Merry Christmas!!!

Merry Christmas from us to you!

Enjoy your holiday everyone, whether you celebrate Christmas or not, enjoy the time and spend it with those you love!

Enjoy Life. Every Moment.

Yesterday, there was a shooting at an elementary school in Newtown CT. 

This world is unbelievable. I have such a hard time thinking/talking/writing about this topic. Honestly, I get really panicky when it comes to death in general, and now having Lucas has made that even worse.

I could not even imaging getting my little kiddo ready for a day at school and then be called with this news.

President Obama's speech brought me to tears.

I hugged Lucas a little tighter when I got home.

I can't even begin to imagine the kind of pain and suffering everyone at that school is going through right now.

Terrible things are happening all year so I'm not focusing on this one only because I think it's the worst, it's just so recent and so devastating.

Kids and adults and animals are being hurt and tortured every single day. People live with painful diseases every day that there are just no cures for that the world doesn't hear/know about. There is suffering, every day and all day.

I suppose it just takes certain events in life to let you remember what's important.

My child is safe. My husband is safe. My family is safe.

We have a roof over our heads. We have food. We have heat.

That's what is important. The petty crap that goes on, the cattyness, the bullying, the fights with friends, the gossiping, the complaining, all of that doesn't really matter.

Be greatful for what you have, whether it was earned or given, be thankful for those around you that make your life what it is.

Those are my thought about it all. I didn't want to seem heartless and not share my feelings on the subject, but honestly, it's hard for me.

On a brighter note.

Want to know what happens when grammy feeds a little boy a coffee ice cream cone?

Not being able to go to sleep, and waking up at 2:30 a.m. with a tummy ache (and a smile and a giggle)  and a really sleepy day for mumma.

ALSO- Big news people!

We have a sitter. Lucas is sitting up on his own- with the occasional accident or two (but who counts those, right?)

AAH he's getting so big! I'm not ready. Well, really, I'm ready. But he's my little guy that wants to be a grown up already. Slow down, baby boy, I'm trying to remember every little thing you have done in your (almost) 6 months you've been here.

And guess who has his first tooth!

THIS GOOFY KID DOES!

Now I'm just trying to prepare myself for painful biting and more teeth coming soon.

Try to have a good weekend everyone. 

I know it'll be hard with everything that went on yesterday.

Enjoy life. Every moment.

Pumped

I totally just sold my first item on etsy tonight.

How pumped am I?

Very pumped.

It's been hectic and crazy and I knew it would be, especially starting this all up at Christmas time. But luckily the holidays are almost here and then I'll be able to focus more on my etsy store and getting that more stocked.

But for now I'm making like 10 projects all at the same time. And teaching myself to knit again. And trying to use my new fancy Holga lens I bought (check one thing off of my list for 2013 - get new unique lenses for my camera). And taking care of an almost 6 month old. Guys- he's going to be 6 months old in just under 2 weeks. Am I losing it, or is the time just flying by? For real.

He's starting to sit up on his own now. And stand (for like 2 seconds- which makes me super nervous- who needs a mobile kid soon - not this girl, let me tell you). 

But if you're bored, or happen to be perusing etsy.com- check out my little store

Jade Monarch Designs

I'm hoping to get more things up on the store soon!

That's pretty much all for tonight. Going to package up my item and call it a night...

But don't you just love this kid?! I know I do!

Good Morning!

It's 4:45 and my boys are sleeping.

But I'm wide awake.

Remember how I told you I started an etsy store? Well, it has been occupying my brain and my free time once Lucas goes to bed. I still want to have it a little more stocked before I post it on here. I won't feel so bad once there's a few more listings. But to be truthful, my test pieces that I've given people have had great reviews, so you guys probably won't have to wait much longer to find out ;)

I also emailed about doing a craft fair next winter. Which will be completely awesome. Maybe I should look into more of them too. And get business cards... hmmm.

I know I should probably go for a run right now, but honestly, I have barely a moment to contain all my thoughts during the day (you know, with work and all... doesn't work always get in the way?) that I thought I would post on here and then maybe take a nice long shower. Talk about pampering myself, huh?

