Help!

With some of my tax money I decided to spoil myself a bit. {I will of course be putting a good chunk of it to the little man's college fund, and another chunk into my savings as well}

I decided I will make a day out of it... I am going to use my Groupon for a massage, then get a mani and a pedi, followed by getting my hair done, {this is what I need help with!}, I will then proceed to the Mall Of America to spoil myself {and Aidyn} just a LITTLE more.

Here are a few ideas for my hair... No drastic cuts due to me hating short hair and for my beautiful best friend's wedding in September. Please Please give me your input!

I think I would do a little darker {maybe add some dark low lights}

Kind of like this?

Or just dark with lots of carmel and and red highlights

I would do a little darker for a base but then have a lot of blonde





I am very unsure! Help!

Dear Aidyn

{Due to computer difficulties yesterday I couldn't post this.}

This was written with tear filled eyes. It is so hard to believe that my baby boy is already ONE!

Dear Aidyn,

Happy FIRST Birthday!

As I’m writing this letter, my mind can’t help but take me back in time one year ago today. I had been watching TV since 2am, patiently awaiting my doctor appointment at 11am. Little did I know that it would be the biggest day of my life, and it was, that day and every day since. And I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on you. You were mine. And my heart has never in its life felt such joy. You my sweet baby, made me a mommy. And that by far is the biggest gift God could ever entrust me with.

I have been by your side for 365 days. You taught me so many things. That sometimes expensive bottles and toys aren’t always the best, or to always carry at least two extra outfits when going on outings. Who knew that babies could make such a mess?

For every milestone you have reached, my heart has exploded with pure joy and elation. To be able to witness you roll over for the very first time, your first steps, and the look on your face when you discover something new is immeasurably awesome. Being your mama has taught me that the highs of parenting are incredibly high, and the lows of parenting are heart-breakingly low. I can only hope that the highs in your life will outnumber the lows. I will do anything possible to make sure that this is the case.

I wished the best for you from the day that I found out about you. I hoped that you would inherit the best from your daddy and I. You got your Daddy’s beautiful eyes, blond hair and his determination, which some people may mistake for stubbornness. You know what you want and with intense determination and dedication, you go after it. You are fearless, inquisitive, and compassionate. I hope that each of those traits will serve you well as you get older, as of right now it is difficult to teach you that stairs are not for fun, and power cords are not for chewing.

It has been hard for me to learn that I can’t always protect you. You’re going to fall and bump your head, you’re going to eat too fast and you’re going to learn that things are for the most part out of our control. Hopefully all of life’s lessons will strengthen your character, but please always remember that I will be right behind you to explain, to the best of my knowledge, the Why’s, the How’s and the Why Not’s.

I have always been an emotional person, but I didn’t think that I would cry on the day of my baby’s first birthday. You never know the kind of mom you’re going to be until you’re wearing your mom shoes or facing your first mom-stacle. I am not crying sad tears by any means. They are tears from the utmost happiness and thankfulness that I have been blessed with the chance, the opportunity and the calling to be a Mother. Not just any ones mother. YOUR mother Aidyn James.

I thought I knew unconditional love, but until I saw your beautiful face for the first time as you were placed in my arms I never truly understood its limitless meaning. Aidyn, you have brought me more love, more laughter and more emotion that I could ever have imagined. You have made my life whole.

Thank you for reminding me to take it slower, to love more, laugh more and learn more each day. I hope that I can teach you these important lessons as you grow older.

What a wild ride this year has been, baby boy. You are such a blessing to me. I hope that not a day goes by that you are not reminded of this and of how much I love you.

Happy First Birthday, my little Bean! I love you more than words can express. Love you Always, Forever, and Then Some.

I love you,

Mommy

Dear Aidyn,

Happy Birthday!

As I’m writing this letter, my mind can’t help but take me back in time to exactly one year ago today. I had been watching TV since 2am, patiently awaiting my doctor appointment at 11am. Little did I know that it would be the biggest day of my life, and it was, that day and every day since. And I knew it from the moment I laid eyes on you. You were mine. And my heart has never in its life felt such joy. You my sweet baby, made me a mommy. And that by far is the biggest gift God could ever entrust me with.

