Birthday Dinner

We had my birthday dinner (it's not till Monday) at Steve's parents house tonight. It was a miracle because Steve managed to snap a good picture of me and Cooper. Notice the chocolate cake next to us? His mom asked me earlier today if I wanted chocolate or white icing on the choc cake, well her chocolate icing is awesome! So I couldn't resist the chocolate overload. I also taught Cooper how to sing the birthday song, Steve didn't get the record button pushed in time but this is what he did get. Sorry if you get tired of videos, I just learned how to post them and I can't help myself.

Yes, I am Jami Leigh Lee

So my dear friend Rachel asked me if I really was Jami Leigh Lee... and the answer is yes! My given name is Jami Leigh Upton. It was a running joke when I met Steve that I couldn't marry him because my name would be Jami Leigh Lee. Well, 6 years later guess what happened, we got married. I know some, if not most, people would kept their maiden name as a middle name but to be polite, I'm just not attached and have no sentimental value to my maiden name. Especially after some recent circumstances. I apologize to any family members who read this, but I am sure you understand as well. I thought I could get by with Jami L Lee, which is pretty much what everything says with the exception of my social security card. So legally I am Jami Leigh Lee. It makes for interesting conversations on the first day of a new job when you go to show your card.

Thank You's

Somehow in this world we call blogging an idea came about that those of us that read one anothers blogs should make a post on the same day about the same topic. You can blame Jaime Mac and Alicia on that one. I also know that Gretchen and Tracey should be doing the same, so you can read theirs as well. Today's topic: Thank You Notes!

I'm going to preface this blog post by saying I know I am totally guilty on occasions of not sending a thank you note when they deem appropriate, so if you happen to be the recipient of a non thank you note, I'm sorry!

I agree with Jaime that there are three major occasions where a thank you note should be mandatory; bridal showers, weddings, and baby showers. I can remember stressing out after opening wedding gifts that we had one without a card and I was embarrassed because someone wouldn't be receiving a thank you card from us. I also believe in proper thank you card etiquette. For one they should be done in a timely manner; for showers one to two weeks and although I have heard you get up to a year on wedding gifts, in my opinion this should take no longer than a few months. I also read on Jaime's blog where one reader was a maid of honor and it was her job to help the bride write her thank you card and was responsible for getting them out on time. I totally disagree!!! The gift was for the bride & groom, they are the ones responsible. I also believe they should be handwritten, but that's just me.

Here is where it gets tricky, after the baby is born. This is where I do cut some slack. Things can get overwhelming and sometimes it is easy to forget who brought what and when and let's face it, you are just plain dog tired to remember. After having Cooper I am careful to only bring a gift to the hospital if I know I'm not going to see this person for a while. It's too easy to forget as the mom.

Other times I believe a thank you card is important are high school/college graduation gifts and interviews. I was taught never to do an interview and not send a thank you note.

Kid's birthdays are another that is up in the air for me. I'm a stay at home mom so after Cooper's party I had plenty of time do this. I don't get offended if I don't receive one, sometimes we just don't have time. We also had a small immediate family only party, so it was pretty easy to remember and get them out.

Finally... when someone does something nice and unexpected for you, a simply thank you is good enough for me. But it is extra special to get a thank you note, it's nice to know you made a difference in that person's day.

All this being said- I don't get offended at all if I don't receive one. I think it's the proper thing to do and it's what I was taught, but more often than not if I receive one I read and it gets thrown away. Our world has almost become too politically correct and it's a little odd writing a thank you note to your third cousin, I mean what do you say? Thank you for the kitchen towels and for coming to the wedding. Sorry we didn't get a chance to talk, but then again maybe we did, we haven't seen one another since we were three so I can't really remember what you look like.

Anyway, it is the proper thing to do do and it is a little disrespectful if you don't even attempt one, but I probably won't miss it if I don't receive one either.

Cooper's Singing Debut

Cooper was a singing sensation tonight. We captured the abc song, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and Jesus Loves Me.

Crafts

This was Cooper's craft from church today.
Apparently it was supposed to be decorated with fruit loops, graham crackers, and pretzels. Well, those never made it to the paper, they made it to his belly, but not the paper. The ladies from his classroom apologized for him eating such a big snack. Amazingly he still ate his lunch as well.

Friday Night

Since we were unsure of what Saturday would bring, we took advantage of the dry weather Friday night and finished up the landscaping. Really Steve finished it up while I supervised plus someone needed to take care of the two year old. I had taken Cooper inside for a second and we came back and had a surprise visitor, the famous Uncle Scott was here. He took care of wearing him out for the next half hour or so. They like to get in Scott's car and pretend they are driving. Anytime we see a black SUV he points out Uncle Scott's car to me.

I'm gonna pray the next 14 years go by very slowly, I'm not quite ready for this sight.

Tent Fun

Steve broke out the tent this morning. We use it for about 2 weeks before I get tired of it in my way and I put it back up. Each time it comes out Cooper loves it. Check out the Batman shirt and Mickey socks he is rocking!