10 Things That Made Me Happy!!

This week was a tough one for me as I am missing my angel baby big time but even in tough times it's important to still see the good. I'm learning to trust the journey even if I don't always understand it.

1. On my way home from work last night I saw a double rainbow. This may seem small to some people but this sign from my angel baby gave me a little peace and was exactly what I needed this week. 
2. Jake has a new vision teacher at school. We really liked his teacher last year but this new teacher has a child the same age with similar issues that Jake has. I feel like he just gets it and that makes me happy.
3. The weather!! I love this crisp fall weather. Check back with me in a couple months tough. Minnesota winters are NO joke. 
4. The excitement of the upcoming Viking/Packer game on Sunday. 
5. Coffee-Enough said!!
6. My crock pot! It's a lifesaver for a busy working Mom
7. Rebuilding a relationship with an old friend that I haven't had in my life for a long time. 
8. Jake got a new braille book from his vision teacher that it probably the best one I've seen to help teach him braille. Seeing Jake's excitement and acceptance to continue to learn braille makes me happy. I can't imagine how hard it is to have to learn to read two ways. 
9. Payday!
10. Hoodies and bonfires. 

Friday Link Up Hosts: Lindsay @ The Flynnigans, Krysten @ Why Girls Are Weird and Charlotte @ My Pixie Blog

Jake's Journey (updated)

One year ago today we got the awesome news that after 7+ years of multiple EUA(exams under anesthesia) and procedures Jake's eye disease FEVR was finally to a point where his surgeon felt comfortable moving him to yearly office visits(AWAKE). This was a big moment for us. As we quickly approach his yearly exam we pray for continued success and happy news.

If you would like to read about the start of Jake's journey click here and to read about Jake's first eye surgery click here

I am happy to report that Jake's exam was a success and his eye disease FEVR is stable. Happy news to get right before he starts 2nd grade. 

Wordless Wednesday! Yoga with Jake

Duluth

It's been a crazy summer so far but I'm finally getting around to posting some of our summer activities. We took Jake on his first trip to Duluth. Duluth is one of my favorite cities in Minnesota and it's only 30 minutes from my cabin so it makes for a great day trip.

5 Boy Cousins!

7 years ago we took a picture of all 5 boy cousins who were all born within a year of each other. 7 years later we finally got them all to sit still to get another one. We didn't do a good job at getting all the boys in the same order but this is how it goes.

All cousins 1 year apart in age.. Top Tony, Jake , Gavin , Sawyer . Luke . Bottom Luke 7, Gavin 7, Sawyer 7, Jake 7, Tony 8 

4th of July!

This post from the 4th of July is a little late. I haven't had a free minute to post. Jake and I headed to the cabin to celebrate the 4th of July with the family. It was not only a therapeutic weekend for me but Jake had a blast playing with all his cousins. Life has been rather hard for me lately and it's times with family that puts life into perspective. Picture from the weekend.

19th Annual Dart Tournament 

Jake and Cousin Danny!

Morning Coffee with Mom

Thanks for the ride Danny!

Family Volleyball Tourney

Playing school with his favorite cousin

Happy Friday Week 7!

I spent the week sicker than a dog so finding things that made me happy turned out to be quite the task. I was hit hard with strep and an ear infection and now a FULL BLOW cold. I'm going on day 6 and I can't see the light yet. Instead of 10 things I am going to shorten it to 4 (just for this week).

1. Jake- I am not sure what I did to be blessed with such an amazing little boy. He went above and beyond what a 7 year old should do to help his Mama this week. He stepped up and took the lead as the man of the house this week. He checked on me often and made sure he was on his best behavior. 

2. Having an understanding boss and co-workers that genuinely care about me and were more concerned about how I was feeling then work that I was unable to do. 

3. The Mindy Project- for making me laugh even when it hurts to. 

4. Long soaks in my tub. I need to take more time to do that and not just when I'm sick. 

So there you have it. 4 things that made me happy this week. That wasn't easy. I'm linking up with The Flynnigans , Why Girls are Weird and My Pixie Blog. Check them out!!

