Toby Tested: Mama Approved

Hey you guys, remember when I said I would only occasionally throw in a post about all things baby? Yeah, I'm a liar. Pants on fire!

Now that I've been a Mama for 6 months, I feel compelled to submit reviews on my favorite baby items. Now, these are my favorites. I, in no way, claim them to be superior to all other baby products*. What I can say is that I've had great experiences with these items, have read positive reviews about them, or have read compelling literature on these items. That said, I am also a firm believer in confirmation bias which means if a person believes a fact they will find evidence to support that fact. If you don't use these items, I'm not judging how badly you manhandle your wee-one. Just kidding. Kind of. Not really.**

*yes, I do.
** I am kidding

So, without further ado, here are my picks for my favorite Top Toby Tested Jessi Approved items:

1. Ergo Baby Carrier: I have to admit, at first I didn't want to buy into the hype of an expensive baby carrier. BUT, my sister is so anti "crotch dangler" and constantly hounded reminded me about the effect crotch danglers can have on hip and spine development. So, I had to bite and do a bit of research. Much of what I read coincided with her mongering suggestions. I still held out, though, because one of the things I hung on to was the fact that Toby would get to face "outward" in many of the crotch danglers (such as the Bjorn, Snuggli, etc.). I argued that I wanted him to be able to see and experience things from his carrier. Then I read the piece of information that made a lot of sense to me***. When a baby is facing outward, there is no escape from over-stimulation and gone is the ability to make eye contact with their caregiver for reassurance.

***As a person who gets easily over stimulated by loud noises, loud talking, and bright lights, I COMPLETELY understood this little fact. Then, I stumbled across the picture below and I was sold. I bought an Ergo and I can say I love baby wearing with my Ergo (and Toby does too!)

 

2. Boppy: I have NO idea where I would be without the bobby. We use it for feeding, propping, tummy time (and Aaron uses it for a nice little afternoon nap.) We love the boppy (so does Manny!)

 

 

 

 

3.Baltic Amber Teething Necklaces: I love this. Yes, it may sound like hocus pocus or placebo, but for our little man it seems to work so, we're fans! The only suggestion I have is to take it off at night. It is recommended to stay on 24/7. I find that a safety issue. Do as you choose, however.

 

 

4. Burts Bee (anything): We use Burts lotions, washes and creams. I love the way they smell, I love that they are 99.9% natural and I love that my baby's skin is so soft! (If you remember, I used Burt's creams all through my pregnancy and I didn't get ONE stretch mark!)

 

5. Sophie! I don't even know where to begin where "Soph" is concerned. Sophie goes EVERYWHERE with us. E-V-E-R-Y-W-H-E-R-E! Toby has loved her since he was about 2 months old and he has given her so many lovies that her spots are rubbing off. Seriously. She is one loved (and gnawed on) little giraffe!

 

 

 

6. Super Baby Foods (Book): If you plan on feeding your baby anything other than something that comes in a bottle, buy it. Read it. Swear by it.

 

7. First Year Calendar: For my shower my girlfriend got me a "first year" calendar. It's exactly what it sounds like; a little calendar to insanely record every single thing document milestones. I keep the calendar with his food/diaper journal and it's easy for me to jot down adorable little things he does. At the end of every month I transfer the information into his baby book/scrapbooks.

 

8. Mirrors: This is novel and completely free. Every house has a few reflective surfaces. Babies loooovvve to gawk! Lug the child into the bathroom and talk to them in the mirror. They will love you for it.

 

9. Books: You've seen Toby's stash. I won't reiterate; it just embarrasses me how many books that little rugrat has. Read to your kid.

 

10. Music: Pandora Kids, Christmas, Jewel's Children's CD, School House Rock Rocks! Me, singing made up songs about what we're doing, "We're wiping your poopy bummmmm-beyyyyy." (Sung to the tune of "On top of old Smoooookkkkeeeeyyyy.")

