooooon...

SO: in order to enter the giveaway, leave a comment below. AND

 for a second entrance, "like" Shabby Apple on facebook and let me know you did so in your comment. 

i will pick a winner at random on wednesday.

for ALL readers, use coupon code cheekywhale10off to get 10% off your purchase

2011-09-25T22:33:00.002-07:00

“We will discover the nature of our particular genius when we stop trying to conform to our own or to other people’s models, learn to be ourselves, and allow our natural channel to open.”- Shakti Gawain

2011-09-24T13:52:00.002-07:00

‎"I believe we form our own lives, that we create our own reality, and that everything works out for the best. I know I drive some people crazy with what seems to be ridiculous optimism, but it has always
worked out for me."-Jim Henson

Such a genius, that Jim!

Inspiration

2011-09-20T22:42:00.002-07:00

"Life is meant to be fun, and joyous, and fulfilling. May each of yours be that...Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It's a good life, enjoy it."-Jim Henson

Love you, Jim!

The Power of Gratitude

2011-09-20T12:29:00.001-07:00

I want to challenge everyone to take one day this week and throughout the day, mentally list everything you are grateful for. Down to the simplest things.
"I'm grateful for my toothbrush so I can have healthy teeth."
"I'm grateful for a bed to sleep in at night"
"I'm grateful for this messy house, because it means I have a family to love."
etc. ALL DAY. Don't let any negative thoughts enter your head, and if they do, push them out with a thought of gratitude.
You'll be amazed at what it does for you!
I want to hear about your "gratitude" day :)

2011-09-16T17:10:00.000-07:00

Sawyers favorite way to sleep is snuggled up face to face with me.
I must say, I'm a fan too.

seriously????

2011-09-15T20:40:00.001-07:00

is this little guy for really reals mine?

my leetle heart melts

2011-09-13T19:38:00.003-07:00

"Success and celebrity are not the same thing. Success is the constant unfolding and releasing of your soul, the constant unfolding and releasing of your talents, gifts, and capacities that are within you. Progressing and moving forward. It doesn't matter if anyone knows about you or not. If you are living the gifts and talents that are within you, you're successful."

2011-09-12T19:59:00.001-07:00

My cousin is an author! Go buy her book!

Moving is EXPENSIVE!

2011-09-12T17:27:00.002-07:00

In order to raise money for the expensive move to Arizona, all prints in my shop are 1/2 off!

Also, take a look at my mark. store for beauty items, clothing and accessories!

2011-09-09T05:28:00.000-07:00

Holy Moly, it's been so long since I posted. Well, for me, anyways ;)
We've been in Arizona trying to find a place to live, and we finally found one!
Close to Toms work, all appliances included, community pool, cheap rent. Goody goody gummie bears.The first day here I got mastitis. Boo.
I felt horrible, but luckily my doc was able to call a prescription in out here for me.
So I spent a couple of days so achy I didn't want to move, plus lots of other fun symptoms that I thoroughly enjoyed. NOT.
Anyhowzers, just wanted to say howdy, and ALSO, announce my new website!Here tis:www.melissamaeart.com

and I'm officially addicted to pinterest.

I am working on a new drawing that I am excited to share. Will post soon!

one month

2011-08-20T10:20:00.000-07:00

i cannot BELIEVE my little buddy is already a month old! I think time is flying by too fast!

2011-08-20T10:12:00.000-07:00

mae took this one:

Faves from Wed Session

2011-08-19T19:45:00.000-07:00

Jody and I were best buds as kids, so it was so fun to take pictures of her beautiful family!

first days

2011-08-18T14:29:00.002-07:00

These are the pictures that were taken in the hospital by bella baby photography. I love them!

my little buddy

2011-08-17T21:53:00.001-07:00

poor lil one!

2011-08-08T23:08:00.000-07:00

we had our first rough night
poor little guy
he's barely cried since the moment he was born, but tonight he was mr. grumpy pants for about 3 hours
i think he might've had a fart stuck in that tiny tummy
it's the worst when the fruit of your loins isn't feeling well and there is nothing you can do about it
but now he is asleep
here's hoping his tummy is all better!

mae singing sawyer to sleep

2011-07-27T21:33:00.001-07:00

so cute

2011-07-24T16:01:00.000-07:00

Mae decorates Sawyer.

Dreaming about a room filled of boobs with no nipples.

Mae got this for Sawyer. I think it's creepy. I think he feels the same way.

We had a marker fight.

Sawyer is here!

2011-07-24T15:51:00.001-07:00

I was induced Saturday, July 16th around 11:00 AM.
We decided to induce me so Tom could fly up from Arizona and be here for the birth. I'm glad we were able to work it out, even if he was only here for two days. It was really hard saying goodbye. Cry fest.

Labor was a breeze and delivery was only 15 minutes of pushing!
Completely different experience from last time. 22 hours of labor and 2 hours of pushing.
This was a piece of cake :)
Sawyer Thaxton Johnson was born July 16th at 6:19 PM.
6 lbs 12 oz and 19.5 inches long.
We are so happy to have him here!

Last big belly shot!

Official meeting. What a sweetie!

Proud Pops!

Mae listening to his heartbeat

They had a professional photographer come in and take some awesome pictures! I haven't gotten them yet, but I will share them when I do.

We are doing great. It's already been a week, and I'm sad about that. Stop growing up, already!

