Where I'm getting excited about Christmas presents. I LOVE finding the perfect gift for people. It gives me so much happiness to see the face of someone who loves what I have given them.
This year I already have quite a bit done and hope to be totally done by the first week of December (if not on black Friday!) I'm already jumping out of my skin waiting to give my sister and her boyfriend their gift and I don't even have it in my possession yet. I'm so so so excited about it. Of course I can't tell you what it is until after Christmas 'cause my sister checks up on me. ;)
Every year for the last 3 years one of the best gifts I have given is a photo calendar. I make one for my grandma and grandpa, my other grandma, my mom, MIL and myself. My grandpa told me over a month ago that if he doesn't get one this year he will no longer be speaking to me. This years will have a new focus... BABIES! B, Chance and my cousins baby Hunter who is 5 days older than Chance.
And where do I get these awesome calendars you ask? SHUTTERFLY of course!!! http://www.shutterfly.com/ It is the only site I use for things like this. I have never been disappointed in the quality of products I get from them. I also LOVE their photobooks. I think I have 5 of them so far. And I made my parents and ILs several books too. One of our engagement pictures, one of wedding shower pictures and one of wedding pictures. (Which reminds me... maybe I should sit down someday and make our wedding album for us huh? Its only been over 2 years! haha)
My favorite book so far is the one I made of B's newborn pictures. I would love to share it with you all but it has our last name plastered on it so if your interested in seeing it just let me know. I'm going to be so excited when the time comes to make her 1 year book!
Anyway, why all the hype about Shutterfly today? Well they have a great offer for bloggers... 50 free Christmas cards! I was just looking at them the other day trying to decide what I want to use this year and of course they have too many too chose from so I didn't order yet. If you want to get your 50 free cards here is a linky.
http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/
I'm so excited!
xoxo...P
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Catching Up!
Happy Halloween!!!
I hope everyone has a spooktacular day! ;) And I promise a recap of our day won't be as long awaited for as this post. I will also be back with pictures of her at the pumpkin patch and from her 4 month birthday yesterday! I can't believe she is 4 months old. I know I say it every month but it is true! Time just goes way too quick!
I'm going to try and catch you all up with our adventures to this point. There are so many things I haven't posted about. Like our zoo trip! Have I mentioned I L.O.V.E. the zoo? Well I do! I can't wait til next summer when we become zoo members!!!
Now this goes back quite a way but I don't care! I'm posting about it anyway! On September 11th (yes September. I told you it goes back) J and I took B to the zoo for the first time. I LOVED IT! We got some really cute pictures of B! Here they are:
With the statue of Olga. My favorite zoo animal from when I was a kid!
By the lions! The male lion roared while we were right there and B whipped her head so fast to see where the noise came from. It was adorable!
I still say the lion wanted to eat B!
Another fun adventure was on October 3rd, we took B to her first Blackhawks game!!! It was freaking awesome! We had seats in the last row of the 100 level for a pre-season game so we took advatage of the good seats, smaller crowd and early start time to bring her to her first game. She was an angel baby the whole time! She stared at the ice and didn't fuss except for the couple minutes it took for me to change her diaper and get her bottle ready! Of course I think we got some pretty good pictures once again. :)
Right after a goal celebration!!
Her favorite thing to do with daddy! Watching the Hawks win!
Our perfect little family!!!
I hope everyone has a spooktacular day! ;) And I promise a recap of our day won't be as long awaited for as this post. I will also be back with pictures of her at the pumpkin patch and from her 4 month birthday yesterday! I can't believe she is 4 months old. I know I say it every month but it is true! Time just goes way too quick!
I'm going to try and catch you all up with our adventures to this point. There are so many things I haven't posted about. Like our zoo trip! Have I mentioned I L.O.V.E. the zoo? Well I do! I can't wait til next summer when we become zoo members!!!
Now this goes back quite a way but I don't care! I'm posting about it anyway! On September 11th (yes September. I told you it goes back) J and I took B to the zoo for the first time. I LOVED IT! We got some really cute pictures of B! Here they are:
With the statue of Olga. My favorite zoo animal from when I was a kid!
By the lions! The male lion roared while we were right there and B whipped her head so fast to see where the noise came from. It was adorable!
I still say the lion wanted to eat B!
