Libby's Life

11 Things

2012-03-02T11:05:00.000-08:00

I wasn't tagged specifically by Chelsea but she tagged anyone who wanted to do this so I thought I'd do it again with the new questions for everyone.

Here are the rules:
1. post these rules.
2. post a photo of yourself & 11 random facts about you.
3. answer the questions given to you in the tagger's post.
4. create 11 new questions & tag new people to answer them.
5. go to their blog/twitter & let them know they've been tagged.

Random Facts about me:
1. I have become completely obsessed with the Harry Potter movies lately and have one on during Zane's nap time every day pretty much because to me they are just that good!

2. I hate to clean... it is the bane of my existence. If I could afford to have someone come clean my house every week I would because I hate it that much.

3. I hated being pregnant, I mean HATED it. It was the worst 9 months of my life because of how sick I was the entire time {to the point I was at the hospital 2x a week getting infusions of fluid because of my dehydration caused by throwing up 24/7} Zane literally was sucking the life out of me. But I cannot wait to be pregnant again {I know the next one could be completely different & I pray that it is!} because I know that I will get another baby in the end and it is all worth it to get to hold that baby for the first time.

4. I was adopted. {as I've said before} But I didn't tell you that my biological mother chose my parents but in order for her to give me to them she had to fly to Oregon {from Michigan} to have me. Because in Michigan when you put you baby up for adoption you have no say in the matter of who gets your child. They become a ward of the state. But she wanted me in a Christian family so she chose to come here to have me and sacrifice that for me to have a good life. I admire and love her for it {I met her on my 18th birthday & now her & my 1/2 bro are part of our extended family} but sometimes I still feel like I was unwanted {I know I wasn't} but it's an issue a lot of adopted people have, it's not really something you can control.

5. Mickey Mouse club house is the worst cartoon on the planet! But Zane loves it so I watch it every. single. day. with him because I know it makes him happy.

6. I do not like milk chocolate very much, if I have a choice I will pick dark chocolate over milk any day! I think milk chocolate has a funny taste. {I will even chose semi-chocolate over milk!}

7. I cannot wait for The Hunger Games movie to come out this month!! I just bought our Cinetopia groupon that is going to pay for our tickets yesterday and I am so so so excited for it. I am even going to buy a shirt to wear to go see the movie in. You can help me pick which one if you go here.

8. I love baseball. I sometimes wish that I lived in Seattle instead of Portland so that I could have season tickets to the Mariner's because Portland is lame & doesn't have a baseball team anymore... we just got rid of them for the Soccer team {the Timbers}. I cannot tell you how upset I was when they got rid of our Beavers to bring in the Timbers! I am a Yankee fan through & through though and I always have been... I grew up on them {my dad has been a fan of them since he was 5 & would read about them in the newspaper} and I will always be a fan of them no matter what! Plus HELLO Derek Jeter has to be one of the hottest players of all time!

9. My dream vacation is to go to Greece, Italy & France. I have always wanted to go to those 3 places.

10. I would love to be a photographer but I am not good at it at all. I would love to take photography classes someday but we just can't afford them right now.

11. I hope that someday soon I get to meet all my favorite bloggers like; Chelsea: The Curly Cues, Amy: A Good Life, Lauren: Me and Mine, Mandy: A Sorta Fairytale, Jill: The Chronicles of Corbin, Amanda: Raising Reese, Chelsey: The Paper Momma, and many many more!!

Questions from Chelsea:

1. If you could only shop one place for the rest of your life, where would it be?: Oh man that is hard but I would probably say GAP. They have great clothes and their prices aren't to ridiculously high.

2. What do you do to de-stress? Yoga? Wine? Wall punching?: ha ha no wall punching here. I really don't have anything except to just get into bed & pray then go to sleep. That usually helps.

3. What is the first lie you ever remember telling?: Oh man it was probably something about my brother doing it rather than me so I didn't get into trouble. But I really have no idea!

4. If you had to listen to one sound for the rest of your life, what would you choose?: The sound of my son & dad laughing. I never get tired of those 2 laughing at each other... both of their laughs are completely contagious and the best sounds in the world!!

5. Your house is on fire and you can only grab 3 things (all humans and pets are safely outside), what do you take?: My computer & external hard drive, camera, and some of Zane's baby clothes.

6. Would you ever wear pink jeans? How about pink maternity jeans?: oh yes! I think they are sooooo cute and I want a pair right now but just haven't gotten around to buying any yet.

7. Would you ever consider plastic surgery, if so, what would you do?: Yes. I would get a tummy tuck... it is my problem area and no matter how hard I try or what I try it won't go away {I constantly get asked if I am pregnant... totally rude I know!} so I actually plan of having one after I am done having children. I want to love my body again... it's been a huge struggle in my adult life. I don't talk about it much and I try to hide my pain from it but sometimes it's really hard.

8. What is something your kid/significant other/best friend does that drives you crazy?: ha ha well my husband and son both chew on the inside of their cheek. It is sooooo annoying and no matter how many times I tell my husband to stop he just won't stop.

9. What is the best meal that you can cook?: Well I am not the cook in the family by any means at all! My husband does most of the cooking but I can make some mean mac & cheese {no not the box kind, it's my aunts recipe & it's delicious!!}

10. Who was your first best friend?: Kelly Hogue... she lived next door to me and was a month younger than me.

11. If you could go back in time and change one decision in your life, what would it be?: Wow... I know exactly right off the top of my head what I would change. {I warn you it's not a pretty story!} I would not go out with one of my boyfriends... he was not a good person! He forced me into having sex with him {my first time} and ruined my 18th birthday party {by smoking pot out of an apple in my backyard when I had told him not too} and was just a very bad person! It was the worst decision of my entire life to ever become involved with him!!

I tag Jules, Allie, and Jenn. I am only tagging 3 people because I can't think of anyone else right now.

My Questions for you to answer:

1. What is your favorite time of the year?:
2. How many kids do you want to have or do you have all the kids you are going to have?:
3. What is your all time favorite meal {dessert included}?:
4. If you could live anywhere, where would it be?:
5. When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up?:
6. If you had to give up one media outlet {twitter, facebook, instagram, blogging etc.} what one would it be?:
7. What is your dream pet {It could literally be any animal! Ex. mine would be a giraffe}?:
8. Do you drink your allotted 8 ounces of water a day?:
9. What is your favorite accessory?:
10. Do you have an iPhone {if not do you want one}?:

10 Thins about Kinze from Schilling Times

2012-03-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to have Kinze from Schilling Times joining in on my feature.

She has an amazing heart for God, has three adorable children & one on the way, yay!

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Kinze:

1. Favorite snack food:

man I have to pick just one?!

I guess I'd go with any sort of comfort food such as mash potatoes, fried chicken and corn!

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

I would have to say Destin, Fl...

I love it there...

the white sand clear water and just being with my family is quite lovely!

3. Favorite movie:

my favorite movie as of right now is secretariat (nice to see a good clean movie)!

4. Favorite childhood memory:

going to my grandma's house almost every friday night...

loved the one on one attention i got from her!

5. Favorite candle scent:

marshmallow fireside from bath and body (perfect for this holiday season!)

6. Favorite way to travel:

plane...

actually a jet would be nice too...

the faster the better!

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

lovin' their salted caramel hot chocolate!

8. All time favorite meal:

I'm always up for some spicy chinese!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

well, I actually don't watch t.v. anymore...

but if I have to choose I would say teen mom...

then I would be able to

love on those mommas who are just children themselves

(my heart goes out to those young girls)!

10. A fun fact about you:

hmmm a fun fact would me that I have already set up all my christmas decorations and it's only the 9th of november!

Wednesday Wishes

2012-02-29T10:25:00.000-08:00

#1:

A baby bump because I want a baby so badly!
Plus this time I want to dress it way cute!
This is something I have been wishing for, for awhile now...
I hope it happens soon.

#2:

Long beautiful hair again with a fun ombre effect!
It takes WAY too long to grow hair out.

#3:

A vacation to someplace like this!
I haven't been on a vacation in sooooo long.
I need one.

#4:

To go see this movie as soon as it comes out!
I am so excited for it.
I can't wait.
It's going to be sooo good!

#5:

To make these red velvet brownies.
MMMMmmmm!
I love red velvet anything and brownies!

