Feeling a bit nolgastic

8 years ago, I met a man that would forever change my life. I can't believe that it has been 8 years already. We met through our friend Karl and became fast friends. If I wasn't home, I was probably with Tracy. We had many late night movies, marathons of various TV series (24, Taken to name a couple), and dinners whether out or fix it together. After 3 1/2 years we decided we were tired of the single life and became an eternal family. I couldn't have asked for a better husband and father. He is always encouraging me to accomplish my goals and even puts up with my craziness.

First Date

Playing Cards With My Family

Engagement Picture

Wedding Pictures

 

Our Family

I know he'll read this, so I Love You, Tracy! Here's to many great years and many more to come!

Herb Garden

We've gained a new love of using fresh herbs in our food, especially Joe. He has become my personal gourmet chef. :) Mostly he's been making Italian dishes from the Olive Garden website. The other day, while he was making Chicken Marsala, I declared we needed a Herb Garden. So, I started researching how to grow a thriving herb garden.

AeroGarden

I came across these awesome indoor gardens. That can be placed right on your kitchen counter. Since they come with their own artificial light you don't need to put it by a window. The only down side is they cost anywhere from $60-$130. Depending on how many seed pods it holds. A little out of our price range at the moment.

Well, since getting that one wasn't going to happen for awhile, if ever. I started looking into what were the best indoor conditions needed to grow one. The first thing that is needed is at least 5 hours of direct sunlight, so a South or West facing window is best. Umm... I thought that might be possible, but wait our windows are facing North and East and are almost always in the shade.There is always artificial lighting.

Also, there's the challenge to keep it out of reach of the pets and James. With artificial lighting I could put it on a shelf as high above the ground as I want, so I guess that really isn't a challenge.

Maybe, I'll save up for one of those counter top AeroGardens. Till then I'll see if I can rig something up.

1 month till 1 year....

It's crazy how time flies. A year ago I was preparing for a day of birth. Right now I am preparing for a birthday. Its sad to think my baby is getting older, but exciting to think of all the fun times ahead.

James at 11 months:
This past month James has learned to crawl. It is so funny to watch him crawl after the cats. He'll laugh and squeal while chasing after them. Kind of like the two videos below. I know it's amazing that I finally took and uploaded videos of James. These might even be the first home videos I've ever posted. My living room is kind of a mess, so just ignore that part.

He doesn't quite have the hang of crawling on the tile.

Now that he is recovered from his Christmas flu. He is throughly enjoying his Christmas gifts. His favorite toy is the blocks we gave him. He just loves to watch me stack them and then he knocks them over.

Watch closely and you'll see he closes his eyes before they fall over.

Just a picture. Sad I know, but it's still cute.

Playing the drum he got from Grandpa & Grandma Thomson.

I could go on all day posting videos and pictures, but I won't overwhelm you too much.

P.S. Angie- I have now added to my New Year resolutions to hang out with you more and Shauna- I have also included to hang out with you more too.  :)

New Year!

One year has gone 

One year has begun 

Looking back at 2010 

Looking forward to 2011

It's that time when everyone makes New Year resolutions. I haven't made any for a really long time. I figured what's the point when I know I won't follow through. Well, this year I'm making it my New Year resolution to make New Year resolutions and actually do them.

My New Year resolutions:

• Make and follow through with New Year resolutions
• Be better at keeping my house clean and organized
• Spending less time playing meaningless computer games and more time on things I really love (i.e. sewing, reading, drawing).
• Go to church every Sunday. We've really slacked off on this. Hoping to do better.
• Work on a monthly budget and stick with it.
• Read scriptures and pray more regularly
• Exercise 2-3 times a week.  I want to be in batter shape like I was before having James by the end of the year.
• Hang out with friends more, especially with Angie and Shauna. I've become a hermit and need to get out. 

I'm really looking forward to this New Year and to the new ME/US.

Some things I'm looking forward to this year:

• James' first birthday. I've already started planning a little shindig.
• Joe retaking 3 classes that he didn't do so well last year with taking 19 credits and a new baby
• Which will bring Joe finally finishing his Bachelor's
• Joe's first publication and possibly a 2nd
• Hopefully an acceptance to a grad school
• My official first Mother's day (last years didn't really count cause I had to work)
• Joe's 30th birthday (I'll probably plan a shindig for this great milestone)
• My 27th birthday (I'm not afraid of getting older, just afraid of getting old without accomplishing anything)
• Our 5th Anniversary
• Our first family vacation with James and maybe a camping trip or two
• Hopefully a Christmas where James isn't sick and he can enjoy the wrapping paper. I mean his gifts.

Here's to a great year and good luck all on your New Year resolutions.