I Think I Like You

blasphemous

2009-12-03T22:01:00.000-08:00

i know ME suggesting buying children's furniture at ikea is a bit blasphemous. however, ashley wants to get taylor a table and chairs for christmas. my recommendation is that we take a hint from this ohdeedoh post and makeover this ikea table and chairs for only $24.99.

before.

after.

the only thing that would make it better is a little chalk board paint on the top. {dad...you better get your painting supplies back out - i'll be there soon!}

thank you.

2009-11-28T11:31:00.000-08:00

brad. for pulling through after some last minute cancellations and making this...

brad cooked his very first turkey plus all the fixins'. it was perfect.

p.s. i'm not afraid to admit that the 'mall rat' in me loves nothing more than black friday!!! brad even braved it though this sight at union square yesterday just so i could get my fix (and help the economy, and make sure people like me have jobs). again, thank you.

In the spirit of thanksgiving

2009-11-26T09:52:00.000-08:00

i'm missing my family like crazy this year and am so thankful that we will all be together soon! i'm especially thankful to brad for also making san francisco feel like home. my apartment is already decorated for christmas, holiday songs are playing and he has promised to deliver a full on thanksgiving feast. (pictures to come)

happy thanksgiving!

amazing!!!

2009-10-09T22:01:00.000-07:00

good thing for my good friend brent (aka brad's brother) who keeps me in touch with all things cool!!! he sent me this video last week and i can't stop thinking about it. so amazing - this is one kid doing all the vocals. i love, love, love this. the same kid is responsible for the glee theme song - also amazing. enjoy!

what i've been up to

2009-09-28T19:57:00.000-07:00

amongst other things brad and i have been very busy checking off this list...

100 things to try before you die. one by one we are pickin' them off.
A couple weeks ago we headed to the mission to have breakfast at Tartine.

we checked off the morning bun (and because we are pigs we also had several other things)

we've also been busy seeing RENT

Rent is my favorite musical of all time. I'm only kind of embarrassed to admit that this was my 10th time seeing the show. it was only fitting that i finally saw it with 2 members of the original cast (mark & rodger) the only thing that would have made it better is if caitlin were with me.

and seeing this....

basically...we both loved it!!!!

this month i promise to stop being married to my job and get my blogging back together. now that ashley ditched me for the pickled bean i need a new blogging buddy. who know maybe i can recruit brad!

ala DAD

2009-09-21T19:43:00.000-07:00

this weekend it was cold and foggy in sf. brad and i rented movies and made this for dinner...

it reminded me of my dad...he is the best toasted cheese sandwich maker on the planet. i did it them in the broiler just like you taught us. it made me happy!

moved

2009-09-15T20:05:00.000-07:00

so i moved to another apartment in san francisco about 3 weeks ago. {in case you were wondering ashley and i always seem to move at the exact same time - and this time was no exception!}

anyway, i've bought a lot of things for the new place but i officially could not live without these...

simple human dishrack

williams-somona pop up sponges

yup - 29 years old and this is the first time in my life i have lived without a dishwasher. I debated long and hard about spending the extra money on a fancy dish rack - it has been worth every cent!!! also - for all you "hand" dishwashers out there please go buy these pop up sponges from williams-sonoma - they are the BEST!!! {i'm not just saying that because they write my payhecks}

So Scared!!!

2009-09-03T20:08:00.001-07:00

i love bradley - i really do...until he makes me stay up past 10 o'clock to watch this...

really??? had I known he was such a david hasselhoff lover early on in our relationship I would have ran away. seriously - i didn't even know david hasselhoff was a singer!!!! {really - a singer?}

p.s. i'm alive and should be back to blogging soon :)

Click Here

2009-08-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

www.thepickledbean.com

I think it's safe to say that this blog is on hold for a while. Visit The Pickled Bean for Dunaway updates.

Random Picures

2009-07-08T20:13:00.000-07:00

A side note for ya'll. As you have noticed I will not be posting much on this blog, however you will start seeing more Taylor pictures and updates on the Pickled Bean. I need to put my focus in that direction. I'm sure you understand!

A morning at the Tree House!
Taylor and her boyfriend.
Story time with Grammie on the 4th. The babies loved her
Flag cake! I love to bake these days
In the pool with the boys on the 4th. She loves the water

Padres game! Thanks for the tickets Grammie. It was Peanuts first baseball game.

Happy America!

2009-07-06T21:46:00.000-07:00

brad and I spent the weekend celebrating america camping with some friends along the sonoma coast. we went on some fun hikes, made lots of yummy food and spent the 4th canoing down the russian river. horray for america!!!!! {thank you for being founded so we could have an extra day off work}

K-A-U-A-I

2009-06-29T19:25:00.000-07:00

Ok...our trip was so amazing!!! I'm still trying to recover from having to go back to work. Here are some highlights! {All I can say is our trip started out with being bumped up to first class and only got better from there!}

we spent most of our days discovering secret beaches and snorkeling. here we are at tunnels beach

we took an awesome zodiac tour of the na pali coast

brad was a trooper and tried to get some footage of the dolphins swimming beside us.

an afternoon at kipu falls {zach and I jumping off the waterfall}

of course brad had to show off with fancy moves on the rope swing!

snorkeling off our boat at na pali - we saw a TON of sea turtles here

one of my favorite places was queens bath - a beautiful secret pond just steps from our condo

here we are at the end of the awa'awapuhi trail

on our last day brad and I went the first 2 miles with brent and zach on the famous kalalau trail. this is the most famous trail in hawaii. brad and his brothers did this very hike 10 years ago. brent and zack stayed and extra week and spent 4 days on this awesome trail!

brad & i on the trail. it rained like crazy that day {so we are soaked} this was by far the coolest hike i have ever been on.

thanks babe for the making this fantastic trip possible! i love you!