#6:

I'd love a pet giraffe.
Come on how cute are they?!
My husband says they're impractical because they're so large...
That is why it is only a wish :(

The Hunger Games

2012-02-29T07:00:00.001-08:00

SOURCE

I am so excited to see The Hunger Games movie when it comes out in less than a month!!

SOURCE

I am hoping to get my tickets for it soon so I can see it right away.

I don't want to wait... I don't think I can wait!

I just know it's going to be amazing.

SOURCE

So I really, really want to have an amazing Hunger Games shirt to wear to the movie.
{I know, I know... total nerd!}

SOURCE

So here are a few shirts I found online and I really can't decide which one I want...
I need your help in choosing.

SOURCE
#1

SOURCE
#2

SOURCE
#3

SOURCE
#4

SOURCE
#5

SOURCE
#6

SOURCE
#7

Just comment with the number of the shirt you love the most!
Thank you for your help. :)

The Oscars

2012-02-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

If I had been invited to the Oscars last night this is what I would have loved to wear...

It's simple, yet elegant and with some sparkly accessories it just makes it so much fun!

10 Things about Ashley from I Love You More than Carrots

2012-02-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Ashley from I Love You More than Carrots joining in on my feature.

She is the sweetest, has a very cute little boy and another on the way

& a pretty sweet husband also.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Ashley:

Twitter: @LvdMoreThnCrrts
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/iloveyoumorethancarrots

Hi there! I'm AP, M's wife and C's Mama from over at I Love You More Than Carrots.
We recently just found out we're expecting baby number two which means for a whole entire month this summer,
I'll be a Mama to two-under-two!
I just think I'm up for a good challenge, no?
Needless to say, it's already been a wild ride and I'm excited to blog through being pregnant while chasing around a Crazy Wildebeest Toddler!
It's certainly not for the faint of heart!

When Libby sent me this little questionairre,
I couldn't wait to participate!
I love Libby's blog, especially her handsome little man!
Thanks so much for letting me hijack a bit of your blog space, Libby!
Here goes nothin'...

1. Favorite snack food:
Sour Patch Watermelons in mass quantities.
I blame pregnancy.
Please send in bulk.
Myself and baby #2 will thank you immensely.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Turks and Caicos. Here's why:

3. Favorite movie:
The Dead Poets Society and Sweet Home Alabama.
Although I watch Curious George 2: Follow that Monkey so darn often that it's most definitely now in the running...

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Oh gosh.

There are really too many?

How can you choose just one?

I think going to the movies with my Dad to see Jurassic Park for the first time.

It was SO much fun and just the two of us and for some reason I always remember it!

Weird, I know.

5. Favorite candle scent:

Anything holiday-appropo.

Cinnamon/Pumpkin deliciousness in the Fall,

Evergreen/Cranberry spice-ish in the Winter.

Something melon-y and fresh in the spring and summer!

6. Favorite way to travel:

Is slightly inebriated an option?

Okay, really.

A plane.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

Grande Eggnog Latte,

please!

8. All time favorite meal:

My Dad's lasagna.

It's amazing.

Life-changing, really.

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

This is not really a reality show,

but can I pick Cupcake Wars?

I can bake a mean cupcake!

10. A fun fact about you:

I play the drums!
Not too many people know this but I'm pretty bad-ass, too!

These three series

2012-02-22T07:00:00.000-08:00

As of right now these three book series are my favorite I have ever read...
{and the movies that are out are pretty darn good too!}

Harry Potter

I love everything about these books and the movies are phenomenal!
The three main characters of these movies were absolutely perfect for the roles...
They are in my opinion some of the most beautiful people on earth.

Daniel Radcliffe = Harry Potter

Emma Watson = Hermione Granger

Rupert Grint = Ronald Weasley

The Hunger Games

I am so, so excited for these movies!
I really can't wait to see the first one next month...
I know it's going to be amazing.
And these three are pretty easy to look at.

Josh Hutcherson = Peeta Mellark

Jennifer Lawrence = Katniss Everdeen

Liam Hemsworth = Gale Hawthorne

The Twilight Saga

I love these movies.
I know there are a lot of people who don't like them but I really love them.
Oh and I cannot wait until the last movie comes out in November!
All three of these people are very pretty, in my opinion.

Robert Pattinson = Edward Cullen

Kristen Stewart = Bella Swan

Taylor Lautner = Jacob Black

SOURCE

10 Things about Shawntae from A Little King and I

2012-02-17T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Shawntae from A Little Kind and I joining in on my feature.

She is the cutest momma, has two of the cutest kids, & is also a wife.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Shawntae:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/A-little-king-andi/148182401875530

1. Favorite snack food:

Lornadoone short bread cookies.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

My favorite place I have ever visited was Cannon Beach.

I think it is one of the most beautiful beaches ever.

I love how you drive up through the mountain and then BOOM there is the ocean.

I love the little town that beach is at...

love everything about that place.

3. Favorite movie:

Moulin Rouge, I pretty much know every line to that whole movie and I love singing all the songs.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Playing forever outside after school and on the weekends.

I swear little kids don't play outside anymore.

I would never wear shoes, I'd climb trees go hiking, Night games, etc.

I also just miss not having to worry about anything no care in the world and my parents would buy things for me. It was soo nice.

Wonder why I ever wanted to grow up? haha

5. Favorite candle scent:

Vanilla Bean Noel

6. Favorite way to travel:

Airplane.

I hate being in the car for a long period of time.

Expecially while pregnant.

My mother works for the airlines so luckily I get to fly for free.

I fly to St. George which is only 4 hours away from my house.

That explains how much I hate car traveling.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

Venti Java Chip Frapp.

No whip or during the holidays I get a Venti Pumpkin Spice Latte or Pumpkin Spice Fapp.

Yuuuum.

8. All time favorite meal:

BLT's

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

If I was super tall and skinnier I'd love to be on America's next Top Model.

I freaking love that show,

I love how creative the shoots are but I hate Tyra.

She annoys the crap out of me.

10. A fun fact about you:

I can talk with my mouth closed like the people with the marionette dolls. :)

Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T04:00:00.000-08:00

source

Gone today

2012-02-10T08:46:00.000-08:00

I am over here today! :)

You should go check it out...

just click on the picture & it'll take you right there.

10 Things about Stephanie from Mrs. Stephanie T

2012-02-10T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Stephanie from Mrs. Stephanie T joining in on my feature.

She is an adorable young momma, has the cutest little girl, Hallie & her husband is pretty cute too.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Stephanie:

Twitter: @mrsstephaniet
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mrs-Stephanie-T/256614257693117

1. Favorite snack food:

BBQ Pringles.

Yummo!

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Perdido Key, Florida!

It's where my husband and I went on our honeymoon.

3. Favorite movie:

Now and Then.

Best ever!

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Probably anything having to do with my cousins.

I'm an only child,

and they were like siblings to me.

5. Favorite candle scent:

Vanilla!

I love anything with the smell of vanilla.

6. Favorite way to travel:

By car, if possible!

I love seeing new places,

but there are some trips that need to be taken by plane. ;)

7. Favorite Starbucks drink :

Venti Iced Coffee,

3 pumps of classic, 3 pumps of caramel, extra 2% milk!

Except for the Holidays...

then I'm all about my Caramel Brulee Lattes!

8. All time favorite meal:

Fried chicken and mashed potatoes!
It will never, ever get old.
Can you tell I'm from the south?! ;)

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:
Oh, probably The Amazing Race!
I'm all about some traveling.

10. A fun fact about you:
I sing and interpretive dance all the time.
all. the. time.

Our Love Story

2012-02-08T10:46:00.000-08:00

I am linking up with Becky from Mrs. to Mama for her What's your love story linky party. I thought it would be fun to share with you our little journey to where we are today! :)

1. How long have you and your significant other been together?

It will be 5 years in April.

2. How did you meet? {What's your "love" story?}

Our friends introduced us at his hockey game. He was getting ready to go play and we only said hi to each other but he asked my friends boyfriend if we could all go to dinner after the game and we did and then we have been together ever since that!

3. If married, how long have you been married? If not, is this the guy you hope to marry? {do tell}

We will have been married for 4 years in June.

4. If you are married, where did you get married at? Big or small wedding? If not, where would you like to get married? And will it be big or small?