 

11. Pictures: It's a great way for Toby to learn recognition. We go through his little photo album at least a bazillion-freaking-times twice per day.

 

There you have it folks. These things work for us. There are probably more but they aren't coming to mind (read: I'm getting too tired and lazy to drum up more material.)

 

So, quid pro quo. Help a Mama out; what item(s) do you LOVE?

Top Ten Tuesday: Toby

Well, the title is quite an alliteration, isn't it?

It certainly has been a while since I've done a Top Ten Tuesday, hasn't it? Remember when I said I wasn't going to make this a baby blog? I am such a liar.

So, without further ado, here are ten facts about the delicious Toby!

1. He loves, Loves, LOVES music. If you put on any music (or sing/whistle) he will smile, squeal and giggle (reference video above.) It melts me. His favorite music is classical, what plays on his play-mat, or his Jewel and Schoolhouse Rock Rocks! discs.

2. Whenever we go out people always comment on how cute he is. I concur.

3. We found him the perfect nanny and we are psyched!

4. When he gets a little bit older he's going to want me to redo his room from his current alphabet/giraffe theme to (mama's other favorite) dinosaurs. He loves dinosaurs, he just doesn't know that yet.

5. He becomes mesmerized when we read to him. He particularly likes books that rhyme. I love reading Giraffes Can't Dance and The Little Blue Truck.

6. He has a fake cough; he uses it when he's looking for attention.

7. He doesn't like onions or Trader Joe's apricot Stilton cheese (we learned that the hard way!)

8. He recently discovered that his fist fits in his mouth.

9. He loves having his diaper changed. He especially thinks it's funny to pee into the breeze when you're changing him.

10. If you press his nose, like it's a little button, he will laugh. It is the best sound. ever.

Top Ten Tuesday: Books!!

This is a total aside from my Alaska postings but I had to mention the 10 books I purchased about 2 hours ago at Borders. Unfortunately, Borders is closing their doors; going out-of-business. Make no mistake, I'm not tragically upset about the fact that they have gone out of business (although I don't like to see anyone fail). I am more upset when I think about the hordes of small business owners and privately owned bookstores they put out of business once they came gallivanting into town.

That said, the grief didn't overcome me to where I couldn't swoop in and make a few purchases.

I start my doctorate program next week and, although I haven't seen the list of required reading yet (I'm not bitter and frustrated that I can't get a head start) but judging by the 50 books on the recommended summer reading list, I am feeling a bit concerned that the workload from the required reading list won't lend much time to leisure reading.

I have already bargained with myself that if I read one chapter of "required reading" per night (textbook reading, blech) then I'll reward myself by a chapter of leisure reading. So, to dangle the motivational carrot in front of my eyes, I bought myself a few new reads; 10, in fact. It was purely coincidence that I bought 10 on a Top 10 Tuesday. The truth is that I planned to buy 8 because you were given an additional discount if you bought 8 and, well, after I reached 5 I lost all self control.