Where does the time go?

2009-06-24T13:06:00.000-07:00

Taylor is 16 Months old today!

New little accomplishments for our peanut....She can open all of the doors in the house, reach for things on the kitchen counter, sweep the kitchen floor and wipe it down with a rag ( her new favorite past time). Put on her shoes and sunglasses, read her paper paged books with enough self control not to tear them, snap the top part of her car seat harness. Use a fork and spoon. Sleeping 13 hours at night ( mom's favorite!) She understands almost everything we say, if I ask her to throw something in the trash she will talk it over, take off the lid, throw it away and put the lid back on, pick up and bring us anything we ask for etc.

Words... Daddy, Mommy, Lu ( for Lucy) Baby, Kitty, WOW, Ah - oh, Ball, No, Up

Favorite things... Daddy, Kitties, cheese, rice, broccoli, lamb, walking Lucy, pushing the stroller, playing with friends, swimming, going to the beach and playing in the waves, her blanket, dancing.

our bags are packed...we're ready to go!

2009-06-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

*4 swimsuits
*2 books (Eat, Pray, Love & She's Come Undone)
*snorkel gear
*treking shoes
*2 flip flops
*scuba lessons
*boat tour tips
*lots of r&r

In about 6 hours - Brad & I will be here - (Kauai)
see you in a week!

Dunaway Slumber Party

2009-06-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

As long as dusty and I have been dating we have had slumber parties. We rent movies pull out the hideaway bed and pop popcorn. ( The night I went into labor we were having a slumber party) We love this tradition and Taylor LOVES it too. I think she likes Disney... what do you think? Ohhh this video will make Caitlin soooooo happy.

What we have been up to...

2009-06-07T19:46:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I found the most amazing botanical garden. They have a charming children's garden where you can pick strawberry's, plant your own succulents and dig in the dirt. It really is the most wonderful place I have found in San Diego. We love it... and it is only 75 dollars for the entire year. On Tuesdays they have story time and a little sing along it also fits perfectly into our new one nap schedule.

I have taken my flip camera everywhere this week! So you will see a lot of fun new videos. Like.... the beach, the pool, dinner, reading, disney ( taylors new love, you will die! so funny) etc.

2009-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

Dancing and other stuff...

2009-05-31T19:46:00.000-07:00

15 Months

2009-05-31T19:38:00.000-07:00

Last week we had out 15 Month Check Up. Here are Peanuts stats.
97% for Height
56% for Weight
91% for Head Circumference

* This picture is a great representation of her melon. Don't they say that most famous good looking movie stars and models have big heads in proportion to there bodies?

Weekend Happenings!

2009-05-27T11:46:00.000-07:00

Auntie Caitlin sent Taylor a DVD of the Disney movie The Aristocats. Taylor is obsessed! I have never seen her so captured by anything on tv. I will put it on in 30 minute sets and she will sit with undivided attention. She holds her little white cat, points to the TV and says kitty, kitty

On Saturday we took Taylor to the Wild Animal Park. We had a great time. The animals are so close. I can't believe we have lived here for 3 years and have never been. They give you nectar to feed the birds. This was Taylor's favorite part.

After the bird nipped at her finger.

Feeding the ducks

Of course Daddy took Peanut to pick out a little toy. This process takes forever since he lets her pick up and play with as many as she wants.She picked an Elephant. we named in Kobe after Kobe B from the Lakers. She loves him. This is her she is giving him a hug.On Sunday we went to a BBQ with some friends at Kate Sessions Park. Our friend Kyna took this picture. She is a great photographer! How cute is this little Peanut? At look at those teeth. Her molars are almost in too.
Memorial Day 2008
Memorial Day 2009

Playing with Lucy

We went to another BBQ on Monday. This is her cute festive little outfit.

First Skinned Knees :(

Point Break LIVE!

2009-05-26T21:22:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Brad and I went to see Point Break LIVE! First of all, if you haven't seen the movie Point Break you need to stop reading this and go rent it NOW! {It's quite possibly one of the best movies of all time - what is not to love about Keanu Reeves, Patrick Swayze and Gary Busey}

Anyway, Point Break LIVE is an interactive 'low budget' stage adaptation of the movie. The best part is that they pick a member of the audience from each show to play the lead role {originally played by Keanu Reeves} It was freakin' awesome!! We tried to get Brad to go up there are try out - maybe next time.

Here is the Que card girl - after they get Johnny Utah in costume she leads him around the stage giving him direction and Que cards.
They even have the parachute scene complete with harnesses and huge fans blowing their hair around {it was totally realistic}

The tickets are full of all sorts of disclaimers - releasing them of liability in the event that any of your clothing gets ruined by water, fake blood or 'other' liquids. Seriously - they sell ponchos at the door!! I would recommend spending the dollar to keep you dry during the surfing and bank robbery scenes.

Brittany, Heidi & I right before the show.

Heidi & Mike {they brought their own really fancy ponchos from home!}

Finally, Samar...he couldn't quite figure out how to put he poncho on - it was REALLY confusing.