We got married at the The Old Church downtown Portland, OR and then our reception was in West Linn, OR at the Oregon Golf Club. It was a big wedding with about 250 guests.

5. Do you have any nick-names that you call one another? Do share!

I call him honey and that's about it. He stopped calling me baby after we got married. :(

6. Name 3 things you love most about your honey.

He is strong, caring and willing to do anything it takes to take care of us. He works so hard so that I can have the chance to stay home with our son. Oh and he's the best daddy in the world!

7. Tell us how he proposed? Or your ideal proposal?

We got engaged in Disneyland. We went on vacation there about 4 months after we met and started dating. It wasn't a huge surprise because I had a suspicions about it because we were talking about it for awhile. The actual proposal took place at the Blue Bayou restaurant {in the Pirate's of the Caribbean ride} it was after we had eaten dinner and he said, "can I ask you something without you getting mad or upset with me?" and it totally threw me off! Then he said, "Libby Wilson, will you marry me?" And then I got really excited and happy {I did not cry which was a huge shock to us both because I cry over EVERYTHING!} and then a lady at a table next to us started yelling 'kiss her, kiss her' and so he did. It was quite funny actually.

8. Is he a flowers and teddy bear kind of guy for v-day, or strawberries, champagne, and rose petals?

I think I'd have to say flowers and teddy bear kind of guy. He's romantic but not extravagant kind of romantic.

9. Are you a sunset dinner on the beach kind of girl, or pop a movie in and relax on the couch?

It totally depends on my mood. I love the romantic dinners and spending time with my honey but I also love a good relaxing night on the couch with him.

10. Tell us one thing you'd like to do with your significant one day. If you could do anything? Go anywhere?

I want to go to Italy, Greece, Austria, France, Germany, and Australia someday!

11. Tell us what you plan on doing this Valentine's Day.

Ha ha well on Vday this year we are not doing anything. But we are going to celebrate on the 17th because it's his day off and when we could get a grandma to watch our little man for us.

12. Are you asking for anything this Valentine's Day?

Yes, the Breaking Dawn movie and a Dressing on the Side t-shirt.

13. Give us one piece of advice for keeping a relationship strong and full of love.

Talk out your problems. Don't just let them stew because that just makes things 10x worse! Communication is the key to a good relationship and it's not just a cliche... it really is the key to being in a happy relationship.

14. Show us a picture of what love means to you.

Liebster Blog award

2012-02-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

The lovely and sweet Danielle from Sugar Blossom Boutique gave me the Liebster blog award this week. She is so sweet and I wanted to return the favor to some of my favorite blogs so I thought I'd send it out to a few of my favorite blogs who still have under 200 followers.

1. Chelsea from *The Curly Cues*
2. Nicole from BEAN
3. Jill from the chronicles of corbin
4. Kristy from The boy named after a car
5. Kelli from dailypolkadots

There are so many amazing ladies out there whose blog's I absolutely adore but these are just 5 of my absolute favorites!!! :)

Liebster in German means dearest, beloved, or favorite, and it is for bloggers with under 200 followers!

{The Rules}

1. Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.

2. Link back to the blogger who awarded you.

3. Copy & paste the blog award on your blog.

4. Reveal your 5 blog picks.

5. Let them know you chose them by leaving a comment on their blog.

So, if you have a minute,

you really should go check out some awesome blog goodness because these ladies are amazing!!

10 Things about Katie from Loves of Life

2012-02-03T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Katie from Loves of Life joining in on my feature.

She is such an inspiration, She has an a very cute little girl, & is married to her adorable husband.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Katie:

Blog: http://katieballa.blogspot.com/
Twitter: @lovesoflife
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Loves-of-Life/255607237809557?sk=wall
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/katieballa/

1. Favorite snack food:

I used to snack all.the.time.

However, nowadays I snack a little less (bye bye 45 pounds!),

but my go-to snack is a string-cheese.

Is that weird?

That probably makes me sound like a 5 year old. String cheese and ritz crackers.

Yep, I'm officially a kid, I think.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

I love going to Avalon/Stone Harbor, New Jersey in the summertime with my family.

It's just a fun, special place for me.

But locally?

I have a few spots (parks, ponds, lakes, etc) that I love to go to and escape to with my daughter.

It feels like a secret little trip, but it's just right around the corner.

It's also an opportunity for me to bring my camera.

But, then again--what isn't?! :)

3. Favorite movie:

Don't laugh.

But my all time favorite movie EVER is Charlotte's Web.

Absolutely adore it, in every way, shape and form.

As far as newer type movies?

I pretty much love all romantic comedies/chick-flicks---because I'm a sucker for that kind of thing.

I don't mind cheesy.

I quite like it, actually.

But, I refuse---refuse to watch anything involving fire, guns, gangs, killing, bombing, war, etc.

So, basically that rules out 99% of movies.

Not kidding.

My husband jokes with me about it all the time.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Whenever we'd come out of the bathtub, get all jammied up, and smelling all yummy--I remember my dad would smell our freshly washed hair and say, "Ohhh!

I wanna put it in a bottle and take it to work!" :)

I realize it sounds silly, but as a parent now, I find it so adorably sweet.

There is something about freshly bathed kids that's just so homey feeling.

5. Favorite candle scent:

I'm usually a vanilla'ish person.

Or pumpkin spice (around that time of year).

6. Favorite way to travel:

I love car rides with my husband.

However, adding a toddler to the mix changes thing.

I do get plane anxiety though.

So, I have to say--I'm sticking with the car.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

I'm not a big Starbucks gal (*don't stone me!*),

but I do splurge on a drink here and there.

I normally get a Soy Chai Latte, either iced or hot.

Both are delicious.

8. All time favorite meal:

Mexican food.

Abundance of chips and salsa.

Queso. Guacamole. Fajitas.

Lots of sour cream and shredded lettuce & cheeses.

That kind of thing.

Now I'm hungry.

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

I honestly think me and my sister would ROCK at Amazing Race.

Especially now since the two of us are so much more physically fit than before (and having lost a combined weight of 100+ pounds)---we could totally do it.

She is a world traveler already.

She is great with maps and directions.

I am good with challenges.

I'm fairly adventurous (to some degree).

Either way?

I think we would be awesome.

One day....one day.

10. A fun fact about you:

I am classic for buying something we need (for example, toddler toothpaste)...

and then putting it away, and forgetting I bought it---then re-purchasing.

Basically?

My organization skills in every area of life lack pretty hardcore.

But, hey-such is life. :)

The Paper Mama Challenge: Self

2012-02-02T00:01:00.000-08:00

I decided that I wanted to link up with The Paper Mama for her Self Photo Challenge!

I thought it would be fun to join in and share a little about myself right now.

Obsessing over...
Harry Potter at the moment. I am almost done with the last book and I've watched all the movies like 3 times. We bought them all over Christmas break & watched them in a week then I watched them all again... they're all just so good. Plus I have a little crush on Rupert Grint {Ron} ;)

Working on...
this blog post and coming up with another post for this weekend.

Thinking about...
being pregnant and how excited I would be if I was!

Anticipating...
The weekend and going to a fun pizza place with my boys this weekend.

Listening to...
Kourtney and Kim Take New York.

Eating...
Gummy bears :)

Wishing...
I was pregnant with baby #2 so badly! It is the one true desire in my heart at this moment. I would be so extremely excited to be lucky enough to be blessed with another baby!!

Jan photoAday

2012-02-01T12:16:00.000-08:00

I did the Jan photoAday on Instagram

and I thought that I'd share my pictures from each day.

You can find me on Instagram at @libbyuglesich...

so come join in on the fun & follow me!

