the Perreault Family

moving...

2010-02-23T14:31:00.001-05:00

I've moved!! I know that I haven't posted in a while but... there have been other things at the top of my list lately- namely the cutie pictured below. I promise to be better but you need to promise to change your RSS feeds or visit me at my new blog! Since Jay has arrived Jamie has wanted to have a place to post pictures of our little one so we have decided to start a shared blog, both of us will post there. I am sure that you will be able to tell who it is posting- we have very different styles. So go change your feeders, do it now and we will see you soon!!

New Blog- JamieandKristen.com

one week ago today

2010-02-03T21:40:00.003-05:00

One week ago today my life changed; my son was born. James Vickers Perreault Jr, or Jay as we call him, entered this world and nothing has been the same since. Jamie and I have spent the first week of his life just drinking him in and sharing him with anyone that is willing to cuddle, hug or just listen about how perfect we think he is. Enjoy the pictures and I will try to post again soon...

James (Jay) Vickers Perreault Jr

January 27, 2010

3:39pm

7lbs 2oz and 20 inches long

February 3, 2010

left out and pitiful

2010-01-22T17:48:00.000-05:00

Piper felt left out yesterday... so here she is looking as pitiful as ever :-) That face can make me melt, so much so that I took her for a walk this afternoon- what can I say I am a sucker for puppy dog eyes...

think they're friends?

2010-01-21T21:35:00.004-05:00

I found Dolce and Bella hanging out at the window today. They really are cute when they are being sweet; although, he was chasing her around this morning beating the crap out of her- sibling love I think they call it :-)

preparations being made

2010-01-20T20:06:00.004-05:00

A few pictures of some random preparations...

The Little Guy's Room:

We have had the nursery done for quite some time but I haven't posted any complete pictures so here you go...

rest assured the pictures have been ordered for that frame and they are on their way- it won't hang empty on the wall for much longer

Car Seat Installation:

Probably the most notable thing that we have done recently was to put the car seat in the car this past weekend. Both of us were rather surprised on how easy it was to install; it honestly is pretty dummy-proof. It is kind of odd to drive around with it in the car: whenever I get out and walk away without it I wonder if people think that I am leaving a child in the car...

Here is a picture of it in the car which shows off the new cover that Mimi (Jamie's mom) made for it; she did a fantastic job- it looks professionally made and I love the puppy dog print!!

hurry up and wait...

2010-01-15T16:48:00.005-05:00

I resolved myself months ago to the fact that I wouldn't know exactly when this little bambino would enter the world; however, the "hurry up and wait" game has become not as fun as I thought it to be originally. I have NEVER claimed to be a patient person so as you can probably tell this has not been easy for me; which means that it has pushed Jamie closer to Sainthood for dealing with me :-) I would just like to meet my little one, hold him and cuddle him- is that too much to ask? I don't think so...

We have been "prepared" for a while now; I use quotes when I say prepared since we truly believe that you are never prepared to bring a child into the world. However, we are as ready as we can be- the freezer, pantry and extra toiletries are stocked, the house is clean, the laundry is done, his laundry is done, his room is ready, we have way more things than we could possibly ever need for him, we've taken classes- I think you probably get the picture by now although I am sure that I could keep going. We are prepared but now we are in this odd stage of maintenance, maintaining the preparation that we have done. It's weird, we have food in the house that is easy to prepare and ready to eat but neither one of us wants to eat it (why would we want to decrease our supply?) Last night we had publix subs and I am not sure what is on the menu tonight, maybe eggs. I also have this odd feeling that I should keep doing small loads of laundry just to make sure that it's kept up with- it's crazy and OCD I know. This is our conundrum as of late, we are sitting around forced to just wait, if you have any suggestions/ coping mechanisms please let me know... We are going to enjoy the long weekend, sleep in and try not to guess when he will come- or at least that is what we are (or I am) telling ourselves.

By the way, everything is going well. I have been a little more tired than usual and my upper back is starting to bother me pretty consistently but other than that we don't have any complaints- which means we are blessed. I will continue to keep you posted as we go along, thanks for all of the well wishes and questions of concern- we love you all.

even the animals are just hanging around waiting...

date night

2010-01-12T17:16:00.004-05:00

One goal that Jamie and I set when we got married was to have a weekly Date Night; a night that is just for us. So often, we loose track of what is important in our lives- especially each other and we didn't want that too happen to us. So, every Sunday since we married we have spent the evening together. Occasionally, we have not been able to keep date night on Sunday, but date night has a rescheduling rule- if we aren't able to have date night on Sunday we have to intentionally reschedule it for later in the week (or earlier if we know about the conflict ahead of a time). I love Date Night!! We don't always go out, actually we don't really go out that frequently but we do spend quality one on one time together, it's great. Sometimes we make dinner together, sometimes we watch a movie, sometimes we just curl up with a good book together, we have even had date afternoons and spent the afternoon out at the park together. Like I said, it's great and I love it.

This past Sunday, we had an extra special date night. We dressed up, took pictures before we left (yes- this was Prom like) and went out for a very nice steak dinner. We had wonderful food, were seated at table that we could people watch and most of all we laughed and enjoyed each others company. It was wonderful! I know that things will change once our son comes but I know that we will never take for granted the time that we get to spend together. I love you dear...

traditional and typical...

2010-01-08T09:13:00.004-05:00

We are so blessed to be surrounded by so much family, especially during the holidays. Here are a few of the traditional Christmas tree pictures from this year...

Jamie's side of the family...

setting-up for our annual picture

Annual Christmas Tree Picture

not the best but it will do for this year- next year will be better, promise

If you know my brother, you know that the following picture is pretty darn typical. I am not sure that it is possible for him to take serious pictures... ever

Frost, really?

2010-01-07T09:59:00.003-05:00

There was frost on my car this morning even after the sun had come up, yup, you heard correctly- frost. Not that I actually had to scrape it off and drive anywhere this frigid morning but my dear hubby did and for this I felt bad. I live in Florida folks and although I have been complaining about it being too hot for say the last 9 months (give or take) this is ridiculous! I would understand if I was in Canada- it's a given there or even if I was in Hattiesburg- it's further up North and it snows there every once in a while but we are in Florida where we have palm trees, beaches and the sun always shines. I, me my pregnant self and I, have had the heat on in the house the last few days, have been wearing numerous layers of clothing including socks and slippers and have been consuming warm beverages- what does this tell you? It tells you that with my size right now I probably resemble the Michelin Man and that baby it's cold outside...

Christmas Tree hunting

2010-01-03T23:26:00.005-05:00

Since I am about to take down all of my Christmas decorations (it's on the list for this week) which means giving the old "heave ho" to the tree I thought that I should post some of the pictures that we took while getting it and putting it up. It was SUCH a great day, I had so much fun spending it with Jamie.

and the winner is...

this one!

both of us with our tree :-)

We pick up three trees (at least) every year and deliver them to various family members including my in-laws. This was our stop at their house to trim all of the trees and drop theirs off.

Jamie's Dad- scary Chainsaw Man

lights, camera, action

decorating with ribbon- not a flattering angle but you can kind of see the bump

one of our super cute helpers

last but not least the ornaments and yes my favorite is the tinfoil cup one with Jamie's young picture on it- I put it front and center at the top of the tree!!

Goodbye 2009, Goodbye Feet...

2010-01-02T00:49:00.005-05:00

I blinked and January happened; 2009 in all of it's glory has passed me by along with the ability to see my feet. Yes, I am sure that this happened a while ago when I was not paying any attention however, just a few days ago I looked down and my toes were gone! I found this terribly amusing when it happened, why I am not really sure...

Honestly though, 2009 has been such a great year and I am sad to see it go. Jamie and I have been blessed in so many ways this past year with the ability to travel, to spend time with dear friends and family and with the little boy that is about to join our family. We are both looking forward to 2010 and everything thing that it will bring :-)

stay tuned for some catch up pictures... I only have a few dozen or so that need to be posted.

one special day!

2009-12-27T09:06:00.003-05:00

I haven't been a faithful blogger as of late; however, this day couldn't go by without mentioning... because today is Nan's birthday!! She is one of the most beautiful people I know, inside and out, and I am so blessed to be able to call her my friend. I am not sure what my life would be like had I not met her so many years ago; but I am sure that it would not have been half as full as it is with her in it. I love you girl and hope you have a wonderful day!

I realized when I was looking for photos of this beautiful lady that most of the recent pictures I have of her include her little man, it's a good thing he's adorable as well :-)

fall pictures

one of my favorites- love his little face!

the most recent picture that I have of the two of us- she looks amazing but you will have to excuse roundness...

Forgetful...

2009-12-07T16:57:00.003-05:00

I forgot my purse at the Doctor's office today, yup- walked out, drove home and then realized that I didn't have it. I know that they say pregnancy can make you forgetful, but really?? The office was really great about it, they held it until I got there and I even shared a laugh with the girl at the front desk regarding my airheadedness. My excuse for forgetting it is going to be that I was too preoccupied with news that everything looks great with our little man (and me too). My blood pressure is great, my weight is right where it should be (or possibly even less), he is measuring right on track, his heartbeat sounded wonderful and I was even able to decipher (with help from our wonderful doctor) which lump was a head, a back and his feet. So much fun... have I mentioned I love him??

Enjoy a laugh on my behalf, seriously forgetfulness at it's finest, and have a great Monday...

Latest Belly Picture- 32 Weeks, 8 more to go

a little less grumpy

2009-11-19T07:51:00.003-05:00

I am grumpy and was grumpy when I wrote that last post- wanna know why? Because I have a cold- an old fashioned stuffy nose, sore throat, ears popping head cold! So I apologize for the honesty of the last post, I didn't realize that some of the ache that I was feeling was this wonderful head cold coming on...

I woke up this morning looking pretty pitiful, tired and having not slept much last night (no, I am not going to post a picture- if you need confirmation ask Jamie, he will tell you just how pitiful I was this morning). So as I contemplated rolling over and not getting out of bed today at all (except for bathroom breaks of course) the sweet little boy that is growing inside of me rolled over, kicked a few times (gently) and said good morning... I am in love and slightly less grumpy now...

the things that they don't tell you...

2009-11-17T12:31:00.005-05:00

Warning- this is a terribly honest post. The sensor I had pre-pregnancy that made me into a somewhat reserved but always polite person has all but flown out of the window. I tend now to think something and then say it, or in this case write it and then post it for all of the world to see...

Recently, I have had conversations about the things pregnancy/birth related that people just don't tell you before you get pregnant. One sweet dear person that I was talking to most recently said, "It's like mothers join a club after having a baby and they all tell you that pregnancy is a wonderful and precious experience- you should do it, go ahead get pregnant. They convince you to think that it's all rainbows and sprinkles so you go ahead and commit. Then when you do they say Ha, Sucker!! Now that you are committed and cannot back out let me tell you the truth about what really happens..." It's evil and well just not nice!

I fortunately, have had a few dear friends that have told me the things that the books forget to mention. I was fully committed at the time when I came to these realizations but the honesty has been nice, a little nerve racking, but nice just the same. I have been warned about all of the following

-the placenta that just "hangs out" in the delivery room after birth like someone actually wants to see it at that point. Why don't they take it away or cover it up??

-about all of the possible things that I may do during delivery (I won't speak of them here in the hope that some of them won't happen to me)

-about the things that I won't be able to do post delivery

-the tremendous postpartum mood swings that make you think you are going insane (as if I don't have big enough mood swings as it is- so sorry Jamie)

-the extreme difficulty post delivery that I will have performing anything that was once a normal bodily function

-that for the first little bit (at least) laughing, coughing or sneezing will scare the daylights out of me because who know what will pop out of me or just pop for that matter. Laughing- really?? I love to laugh, especially when I am sleep deprived, which I am told I will most definitely be...

