Another day...another picture-less post. I need to get back into the groove of snapping away at life's little treasures. I do however, promise that there will be plenty of pictures to come over the next few posts.
Easter Sunday calls for perfectly bloomed flowers; colors of the rainbow painted on eggs; and a feast that I am already salivating over. This Sunday, our family is bringing back a tradition that I haven't thought about for years....
The Egg Decorating Contest.
This defined our Easter when we were little. It became such a hit, year after year, that a trophy was created for the winner. And yes, it was made out of an egg. So, I was thrilled when I received the email stating that the contest was once again apart of our Easter. And I won't dissapoint...you will see first hand all the creativity that comes from just an egg.
Jon and I are headed to Canada next week for a friends wedding. It's our first time and we're very excited. Hopefully I'll be able to control my love for souveneers. I tend to buy things that I don't need, just because. It's usually things that I'll swear up and down that I will use in the future, but then either gets thrown away or collects dust on a shelf. Happens to the best of us, right?
I actually gave myself a pat on the back this afternoon for not using the fifty dollar off coupon I had for New York & Co. I walked in, grabbed a few things I liked, thought about it and put it all back. Jon would have been so proud...because I even can't believe I did that. Who am I?
Happy Friday...and Happy Easter!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Sunday, April 17, 2011
five months.
Before I start, I had good intentions of posting this yesterday...but the weather was beautiful and I couldn't waste the day by sitting inside. So...this is a day late. Better late then never, right? I must admit, there's nothing better than sitting here on my laptop, with a nice cup of coffee in hand, with Say Yes To The Dress on in the background. Thank you TLC for fulfilling my wedding show obsession.
And...this is a picture free post (sorry...I didn't get around to taking any this past week).
Yesterday marked our five month countdown to the wedding. I'm warning you now, there will probably be a countdown for the remaining four months as well. It's gets me excited...so just go with it. Sometimes I think back to when we got engaged last September and picked our wedding date; how a year from then felt like a lifetime. Even though five months, is still five months, at least I have a few things to keep me preoccupied until then. I have to put myself to work next month picking out wedding invitations, because in June they're being sent out. In July, my best friend Stephanie is throwing my bridal shower, and in August me and the girls are jetting off to Las Vegas for my bachelorette weekend. There's a lot of things to be excited for leading up to my big day.
The "wedding corner" in our guest bedroom continues to grow as my Michael's trips become more and more frequent. I know I've mentioned this before, but their coupons are saving me. Not only do they have weekly forty to fifty percent off coupons, but they accept competitors coupons as well. Although our wedding is going to be a bigger wedding (about two hundred), I'm having a blast planning and preparing on my own. I am in my element and loving every minute of it.
I have to take a minute to congratulate two girlfriends of mine. My best friend, Analiese, just had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Jon and I went to visit them the other night in the hospital and I just couldn't wait to hold him. Analiese got to the hospital just in time...literally. She didn't have any time for drugs...and with that being said, she is my hero. Another friend of mine, Jen, has been struggling with conceiving for many years. She has been told by doctors that she and her husband wouldn't be able to have children. They've accepted the fact that surrogacy and adoption are their only options. As a true believe in miracles, the most amazing miracle has happened to them. Jen found out that she's pregnant. Eight weeks pregnant, to be exact, with a healthy baby. Just writing about this brings me chills. Congratulations to my two amazing friends!
And of course (yet again) I've caught that damn baby fever; it's a problem, I know. I guess I just can't wait to start a family of my own. I long for that feeling of being pregnant; of looking into my baby's eyes as we lay staring at each other; for that tiny hand in mine; and the image of Jon being a father...because there is no doubt that he'll be amazing. But good things come to those who wait. And waiting is what I'll do. I do however, have a confession: I went online and looked at tons of baby stuff, looked at baby furniture, and stood in the doorway of our guest bedroom visually placing where everything would go. It fulfilled my baby fix and brought a smile to my face, and now I'm over it.
I am not however, over my craving for a new camera. A nice camera. The one I've been wanting for, oh about a year now; a Canon EOS T3i DSLR. I even had a dream about it the other night; no joke. But again, good things come to those who wait....