• Eating Out by Annette Natow & Jo-Ann Heslin:(You'd think they could have picked a better title, LOL) It is a book of nutrition information for every imaginable snack-food and restaurant.
• The Beekeeper's Lament: How One Man and Half a Billion Honey Bees Help Feed America by Hannah Nordhaus: Okay, so with this book I totally cheated. I've already started it. I couldn't wait another week. Over the summer I became OBSESSED with bees and bee-keeping. Lucky for me my step-father, Dan, keeps bees so it's not magical thinking that I feel I can use the knowledge about bees to help "keep bees." Bees are truly remarkable creatures and, believe it or not, we as humans owe them a debt of gratitude for perpetuating life.
• The Slippery Year: A Meditation on Happily Ever After by Melaine Gideon. "A disarmingly honest take on marriage and motherhood by a woman who realized she was sleepwalking through life when she decided she needed to do something about it" sounded really interesting to me. I thought, A.) Who doesn't sleepwalk through life, sometimes? and B.) What's her secret to living "intentionally?" Do tell, Melanie; I'm all ears.
• Whalehead Nation: Creating and Keeping an Environmental Ethic in Children by Scott Mercer (signed and dedicated copy) as someone who firmly believes that nature plays a huge role in my personal physical and mental health this is right up my alley. Plus, it gets better, the author writes mostly of NH, ME and MA.
• Amen, Amen, Amen: Memoir of a Girl Who Couldn't Stop Praying (Among Other Things) by Abby Sher- Is supposedly "a brave and exquisitely written account of obsessive-compulsive-disorder..." We shall see about that, won't we?
• Walking Wisdom: Three Generation, Two Dogs and the Search for a Happy Life by Gotham Chopra (yes, Deepak Chopra's son) Basically, a book about spirituality and how he (Gotham) draws on things taught to him by his amazing father, his own son, and (of course) man's best friend.
• The Trouble With Black Boys... and Other Reflections on Race, Equity and the Future of Public Education by Pedro Noguera. This isn't one of those guilty pleasure books but more of something that might help inform my one-thousand-page ramble of bullshit doctoral dissertation.
• America the Edible: A Hungry History from Sea to Dining Sea by Edible Richman Adam Richman- Isn't he just so clever with his title? This is a book about his travels and eats (yet another way for me to stalk this tasty morsel of a food-lovin' man!)
• Dissertation and Thesis from Start to Finish by John Cone & Sharon Foster- Blah, blah, blah.
• Citizen U.S.A by Alexandra Pelosi. I picked this up as an after thought because, well, if there's one thing I love more than Adam Richman, it's the red, white and blue. It outlines (via photos and personal stories) how amazing it is to be an American and what we take for granted on a daily basis. This book is phenomenal. I encourage you to view it on Amazon.com, which will allow you to "peek inside.

So, there they are, the 10 books I purchased-- 8 of which I'm actually looking forward to reading/using. I could always count this post as my Oui for tomorrow too because I paid $13.56 for all 10. Yep, under $15!

Top Ten Tuesday: Failbook

I love Facebook just as much as the next guy. Honestly, what other outlet on the world-wide-web allows you to anonymously creep on people you know (or don't know)? While I don't spend as much time on the social networking site as much of America does, I am creeping around frequently enough to get annoyed by many aspects of Facebook (some of which are the reasons I've been spending even less time on FB.)

10 things that force me to prematurely log off a visit to Facebook:

1. Shocking pictures that are so revealing you have to look away-- coupled by status updates that are so depressing you get up from your computer and wonder why... just why?

2. People who appear confused that "status update" translates to: update your status every second.

3. "Acquaintance friending"-- you briefly meet someone at a function and log on later to find they have friended you.

4. Farmville, Mafia wars, or any other game I have blocked from my profile.

5. Boring status updates that leave you wondering, "Why would you want to broadcast your life if that's all you have to say? I really don't care what you're having for dinner."

6. (To some of my dearest friends, please forgive me) Children as profile pictures. Now, if you're in the picture too, you and I are okay. Otherwise, whenever I encounter your profile, I always say in my head "that's not ____ that's his/her kid".

7. "Repost this in your status" stati. No thank you. Not going to do it.

8. Passive aggressive digs: I will admit it's one of the most painful ways to make a point but it's still immature. I've resisted (and I have a sharp tongue.) Everyone always misinterprets it and internalizes/personalizes it anyway- just fess up and deal with your beef, people.

9. Status games that the rest of the world isn't aware of (posting one word in your status that is intended to bring attention to a specific cause.) If you want to do something for a cause write a check or advocate for the cause. Really, explain to me how posting the color of your bra is going to raise awareness of breast cancer? You post the color and then what? Remember breast cancer exists? Or do you post the color and then run right to your check book and write a big fat check to fund researching a cure?

10. Facebook's sneaky ways of disclosing information about you to the rest of the world which forces you to check and recheck your privacy settings several times per week just to "make sure".

