{creating everyday}: Family

Showing posts with label Family. Show all posts

Bringing Home Baby: What's in a Name? Part 2

When you find out you're having a baby, aside from dreaming about their gender, I normally start thinking about names.

Potential boy names...

Potential girl name...

There are always debates among those whose opinions matter (and those whose don't) as to what we should name our next child. There's even polls and voting that takes place. This time, it was on our chalkboard wall. Lots of entertainment for sure.

The most popular, funny, choice would be to have named our daughter Ginger Ales or our son Stout Ales.

Har de Har Har. Not. :)

Clearly, we would not have chosen either option.

How we came to name our daughter Charleigh Marie was really a round about process.

I've always liked the name Charly, Charley or Charlie for a girl. Growing up, I read Charly by Jack Weyland more times than I can remember. I loved that such a strong girl had a boys name. When I started dating my husband, I learned that his father and grandfather both shared the name Charles or Charlie. I remembered thinking it was pretty cool that they shared the same name as one of my favorite teen books.

I used to love going through family history charts looking for unusual but cool names and I've always thought it neat to give our children a family name. As you may know, Freddy is named after Steve's maternal grandfather. Even after going through my family tree's and looking at names, I still could not get the name Charlie out of my mind.

Charlie though, isn't very feminine. I've heard stories of girls who had definite boy names, and them being put onto boys sports teams (despite being registered as a girl), because their name is "boyish" and the organizers thinking that a mistake was made on the paperwork.

I didn't want that to happen to our daughter, and so the search began on how to spell her name. There was Charley, Charlee, Charli, and Charleigh. Though they are all lovely, I really liked Charleigh.

Choosing her middle name though, was quite the task.

Initially, her middle name was going to either be Annette, Ann, or Annabella. Many of the women on both sides of our family have the name "Ann" in their names and it would have been a lovely way to honor them. However, I wasn't 100% confident in any of them and something wasn't sitting completely right with me about it. Clearly, it wasn't sitting with quite a few people because we received more negative feedback about her middle name than anything else I've.

So, Steve and I decided that we weren't going to share what her middle name was definitely going to be, until she was born.

One day, in a conversation with someone I love and wholeheartedly admire, the name of Marie was suggested. My mothers name is Mary Lou, and quite honestly I would NEVER ever name my child Mary or Lou. However, we could totally do Marie, have it be a nod to my mother, and give us an opportunity to honor her. Steve and I both kept it to ourselves, because... really... we didn't care what anyone's opinions about it were at that point. It was going to be her middle name.

And, so that's how we chose to name her Charleigh Marie.

I love her name, and it really does fit her well. I can't wait to see how it fits her as she grows up!

Bringing Home Baby: Finishing up the Nursery

Many of you have asked to see the final photos of Charleigh's nursery. I'd love to say that it's done, and that everything is exactly how I want it. But, alas... it's not! :) I have few small projects I want to finish - that is between her cat naps, loving on Fred, attempting to keep our home clean, cooking dinner, and keeping up with laundry - so these are not the final, finished photos. And, they've been taken with my cell phone, so they are not of the best quality. And, I'm missing a wall (that has a few handmade gifts displayed on it!) However, it gives you an idea of how her room will look!

Nursery Wall 1

I'm not sure she's going to have enough hair bows, flowers, and/or headbands.

Nursery Wall 2

There's another shot of the quilt I made for her room. The white blanket was crocheted by my mother years ago (and I mean YEARS ago!). I really like how the doily banner and butterfly garland turn out. It's simple, and it really does look cute in here! Eventually, the framed flower prints will be replaced with framed newborn photos.

Nursery Wall 3

Her changing table/dresser. On the list of things to be finished is a runner for her dresser and to cover the lampshade (both in fabrics that match the quilt I made her). I also have a small pennant banner to hang across the mirror.

