Easter 2012

Easter 2012

Easter 2011

Happy Easter

Happy Easter!!! Today we are having dinner at my mother's house, my sister is cooking, we have our annual Easter egg hunt- Z is the only child, so it's pretty cutthroat, and my friend Shannon is joining us. If all goes well I will also accomplish a LIFE LIST item, it's a small one but I've been bugging my step dad about it for nearly 3 years now! He has an Indian Chant record on vinyl and about 2 years ago he bought a vinyl to CD converter but he still has yet to open the box, I think today might be the day!
 It's been a difficult week, there are so many things I want to write about but I had a 'medical malfunction' that rendered me pretty lifeless this week. Here are some pics from our Easter morning, Z and her basket from last year and the professional photos we had taken last year.

Enjoy your Easter!!!

18 months old

Easter 2012

Easter 2011

2011 Easter

6 months old 

Wedding Pictures-Today is our 7th anniversary!

April 2nd, 2005
Well I wanted to post a wedding synopsis blog of the showers, baccalaureate party, getting ready, ceremony, reception and honeymoon but I just did not find the time this week to put all the pictures together. So I'll just post some of our wedding pics and save the rest for another day.

Our Parents

My sister Helena was the Maid of Honor

The Ugliest Wedding Cake EVER!

My mom

I was laughing because amongst the group of girls stood Joel's 90 year grandfather.

LIFE LIST: iphone

"Any sufficiently advanced technology
                         is indistinguishable from magic”

LIFE LIST: GET AN IPHONE


When: March 26, 2012


Where: at a Sprint store nearest me


Why I wanted to do this: I actually did not want to get an iphone for the longest time. I was ardently against it for several reasons; 1. I already had a phone that worked just fine. 2. I could not stand the idea of having to learn something new in technology- I love learning anything new, except technological things. 3. I could not have cared less about all the things an iphone can do. So why did I decide to buy one? Well, I was intrigued when I heard about the language apps, the quality of the camera, and the music functions. Originally on my LIFE LIST was to get an ipod-now that I have an iphone I don't know why anyone would buy an ipod that only plays music when you could buy an iphone that  performs heart surgery, dispenses bars of gold and serves as a direct link to the Lord himself.


Cost: $100 and $10 extra/month (making about $75/month) for unlimited data, texts, picture mail, and mobile to mobile-I don't think you can beat that! Plus $25 for the case and $20 for the screen protector.


How I paid for it: I was not really expecting this, I wanted to buy one for my birthday but my husband had done well at work the week before so we had some extra cash.


What would I do differently? GOTTEN ONE SOONER...MUCH MUCH SOONER!!!!!


Will I do it again? Uh, well....I'll never live without one again!

Something I would recommend? Yes. I hate to say it but I wish everyone I knew had one.

Was it life changing? I can't believe I'm going to say this- but never has a handheld device put in me such an ebullient mood! Ironically, it was not just two weeks ago I was telling a friend that I found smart phones to be so pointless and I was sick of hearing people talk about them. She agreed...and if she's reading, I am certain she is rolling her eyes at me now-and rightfully so.

I think I had formed such a negative opinion of smart phones because I have had several people with their smart phones show me their meaningless 'apps' which were mostly games or other mindless applications, like a dog barking. (If you are not familiar, an app is like a website-this is the best way I could think to explain it) Since the smart phone has invaded our lives I have never had an interest nor have I had kind things to say about their possessers. A few years ago, similarly I was complaining about having to listen to people using 'bluetooth' in public and this 'employee' of mine said "you can hate the user but you can't hate the wireless device." I always thought that was such a funny thing to say because he was so serious, but he was unerringly right. You cannot hate the iphone, it is amazing.

I have only had my phone for 5 days and I honestly had had no idea what I could have available to me instantaneously! I am now weltering in an ocean of knowledge!!! I am teaching my daughter several languages and now I have access to language learning tools all day, where ever we are. That to me makes it worth every penny. I think if the iphone had been around years ago I would already be fluent in ten or more languages. Even if we only spend a few minutes here and there, that's terrific because she is at an age where second language learning does not require vigorous study. It also helps me learn and refresh my memory.

There are apps for babies, that not only keep her entertained while we're in public or trying to do something but also they are vocab builders AND you can adjust the language, so I put one of her apps in German. AND SHE LOVES THEM!!!