I have been by your side for 365 days. You taught me so many things. That sometimes expensive bottles and toys aren’t always the best, or to always carry at least two extra outfits when going on outings. Who knew that babies could make such a mess?

For every milestone you have reached, my heart has exploded with pure joy and elation. To be able to witness you roll over for the very first time, your first steps, and the look on your face when you discover something new is immeasurably awesome. Being your mama has taught me that the highs of parenting are incredibly high, and the lows of parenting are heart-breakingly low. I can only hope that the highs in your life will outnumber the lows. I will do anything possible to make sure that this is the case.

I wished the best for you from the day that I found out about you. I hoped that you would inherit the best from your daddy and I. You got your Daddy’s beautiful eyes, blond hair and his determination, which some people may mistake for stubbornness. You know what you want and with intense determination and dedication, you go after it. You are fearless, inquisitive, and compassionate. I hope that each of those traits will serve you well as you get older, as of right now it is difficult to teach you that stairs are not for fun, and power cords are not for chewing. From me you got your chubby cheeks.

It has been hard for me to learn that I can’t always protect you. You’re going to fall and bump your head, you’re going to eat too fast and you’re going to learn that things are for the most part out of our control. Hopefully all of life’s lessons will strengthen your character, but please always remember that I will be right behind you to explain, to the best of my knowledge, the Why’s, the How’s and the Why Not’s.

I have always been an emotional person, but I didn’t think that I would cry on the eve of my baby’s first birthday. You never know the kind of mom you’re going to be until you’re wearing your mom shoes or facing your first mom-stacle. I am not crying sad tears by any means. They are tears from the utmost happiness and thankfulness that I have been blessed with the chance, the opportunity and the calling to be a Mother. Not just any ones mother. YOUR mother Aidyn James.

I thought I knew unconditional love, but until I saw your beautiful face for the first time as you were placed in my arms I never truly understood its limitless meaning. Aidyn, you have brought me more love, more laughter and more emotion that I could ever have imagined. You have made my life whole.

Thank you for reminding me to take it slower, to love more, laugh more and learn more each day. I hope that I can teach you these important lessons as you grow older.

What a wild ride this year has been, dear boy. You are such a blessing to me. I hope that not a day goes by that you are not reminded of this and of how much I love you.

Happy First Birthday, my little Bean! I love you more than words can express. Love you Always, Forever, and Then Some.

I love you,

Mommy

Nostalgia

I may not want to go back to that exact time, but I am so blessed to have had such an easy pregnancy. {Other than gaining an incredible 60 pounds... YIKES} It is a weird feeling knowing that four days from now I will be the mother of a one year old. For today's blog, I decided to share with you the letter that I wrote to AJ before he was born. This letter is also on Facebook.

I was so in love with this little boy before I even saw his face....

Baby Aidyn,

It is seven weeks till you’re due to be with us and I feel like you won’t be in any hurry to come out. I’m glad that I have given you a safe home for the last 9 months and I promise to continue to give you a safe home for as long as you need one in your life, whether you are two or fifty two. Although your Daddy and I didn’t really plan on having you so soon, already you are the best thing that has ever happened in our lives and you aren’t even here yet. The miracle of you has made us complete.

There are so many things I can’t wait to tell you:

How Daddy and I felt when we realized that you were growing inside me.

How amazing it was when we first saw you (I cried) and the excitement experienced when we were told that you were a boy. (I will never forget how perfect your Daddy’s smile was when he found out.)

The way it feels when you do somersaults inside my tummy, and what it is like to watch you move around in there.

How funny it was when you kicked Daddy in the face!

How thankful I am that you are growing healthily, even if it does mean you are making mommy look like a cow.

How amazed I am that people can have so much love and good feeling towards someone they have yet to meet, you are very blessed with the family and friends that will support you in your life

Most importantly though, I can’t wait to tell you each and every day that I love you and I am thankful for you. Although in years to come I am certain that we will not always see eye to eye, I will make sure that you know that I will support you, care for you and fight for you every time that you need me to. You are my child. You are my world. You are everything to me. I wish you love, health and happiness, all the days of your life. Know that life is a journey full of surprises and endless possibilities. Here are ten of the lessons I want you to hold tight to. Take my hand and let me show you the way.

1. Knowledge is Power
Never stop learning. Take pleasure in reading, writing, listening and sharing a little every day. Having an active mind is something you never want to lose!