Now, these annoyances alone aren't enough to force me to close my fb account, as the spying outweighs the annoyance. I also understand that my blog's direct stream to facebook probably annoys the crap out of some of my friends... so, consider us even. I'm just sayin'. :)

Top Ten Tuesday: Ecoholism

I just bought a tiny little book called The Little Book of Living Green by Mark Hegarty. It's called "little" because it was made very small to conserve paper.

Below are 10 ways to decrease your carbon footprint. From time to time I'll post ways for you to improve your lifestyle while helping out our beautiful earth. You can call it tree-hugging, I'll call it environmental responsibility.

1. Use rechargeable batteries
2. Always remember, single use products are the spawn of the devil and intrinsically evil.
3. If you use tea kettles, only heat the water you need. Heating the extra water wastes a lot of energy.
4. Plant a tree to commemorate a birthday, special occasion or, just because. I plant about 5 per year and it doesn't even require any work. Simply go to http://www.aborday.org/ and, for a very small fee, they'll do it for you.
5. Noise pollution is a heavily underestimated form of environmental pollution that can put huge psychological pressures on local wildlife. Use caution when playing your radio or doing construction.
6. Always cut up six-pack holders; animals often become entangled in them.
7. Use reusable bags.
8. Sprinkle your used coffee grounds on anthills to get rid of the unwanted free loaders. Not only is this a form of composting, it's also a much better choice for extermination than the harsh chemicals that leak into our agriculture and water supply.
9. Shut your appliances off. Leaving a TV or computer on standby wastes resources.
10. If you have your heating system tuned up once per year you'll reduce your oil consumption by at least 10%.

I'll admit, I'm an ecoholic.

Top Ten Tuesday: Must See T.V.

I'm not one to sit on the couch and stare mindlessly at the television; I get too restless. That said, Aaron finally convinced me to allow a television into our bedroom. I've been pretty picky about it in the past because I, personally, don't think a television belongs in a place meant for sleeping. I must say, given my busy schedule, it has become more of a convenience rather than an inconvenience. I've been getting home so late that, by the time I sit on the couch, I doze off in the first 15 minutes of any given program and find myself sleeping through Aaron's feeble attempts to wake me prior to 2 AM. Now, I can slither between my sheets at 9:30 PM and if I doze off, convienently, I'm already in bed. Score me!

There are about 10 programs that I will turn to if they're on. (*note* I DO NOT schedule time to see these programs but, if I plunk my ass in front of the tube, these are the first shows I check for.)

1. Forensic Files: This is probably one of my favorites. I love forensic science.
2. Pawn Stars: This has become one of my favorites on the History Channel. I love the old man.
3. Antiques Roadshow: I could watch this (and only this) for the rest of my life!
4. Whale Wars: This show makes me angry on so many levels but, it did inspire me to buy a whale over the summer.
5. Survivor: Okay so, I lied, I DO schedule my life around this show. Aaron and I are obsessed!
6. Full Throttle Saloon: This is not a show I would normally watch but, there is something about it that appeals to me!
7. Glee: Although sometimes this show makes me an uncomfortable voyeur to inappropriate teacher/student relationships that lack healthy boundaries, it's a guilty pleasure!
8. Hardcore Pawn: This is Real T.V's equivalent to Pawn Stars; same idea as Pawn Stars but with added drama and subtracted historical education.
9. 1000 Ways to Die: I can't look away.

10. American Pickers: I love these guys. If you haven't seen it-- check it out!!

Top Ten Tuesday: Good reads in 2010

I love to read. I have *always* loved to read. Unfortunately, anyone who has been through college and grad school can attest that reading for pleasure happens very little when you're reading for knowledge. Since getting my masters in 2007, I've been devouring book after book. I will say I tend to prefer non-fiction over fiction but, I've developed a palate for fiction over the past year. In my professional life I have to read on a daily basis to keep up with techniques and the ever-changing field of science, psychology and education...so it's not a wonder that sometimes I just want to get lost between the pages of make-believe.

