My oh my...

How we love Saturdays together.

We both had fun church events Saturday morning.

I even got to help with a bridal shower.

{Heaven.on.earth.}

Followed by a few hours at the beach with friends

and dinner with new neighbors who we adore.

Its back to school time around Newport.

Which means wide open beaches.

Less traffic.

And plenty of sunshine to go around.

We hear September and October is when the locals really dig their toes in the sand.

We are still working on our local status...

so I guess thats our queue.

You know where to find us.

Wednesday Wisdom...

Hands down one of my favorite posts from my Grandma.

I am homesick for her and her back rubs and kind words.

Certainly glad she is willing to share a piece of her memories each week.

I am mostly glad my children will have these notes from their Great Grandmother.

And don't we all miss the days of back packs and the first day of school?

Thanks for sharing Grandma.

Love you.

With many schools beginning a new year this week, 

my mind wanders back to my first day of school.  

Back in the Olden Days!!!  

I look at pictures of my great-grand children's first day of school, 

with their neat back packs, pretty hip clothes, new shoes, etc.  

We had no access to cameras then, cell phones, iPads, or any of the wonderful high tech capabilities.  

They hadn't even been thought of, or dreamed of, so we missed out by not having a record of our important events like families do now.  

As Karly says "it’s a wonderful world."  

But I can paint a picture in words, if you have the  imagination to get it.  

We had no kindergarten or pre-school then, 

so we started right off in the big time 1st grade.  

I was so excited for this huge event, and even had new clothes and a new pencil!   

My father walked the five blocks with me to sign me up and introduce me to my teacher.  

As he talked to my pretty teacher, 

I could see his proud sweet face change into a sad frown.  

The teacher called the principal in and the three of them talked, 

with me not knowing what was going on,

but I could tell we had trouble.  

My Dad took my hand and walked me out of the school.  

On the way home he tried to explain what had happened 

and why I couldn't stay at school with all the other happy, excited children.  

Again, in those days we didn't have all the rules in place like pre-registration,

meet the teacher night, desk assignments and so on.  

I was so hurt and mortified that I didn't quite grasp the meaning of the whole tragic thing.  

You see, my birthday is October 28th, 

so we were told I had to wait until the next year to enter school.  

I hardly dared to face my friends because it seemed as if I had done something wrong,

didn't understand how to get into school

, or something else that escaped my little young mind.  

It took some time for me to get over this disaster in my life, 

but like most busy and fun loving children, I found other ways to learn.  

I still had all those free days to roam around the creek and build an Indian wikkie-up.  

My Dad and Mom helped me learn to read and learn my numbers, 

so I was prepared well for the next year.  

I often feel so grateful for the wonderful, safe and free life of my childhood.  

If I had lived in the city, with its restrictions unlike I was used to, 

I may have had a hard time--but I didn't and life went on.  

I wonder which era is the best.  

In the big scheme of life, I think both are the best for the time frame you live in. 

Love to you all and hope everyone going to school as a happy experience to start of the school year or semester!  

Grandma Ora

Crazy.Stupid.Love.

Friday night date.

James texted me Friday afternoon and told me to be ready for a date at 6:30.

He was taking me out.

We road our cruisers down to the peninsula to the old Lido Regency theater.

In true Barker man fashion we were plenty early.

But I loved getting to watch the old crackly commercials

and the old far away from the screen style seating.

A simple, yet absolutely wonderful, night out on the town.

What a wonderful world...

Today has been one of those days where I cant help but think how very blessed I am.

A year and a half ago I met beautiful Erika through the blogging world.

Erika lives in the Ukraine - near the boarder of Hungary.

She lives in a small town that she has called negative and depressed 

because of the political and economic problems.

In a country where few people know or believe in God, 

Erika has extraordinary faith in God and Jesus Christ.

She has served 7 missions for her faith, 

teaching young children about the Bible and God.

Most of her familys food comes from their own garden and local goods.

As hard as this young woman works to support her family she still finds time to serve.