2. Work Hard
Having the drive and determination to complete a task makes you a winner from the start. Rolling up your sleeves, putting in your dues and trying your very best will take you where you want to go.

3. Have Fun
Find enjoyment in all you do. Be positive, attitude is everything. Having a carefree, laid-back personality helps you to relax and enjoy all that life has to offer. Don’t sweat the small stuff!


4. Love
Learn the power of unconditional love. Love yourself, other people, animals and your environment. Have compassion for all those around you. Life is NOTHING without love.

5. Independence
Be self-sufficient. Learn to take care of yourself and make your own decisions. Relying on others to get through life should be helpful, not a requirement.

6. Creativity
Learn to “think outside the box”. Don’t be a follower, be a leader. Use your imagination. Be your own person. Great things come to those who choose the road less traveled.

7. Be Brave
Success comes to those who take a leap of faith. Just do it. Take the plunge. Many people are crippled by fear and fail to reach their full potential. Be willing to take risks in order to achieve your goals.

8. Save Money
Whether we like it or not, money makes the world go round. Financial security can really give you peace of mind and a better quality of life. Avoid living your life in the shadow of debt.

9. Learn to Compromise
Compromise is the key to any lasting relationship. Whether you are dealing with family, friends or business partners, you must learn the art of “meeting in the middle”. In life you don’t always get your way.

10. Follow Your Dreams
No one knows what you desire in life but yourself. Never give up on your dreams. Anything is possible. Follow your heart. Be the “Little Engine That Could”.

Baby boy, your whole life is still ahead of you. You are so lucky to be at the beginning of this wonderful journey. Make the most of your time. Live your life the very best way you can. Live your life for you. I will be here to hold your hand through every twist and turn life has in store for you. No one can love you the way that I already do Aidyn James, and that love will never stop growing.

I love you,
Mommy

This is about when I wrote the letter... Hard to believe I was THAT big!

I hope you enjoyed reading...

Cheers & Love

SGK

Thankful Thursday

Today I am thankful for pictures. Yup, pictures. They are so important in my life. Yes, I can look back and in my mind put a picture to the important moments, but being able to physically see the past through pictures is an incredible thing.

For this Thankful Thursday, I am going to let you know what I am thankful for through pictures.

I am thankful for:





My Mama. She is a beautiful person who has helped me with SO much.

My big brother. He is a great friend and an awesome uncle to my little guy.

For good friends.... & good times that lead to new beginnings. <3

Great Music. Music speaks directly to my heart. I listened to him ^ every day in my high school years.

One of the greatest guy friends any girl could ask for. He made me laugh and listened if I needed to vent.
So proud of everything he has accomplished at such a young age. He has and will continue to do great things.

My beautiful 'sisters'. No matter how much time passes, we fall right back to where we used to be.

My second family. I love each and every one of them.

My roomies! Two beautiful girls who know how to have a GREAT time.... Three years and countless memories.

My hockey family. They may all be closer to my brother's age than my own, but we always have a good time when we're reunited.

A Girl's Best Friend. My beautiful baby girl. She is a great cuddler and listener. :)

Two of THEE best friends a girl could ask for. Miss you both.

I am forever grateful for these two. I am proud to call them my baby boy's Godparents, and two of my closest friends.

<3 This girl is the sweetest. SO glad we were roomies for a year. We clicked the very first time we talked. (Over a beer in the back of a car between periods at a hockey game)haha Love you!

My cousins! The two not in this picture are responsible for my AHmazing 21st b-day trip to Vegas. & the three in the picture were responsible for an insane amount of fun!

A best friend that let's me be myself. No matter how crazy I may be sometimes.

The greatest man I know. My Daddy. He's tough on the outside, but a has a teddy bear heart.

This little boy has changed my life. I am so blessed, grateful, and happy that he is mine. That smile can make every sadness in my heart melt away. His kisses and hugs make every day worth living. I am so in love.

The man who changed my life forever. I never would have guessed it when we first met, but I wouldn't change a thing. We have hard times, but the good times make it worth it. He gave me my heart ^ the little boy up there, and I am forever grateful for that.


I could go on and on, but for this Thankful Thursday, that is all. Some of the things that I am the most thankful for are above. And thanks to pictures I could show each of them to all of you.