Updates

2009-05-20T12:33:00.000-07:00

I have been working like a mad woman to get things together for the pickled bean. Keep up with my new blog and save it in your favorites for lovely little things. I will only be posting Taylor updates on this blog as it is geared toward family. You will have to check both sites for all of my updates going forward. Thanks again for everyones support!

The Pickled Bean

2009-05-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

At last!!! We launched The Pickled Bean this morning! I am so excited to share this with all of you. Within the first 3 hours we have had over 130 hits to my etsy site and blog. Take a look and let me know what you think. Yipeee!!!

www.thepickledbean.com

Safe & Sound

2009-05-11T21:45:00.001-07:00

the BEST!

2009-05-11T19:10:00.000-07:00

really...the best of the best! {what more can I say}

happy mother's day yesterday & birthday today to the most amazing woman I will ever know!

A Dunaway Update

2009-05-11T11:05:00.000-07:00

We are having a very busy week at the Dunaway's! Mothers day was amazing. brunch, a pedicure and manicure, a long family walk on the beach and to top it off Dusty had a masseuse come to the house for an hour and half massage! I am energized and ready to take on the world!

As some of you know. I am in the processes of opening up my own little business! The launch date for the website will be this Friday, May 15th. I am thrilled, I have never worked so hard and been so proud of any other "work" I have ever done. You will all be receiving an email on Friday with more information and I will update the blog with the information as well.

Dusty and I are also heading to San Fransisco for a little get away this weekend. (My parents are coming in town to watch the Peanut and Lucy Faye) because of this I won't be able to post anything new until Friday. I have been running around like a chicken with my head cut off today and it will only get worse :)

To keep up with your Taylor fix here are some pictures of her sleeping last night. I checked on her before I went to bed and this is how she was sleeping.

What the hell is wrong with me?

2009-05-09T23:33:00.000-07:00

This weekend Brad is on a much anticipated summit on Mt. Rainier.

while working on a little painting project this afternoon I came across this show on HBO...

"A high-adrenaline tale of young climber Peter Garrett, who must launch a treacherous and extraordinary rescue effort up K2, the world's second highest peak. Confronting both his own limitations and the awesome power of nature's uncontrollable elements, Peter risks his life to save his sister, Annie, and her summit team in a race against time. The team is trapped in an icy grave at 26,000 feet - a death zone above the vertical limit of endurance where the human body cannot survive for long. Every second counts as Peter enlists the help of a crew of fellow climbers, including eccentric, reclusive mountain man Montgomery Wick, to ascend the chilling might of the world's most feared peak to save her."

Take a quick look at the summery and ask yourself why in gods name I would watch that movie this weekend {FYI, like 10 people die in this movie!}. Needless to say...I'm not gettin much sleep tonight.

are you watching this?

2009-05-05T21:46:00.000-07:00

if not...you should {I LOVE IT!}

i almost cried when i watched everyone gather around and walk Ron to the finish line. They were running a marathon - mind you - 4 months ago these people were like 400 lbs.

but lets be honest - mostly I love him!!!

#1 Reason we have teeth

2009-05-04T18:18:00.000-07:00

YEAH!!!!!!!

2009-05-02T15:38:00.000-07:00

What the HELL!!!!

2009-05-02T15:32:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Allie!!!!

Against all the odds!! What will you buy with your $190?

The Derby.... Here are the bets!

2009-05-02T08:23:00.000-07:00

Every year our family holds a derby bet. Winner takes all 10 dollars per horse buy in. We put all of the horse names in a hat and draw for for each horse. This year Taylor did the draw. ( we picked by age) Here are your horses and odds
Winner Takes home $190
Allen:
18 Nowhere to hide 44 to 1
5 Hold me Back 10 to 1
19 Desert Party 17 to 1
Cathy:
3 Mr. Hot stuff 17 to 1
6 Freisan Fire 4 to 1 ( She gets the favorite again) Dusty wants to know if you want to make a side bet
2 Musket man 17 to 1
Dusty:
1 West Side Bernie 31 to 1
17 Summer Bird 37 to 1
Ashley:
11 Chocolate Candy 8 to 1
12 General Quarters 8 to 1
Bradley:
16 Pioneer of the Nile 6 to 1
9 Join in the Dance 49 to 1
Allie:
20 Flying Private 41 to 1
8 Mine that bird 48 to 1
Caitlin:
15 Dunkirk 6 to 1
14 Atomic rain 59 to 1
7 Papa 12 to 1
Lucy:
10 Royal Ransom 22 to 1
Taylor:
4 Advice 41 to 1

Little Randoms

2009-05-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

For Earth Day Taylor and I planted little trees and updated our recycling... yep, already posted about it but it should be something we work on every day right?!
Any Who we have added watering the trees to Taylor's daily chores. Which include: making her bed, picking up her room, feeding Lucy and making sure that toys are picked up before nap time. Baby steps people.... start young so she can be cleaning the toilets by the time she is two :)
Here is Taylor with her watering can

still working on getting the water on the plants but she loves it!

Playing with Lucia. I had just finished reading them a story and they were still holding onto there babies. They are both so sweet. Not sure what peanut is looking at.

We watched Jason last night and while I made them dinner I put on Blues Clues. Taylor loves this show and it is a special treat. I was trying to get them to look at me, I guess they like little Blue more than me! How funny is Taylor? She likes to sit on the arm of the chair. Silly lady

WSI Sample Sale

2009-04-29T19:34:00.000-07:00

Last week we had yet another WSI sample sale. {I've practically been able to furnish my entire apartment with sample sale items over the last 2 years, I'm SO lucky} Brad and I totally scored this time! We got an awesome Seaburry chaise and a set of 4 beautiful dining chairs.

