My friend Renee just announced to everyone that she'll be having a new addition to her family at the end of July! As of yet, she doesn't know what she's having - but I'm pulling for a girl so that I have an excuse to buy lots of frilly stuff! I'm definitely happy for her new little blessing and can't wait to meet the baby face to face - if the baby is anything like her mommy, he or she will be BEAUTIFUL!

Renee was really worried about my reaction - just because Chris and I have been trying to have a little one of our own for almost a year. It'll happen for us eventually - hopefully Renee will share some of her water with me! I totally believe that we control how we react in any situation and I decided at the beginning of this process that I didn't want to be bitter or angry towards anyone that was pregnant when I wasn't - what purpose would that serve anyway? Babies truly are miracles - it's amazing what all has to line up in order for them to happen! Definitely not as easy as they make you think it is in high school! It'll be my time soon enough - and until then, at least I have one that I can love on and spoil! (And give back when they need changed!)

Christmas

It seems like we spend half the year getting ready for Christmas, then it's over so quickly! The past five days have flown by so fast - but it was great getting a chance to see my family - especially those we don't get to spend nearly enough time with!
A short recap: One of Grady's many presents! The Lattig family The great Pickled Walnut eating Champions of 2008 (From left to right: Shane, Kyle, Dad, Jon and Chris) One of Santa's reindeer escaped to Canton!

What I've been doing at work...

This process has seemed like it's taken forever, but I'm glad that we're finally done because it looks AWESOME! The local humane society in the county where I work, received grants to not only purchase a cargo van to transport animals to the prison program and back, but also for their new endeavors of transporting animals to a shelter in Minneapolis, Minnesota to find forever homes. I'm a big supporter for adoption of animals - and I really hope that this van stirs up the cause and plenty of long deserved attention to the cause! The company I work for was fortunate enough to develop the concept of the art work, as well as printing and installation. Our team put in lots of hours all the way around and it looks great!

Happy Birthday, Chris!

We went out on Friday with some friends to celebrate Chris' birthday - and even though not everyone was able to make it, with Christmas parties and get togethers - we had a blast. It was so nice to take a break from the business of the season and kick back with those that are important in our lives. We went back to the apartment after, and played the Wii, which gave us even more laughs. Thanks for celebrating with us!

Header

After hunting for a couple weeks, I finally found the image that fits my blog perfectly! A big thanks to MorgueFile.com that hosts free high-res digital photos for all creative pursuits; corporate, public and private use.

Also, a big THANKS to Mary R. Vogt for taking this great photo and posting it on MorgueFile.com for others to use!

Resolutions

Holidays are a time of year for celebrations with friends and family - catching up with those you haven't seen in a while and a great time to reminisce of holidays past, as well as creating new memories. We also reflect on our lives of the past year and look forward to all the possibilities in the new year.

Instead of waiting until the clock is striking midnight on December 31 to try and convince yourself that you're finally going to lose those 10 and some pounds - take some time between the hustle and bustle and really think of what you want out of your life and where you want to be a year from now.

I came across a great website that helps you through this process with very minimal effort. goals.lululemon.com

Goals do not have to be earth shattering - but even the smallest goals will have an impact on your life. A couple weeks before Christmas last year, Chris and I made a goal to give up fast food. I once read somewhere that it takes 30 days of doing something over and over again to become a habit. I'm proud to say that a year later Chris and I are fast food free. We do have the occasional Quizno's or Subway or Tim Horton's (sandwiches only!) Let's face it, it's hard sometimes to pack a sandwich is your purse when you're out with friends. I feel so good about the both of us that we made an attainable goal and stuck to it.

This is what I have planned for this upcoming year: