Fierce

My parents own their own engineering company and recently met with a representative from a big chain store who wanted their business. Anyway, as a parting gift, he gave my parents several knick knacks with their logo, including a selfie stick with a built-in button on the handle. After receiving it, my mom asked if I wanted it (umm, yeah! The one Brandon gifted me last year broke :/) and we finally tried it out for the first time last week.

Jackson took all these pictures by himself and they seriously crack me up -- that is a look of concentration if ever I saw one! I can't wait to dig out these "fierce" pictures when Jackson is 16 :)

New Year & New Resolutions

Happy New Year, Friends and Family!

I hope everyone's 2016 has gotten off to a healthier start than ours has...

Early Wednesday morning, I woke up with a gunky throat and immediately panicked -- I have contracted bronchitis AT LEAST once every year since my senior year of high school, and I miraculously hadn't had it at all in 2015... and with Brandon's and my big anniversary trip this week, I could not afford to be getting it.

Long story short, I took some Mucinex, called Cassie (our sweet babysitter), slept a bunch, and tried to warm my chilled and achy self the entire day... and guess what? It worked! I felt one-million times better Thursday morning!

But then Jax ended up getting sick Friday evening and had a worse cough/fever than I did... anyway, it is now Saturday and he seems to be fine (minus a little cough here and there), so please keep your fingers crossed that he stays that way while my parents watch him!

Here are a few random pictures from our NYE/day:

This is actually from Wednesday when I was sick... Cassie took it and sent it to me when I was dying in bed :P

Also from Wednesday... I wonder how he ended up catching what I had? #momfail

I wasn't able to get Jax out of the house at all on Wednesday, so Brandon took him to Kohls and to dinner Wednesday night while I laid in bed and tried to work.

FINALLY! A Thursday photo -- such a mess but he had a blast!

NYE meal at the OG with my two favorite people!

My aunt gave me this sweater for Christmas and it's basically the cutest thing ever.

When the new year hit, we were already lights out (though we did stand next to the window so Jax could watch all of the illegal fireworks being shot off around the neighborhood).

Did you make a resolution this year?

I typically don't (because I usually break them in record time), but this year I decided to choose a word to live by... so my word for the year is....

*drum roll*

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JOY

As some of you may know, Joy is my middle name (literally) and it's always been one of my favorite words, so I decided to make it my 2016 mantra by living and spreading it!

How will I live joy? I am going to try to do more little things for myself that make me happy, like reading (since getting my OIYS job back in April, I haven't read a book :/), drinking tea before I go to bed, and getting my hair shampooed whenever I go in to get it cut... just little things like that that boost my mood.

How will I spread joy? I want to surprise my husband and son more often, give money to strangers, and do kind things for family and friends every chance I get. 

I am really looking forward to 2016 and look forward to sharing it with you, dear reader! Here's to another wonderful year! Oh, and blogging gives me joy, so you will be hearing a lot more from me this year (ready or not).

The Band-Aid Trick

I'm baaaaaaaaaaaaaack!!!

Did you miss me? Or did you find that the silence was golden?

Don't answer that.

I apologize for my absence last week... I had every intention of getting back into the swing of things, but life (once again) got in the way. After returning home from our Disney trip almost 2 week ago, I have not only been playing catch up with my OIYS and MammaTech writing, but I've also been trying to get ahead before leaving for Vegas on Wednesday. These are crazy and busy times, but I wouldn't change them for the world.

One of the biggest things that happened last week (that also prevented me from blogging) is that my little baby boy is finally weaned/sleeping through the night... Can you believe it?! It ONLY took 21 months. Actually, if I'm being completely honest, I've dreaded weaning for a long, long time -- I absolutely loved that closeness with Jax and liked being able to comfort him by doing such a seemingly simple gesture. But with Jackson's overnight stays with Grammy & Grandpa coming in the next week/few months, it was time.

For those who might not know, Jackson used to ONLY fall asleep while nursing -- and half the time he'd sleep most of the night in bed with us. I was petrified to wean him, and saw nothing but misery in his, Brandon's, and my immediate futures. But alas, I knew that it needed to be done... but how?

After consulting my good friend, the internet, I discovered lots of helpful (and not-so-helpful) advice on how to wean and encourage self-weaning.

The first tip? Rub on a little lemon juice just before nursing your toddler.

GENIUS, right?!

Nope... not for my son, apparently. We tried it a few times before our Houston trip, but he apparently decided he could look past it.

Next was a concoction of orange juice, lemon, and salt.

Didn't even phase him.

Vinegar?

Nah.

By this point, I was feeling so discouraged and was beginning to accept the fact that he'd probably nurse until he was in high school when an idea popped into my head...

