The shopping has begun!

Yesterday I was walking past my company store...they always have the cutest things. The new Christmas display caught my eye and I couldn't resist buying a few things! Not to mention, I got some great deals!

Snowman soap dispenser:

Santa candy dish:

AND Snowmen coasters:

I am super excited to get more this weekend and to turn my house into a Christmas wonderland!

Since it is Thursday, I want to share some things I am thankful for as well.

-God

-My home

-My Husband, he is my rock

-My family, they are my world

-My job

One more day friends! The weekend is in sight!

Jamie Leigh



Thankful on a Thursday and About Me!

Happy Thursday friends! I am SO happy the weekend is here tomorrow! The things I am thankful for this week include
131. Mani's and Pedi's! I will be enjoying these in a couple of hours with a few of my favorite ladies! 
132. My co-workers! They are so wonderful, and we always have the most interesting conversations...I am definitely going to miss them...only 4 more days :(
133. Duluth! I will be spending my weekend in this beautiful city I call home. Can't wait to see my family!

134. The warmer weather, it has been so nice!
135. Laura Story. I heard this song on the radio the other day, and the message really hit home. It is a beautiful song and I could listen to it over and over. I highly recommend you take the time to listen to it!

"We pray for blessings

We pray for peace

Comfort for family, protection while we sleep

We pray for healing, for prosperity

We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering

All the while, You hear each spoken need

Yet love us way too much to give us lesser things

Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops

What if Your healing comes through tears

What if a thousand sleepless nights 

Are what it takes to know You’re near

What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise"

Now about me...My sweet friend Laura at Learning to Love gave me this fun award! The directions are to share 7 things about myself that you may not know....here we go!

1. I am the most indecisive person....it can be very frustrating

2. I love junk food...which is NOT a good thing

3. I am scared of change, which I am facing a lot of currently

4. I secretly wish I was an interior designer or a professional dancer

5. Music is an extremely important part of my life

6. I am HORRIBLE at math...even simple math. I have had kids at my work (kindergarten through fifth grade) ask for help on their math homework and I have trouble...how embarrassing!

7. I am extremely organized and like to have everything planned, it can sometimes be a little to much even ;-)

Now I am going to pass this award on to 3 of my blogger friends! 

Amanda @ the shepard life

Ria @ Life as a Wife!

Krysten @ After I Do

Have a wonderful day!!

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I was so looking forward to blogging today, I have missed Thankful on a Thursday! 
126. New opportunities that Sean and I have been blessed with recently! More to come :)
127. The Rain...it has been so rainy here in MN, however I have really enjoyed seeing the grass turn green again, and there is nothing better than sleeping to the sound of rain <3
128. Healing! I am SO thankful my mouth is slowly but surely healing. I have been starting to eat a little more and the pain has definitely lessened.
129. Sean! I don't say this nearly enough...I am so incredibly thankful to have found such a wonderful person to spend my life with. He is my best friend, my rock, my everything. He has been so supportive, caring, and offered me the best advice with recent decisions that have had to be make..I love you Sean and cannot wait to become your wife! 

130. This song....It is beautiful and makes me want to dance...I have really been missing dance lately..

The weekend is almost here! Make the  best of today :)

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I am so HAPPY the weekend is finally in sight! The sun is shining, the weather is warming up, and there is a lot of fun to look forward to this weekend!
120. Spring! It is finally here! The weather has been so sunny and nice! It is funny how your mood can change instantly with the beautiful weather!
121. Twins Game! Sean, my sister, her boyfriend Jory, and me are going to the Twins game Saturday night! It is the opening series at home, so we are SOOO excited! We are praying it doesn't rain like the forecast is predicting! I am looking forward to trying some of the new foods they have at the stadium this year!

122. Bridesmaids hair! My coworker/friend is doing the girls hair for the wedding! I am so thankful that she is willing to come out to the house that morning and do their hair at a very affordable price! YAY! She came over yesterday to do a trial run on my sister. What do you think?

123. Girls night! Friday I am getting together with a couple of my favorite girls! Nicole, who is one of my bridesmaids, and Brittany who I get to also work with! We will be getting some mexican food and margaritas! YUM!

