Dreaming of.....

laying out on the beach, listening to the relaxing rhythm of the ocean, soaking in the hot sun, getting a nice tan....( that's my guess, what do you think?:)

It's Snot

Yep, I'm alive. I just haven't had one second to write anything. Jax and I have been quite a pair of sickos. He started it :) Poor guy is a contstant snot fountain and I can't help but almost cry with him everytime I wipe his bright red snotty nose. So that's it for now.

...ing at home

Laundering: I really don't mind gathering up all the dirty clothes and doing the laundry. It's the folding and putting away that I hate. Why is that? You'd think I'd like to enjoy the fruits of my labor smelling and folding all the fresh clothes. Nope. Hate it.

Ironing: I extremely dislike everything involved in ironing. I inherited this from my mom I think :)
Sweeping: My swiffer sweeper is my friend. If you have hard wood floors it's definitely worth it.

Mowing ( can't wait for summer): If we had plush green grass in the summer I'd love to mow the lawn. But our grass is old and not plush and green, therefore mowing it gives no satisfaction.

Playing: There's 2 places in the house where Jax plays: upstairs and downstairs. When he gets bored playing in his room, and my room, and the office, and the front room, and the kitchen I ask him, "Jax, do you want to go downstairs and play?". This is followed by an excited look and a cute little reply of "ess" (yes). Then when he gets bored playing downstairs, he gets excited to go upstairs and the process starts all over again.

Cooking: Jared has told me recently that my cooking has improved 1000% since we got married. That's 1,000, not 100%. Wow, I must have really sucked back then.

Contacting: I love getting mail. US, or e.

Checking: Once Jax goes to sleep, Jared and I check him at least 3 times before we go to sleep. We just can't help but peek in on him when he's so quiet and still.

Snuggling: Sometimes when Jax is fast asleep Jared will pick him up and rock him back and forth. Jax lays his little head on his shoulder and softly sleeps. It's the only time Jax snuggles.

Bread-making: My Cuisinart convection breadmaker is seriously overrated. It really should work better than it does. (I'm 95% sure it's not my fault:)

Entertaining (a 17 month old): Jax loves his indoor roller coaster, playing the piano with me, playing hide and seek and playing what I call, "I'm gonna get you" which is pretty much self explanatory. I chase him around our house and he laughs his head off. Good stuff.

- Exercising: I love having a treadmill downstairs. Sometimes the thought of stepping outside in 10 degree weather to get to the car to go to the gym just kills the motivation to work out. I love my gym, but I love taking a break and working out at home.

- Sleeping: These days I love to sleep more than anything. For the past week Jax is being a little stinker, waking up at 6:00, and only napping for 1 hour in the afternoon. So, when bed time comes for me I'm excited to hop in my oh so comfy bed and fall asleep.

V-Day on a budget

Jared is a creature of habit, and he is happy with the lunch I've packed him now for over a year. 2 PB&J's, some goldfish crackers and almonds. So in the spirit of Valentines day I thought I'd add a special twist to the sandwiches. Nothing says love like heart shaped peanut butter goodness. Happy V-Day Jared.

Mmmmmmm. Nutella

My awesome friends Jeny and Jim brought me over some amazing gifts for my birthday. Shoes, chocolate cake, and my favorite chocolate treat of all time: Nutella with Nilla wafers. DELICIOUS!!! Thanks guys!

Gotta love footies

Many of you know that I have been collecting baby clothes for years. It started in high school when I couldn't pass up killer deals at baby Gap, Old Navy and other random places. Well, this is one such purchase. I bought these baby PJ's while I was a Freshman in college. I was shopping at the Gap for a golf shirt, and afterwards snuck over to the baby store and saw these on clearance for $4. I happily purchased them. I could never have imagined how cute my little guy could be in these size 18 month footies. So, this is just a random post to say that I love footies, and I'm pretty sure Jax does too.

Puzzle and quick step

When Jax gets tired he gets slap happy. I absolutely love it. This is a mellow version of what I mean, and notice how he goes from being goofy to being a grump. The final frame makes me laugh. Kids are so funny.