Being a nursing mom, that is something that takes a lot of time, you literally have to stop what you are doing to  nurse and it keeps you from accomplishing tasks. Basically I just have to sit there while she nurses, but now we learn while we nurse! I put on youtube Hebrew for beginners videos and we both let it sink in. Also, usually while she is watching her cartoons, I take that opportunity to clean, or write or do something productive but sometimes she just likes to sit on my lap and I love it!  I never pass that up or cut her short any time she wants to be close to me. Although on the other hand, it is hard to sit still when there is so much you want to get done, but now I can snuggle and do something constructive. For instance, last night, while watching cartoons in my lap while I read my idiom app, a very interesting app that tells you how certain idioms came about.

The camera function is yet another one of its infallible capabilities. I will be able to take more photos, better quality photos and get them on my blog faster. This camera is much better than my digital camera. Not to mention it is just so easy to send photos now that there is no way I can forget to send pictures to my family.

I also love that I can create lists! Everywhere I go! It's a real dream come true for me! No need to look for a pen, piece of paper, transfer it to something else when I get home etc... Having an iphone has also enabled me to take longer walks every day (over 2 hours) because I can stay better connected to make sure my baby is happy and doesn't need me and if she does, we can just face chat! (it's skype on your phone!) So I get to exercise while accomplishing tasks, making my lists and staying connected! I actually hate talking on the phone, but I do it so I can keep in touch with those who live a long distance from me, but I hate that it keeps my attention away from my little girl. So this week I have been able to stay in contact with those I generally spend too much time on the phone with whilst on my walks!

In the past 5 days with my iphone, I've been more efficient and productive. Having access to all the information I could ever dream of in the palm of my hand has allowed me to actualize my dream of being a perpetual student at a fraction of the cost. My life is actually better, running smoother, and everything has become so much easier. I am mad at myself for diligently protesting out of ignorance and prejudice, but you can never fully understand something until you experience it. I was also rather worried about the level of difficulty in just simply figuring out how this damn thing worked! As much as I love to learn, the thought of figuring out a new technology makes me want to jackknife off my balcony. Alarm clocks, coffee makers, dvd players, laptops...sometimes I just get so sick of it all! I thought it would take me a substantial amount of time to figure this one out but surprisingly, my husband who is much more knowledgeable concerning technological devices than I, actually has been asking ME how I've done certain things on my phone and he's had his longer! I cannot underscore enough how very simple it is to use. I actually haven't even gotten around to the music yet which was what had piqued my interest in the first place!

My Husband's Birthday

Well my husband's birthday has come to an end and I feel so badly because I didn't think it was a grand enough celebration. Although when I asked him which birthday was his favorite over the years he said this one, because of his girls and all the things he finally got to buy. I honestly didn't really do much this year which I feel terrible about but it was for 2 reasons; first of all we have a lot going on right now and it was just hard to plan anything and also I feel kind of odd spending money on him, I know the money he makes is "our money" but at the same time it is the money that he makes so I figured he could just spend it as he so chose this year. The big thing he wanted was an iphone which I've been adamantly against but finally conceded. I did get him some treats, he 'juices' too (drinking mostly juice and eating little solid foods) so we rarely if ever have sweets, meat or 'spirits' in the house.
Sunday my mom, step dad and sister took us out to dinner at the Olive Garden (this is a joke in my family, we literally celebrate everything at the Olive Garden. I think we just keep going there now because it's become so hilarious). There was this guy sitting behind us who kept singing opera to his girlfriend, he had an incredible voice so we actually got him to come over and sing Happy Birthday to my husband. It was very humorous to watch him be serenaded by a young, hip guy.

Daddy took the day off work, went shopping and then the three of us went out to dinner at Red Lobster, came home had some cake and watched The Sitter. It was a nice day, anti climatic, which is more of his speed anyhow. It is I who likes the hoopla.

And next year he will be 30 so he shall have the big party then. I personally want the type of birthday he had this year next year on my 30th and the BIG CELEBRATION to be one which is celebrating my final year in my 20's!

My Husband's Birthdays Passed

                 

               This was Joel's 22nd Birthday, I had a little surprise party for him at Mr B's with family and some friends.

23rd 

This was Joel's 23rd Birthday. I 'hired' someone to find his friend from the Army, Caleb, whom he had not spoken to in years. He was living in Iowa, so I called him, having never had met Caleb, and told him I would pay for his ticket, food, drinks and pick him up from the airport. I had my mom pick up Joel and drop him off at Mr B's where I was sitting at the bar with his buddy from the army. 

He was only here for two nights and one night we got a limo and went to a comedy club. It was an incredible surprise and incredibly expensive, I think that's why there are no pictures of Joel's 24th birthday...I couldn't afford film. 

