Happy Holidays!

I write this as I am listening to Christmas music, and feeling festive! Being busy with Thanksgiving and all, I have been absent for a few days....
I could sit here and make the usual list of everything, and everyone, in my life that I am incredibly Thankful for, but I would be here all day long! That list would be too long...so, I will not be making one. Instead, I will remember those things, and those people, each day. I will count my blessings and remember that whenever I feel like I am having a bad day, that there are others who are going through worse. I will look at my daughter (no matter how crazy she may be driving me at that moment!) and smile. I will look around me and remember how hard Howard & I have worked to get what we have, and how much we appreciate it all!
With all those thoughts in my head, I will turn on my Christmas music and sing out loud as I decorate our new home! Emma & I will begin our annual tradition of cookie making and decorating! And through all of this, I will remember those who have passed...I remember them with tears of Joy for all the memories that we have shared!
After all, without all of these thoughts, how Happy would my Holidays be?!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS ARE IN SIGHT!

Snow Day Adventures

Emma & I were feeling adventurous this morning, so we decided to put on our snow gear, and head out to Fred Meyer. How adventurous, huh?
Fred Meyer, which is my new Target, is in Covington. A straight shot for us, up Kent-Kangley, which turns into 272nd. Howard went into work this morning, and had said that the roads weren't as bad as he was expecting. And that if we wanted to head anywhere, just be careful. So we did, and we were.
After digging my car out from underneath 7 inches of snow, and prying the doors open, we piled in the car and drove off. I am probably one of those slow snow-drivers that people get irritated with. But I don't care! I have a kid in the car, so go around me!
I love driving down this road on an everyday basis, so to see it with snow for the first time was amazing to me! I had to pull over and take some pretty pictures...

First stop, gas. Em passed out in the car, so that was a nice break for me! ;) All filled up, and off to Fred Meyer. Once there, I promptly made a stop at Tully's, then continued to use up the remaining balance on a gift card I had received (thank you Karen & Arlene!). I want to know why, oh why, do they have to have those annoying carts shaped as cars?! Whoever invented those, clearly does not have children! If they did, they would know that the child will throw a fit unless they can sit in that thing...ARG!
Anyways, we finished with our outing, and it was time to head home. Sweet, glorious, home! The drive, once again, was so pretty! I had to pull over once more and snap some more pretty pictures (how could I resist)!

And finally, home we were. I honestly, really, don't mind driving up to this everyday!

Winter Wonderland...Almost!

YAY for SNOW! We woke up to a dusting early yesterday morning, and since then it just won't stop! Not that we mind...Today we woke up to about 2 inches of accumulation, and since then we now have 4 inches! And it keeps coming down pretty heavy! We have our very own, private Winter Wonderland Park! So Emma and I have decided to stay warm & cozy indoors today (well, for the most part)...



Now let's rewind to last night, around 5pm - Em and Howard were hanging out in the family room, and I was cooking dinner. When all of a sudden, I hear this blood curdling scream! I run to family room to find Howard holding Emma with blood running out of her mouth! Apparently she was laying on the recliner with her head on the foot rest, and it flipped close and she took a face-plant on the hardwood floor. She had been snacking on crackers when this happened, so when I got to her crumbs where hanging from mouth, which I thought were her teeth!! FREAKED me out!! We decided to take her to the ER just in case, cause she looked pretty beat up. But on our drive there, we passed an Urgent Care Center in Covington that happened to still be open, so we went there. Luckily, no sutures were needed! They said that has a laceration inside of her nose, and she has split the inside of her upper lip. Poor baby!  :(  But now she gets Popsicles all day! She's pretty happy about that! Howard was joking that she looks like Mike Tyson beat her up! And unfortunately, it's true...

But on a brighter note, I hosted a baby shower this weekend, for one of my best friends Lindsay Roberts! It had quit a good turn out, and the snow held out until the next day!

We played some games, ate food, watched her open gifts, and visited...good times! However, I forgot to bring my camera, so I "stole" this photo from one of my really good friends' blog (thanks Mandy)! ;)

We cannot wait to meet her little one! She is going to be such a GREAT Mommy, I know it!



A few of my favorite things...

I am definitely beginning to feel the Holiday Spirit! Therefore I am going to give in to it by telling you a few of my favorite random things;
*BOOTS! I am so in love with boots!