Oh the clothes! It is SO MUCH more fun to dress a girl! At this point I didn't remove the tags from any of her new clothes because we didn't know how big she was going to be. Fred never did wear newborn clothes - he went right into 0-3 month sized attire. Little did we know, that although she weighed in one ounce heavier, and a quarter of an inch shorter, she wears newborn sized items - for now.

Hopefully, in the next few days, I'll have a chance to finish up the last of the projects and take better photographs with my camera. :)

Bringing Home Baby: She's Here!

It's true! She is here! We couldn't be happier and Fred couldn't be more excited! He loves to introduce our friends (and even more strangers!) to his "new, wittle, baby sister." It is so fun to see his excitement. We're still adjusting to being a family of 4, but we're also as happy as we can be!

(This is a mockup of Charleigh's baby announcement. The official ones will be ready for final formatting and will be sent off for printing sometime tomorrow.)

These gorgeous photos were taken by Creative Photography by Amanda

Bringing Home Baby: What's in a Name? Part 1

When I found out we were having a girl, and after getting over my shock that it wasn't another boy, I immediately started thinking of names.

I wanted a name that is feminine, but not kitchy. A name that is beautiful, yet strong.

I had lists of names and I added to them as time went on.

I loved Annabelle and Annabella, Isabelle and Isabella (I've always wanted a 'Bella'!). I loved Cristina and Christina, Olivia, Evangelina, and Anna. I adored Paisley, Abigail, Cynthia, Victoria, Elizabeth, and Catherine. I love Ann, Anne, and Annette. The lists are long, and the spellings vary.

I've always wanted to give my children names that had family ties (Fred's name is 90% from the Ales side, and the remaining 10% is Beste), and that honored our family history together.

And so, it is with that we've selected our baby girls name. Her first name we've made quite public, and we are keeping her middle name to ourselves until her birth.

We are naming her Charleigh. It is pronounced just as Charlie ([chahr-lee]), not as [shar-lee).

I love it and can't wait to see our little Charleigh!

Bringing Home Baby: Nurseries...

When I was pregnant with Freddy, I really didn't do any nesting. I purchased his nursery and crib decor in a set, and just put it out. I didn't make things, or think about how cute this or that would be.

Maybe it's because I'm home (and not working 70+ hours in an office), or because I'm having a girl (which gives me some guilt!!), but I can't help BUT dream about our baby's room. I know that I want it to be cute, and feminine but not "babyish". I've had such fun putting things together and making things for her little place. I have a Pinterest board dedicated to her, things I want to do with her, things I want to make for her, and things I have used to inspire me with her nursery.

Here are some of the items I've pinned, that I'm incorporating into her room...

via The Plum Verbena

via My Ordinary Life

via It's Doable...

via Terri Brush (and her daughter's wedding!)

I can't find the site this is supposed to link to. The Pinterest link is kaput!

via aka Designs

via Crush Culdesac

And then, of course, her bedding. I am so pleased with how her quilt turned out. I know it's super basic, and it's not a fancy pieced quilt. But, I am happy with how it turned out. I took it to a local quilting shop and they did the quilting embroidery for me. I LOVE it!!

Soon, her room will be done (waiting on the last coat of paint to dry on her dresser - then onto the poly coat!), and I can share photos. Baby girls are SO much fun to decorate for!

Bringing Home Baby: A Girl!

I'm still having a bit of a hard time wrapping my head around the idea that our baby is a girl.

A GIRL!

Really, I expected the news to be that we were having a boy. To be quite honest, I was 100% okay with it (and I still am!). I'm just happy that we're having another baby and that everything is going "right" rather than having any challenges or issues arise.

Anyway, I've been told (repeatedly!) that it's a girl. So, as I began preparing for her arrival (and continue to do so!), I started thinking about nurseries, checking them out on Pinterest, and on various other sites. I know I want something that is feminine, but not something that is screaming "girlie"... if that makes any sense. I am trying to design a room that will do well as a nursery, but that can easily transition into toddler and little girl.