Does this sound like rainbows and sprinkles, nope I think not. What I am thinking right now is that this kid better be cute! That and

-I cannot get comfortable to save my life right now.

-When did I become one of those people that needs an extra pillow behind my back while sitting in a chair?

-Why didn't anyone tell me that I would have to gather momentum to get myself out of bed or off of the couch?

-I wonder just how often I spend in the bathroom per day? On second thought, I probably don't want to know.

-I think we should come up with a new term for waddle, one that is endearing and maybe even sexy.

-Since when do I have long legs, they seem to be growing the more I have to tie my shoes.

-"Squirrel!" I have a case of adult ADD at it's finest.

-I cannot wear my rings anymore and my toes are starting to resemble sausages.

-I didn't think that it was possible for my stomach to be relocated and squished into my rib cage.

-Since when did the kicks from my precious little boy change from endearing to jolting and distracting...

Honesty- I told you, my sensor is broken. However, all that being said I do promise to be honest with anyone that asks, I am starting a new club and anyone willing to share the gruesome and the gory is welcome to join.

dilema solved :-)

2009-11-16T21:16:00.002-05:00

What happens when your pregnant wife wants hamburgers but you only have hot dog buns in the house??? You, the genius that you are, come up with this delicious meal...

I think Jamie called them burger-dogs; he's cute and he's sweet- I think I'll keep him.

redeeming picture

2009-11-09T09:52:00.002-05:00

Okay I am going to try and redeem myself with this following picture that we took yesterday before heading out on our errands. I have been trying to make more of an effort to take more pictures of us since we seem to have everything else under the sun but those kind of pictures. I think its pretty cute and I like the wreath in the background (it matches with Jamie's shirt)... and more importantly, it is way better than the one that we took at the Wing House.

4 years- WOW!

2009-11-08T21:49:00.003-05:00

Four years ago tonight I meet up with a dear friend from school- Lisa, Lisa's husband- Fernando, my father-in-law- George (who I only knew a the time as a former administrator at my high school) and my now husband- Jamie. This was the first time we had met, and it was over wings and beer at Ker's Wing House- romantic isn't it? Lisa asked me about a week prior to this evening if I would be interested in meeting Jamie, to which I replied "Sure, what have I got to loose?"

I went to this "date" with an open mind and a friendly attitude; hoping to at least make a new friend. I had two beers (Bud Light, which I thought was good beer at the time- I had a lot to learn, I know) and maybe two wings- I wasn't really hungry so I didn't eat much and well, I sat and listened to the conversation going on around me. Jamie and I sat on far ends of the table during "dinner" and I am not sure that we uttered more than two maybe three sentences to each other throughout the night. However, after everyone else left we stayed and talked by my car for 2 or more hours- apparently he didn't judge me too much for the lack of eating and my taste in beer :)

We go back every year on the 8th to celebrate our "first date" and to chow down on beer and wings (just Jamie participated in the beer drinking tonight). At the time I never would have guessed that we would be married within the next nine months or even dating for that matter; when I look back I cannot believe how far we have come! It really makes me appreciate dear friends and taking chances because when you think that you have nothing to loose you may in fact have everything and then some to gain...

just for fun- the oldest picture that I could find of us when looking tonight, it was taken when Jamie took me sailing on our first trip to Terra Ceia

picture of me and Jamie from last year's Wing House anniversary dinner

a picture from tonight- I know, it's fuzzy and not great but we were trying to take our own picture and be quick about it... maybe next year's will turn out better

Halloween Recap

2009-11-04T16:50:00.004-05:00

I know that this holiday has gone and passed us by but I have too many pictures not to post about it. In general I don't much care for Halloween. I am not all about jumping on board with a holiday who's primary joy is frightening people (I scare easily by the way and don't enjoy it). I also don't think that just because it is Halloween that anyone and everyone should be given a free pass to look like a tramp- via naughty nurse, french maid, or scandalous witch; however, that is a whole other post in itself.

Jamie and I participated in many non-scary holiday related activities and had a blast!! We hosted a pumpkin carvin' party at our place on Friday- thanks to all who came, it was fun. We also went out to the St. Luke's trunk or treat on Saturday to see my favorite little lobster and his chefs and then came home and passed out candy with our neighbors on their porch. We didn't get many kids that night but there was a Tigger that stopped by that made sitting out there all night worth while- he was sooo cute.

Hope your fright-night festivities were just as fun as ours, enjoy the pictures...

some of our carvin' participants, busy in the planning stages

cleaning out the inside of our pumpkin so my dear hubby didn't have to get his hands dirty :-)

the finished products- Grim Reaper, Stork, FL Gator (not ours btw), and the nickelodeon character- Binya Binya Pollywog

a close up of our stork, sorry you cannot see his legs

Piper posing with me in my pumpkin outfit

do you need an explanation?

my favorite "dish" around and his amazing chefs

simply

adorable

one of Leyton and Madison (Leyton's friend)- this is what I think they are saying...

M: "What have our parents done to us this time??"

L: "Don't know, but you have funny things strapped to your back"

M: "Me, you're talking about me?? YOU have four eyes right now buddy"

Holy Crap!!

2009-11-03T17:15:00.004-05:00

So yesterday I had this moment, maybe it happened when I was scheduling the remainder of my appointments until our little one's birth or maybe when I realized that I had lost track of how much time I spent in the bathroom that day, I am not quite sure; however, the moment went something like this...

I am pregnant! Holy Crap!!!!! How FREAKIN' cool is that?!?!?

I know that you might be thinking "Is she crazy?? Hasn't she realized that she is pregnant already? I mean, come on she will be 7 months this week!!" Nope, I hadn't. It hadn't sunk it yet for me. You would think that the positive preggo test, the multiple ultrasounds where I saw a baby, the crib in the room that we now refer to as the nursery, or the fact that my feet are becoming more and more difficult to see might have tipped me off a little but nope none of that did the trick...

So as of right now, I am sitting in the office chair bouncing with excitement and anxiously waiting for Jamie to get home so he can be excited with me! By the way, when I revealed this "moment" to him he simply said "welcome to the party honey!" This is a party I could get used to :-)

a picture from this past weekend- I think that it's probably our first visibly preggo couple pic

I didn't forget...

2009-10-09T16:27:00.002-04:00

cuddlin' with Piper

snoozin' with kitties

I did not forget to post that my wonderful hubby turned 29 this past Wednesday, time just slipped away from me...

Jamie, I cannot believe how far we have come and what new adventures we are about to take on. You are the most amazing husband and I cannot wait to become a parent with you... I love you!

puppy flu?

2009-09-30T23:09:00.002-04:00

Is there such a thing as the puppy flu? If there is a think that Piper might have caught it; and we may have to not play with strangers for awhile to keep it at bay. Both yesterday and today she has gotten sick to her stomach; poor little girl... I feel so bad for her and the puppy dog eyes don't help one bit. The clean-up has been challenging to say the least, my stomach is weak when it comes to this to begin with but add pregnancy and I am sure it's quite a sight. But with patience and a little gagging of my own we are managing...

Two of my most recent favorites of her...

mid scratch but I still love her face in this one- it reminds me of when she was a puppy :-)

Baby Update

2009-09-28T16:05:00.004-04:00

Below is the latest baby bump pic, taken yesterday at 22 weeks and a few days. As you can see things are progressing. I looked at Jamie yesterday and said "I think this shirt makes me look really pregnant" he looked at me and said "honey, I think you just look really pregnant. We have now gotten past the point where people are guessing if you are putting on weight or if you are actually pregnant." Thanks dear husband, I guess this is true but I am sure going to miss my toes when they disappear...

There have been so many new things going on during the second trimester that I don't know where to begin so here's a short list of things I have learned thus far...

-Focusing on any one thing is still difficult, not sure that I could handle long term adult ADD very well.

-I am good at nesting and I love it! Things are getting checked off of lists right and left at the Perreault household- yippee!

-I am a klutz normally but pregnancy makes me an ubber-klutz. So far I have only broken two things beyond repair (a bowl and a small glass) but I have tripped and almost fallen over more times than I can count.

-When this kid is hungry, he tells me. You can hear my stomach growl from across the room. He is a meat and potatoes kind of guy, I am not sure that I have ever consumed this much protein in my life.

-Bending has become more challenging, but it is easier if you make silly groaning noises when you do bend.

-The flood gates can open at anytime for any reason and stop at anytime for any reason.

-It is not the most amazing thing to feel your child move inside of you, it is when you get to see your husband feel it too!

dancing baby

2009-09-24T23:48:00.004-04:00

this dancing baby made me giggle tonight, check it out here (sorry but I cannot embed it) it's too cute, really...

Fall- it's coming...

2009-09-23T12:39:00.002-04:00

Just a fun picture that reminds me of fall, because all posts are better with a picture :-)

This morning, after dragging myself out of bed to help Jamie get off to work (I turned off the alarms- yes there are multiple- so we were running a little behind) I took Piper for a walk. I was still so sleepy that I feared crashing right onto the keyboard if I didn't get out and get some fresh air.

While I was walking I noticed that the leaves are starting to change and to fall (note: this is not nearly as exciting or beautiful in sunny Florida) BUT it means that fall is coming!! Yippee! This means pulling down the decorations for the house from the attic (Halloween, thanksgiving and then Christmas), apple scented candles and best of all our trip to NC!! We are going on a two week road trip, I can hardly wait- how many sleeps left??

Birthday Milk

2009-09-22T09:15:00.002-04:00

I have a confession- I love to check the dates on the milk jugs when I am shopping at Publix and I get really excited when they have an important date on them! Having an important date appear on the milk means that the date is really close and how can you not be excited about that? Yesterday when I ran to the store to grab a few things I practically skipped out of there because I had purchased birthday milk, I am serious it made my day!! Jamie's birthday is a few weeks away and there was my reminder starring at me on our milk...

My first obsession with this came just a short time before our wedding when I stopped by Publix and the jug had our wedding date on it. I snatched up the milk, skipped home to Jamie and announced that we were getting married and we were getting married soon!! I was so excited, Jamie laughed at me thinking it was silly but took my picture with the milk for posterity's sake. You should try it sometime, it'll make your glass so much fuller :-)

it says "Jul 21" I promise

It's a Boy!!

2009-09-17T21:49:00.007-04:00

We have confirmation folks, it's really and truly a little boy!! Jamie and I have a fisherman on the way! We had a wonderful check-up at the Dr on Monday, sorry for the delay with the update. The ultrasound went really well, all parts are accounted for and looking great! The ultrasound was actually really neat, aside from being able to see the little human that is growing inside of me, the tech pointed out and measured just about every body part imaginable: arms, legs, brain, eyes, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, she even showed us that our little one had liquid in his tummy from swallowing and thus liquid in his bladder (good thing I have been stocking up on diapers- this kid is ready). Like I said it was really neat to see. He was bouncing around for the first part of the ultrasound but towards the end he snuggled in and took a nap. I left there feeling great; our order had been placed correctly- one snuggle buddy that sleeps well is on his way! Jamie thinks that I am crazy, right now I will just call it a Mother's Love and wishful thinking :-)

Here are a few pictures of our little butter bean, the nursery bedding (yes, we already had it) and a bump picture (for the many that have been asking)...

the confirmation

the first ultrasound that said he was a boy taken at 13 weeks- trust us it looks like a boy

picture of his little face- if you tilt your head to the left you are looking face to face (his arms are crossed below his chin)

the bedding both near and far. It is a modern fish print- so cute!

the bump picture from week 20 (last Saturday)

update

2009-09-13T22:49:00.004-04:00

Jamie and I go back to the Dr tomorrow for our 20 week appointment!! Both of us are really excited to see the little butter bean again and to confirm the sex. Boy or Girl, what's it going to be?? We have been unofficially told by the ultrasound tech that it is a little boy, there was a penis sighting but that will be confirmed tomorrow and I cannot wait!! I am really, really tired of calling it "it" and well I still kind of feel weird calling it a "he" since the sex hasn't officially been confirmed. I will be sure to keep you all posted...

