La Vie Jacqueline

Farewell

2010-08-18T11:31:00.003-04:00

The time has come to do a little housekeeping...and not the kind with a mop and broom. Over the past year, my life has filled up with so much, well...LIFE! I love every moment of every day, but I need to rearrange a few things to make more time for the things that I truly enjoy.

I have enjoyed blogging, but its fun for me has run its course. Farewell blog :)

Hey Handsome!

2010-08-05T11:21:00.003-04:00

The Kitchen...finito!

2010-07-26T09:11:00.005-04:00

New Lens!!!

2010-07-24T17:30:00.002-04:00

YEAH! I got my new camera lens yesterday. I was super bummed when I didn't feel well today, but I still managed to snap a few photos of Matt Man.

Play Time!!!

2010-07-21T17:10:00.003-04:00

And, alas I am still trying to get good shots of my little 'energizer bunny.' I can only freeze his movement at high shutter speed, which isn't producing the contrast or the color that I am looking for. But, this is still a cute shot!

Hello Angel

2010-07-21T15:35:00.001-04:00

2010-07-20T09:25:00.005-04:00

Another goal of mine this year, learn to make a mean cupcake. And, not just fancy dancy decorating either...I mean a truly good, melt in your mouth cupcake. This project might be saved for the holidays.

2010-07-19T17:38:00.003-04:00

This photo was taken right after a nap. Matthew was running around being his usual self, when for a brief moment he stopped, looked up at me, and held this angelic pose for...a millisecond!

Jeff loves this picture and I can see why. Matthew looks just like Jeff in this photograph. From his hair, right down to his chin...spitting image of his daddy. I wish with my whole heart that this photo quality had turned out better. I ordered a new lens that will hopefully allow me to capture my busy boy in his element and still produce a nice, sharp image.

Even more cuteness

2010-07-19T16:14:00.002-04:00

More Three Months

2010-07-18T20:39:00.005-04:00

Jeffrey has started to blow bubbles and can hold his head upright for long periods of time. And...he is started to inch himself forward. I have a feeling he will be crawling before long. He is such a sweet baby. I can't wait to take more pictures of my little munchkin.

3 Months

2010-07-17T21:40:00.007-04:00

This is my first attempt at taking/editing photos of Jeffrey. Instead of hiring a photographer to take 3 month shots, I thought I would try my hand at it. I am pleased with the 'baby part' photos, but think I need a new lens in order to freeze movement and obtain 'tack sharp' photos. Let me know what you think!

Uh Oh

2010-07-14T14:21:00.004-04:00

My baby is on the move! Jeffrey is rolling over at 3 months old. Please God, don't let him be an early walker...

2010-07-11T17:17:00.003-04:00

My little munchkin loves to smile and talk

Almost 21 Months and 3 Months

2010-07-11T17:00:00.002-04:00

Here are my two handsome boys! As you can tell from this picture, they truly are best friends.

Matthew is almost 21 months old.

He is very active. He loves to read, swim, build with Legos, and JUMP! He runs, jumps, climbs, and bounces around with ease. Matt also can pick out most animals, colors, shapes, some numbers, letters, and objects when asked. His memory is amazing.

Jeffrey is 3 months old.

He smiles easily and babbles all day long. One thing Matthew and Jeffrey have in common is they both wake up talking. It is so cute to sit back and listen in the morning.

Jeffrey can roll from his tummy to his back, sit in the Bumbo chair, and has quite the grip! He is very strong. I can't wait for his first all out belly laugh. He giggles from time to time, but I am waiting for a TRUE laugh :)

Kitchen Remodel

2010-07-09T12:15:00.007-04:00

Well, ladies and gentleman, he has done it again...Jeff has transformed an outdated space into something truly beautiful.

As you can see from the before picture...our kitchen needed a makeover. We spent many months doing dishes by hand in a tiny sink and cramming all of our kitchen wares into shallow cupboards.

After a lot of hard work, weeks of doing dishes in the bathtub, and a stint of living with our appliances in the living room...it is almost complete! We just have to paint, install the new light fixture, and finish the pantry.

THANK GOD! I cannot wait to have a dishwasher, space to store things, and a refrigerator that fits a 12 pack of beer AND food!

2010-06-22T09:19:00.013-04:00

I have had some free time to work on some personal projects. My latest endeavor is to learn more about the digital camera my sister is letting me borrow and to learn to edit my favorite shots.

This is the 'before' shot.

This is using a preset to enhance color. I like how the blues pop a little more, but it still isn't as bright as I would like.

Now, here is the color I am talking about! But...not perfect. The red is a little too fluorescent and now Matt's face looks a little overexposed.

Try, try, again, but I thought I would post my first attempts, so I can see improvement when I learn more.

2010-06-21T10:23:00.009-04:00

Jeffrey's christening was yesterday. He was an absolute angel. We had such a great day celebrating such a happy occassion with family and friends.

I don't know if we will ever have a family picture with us all looking the same way!

Awww....my little prince.

I love kissing those cheeks!

Almost 20 Months

2010-06-13T11:49:00.013-04:00

Matthew is so 'busy,' it is hard to take a picture of him. He is in constant motion. Jeff and I joke that he is either going 110% or he is sleeping! So, I had to get creative with this post. I decided to take pictures of things that he enjoys right now.

Of course, Mattew LOVES his baby brother. He is always by J's side. It is so sweet to see how protective Matt is.

Matthew likes puzzles right now. I think these ones are a little to easy for him at this point. But, he loves them!

Matthew also loves to read. He especially likes flip books. He even has memorized a few of them, so when we turn to certain pages, he will "read" a few words, before I get to them.

And, Matt's favorite bedtime buddy is 'Teddy AKA Ted.' He reaches for him as soon as we put him to bed. So sweet!

Other things Matt likes to do are go to swim class, play at the park, and recite 'A,B,C,D' in the morning when he thinks no one is listening.

Matthew still 'babbles,' but he knows more words than he lets on. I hear him talking to himself in the morning and words come out....he just likes to talk to Ted and not Mom/Dad.

Play Time with M & J

2010-06-08T19:58:00.002-04:00

2010-06-07T21:10:00.003-04:00

Matthew has really grown attached to Jeffrey. He loves to hold his hand and kiss his forehead. It almost brings tears to my eyes to see him acting so loving towards his baby brother. Today, while Matthew was 'talking' to J and holding his hand, Jeffrey smiled at him...it was so sweet! I love seeing their bond grow each day.

