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Happy Balloon Lilac Birthday Invitation

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My Plans

Since graduating I am now an official stay at home wife and mother.  So far I have really enjoyed it although I am only in my second week.  Last week I decided that it was okay for me to be a bit of a bum since I had been working non stop for the last few weeks trying to finish up my classes.  But this week I have pushed myself to get into wife and mommy mode.

On Monday my husband worked a double shift (he usually works nights so we have our days together) so Jadon and I were on our own.  I decided that it would be fun to make a surprise for Daddy so we baked.  For the first time EVER I made cookies from scratch.  It was a blast.  I love to bake and I enjoy it even more when I put the effort into making something homemade and not just from a box.  So while I baked, Jadon danced around the Kitchen with his wooden spoon yelling every time the timer went off so that I would know that the cookies were done.  The cookies turned out great and I enjoyed sharing that time with Jadon.

On Tuesday I cleaned.  Before school was over, people would ask me what I looked forward to the most once I was done.  My answer was that I couldn't wait to clean my house.  Yes I got some weird looks but I could not wait to clean the house.  I actually really enjoy cleaning and feel great when I know I have a clean house.  I am far from a clean freak, my house can go quite a long time between deep cleans, but cleaning relaxes me and gives me time to think.  So for the first time in months I cleaned our bedroom.  And boy was it a mess.  But now when I walk into my room, instead of feeling overwhelmed by all of the clothes, books and papers on the ground, I feel like I can relax and not worry about the mess.

Today hasn't been as productive but I have finished a few things.  I am starting to make a weekly meal plan to help us save on money.  And so I can stop walking into the kitchen wondering what I am going to make for dinner.  So, today I decided what meals I am going to make for the next two weeks.  Eventually I want to do menu's for breakfast, lunch and dinner but right now I don't think I will have the energy for that.  So to ease myself into it I am going to do Monday: breakfast, Tuesday: lunch, Wednesday: dinner, Thursday: breakfast, Friday: lunch, Saturday: Dinner.  I am hoping that this will get me in the routine of cooking everyday.  A blog that I am addicted to is www.kitchymamameals.com. Leah was one of my professors at Central and became a good friend when I was in Student Government.  So, I know first hand that she is a great cook.  I really like that she gives a daily menu to work with that includes the calories and nutritional value of each meal. So you should check out her blog!

I am hoping that my motivation and energy level keeps up and I can continue to be productive during the day.  It feels great to finally be at home for more then a few hours at a time.  As far as my blog I am planning on doing a better job at posting.  There are a few things that I want to focus on.
1. My journey as a stay at home wife and mother
2. My son. I need a place to document all of the hilarious things that he does.  I haven't done a good job lately of keeping track of the new things he is doing.
3. Meal planning
4. Anything else that comes up

I am looking forward to having a place that is just mine.  I know for many moms it is difficult to have something that is just yours. Hopefully I can stay on top this!

Graduation Day

It has been quite some time since I have last posted and I am truly sorry for that.  The last few months have been busy and extremely overwhelming but I can officially say that I am a College Graduate! After getting married, having a baby and taking a semester off I pushed through and finished what I had been working on for the last four years.  I truly didn't realize how good I would feel about finishing my degree when when the day came I couldn't have been happier.  What made it even better was my parents as well as my grandparents were able to come and watch me graduate.  It was a wonderful feeling knowing that my family who has supported me for so long were able to be there to celebrate with me.  Here are a few pictures from that great day. It feels great to finally accomplish something after working so hard.

Yay I did it!

My wonderful family

Me and my baby boy

Proud parents

Cyndi and I have gone to school together since 5th/6th grade. I am happy we got another chance to become great friends!

The "Perry Kids" It was so nice having people that I grew up with going to the same college as me! Philip (my brother) and Stephanie will graduate next year. 

Catching Up

So, it has been quite awhile since I have posted.  Good news is that we finally have internet at our house! So I am hoping to post more often.
This past month I have been on an extra long break in between semesters.  And to be honest I have been super lazy. But after the crazy semester that I had I feel that I have deserved this break. Unfortunately classes start up again on Tuesday. But this is my LAST semester of school EVER!!!!!! I could not be happier. I have a pretty light load of classes. A couple of theology classes and senior seminar but then I have a couple of easy classes like money management and tumbling. Haha yeah tumbling. I am pretty nervous about that class because it has been about 3 years and 1 pregnancy since I have tried to tumble. I am actually really excited for this semester. I am hoping that I will be able to be home much more this semester, especially since we have internet at the house now.  I will most likely be writing more about the semester as it gets started.

One thing I have been doing on my month off is planning Jadon's 1-year birthday party! Obviously I am more excited for this party than he is. It was fun looking at all of the possible themes and I finally decided on throwing his a 'Lil Prince Party! Some of the party supplies arrived today and I am hoping the invitations will be here by Monday. I forgot how much I love planning parties! Here is a picture of the party supplies I am using. I found this website www.1stwishes.com. It has all kinds of cute party ideas for a first birthday party.