Day one: Me - obviously that's me

Day two: Breakfast - cheesy eggs & toast

Day three: Someone I adore - Zane for sure

Day four: Letterbox - my email with a JSC email :)

Day five: what I wore - AE socks & VS sweats

Day six: makes me smile - that little belly of his

Day seven: favorite - Him of course

Day eight: your sky - dark & gloomy day

Day nine: daily routine - morning routine of banana, cheerios & milk for him & book & water for me

Day ten: childhood - when I was 16 with my daddy

Day eleven: where you sleep - my side of the bed

Day twelve: close-up - snuggles with my main little man

Day thirteen: in your bag - Jo Tote as a diaper bag LOVE

Day fourteen: something your reading - The Harry Potter Series

Day fifteen: happiness - this little guy is PURE happiness

Day sixteen: morning - breakfast YUM

Day seventeen: water - rain on the window

Day eighteen: something you bought - Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows II

Day nineteen: sweet - Dr. Pepper {my love}

Day twenty: someone you love - this is obvious I think ;)

Day twenty-one: reflection {funny this was 21 because he was born on the 21st} - having a itty baby

Day twenty-two: your shoes - my favorite Uggs

Day twenty-three: something old - old CD rack still in my room from when I was little

Day twenty-four: guilty pleasure - Red velvet anything, Dr. pepper, JS, LC, & KB, and good books

Day twenty-five: something you made - I made this little man

Day twenty-six: color - my sweatshirt

Day twenty-seven: lunch - yummy pizza

Day twenty-eight: light - he's the light in my life

Day twenty-nine: inside your fridge - what's in my fridge?!

Day thirty: nature - my front yard

Day thirty-one: me again - obvs ;)

10 Things about Tiffanie from Pineapples & Pickles

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Tiffanie from Pineapples and Pickles joining in on my feature.

She is an great decorator, has a sweet little boy, Preston & very dedicated husband.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Tiffanie:

Twitter: @p_and_p_preston
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mrstbv/

1. Favorite snack food:

Without a doubt, chips and salsa.

My boss even gave me chips and salsa for my birthday one year.

True story.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Lake Como, Italy.

3. Favorite movie:

The Notebook, Sweet Home Alabama & Elf.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Wanting to spend every waking moment with my grandmother.

My MawMaw made my world go round, you know,

and it didn't hurt that she brought me everything I wanted (spoiled, here).

5. Favorite candle scent:

Thymes Fraiser Fir.

Best.scent.ever.

I use it all year round, but especially love it during the holidays.

6. Favorite way to travel:

High speed train (think European style).

7. Favorite Starbucks drink :

Currently I'm loving the Skinny Peppermint Mocha.

8. All time favorite meal:

Stone crab.

(Please hint to the husband that he needs to take me to have some for our 5 year anniversary.)

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

Amazing Race.

(Because I would love to travel the world.)

10. A fun fact about you:

I'm very particular about sheets.

Yes, sheets!

I'm crazy, but I can't tell you how many sheet sets we've been through.

They can't pill, they must be soft, and they must sleep cool.

I know it sounds easy,

but they've been so difficult to find.

iPad cases for my best Christmas present

2012-01-26T19:55:00.000-08:00

I was lucky enough to get an iPad for Christmas from my wonderful husband,

my parents & mother-in-law {they all chipped in some money for it}

and a smart cover but I really would love a case to put it in

so that it is safe whenever I take it anywhere.

So I've been searching Etsy like crazy for one and I've found some cute ones but none are exactly what I am looking for.

I thought I'd share them though so if you happen to be looking also you might get some inspiration and find what you are looking for!

Via
I am really love the colors & fun floral type print {it's just so fun}

Via
I like the circle pattern on this one & the pockets but I'm looking for something in pink or purple really

Via
Love, love, love the polka dot bow on the front of this one just too cute

Via
The fact that this is a pair & there is a zipper pouch on the back of the iPad case to hold cords perfect

Via
Gotta love a Gryffindor {they also have Slytherin} but I'm a lover of all things Gryffindor

Via
I really like the color & ruffle on this one

Via
The script print is totally fun & the fact that it's a horizontal case is very cool

Via
I love this fabric, my camera strap is covered in it {so it's only natural to be attracted to it right?!}

Via
Anything Gussy is fabulous {if only she had pink & polka dots it'd be perfection}

Paper Mama Challenge - Feet

2012-01-23T11:15:00.000-08:00

I am joining Paper Mama's challenge this week which is 'feet'.

I love little baby feet and I am very excited to share these adorable little feet of my sons.

7 Pretty Things

2012-01-22T15:02:00.000-08:00

I am linking to Gussy today for her 7 Pretty Things Sunday.

1. I am totally in love with these movies & the relationship between Ron & Hermione.
The way he looks at her makes me swoon!!
2. I love this bathroom... the tub is amazing with the curtains around it how relaxing.
3. I love this maternity picture & I am wanting very badly wanting to be pregnant right now.
4. I am thinking of doing this to my hair once it's all grown out again. Loving it!
5. I am loving this whole outfit to me it just screams classic.
6. Someday I will be able to visit Paris but for now I must see it through pictures.
7. I am loving the long sweater with the hunter boots & gray sweater tights. Comfy at it's best!!

I am hoping you are all having a very relaxing & wonderful Sunday.
I'll be back later this week with a 20 month post.

10 Things about Karly from Plums and Mustard

2012-01-20T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Karly from Plums and Mustard joining in on my feature.

She is so cute & is married to her sweet husband.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Karly:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Karly-Leavitt-Photography/233503550015908

Hey ya’ll. I’m excited to be answering some questions on Libby’s blog! Isn’t she so dang cute! :] I’m going to list a bunch of random facts about me, and then if you don’t think I’m too crazy, head on over to my blog and tell me some things about you!:] Here’s some of the questions I’m answering!

1. Favorite snack food:

My favorite snack food…hmm.

But there’s so many?

Snacking is one of my favorite things to do!

I love a good rits cracker and cheese, or a saltine with peanut butter!

Yum Yum!

I work at a preschool and we have these snacks a lot…

its because the kids like them..right. ;)

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

When I was a Freshman in high school,

my parents surprised us with a cruise for Christmas!

We went on a Disney cruise, we visited the Bahamas and that was pretty fun.

But better than that, the next year,

I went to visit my family in California and we ended up going to Tijuana.

Talk about the most humbling experience!

I wanted to give all those cute little kids each a quarter,

but there was too many of them.

3. Favorite movie:

This is so embarrassing,

but when I get asked this question,

my first thought is Titanic? Haha.

I do love that movie.

My new favorite is the proposal with Sandra Bullock.

TOO DANG FUNNY, people!

4. Favorite childhood memory:

This one is a tough one.

I have a lot of memories traveling to watch my brother play baseball.

I love the game, and sitting in the hot summer with some sunflower seeds watching him play summer after summer was a great memory.

I also thought 8 out of the 9 players on his team were total babes. Oh man.

5. Favorite candle scent:

and by candle, you mean SCENTSY! :]

I love anything like warm sugar cookies, vanilla icing...

anything light like that.

6. Favorite way to travel:

Depends on where I’m going.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

I don’t drink coffee, but I do love a good crème’ frappicino.

I love the pumpkin spice one right now.

Most of the time I go for a double chocolate chip or vanilla bean. Yum.

8. All time favorite meal:

All this food is making me hungry!

I love café’ rio and anything Mexican!

My total favorite and I probably could DIE for it.

Maybe. Nah. But dang.

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

Let me let you in on something, I don’t have cable.

Nope. We have a flatscreen and a DVD playa, but don’t have any kind of cable.

I don’t even know what reality shows are on anymore.

Although I was at the gym last night and I was motivated to be on biggest loser. Hahaha.

Seriously, those people are dedicated and awesome!

Also, while I was there, I saw that fear factor is coming back!

Whaaa??

Its true. I NEED cable. …..ohhh wwaaaade.

10. A fun fact about you:

I’m 20 years old and next week is my first wedding anniversary with my sweet sweet husband!

Come on by and visit, our blog is about my failures as a cook, the funny things my pre-schoolers say, my photography, our date nights and other random musings! Thanks Libby! :]

Tuesday Links

2012-01-17T11:07:00.000-08:00

1. It has been a long while since I blogged and I wrote on Wednesday, that I was going to blog this weekend and then the weekend flew by and I never got around to it. So I am using this time to say hi and tell you a few things that have been going on around here.

2. We took the binky away from Zane except for nap time and at night {of course}. It has helped a whole heck of a lot with him starting to babble a lot more! He still isn't really talking but he's now starting to mimic us a whole lot more... which is good because he is going to be 20 months old on Saturday and only really says momma & dadda. I really don't want him to have to start going to speech classes, which is what his doctor wants him to do soon if he doesn't start talking more ASAP!

3. James and I decided that it is time for another baby so we have started to try to have another one. We are very excited and hopeful that it will happen quickly so that we will have a 2012 baby. So pray for us to be blessed with another beautiful baby.