And, today I saw a side of Matthew that I had never seen before. We were playing at an indoor playground. Any time one of the other kids made their way over to sneak a peek at J, Matthew stopped what he was doing, ran as fast as he could over to J's side, covered him with his own little body and yelled 'Noooo!' He was SO protective of Jeffrey. It was cute, but at the same time I wasn't sure how to react.

I absolutely love having two little boys so close in age. I just know they will become the best of friends.

2010-06-07T21:06:00.002-04:00

J loves his baths just as much as his big brother. He has such a sweet face. I had to post this picture!

2010-06-07T21:04:00.002-04:00

Matthew may look like Jeff, but he sure reminds me a lot of myself! Case and point - the color coordinated legos above.

Two Months!

2010-06-05T22:27:00.004-04:00

Jeffrey is two months old! He is such a sweet baby. J loves to listen to music, spend time with his big brother Matthew, and snuggle with Mommy. He can roll from his tummy to his back and SMILES all the time. AND, he is sleeping through the night. Yay!

At his doctor appointment this week, J measured 23 3/4" long and weighed 14 lbs 3 oz.

He is a happy, healthy boy. My only wish is that he could stay this little for a little while longer...

2010-06-04T07:23:00.005-04:00

When you become a mother, your leisure reading transitions from 'In Style' to reading about all things baby + child + health. My most recent reading has led me on a path to better eating. Of course, I have known all along that fast food + junk food are not healthy choices for my own body or for my family, but now that Jeff and I have little eyes watching our every bite, it is all the more important for us to make better choices.

Things that are IN:
Michigan grown produce - Eat healthy + support Michigan
Quinoa - subsitute for rice- loaded with antioxidants and a much healthier choice than rice
Organic Yogurt - Calcium sans the hormones
Free Range Beef - Thank you Mom + Dad for supplying us with 'happy' beef
Green Tea - antioxidant rich + little caffeine
Raw Almonds - grab a quick handful before raiding the cupboards for a 'snack'
Pure H20 - trying to convince Jeff to put a reverse osmosis purifier in our new kitchen

Things that are OUT:
Produce grown out of the country - who KNOWS what's in there
Soda + Cofffee - yes, we all know it's not so good...but it tastes so good!
Junk - cookies, candy, sugar ceraels...not found in our cupboards
The color white - bread, rice, pasta, whatever
Sugar/Artificial Sweeteners

Things we are working on:
Chicken - Want to find some 'organic' chicken, but without sacrificing taste (Tofu just isn't the same)
Milk + Eggs - gonna try the 'organic' milk this week

Progress!

2010-05-23T20:53:00.004-04:00

This is the house that we fell in love with and bought. Burgundy shudders and all. Haha. She was a fixer upper for sure. Less than one year later, we have almost completely gutted every inch of the house and remodeled. This is our latest project...the front landscaping.

Last summer, I ripped out all of the plants in the front flower beds. This year I helped woodchip and trucked all of the landscaping supplies home, but the rest of the credit goes to my incredibly talented husband.

He put a new roof on the house, painted the front door, painted custom shudders, built custom flower boxes, ripped out the old walkway, put in a brick paver walkway (one hell of a task), built a rock wall that lines part of the front landscape beds, and planted all of the new plants. He EVEN planted our new 7' tree you see on the right - all by himself.

We aren't done yet...but I wanted to post while I had some free time. I still need to plant flowers in the flower boxes and find some lighting for our walkway. But, all in all I am very pleased with our progress.

2010-05-16T12:26:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I actually caught one of J's smiles on camera!

Brothers

2010-05-10T12:24:00.004-04:00

Having two boys so close in age will no doubt present its challenges, but overall, I am happy that they are only 17 months apart. I love seeing how they interact with one another already.

When Jeffrey cries, Matthew comes to find me and pushes me towards him. He also tries to give Baby J his pacy, which is adorable. When Matthew shouts or laughs, J looks in his direction. It is so amazing to see their bond grow stronger each day.

One Month

2010-05-05T14:55:00.010-04:00

Baby J is one month old! I can't believe it!

Jeffrey is so strong. He holds his head up very well. His legs are very strong too...he pushes off when I hold him like he wants to jump right out of my arms!

His sleep schedule is very good to mommy. J wakes up once in the night for a quick snack.

He loves taking walks, listening to lullabys, his baby swing, and doesn't mind tummy time.

The first month went by so fast...I hope the second comes a little slower.

Play Time!

2010-05-05T14:46:00.004-04:00

Jeff and I love bringing the boys to the park. It is really nice that we have one right around the corner! J loves to take walks in the stroller and to hear his brother playing on the playground. Matthew LOVES to climb up high and go down the 'Big Boy' slide...with help of course!

Matthew's First Swim Class

2010-05-05T14:14:00.005-04:00

Matthew had his first swim class last night. Jeff went in the pool with him, while Baby J and I watched from the bleachers. Matthew was a little upset at first, but then really started to love it! Unfortunately, when he started to have fun I got busted by the lifeguard for taking video. Apparrently, they don't allow video taping at the pool! Boo!

2010-04-25T14:32:00.002-04:00

This video was taken a while ago when Matthew first learned to build towers with his blocks. Too cute not to share!

2010-04-25T14:13:00.002-04:00

Jeffrey had his first bath. Overall, I think he had mixed feelings. At first, he seemed to enjoy it...but about 5 minutes in, he got a little upset. I forgot how tiny newborns are in the infant tubs!

Right before shedding a few tears. He has the 'pout' down!

Jeffrey's First Bath

2010-04-25T14:08:00.002-04:00

18 Months!

2010-04-20T19:09:00.016-04:00

Matthew is almost 18 months old! Don't let the angelic face fool you...he has been testing his boundaries, true to his age.

Matthew is learning so much right now. We have been going over colors, animals, shapes, and much more each day. He only has a handful of words that he uses, but every now and again a word slips out...he just uses words when HE wants to.

As far as adjusting to life with his baby brother...Matthew is still a little too young to take it all in. He peeks in at Jeffrey from time-to-time, but other than that...it is life as usual for Matt!

Two Weeks!

2010-04-20T18:57:00.005-04:00

Jeffrey is two weeks old!

He is such a sweet baby. He really only cries when he needs to be fed, changed or burped. Every time he fusses and I begin to think that he is fussing for no reason...out comes a burp or I check his diaper, and it needs to be refreshed.

Jeffrey is settling into a sleep routine at night...waking only at 1AM and 5Am, not too bad. We have the same bedtime lineup that we had with Matthew as a newborn...bottle, bath, swaddle, bed. It seems to be working for Baby J!

I can already tell that he is very bright. He is very attentive and turns his head towards my voice or the sound of music. He is very strong too! He is holding his head up quite well and pushes off with his little legs during tummy time.

