Kelly Staffin is a tumblelog.

Christmas Letter

As I sit down to finally write out the Christmas newsletter, I find that I’m torn on actually even sending out Christmas cards. I know that they will arrive late but at least they will get there eventually.

So what a year it has been. Emmett is now 13 months old and Samantha is 7 already! Where does the time fly to? We’ve had a great year watching the kids grow and do so much! We also got to spend a wonderful Spring break at Disney World.

This year, Kelly has been nicknamed Crash yet again. She rear-ended a semi while looking in her blind spot while traffic suddenly stopped. She broke her ankle playing volleyball in the sand. A big rock flew and did quite a number on the roof of the car and she hit a deer! We really hope that insurance company doesn’t give us the boot.

Jason spent 7 years at Core BTS and decided that he would move on this fall. He now works for Netech starting out the Milwaukee office as a Senior Systems Engineer. The brothers travel in pairs we see, since they both decided to take the next step in their careers there.

Samantha is taking horse riding lessons and doing a fabulous job. We are told English riding is best to learn first and she really enjoys it. Recently the horse barn where she rides burnt down. We are sponsoring one of the horse she loves, Hershey, until they can get rebuilt by this next spring. She is also in 1st grade and doing very well.

Emmett is quite the fast little man. He rolled over at 4 months and started crawling at 6 months. He began walking around 11 months and now is running around kicking balls (which are his favorite toys). He loves books too.

Have a Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Year!

Love,
Jason, Kelly, Samantha & Emmett

Sleep

Shutting off a manic mind is like telling a baby to be quite. I lay here craving some sleep but after being woke up its hard not to be distracted by the mind. That and now a head banging moaning baby. And the feel of a Yogi dog running in his sleep with his feet against mine. And the owls and night birds making their music. Sleep, where art thou ?

Remembering

One of the sweetest people I have known passed away today. She was caring and generous and always had a smile to give.  Missing everything about her already and crying like a baby as I write this. It was a blessing to have such a wonderful Grandma in our lives.

Every hug should be cherished and memory always in our hearts. 

I think back to when my Grandpa passed away and can’t stop bawling over how much I still miss every little thing.  All the memories of Grandma Sweetie are already rushing in. As the fall colors leaves fly in the wind, I pray that in heaven she is at peace.

The ins and outs

Writing. When you are down and out writing is not easy by any means.  Neither is working, whether that be on doing laudry or going to work.  The world seems impossible. Going through the motions without joy is exhausting.

Joy. I just want joy in everything I do. Sometimes that is very hard at work, but it is possible to make it better when you have joy in your life. Being depressed isn’t a choice so snap out of it isn’t something one can do. It’s a reality not a selection.  Joy feels like balance is your eyes.

Balance. Craving balance is what I do when I’m down. But in manic mode, balance isn’t necessary because everything seems wonderful. Ideas are abundant and starting something you crave to do is easy. It’s the finishing that is the challenge after the crash.

Crashing. So the cycle goes in most cases. Depressed, balanced and then manic. From there it is slow crash in some cases from manic to slightly balanced followed by a deep depression. I hate the crash and I even tell people that it’s happening but it feels like nothing can stop it, there is no hope.

Hope. Balanced state gives me hope that maybe just maybe I won’t go too manic or get too depressed.  But it’s reality that crushes my hope which can lead to even more of a crash.

So as I stand now. I am nervous. New tasks make me dread things that I probably should look at as a challenge. If I were manic, then I would try to think 10 steps ahead and not at the path I need to go. If depressed, then I would feel like hiding and hope that something would bring me up so I could do the work.

Life is good. It is more of a challenge for me to see that than for others but I’m blessed to get that chance. I know others struggles are worse than mine. The depression doesn’t let me believe that sometimes. I just want to stop and look at the autumn colors and get familty pictures and as many photos as I can. Those help me remember. My memory fails me a lot, so every little bit helps. 

This may be rambling but it is the way my mind is working so I digress. And I write this as I look forward to the weekend with hope and crave joy. Praying for balance and not crashing. I also write this for others to help give me hope and joy.  Love, Kelly

So it’s been awhile

So it’s been awhile, it’s been a struggle and a challenge.  I went the route of treatments besides the meds.  First of all, I hate IVs but they are necessary.  Really that is the worst part about it for me and having to get up at 3am.  Minor headaches and one sided treatment means very little memory loss.  I like the option of monthly maintenance.  It’s been a good fit so far.

Here is the kicker, right now we are in limbo waiting for insurance information.  My husband changed jobs, which has been good for him but gives me a headache.  I am skipping and canceling appointments and hoping everyday we get insurance cards.  Now we have a deductible we didn’t before.  I’m expensive I get that, but at least I’m alive and semi well.

Here are just a few of My Favorite Things

I’ve found in very beneficial to provide some tips and shops for local businesses and party options.

- J & K Bowtique
Her bows, hats, tutus and other accessories are so cute!  She is located in West Bend and will be at the Just Between Friends sales.  Check out her stuff at http://jkbowtique.com and I’ll post a picture of some bows Sammy has from her.