I've had a LOT of questions as to what colors we're doing her room in. Here's a peek into the fabrics I've purchased for her bedding:

The fabric is "hello luscious" which was designed by basicgrey for moda. I love the blues and greens with accents of pink. Her room will also have a bit of yellow included in accents and probably the wall color, but I'm having a hard time selecting the "right" yellow. (I don't like either yellow that is included in the fabric line - at least not as a wall color). The colors are just SO me right now. I love them! (Not that you could tell that already, by the color scheme of my blog!)

I'm excited to get going on her quilt, bedding, and decor. It'll be the first quilt I've made in ages. I don't think I've made one since my freshman year of college. Yikes! I'm planning to find someone to actually quilt the quilt for me. I need to get moving on finding someone to do that part, too.

All of her furniture will be black so that it's interchangeable with the other bedroom (and most of our house) furniture. We've got two pieces that need to be refinished, and her convertible crib has been selected (but not purchased yet). I've got art designed (at least in my head), and various bits and bobs to get hung onto the walls of her room.

If only having it all in my head, on paper, or blogged, would get it accomplished!

I've only got 80 days until we're expecting her to arrive. YIKES! We need to get the paint colors picked pronto so that everything else can be done.

Question for you: What's something you wish you had when you brought your baby home, and what's something that you did have, but realized you totally didn't need?

So Very Blessed...

I am so lucky to have married such an incredible man - who is the most amazing father to our son. I shouldn't call it luck - it is a blessing. Truly. Straight from God above.
I should celebrate him and his awesomeness more, but I don't. However, since it is Father's Day, I want to share the answers Freddy gave me when I asked him about his Daddy

What is something Dad always says to you?

F: Uh... Go to time out.

What makes Dad happy?

F: Looking at the sky and the stars.

What makes Dad sad?

F: The rain

How does Dad make you laugh?

F: He tickles me.

How old is Dad?

F: 5!

How tall is Dad?

F: Like the sun! The sun!

What is Dad's favorite thing to do?

F: Swim. Or, go on walks. Or color Star Wars pictures.

What is Dad really good at?

F: Going pee pee on the potty and sharing his ice cream with me.

What is Dad not very good at?

F: Going poo poo on the potty!

What is Dad's favorite food?
F: Broccoli and your chocolate

What is your favorite thing to do with Dad?
F: Ride in the boy truck

What do you and Dad do together?

F: Hide with him

How are you and Dad the same:

F: We both have ... male parts. (It should be noted that he used the correct word for their genitalia. I, however, don't want to publish that on my blog!)

How are you and Dad different?
F: He is BIG! I am small!

How do you know Dad loves you?
F: He tells me!

Where is Dad's favorite place to go?

F: Swimming lessons. And, the splash pad. Can we go to the park now?

Mommy Confessions...

Two of my mommy blogger friends (and really friends from way back when I lived in Ohio, and wasn't married, and enjoyed living the nightlife a little too much), post their Mommy Confessions on their shared blog each Friday. I really enjoy reading their confessions, and realizing that I'm not so alone in my mommy world. I thought it would be fun to participate along with them, and get some of this jazz off of my chest.

I confess...

