My new baby finally arrived today. After saving my pennies for months and then waiting weeks to finalize the order, he's finally here! Yes, of course it's a he..just look at him below. Now, like any new mama, I had to take lots of pics and share them with all my friends and family. So, without further ado..please give lots of love to baby pazzles.


Just one more tug and he'll be out...


Big Teddy holding the new baby...


My friend Steph's baby!


Baby pazzle's toys...


He's spoiled already!


Like any good child, he brought his mama some presents!

Hope you've enjoyed meeting my new lil one. I was really surprised when I pulled him out and found those already cut out goodies. No worries, there's always a page that can use an orange moose, right?

Today is my birthday and looking over my hopes and expectations for today got me thinking about life online. When is it that e-gifts and cards became so common nature that getting an actual physical birthday card in the mail became a big deal?

Every day since Friday, I've rushed upstairs whenever I heard the mail come through the slot. I dug through everyone's mail looking for a birthday card. Yesterday, I got one. One. Yep, that's the only birthday card I received this year.

Honestly, this bothers me. E-cards are nice, but let's face it, nothing can replace the feeling you get when you see that envelope in your mailbox. Or when you open it and see that someone has taken the time and effort to write something personal, something special to you.

The truth is that for a lot of years, my birthday plum went by forgotten by most of the people in my life. I didn't expect too much of a change this year, but I did expect some change. I've hooked back up with some wonderful women who I consider friends. I have some special people in my life.

And yet, our lives have become overrun with the idea that a quick email or an e-card or even a gift certificate that arrives via email can somehow replace an actual card or gift. I don't have any presents to open this year. The two gifts I did receive were for me to use online and I got an email notification. They're great gifts and I know that the people who sent them actually took some time to know that anything music or books and I'm gonna love it. They were right, I do love the gifts and I will use them both with a smile on my face and in my heart.

I know that life gets busy. It's hard to keep up with birthdays and anniversaries and the day to day craziness that we all live in. But let's not let go of the things that worked and made people feel loved and cared for, all for the sake of convenience. Yes, it is more effort to go to Hallmark or Walmart and pick up a present and a card. It's more work to tuck it in a gift bag or wrap it and then into a mailing box and possibly having to go to the post office to mail it. But, let me tell you, those are the very things that make those we care about feel loved and cared for. The fact that you took an hour from your life to do something nice for another person will never go unnoticed.

I'm sure that this post might upset some people and honestly, that isn't my intention. I guess because I am alone today and my big birthday plans included grocery shopping and homework, I've had a lot of time to sit and think about where we've gotten to as a society. For those who sent me a text message or an email to say Happy Birthday, thank you. It was good to know that I wasn't totally forgotten. For my dear friends who sent me a little something online, I will totally enjoy shopping for music, movies and books. I'll probably be calling you to help me decide what to choose, my wish lists are endless at times.. For the one person who sent me something physical, something I can look at and touch...thank you. Thank you for taking the time to pick it out and have it sent to me.

Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, I walk past this I-Beam to head to my first class. Today, I just happened to turn around and notice that this figure was painted inside of it. I just couldn't resist taking a picture.

Happy Monday, all!

August 12-17 was absolutely fantastic, I have to say. Justin came up to visit us and we had a wonderful time. The boys had never met him so I was a little nervous, but they adored him. I should have known that they would. It is so rare for them to dislike anyone.

On Wednesday, we all went to go see The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything. I have to say that Jonah was a much better movie. I think the loss of Phil Vischer at Big Idea really showed. What also showed was the theatre's screw up. They played 2 free movies; Alvin and the Chipmunks and Veggies. So we troop into Theatre 14 with our popcorn and drinks and get comfy...just to hear the opening of Alvin. Oops! I went down with 1 other parent (I can't believe that nobody else was willing to say anything) and told them of the screw up. Next thing I know, we have to switch theatres! Oy..imagine something like 200 people, most of which are kids, trying to get out of one and into the other and vise versa. We did enjoy the outting though and followed it up with pizza and grocery shopping before spending the rest of the day relaxing.

Thursday was totally spent lounging around the house and just enjoying each other's company. Friday though was another story! We decided to pack us all up and head over to the zoo. We had a great time and saw all of the animals except for the giraffes and otters. That's the 2nd time we've gone and not seen the otters! Silly things!









We spent our Saturday relaxing and enjoying each other's company and then Justin and I were lucky enough to be able to go out and have some nice grown up time together that night. Taking him to the airport on Sunday was sad, but we can't wait for him to come visit again!

So, like I mentioned, I got to go with Steph and Klo to the show in Valley Forge, PA. All I can say is whew, it is always an adventure. I got up at the crack of dawn after like zero sleep and got to the airport. My flights were all on time and I arrived in Philly safe and sound. I think Klo and Steph forgot me though! I had to wait like an hour or more for them to come and fetch me. They were out looking for someplace for lunch! Anyway, they did come get me and I was quite content to sit in the back seat and just relax for the drive. I confess...I love being chauffered around. There weren't many pictures taken of the weekend..yet again, my batteries died. This time I had new ones, but I'd forgotten to charge them before the trip! Oy! Here are the ones I do have, though :


The lighthouse I just *had* to take a picture of for Klo!


Famous Klo -- Trying to hide behind dark shades, but we all recognize her! This time she actually signed an autograph!


Steph's beautiful fence picture.


The gatehouse.

I have no idea how many machines we actually sold..somewhere around 16, I think. I do know that I was worn out when I got home! All that loading and unloading of boxes off of pallets, I think. Steph and I had a lot of fun playing pranks on Klo..like Famous Klo stood here! As always, the company was the best and the food was good. I cannot wait until the next one!

Holy cow! How the heck has it been another month since I last posted? I obviously don't have the first clue..lol! So, I'm gonna do a few posts to help catch up and seriously am going to work on putting posting back into my daily routine.

So...first fun thing... I got to go to Michigan to see my family. I was only there for about 12 hours before I flew off to Philly for a fantastic show with Steph and Klo! Here are just a few of the pictures from there...


Don't these two look like the same kid? It's hard to believe that they're cousins!


My sister's kids : Alex, Brianna, Dominic & Caitlyn


A very sweet, but grungy Caitlyn


Dominic & His Great-Grandmother

Keep your eyes open for another update real soon! I have Philly pics, not many but a few to post and all sorts of other updates to come!

Here he is, in all his stately..ok kitty glory. For more of the story behind the photos, check out my Flickr account.