What are you thankful for this Thankful Thursday?

Cheers & Love

SGK

ONE hour left!!!!!!! Work has gone by surprisingly fast today. & to keep it going that way I am going to fill out this fun little questionnaire. 

 

 

 

Outside my window... I'm staring into the darkness... It is depressing that it gets dark so soon. All I can see is the reflection of the cars on the show floor in the window.

I am thinking... that I am hungry. But I am also feeling chubby, so I should eat something healthy and then work out... Maybe a little WII fitness tonight?!

I am thankful for... my happy, healthy, angel of a son.

From the kitchen... well since I'm at work I'm not sure what's happening in the kitchen. But I think we are having pork and beets tonight... tasty! I am in the mood to bake though so something will come from the kitchen tonight!

I am wearing... leggings {surprise!} and a sweater with my UGGS. Comfy :)

I am creating... party plans... I am almost the mother of a 1 year old.... Oh Em Gee.... I know he won't remember the party, but I still want to make it enjoyable for the guests!

I am going... home to snuggle the cutest baby in the world! Poor guys is popping teeth...

I am reading... Nothing at the moment.. I need to pick a new book. {Suggestions are welcome.}

I am hoping... time slows down.. I feel like life is passing without me even realizing it. I want to soak in every moment with my baby.

I am feeling... nostalgic... Almost one year ago I was about to become a brand new mom.. It was one of the happiest times of my life.

Around the house... I try to keep it clean because I am living with parents... Sometimes I struggle but I do my best! Everyone is currently home without me :(

One of my favorite things... A Christmas tree being the only light in the room.. My baby's laugh... Skates on ice... <3

A few plans for the rest of the week... work tomorrow through Friday. Date night with Andrew John for Valentines day <3 Taking the babe to get his hair cut for the second time on Friday evening. Then just relaxing! I love weekends with nothing to do!

 

 

Here is a picture of one of my favorite things....

Baby's First Easter! He was SO little, and he has the cutest laugh!



Well there you have it... A few fun random thoughts of mine.

 

A special shout out to one of my BEST friends! Congrats on your engagement!!!!!!! I am so unbelievably honored to be a bridesmaid! You deserve every happiness in the world baby girl... I love you!

How I Relate...

I spent the weekend at home with my little man. When we weren't playing I spent most of my time catching up on Teen Mom, doing laundry, and lounging around. Ya ya I know everyone hates Teen Mom, but... I am a young mother, and in SOME ways I can relate.

I relate to Chelsea the most. She was younger than me when she got pregnant, but her relationship drama is much like mine. {Not quite as dramatic, and Andy is a GREAT daddy unlike Adam.} She struggled to keep her head above water when it came to school and I feel the same. I tried so hard to stay motivated the last two semesters, but pregnant brain and then having a cute, cuddly baby made it very difficult to stay focused. The break that I'm taking right now has helped tremendously. I feel more focused and almost excited to start school back up again. I'm sure I'll feel a little differently when I am attempting to write a paper, but I know now that my cute, cuddly little {well not so little anymore} baby, will keep me motivated to finish fast so we can move on to bigger things in our lives.

I relate to Kaylin (spelling?) because she lived with her boyfriends parents for awhile. {But again, her relationship with her bf's parents was VERY drama filled, unlike mine.} I am forever grateful for how gracious Andy's parents have been to us. I know it can't be easy having a baby around making a mess and causing trouble a lot of the time. They have always been kind, and VERY helpful. But I do look forward to the day that we have our own place.

In no way can I relate to Janelle. I think that she is a horrible mother and I feel so bad for her little guy. I could never leave my child the way that she has.

I don't really relate to Leah either. I hate that she cheated on Cory, and I think it is unbelievable that they even got married in the first place. I do however think that she is a great mother. She is doing great things for Ali. As a mother of a healthy little boy, I can not fathom how difficult it must be to deal with medical issues in a child. There are a few mothers I know personally who have had to, or currently are dealing with unimaginable things with their children. My heart aches for them, and I pray each and  everyday that God heals the illness and brings peace to their families.

