But Live On wants to do more than help you capture the present and the future. They want to help you document the past too.

Enter Live On Rewind. A service that lets you send in your non-digital media for digital conversion. They send you a box, you fill it with pictures or media, they scan and digitize it and send it all back. (Really, just pop over there and read a little about them and what they do, they explain it so well).

I’ve spent the last 4 days immersed in photo albums, picture boxes and scrapbooks. There were stacks and stacks of 4×6 prints, gobs of old Polaroids and even a handful of old black and whites.

My original intent had been to just grab a pile of pictures and fill the box to be sent off. Obviously the fact that it took me 4 days should clue you in as to how well that went.

Honestly, I just got so lost in the vast sea of memories. I spent at least one day with my college photo albums. Apparently for four years my camera only came out during parties. I laughed and laughed and sent lots of picture texts to my friends reliving our “glory” days. I relived my husband and I’s…courtship…if one could really call it that.

I went through an entire box of pictures from junior high and high school. I can’t wait to put together a montage of all of my horrendous hair and fashion choices. I’m almost ashamed of myself. I relived the horror of former boyfriends and crushes. I pulled out an envelope of tiny wallet sized photos of classmates and friends with handwritten notes on the back. (Did everyone do that? Write personalized notes on the back of the school photos you handed out to friends?)

I went through stacks of pictures of myself from infant to toddler and realized that my children DO actually look like me, more than just the blue eyes! I also realize that they get the majority of their attitude from me as well, my goodness I could scowl from quite an early age.

In all those stacks I found pictures that made me laugh and cry, I remembered things long forgotten. I whittled down my stacks and put some of my favorites into the Live On Rewind box and will send them off tomorrow. I absolutely cannot wait to be able to gaze at those pictures on my computer whenever the mood strikes me. Bonus points for all the sharing and blog fodder it will surely provide.

I can’t tell you enough how much I encourage you all to check out this company and try their services. It’s so easy, just order a package and they send you everything you need. Use the code “cgc64″ to receive 30% off your order. Seriously, it’s SO worth it. Protect your memories.

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Thank you to LiveOn for sponsoring this blog post. Please LiveOn to learn more about sharing and preserving your most important memories. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective. Although story ideas were provided, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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Post tags: Digital scrapbooking, Live On, memories, scanning pictures

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I wish I had the words to accurately describe how fantastic, how amazing, of a little boy Cole was. From his white blond hair to his impish grin he could make you laugh at even the most mischievous deeds. He could play “farm” for hours, meticulously combining every inch of his carpet or sand fields. He loved Nerf wars, toy trucks and dirt piles as only a little boy can. His smile touched the furthest corners of his face and his laughter was infectious.

It’s difficult to fathom that the overwhelming anger and sadness will ever subside but I know, somewhere in the corners of my head, that eventually the pain will lessen. Right now we will hang on to each other and the knowledge that he is no longer suffering.

I learned from a very good friend that even though a person is gone they don’t ever have to be forgotten. We will keep Cole a part of our hearts and minds forever, taking him with us everyday.

Neither my family or I will ever forget the kindness you have shown us over that past two weeks. Even today, Cole is still receiving cards and letters in the mail. Each and everyone has been read and appreciated more than I can tell you. Over 2,500 cards from at least 5 countries and over 2,000 emails. Sometimes the internet is just amazing.

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For those of you who are interested, Cole’s parents have set up a memorial fund and all money received will be donated to The University of Iowa Children’s Hospital Child Life Program and The University of Iowa Dance Marathon. The staff and volunteers there took such good care of him while he was there.

As before anything can be sent to the address below.

Cole Dieckman
PO Box 9
Joy, IL 61260

Thank you, truly, all of you, from the bottom of my heart.

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You responded in ways that, quite honestly, boggle my mind.

Over 43,000 page views, 2,157 cards, 1700 emails, 220 comments, countless shares and one very special message from Spongebob himself.

The amount of love and support you’ve shown to Cole and my family can’t be measured.

It pains me to say that Cole was unable to thoroughly enjoy his birthday, most of the day it was a struggle to simply keep him comfortable. That evening, however, he had an hour or so of alertness and awareness in which he was able to laugh and enjoy some of his gifts.

Caleb and Dawn (Cole’s parents) wanted to make sure that everyone knows just how touched they were and still are at the outpouring of love for Cole.

I wish I could personally thank each an every one of you and I hope that someday should any of you need it, I will be able to pay it forward.

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Speechless

Heavy Hearts

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This is a picture of my cousin’s little boys, Cole and Caden. It was taken in August of 2010. I can’t tell you how much this picture breaks my heart

This past October, it was decided that his fight had reached its end. The cancer was too strong and his little body just couldn’t take anymore. In November, his doctors said that he likely wouldn’t make it to see Christmas and yet, next Monday, January 9th, he will celebrate his 5th birthday.

It’s amazing, really, the power of hope and determination. Cole is seeing holidays and celebrations that even the professionals in his life didn’t think he’d see.