124. Support and advice! I have received an amazing amount of support and advice from my family, friends, and all of my wonderful readers this week! Thank you!
125. Jello Cake! Have you ever had it? My dad makes it every time we have a birthday! It is delicious...basically you bake a white cake, then poke holes in it and pour in jello mix...the cake is so moist, flavorful and just delicious! I have been definitely enjoying it this past week!
I hope you all have a wonderful Thursday! What are you thankful for today?
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

115. My silly kitty! He always makes me laugh and smile...yesterday I went to get a snack, and guess who I found....Yup that is my kitty Oliver in the fridge!

Needless to say after his little adventure he was very tired!

116. Friends and Family! I have had so much support, help, and advice since I graduated from my wonderful friends and family! I am SOO thankful for them all!
117. Baseball! WAHOO the MN Twins season starts TOMORROW! Time to pull out my Twins gear!

118. Spring! Signs of spring are finally here! It has been warming up, the sun has been shining, and snow melting..YAY!
119. Big Milestones! There are a LOT of big milestones coming up that I am super excited/nervous for! I have been praying and relying on Faith for all the unknowns!
120. YOU! I have gotten a couple new followers recently that I am very excited about! Thanks for all your wonderful comments and words of encouragement! 
Happy Thursday!
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

106. Sick Time! I am still sick today :-( But I am so thankful for sick time! I can't afford to miss work, so having that comfort of knowing I am still getting paid today is amazing! Hopefully I can rest and finally be better for tomorrow!
107. Spring!! Spring is in the air here in MN! I hear by the end of the weekend most of the snow should be gone! It will be in the high 40's low 50's all weekend and I cannot wait to enjoy it!
108. My handsome Irishman! Sean Patrick Grady....need I say more? You can't get more Irish than that! He has been so sweet to me since I have been sick, AND he has been working so many hours for us! I love him so  much! Happy St. Patrick's Day to you!

109. 1 Week until graduation! WOW I can't even believe it! I only have a couple tests left to take and next Thursday I will be walking! My sister and I will be 2 out of only a small handful in black gowns instead of blue....this means we got a bachelor's degree and not just the associates. I think this is pretty cool we will stand out! 
110. The Ellen Show! There is one peak of being home sick, and that is I get to watch all the morning shows I usually miss! The Ellen Show is my favorite....she is SO funny!
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I am SO thankful and feel so blessed today! It is a good day :)
101. Blogging friends! I am so excited to meet up with some of my favorite blogging friends (Steph,Ria,Jessie, and Laura) for a delicious dinner at Olive Garden! Can't wait ladies!

102. Another house to look at! We have been waiting to hear on an offer we have on a short sale since November. We LOVE this house and it felt like home...however I like to check for other options as we wait just to see whats out there. One really caught my eye yesterday so my Realtor is doing a little research on it's situation and if all turns out good we may look at it this weekend!
103. Daylight Savings! Can you believe it is already this weekend??! Wow time flies! I can't wait for it to be light out until 9 though....Summer is coming :)
104. A restful weekend ahead! I am definitley looking foward to another weekend of just hanging out and doing whatever we want. It is nice to not have the whole weekend planned out, it feels like they last longer!
105. Spring Break! Tomorrow is the start of spring break! I still have school, and I don't get to go anywhere warm, but I am thankful to be picking up some extra hours at work!
Happy Thursday everyone, I hope you have a spectacular day!
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

Every Thursday it amazes me how much there is to be thankful for! God is good isn't he? 
96. 2 1/2 weeks left of college ever! Bachelor's degree here I come!! I am a little nervous to face life without school...I just keep praying that I will find a job!
97. Contacts! I am super excited to ditch the glasses and get contacts! I had my eye exam today and will be going back Monday to get them! I am feeling a bit blind now from being dilated! Such a weird feeling!
98.  Making progress on my wedding! Time has been flying by and I cannot put off planning any longer! It feels good to have some appointments on the calendar and to get things rolling! As always, share any tips or advice you have for me!
99. Paying my bills! I really dislike that there is such a reliance on money :-(..... anyways I am thankful that all the unexpected bills that came during a bad time are paid for! Now we can focus on saving again!

100. My best friend! I could say this every minute of every day and it still couldn't express how thankful I am to have Sean in my life. Not only have I found my soul mate, but I was blessed with him at the age of 14! How did I get so lucky? He is truly the best, most caring, helpful, supportive, and compassionate person I have ever met! 

I hope you all have a blessed day!

Jamie Leigh 

Crazy Wedding Dreams and Thankful on a Thursday!