Here is the new chaise - it originally came with a back pillow. Since Brad's lags are SO long and the cushion for the back was so fluffy, when his laid down his legs fell over the edge.

Later that night I found him in my garage doing this!!!! Um...I'm going to let him figure out how to sew that back up. {you can see the brown bags full of feathers he already took out behind him!}

Here are my chairs - I really love them! I think they might be my favorite sample sale purchase so far. {$60 for a set of 4, awesome I know}

Let me try this!

2009-04-27T19:07:00.000-07:00

Need to buy me a gift? Well, I'm dying for this!

You can buy it here www.toyota.com {it's the highlander hybrid limited in case you were wondering} Plus, Mom and Ashley already have one so it would only be fair!

OHHHH MY GOODNESSS

2009-04-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Imagine my surprise.... when the mailman came and dropped off this!!!

I actually gasped with surprise and excitement. Oh Martha how I love you!!!!!

I have the best Dad in the whole world, and when I called to thank him and tell him he is the best dad in the world and that I love love love him. He said he was really worried that someone else would have sent it first. How sweet, he really is the only person in the world that would think to do that. Isn't he the BEST!

Circus!

2009-04-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Dusty and I took Taylor to the CIRCUS! A small traveling circus came through San Diego and set up at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. We had a wonderful time. Taylor got to pet the camel, ponies and lama's. We also took an elephant ride. ( I wish you could see my face on the video: I was freaked out! Not because of the elephant but because it was so hard to hold onto Taylor... goodness)

We sat on the front row and Taylor was beside herself. I really thought she wouldn't be interested, but let me tell you, she was in love. I'm surprised she didn't just pack up and become a traveling circus gypsy.

We are so lucky to have to opportunity to do such fun things with Taylor. I remind myself as we go on these little adventures that we are very blessed.

Zoo

2009-04-27T10:39:00.000-07:00

Where did last week go? Hell... where did the month go? I meant to post this last Wednesday... but I have been swamped. You know that feeling when you have so much to do and it seems so over whelming that you just spin in circles and don't get anything done? That's how I have felt the last week. I need to focus!

Heat Wave!

2009-04-23T19:42:00.000-07:00

So there are usually about 10 really nice days out of the year in San Francisco. Those days usually come around April and September. We were lucky enough to have 4 amazing days in a row this week. We spent them at the beach, playing tennis and hiking around our favorite spots. We always have to live it up cause it doesn't last long. {Yesterday it was 80 degrees, Today it was 50} As Mark Twain put it, "the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco"
Last night we took a great hike down to Marshall Beach at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge. It was beautiful!

Oh...and we even made a little video as to not be outdone by all the "peanut videos"

Remember this...

2009-04-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T10:33:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I spent the morning potting two new Hibiscus plants for our front porch and updating our recycle bins. How are you doing your part to save our home? Some pictures of our little green thumb to will be posted soon. Seeing this picture almost gives me the itch to have another little peanut.... Almost, but not really :)

Swimmin with Daddy!

2009-04-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Great News

2009-04-19T15:39:00.000-07:00

we have a lot of video to share. I will be posting a new taylor video every day this week! Here is your first treat. here is Sunday Fun Day

Sunday Fun Day

2009-04-19T14:54:00.000-07:00

We have had the most wonderful day. This afternoon Taylor got in her swimming suit and she played with her water toys. It was 85 degrees at our house today so we took advantage of the sunshine.

Need to buy me a gift?

2009-04-18T11:57:00.001-07:00

I am desperatly wanting this. Please, I have been a really good girl!

There is a big gay storm coming....

2009-04-17T21:10:00.000-07:00

Brent just sent this to me and I laughed SO hard. {I mean no disrespect - some people may find this offensive - watch at your own risk}

The Colbert Report

Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

The Colbert Coalition's Anti-Gay Marriage Ad

colbertnation.com

Colbert Report Full Episodes

Political Humor

NASA Name Contest

Where I've Been...

2009-04-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

well, to be honest I've been having a little 1/4 life crisis {for a girl that is always on the move, I'm getting a little fidgety without having some major change in my life in the last 3 years} I'm working on settling down and trying to sink in my roots, basically...this is not very easy for me! In the midst of all that...
i bought this - and I totally LOVE it!

i spent the night at the San Francisco ballet with my friend Ashley and got a special back stage tour and even met some of the extremely talent dancers. I think I want a season pass to the ballet for Christmas next year - I loved it so much!

i've mostly been super busy with this...PBK beach towels - this is a really busy time of year for me. Reading sales from this year and finalizing my assortment for next year. {p.s. you can buy them here!}

i got to spend some much needed time with her...

and finally...I've actually been able to enjoy him!

ZOO

2009-04-17T18:01:00.001-07:00

We had the BEST day today. Dusty took the day off work. Much deserved since he works at least 12 hours a day, he leaves the house at 6:30 and is home ( fingers crossed by 7) so he can spend a 1/2 hour with Taylor before she heads for bed. He is amazing, ohhh how I love him. ANY HOOOO. We spent a wonderful the day at the world famous San Diego Zoo. This was the first time that Taylor really "got" it. She loved the Elephants and the otters. So cute! We took some video too so check back for that.