TAPE!

After consulting Google for "tape nipple weaning" (don't really Google this, btw), I found a thread in which a mom said she used Band-Aids and told her daughter she had "ouchies" anytime she asked to nurse.

Since the vinegar and lemon didn't work, I didn't have too much hope for the Band-Aids, but figured we'd give it a go.

The last time I nursed Jackson was as he feel asleep on Thursday, October 1st. Luckily (and unusually), he didn't wake up until 6am, at which point I told him I had "owies" and couldn't nurse him. After several attempts at nursing through the Band-Aids (and lots of tears from both him and me), he finally succumbed to the fact that it just wasn't going to happen and cuddled on the couch with me while watching early morning PBS cartoons.

From that point on, it kept getting better. I had a pretty big meltdown that Friday afternoon, but after cuddling and napping with my little brown eyed, blonde hair boy, I felt much better.

Jackson is now sleeping the ENTIRE night on his own and wakes up bright and early each morning with a big smile on his face. It's amazing just how much his sleep habits and appetite have changed since he stopped nursing, so I know that this was the best thing for him (though I'd be lying if I said I wasn't still a little sad about it...)! The only big downside? He won't nap unless he's in his stroller or car seat. Oh well... baby steps, right?

As for me, I hurt a bit (from being engorged) the first few days, but didn't have any clogged ducts/mastitis/anything else along those lines. I feel very blessed to have had such a smooth transition from nursing!

~~~

In Other News...

On Saturday, Jackson and I spent the whole day outside helping Brandon dig the trenches for our new sprinkler system and I. Still. Hurt. I never realized what a good workout shoveling is, but I can definitely vouch for it -- I'm feeling muscles I never knew existed in my arms, back, and legs. Brandon spent his entire 3-day weekend fixing the outside hose, prepping the yard, digging, and organizing, so I can only imagine how badly he's hurting...

I was able to have a fondue date with one of my best girlfriends last Monday and it was just what I needed!! We laughed, talked, drank wine, and ate our weight in fabulous meats, cheeses, and chocolate. Yum!

I was FINALLY able to get Jackson's hair cut on Friday! If there's one thing in this world that this kid absolutely hates, it's getting his hair cut. We had a bit of a rough start, but he definitely calmed down toward the end and enjoyed watching "Lion King" while eating his animal crackers. I also took him out for ice cream after, which always makes things better :)

Jackson is such a little ham these days and, unprompted, will smile and say "EEE!" (cheese) whenever I get my phone out. Love him!!

On Thursday, Jax and I went to a pumpkin patch with our mom's group from church and had the best time! God brings people in your life for certain reasons and He knew that I needed a group of strong, fun, and faithful women to journey through motherhood with. I'm not going to lie -- 2014 wasn't the greatest year for me because I felt really lonely without any nearby girl/mom friends. Things have done a complete 180 and I feel so blessed to call these women my friends and to see Jackson forming bonds with their kids. God is good!

Are you still reading this?! Okay, you're officially my new favorite person! I'm going to wrap this up, but will see you again Wednesday when I share Disney pictures (lucky, lucky you :) 

Big Announcements, Big Trips, and Big Blog Post

My blog game has been super weak lately...

..I'm always telling myself I need to log in and just write a quick update, but then something happens that takes up all my time and energy... ugh! Anyway, I figured that since the Jackster is asleep, I would write a quick catch up post of everything happening -- hopefully I'll be back to a more consistent posting schedule (whatever that means!) by the end of the month.

One of the big things happening right now is the launch of MammaTech, a fun technology/parenting website that I am proud to be part of! A little background of how I became involved: A few months ago, a good friend of ours contacted me and asked if I would be interested in doing a little writing/video blogging/editing for a website he was working on -- I agreed, not realizing the magnitude of this website and its parent company, PCMech. Long story short, I was fortunate enough to actually have a hand in launching the site with Timo and Tyler, and am looking forward to watching it grow over the next few months! It's still in its starting phase (press releases/promotions are coming in the next month), but we would love to have you follow along! I plan to post links to my new posts on Annie One Can Cook, so stay tuned! In the meantime, you should probably go follow MT on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Nana (Brandon's mom) came to visit a few weeks ago and we had such a fun time visiting, touring Denver, and overeating! I've been meaning to write about her time here for awhile now and am hoping to get some time to do it later this week -- stay tuned! 