I don't know how I'm going to survive the summer - it gets really HOT in Texas, Ya'll.
And, I have a very active 3 year old who is currently taking every book he owns out of the playroom bookcase because he's "reading". Reading = taking all the books out and putting them on the floor. And, then crying about it when I tell him they need to be picked up before we move onto another activity.
And, I'm pregnant. Granted, I've been pregnant twice before during Texas summers. It isn't pretty. I'm so glad that several friends have pools, or live in communities that have pools, so that I can go and be a beached whale without feeling too terribly self conscious.
The first story of our house (exception being the garage) looks good. Almost great even. The upstairs? Completely opposite. The mount Ales of laundry has taken over my bedroom - well... let's be real. It's more like the Grand Canyon of laundry piles. There are piles on top of piles. Maternity clothes that are too hot to wear (they're winter clothes), clothes that I haven't worn, or didn't fit when I got pregnant (that need to be donated), clothes that just need to be put into a storage bin for when I find my post-baby body again. Heck, there are towels, sheets, and kid clothes too. It's a mess ya'll. I need to get that squared away.
My garden looks amazing.
I'm afraid to be confident and happy about my garden because then something will happen and it'll turn into a big pile of weeds and no veggies.
There's a pretty good chance that our little family will be moving. Where? We don't know. It all depends on how the union negotiations work out with my husbands employer. It looks like it will most likely be in the north eastern US or the west coast.
I've moved lots and lots and lots of times. Over 30 times actually.
I hate moving.
But, I'm looking forward to the possibilities.
I am also NOT looking forward to changes. Moving into a house half the size of what we have now is going to be a challenge.
I am really, really not looking forward to cleaning out my house and getting rid of excess.
Even though, I've been simpifying my house and life for at least a year.
My studio/art room/craft room is less than half what it used to be, but is still WAY more than it should be. Or, will need to be if we move.
I haven't even been in there to really create or make things in ... I don't know how long.
I am over canning for the year. Really.
While I am really over being anemic, I confess that I am SO looking forward to today's drug induced (benedryl drip) nap during my iron infusion. In a heated, vibrating chair. That kind of sounds heavenly at the moment.
I wish I could wear makeup and not look like a clown. Robin makes it look so easy and classy.
I have a huge list of topics I really want to blog, complete with notes on each one. Clearly, I am getting places with that list.
Not.
I am a little afraid of my son being "too smart" or "too advanced" for his preschool class next year. But, at the same time, I don't want to hold him back from continuing his learning. He's just so darn smart.
Too smart for his own good sometimes.
And I love him for it.

That's about it... here's to a productive weekend full of fun, birthday parties, and laundry!!

Conversation with My Boy #1

I've not had any energy as of late. In fact, I've not had any urge, inkling, or gumption to do much of anything. I've found myself consistently nauseous, incredibly irritable, and regularly exhausted. Though I have grand intentions of creating (and am often found daydreaming of doing so), I have not. Currently, napping is a huge priority in my life.

All signs are pointing to the same cause.

I am with child.

And, by all signs, this one is here to stay.

We are excited! Fred is (occasionally, and mostly) thrilled! We'll have some big changes coming to our family come late fall!

And with that, most of my life revolves around this little 3 year old whose vocabulary and grasp of English sentence structure impresses me on an increasing occasion.

Though, this isn't a great example, here is one of our most recent conversations.

Me: Freddy, how old will you be on your next birthday.
Freddy: I don't know. How about you tell me? Wait! I know. I will be four years old!
Me: That's right! Good job, Buddy!
Freddy: When I turn 4 I get to drive!
Me: Um. Not quite. You can drive when you turn sixteen. That is, if you're an eagle scout.
Freddy: Sixteen? Oooooooooh. That's a long time!

Merry CHRISTmas!

Of course... they've not been mailed. And, true to my own personal habit... they'll be late. BUT, they ARE ready to be dropped off at the Post Office tomorrow!

May we all remember the reason for the season, and be a bit kinder to each other.

Merry Christmas, Everyone!

Addictions...

Every once in a while... when I'm feeling like I should disclose more than I really should... I let a secret out about myself. Sometimes, they aren't so much secrets as absurd facts that matter to no one but myself. For example...

I love eating fat free candy. Seriously. Little orange wedges? LOVE! Spice drops? Yum! Red Vines? Oh color me happy! Circus Peanuts! DIVINE (I know... gross right?) I eat them late at night, when I'm doing things instead of sleeping (you know you do it too). Of course I am never without my trusty Sonic Diet Coke . a-hem.

Another ditty... up until very recently, I had an amazing collection of thin plastic bowls. You know, the kind that you can buy at your local Target or Hell-mart at 4 for a buck? I had puh-lenty of them. And even a few for spares.

Until I came home after Steve had a day off.

He decided I had a problem with bowls.

And threw them all out.

Them all.

Seriously.

It wasn't until they weren't there that I realized I used them for everything.

