love her.

Today was a much needed morning with my Van.

She played on my "farm",

and planted all my blueberries for me.
We made a paper chain of 50 links,

counting down until her 5th birthday.
We snuggled in bed,

and watched a lil' Sponge Bob.
Van made paper creations for everyone that she loves.

I should mail them out,

but I will say it was the thought that counts.

We made lunch.

I dry heaved numerous times,

and Van was quick to make sure that I was okay.

Van thanked me for cooking,

and said that she was glad that we were all eating healthy today.

Today I am thankful I am her Mommy.

Today I think I fell in love with her a little more.

if that is possible.

12 weeks and counting.

If you would have asked me a few weeks ago if I thought that I would make it to 12 weeks in this pregnancy, I would have probably told you I didn't think that this baby was going to make it. I was feeling like it wasn't meant to be. Not ever, just not right now. Then today happened. The day that everyone talks about like it's magic. The day I leave the first trimester behind.

Today doesn't feel magical. My body didn't all of the sudden decide to not reject our baby. My body is still fighting madly to keep control. I am hoping some day soon it will give up. Until then, I will continue to make embarrassing, uncontrollable noises in public places. I will want to continue to sleep my life away, and I will continue to pray that our baby is healthy.

Guest Post by Uncle Shane: Professional Sports

I spent the last six weeks visiting my family in Wisconsin on my break from college. One of my favorite things to do is visit new stadiums. I love the atmosphere and the excitement of being at a close game. While I was in wisconsin, me and my younger brother did a little bit of traveling in order to see some new stadiums and teams in action.Among the stadiums we saw were the Minnesota Twins at the Metrodome, the Packers at Lambeau Field and the Brewers at Miller Park.Each park had its unique features and things to do. For example, Miller Park has a retractable roof in case there is bad weather. Lambeau field has some of the weirdest fans that wear cheese on there heads in order to show their team spirit. This is also the last year the Twins will be playing at the Metrodome, because a new stadium is opening up for them in 2010. I love going to the games and cheering on a team with the other fans. I especially enjoy trying to catch a foul ball at the baseball games. It was the funnest thing I did with my younger brother in Wisconsin. So what is the most unique thing you've seen at a professional sports game?

(isn't Uncle Shane and Uncle Jackie so cute?)

giddy inside.

I know people are going to hate me for this. I'm sorry in advance. Seriously though, I can't wait for the upcoming months. Can. not. wait. With a 5th birthday party to plan, a whole lotta candy to eat, a Thanksgiving dinner to cook, and Santa Claus coming down our chimney...it makes me all sorts of giddy inside. I have been know to put my Christmas decorations up the first week of November, I know...you don't even have to tell me how disgusted you are with me.BUT what is making you giddy inside?

my baked goods gift to you.

Since I took a week off of giveaways, I think you deserve a sweet treat to make up for it. Did you know that Paul makes multiple trips a week to bakeries? People wonder how I keep my girl-ish figure...I have my husband's addiction to baked goods to thank for it. We have our favorite bakeries to stop at, and I know all the craze is cupcakes right now...BUT have you tried Schmidt's Pastry Cottage?? I am sure they have cupcakes, but it is not the reason why I go there. I go there for the heaven on earth sugar cookies, and their absolutely delightful mint sandwich cookies. I'm drooling. Paul has different taste buds, and he would suggest orange rolls or a german chocolate cookie. Oh, and Van would highly recommend an m&m cookie.

Here is your chance to enter to win a $20 gift card to Schmidt's...just comment!

I want to say thank you for being the best blog friends and for always stopping by to say hi. I love ya'll sooo much!!

This giveaway ends Sept 13th at Midnight!

Wonder Woman, really?

Yes, it is true. Van wants to be Wonder Woman for Halloween. I thought that she might forget about it, but no such luck...yet! I am still hoping to make a few more stops at Halloween stores to sway her. She made an adorable Cinderella last year, but I would rather not see her be princesses every year. I want to see her be a clown, a cat, or I guess Wonder Woman is okay. ;) Are clowns even cool anymore?

i don't care.

if they aren't in style.

if they aren't in season.

if at age 28 people think you shouldn't rawk pink velvet shoes.

some people might say that they are an "outfit shoe"...not me...they go with everything.

i couldn't pass these babies up.

meet my new docs.

i'm in love!