Another fun adventure was on October 3rd, we took B to her first Blackhawks game!!! It was freaking awesome! We had seats in the last row of the 100 level for a pre-season game so we took advatage of the good seats, smaller crowd and early start time to bring her to her first game. She was an angel baby the whole time! She stared at the ice and didn't fuss except for the couple minutes it took for me to change her diaper and get her bottle ready! Of course I think we got some pretty good pictures once again. :)
Right after a goal celebration!!
Her favorite thing to do with daddy! Watching the Hawks win!
Our perfect little family!!!
Thursday, October 28, 2010
The Latest on Life with P, B & J
Things have been crazy around here! But mostly in a good way and for a good reason.
Jeff had surgery yesterday! He has been in pain for over a year and a half and he is now on his way to pain free! (We hope.) He had a disc fusion done on the C5 disc. They actually removed his disc and replaced it with stem cell bone and a "cage". The DRs were very happy with how surgery went and are very optimistic on his recovery. Though he will be off work for close to 4 months! He came home today and is of course in pain but already feels better on the side that was bothering him. (It is mostly at the incision and where the moved things around that are causing pain.) Things are looking up!
Over the last 2 months we have done some great things with B and have really enjoyed every second with her. Even the ones while she is crying! Some time I will get some posts done loaded with pictures of the things we have done lately. You can look forward to pictures from the zoo, a Blackhawks game (or 3) and a pumpkin patch with cousin Chance!
And since it has been a long couple of days I'm going to leave you with one picture to tide you over.
xoxo.....P
Jeff had surgery yesterday! He has been in pain for over a year and a half and he is now on his way to pain free! (We hope.) He had a disc fusion done on the C5 disc. They actually removed his disc and replaced it with stem cell bone and a "cage". The DRs were very happy with how surgery went and are very optimistic on his recovery. Though he will be off work for close to 4 months! He came home today and is of course in pain but already feels better on the side that was bothering him. (It is mostly at the incision and where the moved things around that are causing pain.) Things are looking up!
Over the last 2 months we have done some great things with B and have really enjoyed every second with her. Even the ones while she is crying! Some time I will get some posts done loaded with pictures of the things we have done lately. You can look forward to pictures from the zoo, a Blackhawks game (or 3) and a pumpkin patch with cousin Chance!
And since it has been a long couple of days I'm going to leave you with one picture to tide you over.
xoxo.....P
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
30 Days of Truth - Day 9
Day 09 → Someone you didn’t want to let go, but just drifted.
Well I actually have a couple of these from when I was younger. My family moved when I was starting high school and because of it I went to a new school. (That was actually my parents reason for moving.) Because of a new school at that major time in my life I lost touch with several friends.
Some are no big deal to have lost but others I still miss. One girl in particular was my best friend from 1st grade through 8th grade. Our families even knew each other before that. Another is a girl that I became friends with in 5th grade. We were together all.the.time. Then there is a guy I was friends with from 1st grade on. We were best friends, talked every day and now I have no clue where he is. The first girl I mentioned I have become friends with on facebook and we chat occasionally. It is nice to talk to her. I do miss my other friends though. I actually think of all of them often.
xoxo...P
Well I actually have a couple of these from when I was younger. My family moved when I was starting high school and because of it I went to a new school. (That was actually my parents reason for moving.) Because of a new school at that major time in my life I lost touch with several friends.
Some are no big deal to have lost but others I still miss. One girl in particular was my best friend from 1st grade through 8th grade. Our families even knew each other before that. Another is a girl that I became friends with in 5th grade. We were together all.the.time. Then there is a guy I was friends with from 1st grade on. We were best friends, talked every day and now I have no clue where he is. The first girl I mentioned I have become friends with on facebook and we chat occasionally. It is nice to talk to her. I do miss my other friends though. I actually think of all of them often.
xoxo...P
Monday, October 18, 2010
30 Days of Truth - Day 8
Day 08 → Someone who made your life hell, or treated you like shit.
Well for this one I'm going to keep it short simply because it isn't worth much of my time to think about it. I'm going to have to say a couple of my ex's each for their own reasons.
1 because he took advantage of my feelings for him, made me love him and then we broke up, then we were together and then we broke up. This started in high school and ended for the last time about a year before I met J. (I was seriously an idiot for going back that last time, well and a couple times before that too.)
1 because he was occasionally verbally abusive and made me feel less than beautiful and sometimes kind of worthless
and 1 because he was just a psycho.
