Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Photoshoot!

Baby W certainly is a diva, that is for sure! We arrived at her first professional photoshoot feeling inspired and excited to capture our precious little bundle. Unbeknownst to us, Winnie was not wanting or willing to cooperate. She made it very clear that she did not want her picture taken! Cried the entire time. Wide eyed and uncomfortable. There was no soothing her or calming her down. Despite it all, the photographer (Jenni Muehlenbruch) managed to snap a few successful pictures. Woohoo! All was not lost. Except for maybe our patience. Ha!














Taken on December 4th, exactly one month old.


Check out Jenni's other pictures on her website:http://www.jennimuehlenbruchphotography.blogspot.com/

Friday, December 16, 2011

On Dasher, on Dancer, on Comet, on...Winnie?



Baby W continues to sparkle and amaze us each day. We love her with all we have.


Her stats and "isms":

-At one month she weighed 10lbs, 2oz and added one inch in height, putting her at 21inches

-loves bathtime (used to absolutely HATE it!)

-has slept six hours...in a row! Woot woot, that's my girl

-she is starting to smile more each day. and let me tell you, it's the cutest smile the world has ever seen.. (at least I think so!!)

-when she's not sleeping she is VERY alert.

-when she's not grunting (which is A LOT), she is "oohing" and "ahhing" or tooting and burping :)

-has a blast on her activity mat, it's really quite adorable to watch eventhough she's not doing a whole ton yet.

-loves to be held and rocked, kissed and snuggled

-Her new favorite is being held out in front of you so she can see what you see


We just adore her.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Blessing bags

Today I am feeling inspired to spread the christmas spirit.

Although the gifts and the glam are a fun part of the holidays, it is not the reason we celebrate. Or at least, not the reason we should celebrate. I need to remind myself that the holidays are a time to be with loved ones, share simple moments of happiness and togetherness, a time to give (and cherish) to those you care most about, and even to those you know nothing about. It is not self-centered but rather all encompassing. It is not about how many presents you get, or giving the most expensive, spectacular present. It is not about me. It is not about you.

It is about us.

I am working more on us today.

I recently found a pin on pinterest (I know, I said it. I'm a pin-addict.) that caught my eye. Here is what is was-- http://kwavs.blogspot.com/2011/05/blessing-bags-how-to.html

and now I'm going to make my own blessing bags. I can feel my heart growing already!

Hope the holidays are treating you well---- love to all!

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Winnie Kai Eads- 1 month old

Our little darling is one month old today! Can't believe four weeks ago, we were at the hospital waiting to meet her.














Winnie has grown so much already! I got a little weepy when I realized she was starting to no longer fit in her newborn clothes anymore. Not quite ready to let go of her tiny cuteness. BUT, I am excited to see her continue to develop into the little lady she is destined to be. She is just so darn lovable it nearly knocks me over!


* My apologies for waiting so long to post these pictures. I guess I have a good excuse of being preoccupied with being a new mommy and all ;) There are countless stories and memories we've already made to share, but they will have to wait for another time. This mama can only be away from her baby for so long. I miss her too much!


Winnie Kai Eads, born November 4th 2011 @ 6:37am, 7lbs 9oz

Friday, October 28, 2011

For my daughter

Upon discovering I was going to be a mommy, I knew I wanted to encapsulate my memories of the journey to come. I wanted to create something my daughter can look back on years and years down the road and reminisce on just how much she has truly embraced my life. Envisioning all things sentimental and keepsake, I started by making a calendar. It charts all of the special moments we've shared in the first nine months, the doctors appointments, the date that unveiled we were having a girl. I often wondered to myself as I was making this if she was going to appreciate it as much as I hoped she would. And then I thought, even if she doesn't, it meant something to me. I will forever look back on that calendar and smile as I remember some of the greatest months of my life.

Have you seen the google chrome commercial yet? If not, take a moment to watch it right now. It will truly tickle you, especially if you are a parent or aspire to be one someday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4vkVHijdQk

It makes me teary every time.

I suppose it had such an affect on me because this is what I want to do for my daughter. So I started writing to her. And I will continue to write to her. One day, she will get to read it and hopefully understand just how loved she was, is, and will always be.





The true beauty in life lies in the unexpected moments. The moments that open your eyes and open your heart to something completely unknown. You were the best surprise, and the greatest gift, I have ever received.

Monday, October 17, 2011

Pumpkees!