Everything else has been going really well and I have been feeling great! I felt the first confirmed "kick"two days ago and realized that I had felt it one other time about a week ago. It was a funny (and embarrassing) story that I am sure Jamie will tell too many people about but I will spare you (and me). I may take this back, when they baby is kickboxing my sides at night, but I want the little bean to move all of the time. It is just so cool.

We have also been hard at work in the baby's room, putting together a dresser and the crib! I know I am OCD and probably way ahead of the game, but that's how I like it. It's also lots of fun to see that room take shape. Here are a few pics, because all posts are better with pics, of the building projects. More to come soon...

the dresser, it's one million pieces and Jamie's helpers

almost there, seriously the dresser took forever to put together!

the multiple boxes for the crib and bedding

the crib in progress, with helpers again (note the finished dresser in the background)

me and the baby next to the finished crib

Perreault Baby Pool

2009-08-31T18:50:00.004-04:00

Before Jamie and I even realized that we were going to have our very own bundle of joy, we joked about starting a "Baby Pool" when we did get pregnant. Well I am now preggo and we have in fact started a baby pool. Don't judge, we thought that it would be amusing if we gave people one more reason to be pulling for us (and certain traits, days, times etc.) while waiting for our wonderful bundle of joy to arrive. We sent out the entry form about a month ago now and have been receiving entries since then. Much to my surprise we have received 49 entries! Our winner is not only going to get the joy of knowing our kid but a wad of cash in their pocket- nice!

It has been really fun to see all of the entries come in, especially since we included a category for name. Thank you to everyone that entertained me during my weeks of pseudo bed rest! Some of the names were serious but others were just downright funny. We have posted a website to share all of the entires with you; we know our "poolers" (sorry for the awkward name but I am not sure what to call you since I am a newbie to this process) are anxious to know their current standing. Here's the link, check it out and enjoy as much as we did!

no words...

2009-08-28T12:37:00.002-04:00

Last weekend Jamie and I were in the truck headed probably to Hot Dog Heaven (although I cannot be sure) when a song came on the radio... I pause here because there are no words to describe this song. We were taken back, shocked and I would go as far as appalled after hearing the trio singing loud and proud "she's rockin' the beer gut" blah, blah, blah... yada yada. Yup, you read that correctly this song is about the wonders of a women- yes a female- rockin' a beer gut!! Call me a prude but what?!?!? Since when do songs get written about beer guts and women's beer guts at that?

Since Saturday this song as become sort of a joke between the dear hubby and I, we are past appalled to amused. Although my ever growing tummy bump has forced a change in lyrics to "she's rocking the baby gut". Yup, we do have a sense of humor and I hope that you do as well.

If you would like to waste 3 minutes of your life and have a laugh check out the oh so classy Trailer Choir (yes, I kid you not that is the name of this group) here. One of the members of the group is named Butter, yup the thing located in your fridge! I promise you will not be disappointed, you know you want to check it out. You can hear their music and view their videos on their site and as an extra bonus their music video is the Free on iTunes music video of the week! So hurry and download it before next Tuesday so you can have it for your very own...

yesterday

2009-08-19T12:16:00.004-04:00

Yesterday was wonderful! Jamie had the day off so we were able to enjoy the whole day together; that in itself would have made the day amazing but fortunately the wonderfulness did not stop there!

We had our four month check up in the morning where I was given the all clear from bed rest- woohoo!! I was so excited I skipped to the car, literally! I was told that I could walk and go swimming again. Piper doesn't know if yet but she will be so excited that she can return to her happy place- check out some of her most recent swim pics here. After our appointment we were able to catch up with Nan and Jeremy for lunch since they were on our side of town. We went to PR's which is a really, really yummy Mexican restaurant (double yippee that I have my Mexican taste buds back, they had left me for awhile). After lunch Jamie and I were planning on spending the afternoon outside enjoying the weather but it happened to rain most of the day. We enjoyed the rest of the day regardless, tooling around and running a few errands. It was a terrific Tuesday.

Below are some pictures from lunch and then the requested bump pictures. My family up north has been asking to see the bump (which is growing steadily), so here it is...

the boys- Jeremy being a goof

goof, again

caught you smiling!!!

Me and Nan :)

the bump- the first picture is two weeks ago when I was 15 weeks along and the second is from last Saturday when I was 16 weeks

lunch with Grandpa

2009-08-17T15:51:00.003-04:00

Every week we get to enjoy a yummy firehouse sub lunch with Jamie's Grandpa. This has been a long standing "date" with Jamie and Grandpa; I used to only get to indulge when I was home from school on a break but now that I am not teaching it has become a weekly treat! Some weeks we have more than the usual 5 lunch participants (Grandpa, Jamie, Piper, Dolce, Bella and Me) but it is usually just us.

I realized the other day that we don't have any pictures from this event, so I took a moment to rectify that today. Piper is sitting waiting patiently for her Kong filled with peanut butter (her weekly treat during this lunch), and the kitties are waiting for their treat from Grandpa. All get spoiled at lunch...

definition of friendship

2009-08-06T15:41:00.005-04:00

As we grow-up our definition of friendship changes; when we are young it may be the person who shares the tire-swing with you, in high school it is the person that complains with you when some stupid boy hurts you. At my age, a new category of true friendship can be added. A super-duper friend is one that hands over a stack of stretchy top pants and other assorted maternity clothes when the things in your closet are starting to not fit and you are feeling large. Yup, you know it is true friendship when the ever expanding pants are passed on to you.

My dear, dear friend Nan did just this (and more) on Sunday. We went over to her place for a change of scenery, it is not fun being cooped up in one place- so this was so nice. If Jamie would have let me skip to the car I would have, I was so excited to go to go there and leave our place in the dust. While we were there she fed us- this is huge since Jamie (bless his heart) has not been getting a whole lot of home cooking at our place (10 minutes on your feet at one time limits the menu options), gave me stretchy clothes and entertained us with her adorable son, Leyton. I swear I could watch that kid all day!! He does this almost-crawling-rocking-action thing that is hysterical and well with a face like this who could resist???

smiling at his momma

funny faces

pucker up

wet kisses

denied kisses- sorry Nan I had to post this, it's so funny

Tuesday, I wore my first pair of maternity bottoms and was comfortable for the first time in weeks. It was glorious and I may have to live in these clothes even after the baby comes. Thanks friend, I love you and the two boys that live with you...

B and B Update

2009-07-30T23:10:00.003-04:00

Time for a B and B update- nope not Bed and Breakfast but rather Babies and Birthday update! I will let you in on a random secret, I don't like Bed and Breakfasts- at ALL!! I think that they are like staying in a creepy old museum, and really- who wants to do that? I mean why sign up to stay in a place that prides themselves on having a ghost (yes this a generalization, not all B&B's pride themselves on this) but really, why?!?! Laugh all you want, I am a believer and I just think it is crazy to sign yourself up to stay in one of those places.

But alas, let us move on to the topic at hand... babies and birthdays.

For those of you that don't know I turned a whopping 27 years old on Wednesday. I had a wonderful day, birthday week for that matter and wanted to say a huge thanks to everyone that celebrated with me and made it so special! Sunday started with a fun shopping trip with my hubby (btw- he doesn't like to shop so this is BIG) and a swimming/ appetizer and dessert party in the afternoon. Yup, it was fabulous! A little sun, yummy-yummy dips and chips (actually everything that I really like at parties) and then ice cream cake!! Woohoo! The rest of the week was relaxing and filled with family time, dinner with friends, calls, emails, messages from dear friends and family and all sorts of fun.

As for the baby update, we got to see our little butter bean twice this week!! We had our third ultrasound (which included tests and screening for Downs-Syndrome, etc) on Monday and we got to see the little one. It was bouncing around and enjoying itself in there and was so COOL to see. I mean this ultrasound actually looked like a baby, the others resembled football like objects- which we didn't mind but... these ones were definitely cooler. I will post the pictures as soon as I get them scanned. The second viewing of the little was not so planned and well kind of freaky (note: everything is okay, with both me and the baby so don't worry). I had a little bleeding Monday night, is this too personal- I am not sure, which freaked both Jamie and me out. We called the Dr in the morning and were told that I needed to come in again (within Monday and Tuesday I spent 6+ hours at the Dr.'s office). After a 4th ultrasound (which was really cool too, I got to see two little feet and all of the toes- so adorable!!) the Dr confirmed that I have placenta privia; which means my placenta is really close to the cervix which caused the bleeding. The treatment plan, you ask? A pseudo, bed rest- yuck!! I have to stay off of my feet, actually am really not allowed to be on my feet for more than 10 minutes at a time. This is to make sure that I give the placenta a chance to move up above my uterus and for the bleeding to not continue. I am sure I am going to drive Jamie nuts by the time it is over, but it will be like training for having children- right? I mean they freak you out one minute and drive you nuts the next, the joys of parenting- believe it or not I really am excited!!

With that, I think you all are updated... until next time.

a picture from the pool party, because all posts are better with pictures

3 years and counting :)

2009-07-21T14:23:00.004-04:00

Smiling like fools after just saying "I do"

A couple other of my favorites, both formal and informal...

It is hard to believe that 3 years ago today Jamie and I were married; it seems like just yesterday and like it has been forever all at the same time. I cannot imagine a day without my wonderful supportive husband; I am a lucky, lucky girl!!

Jamie, I cannot wait for all that this next year has in store for us. I am sure that I will only end up loving you more than I already do, an unimaginable feat considering...

Bad business?

2009-07-10T19:32:00.005-04:00

If you cannot read this it says, "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a bad attitude."

Jamie sent me this picture/ tag line that he found on a website and thought was funny. I am thinking about posting it on mine, what do you think?? Actually, I wish I had enough nerve to post it but I don't. I still think that it is humorous though...

This too shall pass- right???

2009-07-09T16:46:00.002-04:00

Everyone assures me that this not so glorious stage of pregnancy will pass and that I should be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel soon. BUT that makes me think about a bumper sticker that I once saw stating "Light at the end of the tunnel is off due to budget cuts." Let me paint a picture for you...

I spend most of my time doing this...
this...
and this...
When I would rather be doing this...
or this...
or this...

Actually, I probably wouldn't rather being doing those things, even thought the house needs to be cleaned terribly, but you get the picture. Having one ounce of energy would be GREAT!!

My typical day consists of getting up around 11am if I am having a good day, eating breakfast because it is necessary, playing around on the computer for a while, lunch- again necessary, falling asleep wherever I might land for about 2 hours, something else brainless to pass the time in the afternoon, dinner, dishes, bed. It is a sorry existence right now and I am probably driving my saintly husband crazy. Have I mentioned that he is being amazing?

But all I can say is, hopefully this too shall pass :)

We are excited to share...

2009-07-02T22:19:00.009-04:00

These were the faces, both shocked and excited, of our parents...

When we told them about this little one...

Baby Perreault is scheduled to arrive 01-30-2010, or in February if the predictions of all of our family members are correct!!!

