inspired

I am completely technologically illiterate. Okay, not really, but I feel like it sometimes. Problem being, my husband knows EVERYTHING there is to know about computers... so I always just default to him. Hence, my technological illiteracy issues. So, despite my inability to to advanced things like edit my html settings (is that even the right terminology? probably not... haha), I wanted to change to look of my blog. I was inspired by my blogger pal Katie Balla. So, here's my best attempt at an upgrade. I still can't figure out how to do half the stuff I want to, but at least I'm working on that illiteracy issue ;)

Assistance Requested

Well, after hours of scouring cards, creating cards, trying to find cards with the message we wanted, number/size/format of pictures, we've narrowed it to 2! I am feeling incredibly indecisive, so I need some help. I liked that Shutterfly allowed you to personalize them so that you could see exactly what the card looks like; however, I wish there were options for mixing and matching formats, # of pictures, etc. So here are the options:

Choice #1- This is Aaron's choice. He likes the simplicity of the message and all of the pictures. I'm not sold on it because there are so many pictures! Is it picture overload?

Choice #2- I like the wording more on this one, and like that there are 3 pictures. BUT there were pictures that I wanted to add that didn't fit correctly because they were short and fat instead of long and tall.

So, what do you think? #1. #2. Get 25 of each? Tell me what you think.

cutest penguin. ever.

you know i love a good deal...

so, add christmas cards to the list. a fellow blogger friend had this deal posted and i'm snatching it up! every year i use shutterfly to make our christmas cards. this year i also made a couple of photo books to commemorate everett's arrival. i love them and shutterfly, so i have no problem sending them some free advertising their way! i went through the 2.4 million possible christmas cards and finally narrowed it down to a few.


choice #1: simple and i can already picture everett's adorable face there!

choice #2:  i love the plaid and detailing. and again... everett's adorable face would look perfect on it!

choice #3: this is fun and different and gives the option of 2 pictures. 

so, opinions anyone? 1,2, or 3?


*and if you're a blogger- cash in on this shutterfly deal! Bloggers get 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly… sign up: http://bit.ly/sfly2010

picture perfect

My husband is a sweet man and he humors me in most of my requests. For my birthday, he promised me a family photo session. This is a big deal because 1) I have been wanting some pictures of the 3 of us and 2) Aaron would probably rather be shoveling manure than getting pictures taken... haha. So, yes, my sweet husband gave me a perfect gift. We were so lucky to have Denise DeBolt take some family pictures for us. (You may remember she took some maternity shots of us a few weeks before Everett made his arrival). I couldn't love these photos more or the two men in them!

a girl who loves a good deal...

I can't help it. This post has been a long time coming. Seriously. It's like deals just call my name. I have more fun finding a good deal than just about anything else. As Aaron and I work toward the day that I can eventually stay at home with the kiddos, I try to find more and more ways to save us the moolah. I've found that it's definitely possible to find the things that you want at a great price. Example: I try to buy Everett organic formula (for his while I'm at work meals) and cereal as much as possible; however, sometimes it just gets pricey. BUT I have an AMAZING grocery store near me. It's called BB's, which is short for bent and broken. Basically, it's a store that purchases overstocked groceries or groceries that the packaging has been messed up in some way. And, if you're like me, I'm not really that worried about what the packaging looks like if I can get stuff for HALF off. Yeah, that's right, 50% off. There are a few things that I always look for there: dog food/treats, baby formula, diapers, toiletries, and coffee. A few tips- always check to make sure the packages aren't open and check the expiration date!  Back to my example- I really try to buy Everett organic products when I can, and today I hit the jackpot. Seriously- I was about the do the happy dance in aisle 3!

I was able to get a canister of organic earth's best formula for $7 (retails @ $45), 6 canisters of happy bellies organic cereal for $1 each (retails at $3.99 each), and 2  boxes of earth's best organic oatmeal for $1 each (retails @ $3.59). That means I spent $15 and saved... $60!!!  So there's my deals for the week. Maybe next week I'll share my favorite deals and love for goodwill. happy shopping!

celebrating my amazing husband

I am the luckiest. You can debate me, but I think I've married the most fantastic man alive.

Life with Aaron is always eventful and full of laughter; however, this past year I've gotten to see a different side of Aaron--- as a dad. It has been amazing. He is hands on and so in love with Everett. I am thankful that Everett has such an awesome, incredible dad to look up to. If possible, I think I love Aaron even more every time I see the way he interacts with Everett, and the way Everett lights up when he sees him!

Happy birthday to my incredible husband and the best dad ever!
I love you babe ♥

what everett's been up to...



SITTING UP ON HIS OWN... It seemed like overnight Everett started doing this. Mid to late September he started and is now a pro!



SWINGING... Everett went swinging for the first time in mid-September. He LOVED it!





PULLING HIMSELF UP TO STANDING...This is Everett's newest trick. He is pulling himself up on everything and wants to be standing all the time!


Our little man is growing up so fast!





he's a maniac, maniac... on the floor

happy 1/2 year!

Exactly 6 months ago today, Aaron and I were in the hospital looking at this tiny little person that was suddenly ours. It was scary and crazy and exciting all at once! We were unsure about how things would change, if we could figure out this whole parenting thing, and if life would ever be the same.

Well, 6 months later life is different, but in an incredible kind of way. Everett is such an amazing blessing. Who knew you could love someone so much?! He is growing up so fast! He's sweet and laid back (unless you aren't feeding him fast enough-ha!) and pretty content. He is happy to lay on his playmat and play with the dogs or to hang out in Aaron's lap when he's doing work. He rolls all over the place and often winds up partially under our living room furniture! He's started to rock on his hands and knees and seems like he's trying to figure out how to get where he wants to go. Everett loves to eat and can't get enough of his rice cereal or vegetables. Much like his mama though, the sweet stuff (pears) seem to be his favorite. Everett has doubled his birth weight and has the cutest, chubby cheeks that are overtaking his face. We are continually amazed at how fast he's growing and how lucky we are that he is such a sweet, easy going little boy.

Happy 1/2 year Everett! We couldn't love you more! ♥