Friday, November 18, 2011

Happy Penguin




The moment this child was born, I was born.


I love you little penquin,

Momma

Power.

So it's pretty bittersweet to look at Success & Failure. We can look at everything we do in life & define it as either a success or failure, but it gets tricky when you realize that without one, you wouldn't have the other. When I got pregnant out of wedlock it was a Failure. A failure as a christian, a failure as daughter, a failure for myself. I had always set high goals for myself: I wanted to get an education, get married, & make a family; with a dream of being able to stay home with my family & make an income. These were my goals, & this is my dream. Not something my parents wished upon me, not something I felt obligated to do. I just said by following this order in life, I would find success & through success you find happiness, Right?!

However, I had a baby to bring into this world & this was a failure in my life. Though as I said, this failure is so bittersweet. This failure brought me huge success & made me the happiest women in the world. I am the most blessed mother in the world. I successfully finished my education, I've successfully stayed in a committed relationship for 6+ years, & I successfully brought the most beautiful baby into the world. I could not imagine life with out her. I could not imagine moving forward in life with Bryce as a partner, without this success, without this gift from God. I choose to not dwell on the failures; there is no purpose to look back and analyze all the failures I created. I've had many & I'm sure to have many many more, but within each failure I am sure to find a success!

So for me success & failure are just two words. I depend on them to grow. They are easy to define, easy to look at & even easier to be thankful for. But the question I ask you is how do you define Power. Not the kind of power you reach by attaining your goals. No the power you achieve by moving up in a company, by making a larger income than others. Not the power you reach through management or technicial choices... It's tricky, I am not sure how to define this other kind of power yet.

Power can be defined in many differnt ways, the word means many different things to people. How do you define power?


Love,
Jayme

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Rut-Roh!

We've got a few things going on here

 TV eyes already! Yes, we let our baby watch TV! I can hear it now, "Tisk Tisk"!!  But She loves all the colors & sounds & were damn good parents! So until I feel worried or threatened about what shes learning on the Televison, she can enjoy the Disney channel a bit more!
(What's your view on this?)
&
 We MUST quickly unclutter that TV stand & I mean quickly people! Avery's scooting everywhere & will crawling any day now! She already has her eyes on all that junk! It won't be long before shes tearing it all down!
(Yes, we have two TV's on the same stand;  Bryce throughly enjoys Sunday & Monday night football a bit too much lately!)


Love,
Jayme

It's feels like finally the 'light bulb' turned on!

I am always gripping about how I wish Bryce would just put more effort into the things that he is really weak at, things that really bother me & prevent us from having a really strong relationship; that I wish he would work on his weaknesses & if I work on MINE as well, our relationship would be so much stronger. I have always said, "You cannot change others, they have to want to make change for themselves," but I realize I can say this over & over, but what's the point if you don't even practice what you preach...

I can easily make a list of my weaknesses & strengths, continually thinking that happiness will come if I stress on fixing my weaknesses & when I do so, I will be a better person. I always thought I would get farther in life if I fixed those first, but in reality those weaknesses aren’t going to get me ahead. My strengths, everyone’s strengths, are what get us ahead. I'm not marrying my best friend for his weaknesses, I'm marring him for his strengths & the same goes for him. (I hope!) When I said, "Yes" to his proposal, I was saying yes to us. To our family as a whole.  It's not about me anymore. This is something I've been secretly struggling with & I didn't even know it. I didn't know that by constantly wishing for him to change & fix the things that bother me I was taking steps in the wrong direction. This goes for the feelings I have for some of my friends & family too.

So I ask myself, why do I care about his weaknesses (weaknesses in friends& family also), they bring nothing to the solution of our problems, they don't bring happiness! Bryce cannot be all things I want him to be, I cannot be all things he wants me to be. WE can be our strengths & accept those of each other. We cannot be perfect in everything. To be a good team, to make a good marriage, we must complement each other. His strengths are different than mine & together we have these skills that make us a team; A team stronger than we ever thought possible.

I truly think my parents, without trying, have this in their relationship. They have 28 years of strong marriage, love, & happiness because they complement each other. They know each other’s strengths & love each other for them. I never hear them bicker or bring up weaknesses. My dad loves my mom & never brings her down & she does the same for him. They are a team & two very amazing people to look up too. I have always envied there relationship & said I want that, but didn't know how they did it. I see it now; I see that my parents are not trying to fill a void within each other. No one person can be an expert in everything and they don't expect that in each other.