Well friends, that's it for today. I've got a hungry belly to feed, a full basket of laundry to wash, and a messy room to clean; all which need to be today.
Happy Sunday!
And...this is a picture free post (sorry...I didn't get around to taking any this past week).
Yesterday marked our five month countdown to the wedding. I'm warning you now, there will probably be a countdown for the remaining four months as well. It's gets me excited...so just go with it. Sometimes I think back to when we got engaged last September and picked our wedding date; how a year from then felt like a lifetime. Even though five months, is still five months, at least I have a few things to keep me preoccupied until then. I have to put myself to work next month picking out wedding invitations, because in June they're being sent out. In July, my best friend Stephanie is throwing my bridal shower, and in August me and the girls are jetting off to Las Vegas for my bachelorette weekend. There's a lot of things to be excited for leading up to my big day.
The "wedding corner" in our guest bedroom continues to grow as my Michael's trips become more and more frequent. I know I've mentioned this before, but their coupons are saving me. Not only do they have weekly forty to fifty percent off coupons, but they accept competitors coupons as well. Although our wedding is going to be a bigger wedding (about two hundred), I'm having a blast planning and preparing on my own. I am in my element and loving every minute of it.
I have to take a minute to congratulate two girlfriends of mine. My best friend, Analiese, just had a beautiful, healthy baby boy. Jon and I went to visit them the other night in the hospital and I just couldn't wait to hold him. Analiese got to the hospital just in time...literally. She didn't have any time for drugs...and with that being said, she is my hero. Another friend of mine, Jen, has been struggling with conceiving for many years. She has been told by doctors that she and her husband wouldn't be able to have children. They've accepted the fact that surrogacy and adoption are their only options. As a true believe in miracles, the most amazing miracle has happened to them. Jen found out that she's pregnant. Eight weeks pregnant, to be exact, with a healthy baby. Just writing about this brings me chills. Congratulations to my two amazing friends!
And of course (yet again) I've caught that damn baby fever; it's a problem, I know. I guess I just can't wait to start a family of my own. I long for that feeling of being pregnant; of looking into my baby's eyes as we lay staring at each other; for that tiny hand in mine; and the image of Jon being a father...because there is no doubt that he'll be amazing. But good things come to those who wait. And waiting is what I'll do. I do however, have a confession: I went online and looked at tons of baby stuff, looked at baby furniture, and stood in the doorway of our guest bedroom visually placing where everything would go. It fulfilled my baby fix and brought a smile to my face, and now I'm over it.
I am not however, over my craving for a new camera. A nice camera. The one I've been wanting for, oh about a year now; a Canon EOS T3i DSLR. I even had a dream about it the other night; no joke. But again, good things come to those who wait....
Well friends, that's it for today. I've got a hungry belly to feed, a full basket of laundry to wash, and a messy room to clean; all which need to be today.
Happy Sunday!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Wedding, A New Addiction...and Loving California.
Ok, so I supposed I need to catch up...(as my dear husband-to-be informed me). It's been a really busy week and this is the first time I've had a moment to write.
Lauren flew home last Wednesday for to help me with some wedding stuff. And we wasted no time. As soon as I picked her up from the airport, we went directly to David's Bridal to pick out the bridesmaid dress. We ended up picking two dresses that we really liked; now we just have to decide between the two. Oh the dilemma. Once we finished up there, we drove straight to Bed Bath & Beyond to do what I've been looking forward to doing for months now; registering. It was such a high. As soon as the lady handed me the scanner gun, I couldn't say thank you fast enough. I was out of the registration room in no time, and off scanning a bunch of crap.
It. was. awesome.
Even though we didn't get out of there until after six o'clock, we decided to keep on going and register at my second location; Macy's. It was an equally fun time until we found the Martha Stewart section. We were both in awe as we walked through the isles of every type of spatula you could think of. I'm not a fan of her personally, but my goodness, that woman thinks of everything. And you know what? It's decently priced. I'm pretty positive that I scanned every one of her items.