Our "kids" the helpers

2009-06-13T17:29:00.003-04:00

Well I haven't posted in a while and I think that I am just trying to get used to being off (and not off) for the summer. School has officially been out for one week and I am not sure what to do with my time yet. I have been working on getting things (financial and otherwise) settled with the business but it is hard to know where to start. Please let me know if anyone that you know is in need of a photographer; wedding/ family or otherwise :)

As for the home front, the family is adjusting to me being home and Jamie has been hard at work putting a sprinkler system in our back yard this weekend. We have never claimed to be "yard people" and well I am not sure that I will ever be but we do like our yard to look nice (this is problematic, you see?). I am sure if the people who owned the house before us could see it now they would freak- they were big "yard people"! Oh well, somethings just don't grow on you- sorry for the pun.

The yard turned out to be more of a trouble than Jamie expected, isn't that the way it always works out? So Jamie ended up digging the trenches himself without renting a ditch digger; in other words he worked his booty off this weekend. George helped a ton, with the planning, digging and well I am not sure what else you have to do but with everything else that needs to be done- a HUGE thank you is deserved here. Jamie did have a one other helper, see the pictures below.

Piper LOVES to pull branches off of trees! We normally fuss at her for this since we usually like the branches to stay where they are; however, we were removing this bush all together so we let Piper help. Man 'o man, was she in heaven! She tugged and pulled until her little heart was content (which wasn't long enough to actually get the thing out of the ground but what can you do?)

This is our not so helpful, helper. Dolce slept in Jamie's tennis shoe the whole time that he worked in the yard. He would watch everyone working out the window whenever he awoke from his slumber. He also took it upon himself to make a mad dash out of the door three times yesterday; which is why he was not so helpful, but he was cute sleeping in the shoe just the same.

a publix trip + a turtle= rescue mission

2009-05-31T22:32:00.002-04:00

This is Turk, the turtle. We found him in the middle of Aloma (which is a busy street) trying to find his way somewhere. So Jamie jumped out, and I jumped into the drivers seat and the mission begun...

He rode like this-

until we found his new home- here.

This is Baldwin Park, we found him nice new digs. We walk here most nights, so we will visit.

He is happy now, it was a successful mission :)

just a teaser

2009-05-27T11:31:00.002-04:00

We are off to Wine Country today, to eat drink and be merry! I wanted to post a pic and one is all we have time for- more to come. Having fun- love to all...

California

2009-05-23T20:35:00.002-04:00

Well, for those of you that don't know- I flew out this morning to meet Jamie in California. Neither one of us have been so when Jamie was scheduled to attend a training out here we decided that I would join him the week after when he was done with his class. **warning proud wife bragging** His class was long and draining but he did pass the test (it was really, REALLY hard) and then he took and passed two more tests without taking classes on them. He stumped a few of the instructors by how well he did- but you know, he is so smart he could handle it no problem!!

It was a long day of flying so we are going to go to bed shortly (it is only 5:30 here- but 8:30 at home). The flights were okay, other than the airline moving my flight up 30 minutes and not notifying me. If you don't know (Jamie and I learned the hard way flying to Chicago over spring break) you have to check your bags 45 minutes before your plane leaves otherwise they won't let you check them. I was there in plenty of time for my original flight but not enough for my "new" departure time. So I fussed (a rare sight/thing for me) and the guy that was helping me got his manager's approval to check my bag anyway because it wasn't my fault that I wasn't here on time. I flew as Kristen Westlake, since that is how we booked my flight to begin with (we purchased tickets in January before citizenship changes). I was told that they would change it at the ticket counter- they didn't- I just had to show my marriage license every time they checked ID (kind of a pain but I got here). I did sit next to weird and weirder on the plane to Salt Lake and next to a girl who carried on live lobsters on my way to San Jose, CA- I am not joking here folks the box said "live lobsters", it had a handle on the top so you could carry it upright and cooking instructions. I will post pictures soon, as we are moving to a Hotel in San Fransisco tomorrow and this will be our first day of sightseeing.

love to all :)

:(

2009-05-18T00:01:00.003-04:00

Jamie left today at 5pm for a week in Newark, California (near San Fransisco). He is attending a training out there and will be busy from 8am-8pm. This is the longest he has been away since we have, well, know each other. Sad, I know. I really hate when he is gone- I don't sleep as well, I lock every door in the house, Piper sleeps in the room with me, she doesn't get her late night walks (we have to go during the day light, which throws me and her off), I don't get my goodnight kiss and I don't have any to annoy with all of my random thoughts at night (this is when I do my best thinking). I know I am sounding pathetic but really you should have seen me at the airport this afternoon pouting with the best of them.

It is a good thing that this week is so busy for me and that I am looking forward to joining him on Saturday. But cross your fingers and probably your toes for me that this week goes quickly and that I do get some sleep...

A pic of my hubby taken last March in Chicago.

A two bath day

2009-05-12T22:39:00.002-04:00

Jamie and I were played today, by whom you may ask? Well, none other than our four legged lovable puppy- yup that's right, Piper. She has been pretty itchy lately so we have bathed her more frequently to try and get the itching to stop. So, today (even though it was raining) we bathed her- yup nice parents. It was against my better judgement, because who bathes a water dog when it's raining? But we did, and we even gave her a treat after she was through since she was so good for us. Well tonight on our walk she took off into the ditch and yup right into a small pond- hence, bath number 2. So she got to play in the water (in the "pond" and from the hose) was cleaned twice, got a treat and is now- as we speak- on her mat in our room (even though she doesn't normally sleep with us). Life's tough I suppose...

And because any post is better with a picture, here are a few of the princess from another day taking a bath and playing in the water...

Happy Mother's Day!!

2009-05-10T22:21:00.003-04:00

Happy Mom's Day to all!!! Jamie and I had a great weekend filled with a little bit of R&R and more importantly family time. We started celebrating Mother's Day early yesterday by seeing Jamie's Mom, her sisters and his Grandma. We have been very sneaky and hiding some cousin pictures that we took (all 7 of the cousins were in town over Christmas) and were finally able to give them out yesterday. I think it was a huge hit! We got a little bit of "us" time Saturday afternoon which will be much appreciated with this upcoming crazy week and then we got to see both of our Mom's (along with George, my brother- Scott and his wife Frannie) again today. It was great! Here are a few pictures from the weekend, I didn't take any at my Mom's house with Scott and Frannie- it don't know why I had the camera with me. Oh well, enjoy what I have.

(Left to Right)- Aunt Holly, Grandma, Aunt Nancy, Mary Sue

Jamie and his Mama after brunch today

Blessed

2009-04-30T22:58:00.005-04:00

I have been trying to catch up on my blog reading tonight. I was away for the weekend with 8 wonderful teenagers (I can say that when they are not mine) at a SGA state convention, so I haven't had much time to read. I read multiple blogs, 60 plus, so it can take awhile to catch up-I know it's crazy! But most of them are photography blogs so I am able to claim that I am "working" while taking in all of the wonderful pictures. While reading tonight I came across the same theme multiple times, and that was "life is good" and man o' man, is it!

I had a good day at school (not great but definitely not terrible), I got to catch up with my bestest friend on the way home from work- man do I miss her, I received an email from an old friend I hadn't heard from in years, had a wonderful dinner with my husband outside on the porch (it is soooo pretty outside right now), fell asleep reading next to my husband in the hammock- bliss, pure bliss, and then finished my day off walking with two of my favorite people- the two and four legged kind. As you can see there is nothing that could have made my day any better. I hope that you all had a wonderful day and that sometime soon you are able to take a step back and realize just how blessed you are, I know that I have today.

I will leave you with a few pictures that I have taken lately that make me smile but I haven't yet had the time to post them. Enjoy...

Me and my wonderful co-sponsor and teacher friend- Gaby this weekend at the convention before we threw ourselves at a velcro wall

Goofy Piper- she'll do anything for a treat

Me and my fab father-in-law at the shrimp boil- my favorite pic from the whole day!

Like I said- bliss, pure bliss

Guess who's two?

2009-04-11T19:27:00.002-04:00

PIPER!!! I don't have kids yet so I am allowed to be crazy about our furry kids! That being said Piper is two today- yippee!! We have loved every minute that she has been in our home. I was really crazy before we got her and got to know the breeder before she was even born. So when she was born (I practically did Cartwheels) I got to see weekly updates in the form of pictures- what could be better than tiny puppy pictures? I still have all of those pictures, like I said I am crazy (but not super crazy like some people). I was so excited the day that she was born and the day that we finally got to bring her home. I will leave you with some "birthday" pictures that we took in the front yard before the sun went down. She had a really good but busy day, aside from hurting her eye- which was an accident. Go figure, the kid goes and gets herself hurt (noticeably hurt I might add) before Mom wants to take her birthday picture. I don't think that she could get any closer to real kid by doing that...

the "Mom, do I really have to do this?" look

so pitiful and cute

easter card

2009-04-10T23:03:00.003-04:00

I received an Easter Card in the mail today from my Grandma and Auntie Deb, have I ever mentioned that I really enjoy mail? If not- I do, so it was really exciting to get it. But the best part was that they put stickers in it for me, and not just any stickers- sparkly PUFFY stickers. It has been ages since I have seen a puffy sticker much less received one and especially not in mail. It makes me smile every time I look at it. I really miss them and wish they weren't so far away.

Picture of the puffy stickers and card- it should make you smile too!

Babysitting

2009-04-09T21:29:00.004-04:00

Last Friday Jamie and I got the pleasure of watching Leyton while Nan and Jeremy attended a friends wedding. It took us a while to get used to each other, and for Jamie and I to realize that when they said he likes to move all the time that they really meant ALL of the time! We had fun hanging out with Leyton, taking him for walks in the pouch/ jumper thing (which he crashed in- twice), and introducing him to Piper. I have been meaning to post these pictures but things have been crazy.

Either way here they are, enjoy...

Fancy Family Shot- ooh la la...

Snoozing or shall I say crashed- take a look at those smoochy lips!

Traveling in style- that thing was surprisingly easy to wear

too precious- baby giggles

stud

Leyton's visit with Piper. His parents may not let him come over after this but I am going to risk- he LOVED watching Piper!

Bean there done that...

2009-04-05T00:54:00.005-04:00

Late Wednesday night Jamie and I returned from a much needed vacation in Chicago. We had bizarre weather (sunshine, snow, wind, rain- the works), enjoyed the company of dear friends, enjoyed great food and well just plain relaxed- it was amazing!! We enjoyed all every minute of our trip and were envious of all of the culture and the sites that you get to see in Chicago- Orlando is really lacking. We even enjoyed the 6 inches of snow that we got- you can enjoy it when you don't live in it. Enjoy the pictures, some of which are self portraits- the product of a vacation with just the two of us.

View of Lake Michigan from Aimee and Marc's apartment

View down Michigan Avenue

Aimee and Marc enjoying a Chicago Hot Dog lunch with us

Nighttime view of Chicago from the Hancock Tower

At Navy Pier

SNOW!!! 6 inches on Sunday

The Bean- my favorite site in all of Chicago!!! A huge mirrored bean in the middle of Millennium Park. It was a great place to people watch and made for great pictures of the city.

Me and Jamie at the Bean

New, warm, pink (shock) hat- for snow, wind etc.

The Bean again

Chicago Deep dish, Jamie ate 4 slices of a large on his own

Me and Father Scott outside of the Mercy Home where he works- an amazing organization that fosters really needy (deserving) kids

Beautiful background, beautiful day, handsome husband

At the Field Museum to view the Pirates exhibit

Saying goodbye to Chicago and of course the bean :)

It's Chilly...

2009-03-28T19:38:00.002-04:00

We made it, although the trip was long (which is another post entirely). It is chilly here right now so we are bundling up, but we are enjoying food and good company!! Will post more later...