*SCARVES. I have always loved a good scarf! The perfect winter accessory.

*CROWS. To my family & I, the crow represents my Papa.

*FLIP FLOPS! In the summer, of course, I live in these things!

*PEACOCKS. To me, this bird represents my Dad. Why you ask? Because he had a pet peacock, named Stanley! And they are absolutely stunning animals.

*FINGERLESS GLOVES. Again, perfect winter accessory! Keeps your hands warm, but your fingers free so that you can actually use them! 

*OWLS. These are one of my favorite animals...so wise!

*HOBO BAGS! Everyone knows I love purses, but recently I have been drawn towards the large hobo-style bags. I have found that they carry everything I need for me + a toddler!

*PEPPERMINT! I will end this post with a Holiday themed favorite! I love peppermint-flavored anything (including candy, dessert and coffees)! And peppermint-smelling anything (including candles, lotions, etc..)! Don't know why, but I do. So there you have it...



Random Thoughts Thursday

There a quit a few things bumbling around in this mind of mine this morning. I suppose I could begin with the thought that today is one of those days where no matter how much coffee I consume, I just won't wake up! My loving husband kept me up all night with his very loud snoring, and Emma just wouldn't stay in her bed. Needless to say, no sleep for me! BLAH. So for today, this is going to be my best friend!

Also on my mind, is snow and Christmas! Our new house is at a higher elevation - 800 ft. Compared to our house in Renton, which was only around 200 ft. So our chances for snow are a lot better! All 3 of us love the snow, so we're pretty happy about that! We are keeping our fingers crossed for a White Christmas! MY favorite Holiday, and time of year!

Also, I have a ton of house and decorating ideas in my head! They are constantly swirling around, and never stopping. I have to get this, I need to get that..yadda, yadda! It is going to take a long time to get things to where we want them, but one little thing at a time! BLAST my impatience! We have figured out that we like Lowe's better than Home Depot. And of course, because Lowe's is further away from us!

And lastly, I am so excited for this Saturday! I am throwing a Baby Shower for my life-long friend Lindsay! I cannot wait to meet her & Reid's little one (sex and name to be determined). I will post more about this next week. I just can't wait...I know it's going to be a good time!

 

New music review!

Within the past two months, a ton of new music has been released! Yay for me! Some of which has included; Kings of Leon, Taylor Swift, Keith Urban (all of which happen to be my top favorites), and Lee DeWyze. Let me take a moment to review, in my own words, all this new music!

Let me begin with Kings of Leon - they released their fifth album last month, titled "Come Around Sundown." If you know their music, you will be able to tell that they are more laid back on this record. A little slower-tempo. But of course, I love it! Perhaps I am biased, considering that they are my favorite band. However, there is NO denying that these attractive men are talented. I have seen them perform twice, and they are better live than recorded! Go figure! If I had to pick a favorite song on this record, it would have to be "Birthday". Go ahead and take a listen - they will not disappoint!

Next up is Taylor Swift - last month she released her third album titled "Speak Now". And my, how I love this girl! She is never afraid to tell it like it is...so brave! I could only wish to have been so talented, and gorgeous, at such a young age. I don't mind that my daughter is love with her music, and asks for it by name! Though I have yet to see her perform live, I would love to if given the opportunity! If I had to pick a fave on this record, it would have to be "Back to December." If you are un-familiar with Taylor, now is a good time to listen a little...

Today, my all time favorite artist, Keith Urban released his eighth record titled "Get Closer". And perhaps I am considered biased on this as well, but it is pretty freakin' good! If you are at all familiar with his work, you will be able to notice that it seems like a few songs are experimental. Like he wanted to try something new...I think it worked. There really isn't a song of his that I don't like! Honestly! I have seem him perform numerous amounts of time, and he as well, is better live than recorded! No joke...if you buy a concert ticket for one of his shows, you WILL get your moneys worth! If I had to pick a fave on this record, it would probably be "You Gonna Fly". Please, please check out this record! It is so good! Not to mention, every song he writes for his wife and family make him that much better. I guess it doesn't hurt that he's GORGEOUS, either! :)

Last but not least, we have your American Idol - Lee DeWyze (otherwise known as Howard's doppelganger). He released his debut album today, titled "Live It Up". This past season of the show I did watch. And I loved both Lee & Crystal. Either way, it was win-win. I love Lee's voice, and his talent. However, I am disappointed with his debut album. I mean, it is okay. But it's not what I was expecting. I kind of figured that he would be a little more rock, and a lot less pop. But that's okay! I will still be a fan. After all, his voice is amazing, and he does look like my husband! :) His covers of "Simple Man", "The Boxer" and "Falling Slowly" were phenomenal...no doubt about that! If I were to pick a fave on this record, it would be "Earth Stood Still". So to end this long post, I will finish by saying that he is definitely worth a listen. Check him out (literally)!

