Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree

Here is a pic of our little Christmas tree this year. Maybe next year we will upgrade to a bigger tree but for now we love our little tree.

Holiday Festivities

As part of this holiday season Tuck and I helped grandma finish her Christmas decorations in her grand living room. This is where my childhood family Christmas memories rest thanks to all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I snapped some pics of my adorable grandma and grandpa in their more than festive living room.

In the Mail

Today we received a new print in the mail. The artist's name is Shepard Fairey. We have been collecting his art for a couple of years now. I have to equate him with the reason I graduated with my BA degree. The 12 page senior term paper I completed not only helped me understand his anti-propaganda views but also furthered my interest in the power of a simple message across America's "counter culture" youth. Fairey's street poster project began in NYC in the 80's and whose OBEY name in the 21st century has made a global industry. This numbered edition print, like others we have, hangs in our living room and we will continue to support the positive messages that Fairey portrays in his art projects.

Giving Thanks

For our first married Thanksgiving we headed to The Pine Mountain Club where the Cannon Family had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend. The cabin we stayed in was more like a mansion, with grand rooms and a awfully big kitchen (way bigger than what we are used to at home). We cooked, ate, watched movies, played games, went off roading in the truck, went golfing and sat by the fire. We truly enjoyed spending time with our family, who could trade anything for the good times, good laughs and good company.

Marissa+oldtimes=laugh fest

I got together with a few girl friends the other day. We met at the Sherman Oaks Galleria because Marissa was in town from New York. When we get together we can't help but remember the good old times we used to have when we were little. I've known Marissa longer than any of my other friends. 16 years (of friendship) seems like a life time!

We tryin to get one good picture, then.......

this happens.

Veteran's Day

My family comes from a long line of veterans, dating back to the Civil War. The Cashman family line has a exciting Irish history in itself which my Aunt Linda is researching extensively. I am proud to say that I have a grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, great great great grandfather and a great uncle that have served for our country, for making it the free country we live in. Just as proud as Tuck and I are of his grandfather Bud Slagle who served in World War II.As I talked with my class about Veteran's Day they had numerous questions that I was not prepared for, such as, why do some army men live on water? Why do they wear army print? Why are there bad guys? etc. many questions I could answer others were sad and difficult.Nothing can make me as proud to know that when my grandfather passed away he had an American flag covering his casket. Thank you Veteran's for letting us experience the freedom we all have today. Below is a picture of my great, great, great grandfather (far left) in his Civil War uniform. An oldie but goodie!

In the picture below my grandfather (far right) is pictured with his brother and uncle.

They are coming.........

.......the thank yous that is.We walked to the corner mail accesories store and dropped off our wedding thank yous in the outgoing mail. Yes, it took 6 months and I am sorry. I lacked the motivation after planning my wedding in 3 months all by myself, I take all the blame. All your love, support and gifts were more than we could ever ask for. Thank you to everyone for making our wedding experience so memorable.

Run'in to Santa Barbara

5:30 am alarm goes off
5:31 Tucker asks, "Do we have to go?"
6:00 On the road to Santa Barbara
7:40 Wish Erin and Mike good luck on the 13 mile run they are about to embark on
8:00 Watch and wait as fearless (or shall I say brainless) people torture themselves running at fast paces
8:35 at mile marker 6 Erin runs by, not looking as peppy as this morning. Mike, on the other side, looks fresh as the morning sun.
9:45 Mile marker 12, with a mile to go, Erin and Mike run by, Tucker blowing a whistle and running behind with a sign, mom cheering and dad and I taking pictures.
Thanks to Erin and Mike, we had a great time.
Did I mention Mike was wearing a tu-tu?

It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

The day before Halloween we watched Charlie Brown. What holiday wouldn't be complete without watching the Peanuts? Unfortunatly, Coach Cannon had a football game tonight:( So, I went to my parents to pass out candy to all the kiddies, as if I didn't get enough of their cute costumes at school today. I was a hippie (not your typical tie die hippie but a real life peace protester). I wore a long dress, a bandana like Willie Nelson and carried a sign that said peace (sign) + love (sign) = smilie face. Tucker graciously sang "Keep on Rockin in the Free World" to me before I left for work. No pics of that but I do have the pics of the pumpkins we carved this year. Guess which one is Tuck's.

Nope, the skull is the pumpkin I created.

6 Months

Wow! We have already been married for six months. Time flies when you are having fun. A lot more firsts await us in the next 6 months as a married couple. I can't wait!

Girls Night (kind of)

Even though I was sick with a burning sore throat I still met some of my girl friends for sushi dinner. Then, I quickly went home and slept.

DO UNTO OTTERS

I read this book to my students today. We began a unit in kindness this week and I thought my "Do Unto Otters" book would be the perfect read aloud. Not only does this book teach about manners and common respect, it also has a comical spin. The kids loved it so much they applauded at the end. What?! A book created for teaching manners applauded? PLEASE get a copy of this to read to your kids. Not only will they LOVE it, you will LOVE it too:)

http://www.lauriekeller.com/

It's Over....for the Dodgers

I am not one for baseball season BUT I enjoy a good playoff series. Dodgers lost to the Phillies tonight. Sorry to all those LA fans, better luck next year.

Are the Yankees still in it?

