Holy Moly

We have a teething 16 month old on our hands....it's NO fun. I'm exhaust. 20 minute nap = a very very unhappy, cranky baby girl! Hopefully(fingers crossed) a little Motrin can take the edge off the 3 teeth, she is teething all at the same damn time! Sleep dust is very much welcomed!

Happy Freakin' Monday Everyone! Here's to hoping Tuesday is A LOT better!

Another One...

I want to apologize in advance because this post, is kinda a "vent" post. It's been a long weekend.

Another family member is pregnant and my periods are still wacky. Just another situation thrown in my face to make it more known to me (as if it needed to be) that I am somewhat "broken" still. I hate to say that, "I'm Jealous" but I am. I am jealous of those that have the "perfect period"! I hope one day, I will be one of those people (but I doubt I ever will be). I'm having my periods (which is better then before I got pregnant with Claire) but they are all over the place. Ranging anywhere from 30-50 days. Boo. It's stressful, annoying and just plain heart breaking! I just want to scream at the top of my lungs, "Please let me be "normal"! Sometime in the near future we would love to start trying for number 2 ( more likely when Eric gets insurance, which starts the beginning of the new year). I want my kids a little close but not too close, I really want to enjoy Claire. For us, between 2-3 years apart is perfect but again I would take them any age apart, just to know that I can have more babies!

A saying that keeps me going, "I will appreciate my pregnancy/babies/kids so much more because I've worked really really hard from them!"

Sorry again, it's just difficult sometime!

Miche Bags

I've recently became a authorized Miche Bag representative!

Have you ever wanted to change your purse to match your outfit, without the hassle of changing the contents of your purse? If so, then Miche Bag's for you!

If your interested in throwing a party (in the chicagoland or NW Indiana area) or would like to purchase a Miche Bag for you or someone you love - please email me at MegsMicheBag@yahoo.com or visit my website at: http://my.michebag.com/megan_widstrand/


Here are some samples of endless "shell" possibilities from Miche Bags!

Lynn - a medium shell

Lulu - a mini shell

Lexi - a big shell

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving for my family to yours!

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Eric getting a job. Can everyone say, "Hallelujah"! We've been waiting for two very long months for Eric to finally say for sure that he has a job! We heard many no's, some maybe's, some yeses that turned back into maybes...and finally we got a really, solid yes! We both could breathe a sigh of relief! It's really official, he starts Monday. Although Claire and I are both going to miss Eric, we know this must be done. Things must go back to normal! We cherished the extra time we got to spend with Eric, it was something many people never get to do! We are also very thankful for unemployment because without that, we would have been in seriously trouble! We had a lot of support, faith and hope that Eric would get a job (in our area)! God has answered our prayers! I am thankful that we didn't have to wait months or even years for Eric to found a job! It will be a good Thanksgiving at our household!

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Friends. What would any one be without friends? I know I would be lost. My friends are very important to me.  From the friends that you talk to and see all the time, to the old friends where you can talk to once a month and you feel as if you talk every day! My friends make me laugh to the point I cry, they let me vent, we argue and make up in a matter of seconds, we disagree to agree but in the end we are friends. If you didn't have all the ups and drowns, it wouldn't be a real friendship. No friendship is perfectly peachy but it's the openness that makes a friendship stronger. When you can express anything to your friends and they don't run and hide or form opinions, you know it's a lasting friendship. I'm lucky enough to have a few close friends (best friends) that I know will last for a life time and for that I'm thankful.  My friends are my family and I love them all very much!

 

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Starbucks. The warm, cozy, tasty, delicious cup of whatever I can dream of. I don't know what I would do with out Starbucks. It's a treat. I don't get it too often any more but when I do, it's a treat...a very sweet treat. I love walking in and that amazing aroma hits you. Then comes the fun part deciding what you want - Fall: I heart a non-fat pumpkin spice latte, Christmas time: either a non-fat gingerbread latte or something pepperminty, Summer time: a low-fat caramel frappuccino or iced non-fat chai latte, and for any other time of the year: is a non-fat chai latte. The options are endless. I've had so many great times at Starbucks. When Claire was very new, my friend and I would meet there with our babies and talk for hours on end. The babies would just sleep or look at each other and nurse. It was a great place to grab our favorite drink and relax. I'm glad I don't get Starbucks all that often because when I do, it makes me feel like I'm getting something special and I like that feeling.  I'm thankful for special moments that include a good, tasty, delicious Starbucks beverage!

What are you thankful for?