Two More Days

2009-03-24T23:48:00.002-04:00

Only two more days left until a full week and fun and freedom!!! That is less than one whole hand, or four fingers worth-woohoo!! I am so excited that Spring Break is next week, can you tell? Jamie and I are taking off for Chicago first thing Friday morning to visit our dear friend Aimee and her husband Marc and will be there until late Wednesday. It should be so much fun, I have never been there- cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

H2O Fun!!

2009-03-22T23:55:00.005-04:00

Last weekend Jamie and I were able to spend the whole weekend outside- it was FABULOUS!!! We went canoeing on Saturday down the Rock Springs Run and then to Wekiwa Springs on Sunday (a cold water spring swimming area). The weather was beautiful and we had a blast!! On Sunday we were lucky enough to borrow a friend of Jamie's Camera and underwater housing, which allowed for us to take pictures (and video) underwater- so cool!! None of the photos are super great, blow-up and post on your wall but they are really fun! Jamie made a video today while I was editing some photos from a shoot on Saturday (if you want to see that check out my work blog).

Here is the video and if you want click here to see a slideshow of the pictures (if you are looking for something to do). Happy Monday to you, the count down to Spring Break is on!!!!

Piper at the Mayflower

2009-03-21T23:22:00.002-04:00

The Mayflower is a retirement community in Winter Park where Jamie's Great Aunt lives. We visit whenever we get the chance, which is not as often as we would like. However, she is a night owl, like us, so we can drop by at 10pm or sometimes later and it is not a problem. It is actually pretty funny when we go so late; we generally pass the night guard at the desk and there is no one in the halls.

Tonight, we took Piper with us to visit. The Mayflower allows for dogs to visit the residence, actually they encourage it. I felt kind of like we were sneaking in contraband, especially since it was so late when we went. But it was a great trip- Piper was good and it was nice to visit with Aunt Martha! We were able to walk there, it is about 3 miles round trip from the house, which added a mile to our usual nightly walk but it really didn't seem much longer at all. Piper was really well behaved while we were there, other than being really nosy. Aunt Martha has a roommate so the curtain that divided the room was drawn and Piper kept wanting to check out what was on the other side. So she kept poking her head under the curtain to check things out. It was a nice addition to our walk this evening, enjoy the pictures.

Think twice about going commando

2009-03-14T00:13:00.005-04:00

I was reading another photography blog that I follow today and she posted a link to this article- it is a must see. A man skiing in Veil at the beginning of January had a mishap while riding the chair lift, which ended up in him going up the mountain- pants free. Check out the link, especially the photos, it will really make you think twice about going commando.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2009/0106091vail1.html

Happy Feet

2009-03-10T00:00:00.002-04:00

Jamie took a few pictures while I was doing this CRAZY Penguin balance game on the Wii Fit tonight- they made me smile (even after I had woken up from a nap- very hard to do by the way).

Happy Monday/Tuesday to ya...

Guilty Pleasure

2009-03-07T23:33:00.003-05:00

Yesterday on our way from the WP Farmers' Market to Hot Dog Heaven, for our usual Saturday lunch, Jamie and I passed an open house sign- but not just any old open house, a luxury home open house. I was sold (sorry for the bad pun) and told Jamie that we needed to go back after lunch. I will let you in on a little secret, I LOVE to go into open houses! I love to look at peoples houses, see where they have things and plainly just to see what they look like inside. If you don't already know, I am a people watcher. I love to watch people and try to "figure out" their lives/ stories. So maybe this unique fascination with homes has something to do with that, maybe it's just another way for me to get to know someone. I don't really know but either way I love it and I had so much fun.

Not only was there one luxury open house, but much to my delight today was a luxury home tour. Yup, there was a whole bunch of fancy houses on display- just open for me to walk through and gape at. It was great!!! We toured a total of 7 houses in Old Winter Park, Windsong, and Baldwin Park (all within a 10 minute drive from our home) I would have loved to tour the ones in Isleworth but you had to call for an appointment and that would have meant serious business, which I wasn't up for. They ranged in size from 6,000 sq feet to 4,800 sq feet and in price from 2.8 million to a meager 1.9 million- you know- definitely in our price range. Needless to say my favorite was not the most expensive; however it was the second most expensive coming in at a whopping 2.4 million. I say it was my favorite because of all of the really cool things that it had in it but there was only really one house that I could have seen myself calling home, the others were too lavish. The one that could have been called home was a traditional colonial style home, simple(in it's own way), clean, and classic- all things well, me.

Let's get back to the favorite home, because it is the one that I have pictures of. We spoke to, and got chummy with the lady that was showing it and to the VP of the building company (or some type of big wig, I cannot exactly remember) and after chatting for quite some time we asked if I could take some pictures of it. She said absolutely as long as I didn't publish them (shh- don't tell). Here are the highlights:

1st Highlight:

This is probably the coolest thing that Jamie or I had ever seen in a house. 2 out of the 4 walls in the family room folded back, they were sliding glass walls (sliding glass doors- if you are a normal person and live in a normal home), so that the family room essentially became part of the outside porch. Then the screened-in porch was somewhat removable. You were able to roll the screens up like a shade so your family room could be open completely or screened in. You had both options, it was very cool. You could have beautiful big windows, a family room that had no walls but a screen or a family room with 2 out of the 3 walls missing.

Half Family Room/ Half Porch

Roll Away Screened-in Porch

2nd Highlight:

The bathrooms were huge in all of the houses but this one had an outdoor shower. Not just some pool shower, but a private garden shower off of the master bath- one that could be used after swimming in the beautiful pool or used if you wanted to shower under the stars, sigh... AMAZING!!!

3rd Highlight:

Last but not least the closets in all of the houses were huge. But, just so you have an idea how big they were, our kitchen could have fit in this one and it had an island in it- so jealous, don't even have one in our kitchen! I am sure that the people who said i was okay to take the photos would be too impressed with the last photo but I just couldn't resist- this place was huge.

To give you some size perspective :)

The Outside- not really impressive looking in my opinion

Racquetball

2009-03-06T14:27:00.003-05:00

Jamie loves to play racquetball and is quite competitive while he is playing, shocker I know! I don't know what side of the family he gets that from- hmm, Vickers. Two days ago I drove out to near his office (off of Kirkman) to see him and Mickey play and to take some pictures. I thought that it might be fun to watch them and to see if I could get some cool "action" shots. Well, as it turns out the lighting stinks there, actually that is an understatement; it was a mixture of florescent and mercury lighting, which makes you either green or purple in pictures- neither of which is all too flattering. Needless to say, I didn't get many good shots because of the lighting but it was fun. I even stood on the court while they were playing so I could get some shots that weren't through the glass. I only got hit by the ball 2 or 3 times, although Mickey told me that they would be careful and every time I did he laughed and laughed!

This is my favorite picture of the day, even though it is through the glass, with a reflection and bad lighting- it shows my hubby at his best, laughing and having a great time.

The Big 3-0!!

2009-03-05T22:07:00.004-05:00

My bro and his lovely wife Frannie- how do you do it, girl?

My dear big brother turns the big 3-0 today. I know, WOW, he's old! Oddly, I am having a difficult time grasping the concept that he is 30; if he is 30 than it means I am getting pretty close to 30 too and I am not sure that I am ready for that (look out Jamie in a couple of years).

I know what you may be thinking, "Are you sure you didn't mean 3? Not 30?" As you can tell from the pics (a few that were taken in St. Augustine when we were celebrating my mom's 50th birthday) his speciality is silly not serious. I must say that we drove each other CRAZY as children, he is 3 1/2 years older than I am, and he loved to torment me and I loved to tattle on him. He would push all of my buttons, he had it down to an art, until I would scream (literally) and then we would both get in trouble. The punishment: sitting on either end of the sofa until we apologized to each other. Scott would say he was sorry immediately but I could wait for hours, partially because I don't think you should say it unless you mean it (and I didn't) but mostly because it drove him NUTS to sit still and I knew it. We have grown up a little since then and have had many great and amusing memories, my life would be dull without him. Scott is always good for a giggle and some comic relief.

I hope you have a wonderful birthday dear brother, enjoy your trip to Canada. I have also changed my blog header in his honor, he is Irish through and through and well St. Paddy's day is almost better than Christmas for him. So the count down to St. Paddy's day is on- Scott, I hope you don't get yourself into too much trouble this year.

It died- so sad

2009-02-28T15:18:00.003-05:00

My computer slowed down to a crawl at the end of the week and well finally gave in and died on Friday. This is soooooooooo sad, and I don't know what to do with myself. It really is crazy how dependent I have become on it. It reported a "fatal error" regarding the hard drive and even though my husband is a computer genius we may not be able to get my address book or my music off of the machine- poo! The best news is that it is still under warranty, so it won't cost anything other than time and aggravation.

I will keep you posted (I am using my hubbies computer until mine is fixed- he is so sweet to share). Keep your fingers crossed for my music, I am still harboring hope.

CRASHED!

2009-02-25T23:25:00.002-05:00

I came home from school today and well, for lack of a better word, CRASHED! I came in, nodded at Jamie, went directly to the bedroom and crawled into bed. I have had a headache all day that I cannot shake and sleeping seemed like the best way to endure it. I was out (completely out) until sometime after 8pm and after publishing this I am going to head back to bed. I am sure that I looked something like the below pictures- out to the world.

I have been wanting to post these pictures of Piper (but things keep coming up) and thought what better day than today. Piper can frequently be found snoring logs on her mat. It is really hard to get these photos because her mat is located at my feet, below the computer desk, so when I move to get the camera so does she. So ignore the cords, enjoy the pics and sleep tight...

So delicate and lady-like

Happy Shrove Tuesday to Ya

2009-02-24T20:42:00.002-05:00

Jamie and I finished up the dishes from a Shrove Tuesday dinner, or Pancake Tuesday Supper. Growing up in Canada we would always have pancakes on the day before Ash Wednesday, usually in the form of a huge Pancake dinner at the church. Celebrating Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday is an Irish/English tradition that started because pancakes use up a lot of sweet/ rich foods before lent begins. I have never been particularly fond of pancakes, they are a little too soft for my tastes, so Jamie doesn't get them (or any other sweet breakfast food for that matter) very often and after taking a look at all of the dishes we had to do he may not get them again until next year.

Retraction

2009-02-23T23:32:00.003-05:00

Actually one thing can in fact top the door greeting, body wiggling puppy love and that is a husband. Especially one that comes home from the office (yes that is unusual, he generally works from home), makes supper (I have a headache and didn't feel like cooking), helps with the dishes, takes the dog for a walk, helps paste together two pictures into a one for me to use tomorrow at school and says how grateful he is to spend time with me.

Now that's love and nothing can top it...

Now That's Love

2009-02-18T17:00:00.003-05:00

How can you not love this face? EVERYDAY when I get home I am greeted by this face and wiggling body, her tail is wagging so hard that her whole body wiggles. It's very cute and puts a smile on my face regardless of the day that I have had. Piper is always excited to see me, regardless of how long I (or we) have left her. She all but attacks me when I walk in the door, I mean she gives you an all out WELCOME HOME! After we say hello (me petting and rubbing her belly) she follows me around the house while I put things away and do whatever needs to be done. After I am finished with that and I sit at the computer to check my email or read blogs she sits on my feet- yup on my feet. She is great company and a wonderful foot warmer.

Yup puppies are great, but she is the greatest. Nothing can beat this love...

Surprise Kisses

2009-02-16T20:40:00.003-05:00

A surprised look after kisses from Mommy- this is my favorite pic from the night.

Daddy and his little man

Playing with his Daddy and sitting too- which he doesn't like too much.

Jamie and I had dinner at Nan and Jeremy's last night, it was delicious!! Nan made crab cakes, one of my absolute favorite meals and it was great. Not only is this woman the Mama for the adorable little guy pictured above but she sure can cook.

