Did someone switch the date?

Christmas comes one time a year, the same day, every single year. It's constant, it's consistent, it's Christmas. Millions of people have come to terms with this and many even prepare by shopping months in advance. Although Jason and I decided to not exchange gifts with each other this year, we agreed to just do small gifts for our stockings. Afterall, this year and the following years are reserved for Marley and her possible future sibling(s). At this point in my life, there's not much I "need" let alone "want".

Which brings me to my next point....Jason has known about Christmas day for months, years, his entire life. My mom was kind enough to watch Marley Monday while he did some last minute shopping. And by last minute, I mean he started. I get a phone call, hearing his extremely annoyed and aggrevated voice, and I immediately want to laugh. I can hear Christmas music in the distant background with angry people in the near background.

"They dont' have any of the movies you asked for!!" he screams panicked.
"So don't get any..." it's simple, right? They're out of something, so don't get it? I thought so, too.
"What am I supposed to get you!?" more panicking.
"I don't know, a gift card?"
"I can't just get you ONE thing for your stocking! What else can I get you??" huffing....
"Jason, you're asking me 4 days before Christmas what I want and you're getting mad because the store is out of things?"
"I'm going to hang up before I say anything else"...ah, you are wise Sensei.

At least last minute shopping year after year has finally taught him one thing....to insert foot in mouth when appropriate.

Not so haute...

Dear Scale,

I'm not quite where we initially went wrong, but I'd like to get on your good side again. I tend to think it all began after college when I started dating Jason. I quickly latched on to his ability to eat absolute crap and not gain an ounce thinking it could do the same for me. Oh contrare m'frare - not only do I have THE worst metabolism, but the most canny ability to "go with the flow". My diluted way of rationalizing has gotten out of hand. Where toned muscle used to be, odd shaped lumps and bumps have taken over shouting, "firm me, FIRM ME!". I shake my head in disgust as I run past the mirror as fast I can as body parts once deemed "unjiggleable" now flap in the wind.

I know what you're thinking and no, I'm not ready to throw you out the window. I am willing to cooperate with you, a mutual partnership, if you can please learn to readjust yourself. I think you do it purpose. Although I only gained 20 pounds during pregnancy, I was willing to let it slide when you continually jumped each week chalking it up to baby weight. I even loved you after the baby, when you went down and down and down. And then it happened. My appetite came back....

I just hope we can learn to be friends. I joined a new gym and I think you'll be pleased with the results once I start going. I am thrilled to jump back on the wagon - I hope you'll join me. We'll deal with our "man in the mirror" issues later, but first, let me welcome you back to my life.

Sincerely yours,
Lard Ass

Hello world

Well considering no one even reads this blog, I'm not in a major rush to update, hence why it's been several months. We're gearing up for the first Christmas at the house - it feels nice to have a proper tree up again. Last year, we were in the apartment squished between baby toys and a mini tree. WE had all of our Christmas stuff in storage so it was nice to put it all out. I was extremely excited to get mantle stocking holders since we have a real wood burning fireplace. I love it. Work is wrapping up and slowing down - looking forward to a quiet winter.
Just some random pictures from over the past few months....

Let the babies dance...

Amy-the-great-and-powerful-tutu-maker is offering a discount on her traditional and ballerina chicy styled tutu's if you're interested in donating a Tutu for Tuesday. You can have the tutu shipped to you, if you'd like to include a note or something and forward it on yourself to the organization. Or, I'm sure Amy will fabulously make this tutu and send straight on for you.

Here is the address for sending the Tutu's:

Tuesday's Tutu's
P.O. Box 518
Watkins, CO 80134

Check out the link for Amy's site with more information on how to get a fabulous tutu made in Tuesday's honor! Chicy Creations: Tutus for Tuesday

Fun fall thursday

It was unseasonable warm today - I was itching to get out of work so I could come home and play outside in all the leaves, er I mean, lack thereof. Hopefully this year, we can work on ripping a few trees out, as 2 of them are dead and the other is knocking on heaven's door. Our very overgrown front yard is going to have to wait until next year mostly due to the fact that we can't replant anything until next year and because we don't have a lot of time. I guess we would force ourselves to do it, but winter is coming, so we'll just wait until spring. It's a hot mess, though. .

