Happy 2nd Birthday Aidyn James

Aidyn James,

Today you are TWO years old! I have never been so in awe of anything as I am of watching you grow up. Every morning I am amazed at how much you seem to have sprouted up again over night, you are growing like a wild weed. In so many ways I love seeing you grow and change, but there are moments when I want to freeze time and keep you my sweet baby boy forever. Aidyn James, your heart is so precious and kind. Not a moment goes by when you are not spreading joy and giving energy to everyone around you; your spirit is contagious and a cure for any of life’s stress or burden. And your laugh, my favorite sound in all my life, is constantly echoing around the house. We know if it gets quiet, something’s up. You run wildly around this house, squealing with discovery and delight, making a mess whenever you can. Sometimes your Daddy and I make eye contact and share a silent moment of pride and adoration of the little boy we see becoming ever more independent and ambitious.

You are a getting to be a big boy Aidyn James. But my heart stops every time you stumble or fall (which is A LOT, you have no fear. Example: When you climbed from your crib on top of your changing table.. little turd.). Daddy keeps telling me I have to stop being so nervous about you hurting yourself, but I know he is just as nervous as I am.  Your first year of life was all about taking care of you and meeting your every need, you were so helpless and innocent. This second year I’ve had to step back, just a bit, and let you learn some things on your own, and it’s been challenging not to jump in and do everything for you like I’ve always done. But, Aidyn, you have surpassed every expectation. You are so thoughtful and determined.

Now we do sometimes have issues…. You have a serious case of toddler ‘tude. You like to say “No, no, no” when you don’t want to do something we want you to do. I know you’re just testing out the world a little bit, trying to find your own sense of control over the little things, so I cut you some slack sometimes. But not always. You have to go to sleep at some point. And brush your teeth. And we have to change your stinkbutt diapers. Despite the no, no stage I am the luckiest and proudest mom of the most beautiful and hilarious two-year-old. Everything I do in life, I do for you. There will be times in your life that you will probably hate me for nudging you or keeping you from doing something you want but please know that I have the best intentions; my job as your mom is to protect you and keep you safe.

There are times that you make me feel so treasured. Like you and I are the only two people in the world. When we are snuggling in bed lying nose to nose.The way you pet my hair or rub the tips of my fingers as I'm rocking you to sleep. It is one of the best feelings I have ever experienced. It is love in its most purest and honest form.

I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming. You are sometimes serious and other times silly. You are busy and full of energy. You are lovable and snugglable. You are your own unique little self. I love every bit and detail about you peanut!

Happy second birthday to my world, my beautiful baby boy—I love you more than you’ll ever truly know.

I will love you Always and Forever,

Nany

 

 

 

Hello & Goodbye ~ Change

2012.

A year of unconditional love, almost unbearable heartaches, uncontrollable laughter, small mistakes, big dreams, and very little change.

Looking back on the past year, I have realized that I am stuck in quite the rut.

I remember being asked five years ago, right around the time of my high school graduation, where I thought I would be in life five years down the road. I remember thinking and hoping that I would have graduated from college, have found a wonderful job, maybe be in love with a wonderful man, but I am far from those predictions.

I don't hate my life. Far from hate. But I do know that I want 2013 to bring many changes.

I also know that if I want things to change, I have to take control of my life. I have been relying on others, listening to their thoughts and opinions not my own. I'm going to take risks, do things that I have been so terribly afraid of doing for far too long.

It is time for me to stop worrying about what others might think. I focus too much on trying not to disappoint other people, when in reality I disappoint myself trying to make them happy.

I know that when the clock struck midnight on Tuesday my life didn't instantaneously change. I know that in 2013 I am going to have to work my butt off for what I want. I'm going to struggle, but I know that struggle leads to success. I refuse to let myself sink into this darkness that is slowly consuming me.

Most importantly, this year gives me 365 more days to watch my favorite little boy grow, and learn, and discover this beautiful world that I have lost touch with. I hope that I can learn to love the little things again right along with him. The little things are sometimes the most important.


Resolution: Make myself happy. Like I said above. This year is about me. (And Aidyn of course!)

I can't wait to see where I take myself in 2013. I am going to do big things.

I've had my share of difficult moments this past year.... But I have also made some incredible memories!

My best friends wedding, KFL, 50th wedding anniversary, Christmas, A Hero's Homecoming, memories with my little angel, a first birthday, spending times with my family, visiting old friends, show me your muscles & so much more. I am thankful for what I learned this past year, and thankful that I can make steps to a better New Year!!

Wishing each of you a happy, healthy 2013!


 Cheers & Love

         SGK

A Tribute to a HERO

Tribute To Our Fallen Soldiers

by Ms Moem on November 7, 2011

 

A boy is born with passion and he wears it with a grin;
Forever his Mummy’s baby, his battle is always fought to win.
And yet, despite much courage, and unfaltering country pride,
He became a fallen soldier; joining the ranks of those who’ve died.

He stood up for our nation, where others fear to tread;
Entering into battle, where others are paralysed with dread.
He marched perpetually forward, with determination clear;
Master of his own destiny, yet sadly no longer here.

Comraderie and friendship were forged deep in the field
Whilst pure unrivalled terror was faced-up-to, as revealed.
Families at home receive the news in briefest form
And so we mourn our soldiers, who are not created, but born.

So to our fallen soldiers, thanks for everything you did;
You saw more in your lifetime, where others may have run and hid
Forever you’ll be remembered by your action and care for others
And now silently you watch us all, with dedication for your brothers.