4. I am very excited that One Tree Hill is back on again but sad that it is in its last season. It's a great show and I have enjoyed watching them grow & change throughout the show.

5. We bought all the Harry Potter movies over Christmas break and watched them all twice and I decided to start reading the books because I loved the movies so much. I also have a little bit of a crush on Rupert Grint who plays Ron Weasley. He's just too cute.

6. We redid our den downstairs {it's connected to our living room with french doors that we never close} over Christmas and turned it into a playroom for Zane because our living room was becoming overwhelmed with toys and books and all things kid. So we decided we needed make some more room since we knew he'd be getting a ton more for Christmas. We sold our big desk and elliptical machine and went to Ikea and bought a new desk, 2 DVD wall shelves and a shelving system to hold Zane's toys. It opened up the room so much and has given him so much more room to play.

7. I am looking for a white with black polka dots dress and have been for a very long time and cannot find one anywhere! But here are a few that I kind of like but aren't exactly what I am looking for. You can see them here, here and here.

So basically that's what has been going on in my life and why I've been out of commission for so long. I hope you are all doing well. I know I have lost some of my followers over the last few days which makes me sad but I know it's because I haven't been posting at all. I have missed all of you and will be returning to my regularly scheduled program soon! :)

10 Things about Casey from The Wiegand's

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Casey from The Wiegand's joining in on my feature.

She is such an inspiration, she has two adorable little kiddos, & is married to her husband.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Casey:

Twitter: @caseywiegand

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Casey-Wiegand-Art/175899174261

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/casey_wiegand/

Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2295801/the-wiegands

1. Favorite snack food:

chocolate morsels

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Destin, Florida

3. Favorite movie:

Calamity Jane

4. Favorite childhood memory:

When I got my first dog, Maggie!

5. Favorite candle scent:

Christmas smell

6. Favorite way to travel:

car

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

mocha frap with whip cream!

8. All time favorite meal:

chicken spaghetti and butter bread!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

American Idol

10. A fun fact about you:

I make s'mores in the microwave

Still here

2012-01-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

I promise I am still here! Things have been very busy around here and I will be posting again soon and it will probably be about Christmas since I haven't done that yet. Ooops! But I will be posting this weekend hopefully aside from my weekly guest post. :) I hope everyone is having a wonderful week.

10 Things about Melissa from My Soul is the Sky

2012-01-06T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Melissa from My soul is the Sky joining in on my feature.

She is such a fashionista, is a pilot, & is married to her adorable husband.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Melissa:

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Soul-is-the-Sky/105754452852907?sk=wall

Twitter: @msncook

Bloglovin: http://www.bloglovin.com/en/blog/2417475/my-soul-is-the-sky

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/msnc/

1. Favorite snack food:

caramel popcorn

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Lake Powell

3. Favorite movie:

The Holiday

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Living in Japan from 6-10 yrs old

5. Favorite candle scent:

Winter from Bath & BodyWorks

6. Favorite way to travel:

By car

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

Skinny Vanilla Latte

8. All time favorite meal:

Burrito, enchilada style from El Matador

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills!

haha

10. A fun fact about you:

I lived in Japan for 6 years and never learned Japanese! :)

2012 Goals

2012-01-02T09:30:00.000-08:00

Resolutions...

Well I don't do resolutions anymore because I never follow through with them!

So I'm going to call them goals for 2012.

This makes it sound much more doable to me and not like if I don't accomplish them I am failing.

I only have a few goals for 2012

and they are pretty big ones so I'll just get right down to it

and tell you what they are:

1. Spend more time with the Lord in one on one time doing devotionals.

2. Try go to church every Sunday, when James' schedule changes next month.

3. Get pregnant and have a baby by the end of 2012!!
4. Blog more and take more pictures of Zane to remember this fun age.

5. Turn 30 with a bang and enjoy every second of my Birthday this year.

I told you they pretty big...

#3 is my favorite and if it happens will make me the happiest momma in the world!

10 Things about Ashley from The Vanilla Tulip

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Ashley from The Vanilla Tulip joining in on my feature.

She is such an amazing woman of God, mom to three very cute little kids, & is also a wife.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Ashley:

Twitter: @thevanillatulip
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Vanilla-Tulip-Blog/133993800026709
Etsy: http://www.thevanillatulip.etsy.com/

1. Favorite snack food:

Cheddar cheese, crackers and grapes!

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

I LOVE Colorado!

Trying to talk my warm-weather loving husband into moving there ;)

3. Favorite movie:

The Holiday with Cameron Diaz.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

When I was six I got my own white kitten...

Snowball :)

5. Favorite candle scent:

Candy Corn!

It's from a local shop and smells like buttery caramel!

6. Favorite way to travel:

I LOVE to fly!

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

Salted Caramel Hot Cocoa :)

8. All time favorite meal:

Anything Mexican!

Chips, salsa, fajitas, queso, homemade tortillas...

mmm!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

The Amazing Race with my husband!

10. A fun fact about you:

I would rather be with my husband and babies than be by myself :) LOVE my family!

Best of 2011

2011-12-29T12:45:00.000-08:00

January:

My first blog post ever.

I ended up in the ER and then spent the night in the hospital after having surgery for a kidney Stone.

James left for 4 months to go to Salem for training for work, leaving Zane & me home alone.

February:

Zane was just too cute for his own good.

Zane learned to crawl!!

He also experienced his first snow... but wasn't too much of a fan at all.

March:

I praised my Lord for giving the greatest gift of all my son!

I was loving on my boy so much this day.

I shared two of my favorite praise video's.

Shared some extremely cute pictures of Zane here.

April:

I had to take about a million pictures of Zane to get a good one for his Birthday invite!

Zane celebrated his first Easter, with going to church, lunch with James' mom & then dinner with my Family.

May:

Zane got his first haircut & did wonderful {only time he has}!

I took this adorable picture of Zane drinking his apple juice and love it.

I found Instagram and it changed my life!

Zane turned ONE and I wrote him a letter!!

June:

I shared all of Zane's Birthday party pics in these posts: here, here, here, here, here and here.

James & I celebrated 3 years of marriage.

I tried my first blog sponsor swap.

July:

Zane did some adorable dancing.

I swapped blogs with a great blogger friend Paige.

I asked for help on how to get rid of Zane's binky & we've yet to do this!

August:

I took Zane to Pump it up and then we went to my dad's concert in the park.

I did an A - Z of me.

My mom & I took Zane to the zoo & he loved it.

September:

I showed you what was on my Birthday wish list.

Fall began.

October:

I did a month of giveaways in honor of my Birthday.

I shared the outfit I wore for my Birthday.

My sweet husband answered some questions for me in an interview.

November:

I shared what Zane was for Halloween {cutest pro-boxer ever}.

I finally shared Zane's one year pictures with you guys! oops!

I started my new feature with myself.

Shared this cute video of Zane saying Gobble gobble gobble.

I shared Zane's Christmas list.

December:

I shared both James & my Christmas Lists.

I got a fabulous new look on my blog and shared the maker with you.

I shared our Christmas tree adventure.

And finally shared some of our family Christmas traditions.

Merry Christmas from my family to yours...

2011-12-26T08:46:00.000-08:00

a day later unfortunately!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

First of all I just have to tell you that both my husband and I LOVE Christmastime! We will start watching Christmas movies before Thanksgiving because we love it so much. But we wait to turn the Christmas music on until after Thanksgiving. But here is a list of Christmas Traditions that we have in our family.

1. National Lampoons Christmas Vacation: We watch Christmas Vacation after Thanksgiving dinner every.single.year without fail. It is my dad & brother's favorite Christmas movie and one of James's favorites so the boys always want to watch it together.

2. Christmas Tree Adventure: We go and cut our own tree down every year at the same Christmas Tree farm every year. We love the adventure of going out and picking out the perfect tree and then cutting it down ourselves, {well James does that} I just watch. ;) That is one of the perks of living here in Oregon because we grow Christmas trees like crazy out here.