So with this all said, I know I’m putting myself out there & sharing my deepest feelings, but this is a place for me to vent & share my life. To write down what is in my head on paper. To get it all out & I am certainly doing so with this topic. I see so much room for growth & happiness now that I’ve come to realize this about myself. I see so much good in Bryce & I. Most importantly the better it will do for our family. I see him for him & I see me for me! Together we are taking an act of faith & becoming one step closer to our dreams, by simply realizing our strengths & respecting them.


Love,
Jayme

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Lets Rock.

Seriously People, Let's Rock Elmo, ROCKS!
I hope Santa brings this for Avery!

Christmas Meme - you should join in!


NYC Rockefeller- Someday my family will visit here! Sipping Warm drinks, Holding hands ice skating, & making a beautiful memory!

 

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate? Hot chocolate, but I don't think I've had it in years! I choose peppermint Mocha's, pumpkin spice or gingerbread lattes during the Holidays!

2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree? He NEVER just sits them under the tree! However, this is our first year with Avery & a chance to create our own traditions in this house! I'm super excited about this; even if she has no idea what's going on, she may just have a gift or two to open from Santa under the tree!

3. Colored lights on tree/house or white? I like White or Christmas Blue, but I have a feeling Avery will get a kick out of all the colors more!

4. Do you hang mistletoe? No, but it just might be a new tradition this year! We could use anything to bring a little fun into the house (;

5. When do you put your decorations up? Normally the week of Thanksgiving! If I did it any earlier Bryce wouldn't help carry the boxes in!

6. What is your favorite holiday dish? Shrimp Cocktail! Not so Christmasy, but I seriously look forward to Christmas Eve every year because someone always brings a huge bowl of these! Yum!

7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child? My dads side of the family gets together every single Christmas Eve & of  course a Santa comes! All the children sit on his lap, loads of pictures taken & every one sings carols with Santa! A lifetime of memories & I'm so anxious to start this up with little A!

8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa? When my brother decided he couldn't be the only one who knew he wasn't real! He said "Mom & Dad aren't running back into the house because they forgot something, there putting the presents under the tree so when we get back from up north we think Santa came!!!" Good job  mom & dad, you had be fooled!

9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Many! My dads side of the family opens all their gifts on the Eve of Christmas, a tradition I don't think they will ever change!

10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? My brother gave me his tree when he moved out of state. I'm slowly starting to get decorations! We receive a few ornaments from family members each year!

11. Snow! Love it or Dread it? I love snow! Until the middle of January...then I'm so over the dirty mess it leaves on all the roads & parking lots! I don't think I will ever appreciate its beauty until we take a trip out West!

12. Can you ice skate? I used to be able too & I'm pretty athletic, So I think I still could! It was always much easier for me than roller blading!

13. Do you remember your favorite gift? I can't pinpoint it down to one! That must mean I've enjoyed a lot of them! I get excited over the small stuff! New undies, perfume & stockings are always my favorites!

14. What’s the most important thing about the Holidays for you? Family & Food!

15. What is your favorite Holiday Dessert? Carmelitas, My grandmother Kurek makes the best ones!

16. What is your favorite holiday tradition? Santa coming to visit on Christmas Eve.

17. What tops your tree? A star.

18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving? I prefer to give, but I haven't had the money for much of it since I started college. I also like receiving from my Fiance, because he has to think so hard what to get me & its usually my favorite gift of the year!

19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum? I love all kinds of them! Maybe it's because they aren't around long enough to get sick of them!

20. Favorite Christmas show? Movies okay?! Home Alone- All of them!

21. Saddest Christmas Song? Silent Night

22. What is your favorite Christmas song? Love, Love, Love Amy Grant- Breath of Heaven


Love,
Jayme

Monday, November 14, 2011

Thanks for being you.

November 14th: Today I am thankful for my brother. I really miss him, but at the same time, I'm glad he's been able to take this journey in his life to find out what is best for him & his beautiful family. Kyle moving away has helped him grow & learn a lot about himself! I am thankful for him & our strong relationship. He is my big bro & we argue every time were together, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. I miss him more than words could explain. I cannot wait for the day he's back in MICHIGAN, for good (:
Thanks for being you!