My only wish is that this magical, newborn stage could last a little longer. Jeffrey is already over 9 lbs! He loves to eat and is growing so fast!

2010-04-15T14:12:00.003-04:00

When I look at this picture (taken last Sunday), I realize how much has changed over the past few years...and how fast the past few years have gone by.

Jeff and I got married, started new jobs, had our first baby, bought our first home, and had our second baby all in less than three years. Wow. What a whirlwind. However, I wouldn't change anything about the last four years. Every decision that we have made (or not made in some instances) has led us to where we are now, and we have never been happier!

What will the next three years bring...only God knows. I am very excited to find out.

Announcing....

2010-04-04T14:29:00.002-04:00

Jeffrey Charles Burch

Born April 3, 2010 at 1:51 AM

8lbs 3 oz 20" long

2010-03-15T07:06:00.002-04:00

Matthew is truly a little piece of heaven in our home. He is at such an incredible age. He is learning SO much every day! Even though he looks like Jeff, some of his facial expressions and mannerisms are all me...must be a first born thing.

Lately, he has been following me around as I 'nest' in preparation for the new baby. His 'new thing' that he loves to do...is put things away! (A boy after his mother's own heart). Jeff will take out a coaster for his coffee and as soon as he picks it up to take a sip, Matthew will scoop the coaster up and put it in the drawer. And, I might venture to say that he likes to clean up his room almost as much as he loves to make a mess of it!

Matthew also loves to build towers with his blocks, smile at pretty girls, and give his mommy hugs. He says 'What is that?' at least 100 xs per day. And his latest expression is 'Whoa!' Whenever he knocks over one of his block towers or runs too fast and slips...he says, "Whoa!"

But, I hear my little angel now, just waking up for the day. He loves to chit chat with his Teddy in the morning for a few minutes before I go get him. I wonder what he is talking about...

Snow Angel

2010-02-23T10:53:00.005-05:00

Matthew had his first adventure in the snow yesterday. I bundled him up, and with Jeff's help, brought him outside. He loved trompsing through the snow in his boots. Jeff and I can't wait to bring him skiing next year!

36 Weeks

2010-02-22T10:25:00.002-05:00

I thought my 'nest' of pasta was an appropriate picture for the week. Our freezer is stuffed to the brim with meals, and yet I can't stop cooking! Yesterday, I made homemade pasta for the pantry and ravioli for the freezer.

I have been preparing for the new baby for quite some time, and I think our house is finally as organized as it is going to be. All of the newborn clothes are washed and the nursery is stocked with newborn essentials, as well as diapers/other goodies for Matthew. I have a few other projects that I will be starting, but nothing that has to be done.

I am getting so excited! I can't wait for the baby to be here and for Matthew to meet his little brother. Just a few more weeks!!!

Almost 16 Months

2010-02-17T10:30:00.007-05:00

Matthew is almost 16 months! Every day, he surprises me with his ability to learn new things and by how much he is growing. He loves to run, talk, listen to music, dance, play with his toys, and of course snuggle with mommy.

There is one thing, Matt is not - shy. When out on errands or playing at his favorite 'tot-spot', Jungle Java, he will smile and chat up anyone who looks his way...spreading happiness wherever he goes.

Some of my favorite things about Matthew are...

- Hearing him giggle in the back seat of the car
- Seeing him dance whenever music comes on
- His tiny voice saying 'Why?' 'What?' 'Where are you?' 'Hi Dad!'
- The way he wakes up in the morning...full of smiles and hugs
- Touching my nose and saying 'No' (Translation 'nose')
- His chubby cheeks that are so kissable!
- The way he flips through his books and 'reads' to himself
- Bath Time...Matthew LOVES his baths and insists on ALL of his toys joining him

There are so many more things that I could write. Matthew is such a sweet boy. I am so lucky to be his mom!

The Guest 'Suite' is DONE!

2010-02-05T19:52:00.009-05:00

I thought my readers needed a refresher of what Jeff was working with...NOTHING. I accidentally deleted the 'Before' before picture. Picture 1970's flowery wallpaper, a built in wooden ash tray, and NO lighting. Oh, and no insulation.

And....with the wave of Jeff's magic wand...
(The doors still need to be put on the closet and built in cabinet)

Matt LOVED running around like a mad man in such a big space.

And, I know the lighting is not good and I am planning on adding a few more accessories, plus a down comforter, but I was too excited to wait to post pictures!!!

Coupon Crazy

2010-02-01T13:28:00.018-05:00

Special thanks to my SIL Angie for turning me on to http://moneysavingmom.com/.

I am always on the lookout for a deal while shopping at the grocery store and at Target. However, I have never clipped coupons before! Whoa, have my eyes have been opened.

I have gone a little coupon crazy over the weekend and am so excited about my potential finds this week. Who knew there were so many amazing deals out there?! And, some you can actually MAKE money on.

WHAT?! You all might be reading. Yes, it's true...there are a myriad of freebies out there and items you can make a buck or two on...just for spending a little time to hunt for them.

Here is a recap of my savings this weekend (I was just warming up):

20 boxes of diapers from Target *Saved $60 + free shipping
2 boxes of Special K * Purchased for $0.72 each (Regular $3.29 per box)
1 box of Post Raisin Bran * Purchased for $0.50 (Regular price $3.49 per box)

And, Meijer had their awesome 10 for $10 sale this weekend, with the 11th item free, so we stocked up on items like freezer bags that we go through so fast!

Time spent: 1 hour on http://moneysavingmom.com/ and http://meijer.com/.
Grand total savings: $75

Deals for today:

Desitin - Free at Target
Aveeno Baby Wash - Free at Target
2 bottles of contact solution - Free at Rite Aid with cash back
2 bottles of Dove Men's Body Wash - Free at Rite Aid with cash back

Grand total savings: $34 + $4 cash back
Time spent: 20 minutes on MSM blog and flipping through Target coupon mailer

How did I do it...using a combination of coupons I found online/received in the mail + utilizing Rite Aid's cash back program.

I did have concerns that I would be tempted to buy things that we don't normally purchase like soda and junk food, because it is on sale. Or, that we would have to switch brands each week to get the sale. However, I was pleased to find GREAT deals on things that we use every week and also, the brands that we normally use.

So, let the saving continue!

Pregnancy Update

2010-01-06T12:19:00.012-05:00

I am 29 weeks and feeling amazing. I am enjoying this pregnancy every single day. I love being able to relish in all of the little moments that make being pregnant so wonderful...the polite strangers who rush to open doors, baby kicks that let me know someone is on his way, and compliments from the most unlikely people sharing that they think I look beautiful. (Who doesn't like to be told that?!)