I had Aidyn when I was 21 years old. Almost 1 year ago exactly. I have struggled, but with the help of so many wonderful programs, and people, I am still up on my feet. It has been one heck of a year. A lot of ups and a lot of downs, but we are still alive and we are healthy, so I am Thankful.

Well there you have it. Me rambling about how I relate to the girls on Teen Mom.

I'm EXTREMELY bored at work, so I'll probably come up with another blog later on tonight...

Until then...

Cheers & Love

SGK

Thankful Thursday

This post is #1 of hopefully many more Thankful Thursdays... I hope to focus on one thing each Thursday that I am Thankful for. I'm sure it will be a wide range of things because I am one thankful girl.

This week I am Thankful for Len & Barb Kopas AKA Grandpa and Grandma Kopas.

These two people have come to be two of the most important people in my life. From the very first time they met me, {in Crookston MN at one of their eldest grandson's hockey games} they accepted me into their lives and hearts with arms wide open.

Gpa K is a quiet man, but when he does speak he shows he is full of wisdom. You can see the love that he has for all of his family in his eyes. He has taught important lessons to his family. One of the most important, The Crinkle. The Crinkle is when a beverage of choice {beer} has been consumed, you need to roll the empty can between your palms so that it creates The Crinkle. This sound causes an automatic response from anyone in the Kopas family. You must go get the crinkler a new {beer}.

Gma K is energetic, outspoken, and loving. This woman can make you think twice with one glance in your direction. She can make your body swell with love from her thoughtful words. I have always felt loved and accepted into this family, and she is one of the main reasons. She is the glue that holds this family together.

The love these two have for each other is something that I can only dream to have for myself in the future. They have been together for FIFTY years. What an incredible accomplishment! I say accomplishment because being married for fifty years could not have been easy. I know for a fact that they have had their share of ups and downs, but to keep that love growing through all of their struggles and continuing to support and have trust in their relationship through it all is something any person/couple can be jealous of.

Not only am I thankful for these two people for showing me what true love actually is. {It is hard to come by these days} I am also eternally grateful for their support of Andy and I. They gave us encouragement and advice when we were nervous soon to be parents. They are always there for Andy's sporting events. {They missed very few of his hockey games throughout his career} And now they continue to be there to babysit {and by babysit I mean love, teach, discipline, encourage & again love} our son while we are off at work. They don't ask for anything in return and they look forward to spending their time with him.

I am SO lucky to have these two. They will forever and always be near to my heart. I am blessed and forever grateful for their love and support for me and my family.

So on this Thursday, the 9th day of February in the year of 2012... I want to say Thank You to two magnificent people. I am forever thankful to have you in mine and Aidyn's life!

The first time Gpa & Gma met AJ

Gpa & Gma there to show AJ love on his Baptism day.



The family that these two beautiful people created.
Congratulations on 50 years! We love you!

Happy Thankful Thursday everyone!
What are you thankful for today?

Cheers & Love

SGK

The ABCs of Me

A fun way to help you get to know me! Enjoy!

A. Age – 22 years young.

B. Bed size – Queen... Not nearly big enough when the baby decides that is the only place he will sleep  Welcome to my life (http://www.howtobeadad.com/tag/baby-sleep-positions)

C. Chore that you hate – Hand washing dishes! Growing up without a working dishwasher made me never want to do them by hand again!

D. Dogs – < 3 I LOVE DOGS! I have two puppies at home with my parents. Lady, our yellow lab & Murphy our hound dog/black lab mix. I want a BIG dog when I can afford/have my own place. Maybe a Bernese Mountain dog?!

My babies are so spoiled...

E. Essential start to your day – A smile from my Monkey man. It makes every day great!

F. Favorite color – Oh goodness. Do I have to pick one? I love pink, black and brown. For pretty much anything... Well not anything, but close! 

G. Gold or silver – Silver!!!! I love it... I have recently started to buy gold jewlery... but I'm not good at putting it with outfits...

H. Height –5'3". Ya, I'm short. I know.

I. Instruments you play – My voice! haha but only in my car or in the shower :)

J. Job title – Receptionist/Cashier at New Prague Auto Group {newpragueautogroup.com} Check us out! It's not something that I could do for the rest of my life, but for now it is a great job!

K. Kids – One handsome little man! I would love to have more soon. My brother and I are about 7 years apart. I always wished we had been a little closer in age. I want that for my children as well... BUT there are things complicating that right now. So baby #2 will wait.