Well, here's to new endeavors and finger crossing and exciting new projects.

And I'm totally going to print this out and hang it on our bedroom wall.

If you know us, or want to know us, this sums us up completely.

Have a great morning/day/night everyone. I'll get busy making up more things and then I'll post about my etsy store!

P.S. Totally going to teach myself how to knit soon!! Woo!

Short on time.....

I'm a little short for time today since I'm trying to organize my thoughts for my etsy shop. I hope you'll all bear with me. Sorry! 

I'm trying to post a button from My Crazy Beautiful Life's blog hop, but I clearly can't figure it out.

All I have to say is that I'm trying to do 50million things all at the same time and it's not really working to my blogging benefit. Honestly. I hope you guys understand. Hopefully I'll get a few more things made up and on the site and then I'll be back here to tell you all about it!

Ok- maybe I'll tell you a little now..

So as I said, I created my own etsy shop. I'm nervous/excited about it. I totally love making stuff, especially stuff that I can make while watching tv - bonus, right?

Hubby came up with the name, with a little input from me (honestly, guys, I'm awful at coming up with names for things- well, except Lucas. That was totally a mutual collaboration) and he designed my shop logo which I'm totally in love with.

Once I feel confident in my stock, I'll share the site with you guys, but for now, you'll just have to wait in suspense to see what I'm up to!

Also, it's almost December. Have to remember to stay in the Christmas Spirit!

With that being said, head on over to Mrs. Greene's Blog and send her Grandparents a Christmas card. It'll make you feel happy knowing you made two grandparents smile. Pay it forward, right?

Have a wonderful night, everyone!

New Endeavor...

Guys,

I can't sleep.

I am opening an etsy shop and it's occupying my brain.

I'm so excited about it, but nervous at the same time!

Am I crazy for taking on this new project with a 5 month old and a full time job?

But I kind of love it. And I can't wait to make up some more stuff so I can have a grand opening of my shop.

Stay tuned, I'll announce the shop name here soon!

In other news, we put up our tree this past weekend.

It's Lucas's first Christmas and his Grammy got him this super extra-cute ornament.

Adorable!

But I'm off to go write ideas down before I forget them!

Have a wonderful day!

So this just happened...

Hi Guys! I finally have a few minutes to sit and write tonight!! Totally shocking, right?

 

So- I tried to upload this amazingly adorable video of Lucas with his Daddy... But for some reason, Blogger won't let me me.

So, if you felt like taking the extra step and listening to some baby laughs, head on over to my facebook page Life With A Side Of Love - Facebook

Sorry for the camera shake, I could not stop laughing.

It just totally made my night and I wanted to share it with you guys. 

I also woke up to this a few mornings ago. Twice. 

This kid makes me crazy.

This was my Thanksgiving.

1. Family Dinner. 2. Miranda, me and Gram. 3. Me and Lucas. 4. Mom, me, Lucas and Gram. 5. Me, Lucas and Grampa

Of course my sister has to make faces. Honestly kid!

Look at all that food! We have so much leftovers we won't be eating much else for weeks!

And really, how is my little sister like 4 inches taller than me? Ugh!

 

Oh, also, tonight was the first night we put Lucas to sleep in his crib. Usually he'll crash on our bed watching Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy and then I'll just scoop him up and put him in bed, but we decided it might be time to put him in his crib to sleep. He's been waking up and crying when I try to put him to bed after he falls asleep in our bed, so here's hoping there won't be any crying tonight! Wish us luck!

P.S. So far so good. He's out cold. Let's hope he stays that way.

Hubby and I are off to wrap some gifts.

Also- I need a new blog design. Desperately.

Give Thanks..

 Is is really already Thanksgiving? Is Lucas really going to be 5 months old tomorrow? Where is this year going?!?

This is what I woke up to this morning

I mean, really guys, does it get any cuter than that?!

But seriously.