But I have to admit that I let them treat me that way. I was young and stupid. Thankfully I grew up and found a great man.
xoxo....P
Well for this one I'm going to keep it short simply because it isn't worth much of my time to think about it. I'm going to have to say a couple of my ex's each for their own reasons.
1 because he took advantage of my feelings for him, made me love him and then we broke up, then we were together and then we broke up. This started in high school and ended for the last time about a year before I met J. (I was seriously an idiot for going back that last time, well and a couple times before that too.)
1 because he was occasionally verbally abusive and made me feel less than beautiful and sometimes kind of worthless
and 1 because he was just a psycho.
But I have to admit that I let them treat me that way. I was young and stupid. Thankfully I grew up and found a great man.
xoxo....P
Friday, October 15, 2010
30 Days of Truth - Day 7
Day 07 → Someone who has made your life worth living for.
This one is easy-peasy! There are 2 people, though I do have to say that I have never considered not living. These people are obviously Jeff and Brynn. Never in a million years would I do anything to hurt them by leaving.
Jeff is such a strong amazing man. He makes my life better. He makes me happy. He makes me feel special and he makes me feel loved. Without him I would be missing a part of myself. Without him I wouldn't have B.
Then there is B. She makes my day complete simply by smiling at me. I couldn't ever do something to hurt or disappoint my baby girl.
These 2 people mean more to me than words can say and they make everything worth it. The hard times are bearable, the bad times are ok, the ok times are good, the good times are great and those great times can't be described all because of them.
xoxo...P
This one is easy-peasy! There are 2 people, though I do have to say that I have never considered not living. These people are obviously Jeff and Brynn. Never in a million years would I do anything to hurt them by leaving.
Jeff is such a strong amazing man. He makes my life better. He makes me happy. He makes me feel special and he makes me feel loved. Without him I would be missing a part of myself. Without him I wouldn't have B.
Then there is B. She makes my day complete simply by smiling at me. I couldn't ever do something to hurt or disappoint my baby girl.
These 2 people mean more to me than words can say and they make everything worth it. The hard times are bearable, the bad times are ok, the ok times are good, the good times are great and those great times can't be described all because of them.
xoxo...P
Saturday, October 9, 2010
30 Year "Checklist"
I was reading my friend Krysten's blog @ http://www.after-i-do.com/ and came across this list that one of her friends found in Glamour and I thought I would post it here too. It is a list of Things Every Woman should have by the age of 30. Lets see how I measure up.
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. Well No and Yes. But I wouldn't change it at all. I don't need to imagine going back to anyone else when my husband is the best guy in the world for me. And as for the guy who reminds me how far I have come let's just say more than 1 guy reminds me of that.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. Yep! Love our sofa and chair. And dining room set - even if I did get it at Goodwill - we re-finished it. And my fav would be our bed! The mattress specifically. Tempur pedic! Pure Bliss!
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. I think check and check - though they may not fit the best at the moment I still have 5 lbs to go 'til Pre-Baby weight.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. Yep, Yep and Yep.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond. I would say so. I loved my childhood and my teenage years but I look forward to my future so much. I'm happy to say that I have very fond memories and can't wait to make new ones!
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. I don't know about juicy (well some are but I won't be telling them to B or any future kids for quite some time.) But I have great, fun and amazing stories because I have great, fun and amazing family and friends.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it. Thanks to Jeff yes. We are constantly working towards being able to add more to that too.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. Nope and I don't want it that way. I don't think Jeff knows my email password but if he wants it I could care less. There is nothing in there I have to hide. (Unless it is Christmas time and I ordered something for him but he could see where I purchase things from on our joint account.) We have a joint account and I would much rather it be that way. 3 accounts was redic! And as for voicemail I am too lazy to password protect.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. Check - though it isn't all that impressive in my eyes.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. Can we count this as the same person? My BFF is my go to girl for just about anything. Without her there are time I would have been totally lost. And I'm so happy to say my sissy is now falling into both of these categories as well.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. Yes, No and No. If I need any tools we have a whole shop (garage) full .. though I'm not supposed to touch things out there. ;) And a black lace bra just sounds uncomfortable and I'm not a lace girl. I'll stick to my nursing bra for now. haha!
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. Not yet, Jeff got my camera for me. I don't know what else I would want at this point.
