And baby makes three.....

I'm super excited to let you know I'm going to be an Auntie again! My younger brother, Tate and my sister-in-law, Erin are expecting their first child in June! We've been waiting forever it seems for this to happen. We knew it would, we just didn't know when! By the time the baby is born, they will have been married 6 years. So, so happy for them (and me!)

 

 Here they are last month at a Notre Dame football game.

 

 

As of right now, they do not plan on finding out the sex of the baby. I clapped when I found out because Tom and I didn't find out when I was pregnant with Olivia. The element of surprise is unbelievable-especially since I felt all along I was having a boy. However, I've already done some shopping (imagine that) and it is kind of hard finding gender neutral baby items these days. Of course, I have managed to find a few things.

 

My mom and other sister-in-law have already been talking about when Erin's baby shower will be. We think April is the perfect time. My head is spinning already trying to come up with ideas for what will be a fun, fun day. I'll use pinterest to inspire me with ideas for theme and decorations. I can't wait.

 

June will be here before we know it. I can't wait to hold that little baby in my arms.

 

 



Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Delights
On Thanksgiving Day we're thankful for
Our blessings all year through,
For family we dearly love,
For good friends, old and new.
For sun to light and warm our days,
For stars that glow at night,
For trees of green and skies of blue,
And puffy clouds of white.
We're grateful for our eyes that see
The beauty all around,
For arms to hug, and legs to walk,
And ears to hear each sound.
The list of all we're grateful for
Would fill a great big book;
Our thankful hearts find new delights
Everywhere we look!
By Joanna Fuchs

Leapin' Leopards

Olivia decided last year that she's too old to go trick or treating. Let me tell you, it was sure bittersweet. We didn't even carve pumpkins. I just hate that my little girl is growing up.

 

Now, because she's older, it's not trick-or-treating that she dresses up for, it's Halloween parties.

 

This year she was invited to a party at a friend's house and after many costume ideas, she decided on being a leopard. I personally feel it was a great choice. All we needed to buy was her headband/tail (combo at Claire's for $10.00) and her shirt ($5.00 on clearance at Deb). She had what little else she needed to complete the costume.

 

Personally, I think the best part is her make-up. Yes...she did it herself! Thanks to a tutorial on        you-tube she found exactly how she wanted her face to look and went at it. Mind you, she only practiced one time (partial face) before doing the blow-out full facial for the party. This girl has some serious talent when it comes to art!

 

Without further ado, here she is

 

(i love her new look with braces)

 

 

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

What's New?

Hey blog friends,

What's new with you? Not much here on my end which is why you haven't seen a post in 2 weeks. I don't know what it is, but I just NEVER find things to blog about.

Since I don't have much to talk about, I'll at least let you know that I'm super excited about my shopping trip coming up in 3 weeks. My two local sister-in-laws and my mom and I are heading to Gurnee Mills in Gurnee, IL and then IKEA in Bolingbrook, IL. We'll be gone over night....basically Gurnee one day and IKEA the next. Yep, a whole day dedicated to each place. We are going to shop til we drop. This is the 4th year in a row for us. A tradition has begun!!

In my mind I'm thinking of all kind of things I want to look for/purchase while I'm gone. Soon I will get it all down on paper (or on the notepad in my phone if I feel real techno-geaky). Doesn't it always seems when you're looking for something you never find it? I'm hoping that's not going to be the case for me.

Have you ever been to Gurnee Mills or IKEA? If so, what's your favorite part of each place?

Hope you're all doing well and enjoying the cool Fall temps and beautiful colors out there. Enjoy!

I WON

Remember I posted about a J.Crew giveaway? Well, guess what? I won!

I won, I won, I won! I'm so excited. I've never shopped at J.Crew but I'm ready to do so!

ONE YEAR OLD

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY, LEIGHTON

 

 In 366 days (leap year) we went from this.....





 

to this!





 

More to come on his birthday party later. What a fun, fun time we had!





J.Crew Giveaway - $100 Gift Card

Did the title of this post catch your eye?

If so, head over to In This Wonderful Life and see how you can win a $100 gift card to J.Crew.

Best of luck!