WOW! So I just got back from Dallas, TX for our annual Mary Kay Seminar. This year was absolutely AMAZING!!! We had so much fun and the company out-did itself again. Here are some pics so you guys can get an idea of how spectacular it truly is.

Me and my director, Shelley, looking gorgeous! See all of her sashes? She was on stage 4 TIMES!!! It really IS like Miss America!

Two other ladies from Shelley's Unit. Deb (left), me and Jacqueline walking the red carpet.

OK, folks, here's the scoop. There are two staircases on either side of the stage. Shelley is on the left one. They call your name, everyone cheers, and handsome men in white gloves help you down the stairs. I mean, come on!

This is the throne you get to sit on when you are Queen of a Court! The women on either side of the queen are the top 20 in the company.

And yes, you even get a tiara! The woman crowning her is a National Sales Director.

This was a different awards night.

We had some GREAT entertainment. This is Joshua Allen, season 4 winner of So You Think You Can Dance! He was really good.

Anybody hear of a little show called "American Idol?" This is Jasmine from this past season! Three of her sisters are in Mary Kay!

This is the "Friends of Thyme" performing. They are the Mary Kay dance group. They are absolutely phenomenal. This is a baliwood dance number.

They also did Brittney's "Circus" number.

Yes, that is a PINK CADILLAC out on stage!

Shelley doing the cadillac dance in front or 8,000 women! All of the directors who earned one this year got to go on stage and pick up their keys.

This is the Number One director in the ENTIRE country! Her unit did 1.25 million retail last year. Just to give you a frame of reference, Shelley's unit did 350,000.

And finally, this is the ring I will be earning this year when I become a Director. Isn't it gorgeous?

So that is Seminar. It is truly like the Miss America Pagent, the Academy Awards, and a Broadway show all rolled into one. I hope you enjoyed a litte peek into what Seminar is for me. My business is such a huge part of my life and I am so grateful for all of the support I get from my friends and family. Anyone want to join in the fun with me?!?!? I LOVE YOU ALL!

Tolland State Forest

On Sunday we decided to take a trip up to Tolland State Forest with Barry, Natalie, Tabitha and Lydia for the afternoon. It is a beautiful place in the Berkshire mountains about an hour away from our house. We had a great time and laughed a lot. Here are some pictures from our trip. Enjoy!

Grandma filling up my kiddie pool. And she didn't even fall in!!

Hi Duckie!

I love my Auntie Lydia!

So I manned the grill while the boys were out on the boat. I am quite the grill master!

Ok, so the smoke had it out for me, but I won in the end!

My new funny face!

The launch was a success!

See my new trick?

Aunti Tabba made it safely in the canoe.

Tabitha and Barry out on the canoe.

Lydia and Brad on the "motorized raft." It is not a pontoon boat as Brad made perfectly clear!!!

Gimme that cookie Djadiew!
(That isn't a typo...it's pronounced ja-jew which means Grandpa in polish.)

"C'mon Daddy, Can't we go on the water? See how good I can row?"

Grandma Natalie and Alexander having fun playing on the blanket.

Brad reeling in a fish

What a tired boy! So, at this point the mosquitoes got really bad. His pants were way too short, so I used Brad's socks to cover his legs...notice they go all the way up to his hips!!!

What a great day we had.

Rookie Blogger!

So I have been convinced to start a blog! I must warn you, however, I am a rookie. Although from what I hear it isn't too difficult and yes, even I can have one! I am glad you have decided to peek in on our life and stay connected. Something that is sometimes difficult to do, but so worth it. So...in the words of my sister-in-law, Kylene, "Come on in family!!"

What is new in the life of the Deschaine's? Well, Alexander and I just got back from Maryland where we visited Cappy, Amma, and Uncle Jamie. Mima was also there as a great surprise! Alexander and I got to see the new house, the beautiful city of Annapolis and even do a bit of Karyoke! Jamie rocked the house! The margaritas aren't half bad either!! ;) Since Brad's brother and his wife (Brian and Kylene) live outside of D.C. we were able to spend some time with them too. By the way, Kylene is totally "poppin" that baby bump!!!!! Although it was a great trip it is always nice to come home. We missed Daddy. Unfortunately I don't have a single picture to document my trip because Alexander forgot to remind me to bring the camera. Ooops!

Next on the trip list for me is my annual pilgrimage the Mary Kay Seminar in Dallas, TX. Last year I was hugely preggers. My Nanny and her sister Louise are coming to watch Alexander. Pray for their sanity and my nerves as this will be the first time I leave Alexander for more than half a day. I'll be gone for 4 full days. Then as soon as I get home all three of us will leave for Rochester. WE FINALLY GET TO MEET ISAAC AND ABIGAIL! So excited!

This year (thanks to Grandma Guggino's donation) Brad and I have decided to start a garden! Since we manage to kill anything green that comes into our house we are a bit nervous. Any tips? Here are some pictures of our three baby tomato plants. Aren't they cute?

Here are some recent pictures of Alexander. I am glad you get to peek into our life. Know that you are loved. Thanks for stopping by!I love that Alexander sleeps with his butt in the air!

Join me for a tea party? (Alexander and his cousin Madison)

Just don't tell Daddy I'm playing with a pink tea pot!

I guess he's ok with it!

Ha, Ha got your nose!

I'm sorry, Madison!!!
(Alexander, Madison, and their Great Grandpa Conrad- Natalie's Dad)


Pool time fun!


This is how Mommy can get laundry folded!