As the ball dropped and the calendar year turned to 2010, I promised myself I would read 12 books over the next 12 months; I surpassed that goal and read 17. While I don't consider 17 a great average as I'd like to read 52 in a year, I am still proud that I read as many as I did (given the little time I have to relax.) I have set my 2011 goal at 15. We shall see how that goes.

Below find a list of the 17 books I read and, of those 17, my 10 favorites.

1. Brooke & Keith Desserich: Notes Left Behind
2. Wally Lamb: The Hour I First Believed 
3. Maxime Valette: F My Life 
4. Jason F. Wright: The Wednesday Letters 
5. Richard Paul Evans: The Christmas Box 
6. Alyson Noel: Evermore 
7. Elizabeth Murray: Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard
8. Mark Haddon: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 
9. Kathryn Stockett: The Help 
10. Mary Beth Crain: Widow, a Chihuahua, and Harry Truman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Love Again 
11. Jean Kwok: Girl in Translation 
12. Robert Goolrick: The Reliable Wife
13. Elizabeth George-Speare: The Sign of the Beaver 
14. Stephanie Meyer: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Twilight Saga) 
15. Laura Munson: This Is Not The Story You Think It Is... A Season of Unlikely Happiness- A Memoir 
16. Elizabeth Strout: Amy & Isabelle 
17. Alice Sebold: The Lovely Bones

My Favorites:

1. Laura Munson: This Is Not The Story You Think It Is... A Season of Unlikely Happiness- A Memoir (Non-Fiction)

I would have to say this is probably the dark horse pick for one of my favorites. I picked this book up on one of our Barnes and Noble date nights. It's non-fiction about the author's marital struggles and what she did to save her marriage. It's not a genre that I would normally lean toward, nor did I find the topic something I could relate to at this point in my life (being happily married) but, the summary sucked me in.

After being married for several years, Laura Munson was shocked when her husband told her he didn't love her anymore. Her response? "I don't buy it". I found this to be an incredible book about one woman's journey to save her marriage and (re)discover herself. As cheesy and cliche as it sounds, I learned so much from this book; about life, marriage and being a woman.

2. Stephanie Meyer: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Twilight Saga) (Fiction)

Hello?! It's part of the Twilight Saga; I needn't say more.

3. Elizabeth George-Speare: The Sign of the Beaver (Fiction)

I pre-read this book for my Nephew because over the summer he developed an interest in the timeless theory of "Cowboys and Indians." I didn't expect this book to have such an amazing story. I'll admit, I cried at the end.

4. Jean Kwok: Girl in Translation (Fiction)

This is not a true story but while you're turning each page (rapidly) you feel as though it is. I suppose, to some extent, it's based on truth. This book follows a young Asian teen as she aspires to find the American dream while working in a sweatshop.

5. Kathryn Stockett: The Help (Fiction)

On the list this is by FAR AND WIDE my favorite book! If you choose to ready any book from this list, pick this one. The language is a little hard to adjust to given it's written from the prospective of southern black slaves during a very trying and violent time but, it's so worth the read. I loved, loved, loved this book.

6. Wally Lamb: The Hour I First Believed (Fiction but has actual facts and transcripts from Columbine)

Years ago I read one of Wally Lamb's most noted novels She's Come Undone and I loved the honesty of his writing. Fast forward to a few years later, (months ago) I ordered the above book as it was on clearance. The book sounded somewhat interesting, a fictional story, with accurate documentation of the Columbine tragedy. I loved this book. It was one of those books you didn't want to end.

7. Elizabeth Murray: Breaking Night: A Memoir of Forgiveness, Survival, and My Journey from Homeless to Harvard (Non-Fiction)

I had seen previews for this story as a Lifetime movie therefore, I had little interest in viewing it. In my book- club magazine I read the summary and decided to give it a try. I loved this book not only because it's non-fiction but also because it's a story of survival, perseverance and it accurately portrays a side of substance abuse and addiction that isn't often seen in the light it's presented in.

