Wednesday, November 30, 2011

I miss CA everyday, but...

How could I want to be anywhere else but with these two crazy goons... my perfect husband and sassy girl.
I mean seriously, how beautiful is she?  How did Jason and I create this stunning girl.
I don't mean to brag, but she makes it so easy.

She's growing up so fast.  I swear she'll be a chef, she loves to help in the kitchen!

Look at this handsome doggie.  He loves his new big boy bed so much.

We miss CA so much, but my heart is with my husband, my little girl, and my furbaby.  And they are here, so we're going to make our home and life here.  And then we'll wait and hope for our friends and family to visit.

Monday, November 28, 2011

My very own Cowgirl Jessie

Since the very first time that Emery saw Toy Story 2, she has loved Cowgirl Jessie!  I think Jessie is the perfect mix for Emery because she is girly and sassy, but is a tomboy at heart.  As you've seen in previous photos, she was Jessie for halloween.  That costume has stayed with us.  She LOVES to wear it around the around the house, complete with boots and her cowgirl jessie hat.  The other night she wanted to watch Toy Story 2, for the 100000th time. And this time, she decided she wanted to be Jessie too. It was so cute. She loved being in character. My girl is so creative and has such an imagination.



Please ignore the mess of books on her floor.  Clean up is still often a work in progress.  In fact, she tripped over a babydoll tonight and fell into a door.  Clumsey?  She is the product of Jason and I, of course she is clumsey.

I love seeing Emery pretend play.  She creates these whole stories and has Jason and I help her fulfill her vision.  She makes up songs all the time... taking other songs and changing the words to express how she is feeling, what she wants to eat/drink/play/wear, etc.  It's funny.  This kid is a comedian, she has hysterical timing.  It's awesome!

We went back to our normal routene today and can't wait to get ready for Christmas!  Wishing all my friends a family a very merry start to the holiday season!



Friday, November 25, 2011

'Til the season

Well, now that Thanksgiving is over... and although we have not finished our turkey leftovers... I am ready to start decorating for Christmas.  We will not be going as crazy this year being in an apartment and all.  But, I'm ready to start creating some fun new things for our home for next year!

My darling hubby will drag out the decorations this weekend, incdluing our tree.  But in the meantime, you have to take a look at my very first christmas crafting project!  I was inspired by this fabulous monogrammed wreath on pinterest, the only difference being that they used little faux berries and I used giant sparkly foam balls.
The B was made a few days ago.  How cute is this going to end up, right?


I love it!  It's fun and festive.  So excited to put this on our door.

I can't wait to get the rest of the house ready and let Emery help with the tree this year!  We have so much to celebrate and be thankful for.  How are you getting ready to decorate?  Any fun new crafts to share?

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Turkey Day!

2011 has given our family so much to be thankful for. The fact that I successfully cooked our Thanksgiving dinner tonight is certainly at the top of that list!


 A very special thank you to my bsbff, Bri, for the flower vace above, it was perfect for today!  Emery's "I'm thankful for..." headband as also a wonderful addition to our festive decor.

I love that I made these clothes pin mounts to display Emery's artwork from school.  Since it is Thanksgiving, we had to show off her fabulous turkey, leaves and corn!

Look at that!  I successfuly made my first thanksgiving dinner!
Our menu included:
Jennie-O Turkey Boob in a bag (since we really don't need a whole turkey)
Sweet Potato Cassorale
Homemade Mashed Potatos
Green Bean Cassorale
Cranberry Sauce
Deviled Eggs
Hawaiian Rolls

 Our morning included a skype with our family back home!  Emery loved seeing everyone, especially cousin Madison!  And, they (or we) had some fun... be below.
Yes, we're that mature.