Love you Ky,
Your Little Sis

Check this out: Thirty One


I've been looking for something perfect to do while staying home with Avery, but I also needed to find a good mix between working from home & getting out of the house every once in a while! It took some time to find a company perfect for my personality & a product that I love! but here it is, I became a 31 consultant & am totally excited to be selling for this awesome company! They have great products & I feel head over heels for it! Whether you’re looking for style, organization, the perfect giftable item — or a little bit of everything — you’ve come to the right place! Explore Thirty One's trendy and affordable purses, totes, and accessories, and when you’re ready, contact ME to help you find exactly what you’re looking for!

I need to start it all off right with a LAUNCH PARTY for myself. So I am looking for help from you! Check the website out @ thirtyonegifts.com & place an order from me! Even better book a party & be the coolest host around! And if your really up for a challenge, talk to me about becoming a consultant yourself!

I don't really wanna preach about this! I love the bags & think they are totally chic & useful! I needed to find a way to start making a little income while having the privilege of being home with my daughter & this is what works for me! Help me out if you can & if 31 is not for you that's totally fine, but do me a favor & pass it along to a friend! or two!
Any questions, orders, or bookings: Contact me @ jaymealean@yahoo.com

***If your interested in ordering a bag or booking a party for the holidays (Awesome Christmas Gifts) Hurry, orders have to be in by Dec 11th, to get here in time!

Love,
Jayme

Our Sunday.

We did absolutely nothing yesterday & I was going a bit insane since we didn't leave the house, but it's always nice to rest up! Bryce especially loves lazy days with his daughter! After his busy work week it does the body good to have no plans, except large amounts of cuddle time with Avery! I'll make this post short & sweet & leave you with a few pictures of Avery wearing daddy's hat! Oh & since Avery has been able to sit for the past 3 weeks that is ALL she wants to do! She even started scooting on the floor for toys! It might not be long before we have a crawler...




Sunday, November 13, 2011

Playing Catch Up.

Wow, I've been slacking on the blog already. That & the fact that Avery has been keeping me busy! This little girl does not want even a minute to lay on the floor & occupy herself! She wants to play, play, play & I absolutely love it! She adores sitting up & just this week she got her little butt to scoot for a few toys! Wow, things are happening quickly!


November 9th: I am thankful for good friends. We don't have many close friends since Avery's arrival; I'm sad to say it, but children, I guess, do that. Whatever the case is, we have a group of awesome guys that care so much about our little girl! Avery has a set of Uncles like no other! I have a few girlfriends who try to be involved too which is amazing! As we grow older, we get more busy, so likewise do our friends! All I can ask for is the attempt & so far we have some friends that we will forever be grateful for! I hope Avery can grow up getting to know our friends & love them as much as we do! Good friends, mean good conversation & years of memories!

November 10th: I am thankful for coffee. I love it's taste, just as much as it's purpose! That is caffeine to perk this Momma up each morning! Thank you delicious energy, I am forever addicted to you!


November 11th:  Happy Veterans Day! I am thankful for those who protect. Friday my heart felt extra full. I am so thankful to be free & I to have all the men & women who severed and our currently serving our country to thank for this freedom. Good Bless America & all our brave solders.


November 12th: I am thankful for patience. Lately, I don't have very much of it, but I do know that without it I would go insane! Breath & Be Thankful! uhh today.. I'm also thankful for chocolate! Enough said.

November 13th: I am thankful for strength. I am physically strong, but more importantly I have a lot of internal strength that I need to be thankful for.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Baby Blues

November 7th: I am thankful for my parents. They have taught me the meaning of love. They have taught me how to give love & accept it.



Check out them BABY BLUES! She just melts my heart!

November 8th: Holy Cow, I can't say it enough. I AM THANKFUL! Avery Anne Funchion You are my world, I love you to the moon & Back!

 Love,

Momma

Monday, November 7, 2011

Strive for progress, not perfection

Health & fitness is a big deal to me; It has always been & I hope it always will be a top priority in my life. But when will I be happy with myself, when will I be content with my appearance, at some point you have to say enough is enough. I am who I am & I look good that way...

I've never been okay with what my body has looked like & partially I think that is due to the fact that it took me until I was a Sophomore in High School to lose most of my 'baby fat."  I was always the girl towering over all the boys in school & the athletic one that was a bit chunky, but never fat. Once I met my future husband, I was the average looking girl in High School. I don't think I stood out as being to thick or to tall anymore. I was happy that a boy saw me for something more than just looks. But then I wanted to look better for him, then I wanted to stand out & be the best looking for him. (It's insane what a guy will do to your self esteem!!) I really have always ate healthy for the most part,  I was never big into sweets & I knew how important moderation was. My parents are very healthy cooks & still our to this day; So I was raised in a healthy atmosphere,  my body was just working through its course & I had to accept that!

