Friday, December 31, 2010

Year in Review and Goals for 2011

Here we are everybody...the last day of 2010!!!  Wow, the year flew by!!! 

Highlight of my year...OBVIOUSLY:

On Sunday, April 25, 2010, Braelyn Mary Christine Hanson was born at 2:55pm in La Crosse, Wisconsin at the same hospital that I was born.  She weighed 7 lb. 2 oz. and is the perfect combination of Daddy, Mommy and Big Brother Dylan.  We were surrounded by most of our family, making this moment so special for all of us.  We cannot imagine life without our Lil' Peanut.
We have had so much fun with our Braelyn.  She is the apple of everyone's eye and brings us all so much joy! 

Coming into the New Year, we will continue doing what we've been doing...raising our family and having lots of fun.

I don't typically like to make "Resolutions" per say, because I think they tend to set us up for failure.  I prefer to set goals for the New Year.

Some of my goals?

I wish to find a side project that I can have fun with PLUS make a little extra money.  Stay-At-Home Moms, you all understand this is a common struggle that we all have.  I have a lot of great ideas, so stay tuned.

I mentioned in my previous post that I intend to live healthier and help my family to do so.  We will eat a little healthier and exercise more.

I am planning a HUGE garden for 2011.  Braelyn will be old enough to toddle around outside with Mama, and we will get it done this year!  I also plan to can tomatoes, make salsa, pasta sauce and pickles.

For the adults, I am going to try my hand at winemaking!  We'll see how that one goes...

I promised myself that I would buy a new camcorder so that I can take better videos of my children and I vow to take even MORE PICTURES than I have this year.  They just grow too fast and we have to cherish every single moment.

What are your goals for 2011?

From our family to yours, have a SAFE, PROSPEROUS, HEALTHY and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Christmas Morning 2010
"See You Next Year"! =)

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

The 17 Day Diet

Okay, we must discuss this.  January 1st is almost here...how about a new YOU for a new YEAR?  I am very interested in this diet plan.  I do not need to lose weight, but wish to "cleanse" my system and get our entire household eating healthier. 

I saw this new diet plan on Dr. Phil.  The food looks really delicious (and stuff that I would normally eat) and it seems there is quite a variety. 

Personally, I think everyone can benefit from this plan one way or another.  Like I said, I wish to "cleanse", which is an important component to the process.

I went to http://www.the17daydiet.com/ and checked my BMI.  I was relieved to see that I am on the low end of normal...21.3.  The normal range is 18.5-24.9.  Not bragging, just giving you the facts.  Again, I don't wish to lose weight, but I wouldn't complain if I lost a couple...especially after the thousands of calories I've consumed over the past week...UGH.

I'm going to order this book...ASAP.

If you haven't guessed, this is our family's New Year's Resolution:  To be healthier in 2011.  What's YOUR New Year's Resolution?

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Monday, December 27, 2010

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

WOW!!!  We had a wonderful Christmas!  Hope you all did too!!!  I have lots of photos to upload, but here is an adorable one of Lil' Peanut with her pretty Christmas dress.  She turned 8 months old on Christmas Day!  In all of the pictures from her little photo shoot, she had her little hand in her mouth, but they still turned out so beautiful!

From our family to yours...Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

Monday, December 20, 2010

Daddy's Girl!!!

Good Monday Morning!  It's almost CHRISTMAS...YAAAAAAAY!!!

Here are a couple of cute photos from our little "Sailor Girl" photo shoot.  We received this pretty dress as a gift from some of Chris's Navy Friends when Braelyn was born.

The hat did not want to stay on, but what a beautiful little Sailor Girl!

Our Little Peanut turns 8 MONTHS OLD on Christmas Day!  Hope you all have a wonderful week filled with holiday cheer!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Saturday, December 18, 2010

My Best Christmas Presents

Good Morning Everyone!

I have heard a lot about Christmas shopping over the past week.  Duh, it's almost Christmas, you say?  I know, but I'm talking about something else.  This year, friends and relatives seem to be struggling more, financially.

Even I have a cloud over my head because I am unable to buy everything that I had hoped to. 

Christmas has truly been materialized if I am having these feelings.  We have all these commercials and advertisements crammed down our throats with all this STUFF that we just HAVE TO HAVE to make our "spirits brighter."  Yeah, okay.  I'm TRYING not to fall for it for the remainder of the holiday season.