8. Brooke & Keith Desserich: Notes Left Behind (Non-Fiction)

This book is the diary of the last few months of a 6-year-old girl's life as told by her letters and her parent's journal entries. You'll need a box of tissues for this one. The bravery of this little girl and her family is unbelievable.

9. Mark Haddon: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (Fiction)

It's a murder-mystery of sorts but written from the perspective of a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with Autism. It's funny, sad, suspenseful, and accurate. I loved this book. It was a really easy read too.

10. Jason F. Wright: The Wednesday Letters (Fiction)

I picked this book for obvious reasons (title) and I have to say I wasn't disappointed. It's the story of two hardworking, long-and happily-married inn keepers who die in each other's arms. Their death forces home their three grown children including their youngest son, who has had several brushes with the law. As events unfold the children discover their family history (and secrets) through the Wednesday letters; notes their father wrote to their mother every Wednesday.

As 2011 is in full swing, I already have several books on my list the read. Stay tuned and watch the sidebar of this blog to see what I'm currently reading.

Top Ten Tuesday: Two-Thousand-Ten accomplishments

As we close out another year I look back and wonder, "where did 2010 go?" As we begin 2011, I must relish in accomplishments of 2010.

1. I became dually licensed. I know I've bragged about this one-million-times but, it's a really big deal and it was a TON of work to get to the point of signing LCMHC, MLADC. I never want to get "used to it" or take it for granted because I am so incredibly privileged to access the education it took to get the knowledge necessary for my credentials.

2. We saved money. Now, we didn't save a TON but, it's more than we had in 2009 (and I am even building up my retirement account- maybe I'll be able to retire around 2071...)

3. I finally convinced cheapskate Aaron to let us buy a new camera; he caved and let me get a Canon. It's not my Canon Rebel (which I WILL own before we go to Alaska) but it's not the P.O.S we were using in 2009.

4. We (Aaron) built our dream shed!

5. I finally made it to see The Lion King in NYC!

6. I told myself I would read 12 books in 2010; I read all 12 and then some. Guess which book I plan to read in 2011? I'll give you 43 guesses. That's right, sorry haters, he's my man. You know you're jealous. I'll let you borrow it when I'm done, LOL.

7. I finally caved and let Aaron buy a television for our bedroom (*GASP*! That's story for another blog)

8. I took a ton of time off from work-- approximately 45 days including sick, vacation, comp and holiday! For me, trust that this is a HUGE accomplishment!

9. I entered the ranks of the Red Cross "one gallon club." In 2010 I hit my one gallon mark. Many more gallons to go but, I have a great friend, Jenn, who is my "blood sister"-- now we go together :)

10. I scratched one of my major life goals off my bucket list. I became a 29-year-old college professor. On the last day of class I had a party and celebrated the end of the semester with my students and one student summed it up for me when he said, "You took a class full of students and made us a family. You taught us not only as a teacher teaches her students but, as a mother teaches her children. You loved us." That was the biggest compliment as I took this responsibility so seriously and my students inspired me. They helped me to fall in love with the field of psychology all over again; for that, I am forever grateful. And I'm not going to lie, every time I heard a student say "Professor Molloy" I beamed on the inside a little.

Top Ten Two-Thousand-Ten

For my last Top Ten Tuesday of this year, I'm going to post my ten favorite pictures from 2010 (if I can possibly narrow it!)

Even though my underwear is showing... this was SUCH a good day!

Steph and I go way back... WAY back (and she had Alex in her tummy!)

While the tree falling postponed Alaska (and babies), it totaled Aaron's Honda, damaged our siding and wrecked our yard, it was a blessing in disguise because it forced us to landscape and build a new shed. While the yard is still a work in progress, it's much more beautiful now.

Happy 88th!