Our big trip to Disney is coming and I am pleased to report that the darling Thumper outfit we purchased Jax months ago fits PERFECTLY!!! We have been watching a lot of Disney movies in preparation for the big vacation and I cannot wait to share one of my favorite things in the whole entire world with our son! Eek! I'm sure I'll be posting lots and lots of pictures, so make sure to follow along on Instagram. 

Vegas in T-minus one month!!! 

I am on the anchor team for this year's mom's group at our church and am so excited for our first meeting this week! God has brought so many amazing women into my life through this program and I cannot wait to see His plans for us in the coming year. I am also excited to see Jackson making some new friends through this group -- we have a play day at the park with one of the little boys on Wednesday. 

Don't ask me what triggered it, but as of today I am in full blown Christmas mode! I absolutely adore Christmas and long for it all year around, but this year I have been able to take a step back and actually enjoy each season as it comes (maybe it's because I'm a mom and hate seeing the time go by so quickly?). Anyway, I started doing a little gift shopping this morning and plan to do more tomorrow with my brother. 

I have made this stupidly simple apple cobbler twice in the last week and can't get enough -- it's so delish with a scoop a sea salt caramel ice cream on top! 

~Well, I think I have pretty much caught you up on everything happening in our lives! Like I said earlier, I hope to post a little more this week, but wanted to at least stop by once to say hi. Have a great week!~

Life Randoms

I haven't done a rambling post in awhile now, so I figured I would do one today and fill everyone in on our happenings (and to have it recorded for me, since I do plan to one day have my posts turned into a scrapbook)!

~We are T-Minus 2 MONTHS until we head to Disney World! Brandon and I haven't been back since we got engaged and can't wait to take Jackson for his first time (his Grammy, Grandpa, & Uncle Joe are coming too). It was also confirmed yesterday that my awesome, awesome bosses are sending all of their writers/our significant others to Vegas in October for a fun weekend (CAN'T WAIT). It's been a great year for vacations -- and 2016 should be too, as Brandon and I will be kicking off the year on a beach in Mexico for our anniversary! 

~I am kind of obsessed with my new "Love is Patient; Love is Kind" shirt from Pinks in Denver. This shirt is so stinking soft and the verse holds a special place in my heart (it was read at our wedding). 

~Jackson = the King of Selfies.

~We're pretty much IN LOVE with Cassie (Jax's Monday afternoon babysitter) -- he just adores her and I love the fact that he's in good hands while I write for 3 hours straight.

~Jackson's "big boy room" is just about finished and I am dying to share pictures!! Hopefully next week I'll have them taken and posted :)

~Family park days are fun -- even when you decide to walk the mile each way in scorching hot temps! 

~My cousins from Kansas were in Colorado last week and we had such a fun time seeing them at my parents, eating lots of food, and playing lots of cards.

~I don't have a picture, BUT.. Brandon and I were volunteered to Chalet dance at my hometown Heritage Festival last weekend -- we weren't sure what to expect, but we both had a lot of fun and got  in an AWESOME workout!

Have you had enough randomness for one day? Me too. Have a great Tuesday!

The Five Stages of Getting a New Job

A few weeks ago, I got a new job.

Finding a job I could do at home with Jax (in addition to my marketing) is something I prayed about, searched high and low, and constantly scoured for on Craigslist.

I finally found it.

I'm currently writing daily entertainment articles for a national site and couldn't be happier -- my bosses/co-workers are awesome, the work itself is a blast, I get to keep working while staying home with my little tyke, AND I'm learning a ton about my home state! It's a win/win/win/win.

Anyway, from the time I was offered the job to the time I started writing/setting up posts, I experienced 5 all too familiar feelings. I've worked several different industries in my 25 years (retail, hospitality, journalism, and food to name a few) and have felt these varying emotions every single time -- and this time around, it finally occurred to me what was happening.

You know how there's the 5 stages of grief? Well there's also the 5 stages of getting a new job. Don't believe me? Read on..

Ladies and gentlemen: I present to you the Annie Sandmeier Model (or the 5 Stages of Getting a New Job).

1.) Shock - One of the first reactions is shock, wherein the applicant cannot believe they were the (supposed) most qualified candidate out of all the (assumed) people who applied.

2.) Excitement - When the applicant recognizes that they did indeed get the job and that shock cannot continue, it becomes excited, possibly a little cocky. Certain psychological responses of a person undergoing this phase would be: "Eff yeah! I got the freaking job!"; "Hey *insert significant other's name here*, I got the job so you need to take me out and give me a back rub to celebrate!"; "I need to go out and spend all the money on new work clothes (which, in my case would be yoga pants and pajamas, since I work from home)!" 

