New Discoveries

As any toddler, Jayden's newfound ability to walk has opened up a whole new world to him.  This week he rediscovered a few things and discovered some new things.  On Thursday, Daddy learned that Jayden can climb the whole set of stairs by himself with a swift, stealthy bound.  Tigger took a dip in the toilet (fortunately a clean bowl verses a pre-flush bowl).  Mom was interrupted in her dishwasher unloading duty by the phone (automated soliciter, thank you very much) to return to a Bug on dishwasher door.

He loves to point out facial features.  His first one was pointing out his nose.

Here he is as I found him, sitting on the door.

He's discovered a love of popsicles.  Also a big fan of ice cream.  But who could blame him?

How cute is he in his Tigger towel?  But this is not the Tigger that took a dip in the toilet.

Sitting in the same chair that his mom sat in at his age.

Showing us the sign for more since he wanted more food.

Every day is a new adventure and we're having a ball watching him discover new things...even when it means more clean up for us!

Little Drummer Boy

You Know They're Getting It When...

Tonight was one of those memorable moments in parenthood.  You think your kids are too young to get it, but they're really not.  We sat down tonight to do our family scripture study.  Jayden was sitting on the floor and we said, "Get ready for prayer," and the result was this picture.  Jeremy's crossed his arms for him each time before but as you can see, Jayden gets it.  We both just melted and I had to run and get the camera.  The original arm folding was cuter, but you get the idea! 

Jayden's Turning One!

It's so hard to believe that we're already here!  We will celebrate Jayden's first birthday on Saturday!  Since he loves the Imagination Movers, that's the theme we've gone with.  Everytime they come on TV he stops what he's doing and is glued to the show.  His face lights up whenever they sing.  So we got a couple of their cd's and I record their shows on the Disney channel to play when Jayden seems bored.

It's amazing how fast this year has gone!  Nothing like a child to show you how fast time is passing!

Losing an art form

I doubt I'm the only person to ever feel this way.  But lately I've been thinking about it a lot.  The other day I received a card with a letter enclosed.  Yes, a real, handwritten on paper, spelled out words with no abbreviations, bonafide letter. 

Don't get me wrong, I love things like email, Facebook and people's blogs.  I frequent them.  But I have been sad for the lost art of letter writing.   I do have a few friends who are great at making cards and sending them with a handwritten note.  I even have friends that still go to the store and buy greeting cards and send them out.  And at Christmas time I'm always touched when I receive the updated newsletter and Christmas card.

With our business I've had to kick up my game when it comes to that special touch.  There are a lot of companies out there struggling.  We've definitely noticed a slow down in momentum in our business, but even with that slow down, we have had growth.  What I attribute that to is the follow up and the extra touch.  We produce our own newsletter and I send out follow up cards to new clients. 

But there's still nothing as touching as receiving something in the mail that has no payment required. 

I have started a side-venture business.  Mostly for just a tool for our carpet cleaning business, but eventually it may bring in some extra income.  Let me tell you though, it's been incredible for being able to follow up on the thoughts.  When I was younger, single and not a mom, I had plenty of time to do cute things for people when the thought popped into my head.  But more and more, I find that I have the thought, may even write it down, but follow through has been a huge problem! 

But now, I'm in hog heaven!  I signed up with SendOutCards, an online company based out of Salt Lake City where you go online, choose a card from their vast selection, even attach a gift if it's a special occasion or a special friend, upload your contacts and they stuff, address and send it for you.  They even have an option with some of the packages where you can upload your own handwriting sample and create your own personal font.  Now I'm turning my thoughts into actions, and loving it!  I was so tired of thinking of things and not following through!  It's also been great for sending photos of Jayden to Great Grandparents who aren't really computer people.  I can't wait until Christmas this year.  I've made my cards the past couple of years and each time I swore I wouldn't do it again.  This year I can design it, and send it and save on time, money and still give it a personal touch.  Can't tell you how grateful I am for that one!!! 

I still like to hand make cards.  But now, when I don't have the time or space to sit down and get it done, I'm still following through.  And that has been a blessing.  That alone has made it worth it!  So fun!

He's Growing Up!

As you know, they don't stay little for long!  Here's some video showing some of his cute moments!  We're having so much fun with him.  These videos should show you a little bit of why.  He's funny!