So, growing up, I've never really been into makeup. I wear a little bit, but nothing too extravagant. I recently had a friend do my makeup and she's started an obsession for me that I think could become very dangerous. Today was my second day in a row visiting the M.A.C. store. That store alone is dangerous. I also just found out that Nordstrom and Sephora accept returns on all opened makeup products. Uh-mazing. I can already tell this is going to be a wonderful relationship.
Hello. My name is Jenn and I'm addicted to buying makeup.
Before I go, I have some pictures of the ocean to share. Jon and I went to Half Moon Bay on Sunday, and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Our friend lives a stones throw away from the ocean...and I took it all in for the few hours that we were there.
It made me crave our honeymoon trip to Puerto Vallarta. While the sunset is always a beautiful site, there's nothing more breathtaking then a sunset in California. Enjoy!
Lauren flew home last Wednesday for to help me with some wedding stuff. And we wasted no time. As soon as I picked her up from the airport, we went directly to David's Bridal to pick out the bridesmaid dress. We ended up picking two dresses that we really liked; now we just have to decide between the two. Oh the dilemma. Once we finished up there, we drove straight to Bed Bath & Beyond to do what I've been looking forward to doing for months now; registering. It was such a high. As soon as the lady handed me the scanner gun, I couldn't say thank you fast enough. I was out of the registration room in no time, and off scanning a bunch of crap.
It. was. awesome.
Even though we didn't get out of there until after six o'clock, we decided to keep on going and register at my second location; Macy's. It was an equally fun time until we found the Martha Stewart section. We were both in awe as we walked through the isles of every type of spatula you could think of. I'm not a fan of her personally, but my goodness, that woman thinks of everything. And you know what? It's decently priced. I'm pretty positive that I scanned every one of her items.
So, growing up, I've never really been into makeup. I wear a little bit, but nothing too extravagant. I recently had a friend do my makeup and she's started an obsession for me that I think could become very dangerous. Today was my second day in a row visiting the M.A.C. store. That store alone is dangerous. I also just found out that Nordstrom and Sephora accept returns on all opened makeup products. Uh-mazing. I can already tell this is going to be a wonderful relationship.
Hello. My name is Jenn and I'm addicted to buying makeup.
Before I go, I have some pictures of the ocean to share. Jon and I went to Half Moon Bay on Sunday, and we couldn't have asked for better weather. Our friend lives a stones throw away from the ocean...and I took it all in for the few hours that we were there.
It made me crave our honeymoon trip to Puerto Vallarta. While the sunset is always a beautiful site, there's nothing more breathtaking then a sunset in California. Enjoy!
Monday, March 28, 2011
Birthday Fun and Wedding Updates.
Last week was a busy week. Every day was booked with something to do. Usually there's a few days out of the week where I have a night to relax; lounge on the couch; pig out on junk food; be lazy. There was so much going on, that a night like that didn't exist. Secretly, I'm okay with it. Time flew by and now we're on to a new week and (almost) a new month.
Before we leave this month behind, a special birthday cannot (and will not) go unnoticed. My soon-to-be husband celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday. While he didn't want it to be a "big deal" or "anything spectacular", I couldn't let him get away with having a boring birthday. Before he got up, I snuck out of the room to do a few "birthday" things around the house. Recreating what was done for me as a child, I hung a happy birthday sign up on the wall; and made sure the table was clear, so his present would be the first thing he'd notice.
Not expecting any of it, seeing his surprised face light up was all I needed to make my day. Hey, even at 27, a birthday sign and presents are still exciting.
After opening his gifts (a bunch of clothes) we got dressed and went shopping. I promised him shoes.....to which he found three pairs. But the man needs shoes. Sometimes it amazes me how simple he is. Before his new pairs of shoes, he maybe owned about 5 pairs. But this is what I love about him; name brands don't mean anything to him. If I asked him who Michael Kors is, he would give me that blank stare look and say "where?" Yes, you read that right......my point exactly.
The rest of the day consisted of delicious burgers at Fuddruckers, watching UFC, and enjoying a mouthwatering homemade chocolate cake from his Momma. We were going to finish the night off with seeing a movie, but quickly realized that a 10:30pm showing would be "too late". So we held true to our "we're so old" line, and opted for our warm bed instead. Perfect end to a perfect day.
