Happy New Year!

Happy New Year everyone! New Years always brings about New Years resolutions - I hate them. Who actually keeps their New Years resolutions? Anyone? Let's see, lose weight, save money, travel, go to church more, do more charity work....does that about cover all of them? As much as I try not to make those same silly resolutions the end of the year is always a time for reflection. So I guess most of my 'resolutions' are going to center around my new business, so here it goes....

1. Find a good balance between work and Aidan...make sure my time off is quality time with him and less running errands...
2. Pay better attention to the numbers...me, not so good...never have been...causing Nate many gray hairs...could probably do better if I tried....
2. Focus on building the website more...corporate gift promoting...our own LGB label

So there it is. Good luck to all of you with your resolutions!

Little Green People Show - Interview

So a few months back I was interviewed for a podcast by the Little Green People Show - I just stumbled on the interview and thought I'd share....check it out: http://littlegreenpeople.net/podcast/lgp/2008/dec/24/021-little-green-baby/

Christmas

We just got back yesterday from our crazy busy Christmas celebrations. Christmas Eve was in Tinley Park with my family. It was tons of fun as usual and we got to meet Kevin's new girlfriend, Stephanie, who is adorable and very sweet. Aidan received a Barney doll from Grandma and is watching his Barney movie holding his doll right now as I post...too cute. We then had Christmas morning with just Aidan at our place - we got him a blow up Thomas ball pit - he LOVED it. He was, however, terrified of the Elmo slippers we got him. It's funny, you just never know what they are going to love or be scared of! Then it was off to Almont, Michigan to visit with Nate's family on Christmas Day. Aidan had a ball reconnecting with with his grandparents and aunts and uncles. He even got to meet the "family ghost"...but that's another story for another time....He saw his cousin who is about 2 weeks younger than him (Zach) and had a blast playing with him. Then on our travels home we stayed the night in Paw Paw, Michigan with our friends Kelly & Mateo and their twins, Arianna and Dante (14 months old). Aidan had fun playing with the kids and we had fun catching up with Kelly & Mateo. They are due to have another one in May - they are going to be busy! Overall it was a great trip and lots of fun. Below are some of my favorite pics. We tried to get a nice picture of Aidan and his grandparents in MI, but he insisted on sticking his finger up his nose....go figure.....

A visit from Santa...

Santa has visited LGB the past two Saturdays and he met with lots of very good boys and girls! One little boy even brought his letter to Santa to tell him that he had been "pretty good." Another had his sister running to Santa's lap while he very politely said "No Thank You" when asked if he wanted to talk to Santa. It was so fun to see all the kids reactions to Santa - and thanks a bunch to both of my adorable brother-in-laws who volunteered to be Santa - they both did a great job! Here are some pics of Aidan with both Santas - he tolerated Santa and that was about it...

My new favorite product...

I think this is the coolest toy we've discovered yet - it is an adorable tea set made out of recycled milk jugs!

The entire Green Toys product line is made from curbside-collected, plastic milk containers. Using recycled plastic versus new plastic reduces greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy. All aspects of production occur in California, USA including material sourcing, manufacturing, packaging and fulfillment. These toys are non-toxic and safe and exceed all safety requirements regarding BPA, phthalates, or lead. Additionally, best efforts are made to minimize packaging and use only recycled materials. What little girl wouldn't love a tea party???

Stop by Little Green Baby to check out this adorable set!

Crazy Mama...

So Aidan is now repeating EVERYTHING I say...today I said "you are making me CRAZY"....in return he says "Crazy Mama" about 50 times.....gotta love it!

what’s a little rain?

So I don’t usually make these posts super personal, usually just more about Aidan and the store, but today has been a day of reflection for me and I wanted to share. What a crazy year it has been for my family. It has been filled with many, many blessings and many challenges as well. I guess we all have our daily struggles. This song keeps popping up when I least expect it. I don’t know if reading the lyrics typed out will do anything for you, but everytime I hear it I get a little teared up (okay, a lot teared up!). I was raised in a Christian environment and still sometimes struggle with my faith. When things don’t seem to go the way I want them to or if I am feeling particularly sorry for myself I think sometimes it’s easier to transfer blame. I wish my heart was as steadfast as the lyrics of the song. Maybe working on that should be my New Years resolution???? Anyway….here are the lyrics…the song is by MercyMe if you have a chance to listen to it…I've added it to my Playlist at the bottom of the blog...

I can count a million times
People asking me how I
Can praise You with all that I’ve gone through
The question just amazes me
Can circumstances possibly
Change who I forever am in You

Maybe since my life was changed
Long before these rainy days
It’s never really ever crossed my mind
To turn my back on you oh Lord
My only shelter from the storms
But instead I draw closer through these times

So I pray
Bring me joy, bring me peace
Bring the chance to be free
Bring me anything that brings You glory
And I know There’ll be days
When this life brings me pain
But if that’s what it takes to praise You
Jesus Bring the Rain

I am Yours regardless of
The clouds that may loom above
Because You are much greater than my pain
You who made a way for me
By suffering Your destiny
So tell me what’s a little rain

Santa is coming to LGB!

Bring your little ones by to take a picture with Santa on Saturday, December 20th from 11-2 as well. You can bring your camera and take your child's picture and we will also take a picture for you as well which will be available the following week. Hope to see you all soon!

Fascinated with trains...

Aidan LOVES trains...he is on the lookout for trains everywhere he goes. Papa G was so kind in sending one of Nate's old trains for us to set up around the Christmas tree - Aidan cannot get enough of it - either can Nate for that matter....This is how they have been all day today...

My sad little man...

Aidan is so upset since I came home from the hospital and I can't pick him up. I have a 15 lb. lifting restriction for 6-8 weeks....this is the face I get all day long....

I'm so sorry little buddy....

Toy Drive!!!!

So despite the freezing weather last night we had a great turnout for the toy drive! We collected almost 100 toys for the kids at Lydia Home. We are still collecting through the 8th so you still have time to bring a toy by to donate. Thanks to everyone who braved the cold and a special thanks to my mom and sister who really helped me out. We had some really nice wines from Provenance (Western and Leland) - all of them sustainable wines - check out Provenance if you have a chance. Tracy, the owner is really helpful and makes great recommendations. So thanks again to everyone for their support with the toy drive - it was a nice party to kick off our holiday season!