Love this...

2009-04-16T20:08:00.000-07:00

I'm sure you have all seen this but I freakin' love it!

One more....

2009-04-16T15:22:00.000-07:00

Reading Easter Books.

Dunaway Easter 2009

2009-04-12T13:25:00.000-07:00

This is a long video, so pop some popcorn and relax. I have found that no one really cares about pictures. Everyone always loves the videos... "Put more video's on the blog" is a comment we hear EVERY time we talk to our families. You guys are silly :) But I' m so thankful that even though we don't have any family in San Diego people feel like they have really watched Peanut grow up.

Happy Easter

2009-04-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

We have had a packed full 24 hours! Yesterday Taylor and I baked sugar cookies and when Dusty came home we dyed Easter Eggs. This morning we had an "Uncle Bennie" Contest and let Taylor pick her favorite to eat for breakfast...( ummmm she choose mine, of course). Than we were off to the Del Mar Easter egg hunt. We had to register a month ahead of time in order to be part of the hunt, they only let so many kids participate so things go smoothly. We also had some professional pictures take of Taylor in her Easter dress from a photographer who was working the event. The pictures will be online so grandparents can purchase them. THEY WERE AMAZING!!!! I wait to share them with you. Unfortunately it is freezing today and it actually rained yesterday, so some of the pictures show Taylor with a "non outfit" hat and jacket. BUMMER. You tube will be posted of egg dying and the hunt this afternoon, so check back for that.

Strawberries

2009-04-09T15:00:00.000-07:00

One of the best part of living in Southern California is the strawberries. There are fields of them all over San Diego.... and luckily one right up the street from us. They sell baskets of them from little cardboard tables right in front of the fields. They are organic and picked right in front of you so they are still warm from the sun and super ( I mean super sweet) They sell the odd shaped ones for 2 dollars a basket ( which is really like 3 baskets of the store packs!). At the grocery store you get non organic for 4 times the price and they have been grown in Mexico. Taylor went crazy for them. Wow, they were tasty, and we have a lot left over for strawberry short cakes on Easter Sunday.

Sick Little Peanut

2009-04-09T14:33:00.001-07:00

Miss Peanut has been feeling under the weather. Poor little lady had a fever over 101 for 3 days. She turned into quite the snuggler so we spent most of the week reading books and working on puzzles. This is a picture of her watching the final four with Daddy. We were putting cold rags on her head to help drop the fever. She loved it! A good snuggle with Daddy, basketball ( however, we do wish Michigan State had pulled it out) and warm milk.

Sunday Beach and BBQ

2009-04-07T16:17:00.000-07:00

We had some friends over on Sunday to enjoy the beach and have some BBQ. We had a great time

Taylor ( in her gammies after the beach) Jason, Makenna, Lucia

Taylor looking at Dusty... she always keeps an eye on him

Getting ready for the beach. Lucy was licking off her sunblock. Taylor didn't like that one bit!

Peanut!

2009-04-06T10:40:00.003-07:00

Bath Time with Lucia

2009-04-06T10:40:00.001-07:00

Before the Beach

2009-04-06T10:38:00.001-07:00

April Showers

2009-04-06T10:33:00.000-07:00

After a long day at the beach and friends over of a BBQ. We took this video at 7pm and it was still 75 degrees. AHHHHHH San Diego.....perhaps you should come visit?

Blog Break

2009-03-31T15:38:00.000-07:00

Well hello! As you have most likely noticed I have decided to take a little blog break. I will be doing some regrouping over the next couple of weeks. Yep, that means the little business is on hold too, perhaps indefinitely... I also tend to be poor at responding to email and phone calls during these times. Those who know me well know that I do this from time to time. Just going to sit back and take some stock on things. No biggy and don't worry Allie is still around. Until next time :)

PLEASE NOTE. I have had a few "please don't kill yourself now that you are in a deep dark depression" phone calls. Quite to opposite. I am in a really great place right now I am just prioritizing some things. I'll be back after Easter with some great pictures of Taylor.

New Video

2009-03-23T10:26:00.000-07:00

Just random playing on Friday afternoon.

Everyone MUST watch this!!!!

2009-03-19T20:21:00.001-07:00

When Brad got his new iPhone - I got this...

{his old iPod touch}

Lucky me....because it was filled with episodes of THIS!

I LOVE this show - every morning when I'm on the bus I laugh out loud and I'm not even embarrassed because it is SO funny and I'm totally obsessed. I almost can't wait to get back on the bus!
Thanks Babe! {for the iPod and the funny show}

A new addition to the Dunaway family!

2009-03-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

nope not having a baby ( you will have to wait until the fall....or longer for that!) Dusty and I hired a nanny to help me Mondays and Wednesdays from 11 to 3. Her name is Wendi and I love her! She is a retired kindergarten and special ed teacher. She taught here in San Diego and at Switzerland International. Taylor loves her, when I was home with them today she completely ignored me.
Why on Earth do you need a nanny you ask? well... and here is the even bigger news! I am starting my own company. Details to follow. I'm just getting the leg work started so as soon as I have everything set up you will know the scoop. This is a very exciting time for me so wish me luck. So far I have had great feed back, the plan is to have my website launched May 1st. I can't wait to tell you all about it.