3. Decorating: We decorate {actually I decorate} the day after Thanksgiving every year. I like to have the decorations up as long as I possibly can because of how much we love Christmas. I decorate using mainly white, red & silver just because I like the traditional'ness' {I know I just made up a word} of it. I only use white lights both on the inside and outside of my house. I grew up in a house of just white lights and I love the simplicity of it. We did add some red lights this year around the banister on our deck in the front but that's all. We have also decided that each of our children will be designated with a certain Christmas "character" if you will, like Santa, Snowman, Elf, Reindeer, Angel, etc. Depending on how many children we have. Their stocking will be their character {Zane is Santa} and then his grammy will be buying him a new santa every year so that he will have a collection of them when he gets older and has his own wife, family, house etc.

4. The Family Stone: I will watch The Family Stone about 100 times from the beginning of November to the end of December because it is my all time favorite Christmas movie. I love it more than any other movie. I dream of having a big family just like in the movie with a beautiful house in the country with snow and all my children and their families coming to visit us when they are grown and out of the house. It just is such a great movie and has such a great story to go with the wonderfulness that is the family in the movie.

5. Books & Movies: James and I started this tradition on our very first Christmas together 5 Christmases ago. We buy a new Christmas book every year and write our names, the year and if anything big happened that year in it. {Like last year was Zane's first Christmas} We also buy a Christmas movie every year, whether it be a new one or one of the Classics. We want to own all the Christmas movies we can. Because we try to watch one almost every night during December. It's something we love to do with each other during this time of year.

6. Christmas "Morton Family Strata": {from the Family Stone} This is something I make on Christmas eve and put in the fridge for Christmas morning breakfast. We just started this last year but we decided that it was so good that we wanted to do it every year from then on. You can get the recipe either from the DVD special features or you can go here for the recipe.

7. A Christmas Story: This is James's favorite Christmas movie ever. He could watch it a million times and still love it. So on Christmas day the 24 hours of A Christmas Story on TBS is one of his favorite things. It is pretty much on all day and if it's not on on the TV we will watch it on DVD because most of the time he doesn't have Christmas off. {Police officers don't get holiday's off, that's one of the downfalls to his job.}

8. Twas the Night Before Christmas: James reads Twas the Night Before Christmas every Christmas eve to us right before we go to bed and put out the milk and cookies for Santa.

9. Christmas Music: We love Christmas music but our favorites are Jessica Simpson {both of her CDs}, Michael Buble, Lady Antebellum, She & Him, Rascal Flatts, SheDAISY, and any of the classics. It's the only thing I will listen to starting the day after Thanksgiving until New Year's day. Love love love Christmas music.

10. Visiting Santa Clause: Now that we have Zane we have been going to see Santa at the mall the last two years and we don't plan on stopping anytime soon, especially since we are going to be having more kids in the near future {as in we are going to start trying in March}! ;) It's so much fun to take him to see him and see his reaction to being put on a strange old man's lap. We had success both this year and last year! No crying at all. Hopefully that will continue with him and with our other future children.

11. A few little fun extras: So there are a few things that we have done in the past or want to do but haven't had time yet for. The Christmas tree lighting downtown Portland in Pioneer Courthouse Square each year on the day after Thanksgiving. We wanted to go this year but decided against it because of the stupid Occupy Portland thing that is going on {they had just moved to the square a couple days before and we didn't want to take Zane down into that}. Zoo Lights of course we want to take Zane to Zoo Lights because he loves Christmas lights and would love to see all the lights at the zoo plus you get to ride on the train and he loves trains. So this is something we are hoping to do this weekend. The Polar Express on The Mount Hood Railroad it's a fun little trip for the kids {and adults too!} where the kids wear their pajama's and they give you hot cocoa and you meet Santa Clause at the end of the ride.

I find it funny how quite a few of our traditions involve movies. We are big into movies I guess. Oh well it's part of what's so great about Christmas are the movies.

10 things about Kate from The Small Things

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Kate from The Small Things joining in on my feature.

She is such a sweetheart and has a great blog with tons of hair tutorials.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Kate:

Twitter: @K8_smallthings

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Small-Things-Blog/240750312637974

Pinterest: https://pinterest.com/k8bryan/

1. Favorite snack food:

Original goldfish

(which I think they now call saltine).

When I was a child I use to lay a line of them near the fireplace to "warm them up" before I ate them.

I know, totally weird.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Park City, Utah.
My family skis in Park City and it is absolutely beautiful.
I love the mountains.

3. Favorite movie:

Newsies (have you seen newsies?
It's a disney musical from back in the DAY!)

4. Favorite childhood memory:

My family and I riding our bikes to dairy queen in our little downtown.

5. Favorite candle scent:

Right now,
Evergreen for the holiday season,
but other than that anything Vanilla flavored.

6. Favorite way to travel:

Unaware that I'm traveling.
So : sleeping on a plane. :)

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

My all-time favorite drink is a Non-fat Vanilla Latte.

8. All time favorite meal:

Pizza.
Specifically Meat Lovers

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

I really want to be on ABC's Wipeout with my husband.

10. A fun fact about you:

I like to add "r's" to most words for special effect (for exermple: Hello=Hellur; What up=Wert Erp)

Tagged

2011-12-22T13:13:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by Chelsea at *The Curly Cues* and thought this would be fun... WARNING: there are a lot of numbers in this post! Look away if you hate numbers (weirdo).

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

4. You have to choose 11 people to tag and link them on the post.

5. Go to their page and tell them you have linked him or her.

6. No tag backs.

7. No stuff in the tagging section about ‘you are tagged if you are reading this.’ You legitimately have to tag 11 people.

11 things about me:

1. I love Christmastime so much, it's my favorite time of year for sure!

2. I have never lived anywhere but in Oregon.

3. I was a adopted @ 3 weeks old.

4. I love cupcakes, ruffles, polka dots, bows, the color pink & giraffes.

5. I am hoping to have at least 2 more boys & maybe a girl in there somewhere. {yes we want a big family!}

6. My celebrity crushes are Jessica Simpson & Shia LaBeouf.

7. I will be 30 next year and I am so excited!

8. I really want to have another baby... {we're going to try next year!! I am so excited!}

9. I still wish every.single.year for a white Christmas.

10. I met my biological mom when I was 18 and it was one of the best days of my life!

11. My house is pretty much never clean... it's very hard for me to keep up.

Chelsea's Questions:

1. What is the worst haircut you have ever had? in 7th grade I got my hair permed & the girl messed up so I had to cut my hair all off and I looked like a boy. My best friend tells me I used to look like one of The Beatles {she was my best friend then too} it was really awful!

2. What one trait do you possess that you hope to pass onto your current/future child/children? my green eyes. I would love to have a child with green eyes like me.

3. What trait do you pray every day your child/children do(es) not inherit? my inability to lose weight!

4. Describe your favorite holiday tradition. Having Christmas dinner with my family every year... my mom makes the best turkey dinner and the family time is the best thing ever!

5. What one beauty product can you not live without? chapstick, my lips get dry very easily.

6. Is there one book/movie/song etc. that has made an unexpected impact on your life? If so, what is it and how has it affected you? The Family Stone made me decide that I wanted a big family, I love that movie more than any other movie besides Dan in Real Life which made me want a big family even more!

7. What was the name of your favorite childhood stuffed animal/blankie? Bear, he was a big stuffed panda bear my grandpa got me when I was 5 and I slept with him every night.

8. What is your lucky number? Do you know why? 21... nope just has been since I was like 12.

9. In one word, describe the meaning of life. LOVE

10. If someone gave you 1 million dollars (tax free!) what would you do with it? Be honest! I would pay off debt, buy us a new house, get James a new truck, help pay off my families debt, donate some, & put some in college fund for Zane... oh and invest some!

11. What is the most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you? oh man hard question... probably when I was pregnant and wet my pants when I sneezed in a store.

My Questions for you:
1. What is your favorite season?
2. How many children do you want to have or have already {if you are done}?
3. Favorite sport to watch and/or play?
4. What is your favorite Christmas movie?
5. Do you play an instrument {if so what is it}?
6. Do you have any pets {what is it}?
7. If you could go anywhere without worrying about money, time, etc where would you go?
8. What is your hobby?
9. Favorite drink {can be ANYTHING}?
10. Best gift you have ever GIVEN?
11. Can you speak another language {if so what}?

I am tagging Libby, Libby, Kinze, Ashley, Ashlen, Darlene, Lindsay, Krystal, Chelsea, Tiffanie, and Melissa {please do not feel obligated to do this, I just tagged people I thought might think it would be fun} I am not going to go tell you so if you read my blog go ahead and do it if you'd like if not, no worries!!