L. Live – I'm sure the little man and I will stay in Minnesota or Wisconsin. There is something about the four seasons that will keep me here for life!

M. Mother’s name – Brenda Sue... She's a gem!

N. Nicknames – Hmm... I don't really have one.. I still get called Sammy KK (from high school) every now and again.

O. Overnight hospital stays – 2. Visit one when I was in the 5th grade. I had my appendix removed. I was there for a whole week! Visit two was after I had the little mister! (that hospital was SO nice)

P. Pet peeves – People who drive slow in the fast lane. Papers stapled unevenly. (I'm a receptionist, I deal with men who don't know how to staple UGH) Cheaters. Liars. and... girls that don't know when to back off.

Q. Quote from a movie –

Herb Brooks: Boom he can hit him. Boom. Boom. Boom. We're opening up options. We've got four options off of one play. Allright. Any questions?
[silence]
Herb Brooks: Good, let's go.
Buzz Schneider: What the hell is he talking about?
Rob McClanahan: No clue!

-Miracle

A dream is a wish your heart makes when you're fast asleep. In dreams you will lose your heartaches. Whatever you wish for, you keep. Have faith in your dreams, and someday, your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving, if you keep on believing, the dream that you wish will come true.

I know this is a song in the movie.. but I love it! - Cinderella

R. Right or left handed – Rightie!

S. Siblings – Christopher Eric. The best big brother a girl could ask for.

T. Time it takes you to get ready – Depends what I'm getting ready for... usually about 30-60 minutes.

U. Underwear – It's under here. Underwear?! haha

V. Vegetable you hate – Broccoli... Cliche, I know, but it's gross. 

W. What makes you run late – Aidyn, or myself. I can never seem to be satisfied with my outfit...

X. X-rays you’ve had – Broken Rib

Y. Yummy food you make – I love baking.. I'm going to try some Ice Box Lemon Bars http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/lemon-icebox-bars-recipe/index.html

Z. Zoo animal – I love watching monkeys. Polar Bears are my second favorite. Penguins are my third.

Well there you have it folks. A few fun facts about Yours Truly.
It is now time to finish up this last hour of what has seemed to be an endless work day.
Then I get to head home to play with the munchkin... Eat dinner... & Watch Top Chef as I dream of being as great of a cook as the contestants.
Of course, I will be doing those all while enjoying a large glass of 'Sippy cup' Chardonnay.

Cheers & Love

SGK

I have always been intrigued by blogging, but have never felt that I had the knack for it. However, I have recently changed that thinking… My mind is swimming with thoughts, and I feel there is no greater place to let them escape than right here.

Blog #1 of hopefully many to follow…..



Mommy of one. Full time car dealership receptionist. Student on a break.



That pretty much sums me up right there.



The most important of those three is the first:



Mommy. Of. One.

I have a happy, healthy, loving, energetic 11 month old son.

He makes my life complete.

Who was I before he came along?

I mean seriously... I can't remember. Well I suppose I can.

I was a young, carefree, let’s have a good time type of girl. I didn’t focus much on school. I enjoyed going out for a beverage or two every now and again. And nowhere in my mind was a baby.

Well, things change in the blink of an eye, at the speed of light, right before your eyes.

My baby boy has changed my life in such amazing ways.

I went from a 21 year old little girl, to a 21 year old full time mother.

Sure it is taking me a while to find where I truly belong, but this little boy is helping me grow into the person that I am supposed to be.

I have struggled with a lot this past year, but AJ has always brought me back to center.

He has made life worth living.

He has helped me to see that my calling in life is to be a mother. I’m good at it. I truly, whole heartedly love it.

My days as a mommy are filled with: boogers, poopie diapers, nummies, kisses, cries, snuggles, Sesame Street, Goodnight moon, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The never-ending amount of love that I receive from that little boy makes each and every day work waking up for.

It is hard to remember who I was before he came along, because now my eyes are focused on making my decisions for the future, the best decisions for AJ’s future.

My little Mr. is THE biggest blessing in my life. He brings joy to my heart.

The number one thing this boy has taught me is to never take a moment for granted. The small things in life are what make it important…

Cheers and Love

SGK