It's that time of year again where we give thanks for what we have. This year has given me my little boy, with whom I've fallen more in love with each day that he's been here. The best gift in the world. I'm thankful for my husband who makes laugh and becoming the best daddy ever, a guy Lucas can look up to. I'm thankful for my family, as crazy as we are and as much as we pick on each other (especially you, mom) I could not love you guys more! I'm thankful for my in-laws, we love you guys so much, thank you for making Grandma Camp special for Lucas and for the two of you always making his smile. I'm thankful that I have a job and can afford to make our lives as good as they are. I'm thankful that we have a roof over our heads, so many others are without that all year, I'm just thankful we can keep our little guy warm and dry. I'm thankful for this blog too. It has been a place for me to write about everything, a place where I can go (when I have the time) to share things with you guys.

I hope you all give thanks for the things you have and the people you have in your lives.

20 in '13.

I seem to be taking a bit of inspiration from Kristine over at The Foley Fam
She's co-hosting

She keeps coming up with some great ideas.  Honestly everyone, who doesn't like making a list every once in a while (especially if it's full of goals for the upcoming year!)

 

So here It is, my list for 2013.

1. Take at least two movies of my little guy.
2. Sign up and run a 5K.
3. Learn Lightroom and Paint Shop better.
4. Go to The Pickle Haus for a sandwich (been saying it for 3 years now)
5. Make it to 50 followers... fingers crossed guys
6. Meet my goal weight. (-3 lbs since Saturday, so that's a start!)
7. Clean and organize my desk (honestly guys, it might take a whole year)
8. Add things to my etsy store
9. Start making Holiday decorations for the house since now we have someone who will love them!
10. Come up with my own recipe for dinner
11. Kind of goes with #2 and get my mile time down to 9mins.
12. Go through my attic and either donate or get rid of most of the stuff up there.
13. Get unique lenses for my camera.
14. Organize my kitchen so it doesn't look like a bomb went off all the time.
15. Get professional family photos taken.
16. Volunteer. For something. Charity, because someone needs help, just help.
17. Keep up with organizing my photos of Lucas. I know later on he'll appreciate it.
18. Ride my bike. (I'm totally bad at it.)
19. Save more money.
20. Hand-in-hand with #19- stop buying craft supplies and/or use up the ones I have before I buy new ones.. (I have an attic full. Gotta tell myself enough is enough.)

So feel free to head on over to link up!!!
Share in the comments, even if you only have one wish/goal for '13!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

November already?

Apparently it's been a little busy over in the Miller Household lately. With doctors appointments and Halloween and such, I just haven't been able to post! Sorry guys!

Last week, like the 24th, Lucas has his 4 month checkup. He's getting so big! 14 lbs 9.8ozs and 24.5" tall. Crazy! I swear this kid is going to be 6 feet tall soon. But anyway, now he can eat rice cereal (and you know, applesause, ice cream, frosting... whatever we try him on- can't make him feel left out at the dinner table, can we....) He's starting to try to hold his own bottle, which is awesome, but it tends to distract him from the actual drinking of the bottle. Silly boy.

The 25th was trick-or-treat down Main Street our my town. I think I've only missed a year or two since they started doing it (couldn't get out of work) but this year was so much fun, we took our dressed up Little Dragon and marched our way downtown. His first little candy was a tootsie roll, which he proceeded to try to eat (wrapper and all) and poked himself in the eye a few times. Still trying to work on those motor skills..

 

Eric and I carved a few pumpkins on the 27th. Maybe next year Lucas will get goopy with us!

 This is his first halloween- trying to get a pic of him smiling is kinda hard. He looks at the camera like "Stop mom"

I kind of love this photo from his first Halloween.

 Now it's November. The 3rd to be exact. And here we are.
I started back up on the diet and exercise thing. I gotta get back to pre-baby weight. Contemplating signing up for a 5k somewhere so that I can have a goal. Pretty disappointed with my mile time today- so I have to stay motivated to keep it up! Definitely not easy.

This is today. Lucas sitting in the $500 rocking chair I got for $34 at a yard sale. He's so silly.