I took my camera over to their place yesterday, I generally don't go over there without it. Leyton loves my camera and I love taking his picture, it works well for us. I was even "allowed" to take pictures of Jeremy, who never enjoys smiling for the camera. I guess parenting really does change you. We had a great time guys- love you.

Why is it?

2009-02-11T21:34:00.002-05:00

Why is it that when you are at the dentists office and have every possible instrument in your mouth plus their hands- they want to strike up a conversation with you? I mean come on people, like I really want to chat while I am guaranteed to drool on myself. I think that this should be added to the list of great things to ponder, I mean why not chat when I am just sitting in the chair?

FINALLY!!!

2009-02-08T20:45:00.005-05:00

For those of you that have not been keeping up with this, I have been married for 2 1/2 years but have not been able to change my name yet. By the way, I honestly wanted to change my name and was really excited about it. However, I was a Canadian citizen and had a greencard which made this whole process a whole lot more difficult.

Flash back to August 2006 with me, I was a new blushing bride with all of my paperwork put together, ready to go as I took the trip down town to the social security office. I was going to change my social and then get my new drivers license- no big deal right? WRONG! I was informed, after waiting for a few hours and sitting next to some very sketchy people (the Social Security office is full of random and scary people but that is a whole other post), that I would not be able to change my name until I changed it on my greencard. Okay, not the answer I wanted and a little frustrating but I was still thinking that it would happen soon. Wrong yet again. In order to change your name on you greencard you have to reapply for a new greencard, not just renew your existing card. Reapplying for a greencard means that there is a possibility that they won't let you stay in the US. Yippee, I just got married but if I wanted to change my name I had the possibility of being kicked out of the country. Woohoo, just what I wanted.

What a pickle I was in, I wanted to take my husband's name but I didn't want to (possibly) be told that I wouldn't be able to stay in the US. Being asked (forced) to leave would be a long shot- but I am a worrier, what can I say. So Jamie (my wonderful husband) and I spoke with a lawyer and started looking into Citizenship. Now comes the easy part, right? WRONG again...

The paperwork was a pain and it took me 1 1/2 years to complete it to the point that I was comfortable turning it in. In brief, they wanted to know every time that I had been out of the United States since I moved here, with the exact dates and everything. Well come on people I was 11 when we moved, give me a break!! I don't remember the exact dates of the two or three trips that my family took back to Canada each year since I moved here, I sometimes don't remember what I had for lunch that day much less trivia from 15 years ago. Eventually, after worrying about it for a while I completed it to the best of my ability, crossed my fingers, and mailed the application.

Fast forward to last Friday with me now, when I was sworn in as a US citizen. Yup, a bunch of paperwork, fingerprints, photos, $700, a ridiculous interview, one ceremony and a whole lot of waiting later, it's official! I am a US citizen and I have the certificate to prove it. However, I can't take a picture of it; I'm not allowed to but if you stop by you can see it if you want. You other, born in the US citizens should be jealous, you didn't get a fancy certificate- but I did.

The long and the short of it is that I am officially a Perreault now- woohoo. I may not be a blushing bride anymore but I am very excited to be legitimate. Now I have to go through the long process of changing my name on every piece of official/legal paperwork that I have, applying for a new passport and once again sit in the social security office.

Feel the Love

2009-01-26T23:23:00.004-05:00

I know that it is not yet Valentine's Day; but, I wanted an excuse to post one of my favorite pictures of our kids. Piper and Dolce for the most part tolerate each other, actually Piper LOVES Dolce and he tolerates Piper . However, there is a rare occasion that they are really sweet to each other- like this time when they were sharing Piper's mat. So sweet...

Favorite Christmas Pictures

2009-01-11T17:53:00.004-05:00

I know that I am way behind in posting these but they are really cute and I wanted to share. I hope that everyone is enjoying the new year!!

I think that this pic is too cute, all of the "kids" were all hanging out in front of the Christmas tree with Dad.

Our family picture by the Christmas tree, we decided to include the whole family this year but we aren't sure that Bella and Dolce thought that it was a good idea.

Cute one of Jamie and me at the Vickers family sing-along

My absolute favorite Christmas picture from this year!!! Sean (Jamie's cousin by marriage) deserves all of the props on this one.

Traveling Piper Style

2008-12-28T09:55:00.000-05:00

I haven't gone through all of my Christmas pictures yet, so I am going to post a little out of order. I know it's unusual for me and it makes my OCD flair up a little bit however, these pictures of Piper are so funny that I couldn't wait to share them.

We were on our way down to Terra Ceia last Friday night, where Jamie's family owns a house on the bay, and Piper came along for the ride. She loves to ride in the car, primarily because she knows that when she gets to go in the car there is fun to be had. While we are driving she sticks her head out of the window, takes in all of the new and interesting smells and when that gets old or the car is moving too fast she falls asleep on the back seat of the car. Man, the life of a dog!

Below are a few pictures from the ride, the last being my favorite. Even though we were going down the interstate Piper had to stick her head out of the window every few minutes, and when she did her eyelids would "flap" in the wind and her lips go crazy. It was very amusing for Jamie, me and everyone that would drive by and see her.

Crashed on the backseat with her make-shift pillow

Piper wearing her seat belt, she doesn't travel without it :)

"Why did you disturb me?" look- I know it's a little fuzzy but still cute in my opinion.

"Smiling" at all of the people driving by

Happy Birthday Nan!!

2008-12-27T22:20:00.005-05:00

One from my wedding on July 21, 2006

One from her wedding day, April 29 2006

Blast from the past in "panhell"

The Bridesmaids Breakfast April 29, 2006

Nan is 26 today!! She is one of the most wonderful people that I have ever known and I am blessed to have her in my life. I got to talk to her for a few minutes today while her little baby boy was napping. I am going to go and visit the two of them sometime this week, and I cannot wait. The pictures that I am posting are a little old, sorry Nan- I am down south and my full library of images was left at home. Hopefully you will enjoy my blast from the past, in addition to enjoying your day.

Freedom!!!

2008-12-20T18:42:00.002-05:00

Woohoo!! Free at last!! Yesterday was my last day of school before the Christmas holidays and I am sooooo excited. I am off until the second week in January and am really looking forward to being able to spend some time with family and my husband. Man, is it great to be a teacher at times like these. Just thought that I would share my joy- sending happiness to all of you.

New Babies

2008-12-15T21:39:00.004-05:00

Well I have two new babies to announce... one more adorable than the other. First and most importantly, is Leyton the most beautiful baby there is! Nan and Jeremy were able to welcome their first son into the world Friday evening. I have absolutely loved meeting him and being able to cuddle with him- if you ever want a night out Nan, you know the number to call.

The other baby is my photography business. Yes, I have finally (somewhat) made it official. After years and years of talking about it and claiming that "when I grow up, I want to be a photographer" I finally have done it- I guess I am a grown up now. Check out my new site if you get a chance- there is a blog there too if you want something else to read. I think that it looks great, but I am partial. Thank you to Nan, for her wonderful graphics work and to my amazingly talent (and geeky) husband for putting it all together.

KristenPerreault.com

He's on his way..

2008-12-12T00:34:00.002-05:00

My best friend went to the hospital tonight with her wonderful husband to have her baby, Andrew Leyton Knight (they will call him Leyton). I am so excited!!! They weren't sure when they were going to go to the hospital, they are inducing her, so I called her almost every hour to ask if she had gone yet. I know that she would have called to let me know that they were on their way but I just couldn't stand around and wait- imagine how they felt. I cannot wait to meet him and to be an Auntie (I know it's only fake, but I will be the best fake Aunt around).

I love him already... I will post some pictures of this precious little one as soon as I am allowed to (I will let the proud parents do it first).

Introducing Cosmo

2008-12-08T23:01:00.005-05:00

Smiling Pretty

This is Cosmo, Charlie and Jennifer's dog. I think that he is too cute, and he is sweet too. BTW, his tongue sticks out like that all of the time unless he is "smiling pretty" which he does when asked. Who wouldn't give him anything he ever wanted...

It has been a while

2008-12-08T00:25:00.004-05:00

I know that it has been a while since I have blogged last, and I am sorry. However, to sound trite we have been swamped! We visited Jamie's family in Raleigh, NC for the week of Thanksgiving and have been pretty busy since we got home. Not only was there unpacking to do but a lot of catching up to do too (you know, from not doing anything for a week) not to mention getting ready for the holidays. Thanksgiving was great, I got to photograph some beautiful homes that Jamie's Aunt Renee has decorated and I helped her build a new website (I must say it looks pretty good- I love Mac). We also got to spend time with the family, Aunt Renee, Uncle Taylor, Jordan (who came home from UNC for the holidays), Lauren, Lee, Uncle Charlie, Aunt Jennifer, Ellie (Jamie's precious youngest niece- all though this won't last long; they have another one on the way) and of course Memere (Jamie's Grandma). It was so much fun and really nice to be with family. Enjoy the pictures of our trip below.

On another note, I did put all of our inside Christmas decorations up today and Jamie and I started to put up our Christmas tree, but it got too late to finish. I will post a picture when it is done. I must say, I love this time of year!!!!!!!!!

That's all for now, more later...

Lauren, Lee, Jordan (Left to Right)

Jennifer, Ellie, Charlie

Ellie and Cosmo (their really cute dog)

Ellie with her turkey hat- it was too funny!!

Ellie with the best part of the meal... dessert!

Chilly Game in Tally

2008-11-17T22:50:00.003-05:00

This past weekend Jamie and I made the trip up to Tally for our annual FSU tailgating and Noles game. We had a great time, even though it was chilly and Jamie's team didn't win. While we were there we got to see Maggie (Jamie's cousin- who is a Marching Chief), Holly (Jamie's youngest sister) and our friends Sean and Stephanie- thanks for letting us crash at your place guys. We enjoyed the game, I was bundled up even more than this picture shows (it was in the 40's and breezy), and Jamie got to use his big lens to take some pictures during the game. All-in-all it was a good time, but I am glad to be home.

Maggie in the stands with the Chiefs during the game

Maggie at the pre-game Skull Session

Jamie and I keeping warm at the game

Anniversary and a USM win!

2008-11-09T22:07:00.005-05:00

Yesterday, was the USM vs. UCF football game- and we WON!!!! Woohoo!!! I was doing a little happy dance all day. I love the fact that we won, especially since it was against UCF (whom I hate with a passion) and so many of my colleagues and students were talking trash all last week. I kept my mouth shut, knowing that we were down a few key players and I didn't want to have to eat my words. All of these things make the victory sweeter- I wasn't trash talking last week (and the UCF fans were), we were down two key players (one of which is our star running back), it was their homecoming, we got to tailgate, the tickets were free and well, we won!!! I think this calls for another WOOHOO! I think that I will leave my header up for a little longer to enjoy the sweet taste of victory and I am going to be sporting some Southern Miss apparel to school tomorrow, just to rub it in.

I have attached a few pictures from tailgating. Jamie's family- Mary Sue, George, Uncle Mark, and Aunt Holly all showed up at my house Saturday morning wearing Southern Miss shirts, it was a great surprise! We looked very official when we were tailgating. We had a big crew out at our site, the four mentioned above along with Aunt Nancy, Uncle Bob and Grandma who joined us for the food and pre-game festivities. Nan and Jeremy were able to join us as well, so I was not the only true Golden Eagle among us. Nan was a real trooper, she sat through the whole game and made the walk to and from the car with little complaint (which I am not sure that I could have done). Leyton, from what it seemed, enjoyed them game too and I am sure that it made his Daddy proud to know that he attended his first Southern Miss game while still in the womb.