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Lucy and Penny, my two dachshunds pups. They were my first babies. I got Lucy before Eric and I were even married and Penny came into our home a few months after we were married. I love them. They give unconditional love and never judge. When I am sad or mad, they can always cheer me up and make me feel loved and wanted in a matter of minutes. No matter how mad I get at them for uncontrollable barking or small accidents in the house, I can't imagine a life with out them. They are apart of our family. Plus they are fantastic with Claire. It's amazing, almost shocking. They let her do anything to them, anything. She can poke them in the eye, stick her finger up their nose, pull their hair, sit on them like a horse and say, "giddy-up", try to stand on them.....through all of that, they love her. They will keep coming back for more. They are great dogs and I'm so happy to have them in our lives!

What are you thankful for?

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Family. Both my husbands and mine. What would anyone be without their family? I know I would be lost and lonely. Family is everything to Eric and I. I think family is super important and now that I have a daughter, I believe that even more.  I turn to them for a lot and I am so grateful, they can help us out of almost any little or big bind. 10 years ago, my husband's family brought into their home and treated me like family. It had always felt so warm and welcoming in there home. My family, I absolutely love my family. They are wonderful. Although they can get on my nerve, I know that they will always be here for me. They make me laugh, smile and cry happy tears. Through the rough patches and the good, our families have stood by us, loved us, and supported us. Without our families, Eric and I wouldn't be who we are or where we are. I am so thankful for my families!

  What are you thankful for?

'Tis the Season

'Tis the season for Christmas cards, fa la la, la la la!
Can you believe it's time to start thinking about Christmas cards? I can't but it must be done! I LOVE sending out Christmas cards. I've been doing it for a long time, way before I was married, it all started back in high school. Every year everyone would pass out Christmas Cards the day before Winter break would start, it was so much fun receiving different Christmas cards. You felt loved and I love making others feel appreciated and loved! I know I will continue to send out Christmas cards for years to come! Last year, since it was our first Christmas as a family of three, I wanted to send out a photo Christmas card. I used Shutterfly, it was so much fun to pick my design and insert the picture(s) of my choice! Plus, it was super easy. I knew I would use them again! This year Shutterfly is giving bloggers 50 free Holiday cards! Click here for more details!

Here are some designs that I really like for our family Christmas card this year:

Love these Christmas card options from Shutterfly, check out more here:  http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery

I am Thankful for...

I am thankful for...

Eric, my husband. The love of my life, my best friend, soul mate and the father of my baby girl. We were high school sweet hearts who bet the odds of actually staying together and getting married. We've had our ups and downs but we have made it through even stronger then before. We go together like peanut butter and jelly. We just work. We're both overly goofy and can make each laugh in an instant. We are so similar but yet so different at the same time. We've been together for over 9 1/2 years and married for almost 4 years. He's the one I knew I was going to marry, I knew he was going to be the father of my children and I know he will be the man, I love wholeheartedly for my whole life. Our adventure together has been exciting, I can't what to see what the upcoming years have in store for us! God has truly blessed me. I'm totally and utterly in love!

What are you thankful for?

I am Thankful for...

Since we have a week until Thanksgiving, I will be doing "I am thankful for..."post every day up until Thanksgiving. I think it's important to show what we are thankful for in our lives. So many years, I sit and think about what I'm thankful for but never find the time to write it down on paper. This year, I am making the time!  Feel free to join along on your blog, it's a great way to show thanks!

I am thankful for...

Claire. My daughter. My whole world. The person I live for and yet would die for. She has given me so much in the short 16 months she's been on this planet. She doesn't know the kind of love she fills my heart with and  how proud I am to be her mom but someday, I promise she will. She is a true gift from God. She reminds me everyday that God really does do Miracles because Claire is truly our little Miracle. I thank God every day for the little person he sent down for us - she's simple amazing. Through the early terrible two tantrums and the sweet bear hugs, we smile. We smile because we are parents and this is all part of it. No matter the good parts and the bad we are thankful for the gift of our daughter. Our lives. Our Bug, Claire.

What are you thankful?

Our New Toy

Our new toy: 2011 GMC Terrain!

I love it and am actually excited for snow (just a little)! I now know Claire and I will be safe all winter long. When we are out and about on our daily outings, no snow will be able to stop us! Bring it winter, we're ready for you! (but we would be more then happy to what a couple more months for snow!)