You know your a Parent when...

Recently, I have been reminded of a few things. These are simple things that I had begun to take for granted. Pretty sad what slips your mind when you get busy.

Even though I may only have one child, as opposed to all my friends who have two or more, she is quit the handful! In fact, a very close friend of mine who has two children once told me, that Em is the equivalent of two children! When she told me this, I breathed a sigh of relief. To me, that was recognition that I have indeed not failed.

No matter how many children you have, you can not deny the fact that in the back of your mind you are always thinking that you can do better. That you should do better. So I decided to make this list! A list of positive thoughts, and reinforcements for myself. Just as a simple reminder that being a parent is the hardest job in the world, but it holds the greatest rewards! So here it is;

1) No one calls you by your first name anymore. Now you’re simply known as someone’s Mom or Dad. 
2) You’ve ran all your errands before 11 a.m.
3) When sleeping in means 6:00 am.
4) You wipe anyone’s mouth other than yours.
5) Your food is suddenly cut into different shapes.
6) You're out to dinner with your husband when he spills some food on his shirt, and you reach for the baby wipes in your purse.
7) You spend more time playing hairdressers and dump-trucks than you spend eating and sleeping.
8) A threesome means you, your lover and a toddler in the bed.
9) You never thought you could feel so much sympathy for your own mother!
10) You find yourself singing the Disney theme songs in the shower.
11) The last 5 movies you've seen were all rated G.
12) When your clothes are covered in baby goo and you do not care.
13) You're trying to bargain for 10 minutes alone in the bathroom.
14) When you find toys in your laundry hamper.
15) You find yourself multi-tasking, more than you thought was humanly possible.
16) You never thought you could tune out screaming.
17) You remember why Halloween and Christmas were so much fun as a child.
18) There is no way that you can NOT look at children's clothes in the stores.
19) You have finally realized what True Love is.
20) Realizing that you would not change any of these things for all the money in the world!

Music & Melodies

My one true passion in life (besides my family of course!) has always been music. As a kid I wanted to play the violin-of all things, and my Mom made that happen. I taught myself how to play-by-ear on my keyboard, and have always had a good ear for lyrics (meaning that I can hear a song only once, maybe twice, and have the words pretty much memorized). I sometimes have a tendency to find bands and artists before they become main stream, and have always wanted to play the drums. Instead, I use my steering wheel!


So where am I going with this you ask? Well, music to me is like religion to others. I look to songs and lyrics for resolution. I don't just hear the music and lyrics, I feel them.  I relate to them.

For me, a good song can make a bad day that much better. And a slow song can depict my exact mood by explaining how I feel better than I can. It almost seems, as cheesy as this sounds, that the artist has written that song just for me. It's almost like they knew I needed to hear it at that exact moment in time.


There are some songs that take me back to a certain time in my life, and bring a flood of memories rushing back. Almost like a time machine. I love how music can have that affect on me!


Also I have noticed that Emma seems to be following my lead-at least in that direction! She loves music! She is always dancing, likes the same music/bands/artists that I do. Recently, she has started singing everything that she needs to say! It's pretty funny, actually. For instance, she will sing a sentence. Or sing about what she is doing! Ha! She will ask to listen to her favorites, such as; Taylor Swift, Kings of Leon and Keith Urban!

This past August, I was BLESSED with the experience of winning an online contest to Meet & Greet Keith Urban! One of my best friends, Nicole (who loves him as much as I do!) was able to join me in this once-in-a-lifetime experience! It was literally the best time, and the best concert we have ever attended!

I AM A MUSIC ADDICT!

Photos, or Faking it?

