My Old Man Turns 55

This is my daddy, Jack, and he is incredible. Until I married my husband my dad was the most important man in my life. Even now, he runs a very close second to my husband. I have never met a man more selfless and willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his family. Poor Jack has traveled countless times for work, and never complains. Why? Because it's necessary of his job, this job that he must have to provide for his family. And provide, he does.

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If you know the ratio of males to females in my family, you know that my dad is a saint. Ratio - 1:7. I can't imagine a better dad for the job, he loves each of his girls unconditionally, and we all know it. There is no question that my dad deeply cares about how each of us are doing, and what is going on in our lives. One of my favorite phone calls I get is from Daddy-Jack just asking me how I am. He cares, and I love him for it. Unfortunately for some, he's not the dad who doesn't have a favorite. That favorite is ME, which he states often. Sorry sistas.

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Today, my dad told me that he had the most beautiful wife (and doesn't he?), how sweet is that? I enjoy seeing my parents interract now more than ever. Only one child at home (minus the Haley-girl who will be married off in May) allows them more time together, and it's very enjoyable to see them hang out together. I feel that my parents complement each other very well. Jack insists that Sue is his strength, and that he couldn't be where he is now without her. Anytime I fail to support my husband 100% in everything he reminds me what an amazing woman his wife is, and how she helped him become who he is. That's my dad, credits others for what he has accomplished. (P.S: I don't doubt for a second that my mom is the most supportive wife EVER)

Did I mention that my dad is handsome? Proof, above and below.

The 'rents with Dad's namesake.

I'm told I look like my dad, agreed? I love this guy, and truly feel so blessed that I'm his daughter. And that I am who I am because of my wonderful parents.

Must be mentioned: Daddy-Jack is HILARIOUS, and everyone needs to spend an afternoon with him.

Happy birthday Daddy-Jack! I love you!

Green with Envy

My good friend, Tara, is doing a fabulous giveaway on her blog, and I'm participating! To get a leg up on the winnings, I'm going to make a committment to go a little greener! Here is what I'm committing to do:

1. Avoid fast food...I've needed to state this goal for a long, long time. It'll encourage me to start cooking as well!
2. Eat organic produce. I LOVE fruit, so why not?
3. Turn off the lights. I stress this enough right now as it is, but I'm going to do even better!

You should all take the challenge as well, and maybe win yourself some sweet Scentsy stuff!

Accent Schmaccent

What American accent do you have? Your Result: The Midland "You have a Midland accent" is just another way of saying "you don't have an accent." You probably are from the Midland (Pennsylvania, southern Ohio, southern Indiana, southern Illinois, and Missouri) but then for all we know you could be from Florida or Charleston or one of those big southern cities like Atlanta or Dallas. You have a good voice for TV and radio.
The Northeast
The Inland North
Philadelphia
The West
Boston
The South
North Central
What American accent do you have? Quiz Created on GoToQuiz

This is bull...my voice? Good for TV? Whatev! I am extremely happy to see that I don't sound like I'm from Utar!

Top O' the Marnin' to Ya!

I'm Irish. And it's cool. My dear Grandma Sally Katherine Nixon hopped on a boat at 16 and headed to America. Thankfully, my mother took great interest in her heritage, and has kept documentation of it. Click here to learn about our Irish blood, and our Irish traditions!

In our family, we don't mess around with our St. Patty's day dinner. No mashed potatoes dyed green, no 7-up colored green...it's the REAL deal. In my mother's post for today, you'll also see what she makes for this festive dinner. Delicious!

Sister Megan writes a bit about our g-ma Sally as well, go ahead and enjoy her post.

Happy St. Patrick's Day! And for all of you out there that are Irish, learn about your heritage, and be proud of where you came from!

The Ultimate Peep Show

I'll let the picture speak for itself!

My New Favorite Color

Look what we did one night at 11:30 p.m.





Our laundry area (no door disqualifies it as a room) desperately needed a little character. We thought turquoise (or teal, if you prefer) would give it what it needed. Agreed?

My Night

This is what it's consisting of...along with Season 1 of Friends.

A Day in the Life of...

My lucky sister spent a bit of time on her 5th anniversary cruising around in a LIMO, and we happened to be present for the surprise. Her husband, Ethan, told me and Lauren about it a few days in advance, so I was ready with my camera when it arrived!

The parting of the steel gates...

Isn't that the grossest pose? Does anyone think Junior Prom?

Jack loved the "big car"! Little did he know his Mom and Dad would call us later that night after he'd been asleep for three hours asking if we all wanted a ride. Of course we did! We had to wake up little Jack, and he wasn't super happy until it was decided we were heading to Baskin Robbins!

Jack did not want his picture taken AT all! He looks sooo sleepy.

The happy couple.

Thanks guys for letting us feel like celebrities for a little bit!

On Guard!

Sir Jack fought Jedi Sue to the death!

You'd be surprised at how tough this kid can be. We made a game of Jack body slamming me on the bed while I was laying down. He really puts all his weight into it, that kid is serious!

Happenings in Hemet

Saturday afternoon we headed up to Hemet to see my Aunt Robin, Grandma Betty and Marcy. Robin and Marcy have an amazing home that sits at the top of the hill where you look down upon groves of grapefruit trees. We had a great time lazing about in the sunshine and chatting.

Jack started out just dipping his feet in until he began splashing...

Momma and Grammy Bet-Bet

...then he ended up like this.

Peek-A-Boo!