Today's post is dedicated to what Christmas is REALLY about.  This year, our family got the best Christmas present we could ever hope for...Baby Braelyn. 

These are the best gifts I could ever ask for...my children:


And this guy...(who worked furiously to help Dylan with a big school project the other day...)

Only 1 week until Christmas!  Enjoy it and stay warm!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Blogger Experts: HELP!!!

Happy Wednesday Everyone!

Quick question for my readers in hopes that SOMEBODY will know the answer to this:

How do I send e-mail updates to my followers for each time that I post on my blog?

I see that under "settings" I can enter up to 10 e-mail addresses for the "e-mail feature", but this is not helpful as I currently have 19 followers (and counting, I hope!)

Any help is much appreciated!!!

I have my Lil' Peanut Tech looking into it as we speak...



Have a great day and stay warm!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Perfect Gift from Snapfish!

Good Morning Everyone!

I took a nice, long weekend off...but I'm BAAAAAAACK.  It is so cold out today!  Our school district closed school today due to the frigid temps.  I am so glad that Dylan is at home, safe and warm!

Big news for all...lots of snow.  Yuck.  It was pretty for a little bit, but now it's a little obnoxious out there.

This morning I FINALLY created our Christmas cards.  Yes, I know, it's December 14th.  We should receive them in a few days, so I am not too worried.  They are SO cute and with my coupon codes, they were super cheap!

I have gotten a couple of orders from Snapfish.  I ordered 50 photos the first time and just got 50 more.  They were all FREE!  Snapfish has a ton of great coupon codes, almost daily.

Right now, Snapfish has a special on their photo books.  These books are perfect for ANYONE on your Christmas list!


Receive 50% any photo book order with this code:  1211MERRY

This code is valid until 11:59pm on December 17th.

Snapfish is also offering 25% all cards with this CODE:  MERRY2010

LOVE this company!!!

Stay Warm and Happy Shopping!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Thursday, December 9, 2010

In the Meadow, We Can Build a Snowman...

Now that our order from Target arrived...FINALLY!!!  We ended up getting Lil' Peanut a mini-"Mama" coat in red (I have one in black), a one piece snowsuit, hat and mittens.

As you can see below, this stuff was made for our precious girl!!!  How cute is she???

The feet have "ballet slippers" on them...
Mini-Me!!!
She didn't know what was going on...she just wanted to bite on the hat and mittens!  SO CUTE, YES???

Stay Warm!!!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! 

This is not entirely "wordless"...I had to add captions!!!
November 30th:  Storytime with Daddy
December 1:  Pretty Girl!!!
December 2:  Jumpin' Around
December 7:  Sleepy Baby!
December 7:  Getting ready for Dylan's Holiday Concert
Handsome Guy!!!
Meadowview School's 6th Grade Band (Dylan plays Trombone)
Braelyn at her big brother's concert (her 1st concert!)!

Have a great day!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

So, You Better Be Good For Goodness Sake!!!

Good Morning Everyone!

It was a busy weekend with lots of snow!

Happy 21st Birthday to my Baby Sister, Trish!!!  She told me about this really cool link via Facebook where you can get personalized messages from Santa.  I tried it and it's so cute!!!

Check out Braelyn's message from Santa:  http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/guest/JmqOM18AQiv0f0Mjyaj09Q

You can create your own for Babies, Children and Adults by visiting http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/

It's super easy, super cute and FREE!!! (Thanks Birthday Girl, Trish!!!)



Have a great day!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Friday, December 3, 2010

Gift Ideas for Almost Anyone!

Happy Friday Everyone!

This week went fast!  It's already December 3rd!!!  I have been looking around at gifts online and thought I would post a little something about what you can give almost ANYONE for the holidays...gift cards.

I know a lot of people do not like to give gift cards, but this is a gift that allows the receiver a fun opportunity to SHOP for something really cool.