Pre-Game Tailgating

Yum-Yum Good!

Parents to be and fellow Eagles

Me and my supportive hubby (his team was playing too- he was checking the score from his phone)

Me and the beautiful Mama

The Final Score

Us at the game, after the sun finally went down.

On another unrelated topic, yesterday was our anniversary. "Which one" you may ask since we got married in July. Yesterday was the three year anniversary of our meeting. Jamie and I went on what you can call a blind date to Ker's Wing House, it included Jamie's dad George, Lisa and Fernando Vazquez a friend/colleague of mine and her now husband. Lisa was the other half of our introducing duo along with George; actually, she asked me one day at school (probably during my planning period which I quite often spent in her office) if I would be interested in meeting a guy. I said "Who?", kind of sceptically and she replied "Do you remember Mr. Perreault?" (dear old dad was an Assistant Principal at UHS when I was there) and I said of course. She said well his son, Jamie. I jumped at the chance, I knew he would be a catch and well, the rest is history. Actually, what I really said was "Sure, what could it hurt- the worst that could happen is that I don't like the guy and you never know I could end up marrying him." Well, little did I know I would marry him- a mere nine months later. So every year on the 8th we go back to celebrate in style, I have included a few pics from our stop there too- enjoy!!

The Anniversary Crew

To the TOP!!!

2008-11-02T21:07:00.003-05:00

I know that I have already posted today but... SOUTHERN MISS is playing UCF this weekend! I am hardly excited at all. I made the header months ago and have been waiting until the perfect moment to post it and I think that a week long celebration is appropriate. I really, really, really have a strong dislike for UCF- actually they make my blood boil and I do a happy dance every time they loose. I promise that I am not competitive it's just that I don't like the knights (not my wonderful friends the Knights- love you Nan and Jeremy) the UCF kind... So, I really hope that we will be able to kick some booty (despite our current record) this weekend. Either way, it will be a blast, I haven't tailgated for a Southern game is soooo long! Man I miss the days when you would walk up to a friends tent and they asked you if wanted a coke and when you said sure they would ask you what kind... long story- ah memories.

I will post pics of the festivities when I get some.

Soon to be Mama, Nan!

2008-11-02T20:46:00.005-05:00

My dear friend Nan is going to be a Mama, really, really soon!! It is just over a month until little Leyton graces us with his presence and I am so excited! Can't you tell with all of the "!"? This past Saturday I hosted a shower for Nan and the little guy out at her place. I am not sure that hosting a shower at the guest of honor's house is really PC, but I wanted for everyone to not have to drive too far. Her husband is a saint and cleaned the house before everyone got there, I really do feel badly about that- sorry Jeremy. It was a great time, the ladies in attendance were such a hoot (Nan is blessed to work with such great people) and I had a ton of fun decorating and planning for it. I have attached a few pics for you to enjoy however, if you would like to see more check out my picasa site at http://picasaweb.google.com/kristen.perreault/NanSBabyShower#

Some of the table decorations

The Diaper Cake

Me and Nan (and Leyton too!)

Nan and Jeremy (her wonderful husband & soon to be Daddy)

Happy Halloween

2008-10-31T00:01:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween from our house to yours!!

Tiny Cartwheels Inside

2008-10-26T21:21:00.002-04:00

I am doing Tiny Cartwheels inside- Homecoming is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you that don't know, I am the homecoming sponsor at my high school and well homecoming week and the month (or more) before homecoming I live at the school. This is an exaggeration but not by much, my co-sponsor and I have even thought of purchasing bunk beds to put in our "office"- storage closet- so that we would have a place to crash sometimes. Needless to say, I am finished with it and well, the sense of relief and joy is indescribable!! We are moving on to other projects with kids but nothing quite as huge, it doesn't get much bigger than a dance for 1500 teenagers. All is well now, I will actually get to see my husband other than just passing him in the hallway and sleeping next to him. BTW- he was a HUGE help this weekend and I am eternally grateful.

More later- sleep now...

Footloose

2008-10-22T17:07:00.003-04:00

This week is Homecoming spirit week at the High School where I teach and today was 70's/80's day- hence the above picture. Let me just say, that I am not sure why tights and leg warmers went out of style. These little babies kept me calves warm all day, an obviously necessary task in Florida, and they are so fun to wear!! Maybe I'll try to make a comeback with them...

A Very Bored Puppy

2008-10-20T22:13:00.004-04:00

Tonight as I was completing the Study Guide that I have given to my English class on "The Pit and the Pendulum" (we are going over it in class tomorrow) Piper kept sighing and groaning at me, she does this when she is bored, until she finally settled-in and made herself comfortable on my school bag. Apparently, she thinks homework is as exciting as my 10th graders do.

Happy Birthday Jamie!!

2008-10-07T07:27:00.000-04:00

Well my dear husband is 28 today! So I have decided to tell you 28 things that I love about him and a few fun facts...

1. He is a geek and I mean a real and true geek!! He even bought me a "I love my Geek" t-shirt, which I proudly wear.

2. He really cares about his job and believes in what he does. This is not to say that it doesn't aggravate him from time to time, but he loves it anyway.

3. He loves our puppy, Piper, even though he will swear that he is really a cat person. He plays hide and seek with her almost every night- I am not sure who has more fun with this.

4. He can dance and he dances with me every time our song starts playing on the radio (sometimes I play it just so he will dance with me).

5. He doesn't like to get his hands dirty. Even if it is when he is fishing.

6. He will find every excuse in the book to not get up if Dolce (one of our kitties) has gotten comfortable in his lap, even if he has to do something.

7. He plays with the insides of computers- for fun. I found him in the garage storage room the other day surrounded by computer parts with a huge smile on his face.

8. He can fix my computer when it freaks out on me by simply looking at it- it is afraid of him.

9. He will put my toothbrush head on the electric toothbrush at night just so I don't have to do it.

10. He can tell me anything technical about my camera when I am taking pictures and he loves to walk around for the day with me to shoot.

11. When we get home from taking pictures he will label and tag each one of them in our library so they are easy to find.

12. He will help me decorate the house during each season, just because he knows that it will make me happy.

13. He is a music snob. He can listen to a song pick out one specific instrument to listen to at a time (this is not part of the music snob thing, but I think that it is really cool trick).

14. He was in the marching band in high school and college, yup he was a Marching Chief and the drum major in high school.

15. He loves him some FSU football, even if they are not having a winning season.

16. He will drink any beer that I buy and put in the fridge. I have been known to buy beers based purely on how "cool" the label looks and he drinks them all.

17. He loves his family. Nuff said.

18. He doesn't yell at me when I don't want to ride my bike at super-human speeds. BTW- this is how he likes to ride his bike.

19. He will do just about anything to help anyone, big or small. He is the guy that will ask me to jump over to the drivers seat in the middle of the intersection so he can help someone push their car off of the side of the road. Yes, this is something that I have done.

20. He is really handy. Thanks to Dad for teaching him everything that he knows.

21. His favorite food is home made spaghetti (the recipe Memere uses) and he would eat it every night of the week if I let him. But he will eat just about anything that I put in front of him and the things that he begs to make are the easiest to make.

22. He paces while he talks on the phone, he actually has a route that he follows in the house.

23. He keeps in touch with his grade school friends.

24. He has to read before he goes to bed. He really likes to read the Sci-Fi fantasy books with wizards and magic. Again, I told you that he is a geek.

25. The Wii is the first game console that he has ever owned. He loves to play Mario Kart online with his friends and he gets really excited when he unlocks "new" things.

26. He has lunch every week with his Grandpa.

27. He knows me better than I know myself. He knows that things are bothering me before I do.

28. He married me after knowing me for only 3 months. Now that's love.

Happy Birthday Jamie, I love you!!!

Really Cool New Toy!

2008-09-21T22:10:00.003-04:00

Yesterday, I was so fed up with my palm pilot that I just about threw it across the room. This time of year is CRAZY for me and I need to be able to depend on something to keep me organized. Needless to say, my palm has been anything but organized lately! I have missed dates, I haven't gotten reminders and well it has just added to my stress level. Jamie and I have been looking at the iPod touch as a replacement for my palm for quite some time, so when I was ready to heave it across the room yesterday we caved and decided to go look at them in an apple store.

Well, I am sure you can see where this is going. We went to the store and of course we came home with an 16GB iPod touch (happy early Christmas to me). It is soooo cool!! I feel like I should be in the in group at school or something because I have the newest coolest toy, it really is the "funnest iPod ever". Today, we were walking with Piper and all I wanted to do was to go home and play with my new toy. I even had to "make a deal" with myself as to how much work I would have to do today before I could play on it. I finished the 4 stacks of grading that I had to do, so I get to play now. The only disappointing thing in this whole venture is that I have bumped up an age bracket. When registering it online I had to check the 25-34 year old box. Man-o-man did that make me feel old... but it's okay- I may be old but I have a really cool new toy.

Sweet Dreams Piper

2008-09-14T20:57:00.004-04:00

This video is really dark, but the audio is precious (turn up your speakers to get the full effect)! Piper quite frequently has the cutest puppy dreams. She lays at our feet while we work at our computers and often we will stop what we are doing just to listen to her dreaming. I have yet to capture this phenomenon in all of it's glory (she wakes up when I go to reach for the camera) however, this one will have to do for now (you can kind of see her face in the video). I know that these dreams are wonderful, I mean I am sure that in her dreams she is playing in some type of dog park heaven with all of her dog friends, eating all of the peanut butter that she can get.

Comfortable Kitties

2008-09-14T20:38:00.002-04:00

In the new house Jamie and I have a little bit of extra room so we are "holding" a couch for his parents until either Nicole or Holly Ann have a place for it in their home. Jamie and George moved the couch over here today. It was going to go in Pipers room however, it wouldn't make it around the corner to actually get into that room. So after a little bit of rearranging it has found a home in the guest room. Moving things around in there pushed me to clean up a little bit; up until this point that room was just a holding place for all things that hadn't yet found a place in the house. I didn't clean a lot but I did move some stuff off of the bed so it doesn't look like a junk hole anymore and it is clean enough that I will leave the door open. Needless to say, the kitties were really excited to have the bed to nap on again. This is how I found them tonight after dinner- they can really be cute sometimes. Do you think they could be related?

The Naturalization Process

2008-09-11T21:28:00.003-04:00

Well, for those of you that don't know, I started the process to become a US citizen about a month and a half ago. I decided to take the leap and make this permanent, and well I wanted to be able to officially take my husband's name.

This process includes a hefty sum of money, a ridiculously long application, and the patience of a saint. The application is really quite long, about 15 pages, and actually asks questions like "Have you ever been a habitual drunkard". I am not sure how many people actually say "yes" to that, but I guess there have been a few. The application took a long to time to complete, but now that I have finished that I am at the mercy of the government. I occasionally get these very "official" looking letters in the mail from the department of homeland security, they are printed on high-tech watermarked paper. My first letter simply said that my application had been received and that not to contact them unless I hadn't heard anything within the next 365 days. What- 365 days, yup only after a year of not hearing anything would they answer any of my questions. I guess I will count myself lucky because I received my first follow-up letter about 2 1/2 weeks after the first one. I was told to show up for finger prints on 09-11-08 at 8am at some obscure building off of 436. If you don't show for that appointment they drop your application and you don't get your money back. So, I scheduled off from work and left the house 1 1/2 hours before my appointment, just in case. I was in and out of there in less than 1/2 an hour, I guess that is what happens when you are first in line and have been waiting for over an hour.