Personally, I know a lot of photographers. It is something that I have always wanted to do, ever since I was a kid. Unfortunately, I never pursued that career path...who knows why. I'm sure that if you asked me, I would come up with a list of lame excuses. All I know is that I do regret it. And I don't regret much!


I try to capture amazing images with my every-day camera whenever possible. But as you well know, they are nowhere near the same! However, recently I found a pretty cool app on my iPhone that allows you to capture, and chronicle, your life through photographs taken simply on your phone! It has cool effects that you can apply to the pictures, and needless to say, I am addicted! I find the most simple of things beautiful, and snap a shot on my phone whenever I can. Here a few examples:

 Now for all you photographers out there, I ask you this--is this faking it? Not that it matters, because I think it's pretty cool! But my inquiring mind would like to know!

Thinking Thoughts

I have been thinking a lot lately of this past year. It amazes me everyday, how things truly do happen for a reason. For instance, exactly a week ago we should have been welcoming our second child into the world. But instead, we now own our home!


And also of how proud Papa & Dad would be, how proud they are, of Howard and I for accomplishing something so huge. For us reaching a goal that we honestly did not think was within our grasp just nine months ago. But we made it happen. We always seem to find a way to make things happen. Again, all for a reason!


The past seven months have been hard. I'm not going to lie. However, without those things I do not think that we would be where we are now. I mean, come on! Seriously, what are the chances that the exact same day I was supposed to have a baby, we moved into OUR new home?! The EXACT same day! Crazy!


So I suppose, that in conclusion the bad has always been followed by something good. And although while in the moments of your deepest despair, you do not understand why, please keep in mind that everything happens for a reason. You will find the answers eventually. It may take awhile, but it will happen. I promise!

Working hard, or Hardly working?

I still cannot believe that I have been so blessed to be able to stay home with Em these past 15 months. If it were not for my Amazing husband, I'm pretty sure this would not be happening! Although, since becoming home owners (yay!) we need a little extra income...which lead to me branching out to find a baby to watch during the week days.


For the past month or so I have started watching (or Nannying if you will!) the most precious little 5 month old baby girl. My original schedule was Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but since our move, they were incredibly generous to be flexible with their schedules, and mine. Now I will be at their house Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays so that I do not have to drive to Renton 5 days per week.
Since Em's preschool is in Renton on Tuesdays and Thursdays, my days are packed! Phew! So now instead of 5 days a week, I am only driving here 3 days. I am so grateful for their flexibility!


Last night I mentioned to Howard that I had to go to work in the morning. He kind of chuckled, and said "That sounds weird"! I agree, after not working for awhile, it does sound strange to say that again...but at the same time, I still feel weird about NOT going to the regualr dental office job that I am used to. In some ways, I feel guilty about it!


Now I know that this is ridiculous, but I can't help thinking (in the back of my mind) that I should still be working that "regular" job that I am used to. This is not to say that I enjoyed working full-time, 6:30am-5:30pm 4 days a week, even a little bit! But jeez, talk about bitter-sweet feelings!


Needless to say, I am extremely gratefull for my hard-working husband who does everything in his power to provide the best for his Girls! And for the awesome family that is trusting me with their most prized possesion-their daughter! Thank You!

XoXo

Home. Sweet Home!

I have decided to try this blogging thing! I know quit a few people who do it, and it seems pretty fun. Not to say that our lives are too terribly interesting, but I'm sure there are a few inquiring minds that may want to know...So here it goes!
We have purchased our first home in Ravensdale, and could not be happier about our decision to do so! It is absolutly perfect for us! It has everything that we wanted (although I did have to give up a little storage space); granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, cheaper cost of living, hardwood flooring throughout, and a lot of extra space for entertaining!

Oh yeah, a shop and 1.25 acres of property for the Man of the house!

We chose to live in Ravensdale because it has the privacy factor that we had been looking for. It is in a good school district for Emma, and not too far out from everything else (10 minutes from Four Corners, Maple Valley and Covington).
Howard has been joking that we should just sign all his paychecks over to Home Depot and Lowe's! That's about right!
If there is anybody who needs an AMAZING broker (Jodi Strittmatter with John L. Scott), or an AMAZING mortgage lender (Rob Beckner with The Legacy Group), we used the best! They both went above and absolutly BEYOND what we could have even imagined-they made this process as painless and easy for us as possible!
So here's to our starting over, by beginning a new chapter in our lives!