In wedding land, things are moving along just fine. Our six month mark came, and then went, and now I'm just in that blah stage. All the big vendors have been booked and now I'm shopping around for the little things that need to be done. I feel like I'm in that "in-between" stage, where I want to start making name cards, but really can't until the end. I want to start making the programs, but I don't have all the ceremony details set. I want to start putting together all my favors, but if I do, where the hell will I put them all?
So for now, I'm being patient (trying, anyway) to wait. I've been continuing my weekly trips to Michael's, swooping up all the vases I can get my hands on. I went to the Hallmark store yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find their wedding section 40% off. I walked out paying ten bucks for a super cute guest sign-in book. It's little things like this that make me happy.
I pick my sister up from the airport on Wednesday. She's flying in to spend a very busy day with me. We're finally picking out the bridesmaid dresses. Then we're off to Macy's and Bed, Bath & Beyond to finally register for gifts. (...I'm surprised I've held out for this long. I've been looking forward to registering before I even got engaged......not kidding).
If I thought I was going to get a night to relax this week, wrong again! I'm in store for another busy, but exciting week. I'll try to catch back up with you all at the end of the week.
With that, I'll leave you with these beautiful flowers that Jon brought home for me the other day. It's one of the many reasons why I love him :)
Before we leave this month behind, a special birthday cannot (and will not) go unnoticed. My soon-to-be husband celebrated his 27th birthday on Saturday. While he didn't want it to be a "big deal" or "anything spectacular", I couldn't let him get away with having a boring birthday. Before he got up, I snuck out of the room to do a few "birthday" things around the house. Recreating what was done for me as a child, I hung a happy birthday sign up on the wall; and made sure the table was clear, so his present would be the first thing he'd notice.
Not expecting any of it, seeing his surprised face light up was all I needed to make my day. Hey, even at 27, a birthday sign and presents are still exciting.
After opening his gifts (a bunch of clothes) we got dressed and went shopping. I promised him shoes.....to which he found three pairs. But the man needs shoes. Sometimes it amazes me how simple he is. Before his new pairs of shoes, he maybe owned about 5 pairs. But this is what I love about him; name brands don't mean anything to him. If I asked him who Michael Kors is, he would give me that blank stare look and say "where?" Yes, you read that right......my point exactly.
The rest of the day consisted of delicious burgers at Fuddruckers, watching UFC, and enjoying a mouthwatering homemade chocolate cake from his Momma. We were going to finish the night off with seeing a movie, but quickly realized that a 10:30pm showing would be "too late". So we held true to our "we're so old" line, and opted for our warm bed instead. Perfect end to a perfect day.
In wedding land, things are moving along just fine. Our six month mark came, and then went, and now I'm just in that blah stage. All the big vendors have been booked and now I'm shopping around for the little things that need to be done. I feel like I'm in that "in-between" stage, where I want to start making name cards, but really can't until the end. I want to start making the programs, but I don't have all the ceremony details set. I want to start putting together all my favors, but if I do, where the hell will I put them all?
So for now, I'm being patient (trying, anyway) to wait. I've been continuing my weekly trips to Michael's, swooping up all the vases I can get my hands on. I went to the Hallmark store yesterday and was pleasantly surprised to find their wedding section 40% off. I walked out paying ten bucks for a super cute guest sign-in book. It's little things like this that make me happy.
I pick my sister up from the airport on Wednesday. She's flying in to spend a very busy day with me. We're finally picking out the bridesmaid dresses. Then we're off to Macy's and Bed, Bath & Beyond to finally register for gifts. (...I'm surprised I've held out for this long. I've been looking forward to registering before I even got engaged......not kidding).
If I thought I was going to get a night to relax this week, wrong again! I'm in store for another busy, but exciting week. I'll try to catch back up with you all at the end of the week.
With that, I'll leave you with these beautiful flowers that Jon brought home for me the other day. It's one of the many reasons why I love him :)
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Happy Birthday To You, Blog.
One year ago today, I made the decision to bare my thoughts and soul to the world. One year ago today, I was mourning that little something special of what could have been. One year ago today, I began a journey of recovery, grief and moving on. It's amazing how far I've come in one year and how beautiful life can be when she throws you a different path. While it may feel dark and painful at first, the more you continue on, the brighter your world will become.