I really don't have too many aches or pains, and my feet have been royally pampered by frequent pedicures and loving foot rubs from Jeff.

I am in the home stretch and I couldn't be more excited!

14 Months

2010-01-04T08:47:00.003-05:00

Look at my big boy! He truly is the light of my life. Matthew brings Jeff and I so many smiles, giggles, and full out belly laughs every day. We love our little munchkin so much!

At 14 months, he loves to chatter in his own language and his favorite word, of course, is 'Dad.'
Here are a few more of his favorites...

Food: Bananas
Playtime: Building with blocks and reading
Song: Twinkle Twinkle Little Star
Book: I Love You Through and Through (His 'Matthew' Book)
Word: Dad

And, I can't leave out that when asked most anything...Matthew responds by nodding his head and saying 'Ya.' So cute!

Holiday Cheer!

2009-12-15T10:13:00.003-05:00

Thought I would spread a little holiday cheer! We brought Matthew to see Santa last night. He was such a charmer. He was smiling and giggling at the girls in line behind us. Here is my first attempt at making 'Santa' cookies on my own. I think they turned out pretty darn cute! Saving them for my cookie swap will be a challenge.

Makeover!

2009-11-17T20:04:00.004-05:00

Here is our house before... And after...with a new roof, shutters, and door. And, the beautiful rock wall Jeff built. However, I think the change of seasons/lack of landscaping in the front almost makes the after picture look worse than the before! Trust me...the house looks much better!

Better late than never!

2009-11-17T20:00:00.004-05:00

I just got my memory card reader back! Here is a belated picture of Matthew as 'The Cowardly Lion.' He LOVED his costume and ran around the front yard while trick-or-treaters came to the front door. When it got too dark to play outside, every time a trick-or-treater would come to the door, Matthew would run to the door and peek through Jeff's legs as he passed out candy. Too cute!

How to Beat a Monday

2009-11-03T09:11:00.003-05:00

Mondays often come way too fast. When I am at work, I do a few things to soften the day and make it a little more pleasant. Here are some things that I do on Mondays...or really any day when I need a little something to help me through my day. Whether you are at work or a stay-at-home-mom...sometimes you need a little something to start the week off right!

1. Grab a Starbucks or enjoy some flavored coffee from home. Smelling the amazing aroma of a pumpkin spice latte or Meijer hazelnut coffee makes my morning smell and feel like home when I am away.

2. Give myself a quick hand/arm massage with a scented lotion. The increased circulation and again, wonderful smell helps me to relax and focus on the tasks at hand.

3. Rub a small amount of Aveda Blue Oil on my temples. This amazing oil comes in a small vile with a roller on the end, perfect for your purse and for rubbing on pressure points. The oil cools the skin, which energizes, as well as relaxes.

4. Start the morning with some yoga. I cannot begin to tell you how much yoga has changed my life...with some simple stretching and breathing exercises, I am able to energize my body, feel refreshed, and start my day off right. A mere 5 - 10 minutes is all you need.

5. Take time to appreciate a picture that makes me happy. I have a few pictures in my office that make me smile every time I look at them. By taking a few moments to remember the day the photo was taken or think of the people in the photo, my spirits are immediately lifted.

6. Listen to relaxing music or a thunderstorm/rainstorm on CD. No, this does not make me sleepy. It makes me feel like I am outside enjoying the world, rather than inside working.

These are things that work for me. Everyone has a few things that would make their day a little more enjoyable. I encourage you to seek out these things and make them a part of your daily routine. Most of them just take a few moments or minutes and can impact your mood and day immensely...whether it be a Monday or any day!

Surrender Date

2009-10-29T18:32:00.004-04:00

If you are anything like me, sometimes your 'Type A' personality can start to take over your life. When my daily tasks, errands, and need to conquer clutter get in the way of enjoying my family and free time...it's time for an intervention. One way that I am able to put my Type A in check is to plan (or not plan...read on) a 'Surrender Date.'

A Surrender Date is one in which the control freak (ahem!) I mean person exhibiting Type A behavior relinquenshes all control for one night to his/her significant other. This means that the significant other plans the entire date and makes every single decision. From what you will wear, to where you will go, to what you order to eat/drink for dinner...all decided by your better half.

It actually is quite fun not having to think about or plan a thing! It frees up your mind to simply enjoy the night. Think you could do it? Give up control for an entire night? I dare ya!

*I was first made aware of the idea of a Surrender Date while listening to Dr. Laura Berman on XM radio. I love her radio show and find a lot of her ideas/advice to be practical and easy to incorporate into my busy life. Tune in to her show on channel 156 at 5:00PM weekdays.

Think...BLUE!

2009-10-29T18:23:00.002-04:00

Jeff, Matthew, and I are so excited to announce that we will be welcoming a baby BOY in March! I just KNEW it! My intuition was right, and I couldn't be happier! Matthew and his little brother are going to be best buddies. I am looking forward to bringing the boys to see their first MSU football game, buying a wagon for them to ride around the neighborhood in, and for so much more. I am one lucky mommy!

Happy Birthday Matthew!

2009-10-25T09:20:00.007-04:00

Yesterday was Matthew's First Birthday. We had a party at my parents' and had so many wonderful guests to share in the celebration! Matthew had a great time playing with all of his friends and family. Thank you to everyone who made his day so special.

Fall Fun!

2009-10-21T20:50:00.005-04:00

Jeff and I met up with our friends at the Cider Mill tonight after work. They have a son Jack who is just a little older than Matthew. They had so much fun! We waited a little too long to take pictures, so these were taken with little light.

Matthew's loves to wave...'Hi!'

Matthew's First Haircut

2009-10-21T18:44:00.000-04:00

In light of our family photo session, I decided it was time for Matthew to have a trim. Armed with cheerios...I set out to give him his first haircut! Here is the before...

And after...
What a handsome boy!

Burch Family Photo Session Sneak Peek

2009-10-15T21:32:00.006-04:00

I met Aubri through my Mommy Meetup Group. She is an amazing photographer. If only you all could have been there to see what we were working with...Matthew was very 'energetic,' to say the least. He did NOT want to sit still! I am amazed at what great shots Aubri was able to capture!

Will it be...

2009-10-15T15:10:00.000-04:00

Or a....

My ultrasound is scheduled for Monday, October 26th at 5:00PM.