Hopefully I'll post more. I say that all the time, but really, life is a little busy lately to post a lot.

Have a wonderful November everyone- Let's be optimistic that I'll post at least a few times this month!!!

A little rant...

I have a little, tiny complaint today. Not about all of you. Not about this blog. Just about what someone said to me the other day. It's not like it has been eating me alive, I just got annoyed really fast when it was said.

Alright, if you guys know me, which some of you do and some of you might know me now after reading my little piece of the blogging universe, I was trying to jump start a part-time photo gig a while back. J. M. Photography or J.M. Photography- Facebook. (side note: I have no idea what happened to my fashion/professional photos on the site.)

A lot of people knew it. A lot of people wanted me to do their photos, which is wonderful. I was new at it but I don't think I've done a poor job with any of the photos I've taken but I am trying to work on it to get better (which is what any photographer always tries to do all the time anyway, no matter if professional or amateur.)

Anyway. I've been able to take photos with any camera I've ever had. Honestly. I got a Kodak C340 and took this

 I've always been a big believer that it is not the camera that takes a great photo, it's the photographer who knows how to use his/her equipment to the best of their ability.

The other day, I was around someone talking about taking pictures. They proceeded to tell me they can't take good pictures because they don't have a fancy camera. (I think the above photo disproves that myth.) The then turned to me and said that my photos must come out well because "well you have a fancy camera, right?"

 Totally on the top of my pet peeve list. Honestly! I feel like I should be insulted (which, deep inside, I kind of am) but I guess it all comes down to ignorance about how much effort actually goes in to calculating what settings to use and how to properly use your camera to get a great photo.

Like I said, I am not trying to say that my photos are the best in the world, but, for me, I think they're good. I'm open to criticism, always. That's one of the ways I think any of us can excel at what we do.

I didn't know what to say. I always feel like I need to explain that it's not the camera, it's the person.. blah blah blah, but by the time I say all that, usually the person stops listening anyway so it becomes a waste of my time.

Has anyone had to deal with this?

Here's a pic of my hubby and my cutie little one to help cheer up this post!

 Have a wonderful Sunday, everyone!

Oh goodness!!

So, besides being totally head over heels in love with my kid, not too much going on around here lately.. Totally trying to find the motivation to wake up at 4:45 am for a run. Ugh! I don't want to look back a pics of Lucas and totally feel sad about my weight. Ready for motivation and my metabolism to get back in check!

Anyone have any ideas on how to get motivated when your little one still gets up 1-2 times every night?

Sorry for the short post tonight, trying to catch some zzzzz's before peanut wakes up for a midnight snack ;)

P.s. sorry if this doesn't look like the rest of my posts, I'm on my mobile tonight...

Currently

Since it's so early- I thought I'd do a quickie little post here which I got courtesy of The Foley Family
It just seems like a good thing I can do real quick before my day starts :)

 

obsessed with: Crochet Patterns. Honestly, I feel like I'm hoarding them.

watching: The Sons of Anarchy (we're getting a late start- currently on Season 3- so don't spoil it!)

fashion favorites: Big comfy sweaters and yoga pants.

wishing for: a nice long relaxing weekend

listening to: Sinch's album Hive Mind- amazing. Check it out here.

eating: nothing. but obsessing over Peach yogurt lately.

can't wait for: taking my little bro's senior pictures (maybe this weekend.) When did he grow up and become a senior? Oh my god.

missing: nothing. I'm right where I need to be :)

*sippin: Cran-Grape. honestly. i love it.
*loving: the picture above. totally makes my heart melt.
*notloving: not having the motivation to run... I'll get there, but I'm just not feelin it.
*hearing: Lucas giggle when he wakes up in the morning.
*dreaming: the future. honestly. I am so excited to see who this little guy becomes.

 

 

 Anyone have things that they want to share?

I'm off to go get little peanut up for the day! Have a great one!