Every year Aaron and I go back to the waterfall where he proposed to me.

This was a REALLY good day.

Welcome Baby Sarah!

Times Square (You don't know about this trip yet!)

Family picture with Shamus!

Top Ten Tuesday: November in Review

To catch up a little more quickly, today's Top Ten Tuesday will highlight several events that took place in November. The eleventh month was a pretty good month for the Molloy household-- I, for one, only worked 17 days out of a 30 day month; not too shabby!

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Veteran's Day was devoted to Boston. We spent a brisk fall day at the New England Aquarium, Quincy Market, went downtown to watch the Veteran's Day parade, and topped off a perfect day at The Cheesecake Factory!

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Later in the month, Hilary and I traveled to my old stomping grounds (Seacoast of NH area). After a nice breakfast with my dear friend, Amy, we did some "Christmas shopping" at Calef's and The Christmas Dove! We spent way too much money on things we really didn't need (we were supposed to be "Christmas shopping".) But, it was a great day with two of my favorite girls!

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The Monday before Thanksgiving is ALWAYS the annual "turkey run". To an outsider of my family this means it's the day I travel to Portland to meet my mom & sister to have lunch with Pepe. This is also when my mother gifts us a farm fresh turkey for Thanksgiving!

This was Sarah's first annual turkey run!

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For the "real" Turkey day, Aaron's family joined us for a feast! We all chipped in and made a few delectable dishes- AND we ate way too much; we almost ate Shamus too! Doesn't he look delicious?

Matt & I waited for the tryptophan to wear off before we dove into the desserts!

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 Lastly (but certainly not least) November wrapped up with a celebration for Bing's 6th Birthday! We love you!

So there you have it, the Reader's Digest version of an action packed month. Hopefully December won't slip away before I have time to properly document another amazing month!

Top Ten Tuesday: Our Fall Themed Wedding

With the first day of fall being just days away (y'all know I love fall!) below, please find the top ten pictures of the decorations at our fall themed wedding. I've been picky about posting wedding pictures in the past but, you know what? I'm going for it! As our one year anniversary approaches, I find myself getting sentimental (gasp) while remembering what an ABSOLUTELY perfect day it was! I wouldn't go back and change a thing with the exception of changing the guest list a bit.

Maple syrup favors: Aaron and I made the syrup at the farm earlier in the year.

Our "sons" not only had tuxedos (which had to be shipped in from overseas because I couldn't find any in America that I liked, LOL) but they also had a birch branch cage made especially for the day to keep them safe and cozy!

The carrot cake cupcakes were lovingly made by my "brothers" Matt & Nelson.

 Every part of the day was decorated exactly how I wanted it, down to the tables being named after hikes Aaron and I have taken together.

The end of the chair rows had cranberry mums and the ground was sprinkled with flower petals and pine cones. My Step-father collected bags and bags of pine cones for our day. This all led up to the heart shaped arbor under which Aaron and I stood to say our vows. Our good friend Jason even cut small saplings to plant beside the arbor.

My mother-in-law made the centerpiece for the cake table. Gorgeous!

Each place card was a plantable seed packet; you could plant the entire thing and grow flowers out of it. The tables were decorated with acorns (acorns have a special meaning to Aaron & I)

And what would my wedding be without cotton candy? Each guest was given cotton candy, made right at the reception to enjoy (much to the objection of our sticky caterers- bless their hearts.) 

Top Ten Tuesday: Good Reads

I have been boycotting technology lately. Well, just television. Also, I have drastically decreased the time I spend on the Internet (as evidenced by my lack of blog or facebook updates.)

What I have been doing (aside from working, traveling, teaching and spending time with my family) is reading. A lot. One of my New Year's resolutions was to read 12 books in 2010 (one per month.) I'm proud to say I've surpassed that goal already.