So we finally decided to put up some outside Halloween decorations. In fact, it was actually Jason's idea. What? It's only a week before Halloween you say? Hmm. Ok yes, we've procrastinated and yes, the decorations have been sitting in our hallway collecting dust and making my type A go insane. That is neither here nor there. No, it IS here and there because it's been on our minds, doesn't that count for something? We've been meaning to get to it, but just been really really busy. Ok, no more excuses, point is we finally got it up. And the best part about it was we didn't have enough outdoor extension cords so we couldn't even light it all up. Wait, I take that back, the best part was being outside! We've been couped up for a while and Marley has been sick off and on, so we were trying not to take her out if we didn't have to, especially since the whole dang world seems to have the swine. She loves it. I love watching her look at everything with the most concentrated look and sometimes I forget she is seeing things for the very first time. Sure, she's felt the wind before, but she opens her mouth and giggles. I can only imagine it tickles and it makes her laugh, and I love every minute. I wish I could freeze this age - so full of wonder....

We came outside and to our surprise had a street, a parking garage, a boat dock and stop signs all over our sidewalks and driveway. I even stood in the lake and according to Justin, drowned in minutes.

Watching the neighbors ride their bikes. They yelled "Marrrrley" as they scooted past

There are so many decisions in life...which way to go?

In the end, we choose the path less traveled (thanks to the neighbor kids for helping lead the way and chalking it out for us)

Tutu's for Tuesday

So I've been reading this blog and haven't been able to get this family off my mind. Most everyone knows of the tutu photoshoot Marley had with her friends Fiona and Gabriella. They had so much fun together. Ok who am I kidding, they cried the entire time. They hated it. But, we did get some cute pictures out of it. Anyways, I found on Jessica's blog about Tutu's for Tuesday. I got in touch with the woman who did the girls' tutu's and she agreed to make some for this great cause. I purchased 5, along with 5 beanie caps to keep those cute little bald heads warm. Amy, the fab tutu maker, is even donating a few herself. It feels so amazing to be helping those kids out, in any way possible. I can't even imagine those babies dancing and twirling to their heart's content. I only hope it brings them joy and peace, and maybe even a memory to last a lifetime for their families.

If you are interested in donating a tutu, please let me know, as I'll be sending them when they are ready. You can contact Amy, the fab tutu maker, as well at her website. She is so generous to do this, so again, if you're interested, send her a message or let me know!

Roller coaster

Yesterday was an odd day for me. I was happy in the morning, sad in the afternoon, and extremely grateful by the end of the evening. It's all thanks to Tuesday. I came across her family's blog and it instantly sucked me in. You see, Tuesday just recently lost her fight with cancer earlier this year. She was a 2 year old child with a twin sister and 2 other siblings. I'm all too familiar with the cancer world, but not pediatric cancer. It's unfair her family is panged with this and left to pick up the pieces of losing a child. Their pain belongs to them, only them. There's are no words to offer, just good thoughts and prayers to send. My heart hurts for them....

I hate that their horrible story made me so grateful for my living, healthy child. I hate that it made my time feel more precious and how many extra kisses I gave. I hate that pediactric cancer takes thousands of lives and leaves gaping holes in the hearts that may never ever feel whole again. I hate that I feel helpless, I hate that my tiny contributions aren't enough, I hate cancer....

Despite the emotional day, I felt compelled to take advantage of the warm weather and go for a walk with my family. I love that word. I love my family. I love my life. I am grateful, especially for my living, healthy child. Sweet Tuesday, I am grateful for you.