Sunday Confession Day

It's Sunday Confession Day over at Every Day is a New Adventure!!
I can't believe it's Sunday. Really? Only 2 shorts days with my little guy? Back to the grind tomorrow.

1. It is a little more difficult than I thought it would be to get on the computer after a full day at work and making  time with my little guy.. I was hoping I would be on here a little more frequently, but I'm sure I will be once he can play on his own for a little more of an extended period of time. (It probably doesn't help that my hubby and I JUST started watching Sons of Anarchy and are trying to squeeze in as many episodes as possible every night-- which lets me get basically 0 things done)

2. I love to craft. Really. I like to be able to make up some cute things for my little guy. I totally want to be the mom that can help my little buddy make a 'super scary' monster (or whatever he wants) out of pretty much anything. I also want to have the supplies to make said monster too!

3. I'm really bad at buying anything for myself. I know, I know, what kind of girl am I? I hate buying things for myself unless they are super on sale or if I have a gift card (which I usually wait until things are super on sale to use). I guess I just don't feel the 'need' for anything that is really expensive or what-have-you. Although, I just bought myself a 50mm 1.8 lens for myself. Which I'm totally in love with. Maybe having a baby has changed my outlook on buying myself stuff.. (but probably not)

4. I think I can handle everything... And I have a hard time asking for help. I'm going to count this as one confession since they go hand in hand. Sometimes I feel guilty that I'm taking up someone else's time when I ask for help. Like I should be able to handle things by myself. I'm working on it..... It's a slow process, but I'm getting better. I even asked my hubby to give little pumpkin a bath tonight because I was trying to finish some stuff.. Baby steps. I'll get there.

5. If I had a choice, I would live my life in a pair of converse sneakers. I would wear them every single day. I would wear them running if they had a little better support. Nothing fits better than a nice broken in, soft as can be, pair of Converse. That's just one way to my heart.

Well, there you have it. 5 things you may not have known about me.

What are a few of your 'secrets'?

Apples And Instagram!

So I'm home with the little guy today since my Mother-in-law is sick. I hope she gets better soon!

So while Lucas took his first little morning nap, I went all Susie Homemaker and made an apple pie. (since we got a huge, gigantic bag of apples on the 22nd which I totally haven't posted about yet....so here it goes.)

We go to Tougas Farm in Northboro, MA to pick our apples. We really like it there and they usually have a nice selection and we figured we should go since the apple season was pretty early this year. My sister tagged along with us and we usually have a good, goofy time with the three (4) of us so it was especially goofy in public even though it was a little very crowded. Isn't my little guy so cute with his little guy sized apple! Can't wait til next year when he can actually enjoy the apples that he pics!

 Now here's the instagram challenge!

1. You, now
2. Father
3. Far Away
4. In my mailbox/postbox
5. Bright
6. Every day
7. Natural
8. At night
9. Something you do most weekends
10. Hero
11. Black + White
12. Together
13. Table
14. Favorite
15. First thing you see
16. Strange
17. In my fridge
18. Price
19. Underneath
20. Man-made
21. Sometimes
22. Up
23. Before bedtime
24. 3 things
25. Frame
26. Near
27. Love/Hate
28. A good thing
29. Errand
30. You, then

Well. I managed to do the whole month.. but I'm not feeling ready to take on October...

But do you see a trend? It's either food or my little boy. Get's kind of boring for you guys to look at the same kid all the time, right?

That's about all that's been happening. So glad I got a few minutes to post this! Believe me, I haven't forgotten about you all! Hopefully you'll keep checking in for something new every now and then.

I'm off to attempt to bake an apple bread before Little Luke wakes up from his nap :)

My oh my....

 Oh guys, I haven't forgotten about you all..  It's just been so hectic going back to work and trying to get in the swing of things. Ugh!

Work feels like I never left which is neither good nor bad.... Just keep heading in there til I win the lottery, then I'll be able to stay home with my little guy all day :) Wishful thinking right?

We took Lucas apple picking. What a good little sport he was! I'll post some pictures next time.

As for now, gonna go scoop up the little guy and put him in bed... and maybe take a few minutes to relax!