This year, I'm thankful for so many things... but if I had to name a few...
1. Our friends and family back home that supported us this year.  Rather than cutting us out of your life because we were leaving CA, you held us closer to your heart.  We love you.  You know who you are.
2. My doggie, Jackson.  This year, I started with four pets, I'm ending it with just one.  Jackson is my lone furbaby and I'm holding onto him, desperatly.
3. My job.  When we left CA, I had a good feeling about this job, having already had two interviews.  But, I am so thankful that as soon as we arrived, I got the call.  I love having the opportunity to work with such smart, awesome people!
4. My girl.  This is where I should note that these are in no particular order.  I am so thankful for Emery's health and happiness.  She came through this move with such grace and a glowing smile.  She is so expressive, warm and kind.
5. Finally, this list couldn't be complete without my dearest husband.  I'm thankful to have a partner that supports me.  One that encourages me to volunteer, give back, and to take time for myself.  I'm thankful that he is the most exceptional daddy a girl could have.  Emery has the undivided love and attention from her Daddy.  My husband gives everything to his family and is always trying to make our life better. 
I married him because he was a great partner to me, a great provider.  I hoped he would be as good to our children as he is to me.  If you've ever seen the look on Emery's face when her Daddy gets home from a business trip, then you know, I was right.

Wishing all of my friends and family and wonderful Thanksgiving and holiday weekend!
Thank you for your endless love and support this year.  We love you all and wish we could be with you today!

See you in a few weeks at Christmas!


Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Sneak Peek at our Family Holiday Photos

A huge thank you to Garrett Adrian for taking our family photos last weekend!  Please check out the link below for a sneak peek at his blog for our family photos!


http://garrettadrianphoto.com/2011/11/blaylock-family-photos-denver/

Now, how do I choose which photo of Emery to use?

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

I'm thankful for...

I always love picking Emery up from school.  She loves to tell me who she played with, who fell down, share songs... She loves school so much and it warms my heart to hear all about it each day.

Today, when I picked her up, I also picked up a feather headband that read:
I'm thankful for...
and on each feather was something that each child is thankful for.
Emery's feathers read the following: my mommy and daddy, my pillow, my blanket, my couch, and my bed.
I guess if you like to sleep a lot, those are perfect choices.

And, she shared that she made a turkey today.  I asked her if her turkey had a name.  She thought long and hard before responding: Copper.

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Two warnings for the coming days...

I have two warnings for the coming days...

1. As soon as a get even one shot from our family photos shoot tomorrow, I'll be shamelessly posting everywhere... We all got new sweaters today for the occasion, and Jackson will be joining us too! woo hoo!

2. I'm cooking our Thanksgiving dinner this week.  I might share a photo, or two, of that too.  This is a big deal for me, I'm totally nervous and if it goes well, I'll want to brag.

If it doesn't go well, I might share that too.

Oh, and I plan to do some Christmas decorating this weekend.  No tree, but maybe some other things... and GASP, I might make a wreth for our front door.

'Tis the season.

And, since we're 5 days from Thanksgiving...
I'm thankful for having settled so seamlessly into CO, that Emery loves her school, that I got a job, and that we've survived to big snows.

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Because this needs no introduction

This post on my yahoo news feed is my wordless wednesday...
Because, if you're a mother you understand with nothing more than a silent nod (or in my case desperatly trying to mask my laugh because it is so spot on...)

10 ways NOT to raise your toddler

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

I love a little inspiration

I've been pretty lucky to always be surrounded by awesome people in life... I'm not bragging or trying to sound TOO obnoxious, but it is true.  Somehow, I have managed to have pretty awesome friends and stumbled into jobs with exceptionally, smart people.  I love it.
I love the opportunity to share ideas... about anything.  This may be stemmed from my need to talk anything and everything into the ground... I'm the queen of the classic idea of beating a dead horse.  I swear it isn't  because I love the sound of my own voice, trust me, it's because I love the idea exchanges.  I love sharing my own ideas, passions, and knowledge with others and gaining something in return.
Not every "brainstorm" needs to be about how to change the fundraising world.  Although, I have had some of those moments... often over a bottle of wine in a hotel room with my SJ girls.  Many of those conversations also included idea exchanges about exactly what NOT to do to have a major impact the world of fundraising and event marketing.... but those stories should surely be saved for another time....
Most recently my bsbff, Brienn, and I have been sharing ideas for decor... general home decor, kids room... our bedrooms... Thankfully, I have a bestie that is my fashion and decor clone.  I love it.  We email blogs, websites, and fun tidbits that we KNOW the other person just has to know about right away.  It's just too bad that we can own homes next door to one another that would lead to shopping trips together... although, our husbands and bank accounts would probably be thrilled that we don't have that proximity at our fingertips.
And, thanks to said bestie... I now have a whole new place for personal inspiration!  Hello, pinterest, where have you been all my life?  I have a board for quotes, fashion, Emery's future room, our future home... and I'm sure it will only grow from there.  Seriously, amazing, smart and talented women from all of the place are providing me with a massive list of DIY tasks and fun things to keep me smiling and happy... and inspired.