Below are 10 of the books I've read so far (at the end of the year I'll include a full list :)

1. Mark Haddon: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time 
2. Kathryn Stockett: The Help (Probably my favorite on this list)
3. Mary Beth Crain: A Widow, a Chihuahua, and Harry Truman: A Story of Love, Loss, and Love Again
4. Jean Kwok: Girl in Translation 
5. Robert Goolrick: The Reliable Wife (My least favorite on the list- I had a hard time getting through this one, I tell ya.)
6. Elizabeth George-Speare: The Sign of the Beaver 
7. Stephanie Meyer: The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner (Twilight Saga) 
8. Laura Munson: This Is Not The Story You Think It Is... A Season of Unlikely Happiness- A Memoir 
9. Elizabeth Strout: Amy & Isabelle
10. Alice Sebold: The Lovely Bones

Yesterday I stayed home from work. I was feeling under the weather and, although I could have gone in anyway, (which I *almost* did) I decided to be good to myself and stay home. One thing that made my day a little brighter was the box of books which arrived from Barnes & Noble; very exciting. I also have Friday off (and it's supposed to rain) so I can see myself curled up with one of these books enjoying the day to myself.

Top Ten Tuesday

I've really started to pay attention to my body lately. Not in a hyper-vigilant-am-I-unattractive type of way; more of a listen-to-what your-body-is telling-you-self-care-type-of-way. I need to be more carefree (don't read careless.) I hold myself hostage and I'm my own drill sargent-- daily. Dude, I need to relax.

Below are 10 things I began doing over the past 6 (or so) months to take care of me. I still have a long way to go, baby, but I'm working on it and I am already seeing the benefits.

**Editorial comment: I am what I am; I know that. I will never be completely unstructured or "laid-back"-- I'm not built like that. BUT, I can stop trying to control every small detail of every little thing. I need to let go while still being the Jessi I know and love (Detail-oriented or not, I do like who I am).

1. I just started seeing a chiropractor. I am seeing him 2X per week (until he gets me adjusted.) Let me just say: WHAT A DIFFERENCE- mentally and physically!)

2. It seems, somewhere over the past 4 months, I have become a regular the the nail salon getting pedicures. I would occasionally get them here or there but, I love the look of pretty toes and it's a fairly inexpensive way to treat myself to something nice every three-or-so weeks. (Plus, I never have to paint them, cut them, or maintain them in any way.)

3. I am making a concerted effort to break up my day by taking the boys for a LONG walk in the morning, walking or going outside during a break at work, and then walking again when I get home. It helps me to decompress.

4. I, Jessica Molloy, no longer text and drive. I stopped doing it at the beginning of the year (it was one of my New Year's resolutions.)

5. I am now an official American Red Cross volunteer. Friday July 2nd was my first "shift" I did registration for 5 hours and didn't get paid a penny. It felt great!

6. I started taking more time off from work (!!!!!) I have to let go at some point and it feels so good to just spontaneously take a day or two here and there. Granted, I still have to force myself to leave at night (work-a-holic) but I have been SO MUCH better lately and I even request time off!

7. I decided to take a Zumba class. I need to get more exercise so, in order to do that, I have to trick myself into thinking it's not really exercise.

8. Aaron and I acquired Rosetta Stone in Spanish and hope to learn another language together and use it on an upcoming vacation. I saw a picture of Baja (Mexico area) in a magazine the other day and now I want to go somewhere similar (I do dream of going to the Alamo- so maybe San Antonio?)

9. I fired my television. Yes we still have cable but, I watch less than 2 hours of boob-tube per week.

10. I am taking everything a little less seriously. (Okay, who are we kidding, I know I am a pretty serious person  BUT, I am learning to let more and more slide. Let there is be a dirty fork in the sink when I go to work (gasp) let the laundry pile up for 3 days instead of doing it every other day, let the weeds grow in the garden, go a week without vacuuming my car- who cares?) Now, this isn't all the time, I am still anal but I'm letting go a bit more than I used to- Give me some credit- I'm living on the edge with that dirty fork in the sink!

And I feel SO much better!