Funky smile!

Jax does this hilarious cheesy smile sometimes when he is being goofy (which is a lot of the time). I just LOVE his funny little teeth. I couldn't resist posting this smile.

politics and perspective

Mitt Romney just concluded his speech to the Conservative Political Action Committee. You can read it here.
I watched it on Fox News, and I must admit I shed a tear or two. He has officially withdrawn from the race, and did so with amazing class and selflessness. His love for this country is evident; he chose the higher ground and decided it was best for the Republican party for him to step aside and let McCain gather support for his up hill climb to defeat the democrats and win the presidency. I admire Romney for his strength of character, his leadership, his position on issues that are important to me such as family values, self reliance, independence, the war on terror, the economy, abortion, and the sanctity of marriage. I wish him much success in the future of politics.

So that's it for my political rantings today; I mean it's my birthday so that means today is a happy day. I treated myself to a diet coke, and a brownie. Good stuff. I'm 28. 2 years away from 30. I've decided I want to always be happy about birthdays. I have a good life, and I want to make sure to stop and realize that time goes by fast, and I should enjoy every moment and really make memories. Think about how fast certain events in your life go by. High school passed at the blink of an eye. But I remember life enhancing events: Playing on the golf team with my brothers, having my mom and dad there to support me in every single athletic event, learning how to fight physical battles after my knee surgeries, and so many more. College FLEW by for me. Those memories will last forever. We are all in different stages of life, but we should stop to realize where we are, and make a goal to do something extraordinary with that time. I look at my life here in Ohio. We have lived here for almost 6 years! When I am an old Grandma what will I remember about this time. Will I remember the long hours that Jared worked, or how little I saw him? Will I remember the challenges? Chances are I won't remember anything unless I do things that made a difference. I hope to remember and cherish the quiet moments with Jax, and being able to be with him all the time, witnessing each milestone. I will never be a mother of only one child ever again. I should make it a wonderful memory and enjoy it.
I will remember my career chapter. A 4 1/2 year chapter that forever impacted me. I'll always remember the lessons I learned and how I grew as a person. I'm a better woman and mother because of those experiences.

So, if you feel like you need to break out and do something to make a memory; DO IT! Stages of our lives go by so quick, they'll seem like a blip on the radar when we are older. Let's do things that stand out in our minds so we'll always remember. There is a new country song on the radio by Trace Adkins. Speaking about certain stages in our lives the lyrics express:
"Your'e gonna miss this
your'e gonna want this back
you're gonna wish these days
hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
so take a good look around
You may not know it now
but you're gonna miss this."

I agree. So smile, take it all in, make a difference, and be grateful!

Today

Here is a little glimpse of our day today. Sometimes the simple moments are the ones you cherish the most. One of Jax's favorite songs at story time is "You Are my Sunshine". It is certainly true that he makes me happy when skies are gray, and in Ohio it seems skies are gray all the time.

Torn

To go back, or not to go back. I am racking my brain. I am nervous, and excited to consider the offer. It's stressful, that's a downside. Quotas are tough, my new boss would be a challenge, the territory is really struggling. The money is good; that's a plus. Who would watch Jax? Oh man that would be hard. I love the job. It makes me happy. It also would take me away from my family more than I'd like. It's part time; that's a plus....but on the other hand I tried part time before and it felt more like full time.... I'm thrilled they thought of me first, but what to do! What to do..........the biggest question on my mind. Should I accept the offer and go back to work? I am feeling doubt, is that my answer? I am feeling excitement, is that it? Oh man, this is tough.

Giants with the W

Did you see how excited Peyton was to see his brother win the Super Bowl? That was great to see how supportive he was. And those Manning parents must be so proud. Last year the Colts won and this year Eli lead the Giants to a much deserved victory. Good stuff. Jax was my football watching buddy, but he conked out after the first quarter. Jared has been on call now for 12 hours and won't be home for another 16 hours or so. That pretty much sucks, but what can you do? But that gripe is for another post. Tonight I was excited to see the underdog upset the Pats!