VOTE

I can smell the change in the wind and it is truly invigorating. I am opposed to politics altogether. I believe that we judge one another too harshly based on our personal views. Whether we are Republican or Democrat, rich or poor, smart or uneducated, black or white, we all have the human right of equality. It was not long ago that woman couldn't vote, that African Americans couldn't go to school based on the color of their skin. We have evolved as a human race and as a country, one that is said to be the freest of them all. Please don't believe everything you hear just because it is posted on a website or said on a stations newscast. People can get dirty when it come to politics, this is why I keep my hands clean of it. But now more than ever it is time to have your voice heard. Vote!On one last note, because I am a new teacher I attended a conference today based on Laws, Rights, and Equity in the education system. Although the speaker spoke in monotone I heard some of his message. It is against the law to discriminate on the basis of age, sex, race, and religious beliefs and it is against the California Elementary Educational Code to teach about marriage in schools. It breaks my heart that people believe a teacher (any teacher) would even think about swaying a child's belief system in one way or another (i.e. Santa Claus). Teachers are not now, and never will be "required" to teach marriage in schools (we are "required" to only teach to the California Content Standards). Please use your judgement with idle hands and not forceful fists. It is a disgrace that ads are using a child's fragile education for political gain.

Obsessed.

Tucker knows well not to disturb me while I'm reading about Edward and Bella. If he does, he gets an earfull about the latest with the vampires and warewolves.THERE IS ONLY35days 2hours and 46 minutesUNTIL THE TWILIGHT MOVIE PREMIERE!If you havn't read Twilight by Stephanie Meyer go now to the book store. I promise you will not put it down!

Roman Snow

We've only met Ro once and automatically fell in love with him. Now he is ONE and doesn't look anything like he did when the Snow's left the states in April. Even though we miss being able to share special moments with our nephew in his younger years, I'm sure there will be plenty of catching up play dates when they return from Japan.

Happy Birthday RoRo, don't grow up too fast!

25 is Old.....

.......when you've known someone for half your life!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JEN!

Love the Bu

We took the FJ Cruiser for her first trip to Malibu today. We used the excuse of escaping the valley's hot heat to travel to El Matador State Beach. This is where we had our first Valentines Date and where Tuck popped the big Will you... question four years later.

There is a Calm Before the Storm

It is true that I love teaching and it truly is my passion, but I can't help but enjoy the last few minutes of quiet before those 22 7 year old children bring their energy through the door. There are 180 days left in the school year, filled with mindless grading and hours upon hours of saying things like, "is that your business," "tracking fingers ready," "no. it's not time for recess, please don't ask again," "sit correctly," "1,2,3 eyes on me," "facing forward-hands behind your back," you get the idea.

the calm

amongst my smile the storm is behind me

Knowing Someone After They've Left Us

Grampa Bud Slagle passed away 8/27/08 after being in and out of the hospital since January. We flew up to SLC on Sunday with Erin and Hadyn and met mom, dad, Griff and the rest of the Slagle family and friends. As I looked at the pictures creatively placed at the funeral home during the viewing I couldn't help but smile. Bud led a beautiful life and raised a wonderful family, the pictures of him and Grandma were absolutely priceless. Then, during the funeral I finally got to know Grandpa Bud. It wasn't when Steph and her sisters shared their stories about their father, it happened when one by one his beautiful grandchildren stood up in front of friends and family. They shared their fond memories about who was the favorite grandchild, the places he had taken them, the quirky sayings made for each grandkid, and I felt their genuine tears of sorrow that celebrated the life of their grandfather. Tuck went up to represent the Cannon family and thanked his grandfather for showing him true family values that he will continue carrying on.

Thank you, we love you Grampa Bud.

Surprise! You are 60!

What a better way to celebrate my father's 60th birthay (8/29/08) with a surprise Poker Party Night at the OOII Clubhouse here in Valencia. Tuck, Brendan and I took mom and dad out to the Odyssey, which is a resturant high on a hill that looks over the San Franando Valley. He thought his night was over after the steak but to his surprise our family and friends where there at OOII waiting to toot their horns when my father walked in. He does think that he will get me back someday, but I got him good! Happy Birthday Dad!

Happy Birthday Cannon!

Our little nephew is already 3 years old. Not only does he have fabulous parents, he is also the cutest, smartest child that I have ever seen.

Cannon, we love you so much. We know that you will continue to be a good example to your brother and be a good buddy to all your friends. Stay happy and healthy, and we will see you soon.
Love,
Aunt Tara & Uncle Tucker

Going to Maui

Tomorrow we embark on our honeymoon! We are so excited to spend 9 days in a land of bliss (or so I've heard). We will miss our friends, family and cats while we are gone. Watch for pics coming soon.

****FOR ALL HONEYMOON PICTURES GO TO THE APRIL BLOG ARCHIVE****

Newport Beach

I've been venturing to our family Beach House since I was born. It holds so many wonderful memories for me. Recently, our friends and their children stayed at the house with us for a couple of days. I captured this picture of Teya as we were walking back to the house from the beach. I can't wait to have children who will carry the same memories as I have for this wonderful community in Newport.

Also, Embrey fell in love with Tucker when he held her hands and she jumped over the waves for hours.

A Funk'n Wedding

We were fortunate enough to witness the marriage of Kimberly Tawney to Dustin Funk on July 25th. It was a beautiful ceremony at the Sportsman's Lodge in Studio City, CA. The wedding colors were Burgundy and black which were carried through all the aspects of the wedding, including Kim's beautiful gown. The bridesmaids dresses were Burgundy with little black ribbon around the waist, I was lucky I could even breathe in the size 2 the dress lady accidentally ordered for me! What great friends we have from the old to the new, we are so very happy for the new Dustin Funk Family.