The crazy wedding dreams have officially started....for me AND Sean. Last night I dreamt that my little sister was playing dress up in my dress, and ended up cutting it so it was a mini skirt! There were holes all over it, and it was too late to get anything new, I had no choice but to wear it! I woke up in a panic, then relief that it was only a dream! Funny fact; Sean texted me this morning when he woke up saying he had a wedding dream as well....how weird! For all of you who are married or engaged, did you experience these dreams?!

Okay now for Thankful on a Thursday!

91. Finishing a class! Now I only have to focus on 3 classes for the  next 4 weeks! This will be SOOO nice!
92. The fact I have a fiancé that loves to cook! Sean definitely is the cooker in the relationship. He is always thinking up new recipes to cook for me....we're trying to create one of my favorite dishes this weekend! More on that tomorrow!
93. My countdown! 3 1/2 weeks until graduation! 6 months 3 weeks until I Do! WOW!
94. YOU! You are all so inspirational and always make my day by sharing your sweet words of wisdom, advice, and encouragement! Thank you to my faithful followers!
95. This song! My sister recently introduced me to this band, Tenth Avenue North and I have loved everything I have heard from them! It won't allow me to post the video because of some restriction from Sony, but here is the link! I highly recommend you check it out! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J95rAr0gOFU
Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell me where will you run
To where will you run

And I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
And please don't fight
These hands that are holding you
My hands are holding you

Look at these hands and my side
They swallowed the grave on that night
When I drank the world's sin
So I could carry you in
And give you lifeI want to give you life
So awesome! Shows how faithful God's love is!

Have a blessed day!

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I feel like just yesterday I was writing what I was thankful for....time has just been flying by lately! This has been a very good week so far, even though it was busy, it was good :-)
86.Sean!! He is always amazing, but this week he went above and beyond! I can't help but ask myself how I got so lucky for him to choose ME? After 8 years he still gives me the butterflies!

 

87. Love! Love is incredible...it holds such  meaning to me that I even got a tattoo of it! How can I not be thankful for Love on Valentines week! I have so many wonderful people in my life that I LOVE to death! So happy, and So grateful for them!
88. This face....he makes me smile every single day no matter what mood I am without even saying a word. Amazing.

89. My parents! I am so thankful for my parents. They have been incredibly supportive in every way possible. I couldn't ask for more, I have been so blessed.
90. My countdowns! As you know I have been counting down a couple things...graduation and the wedding. Right now we are 4 1/2 weeks from graduation and 7 months until I Do! CRAZY!
I hope you all have a blessed day! 
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

Well, we have almost made it to the weekend again! I am looking forward to a LOT this weekend, so it cannot come fast enough! Here is what I am thankful for this week.
81. Lunch dates! I LOVE going out to lunch, and chit chatting with my loved ones
82. Surprises! So i'm pretty sure Sean is brewing something up for tomorrow.....we'll see :-)
83. A Warm up! The forecast for here in MN is looking good....30's all next week, which is WARM!
84. Opportunities! Now that Sean is graduated and I only have 6 weeks left (YAY) I have been thinking a LOT about how thankful I am for my education! It is such a huge accomplishment to obtain a bachelor's degree, and I have to admit I am very proud of myself! The opportunities are endless, and education is something that you will always have and will always be valuable!
85. Valentines Day! I am so excited to celebrate with our friends Jessie and Justin at one of our favorite little restaurants! 

What are you thankful for today?

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

Happy Thursday friends! I am just going to jump right into what I am thankful for this week!

76. Motivation! I have been whining about having no motivation to exercise a lot lately, so my sweetheart was at my house when I got home from work today and took me to the gym with him! It was so nice to have that push, and to exercise....wheww am I out of shape! Now I just got to keep motivated to continue going.

77. Caribou Coffee! yum yum! After our workout, we went and had some Caribou! I refrained from ordering one of the 1,000 calorie drinks that are so delicious, and tried their apple cinnamon oatmeal. SO GOOD!

78. Pay Day! Tomorrow is pay day, wahoo!!

79. My Friends! They have all been so sweet and offering all the help they can for the wedding! I love them!

80. This song! I'm thinking of using it for my wedding slideshow for my growing up pics...what do you think?

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! Much Love

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I am SO happy the weekend is almost here! This week surprisingly went by pretty quickly, which is always good :-) Here is what I am thankful for this week!