Thank you pinterest.  I love you.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Oh thank heaven for a good heineken beer!

Today was one of those days... when you walk into the office refreshed from having a few days off, only to get slammed with 60+ emails, a few small voicemail fires and one major screw up...
I realize that mistakes happen, but I try to be organized, have good communication and take the time to ensure that I'm making the most sound decisions.  Well, put one mini-crisis in the mix and that is when mix ups happen.  And it costs us $1,300 in the wrong budget year, and 100 unbranded tshirts.... we'll make it work for this year, though it is not ideal.  I get to pick up my lively 100 mistakes later this week.  awesome.

But, I got to come home to my perfect girl, make my husband a yummy birthday dinner, and enjoy an evening of playing dvr catch up.  So, in the long run, it's not so bad.  I don't anticipate major professional ramifications, but I do know that this mistake will not happen again.  ugh.  I hate screwing up.  I'm not good at it...

Anyone else had a screw up lately?  It would be awesome to know I'm not the only one who has had a wtf moment.

In the meantime, I'm going to finish my reward for the day, because I did get through those 65 emails... and I did get my husband a fab bday gift...

 Hello, lover!

Monday, November 7, 2011

delta lovin'

This weekend we took our first trip back to California since the "big move."  We were so excited to see our friends and family... Emery was so excited for a slumber party with her Auntie Jenny and to see the whole family!  It was pretty perfect!  I am so thankful that we are close enough to CA to get there in an easy flight and that we are able to buy tickets to go home when we want.

This weekend was about more than just seeing our friends and family, it was about attending our dear friends, James and Angela's wedding.  Upon arriving in CA, we traveled up to Lake Arrowhead for their wedding.  Ironically, we left snow in CO, to get snow in Lake Arrowhead.  But, it was so beautiful, perfect for their special day... although, it was like 40 degree during the outdoor ceremony... I felt the worst for Angela and the bridesmaid in their strapless gowns.

But, I digress... Angela and I are sorority sisters.  We didn't attend the same university, but met through advising the CSULB chapter of DDD.  I am forever thankful to her for bringing my chapter to an amazing place.  She spent a year getting back to the purpose of what it means to be a sister and respecting yourself.  I had the great honor of advising these women with her for a year.  I learned such wonderful patience, sisterhood, and DDD purpose from watching her with these women.  I adore her.  And, I was so honored when she asked to wear my DDD pin on her wedding day.  This is such a special tradition, one that I regret not taking part in myself... so it meant even more.

I wasn't sure how many people I was going to know at this wedding, or if we'd be seated at the "awkward cousin" table.  But, I was thankful when I got to sit with 3 other sisters from Angela's chapter.  I had met one before, at the bachelorette, and had heard so many wonderful stories about the others.  This was a true testiment about being a sorority women.  Regardless of your chapter or place in life, you do have a wonderful thing in common with every DDD.  I loved getting to know these women, and sharing some serious dance moves!

With Founder's Day just around the corner, it made me thankful for Tri Delta and our purpose, our values, and our friendships.  I have not yet found my DDD niche in CO, but I know that once I get settled, I'll be able to find a home away from home here.  Each year around this time I reflect on my own initiation and how little I understood what I was saying, or committing my life to.  With each passing year I get a better understanding of what it means to be apart of this organization.  And as my sisters and I sang Alpha Theta Phi to Angela on Saturday night, I continue to love this bond, that ever grows stronger.

Love you Angela!  Your day was perfect!  Wishing you a life of love, laughter and happiness.

Please excuse the shinny faces it... it was a few hours into our serious dance moves...

Alpha Theta Phi

Isn't my hubby handsome (minus the beard)