- Paparazzi
This is the new and upcoming Jewelry show option.  All items are nickle free and only $5.  Who couldn’t use a necklace or accessory for $5!  Going to have a party at the Merle Norman store as one of the Ladies Nights Out followed by a movie.  http://girlsnightout8.tumblr.com and there will be a Facebook / email invite sent out

- Arbonne
I’m loving the Diaper Cream, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Wash and Lotion!  It’s paraben free and so much more.   Message me for a consultant recommendation.

-Wildtree
All natural gourmet culinary blends, infused Grapeseed oils, dressings and sauces are sold through home Tasting parties.  Good beer bread and liked the tortilla soup and other products too.  I can’t wait to try more things at an upcoming party that my old neighbor will be having at my house.   

- 31 
Love their bags.  Having combined party sometime in February with Wildtree & Usbourne books too 

- Miche
Love the idea and am excited to be budgeting to get a new purse soon!  Party in February also!

- Usbourne Books
Awesome children’s books!
Message me for a consultant recommendation 

- Lia Sophia
Message me for a consultant recommendation  

 - Avon
My Aunt Carol sells and she is having an open house with other vendors and such on Feb 25th. Message me for details and they will be posted shortly.

-Pampered Chef
My sister in law is having a party soon. Let me know if you want to come as my friend or book a party!

As I get each one of the consultants permission, I will post their information here for direct access.  Let me know if you have any suggestions to add.

As for more of my favorite things.  
I’m loving the Revolution show on channel 12, check it out if you like the makeover like show.  I would love to be on it for a weight loss jump start!
Also here are some more of my fav tv shows lately:
-Last Man Standing
-Weeds
-Dexter
-Californication
-Shameless
-Other new Showtime show with guy from Crash
-Alcatraz <still feeling this one out>
-Desperate Housewives
-Grey’s Anatomy
-Private Practice
-Once Upon a Time 

(Source: girlsnightout8)

Sammy is Selling Girl Scout Cookies

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAk8A9LDkKY

Check out her video sales pitch (link above)

Below is the link with the different types listed and a form if you want to submit the order that way.  Otherwise just message me or give me a call  $3.50/box

Sale ends January 22nd, 2012 
Cookies to be delivered Between February 16th and March 2nd, 2012

Order form is here.
https://docs.google.com/a/staffin.org/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dFBIVFRzMDFGZEx3Y3BOb0poeEpLWWc6MQ#gid=0

Last year’s Christmas newsletter

If I missed sending any family or friends a Christmas card I thought perhaps it would be good to post our Christmas newsletter.  Have a wonderful year ahead everyone!

 Happy Holidays!

         Well it’s been another fun and exciting year for us. Our jobs have definitely kept us very busy this year.  Kelly continues to work at Kohl’s Corporate office and works with supporting Kohls.com!  Jason is still working for Core BTS, which is based out of Madison.  Luckily, he has been able to work from home when he can but he does travel to other areas of the country where they have offices and for other events. 

         Most exciting of all. is that we found out in March that we were blessed and would be welcoming our miracle baby into the world in November.  Seeing as we thought it wasn’t possible, we had gotten rid of most of the baby things we had been holding onto, of course.  Not long after we made our announcement we were estatic to find out that Craig and Jessica were also expecting in November.   Our due dates were just days apart.  We couldn’t wait to see what the ultrasound would tell us and were surprised to find out they were both boys. 

         In April, we made a trip to California to visit Jason’s parents.  It was a very exciting  to get to visit again and this time we made the 6 hour trek down to Disneyland.  Certainly it was quite the drive but so worth it.  After Samantha was sick for the first day, she bouncd back quick and we enjoyed many of the rides and activities.  She even got to have lunch with the Disney Princesses.  It was a wonderful Easter spent in California, as the weather was better than here, that’s forsure.   And we had a great time with all the Easter activities and dinner. 

         We were also able to do some great Camping this year and even made a long haul over to Michigan and camped at Interlochen campground and were able to visit Jason’s Grandparets.  It was a nice way to get some time away from work for Kelly (Jason is a bit of a workaholic and telecommuted on the drive and in the tent!) and even better to be able to visit with family.  We also made some great trips up north with family and great friends too.  The guys even planned the Halloween camping fun at Kohler Andrae right after Sammy’s Halloween party.   That is always a great time seeing all the decorations and costumes!

         Midyear, Jason started working on completing his office in the basement to make room for the baby upstairs.  He was able to complete it in the nik of time so that Kelly could start nesting a little for the addition.  We had so much help that we very much appreciated and Emmett’s room is so cute.  Jason’s office is very nice also.

         Seeing as a lot of close family was accident prone this year, we have been so grateful for all the love, support and prayers during those difficult times.  We are so lucky that both of our fathers survived such trauma.  I feel like we were blessed with three miracles this year!

         We welcomed Emmett Patrick Staffin on Sunday November 13th at 8:17pm.  He was 8 lbs 4 oz, which ironically was the same as his cousin, Logan, who was born less than two days later.  We definately gave the hospital staff a little confusion with so many Staffin’s around J

         We are on Facebook and that is the best way to keep up date with pictures, activities and mesages.  If we aren’t already your friend, it would be great to add you!

                  We hope everyone is doing well and we wish you all the very best for the Holidays.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

              Love – Jason, Kelly, Samantha & Emmett Staffin