This afternoon, after nearly a year and a half of talking back and forth, 

we talked on Skype.

I was able to meet her family and she was able to meet James.

She is extremely interested in our beliefs 

and hopes that she can one day attend church despite the traveling distance.

What an inspiration she is!

After James and I hung up the phone we both commented 

how smart and ambitious Erika is despite her challenging circumstances.

She is a go getter.

She speaks three languages.

In a place where having faith is not the norm - 

Erika not only has faith, but is teaching it to others.

In a place where few people are happy - 

Erika always has a smile on her face.

What a blessing she is in our life.

And what a blessing technology is.

It was another reminder that  I need to reach out to the authors of the dozens 

{ok, maybe hundreds} 

of blogs that I read.

So many of us use our blogs as journals and scrapbooks.

But I will be the first to admit that I also find joy in reading about other peoples lives.

 And I am nearly certain that most bloggers read blogs.

What a shame it is that I am too afraid or embarrassed to simply say thank you for uplifting me by sharing your life.

While there are a few horrific people out there who will criticize and perhaps even harm bloggers -

I believe in my heart of hearts that there are even more 

- far more - 

 wonderful people who together can do a lot of good.

One day, James and I hope to meet Erika in person.

This Sunday I am thankful for Erika.
I am thankful for technology.

I am thankful that a year and a half ago she sent me an email and told me her story.

I am thankful for a husband who has shown me exactly where Erika lives 

and made it possible for us to understand her a little bit more.

I am grateful for families.

And I am thankful for the gospel which gives me light in my life.

What a wonderful world we live in.

Wednesdsay Wisdom...

Snippets from the life of my beautiful Grandma -   

a chance for you to gain some wisdom -    
and a great way to do genealogy

 A Love Letter from my sweet sweet Grandma...

I love and appreciate my children and spouses, their children and spouses, and their children. 

I love and appreciate how you have raised your children 

and instilled all the good qualities in them that they should have. 

Good people, fun people, beautiful people, 

family people,  LDS people, and wonderful non-LDS people.  

I love how they all appreciate me, the grandmother, and are so kind and thoughtful to me. 

I love how dedicated and hard working you are, 

in fact, I love everything about all of you, 

because in the depth of your soul, 

you all know how important it is to have our Lord, Jesus Christ in your lives

and try to live his principles.   

I too love our Lord and Savior and feel it a privilege to know this.  

Love to you all--Grandma Ora

Summer Wind...

The summer wind came blowin in 

From across the sea 

It lingered there to touch your hair

And walk with me

All summer long 

To sing a song

And then we strolled that golden sand

Two sweethearts and the summer wind

photos via instagram

Orange County Fair...

 

After weeks and weeks of saying we were going to go we finally attended the Orange County Fair,

which is among the top 10 county fairs in the country.

It did not disappoint.

Our friends Shelby and Ryan were back in town and boy oh boy did we take that fair by storm.

  

  

How darling are Shelby and Ryan? Just adore these two!

Besides the fair it was an oh so fabulous weekend.

Jam packed with workouts, golfing, banzai bowl, shopping, true food and late night chats.

Of course these two have an unlimited ticket to the Barker Hotel.

Or should we call it a motel?

Either way - we love having them here.

 

This picture is for my Mom...

yes Mom FRIED butter.

FRIED bacon

FRIED cheese 

FRIED Kook-Aid

FRIED twinkies

FRIED krispy kreme sandwich

and of course FRIED ribs.

The boys wanted to play games all night.

The girls wanted a romantic ride on the Ferriswheel.

And some how we met in the middle.

We watched this obnoxious game for hours.

No one could get the ball in the hoop.for.hours.

That is not an exaggeration.

Of course when James saw the Redskins jersey was one of the prizes he had to get in on it. 

Despite his mad skills, he missed the $5 shot.

Next time babe. Next time.

 

Shelby and Ryan were bound and determined to win a pikachu for Shelby.

And when I say bound and determined - I mean it!

Unfortunately, the house always wins and we all went home empty handed.