Our October tradition-- pumpkin pickin' at Spooner farm!
 He's going to be one cute daddy!
 I need to upload the picture of us at the pumpkin patch from sophomore year of high school I think it was... oh, and the one from 7th grade! Wouldn't that be fun to see how we've changed through the years?
 Here I am, 9.5 months along! I think the pumpkins and I share some commonalities.. we are both very big and very round! Can't wait to bring our little bebe with us here next year :)

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Maternity photoshoot!

We had an absolutely phenomenal time doing our maternity shoot with Alicia Reynolds (Kyle's sister)...despite the intense heat and spiders crawling up my skirt! It got me so excited to meet our baby girl and I think that is clearly visible on both of our faces. We are just overjoyed!!


 She couldn't have captured these special moments any better, I am truly in awe of each and every picture. These are times I will never, ever forget. Gosh, I love my fiance (!!!) so darn much!





Only 6 more weeks until we get to see our bebe sugar! Life is just peachy :)

Thursday, September 1, 2011

A speckled belly

Mommy and daddy love you, little one!


Thursday, August 11, 2011

The proposal

So you wanna know how it all went down, huh?

Trust me, I love telling the story.

Wednesday August 3rd, while at work, a handsome man showed up in my department. I had been expecting him because we had been talking about doing some light shopping for him. Little did I know, shopping was the last thing on his mind. He meets me at the desk and quickly tries to swoop me away. I resist, knowing I still have a few customers in the dressing rooms. I asked him to wait for a few minutes while I finished up, and despite his reluctance, I noticed nothing out of the ordinary. Sure he was looking good, better than good actually. He looked and smelled amazing. My workmate, Kylee, tried to get me on my way, too. {Ky & Ky had been in cahoots for weeks on planning his proposal...and still, I had no clue!} I was completely oblivious. But, I eventually cave in and we head for the escalator. I kept telling him over and over how dashing he looked, I mean seriously, girls, the guy's the bee's knees. Once we reached the bottom, he whiskes me toward the jewlery counter. "Something caught my eye as I was walking in and wanted your opinion to see if you like it..." Did he find a watch he wanted?? What else would he be doing at the jewlery counter....? "Betsy, would you mind showing this lovely lady what I was just looking at?" Still not knowing what's going on, {it was a serious blonde moment!}, I gasp as she presents a little black box. At that moment, I started to raise my eyebrows. Ky leads me next to the piano, when suddenly the most beautiful music starts playing {I actually didn't even hear the music, I was in too much shock and too distracted by what was about to happen to focus on what was happening at the piano}. I later find out he had printed the sheet music to "Marry Me" by Train, a song that transformed our relationship many moons ago.

He gets down on his knee. I lose it. I am a complete blubbering mess. I couldn't keep it together and he hadn't even said anything yet!! At this point, I begin to see people crowd around us. My coworkers, my manager, women from my neighboring departments, Kyle's mom and sister, shoppers-- all eyes were on us. It was my moment. Typically not one to relish in the spotlight, I was soaking this up! Skip back to the charming man on his knee...

He had such an eloquent speech prepared, although that too is a blurr. But all that mattered is the conviction I saw in his eyes. He was asking me to be his forever lady! How could I resist??? Flashbacks raced through my mind, times of us as young kids flirting and playing coy, to times spent with my closest girlfriends giggling and developing plans of mine and Kyle's future marriage, to finding him again years later and literally feeling old feelings rush through me at the gym. It's funny, but the honest truth is I always knew he'd be the one. Somehow, someway, we were going to be together.

Through the blurry eyes, coated in overjoyed tears- I managed to nod uncontrolably and say yes. I couldn't hug him fast enough. I couldn't wait to give him a kiss to "seal the deal". Applause fills the store. Still in disbelief of what just happened, he tells me we have a car waiting to take us to dinner at Indochine! Booyah! My favorite. Not only did I just get proposed to in such a spectacular way, but I got off work early, too! Haha.

Outside, our car awaits. It was such a "Carrie and Big" moment. The driver, the champagne {yes, I did treat myself to a little glass of the bubbly on our way... :)} it was absolute perfection. Kyle knows me so so well! We enjoyed a phenomenal dinner followed by my favorite: cupcakes. And the rest is history!

We still have yet to set a date.... many decisions to make before that can happen. Destination wedding perhaps? We shall see... :)

By the way, did I mention I'm engaged???? Woohoo!