16 Weeks!

2009-10-07T20:07:00.003-04:00

I had my 16 week doctor's appointment today. Baby is doing great! I can't wait for my next ultrasound...I love seeing the baby move and all the little fingers and toes. Another milestone today, I was feeling my baby bump to see if I could notice a difference in the size and then the baby did a somersault! I forgot what that felt like. It is such an amazing feeling! I love it!

Snuggle Time

2009-10-07T18:47:00.002-04:00

Our favorite time of day is 'Snuggle Time.' We all get in our jammies, read books, and snuggle. Here is a pic of Jeff and Matthew in his new camo pjs.

It's Fall!

2009-09-30T17:55:00.005-04:00

My sister Arie and I decided to take Matthew to the Plymouth Cider Mill today to celebrate the season. He absolutely LOVED it! There were so many fun things to do and see. There was, of course, the cider mill store that had all things apple. I shared my sugar/cinnamon doughnut with Matthew, who was not happy when it was gone!

There were lots of farm animals to walk around and see. They also offer a hay ride and u-pick pumpkin patch. Jeff and I might have to take Matthew back for that!

Nesting...already?

2009-09-24T15:39:00.003-04:00

Over the past two weeks, I have been as busy as a bee! I don't know if it is, because I am trying to compensate for my lack of productivity during my first trimester...who knows?! My fine point sharpie has been busy making 'to-do' lists galore.

2009-09-23T18:15:00.000-04:00

Matthew tooks his first steps a few weeks ago and ever since he has been on the go!

Mmmm mmm!

2009-09-23T11:11:00.037-04:00

Jeff and I recently got a new freezer, so I went on a marathon cooking and baking to fill it up! Sunday, I made lots of goodies. Yesterday, I made tomato bisque, cheddar biscuits, cinnamon rolls, muffins, and zucchinni bread.
In order to increase my efficiency when I am cooking this many meals, I look at all of the recipes and see what ingredients overlap. I chop, dice, and slice all of my ingredients before I start.

Also, something I have found helpful...for items that I love to bake, I pre-mix the dry ingredients and store them in canning jars with labels. I usually make 2-3 batches of dry ingredients for each of our favorite items. Any more than that is too much and any less isn't worth the effort. By eliminating the step of combining the dry ingredients, I save a ton of time!

Two Years

2009-09-21T13:34:00.012-04:00

I married my beloved husband, on September 21, 2007, the first day of fall. Our wedding day was nothing less than magical. I wish that I could re-live that day just once again in my lifetime. Here is my recount of the day. I hope someday my children will read this and be able to gain an appreciation for the day that their mom and dad were united as one.

The entire day was absolutely perfect. I awoke at 7:30AM in my suite at the Amway and walked to the salon where I had my hair done. Next, was makeup. My Aunt Julie hired a makeup artist that she had used on many photo shoots at work. She was awesome! Looking in the mirror, I felt like a princess - very Grace Kelly-esque.

At noon, a limo arrived to transport the bride and bridesmaids to St. Andrew's cathedral. I remember feeling so happy to have my closest family and friends surrounding me on such a special day. I wondered what Jeff was doing...and if he was nervous.

When we arrived at the cathedral, we dressed and put the finishing touches on our hair/makeup. Then, it was time for pictures. Our photographers were amazing. They coordinated every photo with such ease. They also did a fantastic job of orchestrating the timing of the photos, so that Jeff and I would not see each other before the ceremony - one of my most important requests.

Before I knew it, it was time for the ceremony to begin. My dad and I waited patiently behind the two large doors that guarded the entrance to the cathedral. I remember playing with my veil...trying to get it to stay in front of my shoulders. Then...I could hear the music. The doors opened, and I saw my prince waiting at the end of the aisle.

I walked down the aisle with each step bringing me closer to a new life, a new adventure. I remember thinking about all of this, as I was trying to remember to smile and make eye contact with our guests. Some say that I looked nervous...perhaps I was, a little.

As I reached Jeff and as my dad placed my hand in his...I felt a calm wash over me. I felt at peace. I felt at home. The ceremony went by so fast. I remember saying our vows and carefully thinking about the words that we were saying to each other...to love and honor each other, all the days of our lives.

After the ceremony, we paraded around town with the wedding party taking photographs at some of my favorite spots in Grand Rapids. The most memorable was taking pictures on a large hill with the Amway Grand (our reception venue) in the background. I love those photographs.

Walking into our reception, I felt, again, like a princess entering the grandest ball. The room looked stunning. All of the months of planning and preparation came together beautifully. My favorite part were the beautiful vases/flowers. They truly completed the room. Dinner was lovely and our champagne flutes (pictured above) adorned with 'love knots' were the perfect accessories to toast and celebrate our wedding day.

Jeff and I danced our first song to 'When the Stars Go Blue.' Jeff was the perfect gentleman leading me on the dance floor. We did take a few lessons beforehand, since we both tend to have two left feet when it comes to dancing.

The rest of the evening was spent socializing with guests, dancing, and simply enjoying being together as a married couple. It truly was the perfect day and the most amazing way to celebrate our new life together.

Cheers to the last two years and cheers to many more!

I like-a-tha sauce!

2009-09-21T10:13:00.010-04:00

For Italian women, perfecting our own 'homemade' sauce is a lifelong challenge. Each year, we add a little something and tweak our recipe just a bit in an effort to create perfection. This year...I think I am finally getting close.

I am not going to share my recipe. If you know Italian women, you know that we might share some recipes, but some are sacred. Our sauce recipes are sacred. I will, however, share some of the errors I have made in the past and some of the things that I have found helpful.

1.Cinnamon adds a little something unexpected in certain recipes. Does NOT work in sauce.

2.Canning your own tomatoes is a must. Adding a little of this and a little of that can make even the worst tomatoes (this year's) taste better. However, nothing can substitute for a good tomatoe harvest.

3. Using fresh herbs can take a 'good' sauce and make it 'fabulous.'

4. Don't skimp on the simmer. Let your sauce fully absorb all of the fresh herbs/spices.

5. Stir often. In the past, I have let my sauce simmer without stirring often enough. Although, nothing burned or stuck to the bottom of my pot...there was a slightly 'burnt' taste to my sauce. Of course, I was the only one to notice...

6. Use purified water. Don't ask me why...just tastes better.

7. Don't compensate for lack of taste with salt.

8. Use a stainless steel pot...again, not sure why, but the sauce just tastes better.

Scrub a Dub!

