the present is a gift

Winter is…

December 15, 2011 · Life & Quirks · 10 comments

Hearing the high winds and snow as it dusts the windows like so and opening the door in the morning and finding that it will only open halfway and stepping outside in your favorite around-the-house sweater and slippers to capture the aftermath Gazing at holiday lights at night and the fluffy snow that complement them Pulling out the cookie press and sprinkles to bake edible delights Decorating the banister and hanging the stockings (This year we have real garland!) Not feeling obligated to leave the house because you couldn’t get out even if you tried Custom knit hats and drippy ...

15 Dec

Christmas Traditions I Remember

December 1, 2011 · Life & Quirks · 11 comments

As I head out to visit family this week for a celebration, I think about past Christmases we had together… when I was a little girl. I remember Christmas dinners at my grandmother’s house and my mother’s house. House full of people. Local family and family from out of town. One of my uncle’s would tease me and say, “Uh oh! Uh oh! Here come trouble!” I would get so riled up at him! Another one of my uncles would ask me my where my red glaces (saying glasses in a silly way) were. My mom’s family has a slue ...

1 Dec

His Gratitude

November 1, 2011 · Life & Quirks · 11 comments

As we pack Halloween away, and transition to Thanksgiving and Christmas, it’s time to welcome a season of giving and gratitude. We have so much in our home that we are packing up to give away to people who need those things more than we do. And we plan on purchasing items to donate locally. Although Jayden isn’t aware of how good he actually has it, were are trying to gradually introduce him to helping others. Last year, when we donated to Toys for Tots, he didn’t quite get that but this year, he will be able to understand a ...

1 Nov

Autumn is…

October 1, 2011 · Life & Quirks · 20 comments

Watching tree leaves fade into beautiful shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown Drinking warm beverages infused with pumpkin and spice Looking out the window and seeing this Frolicking in the leaves Eating comfort foods like Baked Potato Soup and Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Enjoying the crisp, fresh air Decking the house out in Harvest and Halloween decor Carving pumpkins The smell of oven roasted pumpkin seeds Dressing up for Halloween Community Trick or Treating Thanksgiving with Family Welcoming warmth, gratitude, and a season of new beginnings. Related Post Winter is… This post is part of Hallmark’s Life Is A Special Occasion campaign. ...

1 Oct

Living Feels Good

September 1, 2011 · Life & Quirks · 14 comments

I’ve been blogging less it seems. Once or twice every 10 days. My internal blogging alarm is naturally set to do so. And there’s a reason for that. I’ve been living and taking the necessary steps to take care of myself and my family. I’ve been less active on Twitter and Facebook, which are common distractions. I’ve also been ignoring my PR requests folder because I have enough going on and it’s just not healthy always being involved in something and falling behind in those things. Not being able to deliver bruises my ego, deep black and blue. I have ...

1 Sep

This is the way we paint inside.

August 31, 2011 · Arts & Crafts · 10 comments

Our days have been filled with painting lately. Outside, inside, and even the tub! Since painting is such a fun activity to do, but can be messy, we try to limit it to outside. But when I decided to paint one of the walls in Jayden’s room one evening, I had to improvise. I let him help out a bit, I mean come on, how fun is it doodling on a wall without being scolded for it? Ha! I felt that he’d appreciate the painted wall in his room even more if he was a part of the experience. So ...

31 Aug

Just Because Life is a Special Occasion

July 23, 2011 · Defining Me · 146 comments

Last week, I bought new notebooks and pens. I need to write more, whatever it may be. I write ideas and countless to-do lists because if I don’t write it, I forget it. Digital reminders just won’t do. I am always quick to send an email or text. My handwriting is less than desired and hopping on the phone takes a lot of mental preparation. Sentiments are not my forte and to randomly send them out without it being some sort of special occasion kinda weirds me out. Doing so is such an intimate thing to me and I don’t ...

23 Jul

Once Upon a Dairy Farm

July 19, 2011 · Chicagoland · 13 comments

On Pinterest, I created a Summer Living List of things that I do as well as others I’d like to explore this summer. One of the activities that made it to the board was taking a family trip to a dairy farm. Last month, we did just that. We went on an adventure to YonEd, a private dairy farm, in Union Mills. We attempted this trip twice, both times we got lost, but were able to recover the second time around. #nevergiveup #timeforagps We were welcomed by Alice Lindborg, owner of YonEd. She invited us in her home for some ...

19 Jul

Date Night Overdue

June 27, 2011 · Chicagoland · 1 comment

I cannot pinpoint the last time Greg and I went out. Alone. I suppose it was maybe two years ago? For three years we’ve been waiting on the opportunity to get back into the groove of things. Parenting can be so exhausting at times, but perhaps we could have tried harder to do more for “us”. Two weeks ago, we did just that. Jayden went to visit with his great grandmother and Greg and I headed to the recreation center. The place was empty and we got to play a round of miniature golf (bass ackwards), ride go-karts and paddle ...

27 Jun