A young man lost his life this past week serving our country. I may not have known him personally, but watching this town come together in support of his life and his service has been incredible to watch. Here are a few of the pictures my friend Sarah and I snapped.

Photo Taken By: Sarah Salaba

Photo Taken By: Sarah Salaba

Photo Taken By: Sarah Salaba

Photo Taken By: Sarah Salaba

Dale Means, Thank You for the ultimate sacrifice. Your family & friends are in my thoughts and prayers. You are a true HERO. Rest in Peace, Soldier.

Are you ready for some football?!

It's preseason!!! I am so excited for fall and Packer football!

Here are some of my favorite things that have to do with fall and football! :)

Do I really need to say anything.... Hello Mr. Matthews!!

A Brilliant Man.

Fun ideas! The pumpkin patch is a must with the little mister this year!!

Proud To Be An American, & A Packer Backer!!

Comfy sweaters, chai in hand. Yes!!

Fall in Wisconsin. Driving to my house is one of my favorite places to be in fall. Surrounded by beautiful fall colors!

Yummy Treats! Open me up for some awesome apps for football season!



Enjoy the beautiful day folks!!

GO PACK GO!

Wedding Fever!

So... I took a little hiatus from the blog. But I am back at it.

I have MAJOR wedding fever....

This Wedding Fever was brought on because I am the Maid of Honor for my best friend's Wedding this September. {Such a HUGE honor!} Her and her fiance, {my 'bfs' brother}, are currently living in Missouri. Cory is attending Logan College to become a chiropractor! Because of the distance they don't get home very often, but they are home for the week!!! So it is a week full of catching up and Wedding Planning. I took tomorrow off to dedicate all of my time to helping Miss Angie with anything and everything Wedding. I am hoping that helps cure the fever a bit...

I have always been in love with weddings... I have actually been considering a career in the wedding business in the future! {I will have to post more about that dream later}

So for today's blog I am going to show you a few of the things I might want to have for my DREAM Wedding... Key work there is dream wedding.

THE CHURCH

I did a little research about weddings at the Cathedral. WOW. Talk about rules and guidelines. This is my dream location, but at the same time I don't want to be worried about breaking any of their STRICT rules on my big day.

THE DRESS

This is a fairytale dress...!

AH! This dress is spectacular! Who knows how it would actually look on my short self, but this dress is perfection. Look at all of that lace!!!!



THE RING

I am going to love the ring {big, small, gold, silver} that my Prince Charming {whoever he may be} puts on my finger because it is coming from him, and it symbolizes our love and commitment to each other. BUT, if I could have any ring I wanted. This is top 5, maybe even #1. :)

BRIDESMAID DRESSES

Love Love Love this color {maybe a little darker shade} and style for bridesmaids. I like long and flowy.

TUXES/SUITS

Maybe have the groomsmen in the darker color and the Groom in the lighter... Or have them all in darker brown suits.

THE FLOWERS



 I'm thinking there has to be a little color :) I am loving these ^ two types and colors of flowers. I'd probably go more towards the left ones.



THE HAIR

Somewhat simple and elegant. I like the one on the left but would like the bun part to be curlier.

CAKE

Gorgeous!

RECEPTION

If Heaven had a party.... This is stunning.

THE SEND OFF

I would love to end our reception like this!

MUST TAKE PICTURES

A picture of my girls reacting to seeing me in my dress.

HAHAHA

My mom, my grandma, and me. And my husbands mom, and grandmas.

I don't want to see my husband before I walk down the isle, so I would love to do something fun like this.

:) You know it!

Hahaha. Morning after the wedding mugshots of the bridal party.
You'd have to do it with the guys as well!



UGH. That definitely did not help the wedding fever..... I have so many ideas! When my day does come I am going to have a hard time making decisions!



I'm getting anxious to watch my beautiful best friend walk down the isle!! I'm also getting anxious to sit down, relax and drink a nice full glass of Sippy Cup Chardonnay with her tomorrow afternoon!

Cheers & Love

SGK

Weekend To Do!

It's hard for me with my hours at work to really spend quality time with Aidyn during the week, so I am going to take full advantage of my weekends with him! Here is a list of must do activities for me, my little man (and whoever wants to join) to do together!

1. Go to the Minnesota or Como Zoo as many times as we can.
2. Walk around Cleary lake and play at the playground every Sunday morning.
3. Finger Paint

4. Jump in puddles
5. Have a concert with pots pans and wooden spoons
6. Ride on a boat
7. Go swimming
8. Blow Bubbles

I also found lots of great ideas to help his fine motor skills! I'll have to do blogs on all of the fun activities we do together :)


If anyone has anymore fun things for me and the little man to do feel free to leave a comment!

Gosh he is cute!

Dragging on...

My life feels as if it is dragging by. Not that I necessarily want it to go 100 mph, but it's as though I am trudging through thick mud with no sight of solid ground.

I keep wishing and hoping that my life will just fall into a perfect place, but I know there is no perfect, and in time things will fall into place.

I am trying to remind myself that 22 is young and I have plenty of time to get to the place that I want to be in life. But right now, in the moment, I feel as if I'll be stuck here forever. I know every trial in life comes with a lesson, and with that lesson comes an understanding of why that lesson was given to you. So I guess all I can do is wait it out and try to understand what good things will come to my life because of it.


Found some quotes from the lovely Pinterest to remind me to live for myself, and that things WILL get better.


P.S. Sorry for the depressing post... I promise the next one will be better!