As I’m sure you can imagine, Cole’s family wants to give him an extra special celebration when he blows out those candles this year. It’s a precious milestone, this one. If you know me at all, you know that I’m not the type to ask for help, even when I need it. But, for this little amazing kid, I would ask for just about anything. And it isn’t much, really, just a small token. But if you know any 5-year-olds, you know how special small token can make them feel.

So, here’s what I am asking. I am trying to get as many people as possible to send him a birthday card this year. I’ve set up an email account WishesForCole(at)gmail(dot)com so he can receive e-cards and email wishes. And he can also receive cards by mail at his PO box listed below:

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Anyway…..

Happy Merry Everything to all of you out there, you really do make my world a happier place.

The picture quality is a little poor because I had to use my phone as my *real* camera is currently refusing to take pictures (AHEM Dear Santa).

May you all have the very best Holiday season. Head over to Meghan’s place to check out all the other fantastic cards!

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Post tags: Holiday Cards, Ornament Cards

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I wish there were more pictures of the little moments, the day to day life. I wish that I could look through a few months of pictures and know what my favorite outfit was by the number of times it appears. I want to know what toys I was constantly playing with, what food I ate every day.

I think that’s why I save almost all the pictures I take of my kids even the ones that don’t turn out so well. See the evidence below. I tried to sit my kids down and take a picture of them in their new Christmas shirts. Apparently they had ants in their pants because sitting still was just not happening. In the midst of it, I was actually getting upset because all I wanted was just one picture. ONE. I could tell by looking at the camera that every picture was blurry. They were the kind of pictures that are often deleted right there on the spot. However, when I looked at the whole sequence on my computer, with all the pictures lined up side by side I couldn’t help but laugh.

I’m not sure there is a more accurate portrayal of my kids right now. Chase was trying so hard to follow my directions, he tried to “cheese” and put his arm around his sister. Katelyn was being her typical self, unable to sit still, refusing to let her brother hug her let alone kiss her on the cheek. While I didn’t get that one perfect-to-be-framed photo, I think the compliation of photos IS perfect.

I’m so glad I saved those photos and all the other imperfect shots of my kids. Someday those pictures will be the ones that tell the story of their day to day lives.

From the day I was born until I graduated college my life, in pictures, fits into exactly 4 photo boxes. I have over 12,000 photos since I’ve had kids. I think my kids will thank me some day.

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Thank you to LiveOn for sponsoring this blog post. Please LiveOn to learn more about sharing and preserving your most important memories. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective. Although story ideas were provided, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

!IMPORTANT OFFER!

In addition to creating a space for you to upload, store and narrate your memories LiveOn also has a service to help you convert your older pictures to digital format. Visit LiveOnRewind to learn more about the process. It’s as easy as ordering a box and sending in your pictures, they handle the rest. Use the code HOLIDAYREWIND for 30% off your order. Enjoy and Happy Holidays to you all!

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Post tags: digital memories, digital scrapbook, LiveOn, memories, pictures

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Did you know that I cry at commercials? Yes, there are a lot that get me a little misty eyed, sometimes it’s just a good commercial, sometimes it’s the kind of day I’m having. One commercial though, gets me every single time, no matter what. This Google commercial in which a father is chronicling the life of his daughter through a series of emails that he writes to her, to an email address he will eventually “give” her.

I can’t think of a more precious gift to give someone. My entire photographic childhood fits into 4 photo boxes, many of the photos worn and unlabeled.

I literally have thousands of pictures of my kids and the oldest is only 2.5 years old. Recently I was introduced to a new product/website that will allow me to put those pictures together in memories that I can someday give to them.

LiveOn is a website devoted to the preservation, sharing and handing down of precious memories. They have developed a system in which your memories can be shared in the now and saved for the future. Let that sink in for just a moment. You can create a memory now and have it saved to be viewed by your future grandchildren.

Not only can I create a timeline of memories for myself but I can also create timelines specifically for my kids. The best part is that I only have to create the memory (upload and title all the pictures) once and then I just add them to their timelines as well. A memory can include pictures and videos, you can caption each of the pictures separately or write a general story to go with the memory. One of the neatest features is the ability to record a voice over to go with the pictures and video. This means that 25 years from now Katelyn can log on and watch all the memories I’ve created for her and hear my voice talking her through all of them.

This is the memory I created of Katelyn’s first birthday party.

I encourage all of you to click over and check out this site.

Thank you again to LiveOnfor sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about storing and sharing your most special memories. I was selected for this sponsorship by Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

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Post tags: creating memories, digital scrap book, LiveOn, pictures, storing pictures online, virtual scrap book

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1,800 diapers changed

365 days

347 kisses goodnight

220 nights in the rocking chair

12 months

17 pacifies

10 tubs of outgrown clothes

8 teeth

4 bloody lips

2 wobbly little legs

1 whole year

all my love.

