Where's Jen?

I'M SICK!!!!!!!

(enough said--be back when I can breathe through my nose again.)

The Love of a Brother

It's mischevious.

It's protective.

It's teasing.

It's unconditional.

It's unwavering.

It's endless.

It's the love of a brother.

Sisters

Is there is anything in this world quite like a sister? My brothers are awesome & I love them to pieces, but there is just something about my sisters. They are always there for me...they give it to me straight, the cheer for me, cry with me, argue with me, babysit for me & listen to me whine. Love you ladies....you know who you are! Smooch! (sister-in-laws included ;) )After Z was born I hoped & prayed that she would be blessed to have at least one sister to share the ups & downs of life with. So glad Z & B have eachother. ALWAYS STAY CLOSE!

Steps to an AWESOME First Birthday Party (AKA The Details...)

Step 1: Silly little birthday girl.

Step 2: Super Cute Welcome signs

Step 3: The Spread....(plus the pizza of course!)

Step 4: Valentine Mailboxes to decorate

Step 5: Swing time!

Step 6: Decorating (& eating) heart cookies

Step 7: Sticker tag

Step 8: PRESENTS....not pictured here (what you might ask?!?!?....yeah I was opening the gifts, couldn't do that AND take pictures at the same time could I? :))

Step 9: And last but certainly not least The CAKE!!

We sure know how to party. ;)

Super Shopper Strikes Again!

So I've been at it again...scopin' out the good deals & this time I scored with the kids clothes. The Children's Place was having 50% off their already reduced prices, plus I had a 20% off coupon...yeehaw!

The Goods: (most of these items are for next fall)
1 sweatshirt
5 sweaters
1 pair of pjs (x-mas ones for L next year!!)
2 scarves
3 hats
1 pair of the CUTEST flowered tights
1 pair of mittens
2 pairs of jeans
3 pairs of pants
9 shirts

The Total:

$100.97 (that averages out to about $3.61 per item) = One happy mom!

GO ME!!

Resolutions

Soooooo, we've all been thinking about New Year's resolutions (ok I KNOW it's February...so maybe I'M the only one thinking of them right now) but, I, like many, am always ambitious and motivated come January 1st to change all areas of my life for the better...physical, financial, spiritual, emotional, relationships, etc, etc, etc. I make a huge list & fail miserably....

BUT not this year...this year I WILL succeed because I've come up with a new plan....the MONTHLY resolution. oooohs & aaaahs appreciated (along with one overall goal for the year--more on this later). This way I can focus on ONE thing per month & hopefully make whatever it is a habit (21 days to form a habit right???) AND THEN move on to something new the next month...adding a few little & a few big goals to improve the overall ME. Can you guess what January's goal was? (hint....you're reading it. ;) )

And now February has arrived & with my January goal accomplished (YEAH!!!) I move on to a new goal.....and this one's big-time...a return to the gym.

Yes, this month I am going to get off my rear end (not that I have any time to sit on it except for when I'm bloggin) & get moving....at least 3, but hopefully more like 5 times a week. Wish me luck!

(BTW I DID make it there today for a full hour of step aerobics---I AM WOMAN! HEAR ME ROAR!!---and moan due to sore muscles....)

Year in Review

How is it possible that my baby girl is one?

How did that happen?
Wasn't it just yesterday that we brought her home like this?

Watched her learn to roll over (and drool):

And sit up:

And make us laugh:

And get teeth:

And cluck: :)

And celebrate:

And PAR-TAY!!

I can't believe how quickly this year had flown by.
Happy Birthday little B. love you.