Everything.

Yes, I really do mean everything.

Sorting beads? Check.
Sorting other crafty diddies? Check.
Seperating taco toppings? Check.
Sorting Jelly Beans? Check.
Feeding Fred? Check, Check, and double Check.
Eating cereal, soup, salad and anything else I can eat out of it? Check x 4,000.

So now I find myself minus my bowl stash. I have 2 or 3 of them left. I treasure them but am sure they'll find themselves off to a barren wasteland without me to use them and help them feel appreciated. That is, if Steve-o gets hold of them.

Yes, I know they're cheap. Definitely not classy or upscale (neither am I - so we're cool). The best part though?

They.don't.chip.
They.don't.break. (melt, yes. shatter or break? no)

We have tile floors throughout the main floor of our home.

Every one of my glass (acquired pre-marraige) dishes are chipped.

Every.
One.

So, what do I do now?

Steve-o does not want plastic. I can't handle having my dishes chipped.

I love the lightweightness of plastic.

Any reccomendations?

Easter Monkey!

Happy Easter to you and your family from our little Easter Monkey!

Review: Welcome ALDI's to North Texas!

Most of you have heard me talk about a store that I loved in both Germany and Ohio called ALDI. Before now, the closest store to us here in North Texas was in Oklahoma - not exactly conducive to a regular grocery shopping trip (at least not for me). About two years ago, it was announced that ALDI would be moving into North Texas, and I began searching the internet, local news, and the ALDI corporate site for more information. Finally, this past week, our local ALDI store and several other locations opened.

And the heavens opened, with choirs of angels singing.

Seriously. I am SO not kidding.

I have a serious LOVE of ALDI, and oh how I have missed our relationship. It's been a long 9 years (9 years!!! Can you believe it? WOW!). ALDI is a grocery chain that started in Germany, and has branched out internationally, including here in the USA. They're a cost conscious company with many environmental and cost saving ideas built right into their business model. From having to deposit a quarter to use a grocery cart (don't worry! You get it back when you return the cart!), to having the customer bag their own purchases, all the way down to requiring the customer to bring their own bags for their purchases - ALDI did cost savings before the economy required it, and before it was cool to be green.

Friday night, Steve and I went to our local ALDI (Keller, TX) to check it out and do some shopping. (I know, you're jealous of how romantical we are, aren't you?) We managed to spend just over $100, but we stocked up on several pantry items that we use regularly.

After leaving, I wondered just how much of a price difference there was. Don't get me wrong, I knew looking at the prices that they were significantly less, but wasn't sure just how much less. So, I took the time to revisit my store comparison table, and updated it with ALDI's prices. The table below only compares ALDI with Wal-mart. My previous table included Target, Albertsons, a

nd Kroger but sadly it is too out of date to use for now. I will revisit their costs later and report back my findings.

Just so you're not caught surprised, ALDI carries only 1,400 or so of the most frequently purchased grocery and household items, of which nearly all are ALDI select brands. In short, you can't use it for everything (well, I guess you could really). Every price in my comparison below is of the ALDI and Walmart brand and of the same size.

ALDI Prices versus Wal-Mart Prices

* indicates that Walmart did not have a store brand of the item, so the name brand price was used.

In short, I will be doing quite a bit of my shopping at ALDI - and I couldn't be MORE excited to see the difference in my budget.

P.S. Yes, you should bring your own bags. However, I highly suggest you purchase the large bags they have for sale. They are $1.99 each, and I was incredibly shocked at how amazing they worked for my canned items. And, if you know me, you KNOW i know how to pack a bag or a box. Their bags are made to work!

What I Love About You: 14 Reason Why I Love You... the Steve Edition

Today is Valentine's Day and as I think back over the years and the different ways I've celebrated this Hallmark holiday, I can't help but think how today (and the last 4 years since we've been married) I get to celebrate with you.