3.) Pure, Unadulterated Panic - The third phase involves recipient realizing that the cockiness may have been a bit premature. Usually, the job recipient is given a swift kick in the ego and begins to negotiate with a higher power in exchange for a reformed lifestyle: "Hi God; it's Annie again.. I'm sorry I got so ahead of myself with this new job.. Again.. I pray that this first week goes smoothly and that I can quickly learn everything I need to do.. If it does, I promise to limit my Netflix binging. Amen."

4.) Self Doubt - "I can't do this job! Why did I think I could handle this?!" "Why did I apply for a writing job.. I can't even write!" 

5.) Acceptance - "Okay, okay.. so maybe I CAN do this." "You got this, girl! Just remember to breathe." In this last stage, individuals embrace the new job, figure out their new schedule, and overall just get their shi stuff together. 

I think that the hardest part for me was getting used to the writing, deadlines, etc., but once I found a good balance and made myself a little schedule, I realized that everything would be just fine! I try to do most of my work either very early in the morning (before Jackson is awake) or wait to do it after dinner (when Brandon is home and can watch him for a bit). I'm loving my new job and feel extremely blessed to be doing what I'm doing from home! 

Just another afternoon at the office.

If you're interested in following my posts, the address is http://www.onlyinyourstate.com/category/colorado/ (or you can just click on the "OIYS" tab at the top of this page). 

Random Crap I Found at My Parents

The title pretty much sums up what this post is all about but I figured I'd still give a bit of a back story: My mom wants to redo my room at their house and asked me to go through all my things and decide what to keep, donate, and toss. Anyway, 3 years later (See mom, I told you I'd do it!) and I'm finally starting to go through everything!

One of the first things I found/went through was my beautiful treasure box -- the place where I kept all things near and dear to my heart.

Wanna peek inside?

Ornament hooks, the head of a candy goose, a band-aid wrapper, and my Sam's Cookie Club card were among my most prized possessions. 

"To: Anabel Wernsman -- You're a good reader!" I'm glad I saved this heartfelt Valentine from a girl in my 3rd grade class (and for the record, I am a pretty good reader...)!  

Mom and me.. this makes sense and makes up for every other weird thing in the box.

The previous redeeming photo was just overturned by this autographed Adam Sandler picture that I obviously printed at home (seriously; what?!). 

Doesn't everyone save random, un-sharpened pencils? 

Why? 

A punchless punch card.. again, why? (I didn't even own anything from Limited Too because it was too expensive!) 

I have always been a gifted writer.
Screenplay for "Gypsies"
"The Jinken family was very poor. The mother and father were very drunk." 

Going through my treasure box was quite the walk down memory lane and brought a pretty big smile to both my face and heart. As sentimental as I am, I decided to go ahead and part with the candy goose head, kid's membership cards, and pencils, but kept my screenplays and pictures. 

Also, this wasn't in my treasure box but is still worth sharing:

The seat covers from my first car (a rusted 1994 Ford Explorer) -- I was way too cool for school. 

Please tell me that I'm not the only one who collected weird things as a child? What are some of the funny/cute/random things you've found at your parents? 

Happy Cinco de Mayo (& a Quick Update)!

From the Sandmeier family to you and yours, Happy Cinco de Mayo! We had a wonderful time celebrating and exploring the Mexican culture on Saturday in Civic Center Park -- Jackson especially loved all the fun music and colorful outfits! Today we will celebrate by making my signature Cinco de Mayo dish and maybe having a beer or two.. we shall see. 

As some of you may know, I recently started my NEW JOB and couldn't be more excited about it -- I'm the Colorado writer for an entertainment site and feel incredibly blessed to be doing what I love from home. With that being said, I'm still trying to get into the groove of balancing this new job with my current marketing job and my other two jobs (full-time mamma and wife), so I may be quiet around these parts for the next few days.. but never fear! I'll be back next week with lots of fun posts, pictures, and updates!

Have a great week! 

Spring is Sprung

On Wednesday night, Brandon, Jackson, a friend from Kansas, and I attended our first Rockies baseball game of the season!

You know what that means..

Spring has arrived! 

The weather in these parts has been absolutely glorious and we really couldn't have asked for better baseball weather on Wednesday evening. While I'm more partial to the fall, I must admit that spring has been pretty good to us thus far! 

Speaking of spring, I have declared that spring is coconut season (fall is pumpkin, winter is peppermint). I've been enjoying coconut creamer in my coffee every morning, have been burning a coconut candle, and have been lathering my hands with a yummy coconut lotion.. it really is a refreshing scent/taste! 

In other non-spring related news, Jax is actually beginning to ear strawberries and other fruits.. this is a big deal people (he ate TWO strawberries yesterday with his veggie burger and cheese)!! 

That's about it around here-- have a great weekend!!