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Kate Quinn Organics

Nicole introduced me to my new favorite baby shop, Kate Quinn Organics, and now I can't get enough of it! I love all of the prints, baby girl dresses & jumpsuits, and sweet Plum Bunny line. It is all so adorable I can hardly stand it! I am about to put in my first order... I think I found the perfect crib skirt which makes me sooo excited! For those of you with little ones, you absolutely must check out the website asap : http://www.katequinnorganics.com/
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In other news, I recently purchased a Clarisonic from the Anniversary sale. If you haven't heard of what it is yet, you are OUT OF THE LOOP! Ok, kidding. But it is big news around the Nordstrom gossip. It is supposedly one of the best cleansing systems for your face and body. A co-worker of mine has one and swears by it. It's really gentle and easy to use. I've had it for a few days now and am loving it so far! I got a zebra print one :)

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

the scoop

Well life has certainly been busy these past few weeks and months. Trying to keep up with everything all while still trying to enjoy what little of warm summer weather we have! Since graduating, my day-to-day has been passing at lightening speed-- and here I thought I'd get a little bit of a break! Nordstrom's been wild and crazy with the Anniversary sale (note to self: never wear heels on the opening day {or any day, for that matter} of early access shopping...bad idea!!!) My toesies & arches are still recovering.

Oh, sidenote, this post will probably seem slightly {very} scattered with thoughts and ramblings. That seems to be the way I roll these days. So much in my mind, not enough time to breathe, or pause, to get it all out and make sense at the same time. Ok, back to posting.

On to all things baby:
We recently put the crib together {we got a great deal from a coworker of mine- a white sleigh crib in mint condition- score!!}. We painted the nursery. Hoping to reveal a light shade of grey on the walls, but instead discover it looks more bluish, but still completely loving it nonetheless! Talk about calming and serene and neutral, exactly what we sought after in the first place! Oh and we did some shopping. Ok, this time, by "we" I'm referring to my momma and I, because let's face it, girls have more fun shopping. We ventured up to the U Village and had a great time getting swept away by pretty much all things baby. Came home with many adorable things including, a changing pad to go ontop of a changing table my mom has been working on for us, as well as bedding and some crafty things to make baby shower invites-- coming your way soon! The nursery is really starting to come together making this all the more real. As we put the crib together {actually how it really went was Ky put it together and I sat and watched and ate chocolate cake- he insisted, people!!}, we started to really imagine our little girl. Invisioning nights going in her room to find her peacefully sleeping {we can dream, right??} or rushing to the changing table to perform an emergency diaper change. As perfect or chaotic as it will be, I am starting to look forward to those little moments with our daughter. Speaking of the little sugarlump, she is moving LIKE CRAZY! I'm talkin' constant. It's getting even more prominent now because I can feel her while I am busy at work. She needs attention, mama! And she needs it now! We play "rock the remote" a lot, where we put the tv remote on my belly and you can literally see it getting bumped and tossed all over the place. As far as me showing, there's a little somethin somethin there, a few daring strangers have even commented lately {which I love!}. I officially can no longer rubber band my pants on. That was a sad day. But I'd say I've gained about 4 pounds total so far. Which I'm completely fine with. At times I wish there was more to show, but I know it will all come eventually so I need to be patient and embrace staying "little" as long as I can.

Woah, that was a lot.



Are you still with me?

I better give this a rest. I'm exhausted from just typing it all. Now it's time to finish reading The Help and get started on the next book! Wishing you a happy Tuesday :)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Boy, girl, boy......

GIRL!!!

Yesterday we found out we are going to be a mommy & daddy to a beautiful baby girl and we couldn't be more excited! Secretly, maybe even not so discretely, I was hoping for a little girl, but I would be happy either way as long as we have a healthy baby on our hands. And we sure do! Watching her on that ultrasound was something so special. She was moving around like crazy, wiggling her feet and arms all over the place! No wonder I've been feeling her so much lately :) When we first started, she was curled into the cutest little ball. Her feet were all the way up by her face with her booty held high in the air! I couldn't believe her flexibility (she certainly doesn't get it from her mama!). The technician said she's currently the size of my palm from head to bottom. Wow! Babies really do grow fast.

We are so absolutely elated to be having a girl. I can't wait to dress her up in sparkly tutu's and play with dolls together (yeah, I can still get into that!), but most importantly I can't wait to have a lifelong best friend and someone I can share a deep and special relationship just like my mother and I have. I also can't wait to see her with her daddy. She is one lucky little girl to have him. He will be so wrapped around that little finger of hers!