A little visit from our friend Bowman

2009-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

Taylor and I got to play with Bowman all day yesterday! Our friends moved to there new { perfect } home yesterday and as a prize Bowman spent the whole day with us. Taylor had a great time! Watching him is a breeze since Bowman and Taylor are on the exact same nap and eating schedule. They played and played and played, took two 2 hour naps and took a splashy bath together.Cute little outfit from Aunt Jody! Green for St Pattys... We miss you Grandpa Flanagan and wish we could have been with you drinkin green beer :)

They are both very, very good at bugging Lucy. She just sits there and takes it... what a good little doggie

Sweet Action Shoot! Bowman loves the basketball. When Dusty got home from work they played pass. { I think Dusty liked it more than Bowman}

Bowman would lock Taylor in Lucy's house and they would both crack up!

just picked this up today

2009-03-14T23:03:00.001-07:00

Welcome home new friend ~ I love you already!

{plus my friends at the apple store even cloned all the info on my old computer to my new one!}

Random New Pictures

2009-03-14T19:35:00.001-07:00

Look at those long locks. She needs her bangs trimmed in the worst way. All of her new hair has light curls. So cute.

Watching 101 Dalmantions ..... Thanks Auntie Caitlin. Taylor loved it! We talked about the colors and counting and I sang all the songs. Dusty cracked up.

Pretty Little Butterfly

2009-03-05T08:37:00.001-08:00

On a recent trip to Target I couldn't help but pick up this little tutu and wing set. It was on super sale and Taylor started pointing at it when we turned into the isle. Well...... Now Taylor will not take the silly thing off. Her very first major tantrum happened when I tried to take the wings off for her nap. Now she just prances around the house in it all day.

Happy Anniversary

2009-03-04T08:08:00.002-08:00

Dusty and I are celebrating our 3 year anniversary today!!!! I could go on and on about how perfect he is and how lucky I am...blah blah blah, but none of you care so I will just tell him tonight. Dusty planned an elaborate trip to Santa Barbara on our first anniversary, where we stayed in the most amazing bed and breakfast. Taylor was only a few days old last year, so while my mom watched the peanut we ran out for Sushi ( we were home with in the hour). This year it is my turn to plan. Nothing crazy in this economic time but I can't wait to tell you all of the details tomorrow. it should be fun

A Perfect Day

2009-03-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

I had the most wonderful day on Sunday. I take Sunday mornings off so that I can have a break and Dusty can have some bonding time with Taylor. From midnight until noon I am off duty... NO EXCEPTIONS ( this is the BEST arrangement in the whole world, I got the idea from a wonderful book about how to be the best parent you can be) Here was my play by play. I slept in until 8:00. When I woke up Dusty had just gotten back from Starbucks with a super hot latte. I got ready, took my latte to the beach and to read ( in 75 degree weather) until 11. Went to my favorite little shop for a pedicure and manicure.Picked up Taylor from playing with Daddy at the park ( left Dusty there with some friends.) Went home and the two of us took a 2 hour nap. ( I don't nap this is a big deal)When we woke up we went back to the park/beach met up with Dusty and played until sunset. Made an amazing (super cheep meal) ate as a family. Bathed Taylor and put her to bed at 7:15. Had a glass on wine, a hot bath and was asleep by 9:30. Perfect!!!! Here are the pics from the day.

Peek-A-Boo

2009-03-02T10:17:00.000-08:00

First Birthday Video

2009-03-02T10:15:00.000-08:00

sometime between yesterday and today...

2009-03-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

It was our Dad's birthday! {shhhh..he turned 69 years old} In case you didn't know he was born on leap year - which actually only makes him about 17 years old. Turns out we have the best dad in the entire world! Here is kind, generous, patient, non-judgmental, sincere, always willing to help, supportive...I could go on and on.
But really, he not only loves us unconditionally but he always shows it. He is quite possibly the only person who has always supported everything I have ever done and been a constant source of support and cheer leading along the way. Whatever I do, wherever I go he is always right by my side. We are the luckiest bunch of ladies around.
We Love you Dad!! Happy Birthday!

how cute is my mom? she made a cake with 69 candles

{turns out all that fire made the kitchen a little smoky...you'll have to blow faster next year dad!}

30..Happy Birthday Babe!

2009-03-01T10:36:00.000-08:00

Bradley is turning 30 years old today...just a small list of 30 things I love about him.

his kindness
his patience
his honesty
every time he calls me"pretty lady" {which is everyday}
that he remembers everything I tell him I like
and them buys them for me as a surprise
that he always hugs me when he walks in my house
his dedication to making his life better
his dedication to making OUR lives better
his ability to forgive and forget
that he NEVER holds a grudge
that he loves my family
his patience with my family
the way he loves and treats his dad
that family is SO important to him
his ability to always see things in perspective
that he never judges me {or anyone else}
he lets me help pick out his clothes
that he always says he likes my outfits {even when I know he doesn't}
his adventurous spirit
that he challenges me to try things outside my comfort zone
that he doesn't hate me if I don't dare
his willingness to do the things I like to do {and never complains about it}
that we like the same funny TV shows
that he nurtures his hobbies
his patience with work even when it's hard
his FULL support of my crazy job and crazy hours
his ability to make friends with anyone
that he pays attention to all the details
that he loves me!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABE - this is going to be a great decade- I can feel it!

and more (these are the last)

2009-02-25T10:06:00.001-08:00

More Pics...