I feel like recovery has been so easy and he is such an easy going baby. He never cries and makes the cutest little baby dinosaur noises! (reminds me of baby Littlefoot in Land Before Time). I can't get enough of him.
The only thing missing is Tom. Soon enough we'll join him in Arizona, and we can't wait!

:(

2011-07-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, it's been a dream of mine since I was little to work for Disney.
A couple of months ago, they actually contacted me and asked to review my artwork. After several months of emails and waiting and every feeling from elation to being a complete nervous wreck, they finally got back to me and said my style did not fit the needs of the Disney Gallery at this time.
Worst news ever.
Seriously. My dream was right there and was just snatched out of my hands in one email. I'm feeling really sorry for myself at the moment, if you can't tell. I know it's not personal. I'm amazed that they even considered me in the first place, but it makes me feel like I'm just not good enough. I'm sitting here trying to think of how I could possibly write down how it feels, and I can't.
It just SUCKS.

faux 4th

2011-07-07T20:03:00.000-07:00

The night before Tom left for AZ we decided to have our own 4th of July since he wouldn't be around for the real deal.

Which one?

2011-07-07T12:32:00.001-07:00

:::::::::::

I'm really really loving the swelling that's going on here!
FALSE
The things we go through to have kids.....

4th of july

2011-07-06T22:41:00.000-07:00

::::::::::::

We started the day off with a picnic in the canyons with part of my family.

We really missed Tom, Elise, and the Williams. Boo!

After that we went up to Ogden with Toms family where everyone enjoyed a GIANT slip n slide, volleyball, basketball, delicious food, and of course, fireworks.

I was too pregnant to join in, but I was quite excited to partake of my first pina colada snow cone of the summer! My favorite part of the season :)

It was really fun to watch everyone, especially Mae. She couldn't get enough of that slip n slide!

Everyone has Satans babies in their basement.....right???

the end

:::::::

a lightstick and a trampoline

2011-07-05T20:30:00.001-07:00

Lemonade For Sale!

2011-06-27T17:09:00.000-07:00

Ollies bday

2011-06-27T14:51:00.000-07:00

Mae and Olivia

Baby Sophie

The right way to keep a beer cool

Mae loved how Sophie held her finger

Admiring baby Sophie

exciting things

2011-06-25T19:31:00.001-07:00

Some exciting things are going on around here!

First, after all of Toms hard work at grad school and a year of looking looking looking, Tom got a job back in Phoenix! We can't wait to move back to Arizona. He leaves for training before the baby is born, so that brings us to the....
Second exciting event! I am being induced on the 15th so Tom can be there for Sawyers arrival, then will head back to Arizona for the rest of his training. After I've healed and we've found a place in Arizona, we will join Thomas.

It's all so exciting and crazy, but we are so grateful for a job!
I AM dreading not having Tom the Bomb around for awhile, especially when we have a new wee one coming into the world. Glad I have my family here to help!

And that's the latest!

bye bye birdie

2011-06-25T17:04:00.001-07:00

Today:
Mae found a beautiful bird nearing the end of it's life in the backyard.
As I wrapped him up in towel, he looked straight at me, gave his last few shuddering breaths, and died.
So sad.
So we gave him a proper buriel.

Hope you have fun in birdie heaven!

my new motto

2011-06-22T22:38:00.002-07:00

Hot dog

2011-06-22T15:33:00.001-07:00

"Hot Dogs For Sale"

my newest illustration for "The Runaway Beard"

lost

2011-06-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

look who lost a tooth!

and a funny mae story:
the other night mae climbed in bed with me. my back was to her so she thought she was being sneaky. she was supposed to be in her own bed. then she started snoring, big fake snores. I couldn't help myself and started laughing, and she started laughing too. i asked what she was doing and she said,"I knew you would tell me to get back in my bed, so I was pretending to be daddy."
clever girl.

agreed

2011-06-22T11:29:00.001-07:00

"An honest man can only acknowledge...that wise and good people will exist on both sides of the issues. This fact should remind us to remain modest in our opinions. No matter HOW right we think we are." -Alexander Hamilton (paraphrased). Federalist 1, 1787

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

"When you want your really gigantic dreams to come true, it helps to keep busy and stay happy."

---------------------------------------------

A 2 point Spiritual Litmus Test to see whether or not any old religious doctrine or modern day "ism" is worthy of celebration:

Does it empower all, without conditions and favoritism?
Is everyone loved, forgiven, and accepted eternally?

Ready to POP

2011-06-19T16:45:00.005-07:00

This is why being pregnant is worth it!

Ride that pony

Only five more weeks to go!

Maternity photos by the lovely Miss Julie Parker

woohoo!!!

2011-06-16T19:58:00.000-07:00

yay for summer!

they exist

2011-06-12T18:03:00.000-07:00

I want to be a Disneyland mermaid!

a picnic WHERE?

2011-06-08T12:29:00.001-07:00

This morning Mae informed me she wanted to shrink down really small, hike up my arm, and have a picnic lunch on my boob.

[img]

I told her soon enough Sawyer would be having constant picnics on my boob and her time had already passed.

Awesome Cake!

2011-06-02T22:41:00.000-07:00

Isn't this Disney Princess cake AMAZING????!!!!!
I have no idea who the genius of this creation is, so if anyone knows tell me so I can link!