Yesterday he said to me... "the world is a better place now that there's going to be two of you in it."

Ladies, I about lost it!

Yesterday was easily one of the best days of my life.

I can't wait to meet our daughter :)

Thursday, June 9, 2011

LB!

To celebrate my recent graduation, my parents spoiled me with a trip to Laguna Beach with my man candy. How lucky am I?! We had such a great time together enjoying the sun, the beautiful beaches, and the luxurious shopping-- it was a girls fantasy! These two pictures of Ky & me are taken at Newport Beach actually. We ventured our way over there one evening to enjoy a fine dining experience and soak up yet another gorgeous beach!



I don't know why this picture makes me look so pale.... We both got absolutely fried our first day. Who knew waiting for our room to be cleaned, sitting (or should I say lounging across a beach bench) by the ocean would cause one to burn so quickly...!

One afternoon, we decided to visit a local mammal habitat rehabilitation center for sea lions and seals. They were sooo cute! And so was Gracie (the bird pictured) who was known as the "seal keeper". It was great to see people volunteering their time for such a great cause-- to give these animals a new and better chance at life.

This was the day we went on a hike. Oh boy, what a hike that was! Remember my FB post about the rattlesnake? Yeah, that was this hike. I still can't believe I didn't lose my ankle to that beast. Oh and I am trying to show off that bebe and I conquered the hills (I'm talking serious HILLS), but you can hardly see my bump! I swear there's a baby in there. One day, just my luck, I am going to blow up like a balloon and all you'll see is belly. Just wait.



My favorite beach bum! (He still thinks he's in Hawaii...)



If you ever go to Laguna, you absolutely MUST eat at The Cottage! We did-- three times! Haha, it was our go-to local spot. Their food is delicious. Seriously, dangerously good.



We had so much fun together! I still daydream about it. Ok, so it's only been a few days since we've been back. But in my mind, I am still living back at that beach. I am so unbelievably lucky to have Ky. He made my trip unforgettable.


Love,

J


P.S. Other +'s

-we rented our first car (a Ford Fusion-- and it was AWESOME! sunroof and Sirius radio included:))

-Ky got his fix of seeing some of the most beautiful cars in the world. Every two seconds (literally) as we were walking or driving he would exclaim his fascination with this car, or that car. It was pretty cute actually, but eventually I had to tune him out because the names of the cars alone would make my head spin off.

- I bought the cutest ice cream scooper. Yes, it was $24. But I couldn't resist! I knew I'd be needing it in the days/months to come, so really, I was doing myself a favor!

-Oh and one other thing.... I FELT THE BABY MOVE FOR THE FIRST TIME!! I'm beginning to think we have a little beach bum on our hands. :) And now I've felt little sprout every day since then and I love it!

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Citrus craving--now I understand!

Baby has gone from the size of a:

To a...... IN ONLY A WEEK!


It's all starting to make sense now. I have been craving anything and everything citrus! Even my lemony soap makes me hungry! haha I know, they have no connection but I can still pretend, right?? We are getting more and more excited for our second appointment :) It will be so fun to see how much the baby has changed just in the last month alone. Pretty incredible.


Cheers, lovlies!

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Progress Report

Update on my blossoming sprout:

Week--> 13.5

Feeling--> bouts of energy, then sudden exhaustion {but most of all, I feel so much better and happier}

Craving--> Cantaloupe & lemonade

Most embarrassing moment--> peeing my pants because I couldn't make it in the house fast enough. Guess I can't hold it like I used to.

Most awestruck moment--> seeing our baby movin' and grovin' on that screen. Nothing in the world compares. I can't imagine what I'll feel when I see our baby face to face for the first time.

Worst habit--> falling asleep on the couch after a long day of work or class and not wanting to get up, brush my teeth, and get into bed. It always sounds like the biggest, most difficult thing to do! Ky has to literally peel me off of that thing.

Best habit--> eating lots of fruit & drinking lots of milk

I'm smelling--> EVERYTHING! Holy moly. Moseby's been booted outside because of it :( it had to happen sooner or later.

I'm wearing--> my same jeans! Except, instead of buttoning them, I've been using a rubberband. {best trick EVER!}

Skeeter is--> massaging the baby daily. You know how cats kneed things? He does it to my belly constantly. I really think he knows something's in there.