Bloglovin

2011-12-21T08:53:00.002-08:00

I just joined Bloglovin! Go follow me there please! :)

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

2011-12-21T08:53:00.000-08:00

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Christmas in my house

2011-12-20T15:28:00.000-08:00

looks like this...

My grandma painted the tree picture for us

James' stocking & all our Christmas movies

Zane's & my stocking and Christmas card holder

Part of my snowman collection & the new picture of Zane for his 18 months

Our tree

There are many more decorations around the house but these are just some of the favorites.
I am hoping our tree next year will not be so sparse with lights and ornaments!
We had to adjust because of Zane this year.

P.S. Happy Birthday to the best dad & poppa there is!
Today is his birthday & we are going to celebrate tonight with some pizza & playing.

10 Things about Megan from Mackey Madness

2011-12-16T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Megan from Mackey Madness joining in on my feature.

She is so adorable, she loves pink even more than me {which is hard}
& has a very cute husband to boot.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Megan:

Twitter: @MackeyMadness
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/mackeymadness/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mackey-Madness/173207399395068

1. Favorite snack food:

Anything chocolate.
I am obsessed with dessert.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:
That would be Baltimore, MD.
It was just beautiful and stunning!
I could not get enough of it.
But I love Jamaica, too!!

3. Favorite movie:
Serendipity and Armageddon.

4. Favorite childhood memory:
Oh gosh, so many!!
My childhood was seriously amazing.
One of my favorites is decorating the Christmas tree!!
It was one of our favorite nights.

5. Favorite candle scent:
Anything tropical smelling.
Although right now I'm liking "Christmas Cookie" from Yankee Candle.

6. Favorite way to travel:
Definitely car.
I hate flying...
I get SO nervous.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink :
Java Chip Frappuccino.

8. All time favorite meal:
Chicken fried steak!
YUM!
With cheesecake afterwards!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
Does that count?!
I'd love to be able to give back!!

10. A fun fact about you:
I have three 70 pound dogs.
Is that a fun fact or an insane fact?! :)

Our Christmas Tree Adventure

2011-12-15T07:00:00.000-08:00

We went and got our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving.
We go to a tree farm by our house, so we can cut our own tree down.
{that's one good thing about living in Oregon, tree farms are everywhere}

I was really worried that Zane would be hard to control while we were picking our tree...

but he held my hand the entire time!

He actually picked out our tree and it was the perfect tree.

I was so impressed with how well behaved he was while we were looking.

He's such a sweet little boy when he wants to be.

He did NOT want me to hold him!

In front of the tree {on the right} about to cut it down

Here she is in all her glory! :)

Oh How Pinteresting

2011-12-14T07:00:00.000-08:00

I love Pinterest and decided that I would join in on the Oh How Pinteresting over at the Vintage Apple and I love Christmas so I thought why not do a Christmas themed Pinterest post! :)

Source: besottedblog.com via Libby on Pinterest

I am so in love with this simple wrapping

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Libby on Pinterest

And this naughty vs. nice stocking stuffer idea!

Source: etsy.com via Libby on Pinterest

This wreath is beautiful and I know it took forever. I would actually love to make one. Maybe someday!

Source: marthastewart.com via Libby on Pinterest

This is where I got the idea for Zane's Advent calendar.

Source: luxefinds.com via Libby on Pinterest

These cookies look so yummy!

Source: littlesooti.blogspot.com via Libby on Pinterest

I also love, love, love this wrapping. So simple yet so elegant!!

Red Velvet White Chocolate Chunk Cookies

2011-12-13T07:00:00.000-08:00

Recipe for Red Velvet White Chocolate Chunk Cookies:

1 box - red velvet cake mix
1 cup - all purpose flour
2 sticks - butter {softened}
1 egg
2 cups - white chocolate chunks {chips}

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a mixing bowl, add the butter and mix until soft and fluffy.

Then slowly add the cake mix and flour.

Once that is combined, add the egg and mix completely.

Add white chocolate chips,

mix it for a minute or so until it is all well combined.

{I use a wooden spoon to mix the chips in, I think it works the best!}

Form dough into one inch balls,

{I used an ice cream scoop and it worked great}

place them into the oven for 8-10 minutes on an un-greased cookie sheet.

{Makes about 24 small cookies}

If you dare make these you will love every. single. bite.

They are absolutely delicious!

Friends are good

2011-12-12T07:00:00.000-08:00

Zane received a ton of stuffed animals when I was pregnant with him.

He has so many, they're everywhere!

I can't even count how many stuffed animals he has.

It is ridiculous...

don't get me wrong I love stuffed animals too.

But he has WAY too many but it just continues to grow.

His grandma's buy him them all the time.

The other day his Grammy was here visiting and she lined up all of his animals against the wall,

well Zane thought that was the neatest thing ever and wanted to hang out with them.

So we moved them around and he sat in the middle of them for a good 10 minutes...

which is a VERY long time for him.

It was just so adorable.

So I had to capture it on film and share it with you all.
Enjoy my sweet little lover bug and his buddies!

Oh and I had to take a couple pictures of his cute little chubby feet!
I just wanna chew on them...
baby feet are my favorite thing ever!

Aren't those the cutest toes you've ever seen?!

Partner Swaps December 2011

2011-12-11T09:40:00.000-08:00

I participated in two swaps this December.

The first one was put together by Danielle over at Take Heart.

She put together a Scarfament swap which is exactly what it sounds like a scarf & ornament swap.

Such a cute idea!!

I got paired up with Kaylee from Life Chasers.

She sent me three of the most adorable ornaments I've ever seen and a beautiful infinity scarf.

My second sponsor swap was put together by Laura over at Between the Lines.

This was called a Very Bloggy Christmas and we swapped a few of our favorite things.

I got paired with Lindsay from Love to the Moon and she sent me a 15$ Starbucks gift card and a bag of dark chocolate {my absolute favorite!}

10 Things about Libby from Don't Waste your Cancer

2011-12-09T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Libby from Don't Waste your Cancer joining in on my feature.

She has a beautiful story about beating Cancer, has an adorable daughter, Ava

& has a husband, Justin, who is so dedicated to her it's amazing.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Libby:

Twitter: @libbyryder12
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=15300401
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/libbyryder/
Instagram: http://followgram.me/libbyryder
RSS Reader: http://followgram.me/libbyryder

1. Favorite snack food:
Lime tortilla chips and guacamole or gummy candy.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:
The beach, I love the beach.

3. Favorite movie:
The Family Man.

4. Favorite childhood memory:
Growing up in a neighborhood with lots of kids
and playing outside all day until the street lights came on.

5. Favorite candle scent:
Yankee Candle, Orchard Pear.

6. Favorite way to travel:
Fly.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink :
Skim Latte with one sugar in the raw or a skim mocha.

8. All time favorite meal:
Anything Italian please.

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:
Tops Chef...
If I could actually cook.

10. A fun fact about you:
I love animals but I don't really like them inside my house.

New Look!

2011-12-06T16:09:00.000-08:00

I got a new look on the blog today...

if you didn't notice and I am so very excited about it. I absolutely love it.

Branson from My Reflection of Something did it for me through the Bartering Blogger Pre-Holiday Swap. She did such an amazing job on my blog

and I swapped a guest post and hosting her button for awhile. :)

I can't express how grateful I am to her for doing the swap with me to get a new look on my blog.

I was in desperate need of a little change and it is perfectly me in

every.single.way!!

Polka dots, bows & pink... need I say more?

It is so perfectly Libby.

The process to work with her was so extremely simple too.

I sent her some ideas on what I wanted in a color scheme

and then sent her a few of my favorite blogs

and told her what I loved about each one

and then I told her that I wanted polka dots & some little bow touches

and this is what she came up with!!

This was the only design she had to do for me...

I loved it immediately.

I didn't want to change a thing about it.

The fact that it was so quick and painless was fabulous.

She really does know what she's doing when it comes to designing a blog.

So I highly recommend her for a new design,

if you are looking for one go ask her.