2009-09-20T20:32:00.005-04:00

Matthew L-O-V-E-S taking a bath! He has so much fun splashing around with all of his 'friends.' I swear he has 1,000 bath toys and he likes to have ALL of them in at once. (Tonight, we limited his toys to 10). Matthew also likes to 'dive' back and forth. We have heard of those little seats that you put in the tub, but for some reason I have a feeling that Matthew would climb right out! Jeff and I enjoy giving Matthew his baths together. It is a nice way to come together as a family at the end of the day. It is so much fun to see Matthew laugh, splash, and play. Neither of us can bear to miss any moments of Matthew when he is having so much fun!

Weekend Project

2009-09-20T19:43:00.006-04:00

My mom/dad came over this weekend to help us with our yard. It is VERY overgrown. Jeff and I were stumped with where to even start. There once was beautiful landscaping in the front/back, but the previous owner neglected it. So...my dad brought his chainsaw, 14' trailer, and much much more. By 9:00AM on Saturday, the trailer was full of debree to haul away. They spent all day working away and even though, our yard is FAR from being complete, it looks much better.

My dad also brought over 100 rocks for Jeff to build a rock wall in the front. Jeff worked most of the day to frame in the two beds in the front. (See above)Too bad I waited until dusk to take the pictures...I will post better ones when I get a chance to take them. We want to tweak the beds a little by adding some larger rocks, but all in all I think it looks awesome! Not bad for someone who has never built one before! Yes, you can hire Jeff...but his rate just doubled as we are approaching fall and need our roof/upstairs done!!!

14 Weeks

2009-09-20T19:39:00.002-04:00

I didn't get a chance to take a picture until now. I am 14 weeks pregnant and you can see a little bump now! All of a sudden, I looked down and there it was. I will have to look back and compare pictures with the ones I took while pregnant with Matthew. I do feel like I am showing sooner with this baby. The pictures will tell!

2009-09-17T13:39:00.002-04:00

Jeff, Matthew, and I went for my 13 week ultrasound yesterday. I am annoyed right now, because I scanned the pictures on my lunch break and they did not save to the disk! So...pictures soon.

The baby looked beautiful. He/she was somersaulting and moving a ton! The ultrasound tech could hardly get her measurements, because the baby was moving so much.

Too early to tell gender, but Jeff is CONVINCED that the baby is one sex over the other. I am not saying which. He said that the profile gives him/her away. Personally, I think he is nuts! All babies look the same in their ultrasound pics! Once, I post the pics...you will have to weigh in.

13 Weeks

2009-09-16T12:23:00.004-04:00

I had my doctor's appointment today and heard baby's heartbeat! Matthew was with me and giggled at the sound of his baby brother/sister's racing heart. It sounded different to me than Matthew's. This time around it sounded more like galloping horses than the 'swish swish' of Matthew's heart. Here is an update on my pregnancy. I have an ultrasound today at 3:30, so more to come!

Week: 13
Pounds gained: (-5)
Feeling: Much better! I now wake up and feel great! My energy is returning and I am craving EVERYTHING! Mostly...pickles, Italian food, and chocolate.

This pregnancy has been so different from when carrying Matthew. With this baby, I had terrible morning sickness, an icky, metallic taste in my mouth, low energy, and overall, was feeling very sick. Some say this is a sign of having a girl...but I am sticking to my 'boy' guns until I see otherwise!

2009-09-16T12:17:00.003-04:00

Everyone keeps asking, 'When you gonna give that kid a haircut?' I am holding off, because I want to see if it will curl. (I doubt it). In the meantime, Matthew wakes up with some pretty interesting hairstyles..

Vacation's all I ever wanted...

2009-09-15T09:14:00.004-04:00

Sorry folks...no pictures to post. We put ALL technology away for the weekend while on vacation. No, there won't be any pictures to commemorate our trip...but, without all the distractions of cameras, cell phones, and video cameras; we were able to just sit back and relax. It was so nice!

Jeff, Matthew, and I traveled to North Carolina to visit our good friend Matt. The trip was absolutely perfect! The weather was beautiful, the scenery was awesome, and we had the time of our lives in Raleigh.

Our vacation was full of relaxing, fabulous food/drinks (sparkling for me of course), and good friends. Matt is quite the local celebrity...I have never seen anything like it. Everywhere we went, people knew him and were offering us complimentary food/drinks, etc. Our last night, we went out to my favorite restaurant of the trip. My filet mignon melted in my mouth...mmmm!

Highlight of my trip...Matt surprised me with a manicure and pedicure fit for a princess...his treat! We drove to an upscale shopping area and when we walked into the spa...I was thinking 'What are we doing here?' Then, Matt turned to me and said, 'They will take good care of you here.' He wanted to do something nice for me, since I wouldn't be able to go out on the town with them that evening. My fingers and toes are so pretty! I told Jeff that I am exempt from dishes/Matthew's baths for at least a week!

Matt showed us what true 'Southern Hospitality' is. He was the perfect host. We had so much fun and at the same time were able to completely relax and just enjoy being on vacation. My only wish is that we would have planned to stay a few more days...

12 Weeks!

2009-09-08T13:31:00.002-04:00

Today is a milestone worth celebrating! I am officially 12 weeks pregnant. I am so happy that this day has come. The morning sickness is slowly subsiding. I am still feeling tired, but hopefully that will pass with a few more weeks!

2009-09-04T10:34:00.001-04:00

Matthew loves to 'mow the lawn' with his toy. He pushes it all around the house. Just a few weeks ago, we would have to re-position him once he reached a wall. Now, Matt maneuvers effortlessly all around his bedroom and the living room. He looks so grown up pushing it round and round!

More house ideas...

2009-09-04T08:29:00.005-04:00

Can you tell what has been occupying my mind lately? I have been thinking house, house, house...and of course baby.

Our next project after the upstairs is complete (sometime this Fall), will be tackling the downstairs. We will leave the laundry area as a 'utility' room. The other half of the space, we would like to make a living area - complete with a wet bar. My idea for a wet bar is pictured above. It would be nice to refresh drinks/snacks while watching the big game right from the downstairs.

We also need to add a bathroom. Nothing too fancy...just an extra bathroom for when guests are over or for when Jeff and I overlap in getting ready in the morning.

It is fun thinking back to what our house was...and looking forward to what we hope it will be.

Dreaming of a new...

2009-09-03T09:21:00.006-04:00

KITCHEN! Yes, I know Jeff...first things first...the upstairs, roof, and finishing off a portion of the downstairs + adding a bathroom. But after all that...my kitchen!

We decided to put the kitchen on hold since it would suck all funds from any other projects and wouldn't add very much living space. However, in re-thinking our plans for the house,our eyes have gotten much bigger. Initially, we were thinking of simply upgrading the space we have and living with a very small kitchen.

Now, we have some different ideas in mind.....