School is--> almost over!!! I can't wait! One less thing to steal my focus away from my growing baby.

And there you have it! That's all I can think of at this point. Figured I should finally post something about my pregnancy, right?! Have a great Saturday :)

Love,
Jill

Friday, February 25, 2011

It is official!!!!

My new blog is up and running!

After much thought and consideration, editing and criticizing, I have made a fighting attempt at creating something that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also a show case in which to present my work.

Now, I ask for you to come and check it out! And let me know what you think. There are a couple pieces already waiting for you to read.

Thank you for your sweet support and patience.

Love you all!

http://jillianokazaki.wordpress.com/

Happy friday to YOU & happy friday to ME!

Ladies, it's time for us to let our hair down. And to help inspire you to let loose just in time for the glorious weekend, take it from Willow Smith.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oh9XgGGh4L4

She's a lil cutie-- and quite the fashionista, too!

Enjoy :)

Friday, February 11, 2011

Something new

Good Friday to you all!

I hope you have had a very fulfilling and satisfactory week and go into this weekend with no stress and a carefree agenda. That is my plan, at least!

I wanted to share something with my most favorite followers (however many of you there are) about a new endeavor of mine.

I will be launching a new blog, in addition to this one, in a matter of days. I am particularly excited about this expedition because it is centered around my biggest passion in life: writing. I welcome you, and would love for you, to follow me along this adventure. I need as much support as I can get!

Basically, this idea transpired a few weeks ago. I had been wanting to start a capsule of my writings and allow the world to read the stories as they unfold. And seeing as it is getting down to the wire before I graduate, I needed to find an outlet in which I can showcase my work for potential job opportunities and I guess just to get my stuff out there. I guess it's time that I announce that I want to write professionally?? When I started My Life Uncovered a little over two years ago, it was just a place where I could write, ramble, update, share personal transformations, yadda, yadda. I kept it low key; almost as a secret. Most of my friends don't even know I have a blog. Why is that, Jill? Why feel the need to be so secretive? I guess I just wanted something that I could call my own and escape without having watchful, judging eyes on my world. Trust me, to those faithful few that read my sparse entries, you have made this experience more than worth it. Thank you for taking the time. It is my hope, however, that this new blog will be much more public-- let's cross our fingers I don't botch anything up!

Alas, do not be afraid! I will continue to write on this blog as much as possible. This is my personal, intimate space for close friends and family or whoever wants to read about my life. The other blog is going to be more professionally based without much personal reference (if I can help it ;)).

I will let you know when it is up and running and at that time, I'm sure I will beg you, again, to go check it out. Love you all!

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Forever young

Let us die young or let us live forever
We don't have the power but we never say never
Sitting in a sand pit, life is a short trip
The music's for the sad man

Forever young, I wanna be forever young
Do you really want to live forever?
Forever and ever.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E1nbvplgElw

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

A very yellow sunset

Here's some sun to warm you on this ch-ch-chilly day.

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

2.8.2011

Today's horoscope for the oh-so-happy Cappy:

"For you, Capricorn, relationships with other people should be going so well that you feel more loved than ever. A new friend or perhaps an old one you haven't seen in a while could suddenly become a powerful part in your life. You're probably feeling exceptionally innovative and more likely to make a success of whatever new ideas you have. Prepare for a busy and satisfying day."
-horoscope.com

This couldn't ring more true for me today. In fact, I had a conversation with Ky earlier that went something like this: (after having released the many pent up ideas surrounding my brain for what is to come)
J: I'm an innovator!!
K: Yes, and often people call me a dreamer. Innovating and dreaming go hand in hand.
J: Well it makes sense. I am the innovator and you are the dreamer, and we go hand in hand.
He takes my hand, and I grasp it.

He proceeds to thank my cup of coffee for the pep in my step. He says that everytime I drink coffee I am unstoppable; I become something fierce and the determination and exuberance flood my whereabouts. And he likes it. He says I should drink it more often. Something in which I intend to do.

We had been chatting about the many things we want to see in our future and I couldn't help but feel this surge of unrelenting energy and verve for my life. I am at the cusp of something monumental, I just wish I could tell you what it is. But it remains to be seen. However, the feeling is undescribable.

Maui, No Ka Oi !

Wishing to be back in this beautiful place. Maui was so good to us!

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A challenge for you

Why have we trained our minds to battle the here and now?




Why have we trained our minds to resist instead of welcome?