71. A relaxing weekend ahead! Sean and I have few plans this weekend, which I am very excited about!

72. The small warm up we are having! Today and tomorrow are suppose to be in the low 30's! This is going to feel warm compared to the freeze we have been in lately! Even though it will be short lived, I am going to enjoy it!

73. Cheap wedding invites!! My mom and I found an INCREDIBLE deal on invites this week!! I am so excited, and can't wait to get started assembling them!

74. Being done with homework for the week! I actually finished all my homework early! Wahoo!

75. My sweet, caring fiancé Sean....I don't know what I would do without him...he is definitely my other half. Each week he amazes me more and more!

Now I am looking for some advice from all my blogging friends.....

So now that we are a little over 7 months away from the wedding, Sean and I need to start forming our official wedding party. I have seen people make mistakes in the past regarding who they choose, and some really negative things happen. I don't want any of this to happen to me, but at the same time I want to include everyone....How many people do you think is the perfect size bridal party? How do you choose who to have and who not to have? ANY advice will be great!!!

Happy Thursday!

Jamie Leigh

What are you Thankful for?

Happy Happy Thursday friends! I am so happy the weekend is almost here! Even though it was only a 3 day work week for me, it has been a long one!! Here is what I am thankful for this week.

66. Family visiting this weekend! My sweet Aunt Cindy is coming down from up north to visit this weekend! Prayers for a safe trip for her!

67. Cake Tasting! This Sunday we are going cake tasting! I am very excited to hopefully get one more thing crossed of my LONG list of wedding tasks!

68. Inspiration! I have been very inspired lately by friends, blogging buddies, family, and especially the ladies conference last weekend {em-pou-er}. I have been inspired to be a better person,  to continue to grow in my faith, and to let God guide my way,  use me, and mold me.

69. 9 more weeks of school EVER! Do I need to say more? :-)

70.  My family! They continue to be be supportive in every possible way through this time of changes and milestones in my life! I love them very much!

Now I want to know what YOU are thankful for today??

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday

Happy Thursday! Once again it is snowing like crazy here in MN...I am so ready for this winter to be over!! Too bad it is only January, we still have a ways to go! I have a lot to be thankful for this week so lets get started!
61. The extra time I have had to spend with my sweetie this week! It was very much enjoyed! I am going to miss our lunch dates when this week is over! I love him :-)

This pic isn't even very old, and Sean has changed so much!

62. Our new car! We will be getting a new car this weekend! Well, new to us at least! We are both very excited to start getting good gas mileage. Having two trucks before horrible when gas is now over $3 bucks! It will look like this!

63. {em-pour-er}! My sweet friend Steph over at Sharing the Pages of Life, and Ria over at Life as a Wife! have invited me to a ladies only mini conference at their church this Saturday! It will be a time of renewal, healing, and refreshment! I can't wait!!
64. 8 months and 4 days until I do! Whewww it's coming fast! We got our hotel blocks for our guests finished, now I need to get on the cake, invites, meeting with the church wedding coordinator, and thinking of a honeymoon...any ideas!?
65. A 4 day weekend! My work is closed Monday for MLK day and Tuesday for a staff development workshop! YAY!
There are always so many things to be thankful for, I just love blogging on Thursday! Share with me what you are thankful for today!
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

Yay for Thursday! I am going to keep my post today short and sweet....Here is what I am thankful for this week!
56. Selling the Truck! Even though it was sad, this has helped us financially so much! Decreasing our debt feels amazing!
57. Lunch today with my amazing fiancé! I love dates!
58. Mint hot chocolate! This is the best when its cold out, and here in MN is has been FREEZING!
59. A raise at work! 
60. Starting my last quarter of school....11 more weeks until graduation! 
What are you thankful for this week?
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

My days are so messed up this week! I normally have such a routine, but this week has been anything but that! I just got off from a 26 hour shift...never done that before! It went really well though, can't complain! I work all day tomorrow (Thursday) as well, so I figured I would do a quick post since Thankful on a Thursday is one of my favorite days to write....better now than never right?

51. 2010! This year is quickly coming to an end! It has been a great year, and lots of great memories were made! I will be dedicating Fridays post to 2010!

52. New Years Resolutions! The New Year is always a great time to get motivated and set your mind to reaching a goal. I have a couple in mind this year, hopefully I can stick with it!

53. A week off school! It has been EXTREMELY nice to not have any homework to focus on!! One more quarter left, March cannot come fast enough!