2009-09-01T15:06:00.003-04:00

I am sitting here today, daydreaming about...my Grandma Sue's home made RAVIOLI.

No one on earth, and I mean NO ONE...not even you, Giada de Laurentis, makes ravioli like my grandma. I usually get the treat of having her ravioli once or twice a year. And, let me tell you...every single, solitary bite is absolute perfection.

Trying to describe my Grandmother's superior dish is like trying to decribe color to a blind person. The ravioli itself is amazing...but then there is the homemade sauce. OH MY GOD. My mouth is watering. I have never experienced such a strong craving in my life. And, to think...I probably have to wait until Christmas-time to quench it! I might have to get her recipe and try my hand and making them myself. (Even though I know they will not come close to hers!)I just can't wait until December!

2009-08-31T15:50:00.001-04:00

I told myself I wasn't going to tune in to the baby to see if I could predict the baby's gender. However,something is telling me...

10 Months

2009-08-29T22:03:00.004-04:00

Wow! I am a big boy now. I am 10 months old. I am almost ready to take my first steps...but for now, I love to cruise around the furniture! I love to talk. My favorite sound is 'Dada.' I also like 'Mama, baba, nana, and mmmm.' I am trying to let Mom know when I want a bottle by saying 'Baaaa....Baaaa.' She is just catching on.

I love my trucks, my new orange ball, and my favorite books are 'Colors' and 'Good Puppy.' I also like 'The Giving Tree.' My favorite songs are 'Old MacDonald,' 'Baby Sails a Silver Boat,' and '10 Little Monkeys.'

My favorite foods right now are blueberries, sweet potatoes, and green beans! Mom even let me try a bite of pudding the other day. I said, 'Mmmmm.'

I can't wait to try cake and ice cream! Daddy says I have to wait until my first birthday party. Only two months away!

Mmmm Italiano!

2009-08-29T21:57:00.004-04:00

My mom bought some flat bread from Busch's Market and forgot it at our house. She called to be sure Jeff and I would eat it up! So, today for lunch we did! It was really simple to make. I topped with marinara, fresh mozzarella, home grown tomatoes, and basil from our own basil plant. They were perfect and two was just the right serving to feel fulfilled, yet not too full. I can't wait to try some new toppings next time!

2009-08-28T21:49:00.000-04:00

Jeff completed another task on my 'to-do' list. He transformed our utility space in the basement from a dungeon to a more workable space. This part of the basement will remain 'as-is,' with the possibility of Jeff building a folding station for folding clothes against the wall. On the opposite side of the wall, we hope to turn the other dungeon area into a bathroom and living room. Probably not until next spring..

Name Game

2009-08-28T15:04:00.004-04:00

Jeff and I have been bouncing names off of each other for the past few weeks. I said I wasn't going to give it to much thought until we found out what the baby was, but here is my list of names so far...in no particular order...

And, please refrain from telling me that you dislike a name, because I love them all!

Boy
Vincent Charles
Nikolas Alexander
Jose Manuel

Girl
Luciana Bella
Olivia Skye
Julianna Reese

Craving....EVERYTHING

2009-08-26T17:49:00.005-04:00

Lately, I have been having many many cravings. And, they are UNCONTROLLABLE. There is no one thing I have been longing for each day...more like, when I want something I HAVE to have it. Some of my cravings include:

- 7 Layer Burrito - Taco Bell
- Cherry Doughnut - Meijer makes the best!
- Orange Juice
- Dill Pickle
- Mustard...I had to eat something with mustard
- Chocolate Chip Cookie
- Raisin Bran
- Avocado
- Olive Burger - Honeycreek Inn did NOT disappoint!

Isn't it a little early to be having cravings? Right now, I am craving an omelette...the kind you get at a nice breakfast restaurant, loaded with veggies and cheese. Ahhh, but I don't think I can convince Jeff to take me out for breakfast...considering we have dinner in the oven and it is 6:00PM. Maybe this weekend!

Ode to Jeff

2009-08-26T09:20:00.004-04:00

I have to hand it to Jeff...he has really stepped it up over the past few month. I always knew that Jeff would be an amazing husband. And, I used to chalk up his cooking and cleaning to living in a one bedroom apartment with nothing better to do. Boy was I wrong. The man is a machine.

When we bought our house, it was incredibly overwhelming realizing all of the projects that we had ahead of us. Jeff worked feverishly on the house, getting it ready for move-in day. I figured it was a phase...he would burn out and all of the little projects that I wanted done would go to the way side. However, Jeff has surprised me...I dare say SHOCKED me with his continuing efforts on the house. Every day after work, we eat dinner and Jeff tackles one project after another. Just last week, he turned our dungeon of a laundry area into a clean, workable space. And, somehow after working for a few hours, Jeff manages to make time for Matthew and me...usually a walk and reading to Matthew.

I admire Jeff's tenacity and his drive for perfection. He never ceases to amaze me at what he can build or dream up for our house. Our house is not even close to where we want it. She is a work-in-progress. But, slowly and surely she is coming along thanks to my talented husband. Next project...the roof and guest bedroom upstairs. Good luck Jeff!

Pink or Blue?

2009-08-25T09:28:00.005-04:00

Some women say that they can 'sense' the gender of their baby before an ultrasound is ever done. With Matthew, I was sure he was a girl...until about one week before my 18 week ultrasound. Then, I was seeing blue. With this baby, I am not even attempting to 'tune in.'

However, I did have an interesting dream last night...

I dreamt that Jeff and I were with our doctor and she was going to tell us the gender of the baby. She explained that they do two tests. The first was a piece of paper with a tiny footprint on it...the footprint turned pink. She said 'It's a girl!' Then, the doctor did the ultrasound and we all saw that the baby was undeniably...a boy!

So, that is interesting...

More pictures from the weekend...

2009-08-19T19:25:00.001-04:00

2009-08-17T18:10:00.001-04:00

Quizzes by Quibblo.com

Summer Fun

2009-08-16T20:54:00.009-04:00

Matthew had so much fun at the cottage this weekend! He went swimming, played with Grandma and Grandpa, and got to spend lots of time playing with mommy and daddy. He is such a happy little munchkin! Stay tuned for more pictures...

Matthew Loves to Read!

2009-08-16T20:50:00.005-04:00

Here is Matthew reading 'Good Puppy,' one of his favorite books! Matthew loves to read and likes to turn the pages all by himself. Not sure why the quality of these pictures is so low, but I hope you all enjoy them anyway!

Fun in the park!

2009-08-12T13:32:00.004-04:00

Mom, I don't want my picture taken. I want to play!
This is more like it!