I think iTunes is one of the best gift cards you can get for almost anybody.  It doesn't matter if you have an iPod or if you do not even listen to much for music.  You can buy or rent movies and even pre-order new release movies!  If you want to be a little more creative, you could include a nice blanket, throw pillows, slippers or pajamas.  Perfect gift. http://www.itunes.com/


Many restaurants are promoting a "Pay $25, Get $30" type of gift card.  Locally, I know Piggy's in La Crosse and Syl's Place in Barre Mills both offer this great deal.  Make it a dinner and a movie package and get a theater gift card too!  http://www.piggys.com/ and http://www.sylsplace.com/

Not from around this area?  Check around with some of your favorite restaurants for these value-type gift cards!



One of my favorite places to shop (both in-store and online) is Target.  I wish, wish, wish we had a Super Target, but we don't...yet.  However, I have found many great bargains on Target's website.  They usually even offer free shipping on many items.  Clothes, electronics, games, CDs, movies, household items & decor, food, etc, etc...anybody can shop here!  http://www.target.com/

Try a small business that has a lot to offer.  For example, Holmen Locker & Meat Market is a one-shop stop for some really yummy things...the recipient of this gift card will thoroughly enjoy shopping inside the market, where you’ll find a wide variety of fresh meats and cheeses, microbrew beers, wines, specialty foods, gift baskets and house wares.  http://www.holmenlockerandmeatmarket.com/

Send them on an adventure to find unique shopping!  My favorite picks?  Tomah Cash Store and Burnstad's Market http://www.tomahcashstore.com/ and http://www.burnstadsmarket.com/ . 




If you send 'em shopping at one of these unique stores, they can have lunch right at Burnstad's European Restaurant, or send them over to the other side of Tomah to the Ground Round.


Don't live around the area?  Check out YOUR city for unique gift ideas!

Hope this helps for those "hard-to-buy-for" loved ones on your holiday list!

Have a great weekend!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Great Gift Ideas for "Her" or "YOU"!

Happy Wednesday Everybody! (And if you're reading this and NOT a follower...please follow me, it's easy!  PLUS, I'm getting ready to do a super cool giveaway, so you HAVE to stay tuned...)

It's that time of year when everyone's asking, "what do you want for Christmas?"  I always hate to answer that question, because I do not really like the idea of people spending their hard-earned money on me.

I will, however, tell my readers what I'm loving this holiday season.  Women can be the most difficult people to buy for if you put too much thought into it, but they can also be the easiest!  In the coming days, I will give you my suggestions for the guys in your life too!  Kids are easy, but I will post some for the babies also! 

FOR THE LADIES:

SJP NYC, available at Macy's...smells so good!

ANYTHING at Sephora...seriously, if you have someone that's difficult to buy for, you can't go wrong with a gift card from Sephora.com!
Boots from Forever21.com...they even have TRACTION...only $34.80!!!

CARDIGANS ARE BACK AND BETTER THAN EVER!  This one is from Kohls.com and they have a lot of styles to select from, including some really cute ones from Vera Wang!

Happy Shopping!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"


Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Photos Galore!

Good Morning Everyone!

I apologize that I did not get my weekend photos posted as I promised yesterday.  You see, I have a teething little girl.  Yes.  Full-blown teether.  She's been mildly uncomfortable with her teeth, on and off, for the last few months.  I think these babies are coming through "for real" this time.  She's sleeping good at night and all that, and trust me, I'm not complaining...but yesterday was one of our more difficult days.  Poor Peanut!!!  Wish us luck...hope they pop through and give her some relief SOON!

We had a very busy weekend, as I'm sure you all did.  Thursday was Thanksgiving and Braelyn turned 7 months old!  Wow, huh!!?? 

Friday we went with her Daddy to the Holiday Parade that he helps organize.  He pulls Santa's Float every year and we got to ride with.  Braelyn did not know what to think, but she was really watching all the people outside the window.  Yes, I was able to take her out of her carseat for it.  It was a parade...it's allowed.


Saturday we decorated our Christmas tree and took a few family pictures.  Peanut was not happy with pictures after a little bit.



On Sunday, we traveled to my Mom's house for a small birthday party for my brother-in-law, David.  It was fun with pizza, chicken wings and cake...and we surprised him with a ticket to Sunday's Green Bay showdown against the 49'ers at Lambeau Field.


We rounded out the day with a little shopping.  Whew!  I'm still a little tired!

We can finally say it:  Happy Holidays!!!

Jaime "Peanut's Mom"