Debute Party at S.A.M for the all new Hearst Seattle Media

It's been awhile since I have had a moment to update. The last few weeks have been a swirl of excitement at my new position at Hearst Seattle Media. I am on brain overload as I have been in a quick swift learning mode of some amazing digital services to help advertisers maximize budget and learn a new way of marketing.

The SeattlePI (A Hearst owned company) stopped all print on March 17, 2009. In Seattle we are the first and largest newspaper print company to go 100% digital in the country.

We decided to have a debut party for ad agencies and top clients so could introduce ourselves and the "new kid on the block"

So the last few weeks have been filled with delivering Royal Cupcakes with personal invites to agencies and marketing directors, we had a wonderful turn out with over 200 people

Here is a link to some of the press release in the Stranger.

http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2009/05/21/selling-the-seattlepicom


I am looking forward to seeing where this history making endeavour will go and being apart of history.

Science Fair and baby Westyn...

The last couple of week have been full of fun activities. Joe and I met baby Westyn, she is absolutely so beautiful!! She has the cutest little face ever!! I am so happy for Ashley and Troy.

Drew and Vanessa has a Science fair this week and it was a success. Both kids got an A+ on the projects, Drew's project was all about the moon and it's surface and the names of all the craters on the moon, I had no clue moon landscape had so many names.

Vanessa project was an experiment on "GOOEY SLIMY GOO" this is where you mix glue and Borax to create a slimy, not sticky substance.

Devin just got a 2nd job and will be working at the Rock pizza at the new Landing in Renton when it opens in a few weeks. Life is good.......

Lucky Strike (Bellevue Collection)

Whew it's been a whirlwind this week having Devin back home. He absolutely had NOTHING to his name so we have been shopping all week. Devin has been here for 5 days and he has been on 3 interviews and I am happy to say he GOT A JOB!!! He will be working at Bellevue Square at Lucky Strike, He will be working where they need him and starts today! Looks like a fun place to work. This is not your average bowling alley.

http://bowlluckystrike.com/

He has already started his paperwork to join the apprentice program for IBEW which is a Union for electricians, it is a 5 year apprentice program that pays you while you learn and earn. He is going for the 5 year apprentice and they pay for the AAS degree he will receive. We are proud of him and we are so happy he is moving forward and putting this year behind him.

So if you are out and about in Bellevue , stop and say hi to Dev!

CONGRATS TO ASHLEY AND TROY AND BABY WESTYN. WE LOVE YOU:)

The prodigal son .....returns

YES.... it's true. Devin Michael my oldest son, what can I say? Yesterday at 4 am I received a phone call from my lost son, who for the last week had been living on the street in Tri-cities after being kicked out of his "loving" fathers home for taking his step- sisters I-POD without permission.
For a man who fought me so hard in a devious most vicious manner to win over custody he has proven without doubt that the only interest he had in my children's lives was in fact ZERO. This has been the longest most agonizing year for me, worrying daily about my boys, not speaking to them and hearing things that no mother should never hear about her children.
Devin called me at 4 am cold, crying and seriously needing his mama. I immediatly called the nearest hotel and booked him a room. He told me that he has been going to school but the burden of it all and his guilt of not standing up for what he knew was right had finally got the best of his soul.
AMEN I thought all my efforts and YEARS of telling him to be strong and keep on track were in vain but in fact mothers if you preach hard enough, the message will sink in.
I called Pasco High School to inquire about Devin's grades and in deed he is getting all A's but his counselor told me Devin had been struggling tremendously with "his home life and school had been a refuge"
Well I could not be happier that my son will now get to graduate from Hazen and he will be home, after all HOME IS WHERE YOUR MOTHER IS :)
My dad went and picked Devin up from the hotel and he is spending a few days with pop and nana and he will be here this Saturday afternoon.
Devin only has a few clothes and nothing to his name, it's like preparing for a new child all over again. I am going bed shopping today and am looking forward to giving him much needed TLC and the guidance he has lacked so severely the last year.
I HAVE MY BABY BACK.. thank you God is all I can say for bringing him home to me. Keep Dev in your thoughts he has alot of soul searching to do.

Harland Williams..at Laughs in Kirkland

Last night Joe came home and surprised me with tickets to Harland Williams at LAUGHS in Kirkland. You may recognize him from Dumb and Dumber, Something about Mary and tons of other funny movies. We have never been to LAUGHS and it was so much fun at his show. Here is a picture of Harland and me after the show :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zngzYMsvjI8

Go Sis and Drew!

Vanessa attended a mini-cheer camp on Saturday and got to perform at half time of the Hazen High School varsity basketball game. She did an amazing job and we are so proud of her. Vanessa is such a joy to others she is an amazing daughter and I am truly blessed to have such a vibrant child.

Drew decided to play basket ball for the first time this year, so along with our crazy schedule of pre-season baseball training we are also going to alot of practices and games this year. I am such a proud mom and really happy that my kids are genuinely enjoying the lives they have.

GO DREW AND SIS!!

I LOVE YOU GUYS!

Happy 18th Birthday Devin

Happy 18th Birthday Devin Michael Vaughn!!!

It is really hard for me to believe that 18 years ago today I had my first baby boy.

WOW how time flies. These last 18years have been such a journey for my "little" guy and me. He now stands 6'4. As most of you know we have had some pretty trying times. I can't even imagine what my life would have been with out this kid.

He has TRULY taught me to have patients, as some of you know Junior high was a bit more than a challenge.

I have always been proud of Devin for his determination and compassion for his family. I am really in auughh and shock that this day has finally come.

Follow your dreams,

whatever they may be,

go wherever you want,

climb mountains, sail the sea.

Do what you want to do,

be whoever you are,

don't be afraid of the dark,

just choose your rising star.

Challenge your future,

attack your very own destiny,

because some things just go and happen,

and some things you make to be.

I really love you son

and that's what these words are for,

a chance to have my say to you,

a chance to even up the score.

I love you very much,

and I'm very proud of you,

I'm proud of who you are,

I'm proud of what you do.

You've had your challenges in life,

but you rise to the occasion, each and every time,

just one of the reasons for my pride,

just one of the reasons for this rhyme.

Although you're not the greatest driver,

you've already wrecked two cars (what the heck).

Really, I'm just glad that you weren't hurt,

even though I'm now a nervous wreck !

I've watched and loved you as you've grown,

from a baby to a fine young man,

sometimes we wandered off the track,

but believe me, there was always a plan !

We have such a close relationship,

although at times you can choose to unload,

but it's OK, I understand,

you're just dealing with another kink in the road.

You've hit a lot of obstacles in life,

every time you've something good it seems to just fall apart,

but I'm proud of the way that you handle it,

it's really inspiring to know you have such heart.

Because life is a journey,

you can never get too comfortable in just one place,

you need to find yourself within,

and then you can find your own inner space.

So, I just want you to be happy,

you mean so very much to me,

just remember that I love you,

and some things you make to be.