One Year

A few days ago marked my one year anniversary of my blog! It's amazing to think, that a single year has went by so quickly. I'm so happy that I started my blog. It's my place to share stories, pictures and recipes but it's also a place where I can vent and share my feelings. I can't wait to see what my blog will be filled with during the up coming years! I want to send a huge "Thank you" to all of my wonderful followers, the ones who are the silent readers and the ones who comment! I do this blog for two reasons: 1. For myself and because I love a place where I can go, escape and find people in similar situation as myself and 2. I do this blog for all of you. I know I learn from others blogs and I hope at least one person out there will get "something" out of my blog!

If your new to my blog, leave a comment and tell me a little about yourself and where I can find you! If you already a follower, thanks again! You all mean so much to me, you really help keep this blog going!

Here's to another fabulous year of blogging!

(If your new, here's some pictures of my lovely little family!)




The love of our lives...Claire aka Bug


 

The Hubby - Eric and I



Our little family of three!

Researching and Contemplating

I've been contemplating going back to school. I've been madly researching nursing schools. I have my BA in clinical/counseling psychology and I've never felt "complete". I love helping people, hence the reason why I went into psychology. I would love, love to go back to get my BSN but the programs in my area are ones where you have to go straight through with no breaks. At this point in my life, that doesn't seem quite possible. I've been looking into just getting my associate degree in nursing, which leads to becoming a RN. I really have been doing my research and recognizing that RN with an associates degree or BSN get paid close to the same amount and can hold the same positions. That makes me a little less sad that I wouldn't be able to get my BSN right now but still have a degree, I can use on a part-time basis and still make pretty good money. I eventually, after having my last baby, will most likely go get my MSN. I've found a few programs in the Chicago land area, that allows you to get your MSN without having a BSN. All you have to have is a BA/BS in an subject and be a RN. When I found this I was thrilled. I can get my associates degree and when ready go straight into a masters program! No need for me to get my BSN and spend more money! I really hope everything works out. I really feel like this is what I'm suppose to do!

Wordless Wednesday

                                         Happy 16 months buggy girl! We love you!

Sweet Home Chicago

Eric made a decision and we are staying! We are staying in Chicago! Thank God! We are so excited something so wonderful came along, allowing us to stay with all of our family and friends. He starts after Thanksgiving, so Eric gets to spend a few more weeks with Claire at home. I know through all the drama that came along with him getting laid off. Staying home and being able to see Claire all day, every day has made things seem a little better. I know he is cherishing this time with her. He is making more then when he got laid off and he is getting a sign on bonus which is a plus. I'm just excited to get insurance again. This is a great opportunity for Eric. What he does is not at every construction company yet and so he starting the       department from  the ground up. He is very excited and I'm super excited for him. I know he is happy.

Halloweenie 2010

Our Halloween was perfect. Perfect weather and Claire was in a perfect mood (thanks to a good hour nap). Claire went as a super cute pink kitty. As last year, I got her costume at Carter's. I think they have a cute selection. We had two days of trick-or-treating. Day one was Saturday afternoon/evening in our town and Sunday night in our friends town. Saturday was great. We started out around 3:30pm and made it until about 5:30pm! Claire got the hang of trick-or-treating relatively quickly. She went to each door, said "hi" and "bye". Most times we could get her to say what a kitty says, which is "mow"! People loved it. She really enjoyed the house that allowed her to pick her own candy out of the bowl, of course she would grab more then one piece. I would quickly say, "only one" to only be interrupt by the owner saying, "no, it's okay - she's too cute".  Saturday Claire had an entourage with her:  Eric and I, my dad and Eric's parents. At first she wanted one of her grandparents to carry her but quickly her attitude changed and she wanted to be miss independent and walk on her own. We let her and she did great! At times she got a little side tracked when she caught a glimpse of a pile of leaves, which she had to run through!
Sunday we headed out to Indiana to trick-or-treat with our friends. All though the night was pretty chilly, Brayden and Clarie did wonderful. There were so many people on one street, we actually had to carry the kiddos from house to house. That was fine for a bit but my little lady thinks she older and can walk all by herself, even when it's dark out and there are ton of people. After about an hour of trick-or-treating, we headed back to our friends house and let the kiddos play. I think they liked trick-or-treating but playing with toys were the highlight of their evening!
I really can't believe that we have had 2 Halloweens with Bug. It's crazy to me. Both years were a success! I can't wait for next year, I know if I thought this year was great. I bet next year will be even better!

Enjoy some pictures from our Halloweenie Weekend:

Our little kitty!

Daddy and Claire trick-or-treating!

Claire and her entourage!

" I LOVE THIS!"

She found leaves!

Our little family - Halloween 2010

Brayden and Claire ready to go!

Katreena and Bean/ Bug and I

Trick-or-treating

There she goes!