After a few of these faces I won the heart of my husband and landed us a ride on La Grande Wheel.

The worlds LARGEST transportable ferriswheel.

Everything at the fair is the worlds largest - right?

 It was the perfect romantic way to end our evening.

James even marked our car like we were back in high school.

And I loved it.

The view from the top.

And I must admit...

there is nothing thatll make you feel more like a rebellious teen than smooching on a ferrishweel.

Loved every second of our secret little love affair.

Nothing like a good ol all-American night at a county fair to make you feel right at home.

Wonderlandia...

 

While I was in San Diego for the BlogHer conference I had the honor of attending the launch party for the new Hostess with the Mostess website - hwtm.com.

 {a new website for party inspiration and sharing}

When I received the invite I could hardly believe my eyes.

It was a pure coincidence that I was invited 

and I even wound up doing a web story for OC Family on THEE hostess herself, Jenn Sbranti.

Despite her immense success 

{which she and her husband single handily created - and are still creating}

she was the most humble and sweet woman.

She has such a warm personality that every one was drawn to.

I could not have been more thrilled to be on the wild ride in Wonderlandia.

Event planning is my dream world/obsession.

This event got my creative juices going again. 

I was just one of many many event planning lovers 

that was lusting after the decor and snapping pictures.

So here are just a few {ok maybe MORE than a few}

of the pictures I snapped at the event.

 Once you gave your name you were given a wrist band and a prop...

to have your photo taken - on the red carpet of course.

Every little detail was planned to a t.

The event was held on the rooftop of a downtown San Diego hotel.

All of the servers had their faces painted to match the event.

Perfection.

 

The entire setting was simply stunning.

Even down to the desserts - check out those mad hatter cake pops.

On the treats was a label that said please help yourself after 10 pm.

Genius.

Have your guests wait to indulge so the event stays looking nice for all of the visitors

 On top of the overall decor, there was a Wonderlandia Table-scape Exhibit.

Jenn had various event planners design a table for display.

This was the glamorous table by the Hostess with the Mostess.

I am in love with the sequin table cloth paired with the flowers, moss and butterflies.

 The baby shower table by Jesi Haack Design in Orange County.

Obsessed with the lil man or lil lady cupcake.

And of course the design of the menu and printables.

The kids birthday party from Paper and Cake that had me swooning.

How cute is this table?

I loved the journey theme.

And of course I liked the sailboats.

What else is new?

Every little detail was to die for - down to the accordion napkins and drinks out of milk canisters,

The bridal shower table by A Subtle Reverly.

Love that confetti on top of those cakes.

And that frosting - I nearly stuck my finger right in and licked.

But I refrained...barely.

The wedding table by Heather Ham.

Love those Billy Bob flowers.

And just all of the flowers in general.

Plus the Izze drinks - always darling!

 And last but certainly not least the Adult Birthday Party by The Special Day...

My favorite table.

I am obsessed with this look.

Maybe its because I actually was able to meet the designer...

or maybe its moss or the seat covers.

Not sure what it is but I could have looked at this table for hours.

I was sad that my twin-in-law Allison wasn't there to swoon with me.

I am bound and determined that one day we will plan not just one 

- but MANY events together.

Anyone need a party planned?

Ha.

I was in absolute heaven in Wonderlandia.

For the entire hour and a half drive back to our apartment my mind was racing with party ideas.

Thanks for Jenn taking a minute to talk with me

and her PR rep Sara for getting in contact with me.

It was an honor and purely WONDERful.

Take me out to the ball game...

 

James and I have been waiting for the day the Musso's rolled into town.

Unfortunately their schedules kind of overlapped with the Barker party -

but they were nice enough to adapt.

I still wish that it all didn't have to go down on the same weekend.

I wanted to spend more time with this dynamic duo.

Melissa probably knows me better than anyone else.

It is quite hysterical at times how much we know about each others lives.

It makes for great laughs and good feelings chats.