2009-02-24T19:20:00.000-08:00

after a lot of emails here are more pics. More tomorrow!
Allie.. how about this pic ( one more tomorrow)

Birthday Party

2009-02-23T15:56:00.000-08:00

So..... I took over 200 pictures of Taylor's Birthday. It was wonderful and so nice to have family down to help celebrate. About 30 great friends and family joined us for cupcakes and treats. I will make a few posted to you get the whole picture. I can't believe that our little peanut will be 1 tomorrow!!!!

More to come...

love...love

2009-02-13T21:23:00.000-08:00

brad came home from work today with this...

{he says..."will you be my aphrodite?"}

I guess when you work for a design company it is customary to make valentines with doilies and construction paper on the friday before valentines day? I was already jealous that they were having a valentines breakfast at the office {little did I know there would be a craft hour evolved!} I love him! {and his valentine}

making me happy today....

2009-02-12T20:49:00.000-08:00

This is the happiest thing I have read in months!!!

I don't know if this is a sign of finally settling into a career I really care about...or just a sign that I have been working too much.
{either way, this paragraph is making me happy today}

Scrapbookin' and such

2009-02-10T08:29:00.000-08:00

I have been a scrapbookin' fool over the past week, which has led to a lack of posts. I've been trying to get Taylor's book together before her birthday and it has become a pretty big task! We have also been coming up with birthday plans, helping with weddings and enjoying the past few days of rain. Here are some pictures from the park to tide you over.

Little Kitty

2009-02-04T16:12:00.000-08:00

This afternoon while Taylor and I were walking to the grocery store I found ( on the ground ) 20 dollars!!!!! As a little treat I took Taylor to our favorite toy shop to spend the loot. We walked around very slowly to look at all of the goodies so she could pick out her very own gift. Imagine my surprise when she pointed right to a basket of stuffed animals and pulled out this little white kitty.....just like cotton!!!! She oohhhhed and gave her a kiss and hug and won't even look at any other toys. I am sure that Cotton and Taylor were the best of friends in heaven.

Birthday Parties... well, every weekend.

2009-02-04T10:47:00.000-08:00

This is the month of Birthday Parties. We have 19 birthdays to celebrate just this month!. 11 babies from my mommy group ( all turning 1 !!!) 4 family member and the rest great friends. ( Felicia is turning the big 3-0). Over the next month you will see a lot of "cake in face" pictures from all of our little friends and perhaps some big friends too. But most important our little Peanut is going to be ONE! How is the possible?? I can't wait for her little get together.

These are from our Super Bowl party. Taylor in her chargers jersey. We are not fair weather friends!! She can"t wait for next Season.... go BOLTS!!!

Bowman turned one on Super Bowl Sunday. We had strawberry ice cream cake to celebrate. Bowman couldn't get enough!

Luke took his first steps during the game. He was wondering why everyone was clapping.

For Caitlin

2009-02-04T10:40:00.001-08:00

Spoke to Soon...

2009-02-03T21:49:00.001-08:00

So Brad & I kind of made a deal that we would not buy any gifts for Valentine's Day since we just got back from a ski/Superbowl vacation in Park City & we are going to San Diego for Taylor's birthday party in just two weeks.

I wish I would have seen this pretty ring at J.Crew before I made that deal.

{I would have definitely begged for it}

In 3 weeks...

2009-01-24T16:49:00.001-08:00

I get to see this cute face!!!!

watch this video - you will pee your pants!

Movie Review: DOUBT

2009-01-24T12:51:00.000-08:00

Allie:

An interesting look at truth. It's hard to know what is true these days - with so many people saying so many things. I loved the costumes in this movie and especially loved Amy Adams, she plays this kind of character perfectly. It's not a must in the theatre for me - but definitely rent it.

Bradley:

Hoffman, Streep and Adams give excellent performances in this brilliant argument over religion and truth. Each phrase carefully crafted, each word precisely calculated, this story provides just enough information in stages for the viewer to form gut instincts about each character, and then adds something new to cause you to doubt them. This film doesn't have the typical ending that is wrapped up in a pretty bow, and that's the point. It's an experience in doubt itself, and causes you to ask yourself some interesting questions long after the credits have scrolled, which is the best kind of movie.

Movie Review: MILK

2009-01-24T12:46:00.000-08:00

Allie:

I really liked this movie! Out of all the movies we saw this holiday I was especially touched by the true stories. {I didn't know anything about Harvey Milk before I walked into this movie} I also loved seeing all the familiar places in San Francisco. Sean Penn and James Franco were SO good - there really are and have been some amazing people in this world - and by all accounts Harvey Milk was one of them.

Bradley:

Possibly the best film as well as best actor performance this year. Its wonderfully shot with an aged, grainy feel and often mingled with actual footage, that gives it a documentary like truthfulness. Penn is brilliant, capturing Harvey's strengths as well as his flaws, which brings to life his admirable humanity and ideals. It has a great unifying message, which makes it even more worth seeing

Movie Review: GRAN TORINO

2009-01-24T12:41:00.001-08:00

Allie:

Lame, Lame, Lame, Lame. {No offense to Clint Eastwood who I really like} The thing is, I can only see so many movies where Clint plays an old, cranky man only to find out in the end that he really does have a heart - seriously- no big surprise...he turns out to be the hero.

Bradley:

I've seen student films better than this. This is the crappiest crap that ever crapped. Horrible acting, ridiculous writing - calling it cliché would be falsely elevating to average crappy movies. Clint, what happened?