I've been asked before, "do you enjoy blogging?" ...to which I reply, without a pause; yes. I love blogging. It's my own place to go and feel like no one can judge me. I treasure it, like it's my home.
I love coming here and sharing with all of you, the wonderful things that are going on in my life.
I love slipping some pictures in here and there, giving you a small glimpse of what I'm seeing.
I love that this blog, my baby, is like my very own book about my life.
This blog has taught me so much over the past year and I have so much more learning to come. Coming here and seeing that blank page, waiting for me to scribble on, is like a artist staring at a blank canvas before he begins to paint.
So, I thank you, little blog.
Thank you for providing a place for me to vent. A place for me to cry. A place that brings a smile to my face.
And thank you, readers. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have any motivation to share my stories. I hope to give you more pictures to go along with my words.
As my blog blows out the candles, here's to another great year.
Happy Birthday Blog! You're my little something special.
I've been asked before, "do you enjoy blogging?" ...to which I reply, without a pause; yes. I love blogging. It's my own place to go and feel like no one can judge me. I treasure it, like it's my home.
I love coming here and sharing with all of you, the wonderful things that are going on in my life.
I love slipping some pictures in here and there, giving you a small glimpse of what I'm seeing.
I love that this blog, my baby, is like my very own book about my life.
This blog has taught me so much over the past year and I have so much more learning to come. Coming here and seeing that blank page, waiting for me to scribble on, is like a artist staring at a blank canvas before he begins to paint.
So, I thank you, little blog.
Thank you for providing a place for me to vent. A place for me to cry. A place that brings a smile to my face.
And thank you, readers. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't have any motivation to share my stories. I hope to give you more pictures to go along with my words.
As my blog blows out the candles, here's to another great year.
Happy Birthday Blog! You're my little something special.
Monday, March 21, 2011
Spread The Word To End The Word.
Please remember what today is. March 21st...
World Down Syndrome Day.
While every day should be a day of awareness (not just for this foundation, but for every foundation), today is a day where we bring attention to the adults and children who have down syndrome. Even if you do not know anyone personally (as I do not), being supportive to those who do is all I can ask for.
Did you know that 3% of the world's population have intellectual disabilities? Sounds like a small number, but that's 200 million people around the world.
Did you know that the ever increasing use of the word retard or retarded in today's society effects the negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities? Because of this, people around the world are helping to raise awareness of the hurtful, cruel and insensitive effects of the "r-word". You too can help encourage others to spread the word to end the word and help people to think before they speak.
I made a pledge to do so...will you?
I only takes a measly ten seconds to make a pledge. It's free...and you know what? You'll feel a million times better after you do. Please visit this site to make your pledge.
Happy Monday friends!
World Down Syndrome Day.
While every day should be a day of awareness (not just for this foundation, but for every foundation), today is a day where we bring attention to the adults and children who have down syndrome. Even if you do not know anyone personally (as I do not), being supportive to those who do is all I can ask for.
Did you know that 3% of the world's population have intellectual disabilities? Sounds like a small number, but that's 200 million people around the world.
Did you know that the ever increasing use of the word retard or retarded in today's society effects the negative stereotypes that face people with intellectual disabilities? Because of this, people around the world are helping to raise awareness of the hurtful, cruel and insensitive effects of the "r-word". You too can help encourage others to spread the word to end the word and help people to think before they speak.
I made a pledge to do so...will you?
I only takes a measly ten seconds to make a pledge. It's free...and you know what? You'll feel a million times better after you do. Please visit this site to make your pledge.
Happy Monday friends!
Monday, March 14, 2011
A Little Something Special
I feel like I need to start the A Little Something Special post edition. Maybe it's a weekly thing (probably not) or maybe it's something I do every other month. But I feel the need to acknowledge the things that are special to me at the moment.
I've been thinking about this concept for a while...so I'm just gonna go with it.
Weekend Morning Coffee
I love my weekend coffee because I'm actually drinking it from a cup. Not the coffee thermos that I bring to work every day. I can sit on the couch, with my feet up, a blanket draped over me, and a cup of coffee in my hand. It's me and Jon's time in the morning where we're waking up together.
