Sunday, January 27, 2013

Matching!

It doesn't really get any cuter than Ella! :)

Auntie has a matching one. Thanks Ella!



January: Where Have You Gone?

I'm having a hard time believing that its the 27th of January already.

Today, Lucas & I finally un-decorated the Christmas tree and put all the Christmas stuff away. Now, my house feels bare. The only thing that made the evening tolerable (it's always a sad day when the Christmas things get put away) was that it was a snowy blizzard outside! :)

This week I am planning to spruce up the house with Valentine's Day decor! :)

More to come this week!



Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Crafting

So, I was browsing Etsy to find something to use my gift certificate on from my wonderful sister and I came across some felt hearts used as decorations... Here's my own little creations based on those...



Friday, January 18, 2013

Photo Shoot

No words necessary. :)





Thursday, January 17, 2013

Close To My Heart, Never Far From My Mind

I think about my Papa often.

A few times a day, to be honest.

I think about what he would have said in a variety of situations if he was still with us. It would be just the right thing to say at just the right time and it would include hope and positivity.

I think about the BIG smile that would be on his face if he could have met Ella.

I think about how if he was still with us, he would still make daily trips to the barn & help whenever he could. He would still call my mom every single morning and ask her what my dad was up to for the day.

He would wake up well before Nana, but would be quiet and let her sleep; he would check his blood sugar, make coffee, eat breakfast, read the paper and watch the news. If anyone was there to hear him, he would say he needed to check the obituaries to see if he lived another day. :)

He would shake his head in disbelief at the thought of the possibility of the Mosinee Mill closing. He would say "that's too bad" and then go into a story or two of his memories there.

He would love Nana unconditionally; he would be so proud of his kids and their spouses; he would tell everyone all about his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He would still pick up his long-time friend Joe who no longer drives every Saturday night and they would go to church.

He and Nana would still go to the grocery store together, but use separate carts as well as pay separately (we never really will understand it, but it was them).

I think about him often.

Many things remind me of him on a daily basis.

I think about one of the last things he said to me - she's good - and I hold it dear to my heart.

I think about all the time I got to spend with him and I smile. And, I am forever grateful for being blessed with so many memories. I take comfort in knowing he never really is that far away in memory and what wonderful memories to have.





Saturday, January 12, 2013

Gift Giving

I love gifting. I love the challenge of finding the perfect gift for people; or taking their wish list ideas and putting my own creative spin on what else to include or how to present it. With that being said, whether you love gift giving or struggle with it - I introduce you to Birch Box. For Christmas this year, I was gifted a Birch Box from one of my best friends & I love it! :)

These photos are from my second box. :)







Tuesday, January 1, 2013

New Years Resolutions

2013: A new year. A new beginning. A fresh start.

So how will I go about this?

1. Lose weight {a little cliche, I know}
Because who doesn't want to be healthier?
And, my doctor said losing a few pounds may increase our chances of getting pregnant.
So, Lucas & I have decided to commit to this for 2013 - a new & improved, healthier lifestyle. Eating better, being more active & enjoying life.
I have re-enrolled in Weight Watchers (I stopped last year when I found out I was expecting) with my mom & aunt by my side and will be taking healthy habits home to Lucas.
Lucas & I have agreed to a more active lifestyle - for starters, we have taken up & ENJOY cross country skiing.

2. Work Less
Now, in saying this, you must know, I love what I do. So, so much. But, 2012 was a rough work year & I need to find that balance this year. We are in a much better place and I need to take this opportunity to focus a little more on me and my family. So, while I want this, I also want to be better at my job. I want to be meet the professional goals I have made for myself for 2013 & I want happy residents & happy employees.

3. Play More
I want to get out and experience more of what life has to offer. Lucas & I want to try and get some where new at least every other month - a mini vacation, a weekend away, etc. Already, we are planning a ski trip - see how this trip ties into the first two resolutions. :) We do have pretty busy lives (who doesn't?) and need to be sure we are always taking time to spend with each other. Any cool little get away ideas for us? Please share!!

4. Have a Baby
I'm not sure this qualifies as a resolution, but really, this is what we want. Hands down. We are hoping the top three resolutions will help lead us to this one here. I try so much to be content with all I have as I really am blessed beyond belief with a wonderful family, amazing friends, a job I love, a roof over my head and the list goes on & on; but, to be honest: we want resolution #4 more than anything.

And the best is yet to come...

Love,
Heidi :)