I'll be back soon :)

No post is complete without a picture!!!

Quick Post Tonight...

 Today is officially my last day of maternity leave. I'm so bummed.

This past week I have been taking Lucas over to my mother-in-law's house every day to see how he'll adjust (and so I can cry in the car on the way home so I don't cry tomorrow when I drop him off- which I totally did on Thurday, but Friday was easier..)..

He's does amazingly well at her house. I mean, why wouldn't he. He's a pretty awesome little dude.

 But still. I'm going to miss my little bean. We've been buddies all summer and it's just too sad that I have to get back to work and he has to be away from me. But, I know it's definitely good because she'll teach him a lot and I can help make money to support us all :)

That's about all that's going on. Trying to adjust to a new schedule and such. We'll see if I'll even have the energy to post things this week....

On a side note, I got these Star Wars Crochet Patterns and I can't wait to make them! So exciting! All I need now is an owl and I'll be a happy girl.

Cross your fingers that I'll be okay tomorrow at work and that maybe someday I'll win the lottery.

No post is really complete without a picture :)

 

Have a wonderful night!

Time Flies.

When I was younger and people said "Time flies" I never really understood it. I guess. I mean, obviously time goes by, at the end of every year we're all like "Oh, hey, how is it already Christmas?" and "Where did this year go?!" but until there's a certain date (dating a couple, a few, several years ago) or something funny that you remember randomly but realize that it happened 10, 11, 12 years ago, you don't realize it- time DOES fly by.

12 years ago (tomorrow 9/9) Eric and I started "dating." I say dating in quotations because we were 16. What kind of dating really happens at 16? I mean, we went to the movies. Held hands. Showed everyone we were a 'couple'. Smooched in the hallways. Wrote each other notes on college ruled, three-hole-punched notebook paper that we passed to each other between classes. I guess at 16 that is what dating consists of. But we always say that we never really dated during our relationship. Here's why. 

We started off as classmates in freshman algebra. Then we became 'neighbors' due to assigned seating. Then we because absolute best friends. Talking to each other on the phone for hours and hours on end. Then we shared stories of our lives. Our ups, our downs. Our crushes and what-not. I always said no to his asking me out for those years. We were best friend. I didn't want things to turn ugly, then I would lose my absolute best friend.

Then my 16th birthday happened.

One week later. "Hey I was thinking........" came out of my mouth on the phone one night.

E: "Thinking about what?"

J: "People"

E: "Who people?"

J: "Me and you people."

Let's just say, it was on like Donkey Kong after that. We were pretty much inseparable.

He even liked me when I had braces. Yuck.

 I stole his t-shirts.

We went to prom.

We went everywhere in his car.

We graduated high school.. (I have no scanned pics... sadly)

I graduated college.

Shortly after that, we got married.

Then we drove to Vegas.

1. The Arch in St. Louis. 2. Sunflower fields in Kansas 3. Sunset before Colorado. 4. Pit stop in the Rockies 5. Utah 6. The Grand Canyon 7. Treasure Island in Las Vegas

We went to hockey games.

I started my photography business.

J.M. Photography-- jmphotography01749.weebly.com/jmphotography01749.blogspot.com

The Bruins won the Stanley Cup and we were front row for the parade :)

Took Eric to his first Sox game on my birthday!

Then this happened. :)

 And this.

 And this.

Then this.....

 Which turned into this. This perfect little boy.

 And now we're here. I write this blog. I work full time for an excellent company. Eric still has his full time job that he got when we were in high school. We live in a great apartment (the one I grew up in which amazingly became available when we desperately needed to move out of a terrible situation). And we couldn't be happier. So, yeah, I guess the older I get, the more I appreciate (and realize) that time does fly.

With all that being said, Happy 12 Year Anniversary, Dear Husband. I love you to the moon and back. Hope we spend many, many more years together, living, growing, sharing and raising (and loving the crap out of) this little guy that we call ours.

**Sorry this post was so long.. Clearly I got a little carried away ;)**