I am The Face

I emailed my story to Faces of Loss, Faces of Hope about a month ago and after being a little bit of a squeaky wheel, my story was published! I'm so proud! Just for you my sweet, Nolie!

I found Faces about a year ago and fell in love. I love what they are doing! Putting a face to something our society labels taboo is SO powerful! These are real women with real stories. It is sad and tragic. It happens. And it happens way more than most people think. Before we lost Nolan, I was the cliche. It will NEVER happen to me....

You can read the story HERE.

What a difference a year makes!

Jacob's first day of school was last week. We have him in a different school this year. In a K/1 split. And OHMYGOD. What a difference. Let me recap. The first week of school last year consisted of tears and trips to the Principal's office. He was only FOUR! I do regret starting him early, especially since I had no idea Kindergarten had turned into a college prep grade. This year he is encouraged and rewarded. Whereas last year his teacher told my husband and me, "well, I don't think Jacob will ever be able to get a 'prize' out of the prize box." THANKS. My husband, who also teaches, was less than thrilled with her to say the least. And I almost felt like asking her if she forgot that she's a KINDERGARTEN teacher!  Last year was a nightmare to say the least. I have high hopes for this year!

Today was TOOTHtastic!

Ava has been working on her two bottom teeth and they have really popped out! AND Jacob has been working on LOSING his first tooth and today was the day! He is SO PROUD of himself. The first thing he said was, Daddy is going to be so IMPRESSED with me! Then he wanted to go show his Dr. Silly boy.

Teething

More teething...

Teeth!

A big tooth already hiding back there! 

My New Obession

Pinterest

Have you heard? I was just introduced to it the other day and Im already fully hooked. You can check out my profile HERE. It is SO COOL and I actually already put something to use that I saw on there. *pats self on the back*

Hot dogs. Spaghetti noodles.

Jacob ate them right up and asked for more, which is RARE when it comes to something "new."

Besides all the yummie goodness I have to share about our trip. We just got back from a week long trip to Disneyland that I have to blog about but for now, here is little Miss Minnie Mouse herself.

Holy BAD blogger!

I know, I know. Im SO BAD! So much has happened since I last blogged but the biggest news of course is the birth of our sweet Ava who who is 6 months old already! She was born January 20th at 10:55 am weighing in at 7.8 lbs and 19.5 inches.

 If it wasnt for Ashley Hawkes and her gorgeous blog, The Adventures of the Bubblegum Pirates, I would probably never feel inspired to get on here. But, I look at her blog and DROOL and every time I do, I think to myself, man, I need to blog something! So here I am!

Summer has been flying by per usual and we are getting ready for a trip to Disneyland with my parents and Casey and I am beyond excited! We went last year but I was pregnant with little peanut at the time and was very limited to what I could do. No roller coasters for mommy! This year, it's on. We have been keeping the trip a secret from Jacob so we could surprise him. I cant wait to finally be able to spill the beans! We are going to do it the morning we leave. Just have to figure out a fun and clever way of doing it.

Looks like Toys R Us didn't get the memo

Got this in the mail the other day. Another perk of being a bereaved parent...

Yep, my little blondie should be turning 1 a week from tomorrow, December 19th. I put my energy into putting together a balloon release for him but the tears have definitely been rolling more frequently the last two weeks; it's to be expected. Nolan's birthday coupled with Christmas makes for an interesting holiday season but so far so good. It's not as horrible as I thought it was going to be.

I just gotta keep telling myself...
One. Day. At. A. Time.

I heart Shutterfly!

I have been using Shutterfly since Jacob was born back in 2005. I used them that same year to send out our 1st family Christmas card and I have been going back ever since! They make it so easy to make a fantastic Holiday card that you will be proud to send out to friends and family. In the last 5 years I have never, ever been disappointed with any Shutterfly product, especially their Holiday cards!

So, without further ado, I would like to show off some Shutterfly goodies that I will for sure be using this Holiday season!

I seriously cant decide between these two! It's either Naughty or Nice or Air Mail Wishes for me.

I think this year Im finally going to tackle a calendar for the Grammies. Im loving these NEW desk calendars. Very Sophisticated!

Psssst... Are you still listening? Well, if you are and you have a blog you're in luck! Shutterfly is giving away 50 FREE Chistmas cards to bloggers! What an amazing deal, right?! Click HERE for more info.