Well, I guess I should get some stuff done around the house that I have been putting off. I have quite a few things to get done before Tuesday. I hope that everyone has a fantastic weekend!

30 Days of Me: Days

So I have been extremely busy the past couple of weeks and have not had time to get somewhere that has internet. So I am going to combine a few of the days I missed into one big post.

Day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have: I would have to say this would be chewing my nails. I have lost all hope that I will stop. I have tried over and over again. But I always fail. 

Day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to: This past summer Chris and I were finally able to go on our honeymoon. We were able to go to florida for at few days and then take a cruise to the Bahamas. I absolutely love the Bahamas and wish we would have just stayed there for the entire trip. It is such a beautiful and relaxing place.

Day 6- favorite super hero and why: I have never really been interested in super heros but when I was little I loved the pink Power Ranger!

Day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you: I love these boys with all my heart!!!! They have impacted my life more than anyone.  

Day 8- short term goals for this month and why: My goal for this month is to get Jadon's Birthday party all planned before I start my last semester of college. I am really looking forward to his party. I have lots of fun ideas

Happiness is a babies first Christmas

For the past few days Jadon and I have been in Texas visiting my parents.  I am so happy that we were able to make the trip down. I know Jadon has enjoyed spending time with his grandma and grandpa. Last night we decided to have our family Christmas. So, of course I took lots and lots of pictures. It was so fun watching Jadon deal with all of the excitement. I am not sure if he knew what was going on but it was still a fun experience.

30 Days of Me: Day 3

Day 3- a picture of you and your friends

My first picture is a picture of my bestest friend Jennie. We became instant friends on our first day of 2nd grade and have been inseparable ever since, even when we went to different schools for two years. We have always been interested in the same things, cheerleading, singing and yes boys. We have been through the ups and downs of friendship but no matter what we are always there for each other. We are both mommies now and are super busy with our lives. So, we do not get to see each other as much as we would like. But she will always be my partner in crime!

My second picture is of me and my dear friend Brittany. We met our freshman year of college when we came early for cheer camp. We bonded over our depression brought on by leaving our boyfriends behind (neither of those boys lasted).  As freshman year went on we went our separate ways. But by the end of the year we began to hang out again. Since then our friendship has grown and we even were roommates for a year.  I have never met a person as encouraging and loving as Brittany.  She truly has a heart for serving others and showing people the love of Christ. God has big plans for her and I am so happy that He placed her in my life!

My next friend is Kayla. We only met a couple years ago but we quickly became best friends. Kayla is very talented at, well, pretty much anything she puts her mind to. She is such a hard worker and it definitely pays off. One thing Kayla is good at is listening. I can talk to her about anything. I just wish we were able to spend more time together.

This is my good buddy Ola. We became friends playing a game of pool. Ola is one of those people who is liked by EVERYONE. He is so fun and outgoing and I always have a great time with him. We have so many great memories! Ola will always be like a brother to me and I know that he will be a great role model for Jadon.

This crazy character is Shaun. There is no other person like Shaun. Again I met Shaun my freshman year of college when he barged into my room asking if he could look around. Since then he has been making me laugh with the crazy things he says and does. 

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. These ladies are some of the most amazing ladies God has put on the planet. I told you about Brittany and Kayla above and the other two are Amanda and Kellory. We cheered together my sophomore year of college and this picture shows just how much fun we had together. Each one of them has made an impact in my life!

These are "The Pit" ladies. We lived together in the basement of our dorm my Junior year and lets just say we were a bit crazy. There was lots of dancing, late night chats, and some fighting but no matter what we were always there for each other. I love these ladies like crazy. They always know how to put a smile on my face!

Last but not least is the person who has had the biggest impact on my life he is not only my best friend but my husband! Chris and I met our freshman year but didn't become close friends until our Junior year. And through that friendship I fell in love with him. And lucky for me he fell in love with me. The funny thing is was that before we became friends we found each other extremely annoying. I very glad that we took the time to get to know each other and didn't stick with our first impressions. Chris and I have had a wonderful journey so far. People doubted that we would make it this far and yet we have proven them wrong and will continue to prove them wrong. I have never loved anyone the way I love him. His love changed my life and I thank God everyday for him.

