Ode To Shutterfly

Let’s talk about Shutterfly. No seriously, let’s. So you know those gorgeous Christmas party invitations I sent out a few weeks ago? Totally Shutterfly. Lily's birthday thank you notes which people still rave about 8 months later? Totally Shutterfly. Speaking of which, I still see the thank you’s up on peoples refrigerators and mantles because they are just that darn CUTE! Everyone is always commenting on how unique the cards are and how talented I am. Um, it’s not me. In fact, I’m happy to inform them that it’s not me, it’s all Shutterfly. Often times they don’t believe me as they’ve seen the run-of-the-mill cards produced by major retailers.

Shutterfly isn't just amazing for cards, though. Photo books, prints, calendars, you name it, Shutterfly does it. You just can't beat the quality. Often times when you receive Christmas cards, they’re printed on cheap photo paper. Not Shutterfly. Cards are printed on heavy, premium cardstock and look amazing. It is simply not possible to find the same quality that Shutterfly offers at a better price. Not to mention, the site is incredibly user friendly. Any project is seriously as easy as 1, 2, 3. Upload your photos, drag them to your project, write your caption and you’re done. No fidgeting around with sizing photos, Shutterfly has every possible layout you could ever want.

Here is the Christmas Party Invitations we sent out
Here is the Birthday Thank You we sent out
Here is the Holiday card I'm in love with.

Meatloaf

A favorite in our house...

1lb ground beef
1/4 c ketchup (in)
2 t. onion powder
1/4 t. garlic powder
1 T. Worcestershire
1 egg
2/3 oats
1/2 c ketchup (out)

Mix all ingredients together, place in loaf pan, add 1/2 c ketchup on top and cook at 350 for 1 hour

Grandma Barb's Tropical Breeze Cake

Tropical Breeze Cake

1 yellow cake mix
11 oz. can mandarin oranges
4 eggs
1/2 c. oil

Combine all ingredients and whisk. Bake in 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes.

Topping:
20 oz can crushed pineapple with juice (chill can)
1 small (3.4 oz) instant vanilla pudding
8 oz. cool whip
Mix pineapple and pudding, then fold in cool whip. Add topping to cooled cake.

She Laughs!

L has been squealing for a couple of weeks now but yesterday (9/8/09) is the first time she laughed in context. B said, "Boo!" and she started giggling he then tried blowing on her stomach and she laughed even more.

Milestones Reached:
Follows Objects
Holds Head Steady
Smiles
Babbles
Blows Bubbles
Bats At Toys
Grasp Toys
Bears Weight On Legs
Plays With Hands & Feet
Imitates Sounds
LAUGHS!


Not Quite There Yet:
Rolling
Sitting Unassisted

4 Months!

4 months stats (08/24/09)

Length: 25" (82nd percentile)
Weight: 14lbs 1oz (65th percentile)
Head: 44cm (99th percentile, yes, 99th!!!)

3 Months!

Our little peanut is 12lbs 1 oz (50th percentile)

Lily has been teething for the past 3 weeks. When she doesn't feel miserable due to teething, she's babbling, smiling and looking at the world around her. One of the most wonderful moments of the past few weeks was when B came home from work, Lily reached out her hands as if to say, "Pick me up, Daddy!" and she nestled her head into his chest. Both B and & I had tears in our eyes.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.

2 Months!

Height: 23" (74.73%)
Weight: 10lbs 13 oz (49.80%)
Head Circumfrence: 41.2 (94.74%)

L is now babbling up a storm and we love every minute of it.

We are so very blessed.