Tulips
I love them. There's something about Tulips that makes me feel, happy. Stress free. Calm. Saturday morning I walked into the kitchen and noticed the sun hitting the Tulips so beautifully. I couldn't help but smile :)
Date Nights
With us saving every bit of money we can for the wedding, date nights are few and far between. Which, by the way, is perfectly okay. That just means when we do have them, it's a special occasion and something I truly treasure.
Family
This past week I went with my Dad to the hospital where he had surgery to remove a hernia. Seeing him in the prep room made me realize that my parents are getting older. I always thought of my Dad as a superhero, like nothing could ever happen to him. Reality sunk in...and something inside began to hurt. It reminded me how thankful I am and how much I love and adore my family.
Fur-babies
I miss them. My cats, Peanut and Cookie, are at my parents house since we aren't able to have pets in our condo. My Mom sends me pictures of them all the time and it really makes me miss them. I've had them both since they were born and I wish I could have them next to me.
My Favorite
He's all I want and all I'll ever need. He does more than I could ask for and treats me with respect. I didn't know men like him existed - he truly is my prince charming.
*******************************************
(That is my way of beginning a new topic, btw)
Oh Lord...we're officially 6 months away from our wedding. Can it PLEASE come faster!? I know, beggars can't be choosers, but I just want our day to be here! However, I am enjoying everything that comes with it.
Saturday Jon and I hiked up Mission Peak. Oh. My. Gosh. I was so sore when we got home. In fact, I am still sore. My knees were so weak, they were shaky. My legs were so sore, I thought for sure they were going to fall off. And my ass, well...my ass hurt even when I sat on it. The funny thing is, we didn't even make it to the top of the mountain! We only got to about half way. Jon wants to go back this weekend to finish it. You can imagine my excitement when the forecast calls for rain this weekend :)
Happy Monday friends!
I've been thinking about this concept for a while...so I'm just gonna go with it.
Weekend Morning Coffee
I love my weekend coffee because I'm actually drinking it from a cup. Not the coffee thermos that I bring to work every day. I can sit on the couch, with my feet up, a blanket draped over me, and a cup of coffee in my hand. It's me and Jon's time in the morning where we're waking up together.
Tulips
I love them. There's something about Tulips that makes me feel, happy. Stress free. Calm. Saturday morning I walked into the kitchen and noticed the sun hitting the Tulips so beautifully. I couldn't help but smile :)
Date Nights
With us saving every bit of money we can for the wedding, date nights are few and far between. Which, by the way, is perfectly okay. That just means when we do have them, it's a special occasion and something I truly treasure.
Family
This past week I went with my Dad to the hospital where he had surgery to remove a hernia. Seeing him in the prep room made me realize that my parents are getting older. I always thought of my Dad as a superhero, like nothing could ever happen to him. Reality sunk in...and something inside began to hurt. It reminded me how thankful I am and how much I love and adore my family.
Fur-babies
I miss them. My cats, Peanut and Cookie, are at my parents house since we aren't able to have pets in our condo. My Mom sends me pictures of them all the time and it really makes me miss them. I've had them both since they were born and I wish I could have them next to me.
My Favorite
He's all I want and all I'll ever need. He does more than I could ask for and treats me with respect. I didn't know men like him existed - he truly is my prince charming.
*******************************************
(That is my way of beginning a new topic, btw)
Oh Lord...we're officially 6 months away from our wedding. Can it PLEASE come faster!? I know, beggars can't be choosers, but I just want our day to be here! However, I am enjoying everything that comes with it.
Saturday Jon and I hiked up Mission Peak. Oh. My. Gosh. I was so sore when we got home. In fact, I am still sore. My knees were so weak, they were shaky. My legs were so sore, I thought for sure they were going to fall off. And my ass, well...my ass hurt even when I sat on it. The funny thing is, we didn't even make it to the top of the mountain! We only got to about half way. Jon wants to go back this weekend to finish it. You can imagine my excitement when the forecast calls for rain this weekend :)
Happy Monday friends!
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