I do find it interesting that I had my first official appointment on 09-11, if that is not irony I am not sure what is. I will be sure to keep you posted on this interesting experience. Jamie and I will invite you all to the party when it's official (my name change and the citizenship thing) the menu will have to be hamburgers and apple pie, you know, American food :)

Football and Flowers

2008-09-07T13:15:00.003-04:00

It has been awhile since I have posted; school has been sucking up all of my time. This weekend Jamie and I had a wonderful work-free Saturday. It was a wonderful mix of football and flowers. Jamie and I spent the morning at Leu Gardens (Uncle Bob came too), enjoying the time outside and taking pictures. We occasionally go to gardens in the area just to be outside and play with the cameras. The rest of the day was spent watching football. Southern Miss in the morning, and although they lost, the game wasn't a complete bust; they weren't murdered and they were playing Auburn who was ranked 9th. After that we headed to Wing House to watch the FSU game; it was pay-per-view so we figured that we could have dinner and catch the game at the same time. However, we were able to finish dinner and get back to the house before the game actually resumed play; they had a huge rain delay. The game was worth the wait and the $30 spent to watch it- they won 69-0; a real confidence booster for Seminoles Fans. Another game that I will mention, because it makes me happy inside, is the UCF one. Yup, they lost in overtime to USF. I would have preferred them to be killed, but a loss is a loss and I will take it.

Just as our day started with flowers, it ended with them as well. Jamie's grandpa has a beautiful flower, the Night Blooming Cerius, that blooms for only one night and usually only one time throughout the year. The flowers bloomed once back in August, so we were surprised to see that it was blooming again. I have attached a few pictures of the flowers along with one of me in my mosquito proof outfit. You can laugh at me but they are ferocious right now!

Happy Birthday Jeremy!

2008-08-21T10:27:00.000-04:00

A flash back from our college days- out in front of the dorm

Anxiously counting down the minutes until he got to marry his beautiful bride

Hiding from the camera

Yup, he always looks at her that way (that's his lovely wife by the way)

My dear friend Jeremy is another year older today- woohoo for birthdays! Jeremy and I met in college at USM, he was a big brother for KD and was always hanging out in the halls- man were those the good old days. Really and truly Jeremy is one of the greatest guys I know. He loves his job and is amazing at it, has the ability to make everyone important, gives great bear hugs and loves his ever growing family- by the way his wife is amazing too, but I am partial. I hope you have a wonderful day!

WooHoo!!

2008-08-19T10:05:00.007-04:00

Two Cars!

The before picture of the bathroom.

A during picture.

Another during picture. We were so excited because the wallpaper was coming off so easily, which did not happen in any of the other wallpapered rooms in the house. What we didn't realize was that the glue wasn't going to come off without a fight.

The finished, guest friendly- the door is on too, product!

Yup, those are pictures of a garage that is home to two parked cars and a completed guest bathroom. As some of you know, Jamie and I have a long list of things to do around the house, which included finishing the guest bath and cleaning out the garage (two of our large items to check off). It is a wish list of sorts; you know, I wish we could do that or more realistically I wish we had time to finish that. So, checking off these two items from the list made me do a little happy dance, no there are not pictures of that. I do wish that I would have taken more pictures of the stages that the bathroom went through; it would help to accurately show how big of a pain this little room was and how different it looked during each stage really.

Below are some fun pictures of the other family members enjoying the newly finished bathroom.

Piper in the tub at the new house, she keeps jumping in and out of the tub; she loved the tub at the old house and I think she missed it.

Couldn't resist the opportunity to post cute baby Piper pictures. We would find her sound asleep in the tub often.

Piper and Daddy in the tub.

Dolce, he is so innocent looking isn't he?

A Weary Traveler

2008-08-13T22:03:00.004-04:00

Jamie and I made our last summer trip this past weekend up to Tallahassee to attend a college friend of Jamie's wedding. We also added a detour on the way home to visit Memere and Aunt Odette in Jax. It was great to celebrate with our friends and to see our family however; I am over the novelty of travel. Two and a half weeks is the longest period of time that we have been at home during this summer. And let me tell you, 2 1/2 weeks is just long enough to enjoy your bed, feel like you might actually get caught up on everything at the house (but you don't), throw in a little work and then pack again. My head is spinning literally, and my summer was officially over on Monday. I keep looking around our house and twitching when I see all of the unfinished projects that surround me. However, that is another post.

On Saturday, Jamie and I got up really early and hopped in the car to head up to Tally; we left in plenty of time to make the 2:30 wedding after cleaning up at the hotel when we got into town. The roads were great and we arrived two hours before the wedding. Sounds great doesn't it? Not the reality, due to the poor service at the LaQuinta in Tallahassee. We rolled into their parking lot at 12:30, two hours before we needed to be at the wedding, and went up to the front desk (which we called the day before to verify the 1:00 or before check-in time) and were told that we couldn't get in until 3. 3?!?! The wedding was at 2:30! Surely the woman would understand our predicament and see what she could do for us. However, the lady at the front counter was being a beast! She made no effort to help us despite the fact that we had seen rooms that were cleaned while we were waiting in the parking lot trying to figure out this mess. I think she may be bitter for never having attended a wedding herself, I mean one must have to have friends to be invited in the first place.

So let me paint the picture for you, the two of us were standing in the hotel parking lot in our gym clothes (during FSU & FAMU graduation weekend, i.e. there were no last minute hotels to be heard of), me with my hair piled on my head in desperate need of a shower and somewhere to change, with no hotel room and well no one that we could think of to call. Crap was the only thing that I could say before visions of "showering" in a gas station bathroom filed my head. Needless to say, Jamie didn't immediately go to the same place as I did (that's why I love him) and thought to call a colleague of his that lives in Tallahassee (the only other person we know in the city that wasn’t the bride or groom and isn’t home for the summer). Ed (Jamie’s colleague) lives 8 miles outside of town, which was not too close to where we were or to the wedding, but they had a shower that we could use and they were home- I was sold. So, we jumped into the truck headed over there at a safe lightening speed and took what was the fastest showers imaginable only to be late to the ceremony. Side note: do you know how terrible it feels to arrive a few minutes late a wedding? Well it is horrible, and I won't ever criticize late wedding guests again.

Moral of the story, don't ever think that traveling to an out of town wedding the day of and having plenty of time to change when you get there is a good idea. Also, never, never ever book a night at the LaQuinta. On another side note, the wedding was beautiful! I attached a few pictures for you all to enjoy.

Here is a link to all of the pictures that Jamie and I took, if you are interested.

http://picasaweb.google.com/kristen.perreault/HaferWedding

Progress was made!

2008-08-05T19:06:00.003-04:00

Progress was made today on the bathroom! I finally got to the home depot last week to pick up a paint stirrer, so that I could mix up the primer that needed to be put on the bathroom walls. And drum roll please... this afternoon I finally put the first coat of primer on the walls. Our guest bath has been sitting unfinished since we moved into the house, yup for the past four months it has been sitting there unable to be used. There hasn't really been a push for finishing it because I was going to have a ton of time over the summer and well because we didn't need it. However, I only have few days left of freedom before school starts and the list of things that we won't get done this summer almost seems to be getting longer. Oh well, I guess I will get to it after Homecoming, my after October before the holidays list is already growing. Is there ever an end? I will leave with a happy thought, progress has been made :)

Finally a Mullet Manor Trip

2008-08-04T10:20:00.003-04:00

Jamie and I finally made it down to Mullet Manor this past weekend, to the house Jamie's Grandpa owns near St. Pete on Terra Ceia Island. We have been trying to get down here for the whole summer but just haven't been able to; life just kept getting in the way. We came down Saturday after cleaning out the garage, which is a huge accomplishment by the way. We moved into the house in April, during spring break to be exact, and have yet to be able to use the whole garage for parking. The garage was acting as home to everything that had not yet found it's place in our home. When we return from the trip I do believe that we will be able to park both cars in the garage- woohoo. I tell you the things that you get excited about when you are old (yes, I am old- I passed into the late 20's last week) are really different from things that used to excite me. Who knew that new vacuums, and clean garages could be so fun?

The trip has been fun. I spent most of the day yesterday reading and catching up on some Internet surfing, blog reading, etc. I am currently reading Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India and Indonesia right now. I had some trouble getting started with the book and even though I am mostly through her journey in Italy, I am still not sure about it. We'll see.

Yesterday afternoon, Jamie, George and I took George's boat out for some big time fishing. We all caught something, although nothing was big enough to keep. I, unlike the boys in the boat, consider a fishing trip to be successful if you can bring home supper. I guess this is just further proof that there are many differences between men and women. It was fun and I enjoyed our time on the water. I caught a big puffer fish, although I don't know if that is his technical name or not- but they are the big puffy fish with the spikes, by the eyeball. Yup, you read that right, I drug him in by the eyeball. No this is not my usual method of fishing but he either didn't want the shrimp that was on the hook or maybe it was gone by the time it got to him and he just got in the way; I am not really sure. But it looked like it hurt, I really do hope that he is okay.

Well I am supposed to be using this time to be productive so I should go and try to do some work, this is my last week of freedom. Man did the summer fly by.

Picked a Peck of Pickled Peppers

2008-07-28T22:27:00.004-04:00

Well they aren't in fact pickled peppers, but they are Bread and Butter pickles! Jamie and I spent the majority of last evening slicing cucumbers to make my Grandma's famous, or at least famous in my house, bread and butter pickle recipe. We cut up 47 small cucumbers-yes I counted them, packed and soaked them on ice for 3 hours, made the syrup and then jarred them. Needless to say, the 13 jars that were made will probably last long enough for us to forget how much of a pain to it was to cut the last 45 cucumbers and want to do it all over again.

It's official!

2008-07-22T16:46:00.004-04:00

Well two things are official, and one is more exciting then the other. First of all as you can see from above, I have finally received my official Florida teaching certificate. It is a new feeling to be legit. I wonder if the kids will notice :)

Secondly, my dear friends Nan and Jeremy are expecting a boy! Andrew Leyton (they are pretty sure about his name and they will call him Leyton) is on his way and is loud and proud about it. I had lunch with them after the ultrasound and got to see the pictures in person- wow those things are crazy. If you want to read more about it or see the pictures go to http://nan-knight.blogspot.com. I am so happy for both of them, they are going to have a son! Wow!

It's been Two Years Already

2008-07-21T14:50:00.004-04:00

Two years ago today I got to marry the love of my life. We had a whirlwind courtship and a very quick engagement (9 months total to be exact) and to date it is the best decision that I have ever made. It is great to know that everyday regardless of the challenges or happiness that faces us, we have each other to lean on and to share it with. I love you Jamie and cannot wait to see what is to come.

One Pooped Puppy

2008-07-20T01:49:00.004-04:00

After our walk tonight Jamie and I were planning our Calendar for the next few weeks and enjoying some Wii fun (we have a Wii Fit, my birthday present from Jamie, but that is a whole other post) and when I realized that Piper had been missing for quiet some time. She generally stays pretty close to us while we are in the house, or at least close enough to come galloping at you when she is called. However, tonight I called her a few times and she did not turn up- no galloping, not even a slow meander. So, I left my calendar and "Perreault Family Secretary" position at the coffee table in search of our MIA puppy. I found her passed out in front of the fan in the office and couldn't resist snapping a few shots, she didn't budge for any of it. I suppose the excitement of all of her visitors today and her longer than usual walk was just too much for her, what a tough life.

Wii fun for all ages

2008-07-17T20:20:00.004-04:00

On the fourth of July, yes I know that I am late in posting this but I think that these photos are too good not to put up, we had some of Jamie's family over for a cookout (not everyone was in town, so only a few were in attendance). After the cookout Jamie brought out the Wii and Mario Kart fun was had by all. It just goes to show you that a little plastic wheel can fun, regardless of your age!