Happy Friday week 6!!

1. Green Grass and blooming flowers

2. Pizza

3.Lots of much needed sleep

4. Watching Jake's love of music grow

5. The Big Bang Theory

6. Finally getting security deposit back from the landlord from hell

7. Pinterest (I think I'm obsessed)

8. Watching a friend hit a huge milestone in her life

9. Making my last car payment. Finally!!

Only 9

To The Best Friend Who Didn't Make It To The Next Chapter In My Life!

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I came across this article  written by Rachel Digman titled To The Best Friend Who Didn't Make It To The Next Chapter In My Life! and it got me to thinking about a couple of friends that I once called my best friends that either I never talk to or rarely talk to these days. These were people that I once called family and at the time I would never have imagined my life without them. I have spent a lot of time mourning these loses. Over the years I have learned to appreciate these friendships and not mourn them.

I know that if they were this important to mark an ever lasting place in my heart that I must too also mark a place in their heart and for that I will forever cherish. If you have a time to click on the link above and read Rachel's post do so. To me she says it so perfectly.

Wordless Wednesday!!

Raising a Happy Kid

I was the type of kid that had a lot of worry and anxiety. I know that it stemmed from circumstances, my environment and probably part genetic. I spent my 20's trying to find my place and I blamed others for how I was and how I felt and what I went through as a child. It wasn't until I realized I was responsible for my own happiness and that I needed to let go of what I can't change and forgive that I was able to heal.
When I found out that I was pregnant at 30 I knew that my goal was to make sure that I would raise my son in an environment free from adult problems and worry. I feel that I have done a good job with Jake as he is such a happy spirited little boy. I treat him with respect and have taught him the importance of being kind to others and to treat others with respect. I just want him to be a kid and enjoy his childhood.

I thought I would share 66 positive things to say to your child. No. 58 is a good one. Not everyone will like you, and that's ok!! That is something that Jake is learning now as he is more social at school. Some kids are just not nice and learning to not take it personally is a tough lesson.

Happy Friday Week 5!

1. Jake has been sick with a nasty cold and a horrible case of pink eye and this week he is finally starting to feel better which makes me very happy. I hate when my baby is sick.

2. The weather!! The weather is absolutely gorgeous and I love it!!

3. Sweet compliments

4. Receiving mail from my fitness coach/mentor with an encouraging note and a couple caribou cards. 

5. My Friendships. I have several people that I would call great friends and that have always been there for me but the two that have gone above and beyond for me lately are Missy and Jess. They are my rocks.

6. Culver's Chicken Bacon Blue salad(minus the bacon) with raspberry vinaigrette probably the best salad I've ever had. 

7. My son's love for music. I love listening to him in the car singing. He says, "MOM, turn it up". It puts a smile on my face.

8. My job- I feel secure and love the people that I work with. I have a great boss and I love coming into work everyday. I know that I've never had that before. It's refreshing

9. Leggings- I love leggings and how comfortable they are. I am going to be super sad when they aren't in style anymore. Please let that not happen.

10. Evening walks with Jake. 

New Chapter!!

It's been over a month since I posted which isn't too bad of a stretch compared to what it's been in the past. The reason for my absence this time was I was moving Jake and me into a new apartment.

As I read through this blog (est. 2008) I find it fascinating how much has changed in the past 8 years and how much I've changed. I love that I was able to document my entire pregnancy and most of Jake's 7 years of life. My biggest reason for coming back to my blog was to keep going with our story and for both Jake and me to have this to look back on. 

I have always found writing on this blog a form or therapy and I love the connections that I have made with fellow bloggers. Some of my favorite bloggers from way back when are no longer blogging which makes me sad but I also love that there are quite a few that are still blogging that I can reconnect with. 

As I get back into this I find myself a little lost in this new blogging world and my words are not quite as articulate and don't flow as easily as they used to. I guess none of that really matters right now and maybe after a little time I will become more interesting. We'll see!

Weekend Recap

This past week was very stressful for us. Work was crazy and I received a notice that my landlady decided to sell our town home so Jake and I have a little over 30 days to find a new place and move. Instead of allowing this all to bring me down I decided to just go with it and take on this new challenge as a positive thing. Finding a new place that is perfect for Jake and me is exciting. 

With all the craziness going on I decided to make this past weekend all about spending time with Jake. I did have to work Saturday morning for a couple hours but Jake thought it was super cool to come with me.

Sunday I brought Jake to see Zootopia  He loved it! I recommend it to anyone that has kids and want to bring them to a movie that you will like too.
After the movie we went to Eagle's Nest Inside Playground which is Jake's absolute FAVORITE place!! It was packed with kids but Jake loved it!! We wrapped out day up with a late lunch at one or our favorite places. Moe's .
Jake was in bed and sleeping by 7:30 and Mom was out by 9:30. Great weekend with my boy!!

How was your weekend??

Weekend Recap!

This past Saturday Jake had his first all kid birthday party. He was so excited to invite some of his classmates to his favorite place The Eagles Nest Indoor Playground. 7 kids attending Jake's party and I have to say THANK GOD for my Sister and Mom. I think I was in way over my head trying to keep track of them all in a sea of kids. They all had a great time. 

Jake thought it was so cool that all his friends wore glasses just like him

After Jake's party we headed over to my friends house to babysit Wylie(the coolest 2 year old) and have a sleep over. Jake and Wylie love hanging out with each other and I LOVE spending time with them. 

Sunday Jake and I cleaned the house and worked on redecorating the bathroom. Spring is coming and I'm ready to purge all the unwanted stuff in my house and do some spring cleaning. Bring on the warm weather. 

Happy Friday Week 3!

1. Warmer weather

2. Jake's 7th Birthday

3. Jake's Birthday dinner with my parents

4. Successful job fair for work

5. Pay week

6. Single digit pant sizes(finally)

7. The Walking Dead(sorry I'm a super fan)

8. lots of RSVP's for Jake's first kid birthday party this weekend

9. Upgrading my fitbit

10. Ikea

I'm linking up with Lindsay from The Flynnigans and Krysten from Why Girls are Weird

Happy 7th Birthday Jake!!

I started this blog when I was pregnant with you and today you are 7. I am very proud to be your Mom. You are beautifully unique and amazingly gentle. Everyone that meets you sees your sweet nature. You are a very sensitive boy and a natural caregiver. Always making sure that everyone is ok and happy. I don't know what I did to deserve you but I thank God everyday. Happy Birthday Bug!

Happy Friday Week 2!

Here is my list in no particular order.

1. Great reports from Jake's teacher at conferences

2. Play dates

3. Sore muscles from working out (it must be working)

3. Coffee

4. Wine

5. Jake's new glasses

6. Completing one of my 21 day fix workouts without modifications

7. Coupons for free food from Noodles and Company(Yum)

8. Funny snaps from Snap chat  

9. New Restaurants opening in my neighborhood

10. Casual Friday's

What made you happy this week??

Jake and Wylie

A few months back I reconnected with an old friend and we decided to get our kids together for a play date. Because her son is 2 and Jake is 6 I didn't think they would connect as much as they did. Jake and Wylie are kindred spirits and they have become best buds. It's really fun to watch them together and to watch Wylie mimic Jake. Since the boys love playing together, my friend and I have been getting together at least once a week for play dates. Everyday when I pick Jake up from school he asks me, "do we have a play date with Wylie Finch tonight"?.

Cheeeeeseee!!!

Jake acts like Wylie's big brother

Making Pizza's

Chilling

Jake pretty much lets Wylie do anything to him. 

It's going to be fun to watch this two grow up together.