Christmas on GMC

2011-12-05T12:23:00.000-08:00

if you didn't already know i am a lover of all things christmas! i love everything about christmas. spending good quality time with my family, the cold weather, the music, the giving of gifts, and the movies. i will watch every single christmas movie that i possibly can throughout the christmas season. we own a ton of christmas movies but i love watching the movies on tv too. i love lifetime christmas movies they are always so cheesy and someone always falls in love. they're just so warm and fuzzy and that's what i love about them. but this year i found gmc... have you heard of this station? it's the gospel music channel and it has some am-a-zing christmas movies! all of which are dedicated to showing the true meaning of christmas or how we need to remember to not waste our time together because you never know what is going to happen. i recorded a couple over the weekend because we were running errands all weekend and then yesterday we took a very unexpected trip to the er for zane. {that's a story for another day} so zane and i are just having to hang out at home today because he's got a fever of 103.5 and is not feeling well. so we watched them this morning and the first one was called the heart of christmas... truly an amazing story. it's a true story about a little boy with cancer. but the whole soundtrack is by matthew west and it is all gospel christmas music. it was beautiful... sad but beautiful. i cried. i warn you, you probably will too, especially if you have children. the other one is called the perfect gift and it is a story about remembering where christmas began and why we celebrate. absolutely uplifting i loved every.single.second of this movie. i highly recommend you find out if you have the gmc channel and watch their christmas movies. i think we just have a preview of it for the month of december on dish network. here is a link the their website though: gmc tv and on dish network it is channel 188. i think if you love christmas movies and you are a religious person this is the channel for you. i hope you will check it out. merry christmas!!!

James's Christmas List

2011-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa -

I have no idea what I want so my wife has to come up with everything for me.

This is what she has come up with.

So I hope I like it.
We'll see on Christmas I guess...

- James

My Grown up Christmas List

2011-12-02T07:00:00.001-08:00

Dear Santa -

This momma has been good this year and I would really like these things!

I would be one happy momma if all I got was the iPad 2 with a case.

But if I can't have that then the rest of the stuff on my list would be fabulous too.

Thank you, Santa!

Love,

Libby

10 things about Chelsey from The Paper Mama

2011-12-02T07:00:00.000-08:00

I am so excited to have Chelsey from The Paper Mama joining in on my feature.

She is such a creative mama, she has an adorable daughter, Ruari, & is a wife to Mike.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Chelsey:

Twitter:@thepapermama
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thepapermama?ref=ts
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/thepapermama/

1. Favorite snack food:

Cheese its.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

My favorite place to visit so far has been the Swiss Alps.

BEAUTIFUL.

BUT,

I just love Portland, OR. My fave place.

3. Favorite movie:

Elf and The Pride and Prejudice with Keira Knightly.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Mmmm....

I don't have one favorite....

I have many. :)

5. Favorite candle scent:

Apple cinnamon.

6. Favorite way to travel:

I like the speed of an airplane...

but, it's scary up there......

So, car.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink:

Earl Grey tea.

8. All time favorite meal:

Fried chicken with wine!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

I'd say Survivor...

but, I wouldn't survive out there.

Is Johnny Depp a reality show?

10. A fun fact about you:

Hmmm.....

I've never been to the East Coast...

BUT, plan on being there for BlogHer 2012!

Zane's Christmas List

2011-11-30T18:42:00.000-08:00

Dear Santa -

I have been a very good boy this year and so I have made you a list of gifts I'd like this year. I want lots and lots of toys but my mom says I need to be practical too. So I included a shirt and some boots. Because the chair is one of the number one things on my list! I want a place to sit of my very own, that is my size. But the blocks, Buzz & Chuck the Truck are something I've been wishing for for awhile now. I would also like more books. I just didn't include them on my list. Thank you!

Zane

I thought it'd be fun to make a list of some of the stuff we are getting Zane for Christmas.

There is a lot more stuff on the list but these are a few of the things that we have already gotten him or know for sure that we are getting him.

What are your little ones getting for Christmas or wanting for Christmas?!

Sponsor Post: Expecting the Unknown

2011-11-30T07:00:00.000-08:00

I would like you to meet one of my sponsors, Joan.

She has an awesome blog about her family and many other enjoyable things.

I love her blog, it's one of my daily reads.

I will let her introduce herself and her blog:

Hi, i'm Joan! I blog over at Expecting the Unknown...
My posts contain a little of everything- tutorials, photography, recipes, life...
and a lot about my son Porter :)
I am crafty- I love creating things. I love to sew and repurpose.
I am from the Midwest (Illinois) but have been in Colorado for almost 4 years now.
Music is a huge part of my life, which is another thing you will stumble across on my blog.
Come stop by and say hi!

10 Favorite Christmas CDs

2011-11-29T11:54:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd share my top 10 Favorite Christmas albums.
I love Christmas music & I start listening to it as soon as I can justify it.
These are in no particular order at all.
I wish I could listen to these all year round because they are all just so festive.
I actually wish it could be Christmastime all year round.

Mariah Carey: Merry Christmas

Michael Buble: Christmas

Jessica Simpson: ReJoyce: The Christmas Album

She & Him: A Very She & Him Christmas

Lady Antebellum: A Merry Little Christmas

Kristin Chenoweth: A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

Kenny Chesney: All I Want for Christmas

Rascal Flatts: Unwrapped

SHeDAISY: Brand New Year

Jessica Simpson: Happy Christmas

If you'd like to join in and tell me what your favorite Christmas CDs are that would be so much fun!
This is my first linky party...
so I hope it works!

10 Things about Libby from Bonjour!

2011-11-25T07:00:00.001-08:00

I am so excited to have Libby from Bonjour! joining in on my feature.

She is so cute {plus we have the same name}, she has a very cute little boy, Noah, & is a wife to Josh.

I am so glad that you are going to get the opportunity to meet her on my blog.

She truly is an amazing woman!

So I am pleased to introduce you to Libby:

1. Favorite snack food:

Dr. Pepper is my snack of choice :)

I'm really not much of a snacker.

2. Favorite place you've ever visited:

Jamaica, mon!

3. Favorite movie:

Dirty Dancing (love the music and dancing!)

& Moulin Rouge.

4. Favorite childhood memory:

Oh I have so many wonderful childhood memories,

but I think my absolute favorite is going to me nana's house up in Angel Fire.

We had so many fun adventures up there:

dressing up and pretending to be this and that,

skiing, soaking in the hot tub,

building forts, hiking, games, going into Red River to eat at the steakhouse Texas Reds...

I could go on and on.

I miss those fun moments in my childhood.

5. Favorite candle scent:

Eucalyptus spearmint at Bath and Body Works.

6. Favorite way to travel:

By car.

7. Favorite Starbucks drink :

White chocolate mocha.

Love peppermint mochas during the Holidays.

8. All time favorite meal:

Thanksgiving goodness.

Yum!

9. If you could be on a reality show which one would you choose?:

Hmm.

I'd have to go with Survivor because I used to be a big fan.

I know I wouldn't be any good at the game though.

10. A fun fact about you:

I am addicted to digital scrap-booking papers/elements!

I'm always on the lookout for freebies online :)

gobble gobble gobble

2011-11-24T10:41:00.000-08:00

Zane just learned to say gobble gobble gobble yesterday

and I thought it was just too perfect not to share with everyone today.

So Happy Thanksgiving from Zane!

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T08:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

This is what our Thanksgiving looked like last year...

Jumping in his jump jump while waiting for dinner

The set up at my parents house

He thought this was so fascinating!!

He tried to start early

He very much enjoyed his dinner!

He was not happy that I stopped feeding him to take a picture!!

It was Zane's first Thanksgiving!

He had to have a baby food Thanksgiving...

So his dinner included turkey & gravy and green beans in jars
plus a little bit of mashed potato from mommy's plate.
He loved it though.
But that's because he's always been mommy's little eater...
he can put it away!
I am actually very excited to see how much food he will eat today.

Sponsor Post: Hollie Takes Notes

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

I would like you to meet one of my sponsors, Hollie.

She has a great blog about so many different things.

I love her blog very much.

I will let her introduce herself and her blog:

Hi, I'm Hollie

and I write a little blog that features everything that I'm passionate about!

It's my small creative space of the Internet!

Oh and sometimes I try to be funny ;)

I love country music,

anything to do with style

(hellooooo...pinterest!)

and football.

I love finding new blogs so come say hi!

Go look at her blog & see how you like it for yourself.