Granted, I don't need Valentine's Day for you to tell or show me that you love me. You do it every day and in ways I didn't realize I would come to know as signs. I don't need roses, chocolates, or jewelry to know that you love me - I already know and am confident in that knowledge.

That being said... here are 14 reasons why I love you, my husband.

14. You do 95% of our household laundry because you see how crazy busy I am. You even bought me a label machine for me to label my drawers and you would know where my clean clothes go.

13. You give me time to have "me" time, on my own without any pressure or guilt and you support me in my creative endeavors - even when they sprawl out of my room.

12. You are smart and loyal.

11. When I think I'm a horrible mother, you remind me that we're in this together and that I am a great mother.

10. You try to fix things yourself, even when you know we should just suck it up and call a professional.

9. You love me despite my faults.

8. You are an amazing father to our son.

7. You encourage me to continue moving forward when I think all hope is lost. (you're always right too - hope is not lost)

6. You buy me Sonic drinks when I need them but definitely don't deserve them.

5. When I'm stressed out about work, you give me a hug and tell me to quit.

4. When ever I'm feeling insecure in our relationship, and in your expectations (or what I perceive your expectations are), you cover me in a bear hug, tell me I am exactly what you want, and try to find out where the source of my insecurities are.

3. You work hard to provide for us, for our future, and so much more.

2. When not stressed, you are optimistic to a fault.

1. You are my husband, my one and only, and I love you forever and ever + infinity x 3.

CONFESSIONS...

Two of my Ohio friends have a wonderful blog where each week they post their confessions. I have to admit that I love reading their confessions. I've often thought about sharing my own confessions, as funny or not as they may be. Tonight, as I feel overwhelmed, I feel the need to confess lots of things on many different levels. And so it is that...

I confess...

that I am overwhelmed. For those of you who think I do it all... I don't. I fail all over the place.
that I am exhausted. Seriously... days like today sleep evades me.
that I overextend myself. Oftentimes I see wonderful and gorgeous swaps occurring on craft blogs ALL the time, and I wisely do not sign myself up to participate. It's not that I don't want to participate - it's that I know myself and know that if I do sign up to join in on the fun I won't get it done on time, or if I do get it done, i almost NEVER get it to the post office on time.
And... so it is that I've WAY overextended myself for Silver Bella swaps this year. 10 swaps... what on EARTH was I thinking? I'm almost done with almost everything, but .... OH MY STARS and BANANAS... did I lose my mind or what?
that my house is a disaster.
that I suck at doing laundry. Rather... i ROCK at washing and drying... but SUCK at folding or putting away.
that since the freezer defrost/death of 2009 - I have not restocked my freezer with pre-made dinners. Convenience dinners (read that as freezer meals from the grocery store) is my mainstay.
that I love being a mommy way more than I thought I would.
that being a mommy takes WAY more out of me than I ever thought it would.
that I miss not having my parents closer WAAAAY more than I ever thought it would
that I wish I had time to fly down to my parents and WAY more than I do.
that I am really, very very much, looking forward to Silver Bella but ...
that I am very very much dreading being away from my little man (and the big one too) for 4 nights. I just know he's going to take his first steps while I'm away... I can feel it and it is stressing me out that I might miss out on seeing that milestone.
that I drink way more caffeine (diet coke, diet mountain dew, and sugar free Rockstar or Monster) than any one person should.
that I have not lost the baby weight I thought I could "easily" lose.
that my studio is a horrific disaster.. and it's getting worse as the days up to Silver Bella get closer.
that as much as I am excited, I have not started packing for Silver Bella. At all.
that I miss hanging out with my bestie, but that there is just no time at the moment. It's hard.
that I update my Facebook page by Twitter, which is updated by texting from my phone, rather than hanging out on Facebook all day long (contrary to popular suspicion)
that I know I said that I wouldn't let my son zone out on Sesame Street, but it is one hell of a blessing. LOVE Sesame Street.
that I didn't know what the heck I was saying when I said I would "never" do things as a parent. Dude... sometimes you just do what you can to make it through the day.
that I have WAY more respect for single parents now than I ever did before. We're making it with two parents.. BARELY. How on earth to single mom's do it with little kids? I don't get it.