13. The belief that you deserve it. Oh I know I totally deserve my camera! :)
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. I wash my face when I shower, does that count? I don't exercise right now but plan on starting again and I have 8 million plans.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better. No, and YES! Not even close on the career. But I will. I do have a very satisfying relationship. I love my hubby and am so blessed he is in my life.
So I have a year and a few months until I am 30 and don't have as many of these as I suppose I "should". But I have so many things that aren't on this list that I think are even more important - at least to me.
I have the love of a wonderful man,
an amazing little girl who I'm so proud to be a mommy to,
the respect of my husband, family, friends and co-workers,
knowledge of what I would like to do with my life,
passion for life and those in my life,
and a happiness and satisfaction that no check list of things someone should have by a certain age will ever give anyone.
How are you doing on this list? Or even better, your own list?
By 30 you should have:
1. One old boyfriend you can imagine going back to and one who reminds you of how far you’ve come. Well No and Yes. But I wouldn't change it at all. I don't need to imagine going back to anyone else when my husband is the best guy in the world for me. And as for the guy who reminds me how far I have come let's just say more than 1 guy reminds me of that.
2. A decent piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in your family. Yep! Love our sofa and chair. And dining room set - even if I did get it at Goodwill - we re-finished it. And my fav would be our bed! The mattress specifically. Tempur pedic! Pure Bliss!
3. Something perfect to wear if the employer or man of your dreams wants to see you in an hour. I think check and check - though they may not fit the best at the moment I still have 5 lbs to go 'til Pre-Baby weight.
4. A purse, a suitcase and an umbrella you’re not ashamed to be seen carrying. Yep, Yep and Yep.
5. A youth you’re content to move beyond. I would say so. I loved my childhood and my teenage years but I look forward to my future so much. I'm happy to say that I have very fond memories and can't wait to make new ones!
6. A past juicy enough that you’re looking forward to retelling it in your old age. I don't know about juicy (well some are but I won't be telling them to B or any future kids for quite some time.) But I have great, fun and amazing stories because I have great, fun and amazing family and friends.
7. The realization that you are actually going to have an old age—and some money set aside to help fund it. Thanks to Jeff yes. We are constantly working towards being able to add more to that too.
8. An e-mail address, a voice mailbox and a bank account—all of which nobody has access to but you. Nope and I don't want it that way. I don't think Jeff knows my email password but if he wants it I could care less. There is nothing in there I have to hide. (Unless it is Christmas time and I ordered something for him but he could see where I purchase things from on our joint account.) We have a joint account and I would much rather it be that way. 3 accounts was redic! And as for voicemail I am too lazy to password protect.
9. A résumé that is not even the slightest bit padded. Check - though it isn't all that impressive in my eyes.
10. One friend who always makes you laugh and one who lets you cry. Can we count this as the same person? My BFF is my go to girl for just about anything. Without her there are time I would have been totally lost. And I'm so happy to say my sissy is now falling into both of these categories as well.
11. A set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra. Yes, No and No. If I need any tools we have a whole shop (garage) full .. though I'm not supposed to touch things out there. ;) And a black lace bra just sounds uncomfortable and I'm not a lace girl. I'll stick to my nursing bra for now. haha!
12. Something ridiculously expensive that you bought for yourself, just because you deserve it. Not yet, Jeff got my camera for me. I don't know what else I would want at this point.
13. The belief that you deserve it. Oh I know I totally deserve my camera! :)
14. A skin-care regimen, an exercise routine and a plan for dealing with those few other facets of life that don’t get better after 30. I wash my face when I shower, does that count? I don't exercise right now but plan on starting again and I have 8 million plans.
15. A solid start on a satisfying career, a satisfying relationship and all those other facets of life that do get better. No, and YES! Not even close on the career. But I will. I do have a very satisfying relationship. I love my hubby and am so blessed he is in my life.
So I have a year and a few months until I am 30 and don't have as many of these as I suppose I "should". But I have so many things that aren't on this list that I think are even more important - at least to me.
I have the love of a wonderful man,
an amazing little girl who I'm so proud to be a mommy to,
the respect of my husband, family, friends and co-workers,
knowledge of what I would like to do with my life,
passion for life and those in my life,
and a happiness and satisfaction that no check list of things someone should have by a certain age will ever give anyone.
How are you doing on this list? Or even better, your own list?
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