Exactly one year ago I stayed up all night, anticipating your arrival, counting minutes between contractions, wondering if I could make it until my scheduled hour. Spoiler alert, I didn’t. You were scheduled for eviction at 7:30, you were here by 5:39. That kind of attitude has proven to be your norm. Only in sleep are you ever truly still, every waking moment you are in constant motion.

It’s been so fun to watch you grow this year. You tackle every obstacle with a kind of determination that I hope you never ever lose. You wear your emotions all over your face and are rarely subtle with how you feel. You could light a room with your smile and shake that same room with a cry.

At six months you could barely sit up by yourself and now at 12 months you are walking like you’ve been doing it for years, bending over to pick up toys and of course trying to keep up with your brother. I fear the days of keeping you at ground level are dwindling. You haven’t had a drop of formula in over a month and you only take your milk in a bottle 3 times a day. You still eat anything I give you and some things I don’t. Thanks to your brother you’ve eaten whole chicken nuggets, fruit snacks, m&m’s, peanut butter crackers and even a bug or two. We’ve had a pretty long break recently from teething pain so I’m sure the next round are right around the corner, all the “easy” teeth are in so it’s on to the not so fun ones. For as much trouble as we had getting you to sleep when you were a baby these days you go to sleep by 8:00 and you sleep until 6:00, and most days you don’t get out of bed until 7:30 or 8:00. You flip and flop all over your bed at night and still love to sleep draped over your boppy pillow. You haven’t formed an attachment to a particular stuffed animal but most nights I find you snuggled with your little pink blanket. You only take a binky when you’re sleepy or if we’re in the car. Speaking of the car, I’m curious as to how you can sleep through your brothers singing and war cries in the car but if I so much as peek in on you at night and squeak the door you wake up. You are becoming more interested in cartoons and you really love to clap along with your brother. Your favorite game is Patty Cake, but only by default because I won’t let you play “Let’s crawl in the dishwasher”.

I love you to the moon and back little girl.

xoxo
mama

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Post tags: baby girl, first birthday, Katelyn, one year old

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Eleven months came and went.

Some days there are just no words to describe the chaotic little ball of fire you are.

Most days I waiver between wanting to snuggle you in my arms and wanting to duct tape you to the wall.

In the last month you’ve learned how to walk, really walk, you can stand up with no assistance and bend over to pick things up without falling. You’ve also started using your sippy cups, even though you’d much rather have your brothers.

As always baby girl, I love you with every piece of my heart.

xoxo
Mama

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This post is sponsored by Tempur-Pedic, the brand millions of owners trust to deliver their best night’s sleep every night. Enjoy our Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer now and give the gift of custom comfort to someone you love.

So, I don’t know if you’ve heard or not but the holidays are UPON us. I don’t want to send anyone into a panic so I won’t mention the exact number of days but it’s close. The holidays used to be a source of stress for me and I prided myself on being a Grinch.

Since I’ve become a grown-up, or a least a person of grown-up age, I’ve started to find more comfort in the crazy. Moving away and starting a family of my own has made me appreciate the time spent with family and I find comfort in the traditions. For us, tradition begins with the menus. I’m not an adventurous eater so I love the fact that our meals always consist of the same things, even if I don’t actually like all the food in question.

Every year my mom and dad serve prime rib on Christmas day. Since I’ve never like Prime Rib my dad always makes me my own filet mignon, I’m spoiled I know. At Thanksgiving my aunt always has a giant bowl of apple salad and right beside it sits a smaller bowl, portioned out for my mom prior to the addition of the nuts. Any holiday at my in laws consists of my mother-in-laws ham balls. I don’t partake or enjoy any of those foods and yet it’s still comforting that they are always present for the people I love.

Even though I’m a picky eater there are plenty of foods that I DO enjoy during the holidays. What I look forward to the most is my aunt’s homemade noodles. She swears that they really are easy to make but it’s just one of those dishes that always tastes best when she makes it. When we spend Thanksgiving with my in laws my husband and I have persuaded them to start deep frying the turkey. After all, doesn’t everything taste better fried? Christmas dinner (along with other holidays) always includes my mom’s scalloped corn topped with crushed up saltine crackers. My cousins and I always end up fighting over the last of the raspberry topped rice pudding. And then there are the made from scratch sugar cookies iced with powdered sugar frosting. It’s really a wonder that I don’t explode from all the carb consumption.

I’m not much of a cook, in fact I’m usually quite the disaster in the kitchen but I want there to be things from me that my kids look forward to every year. A couple of years ago a friend and I started our own tradition of holiday baking. We choose one Saturday and start first thing in the morning and we bake and make treats all day long. We split everything up and box some up for gifts and make platters to take to our family gatherings. I hope that someday my kids will talk about the their favorite holiday treats made by me.

Comfort is the perfect gift for everyone on your holiday gift list, so be sure to take advantage of Tempur-Pedic’s Buy 2, get 1 free pillow offer! I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective.

© jenbshaw for jenbshaw, 2011. | Permalink | 2 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Comfort foods, Holiday baking, Holiday Foods, Treats

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