So there you have it... a few of my own confessions.

Quick Catchup Update...

First, a huge heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been praying for my brother-in-law, Shaun. He is home from the hospital, and is healing.

Now I haven't actually asked Shaun what went on, but here's what I understand happened.... Shaun pulling a huge fence closed (think of the kind of fence that you often see at secured storage unit facilities.... you know... the kind you type in a code and the fence automatically opens); there were not any pins at the end of the track to stop the fence, and it continued. As Shaun turned to walk away (as anyone would do after pulling a fence closed) the fence fell off of the track and onto Shaun's back.

After he finally got to the hospital, and after extensive tests, etc... it was determined that there were some breaks and fractures in his back. Also, he had a few bulging discs. But, after lots of consultations and multiple opinions, surgery is not necessary. The breaks and fractures will heal naturally (as long as he takes it easy) and the bulging discs will return to their positions once the swelling goes down.

He's in a lot of pain, but when I talked to him last he was handling it quite well. Delightfully drugged, but handling things as well as can be expected.

I know I, and my family, greatly appreciate your prayers! Thank you so much!

I have a LOOOONG post written to share with you. I'm off to try and get it posted now...

Prayer Request....

I know I have some serious updating to do... and I'm really working on it... but in the meantime, I'd really appreciate it if you could kindly send up prayers and positive thoughts to my sister's husband, Shaun. I've just received word that he broke his back today. We don't think he'll be paralyzed, but he's experiencing some numbness. We'll know tomorrow if he needs to have surgery and have more information.

All of this, just in time for us to fly down to visit and celebrate my niece's 8th birthday.

Ow... oh ow.

Thank you for your prayers!

~heather

He's Here!

The bean is here... the bean is here! Our family website has been updated with the details and links to photos! We're thrilled, he's healthy, and we're all in love with each other!

After 35 years... still Lovebirds

Today is my parents 35th wedding anniversary! WOW... GO THEM! In today's society, it's a rare occurance to come across a couple who has been married for 10-20 years, let alone 35!

My parents have always set the best(e) example for all of their children in regards to how to be married, (mostly) happy, and successful in a relationship.

I say mostly happy because, no relationship is 100% perfect and no one is perfect, so I'm absolutely positive there were times they were frustrated, angry, upset, and irritated with each other. However, they've always been respectful of each other, and have never been negative about each other to us - their children.

Amazing! Yes they are! And as I've often said, they are the awesome-est parents I could have ever have been blessed to have! They ROCK! Though I was the "black sheep" of our family for years because of choices I made and the different paths I've chosen in life they've never stopped loving me and being there for me. I've always danced to a different tune (i.e. wasn't into the same style of clothes my mother was, or into doing things the way that my parents would have preferred them being done). They've accepted me for who I am and for how I like to do things.

In the end, it's funny to realize I am more like my parents than I ever thought I would be. I love to cook (and be domestic) exactly like my mother, I love to read books about and help people like my father. I have a business mind like both of my parents, and often am thinking about "why" people do things, rather than just acceping people's actions for what they are - mostly just actions. My parents accept people for who they are - not for who they could or should be (well, for the most part - KWIM?)

I hope that my marraige will be as succcessful as my parents, and that our family will be as happy and accepting as my parents are.

Congratulations Mom and Dad! May you have the Best(e) coming years ever!

Scrappy Jessi's Annual Cookie Swap

Last year, I participated in Scrappy Jessi's Holiday Cookie Swap and found some incredible recipes. I do mean INCREDIBLE! This year, I'm participating again! The cookie swap will be this coming Saturday, December 5th. I have a couple of cookie recipes I'm going to try and share this year. I definitely know one that I'm going to share for sure, but depending on time I might share a few more. It all depends on whether or not I have time to get them made so that I can photograph them for the post.

Be sure to stop by on Saturday to join in on the fun!

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