54. All my new gifts!! I am so thankful for all the gifts I got this Christmas! Some of my favorites include new movies, pj's, perfumes & lotions, and clothes!! And of course the dining table, TV stand, and area rug I got before Christmas!

55. My blogging buddies! I have LOVED reading about all your lives, experiences, and thoughts! It is such a great environment, and I am thankful for each and every one of you!!

What are you thankful for this week? Do you have a New Year's resolution??

Jamie Leigh

Merry Christmas!!

Well, we are pretty much there!! Christmas Eve is tomorrow, my celebrations start tonight!! Tonight my sisters and I will be spending the evening celebrating with my dad! We plan on ordering chinese food, YUM, and opening presents! I CAN'T wait for him to open up the pictures we got taken! My dad has had the same old pictures of us around the house, literally like 10 year old ones. We decided it would be the best gift ever to get professional pics done from my sweet friend Riawho also did my engagement pics, my sisters grad pics, and will be shooting my wedding! She is amazing!! This is one of my favorites!

Tomorrow we will be heading up to Two Harbors MN to my grandmas house to celebrate with my dads side of the family! My grandma always makes the best food! We play games, laugh, and always have so much fun!
Saturday we will be going to Duluth MN to my other grandma's house and will be celebrating with  my mom's side of the family! They are such a hoot, it should be a good time!
Sunday we will finally be heading home, and we will be opening presents at my mom's house! Whewww lots of celebrating! 
I now have 5 days off work, and am finished with school! I don't even know what to do with myself!! 
Merry Christmas to all my blogging buddies! I won't be posting now for a while, God Bless everyone and enjoy the time you have with your loved ones!! 
OH one more thing! Today is Thankful on a Thursday, and the number one thing I am thankful for this week is Jesus Christ!! And of course my family!! I wanted to leave you with a song :-)
Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

Finally it is Thursday...I feel like this week has been taking forever! I am SO ready for the weekend to come! Today is my sister's friends funeral, please keep this family, her friends, and especially her fiancée in your prayers today. I can't even imagine the pain they are feeling! This story has made me feel so blessed this week, and has shown me how important it is to NEVER take anything for granted! Here is my list of blessings this week!

46. Sean's Graduation! Tonight my sweetheart has his college graduation ceremony! I know I have said this many times before, but I am so SO proud of him!! I will post pics tomorrow!

47. My sweet sissy! Today my little sister Jodell got to stay home from school, and is spending the day with me! Life has been so busy, and I am very thankful that I have today to spend with her!

48. Love Letters! Whether it is through a text, a voice mail, the traditional "love letter" or in person, words that express your love and care for someone are so special to me. Sean sent me one of the sweetest texts the other day that completely made my day. 

49. 9 days until Christmas! Need I say more? I CAN'T wait to see my family!

50. God! I am so thankful for all of God's blessings. My health, my education, my job, my family, my friends...all so special and important to me. 

What are you thankful for on this week before Christmas?

Jamie Leigh

Thankful on a Thursday!

I am SOOOO happy that we are almost to the weekend again! Thursdays really help me see the light at the end of the tunnel! Let's get started with what I am thankful for this week!
40. My dads safe flight! My dad had to go to California for work this week...and I am so thankful his flight went well. I am a little leery about flying, always have been. Please pray for his safe return on Friday! 
41. Oliver! Oliver is my kitty, as many of you know! He has been so sweet this week, very lonely for my dad. They are best friends! I am thankful to have such a fun and loving kitty cat! 

42. My home! During these winter months I really feel thankful to have shelter, and a warm place to sleep at night!
43. My winter gear! When I woke up this morning it was 14 degrees here in MN! BURRR, so thankful I have gear to keep me warm! It is only going to get colder the next few days, and another snow storm is suppose to roll in tomorrow night through Saturday! Praying it isn't terrible, we are helping our wonderful friends Jessie and Justin move that day! 
44. Sean's graduation!! I am SOOOO incredibly proud of my amazing fiance! Today is the last day of college for him! He has worked so hard, and committed so much time and effort into his degree! We have been counting down the days, its surreal it is finally here! He is going to be an amazing husband!
45. Christmas Spirit! Everything has just seemed happier lately, the Christmas spirit is really spreading around! I love all the lights, music, smells, treats, and shopping going on! 

What are you thankful for today?

Jamie Leigh