Of course I got sick my freshmen year of college. My thyroid was really outta whack, I was having issues with food allergies <-- We will save that for another blog post, but that year I got super thin & sick. As much as I liked my body that thin, I knew it was only because I wasn't eating due to my allergy. So I didn't work, I didn't deserve that body & it wasn't a good thin by any means. I was unhealthy, sick & starved. Once I finally figured out my food allergy issue & got my thyroid under control, my body started to regulate. Up & Down, Up & Down. That is how my weight has been for the past 6 years. Sometimes a few # above my average, sometimes a bit below. Nothing to crazy, but I usually have to work hard to lose a few # and work even harder to keep it off!

When I SHOCKINGLY/UNEXPECTEDLY got pregnant I was the healthiest I have been my whole life. I exercised regularly and found a true passion for running. I knew that this pregnancy,I was going to gain weight I had worked so hard that summer getting rid of. (Even if it was only 5#, I worked all of summer 2010 to lose it)! So Letting myself Go, as some people would say was NOT an option for me. I wanted to continue to workout through my entire pregnancy & not indulge entirely

So I stuck true to my words, Even when Bryce wanted me to quit working out, so I would gain more weight (He was convinced if I didn't work out, I would gain more weight, the baby would gain more weight, & that was how you make a BIG healthy baby) Well I proved him wrong. Because I only gained 22# throughout my pregnancy & we had the most perfect baby in the world. Her size was perfect, my size was perfect & We were both in phenomenal health. I had a easy delivery, due to the good shape I stayed in & the weight came off without even trying.

**every Pregnancy I go through, I will do exactly the same, I will eat what I want (In some moderation!) & exercise! I advise this to all women, its truly helps both in delivery and your post recovery!

But this leads me to where I am today, My health, My body, My Mind. I have a new body, new belly that will never be the same, & still I have goals I want to attain. I struggle to maintain my weight still & I still want to look better. For myself & for my fiance. Even if he tells me I'm perfect, I still think he deserves the best looking Momma out there! I want to feel good & feel healthy. I was able to start up exercise very quickly after labor & I have only continued to push my self! Running is my outlet, it clears my mind & makes me feel good. Without it I would go insane! Even when i don't lose a single # from doing it, I do it for my Mind. (Yes people I might be a tad bit crazy!)

So I guess the point of this blog is that I still haven't been able to look in the mirror & say I am happy with the way I look. I know I have the biggest blessing in the world.  Having a family has always been my BIGGEST DREAM & I have it. However, I am still only one person, with very attainable goals & living a healthy lifestyle is what I choose. If I think I can better myself, my body, my family.. I will. And I do think I can! After all, I think it is so unbelievable important to teach a good healthy lifestyle to your family, & through my passion, goals & determination I will do so. And in the end, I hope to reach the day that I do feel great about my body. I am not going to drive my self insane trying to get there, but really... Whats life if you just give up?!


The difference between a goal & a dream is a deadline..
& I certaintly don't have one!



Love,
Jayme

Sunday, November 6, 2011

Not So Girly After All





I hate to say it but my baby girl is not so girly all the time! She is a Funchion after all & is her daddy's prodigy! I am constantly being told my little boy is so darling, with his big blue eyes & beautiful complexion! 'So What' if I dress her in baby blue,  black & white, frogs & ducks! She hates her cute headbands & shoes! Not to mention we have a million receiving blankets that are boyish; thanks to the (soon-to-be) MIL! She was convinced Avery was a boy when she decided to splurge early on in my pregnancy! And really, I guess I had it coming when I decided to name her with a unisex name, but if you know me, I'm not such a girly girl myself. I don't know fashion, nor can I afford it! I'm a jeans & sweatshirt kinda Momma! Hopefully, one day this can change, but for now I'm fine with looking a little frumpy! My day will come when I can splurge on my wardrobe! I guess the point of this post is that I'm really okay with people mistaking my baby girl for a boy! Shes the cutest little to ever walk (or roll) this planet! Seriously, who dresses there little boy in fur hoodies, green dresses, & black leggings...