30 Days of Me: Day 2

Day 2- the meaning behind you blog name

A couple months ago I was posting a status on my facebook that said "happiness is relaxing at home on a rainy day with my husband and son, drinking hot chocolate!" The phrase "happiness is" has stuck with me ever since.  For so long I looked for happiness in all the wrong places. I thought that money or pleasing everyone else would bring me happiness. It wasn't until I started dating my husband that I discovered a different view of life. Happiness is in the little things that happen everyday. Going on a walk, talking to a friend, even a hug. Little things that maybe for just a split second lift your spirit. I have found so much joy just in changing the way I think. Life gets tough but just finding one thing that has brought you happiness is sometimes what gets you through. When choosing the title "Happiness is..." I wanted a place to save and share all the things that bring happiness to my life. And I hope that through this blog others will start to look at the little things in their lives that bring them happiness.

30 Days of Me: Day 1

day 1- A recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

1. I absolutely love being a wife and a mother! It is the best part about my life.

2. I grew up in an old farmhouse that is almost 200 years old.  I loved living in the country and really miss it at times.

3. I went to a small high school and graduated in a class of about 90 people.  I knew everyone and had gone to school with the majority of them since 1st grade.

4. I was a cheerleader for 8 years of my life and one day would love to coach a small high school squad.  Without cheerleading I would not be where I am today.

5. I love love love musicals.  Whether it is watching them or performing in them, they make me very happy.

6. There is constantly a song playing in my head. I love music and I love to sing.  Ever since I was little I have been obsessed with singing. 

7. I have an strong addiction to Gilmore Girls.

8. I love to read but ever since I went to college I have maybe read 15 books that were not school related.  I loved going to the library and getting bags full of books. I am hoping that once I graduate I will be able to start reading more.

9. I have lived in my apartment for almost a year and a half.  This is the longest I have lived in the same place in 3 years.  With college I was constantly moving in and out of dorms and apartments. It has been nice to finally have a place I can call home. 

10. I have been friends with my best friend since 2nd grade. I miss her terribly and hate that we go months without seeing each other.

11. I have always loved kids. And I have always wanted to be a stay at home mom.

12. I want to be an awesome cook and and baker. But every time I try it doesn't turn out as pretty as the pictures. I think it would be fun to take a cooking class.

13. I am a very passionate person. I hate seeing injustice in the world and wish I could help everyone. Watching the news makes me sad and angry. I just don't understand how people can be so heartless.

14. I grew up in a small family.  Just my parents, my brother and me.  But after marrying my husband I have gained four more siblings. So I know have three brothers and two sister. 

15. I love watching TV and movies. I can be a real lazy bum at times.

30 Days of Me

I found this on a friends blog and thought it was a great way for me to get started.  Hopefully I can keep up.  I might do a couple a day so that I know I get through them all.

30 Days of me

day 1- recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

day 2- the meaning behind you blog name

day 3- a picture of you and your friends

day 4- a habit that you wish you didn’t have

day 5- a picture of somewhere you've been to

day 6- favorite super hero and why

day 7- a picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

day 8- short term goals for this month and why

day 9- something you're proud of in the past few days

day 10- songs you listen to when you are happy, sad, bored, hyped, mad

day 11- another picture of you and your friends

day 12- how you found out about blogger and why you have one

day 13- a letter to someone who has hurt you recently

day 14- a picture of you and your family

day 15- put you ipod on shuffle: first 10 songs that play

day 16- another picture of yourself

day 17- someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

day 18- plans/dreams/goals you have

day 19- nicknames you have and why you have them

day 20- someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future

day 21- a picture of something that makes you happy

day 22- what makes you different from everyone else

day 23- something you crave for a lot

day 24- a letter to your parents

day 25- what I would find in your bag

day 26- what do you think about your friends

day 27- why are you doing this 30 day challenge

day 28- a picture of you from last year and now, how have you changed since then?

day 29- in this past month, what have you learned

day 30- your favorite song

Giving it a try...

After following a couple of my friends blogs I finally decided to give it a try.  I am hoping that this will be an outlet for me.  Something that is just mine.  As a new wife and mother it is hard to find something that is just yours.  I am not sure how often I will be able to write.  My life is a bit crazy right now but I hope to keep up on the things that bring happiness into my life....

The first thing that brings happiness to me is my husband, Chris.  We have been married a little over a year and I could not ask for a better man to spend my life with.  He is everything I ever wanted in a man and so much more!  No one can make me laugh the way he does.  I still get giddy when I think about him.

The second thing that brings me happiness is my son, Jadon.  Words cannot express the joy that little boy brings me.  I am amazed everyday at the things he does and how quickly he is learning and growing.  My life changed the day I found out I was pregnant but besides my husband, he is the best thing that has ever happened in my life.  

My world revolves around my family and everything I do, I do it for them.  My life is far from perfect but that is what makes it so wonderful.  I have learned not to expect perfection because you will only be let down.  Instead l love the life I live for all the imperfections, the hard times and the struggles.  Because without them I would not be who I am today.  And I know I would not have the joys that I have in my life.
I am hoping to fill this blog with the things that I love. From pictures to music, I just need a place to express who I am. So that even through this crazy life I will always be reminded of what happiness is.