Movie Review: THE READER

2009-01-24T12:35:00.001-08:00

Allie:

Love Kate Winslet!!! As always, she was brilliant in this movie. This is such an amazing story {not your typical WWII story line} I loved the way the story was seen through so many eyes in so many different stages of the characters lives. You will not be disappointed- trust me, go see this movie!

Bradley:

Great performances, acting and writing. Unpredictable, tragic, thought provoking. I really enjoyed this movie and how it puts pride on trial.

Wearing Daddys Shoes

2009-01-22T15:43:00.000-08:00

Our little Lucy lady

2009-01-22T15:33:00.000-08:00

Taylor's new favorite place to play... Lucy least favorite place for Taylor to play

Taylor laughs the entire time she is in there... and yes she crawls in and shuts the door herself

Salt Lake Happenings

2009-01-22T15:09:00.001-08:00

Last week Taylor, Dusty and I went to Salt Lake. Dusty had a full week of work and meetings. Taylor and I spent out time playing with Grammie, Papa and Auntie Caitlin.

Birds Eye View

2009-01-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Have you seen these pictures? AMAZING. A birds eye view of the inauguration. No, those are not ants they are the thousands of people entering the capital to see President Obama.

Monterey {and other things}

2009-01-18T20:57:00.000-08:00

This weekend Brad & I took off for a little getaway in Monterey. Neither one of us had been there before and we both LOVED it! We had a great time we went sea kayaking, to the Monterey Bay Aquarium and ate some really yummy sea food. {next time we have visitors we are going to Monterey for sure!}

The first thing we did was sea kayaking - we went all over the bay and out on the cost.

Brad was the captain - as you can see from his pose.
The water was SO clear and beautiful we could see everything - TONS of giant jelly fish and swimming seals {they were so cute playing with each other} you could see them right under our kayak.

plus...we saw tons of sea otters {they were the cutest - we made friends with this one}

If you live in the bay area and you haven't been to the aquarium you must go - SO cool!
we saw a giant octopus - really gross actually

and tons of jelly fish

plus they have a ten story tall kelp forest full of all kinds of cool things like schooling fish, sharks and bat rays.

Last weekend we took a little hike on Mt. Tam. {the steep ravine trail: an 8 mile loop on Mt. Tam all the way to Stinson Beach}

So steep - it even had stairs!

Holiday Movie Review: REVOLUTIONARY ROAD

2009-01-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

Allie:

So sad! I told my boss I that Brad and I were on our way to see this movie and she said, I quote..."why in the world would you take your boyfriend to a movie about how terrible your life becomes after marriage? Big Mistake!" Well, she wasn't too far off the mark - while the performances in this movie were amazing - the story is heartbreaking. I was just SO sad for both of them. {but so happy I saw it}

Bradley:

Man, we're on a tragedy streak of movies, but you shouldn't miss this one. This film is extraordinarily ordinary - The writing and performances are so real, you can't help but connect with them; your heart goes out to them even more. Don't miss this one.

a little behind....

2009-01-12T20:42:00.000-08:00

So we have been on a serious movie blitz - we've seen about 10 movies in the last week. Reviews are on the way...I promise!!

New You Tube

2009-01-10T07:51:00.000-08:00

MY Favorite!!!!!!!
Follow this link....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4yfucl33UbU

Natalie

2009-01-07T09:51:00.000-08:00

One of my oldest and dearest friends Natalie Pratt Boulter ( whom I was able to reconnect with via Facebook... what a great tool I've reconnected with so many old friends that way) her daughter just started dance class. This made me so nostalgic for our dancing days. Natalie, Georgia, Annie, Lizzy and I dancing with Ms. Stacie. I can't wait to see Taylor in this little outfit. Natalie's Hallie is the peanut with the bun. http://theboulterbunch.blogspot.com/

January 7th

2009-01-07T09:48:00.001-08:00

Woke up this morning and my car would not start!!!!!!
I SWEAR - I'm so over this year!

Re-Do Please?

2009-01-06T21:55:00.000-08:00

Remember a couple posts ago when I said I had a good feeling about this year? Well...I was wrong!!!! So far 2009 sucks - I would like a re-do please? Just a quick re-cap of my fabulous year so far:

January 3rd - received a traffic ticket for turning left from a "right turn only" driveway {haven't had a ticket in 5 years by the way}. Almost caught my house on fire by plugging two space heaters into one extension cord {just trying to stay warm, that's all}
January 4th - Logged on to DMV.com to pay my 2009 registration - got a bright red warning - can't register until I get a SMOG CHECK - too bad my registration is due on January 7th {should have checked this out slightly sooner}
January 5th - my computer died!!! {frozen on the start-up screen} Currently at the Apple hospital - diagnosis in approximately 5-7 business days.
January 6th - my good friend and roommate was laid off today :(

Here's hoping for a better day tomorrow! {and that Brad comes home with this...}

Totally Insulted!

2009-01-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

The other day I happened to do 2 things {at the same time}:

1. Wear my hair in a ponytail.

2. Wear my glasses.

When I got on the MUNI the driver said "Welcome aboard Mrs. Palin" the look on my face must have really been something - he responded to my stare with... "hasn't anyone told you you look just like Sarah Palin?" {I was so confused, I did NOT even respond!!!} That evening I recounted this horrific experience to Bradley to which he replied... "when you have your hair like that you do sort of look like her." SERIOUSLY - I need new glasses!!! {I can't wear these anymore}

I'm saving my pennies for these...

or these...

or these...

what do you think?