I thought this was so sweet. Jack was getting cold, so Whitney zipped him up in her sweater and they had some cuddle time.

We are sisters!

It was so nice seeing my family! I hadn't seen Aunt Robin in years, and she showed off her new stunning shade of violet hair. It was very nice finally to meet and speak with Marcy as well! I'm glad Grammy, Robin and Marcy are all doing well, and that we could visit them!

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend!

I just bought this in the dark pink. Shiny, glossy, not sticky! Love it! Go buy it.

Fine Dining

What would a vacation to California be like without experiencing a few restaurants Utah doesn't have? Whitney took us to a number of places she really enjoys, and I documented a few of them.

The first you will see is called The Hat, which has amazing pastrami sandwiches! I also ordered some onion rings which came piled high in a brown paper bag. The workers were kind enough to throw in a small container you would actually find your onion rings in in most normal, regular sized orders.

The second place you see is called Legends, which is a fun hamburger joint (I hate that word), where I enjoyed an awesome Avocado BLT sandwich.

Have we seen this face before?

Whitters, Son 2 and Mommy. Lauren wasn't invited into this picture since she was too busy texting on her phone. With a reputation of 18,000 texts a month, what else would she be doing?

There it is again.

And this face...this one is my FAVORITE.
Isn't my mommy pretty?

Lo took a break from her phone for two seconds to appear in this photo.

Whit, thanks for introducing us to some fun new places to eat! You can bet I'll be expecting new ones the next time I come!

Pools are for Fools

Why wouldn't one swim in a nice fenced in pool on a warm day in March in sunny California? Possibly the deactivated heater! So what did we do instead? Jack, Lo and I soaked awhile in the hot tub, as a pool substitute, and we were quite well off.

It wasn't until Jack decided to throw his 'Ment Truck in the pool twice for Lo to retrieve, that we decided we'd had enough of that warm/cold day.

Jack and "Mack the 'Ment Truck" with Lo in her $17 swimsuit from Marshalls. I bought the same one!

The little boy off to jump in the pool to see if it's still cold. His reponse? "Feezing!"

His truck filled up with water, and doubled as a super fun waterfall

Belly flop!

One might think his stomach is swollen from the belly flop...nope! All natural!

In our matching swimsuits! I look a bit like death.

Jack showing off his big muscles!

From A to B

A bit of our time in CA was spent in the car, at which point I insisted I sit by Jack. Little sis, Lo, has gone down to visit the Ingrams more often than I have, so I feel I have the right.

I get the strange urge each time I'm in the car with my family for extended periods of time to play old school music or soundtracks. The Mask, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor DreamCoat, and Music and Lyrics were the chosen soundtracks for this trip.

On one particular vacation in Vegas to spend time with my sister, Megan, we made it a point to memorize the Potipher Song. Ever heard it? Wait...first question, do you even have any sort of interest in this Broadway? If you've answered no to the second question, disregard the first question, and skip right no to the pictures...you uncultured beasts...

This particular song challenges your accuracy alongside speed. I am proud to say Megan and I could sing this song flawlessly by the end of the trip. Not important, you say? I dare challenge that statement. In a Game Show of Don't Forget the Lyrics, will you bow out when the following words appear above you:

Potiphar was counting sheckels

In his den below the bedroom

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Not I! I will know the next lines, which will undoubtedly win me millions!

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When he heard a mighty rumpus

Clattering above him

Suddenly he knew his riches

Couldn't buy him what he wanted

Gold would never make him happy

If she didn't love him

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You see, it's car trips like the ones shown below that have prepared me for my future wins on Game Shows such as, Don't Forget the Lyrics - Broadway Style

Jack put up with his click-happy Aunt Claytlyn quite well, don't you think?



There was only once that Jack didn't enjoy his jaunt in the Sequoia, and that was post parking lot fit. Poor kid had a rough day, and stiffened like a board when Whitney tried to put him in his car seat. He did calm down a bit to tell his mom between sobs, "I want to hold you", which means "I want you to hold me". After a little cuddle time with mom, he relaxed enough to leave the parking lot. Poor little guy.

Whitney may kill me for calling him "poor kid". This fit was a BIG one, from what I'm told. But trust me...he's an angel! :)

Thunderous Three's

This is Jack Rockwell Ingram. He's my nephew, and today he is three.

I love this little boy more than I can begin explaining. I just had the pleasure of spending three and a half days with him. If this picture isn't any indication to you of Jack's personality, than you're blind.

Jack has an infectious laugh, and an amazing sense of humor. I just called him to tell him "Happy Birthday", and I asked him if he'd had some chocolate cake, which his mother made him. He responded with, "heck not!" The kid is down right hilarious.

I love him, and I'm happy he's my nephew. Happy birthday little bambino!

Bon Voyage

I'm heading off to Cali to visit the Ingrams today, what an adventurous week we shall have. I will return Sunday. Farewell!

Little Bree

For those of you that don't blog hop, and haven't happened upon my sister-in-law Kecia's blog, I thought I would copy over some of her pictures from the last few weeks of little baby Bree for your pleasure. She is the cutest thing on this earth!

Do you just want to steal her like I do!?

Shout Out

Just a little shout out to my sissy, Megan, who made my header, and all the other SUPER cute ones I've had in the past. She is so talented and creative! Thanks Meggie!

Leap Frog

My coworker's wife had their first baby TODAY. Her next real birthday will be 2012. How cool is that?