On a side note:
30 Days of Thankfulness


November 5th: I am thankful for my education. When I was younger one thing I took for granted was education. In this country, it’s compulsory for all kids to go to school, so it was a given. We never thought about how lucky we were to be educated.For my parents to push the importance of education, for teachers to dedicate there lives to educating snotty nosed brats! Then slowly as I grew up, I began to appreciate things around me more. As I saw more of the world out there, and the number of individuals uneducated, I realized all the things I'd been given are not rights, but privileges. My education is so important to me & I am thankful that I now have a college degree. 



November 6th: I am thankful for disappointment. I am not thankful that I have (or anyone for that matter) had to go through it various times of my life; but I now know the things that matter the most to me. Through disappointment, I have grown to become an independent & strong woman. 


Love, 
Jayme

Friday, November 4, 2011

30 Days of Thankfulness

Call me crazy, but November has always been one of my least favorite months...I used to dread the cold weather that was vastly approaching us Michiganders; that thanksgiving was coming & I hated turkey (especially cold leftover sandwiches that my family lived on for the following week); I despised the long & late holiday hours at all the dead end part time jobs I had; & that Christmas was coming & I had no money to spend on giving gifts. 

This has changed for me in the past few years. I'm not sure what it is about November, but GOD am I thankful for it. It's really the last month that I can get away with not wearing a winter jacket. Now that I have a baby that has to be bundled up, I really appreciate the last few days that we get in the 60s and nights where I can walk out of the house in a sweatshirt. I realize now how wonderful Thanksgiving really is, its the only holiday not about gift giving. It's a day where my family can all meet together & enjoy a meal together... regardless of money, selfishness, & guilt. The only holiday where we forget about retail shops & what gift will make whomever happy. The only holiday where one need not to spend a lot of money to be thankful for natures bounty or to give thanks for family and other countless blessings. November, is no longer about working at a dead end job anymore & begging for the night off to be with my family; or cramming up on hours, just so I had enough money to buy my parents a gift for the holidays. November is amazing & I am truly thankful for it. 
I have a few Days of Catching up to do, but this is important to me.

November 1st: I am thankful for my hardworking fiance. He makes it possible to live comfortable & at ease for Avery & I. He is one of the most hardworking, dedicated men I know. He provides for our family & never complains about it. I am thankful for him & I am thankful he is mine. I am thankful everyday that Avery will have him as her Dad.

November 2nd: I am thankful for my home. Although Bryce & I are more than ready to move on from this small box we live in. It has got us so far in the past 4 years. We have learned the meaning of money & how important it is to start small & work your way up in life. We have learned from our home that it is not always about how it looks, but what you make of it. We have never went a day without shelter or cold. I am thankful for that. 

November 3rd: I am thankful for our Friday nights together as a family. Because when Friday night finally gets here, Bryce can unwind with his daughter. I love this. I am thankful for Friday nights because it symbolizes us together as a family & I pray we can keep this going as long as possible. 

November 4th: I am thankful for good health. Bryce, Avery, & myself have started off the cold season in good health & I pray it stays this way.

I am going to post 26 more days of Thankfulness, but I guarantee it does not amount to the loads & loads of thankfulness that explodes from my heart.

Love, 
Jayme

If you already haven't, Meet Baby A

The most beautiful baby, our baby
Avery Anne Funchion



Cuter by the day, is that possible?!


First Halloween:
 5 months Old



Here's to... Everything.

Hello friends,

All right I've done it, I created a blog. A blog people, I said I was never going to do it & I did. To be honest i'm pretty excited to share some really awesome, personal, & detailed posts about my life now as a:  mother, as a lover, & as I grow into something I always dreamed of… a family. Oh yeah & of my baby. Shes stunning. You will see lots of her!

First off i'm going to start by saying I know the exact facial expression that is going to come from my truly handsome fiance of mine when he first sees this. That sexy face is going to have written, "I told ya so" all over his stunning forehead without even speaking! & i'm going to laugh (because I always laugh when he talks) even when i'm mad at him, because he's right! Once again, he's right, I created a blog & this my friends is something I said I was never going to do, but he knew I eventually would!

But, were over that because I did it & I think it's going to be good for me. After reading countless blogs about women and their daily routines, struggles, & passions they go through with motherhood, I thought it was about time I share mine. As not only a place to vent, but also a journal to look back on the memories i've made. This blog is for myself mostly, but for you as well. Read if you like, comment & your advice is always welcome, but please leave you're judging for elsewhere. I've got plenty of things to learn as a new mom & as a soon to be wife, 
so heres to EVERYTHING! 

Love, 
Jayme