{This is me}
My name is Gretchen ... middle name Rose, I was named after my wonderful Grammy Rose and always thought I would stick with the flower theme and name my first daughter Chrysanthemum Louise. Lucky for Miss Jemma, I decided to scrap the flower theme ... for now. I grew up in Washington State (that's right, not D.C.) and it still feels like home.
{Enter Prince Charming}
While attending school in Portland I ran across a pretty neat guy named Dominic (yes, he is Italian). We dated from November 2006 to May 2007 when he popped the question near the Portland waterfront. I said "yes", but only after telling him I thought he was joking and insisting he get up off his knee and stop embarrassing me. Tears followed when I realized he really wanted me to marry him. We were married that August. Yep, only 10 months from first date to "I do" ... when you know, you know. Seriously, how does a girl get so crazy lucky?
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{Note to self ... remember your lucky life}
My lucky life shouldn't be credited to luck, rather Jesus Christ. Without Him I would be a lot less lucky. My family and in-laws also play into the luck factor of my life. I couldn't ask for better parents or sisters and Dominic's family sure takes the cake when it comes to in-laws. Blessed is a better way to describe it all. I'm a blessed woman and I thank the Lord for it everyday.
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{Speaking of thanks}
On a more casual note, I adore the following things in no particular order ... peppermint, brownies, better yet - peppermint brownies, bath tubs, vacations, blogging, thrifting, going to the movies, boots, eating out, sewing, pepperoni/olive/cashew pizza, and most of all ... MY TWO SWEET CHILDREN!
{My little munchkins}
Jemma was born October 2, 2010 - she is the light of my life, the end of my wits, and the best thing that every happened to me! You can read her birth story here and catch her sweet smile, well, all over my blog :) In December 2011 we found out our family of 3 would be growing to a family of 4! On August 9, 2012, my 10-pounder Max was born at home. He is a chipper little man and he and Jemma are the epitome of sibling love.
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{Just cause you're wondering}
Yes, we work too, but that isn't near as fun as all of this family stuff, is it? Really though, Dominic works in sales for a building product company; he also owns a financial coaching business called Financial Foundations. In my pre-SAHM days I worked at a college, but shortly before Jemma's 1st birthday I became a stay-at-home mama; the job I always dreamed of! Since being at home full-time I have slowly started taking on some freelance writing gigs - right now, you can find me every week over at Baby Gizmo. I so enjoy having a little something to call my own between the loads of laundry.
Since work usually relates to income it is worth mentioning that we're making our way through Dave Ramsey's Baby Steps. We hit one of our biggest goals - debt freedom - in April 2011! Now we are settling into a new home, saving for retirement, and giving more to others through our time and resources. I can't thank my hubby enough for getting us on a plan that works ... money fights are not a part of our marriage thanks to his leadership with our finances. Love and appreciate you, babe ...even though you convinced me to cut up my Macy's, Nordstrom, and Gap credit cards :)
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{All that to say}
Jump in to our life and say a little prayer about all that is coming our way. Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment or two (you can check out some of my favorite post on the "Best of" page)- I love hearing from my online friends and checking out your corner of the world too!