I want to go back in the swing!

Homemade Granola Bars

2009-08-10T21:15:00.004-04:00

As a working mom, I need something tasty, nutritious, and QUICK for breakfast. Solution: granola bars! However, store bought granola bars have left me with something to be desired lately. So, I decided to try my hand at homemade granola bars. I must say they turned out pretty well. They are delicious and I enjoy knowing that there are no preservatives, additives, or artificial sweeteners in my breakfast. Next on my cooking agenda...perfecting my homemade pizza.

9 Months!

2009-08-10T21:12:00.003-04:00

My big boy is 9 months old! Wow! I have said it before and I will say it again...where does the time go? Matthew is pulling up on everything (including his mother), crawling all over the place, standing on his own, and laughing out loud. Still waiting for those first steps with video camera close by!

They say...

2009-08-03T10:40:00.005-04:00

That each pregnancy is unique from any other. I am now 100% a believer in that theory. With Matthew, I was energetic and felt great throughout my entire pregnancy. I am just under 7 weeks, and I feel tired and very sick. I was so nausous last night, I could hardly sleep. I guess it is a good sign, since morning sickness is usually an indication that the baby is developing well. Still, this is one mean trick that God plays on pregnant women. Pray for me. My stomach is churning as I write.

Baby on Board!

2009-07-31T11:07:00.003-04:00

Matthew is going to be a big brother! Yes, I know this announcement is a bit premature, but I don't know HOW in the world women keep their pregnancies secret for a whole 12 weeks! As you can see from my 'ticker,' I am 6 weeks along. My first ultrasound is August 18th. The doctor would like to see exactly how far along I am. EXCITING!

Jeff and I are very blessed to welcome another baby into our lives. Everyone we have told has asked...'Hoping for pink or blue?' To be honest, I will be happy with either. It would be awesome to have another boy. Matthew would love a little brother! And, of course who wouldn't love a baby girl?! There are WAY too many adorable things out there to buy for a baby girl. So...time shall tell. I am undecided on whether we will find out the sex of the baby. For now, I am content with knowing that I have a little life growing inside of me.

I loved being pregnant and am happy that I get to experience the journey again. Wish me health and luck! Here I go again...

Bathroom!

2009-07-18T21:14:00.002-04:00

The bathroom is almost complete! Just need to do some minor touchups. Take a look...

Again, poor lighting. It is hard to take a good pic of the bathroom!

Our Bedroom

2009-07-18T21:08:00.004-04:00

Here are the before & afters of our bedroom. What a lovely shade of green...

And after...sorry for the crappy lighting.

Momma's Boy

2009-07-17T10:07:00.002-04:00

More Attraction

2009-07-17T07:50:00.005-04:00

I have written before about the 'Law of Attraction,' and the way that I put it to use in my life. And, I know there are many out there that still don't fully believe in this powerful principle. However, I thought I would share this past month's intention and how the LOA brought to me all that I asked for.

With all of the home improvements underway, I am discovering that we need a few items for the house that we did not put in our home budget. For example, a new dresser for our bedroom. Jeff and I refuse to dip into retirement savings, Matthew's college savings, or our emergency fund for any reason other than a medical emergency.

With that said...I am not a patient person. I do not like to wait a few months to save for an item. This month, I chose to ask, pray, set the intention, whatever you want to call it...for some extra cash. And, I also included with my intention that I simply wanted it to come to us. I didn't want to have to work extra hours or pick up an extra project to earn it.

Well, less than 15 days since I set my intention and here are the results...

$458 Our property in Brighton's taxes were less than what we budgeted.
$350 Wells Fargo HSA account, that I FORGOT I had. Used part of this money to order new contacts.
$150 Submitted the receipt for my contacts to our health insurance company and was reimbursed.
$200 Our Bugaboo Bee lost a part. They sent us a new stroller. I sold our old one on Craigslist.
$150 Rewards checks from using our CC and paying it off each month.
$70 Security deposit refund from moving out of our apartment
$50 Sold old shower curtains/window curtains from Ikea on Craigslist
$34 Sold books on Amazon

Grand total = $1,462.00

AND, if you want to include the Ikea coupon that I received in the mail and am going to use...there is an extra $25.

I understand that eventually, we won't have items to sell on Craigslist and these sources of income without really 'working' for it are limited. The principle that I am trying to demonstrate is that before I set my intention NONE of these line items existed for me. So, what else is out there that I have not thought of?

AND, money is not the only area that this principle has proven itself to me. There are many other areas in my life that I have applied this principle to. Maybe someday I will share these on my blog. But, for now...I am pretty impressed with the results that I got this month. Wonder what next month will bring?

Baby Buns

2009-07-16T21:36:00.001-04:00

I can't believe my baby is almost 9 months! He is pulling up on everything and jumping up and down on his bed! Matthew is such a happy boy...he giggles and smiles so easily. He brings Jeff and I so much joy. Love him!

Matthew's Nursery

2009-07-08T18:19:00.006-04:00

Matthew's nursery is almost complete! We just have to figure out what we want to do in his closet and install the light fixture. Again, I wish that I would have taken a better before pic. The walls were dark blue, lots of dents, and the floors were pretty beat up. Check it out...

And after....ta da!

AND - look at how much my big boy is loving his new nursery! Jeff lowered Matthew's crib last week...then, Matt decided that he was going to learn to stand up. Ooops! Looks like Jeff is gonna have to lower it even more!

Today, Matt and I had so much fun. We slept in, ate breakfast, and then met up with two other mommys and their baby girls for music in the park. Every Wednesday, Plymouth has music in the park. There had to have been over 200 people there. It was so much fun! I joined a Meetup Group for Plymouth moms and two of the moms invited me to join them this week for music. Matthew had so much fun!

The rest of our day was spent at Home Depot, listening to Michael Jackson, and working on projects with Daddy. Can't wait until the main level is complete!

First Night Home

2009-06-29T12:01:00.003-04:00

Jeff, Matthew, and I spent the first night in our new home last night. I already LOVE it. Sitting on the couch, with the windows open, and the warm breeze floating through the house was an added bonus.

There was a time when I thought that we would never be able to turn our 'fixer upper' into a place that would even come close to resembling a home. However, with a lot of hard work, late nights, and energy...Jeff has worked a miracle. He did have help, a big thank you goes out to our fathers and to Jeff's brother - Dave. All who have helped so much!

I could not ask for better neighbors. They are friendly and eager to share that they hope we love the neighborhood as much as they do. People passing by not only wave and smile, they stop and talk. Such a warm welcome we have had!