25th 

26th

26th

Ok, well for his 26th Birthday, I had a little get together for him at Mr B's and I am only just now realizing how often we went to that bar. There were a few of our new friends from Krav Maga, his co workers and my family. I remember I was very sick and miserable.

27th
This was taken at Big Boy with my family, I was pregnant so we did not go to Mr B's. 

28th
Joel's first Birthday with his daughter. We were living in a hotel suite in Chicago last year that I had decorated, the staff sent up the cake. We had dinner at Benihanna Japanese Steak House, then we had a drink in the executive lounge. I had bought a few gifts from in Michigan and then had to keep them hidden in the hotel room for weeks. I love this picture!

LIFE LIST: BUY MEAT FROM A BUTCHER

For the record-this was over 50 POUNDS AGO!

When: June 2011


Where: The Meat Shoppe


Why I wanted to do this: I know this LIFE LIST item seems a little dull and you find this even more perplexing...my sister took me to do this for my 28th Birthday. Years ago I was having a conversation with my grandma about my Aunt Marjorie who is shall we say....blue-blooded. My grandma who grew up with next to nothing would refer to my Aunt as being 'born with a silver spoon in her mouth'---I find my Aunt's brahmin mannerism to be dazzling! She is polished, refined, cultured and well educated. My Aunt Marjorie perfectly reminds me of Emily Gilmore from the show 'The Gilmore Girls' or Countess LuAnn DeLesseps. Where I have never spent a lot of time with this Aunt, I have always wanted to but found her a little intimidating. I am currently trying to spend more time with her, I find her fascinating to talk to, I love the way she speaks and the things she says. I remember years ago my grandma said 'you know Marjorie-she buys her bread from the baker, her cheese from the cheese shop and her meat from the butcher' I was probably in my early teens when she said this and ever since I have wanted to emulate that 'just so' lifestyle. Many times I have tried to buy my baked goods from a baker in lieu of getting them at the grocery store but it is a lot more effort. Maybe if you lived in a city where there were more small business like this and you could just pick up your loaf on the way home it would be easier to work into your routine.


Cost: $20 for a large rump roast and seasonings.


How I paid for it: It was my Birthday gift!


What would I do differently? I think if we had talked to them earlier in the day they would have let me go in the back and chop some meat.

Will I do it again? I am certainly going to make more of an effort to shop at local business.


Something I would recommend? The importance of buying from small business lies in that you receive a higher quality item and impecible customer service. I do shop at Costco, honestly you just can't beat their prices, but it is a little unnerving that you can purchase your wedding gown, funeral casket, linolium and red meat in the same store. When I was at my flower shop, I really enjoyed that personal relationship with my customers, it was five years ago but I still remember their names and I could still make that perfect arrangement that fit their personality. I miss being part of the small business world, for that is certainly where my heart lies. Nearly every job I have had was at a small business. They are quaint, charming, and I have made many long lasting friendships through my small business jobs.


Good gift/surprise? Well, for me it was! But I don't know how many others would appreciate a gesture such as this. It was a perfect gift from my sister, there is no one I prefer to purchase my red beef products with than her...also, she is one of the few people who got this one and thought it was 'sweet'.


Life changing? If we continue to do all their shopping at large chain stores we aren't going to have these precious small businesses left. I know it is a real treat to walk into a large store with every item you could possibly need, stand in a line with your tampons, window washing solvent, six pack, baby wipes and foot powder then when you reach the counter the expressionless cashier doesn't great you-scans your items (that is if you do not have the luxury of doing it yourself, which there should be labor laws against- if you have to 'check yourself out'...shouldn't we get a discount?) -one of my personal favorite moments is when the glossy eyed cashier doesn't even feel the need to tell you how much they cost...and really why should they waste energy using their vocal cords when after all the number is digitally displayed right in front of you. They haphazardly slop your items into a fetching lite brown plastic bag that, fingers crossed, will end up in a landfill one day-which is great because in the long run it will open up more job positions needing people to transport garbage to different locations. And then, at the end of it all, you get the joy of walking away thinking 'i can't believe how long I had to wait in line to be treated like crap for patronizing their store which gives that a-hole a paycheck!'  I know it would be really difficult to give all this up if God forbid the local businesses were to reclaim the retail industry, so let's pray that these dear moments in our lives ARE NOT CHANGED. I know I have a fairly bad attitude about this but it makes me so angry to spend my money at places where the employees can't even show you respect or kindness. I love that I have moved to a small town now and I can put my daughter in the stroller and walk her up to the corner store and pick up some gourmet, locally made products. Honestly it's not financially feasible to purchase everything from small business but there are certain things that I try to specifically buy them.