Since when did spontaneity and originality become the villain?
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..
...
....
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..
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I often try to remind myself to embrace the unexpected. However, I remain unfooled by my urge to seek security and routine. I sit here not accusing anyone of anything, because I am at the mercy of this plea. Why is change so difficult? Why are excuses for lack of change so easy to find? I gracefully tip my hat to those who live without caution. Be daring! I want to vow to cherish this moment and the next and the next. Will you join me? I want to be present right now instead of anticipating what's next. If someone were to entice me to drop my plans and grab a hand full of cash to embark on a random day adventure-- I want to be known as the girl who is going to say YES! Will you say yes, too? Or would you fight the urge and go with what's comfortable?

Everyone needs to be challenged. It makes life exciting and complex. It gives breadth to our stories and gives us a reason to keep searching for more. I try and challenge myself everyday but somedays I forget. Will you remind me?

Here is a list of my current challenges:
>reach out and make new friendships
>be a better listener
>put in the time and effort to make things happen
>find consistency in caring for my skin
>teach myself to act in a more selfless way
>speak up and use my voice
>appreciate people and their lives/situations

How have you challenged yourself lately?

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Oh to be a dreamer

To be a dreamer...

One could be so lucky.

What does it mean to dream? Surely it is more than slipping away to another realm of consciousness. When one sleeps is not the only place to dream. To dream is to live; it is to welcome the unknown, the unexpected. As I watched Alice in Wonderland the other day, I sat contemplating the possibilities that the imagination holds.

Where is my rabbithole???

Alice is accused of being so easily distracted. But how can one life a life without coloring outside the lines? We fall prey to normalcy. We are the outcome of incarcerated imaginations.

If I fall down the rabbithole and get lost in my dreams, I would have a story to tell. To dream up a Mad Hatter and a Queen of Hearts, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, I would be one happy girl. Adventure is waiting as I close my eyes, so do I close them or keep them open?

To dream is an act of immaturity in the finest of forms. Alice does not question the absurdity of her dreams, she embraces it. Some may say that being a dreamer is a bad thing. Imagining and hoping for so many seemingly unattainable outcomes, but never making them come to fruition. I do admit, it is tiring to listen to the endless babbles and mindless banter. SHOW ME! But to be a dreamer holds many different meanings.

A dreamer is someone who lives without hesitation and breathes adventure and opportunity at every chance. Searching for meaning and life in every nook and cranny, and never reaching full satisfaction- you have to keep looking! There will never be enough discovery. There will never be enough dreams to be dreamt.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

2010

2010 was a year of amazement. My life took an unexpected turn on January 16th, 2o10. I dared to dream and dream big. I made a change, a sacrifice, for something I could only hope would blossom into something huge and beautiful and unimaginably great. For the first time, I put all fear aside and let myself fall. No longer would I let what-ifs deture me, no longer would I let hopes of potential dictate my future of happiness.

2010 brought me a year of joy and laughter. I reconnected with my long lost best friend whom I thought I'd never speak with again. I reconnected with school and my passion for learning and engaging with the world around me. I reconnected with myself.

It was in 2010 that I found myself. I discovered the things in life that truly make me bubbly and giddy inside. I got my first tattoo. I turned 21. I fell in love deeper than the ocean blue.

2010, you changed me. You taught me how to love freely and without hesitation. How to treasure and adore those precious moments that I might otherwise have overlooked. Unleash my energy and revel in the sight of awe. You gave me the best year of my life.

And although you brought me many unforgettable adventures such as Hawaii and New York with the lovliest woman and dearest soul, and experiences like running a 5k and freezing my buns off, the opportunity to become a Nordy girl, I thank you most for giving me the one thing I've been waiting for: Kyle John Eads. He is my silver lining.

2011, I can only hope you will be just as bright and cheery as 2010. And I have a feeling you will.

love,
Jillian

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Happy New Year!

Cheers to celebration and reflection on the year that was and the year that will be.p.s. NYE in Seattle is TOTALLY worth it! We had a blast :)

Our tropical getaway

This season was spent listening to Christmas music, eating an overload of peppermint candycanes, thanking my lucky stars for the amazing life I am blessed to be living, annnnnd decorating gingerbread houses with loved ones. Ky's and mine just happened to turn out as a beachy escape (wouldn't that be nice right now?!)

* far left is Ty's train, next is Dean and Nicole's, then ours, mom and dads, and gma and gpas