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!
Thursday, December 15, 2011
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!
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.
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!
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!!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
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!
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!
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