After a little Jim James Barker tour 

{my husband is turning into his Dad more and more every day - 

and I am not complaining one bit!}

we hit the beach and of course BJ's Pizza on the pier, followed by an Angels game.

Despite the fact that we had very little time we made the most of our situation.

 

One of the highlights of the trip was the drunk girls that sat behind us -

they provided some fabulous entertainment.

Drunk valley girl = hysterical.

Or at least hysterical for about two minutes.

 You can thank Melissa for that beauty of a photo.

Classically disgustingly hilarious.

And take a look at my handsome man.

Oh how I love that day old scruff.

 It just so happened to be the Ludacris concert after the game.

You buy the game ticket - and you are in.

If I had a dollar for every time we said LUDA that night -

I would be a rich rich woman.

Unfortunately, none of us are really in to the whole rap scene.

Needless to say...

after we got out some of my epic dance moves...

we were out of there.

Melissa and Wess were up and at em Sunday morning and took off before we could even roll ourselves out of bed.

It was over before we knew it.

It was a quick visit but we loved every.single.second.

I miss the Musso's more than they know.

Wess put it perfectly...

If we lived in the same town we would be the every Sunday type of friends.

You know - the kind you play games and eat dinner with on a weekly basis.

Couldn't be more true.

We survived being engaged at the same time.

Dating nightmares.

Planning weddings at the same time.

Sharing apartments.

And over 20 years of friendship.

I think we have a lot ahead of us.

Thanks for the visit Mr and Mrs Musso.

Cant wait to be your neighbor.

{a girl can only dream}

BlogHer 2011

 

For years I have been wondering what in the world BlogHer is all about.

I have signed up,

looked around but never really understood it.

This blogging community really amazed me.

So when I got wind that the conference was coming to San Diego I knew we had to do a story on it.

The company I work for was kind enough to let me cover the event.

To be honest, I wasn't entirely sure if there was going to be enough business news involved.

But boy was I wrong!

I am sure many of you are curious about the event as well.

I quickly learned that there are three main purposes of the conference

(these are not official - just my observations)

1. It is where the BlogHer community members come to meet up with their blogging friends

from all over the country. 

One of the bloggers told me she hadn't even been to any lectures in two days.

She had too many meetings.

Most of the bloggers carry around business cards with their business name/site.

Some of them even had QR codes that lead directly to their site.

I got the vibe that this wasn't just a journaling/family blog conference -

these bloggers meant business!

2. Lectures. There are three days worth of lectures on everything from blogging insecurities 

to a blog geek bar... 

where you can go with technical questions about blogging.

However, I was surprised that for some of the bloggers - this was not the main purpose of the event.

3. The expo. This was the part that blew my mind. 

The conference spanned two floors of the massive San Diego Marriott Convention Center. 

The entire first floor was the sign in and expo center. 

Over 300 companies had booths/sponsored the event.

Since I was doing a story on the business aspect of the convention - 

I learned that all of these vendors wanted to get their products in the hands of Mom bloggers. 

Genius!

Many of the representatives I talked to said women are their primary consumers.

They are the ones doing the shopping.

However, women bloggers are an even bigger hit -  

they were referred to multiple times as influential consumers. 

Get your product in a popular bloggers hands - 

and boom you have a hit.

I went home with so much swag.

They were handing out EVERYTHING.

From colored pencils, to chips, to sex toys (yes you heard me), to skinny cow treats, home improvement products, hand massages, manicures, cooler bags for your dove ice cream - 

you name it they had it.

From a business journalism standpoint I was blown away.

I had no idea what I was getting myself in to.

This was HUGE for business in Southern California.

From a blogger standpoint -

If you (like me) are more interested in creating a journal for your family and want to learn how to more about photography, journaling, blog books etc.

This probably isn't the best place.

However, If you want to make your blog profitable and run a business blog/make connections in the blogging world -

this event is most definitely the place to do it.

No matter what your blogging objective -

I think anyone who is intrigued by the blogging phenomenon would find it extremely interesting.

I certainly found it very entertaining.

All in all - a fascinating event!