Goodbye 2010

I love my new iPad....I think. As I've said before....I'm not the most "high tech" person I know. So, when I unwrapped this sweet little gem on Christmas morning....you can imagine my surprise and excitement. I was shocked at how easy it was for me to import pictures, check my email and of course facebook. But, when it came time to blog.....well that was a different story. After several attempts....I finally gave up, handed it to the pro, then went to bed. I woke up this morning and of course Dave had it all figured out. Now, let's see what it can do.....

It's the last day of 2010 and I'm ready for the new year. I usually don't do resolutions because I can never stick to 'em. However, it's time for a few changes. I mean just because puppy chow is made with cereal does NOT make it a breakfast food. Time to turn it around....

I'll start small.....like drinking more water, making my bed everyday and maybe running a marathon!?! Seriously, I've wanted to run just one in my lifetime. Maybe....just maybe....if I document it.....then I will make it happen.

I'll continue to update (with the help of my new present) on my three somewhat ambitious goals throughout the next year. I hope to make it past 1-2-11.

Here's to you 2011.....bring it on!!!!

My perfect gift

Our Christmas vacation is halfway over. I'm not typically the "glass 1/2 empty" type.....but, it makes me sad to think it will all be over soon. As a kid, time feels as if it stands still while anticipating Christmas morning. As an adult....time is super sonic....and there is no more procrastinating.....I must wrap presents TODAY!

We've had a fun week. Nothing spectacular and in no particular order....this was our week at a glance: sleeping in, playing in the snow for hours, spending time with friends, making gingerbread houses, playing games, hot chocolate with all the "toppings", special late night walks with daddy and Wally, movies, eating out, all while time stood still.....anticipating Christmas.


"Nothing works without Anna." That's my new favorite quote from John. He announced it after coming in from playing in the snow without his sister. Let me set the stage. The day before, the two of them had spent hours building a snow fort, a huge snowman - complete with a secret hiding spot for their snowballs, and planning the perfect snowball fight. Even though the weather was freezing, my heart melted as I watched them play through the window. The next day, Anna enjoyed caroling with friends, while John bundled up and headed back out to play with his brothers and neighborhood buddies. After a bit, John came back in and pronounced that now famous phrase. When I asked him why.....he said, the snow is too powdery and it won't stick together, David knocked over our fort, and the snowball fight was not fun. Therefore, "nothing works without Anna". Awwww....music to my ears....every parents dream......the perfect Christmas present.......siblings getting along!

Old traditions and new

Our new "tradition"....if you will....is having Poppa over for Sunday dinner. I have fond memories of going to my grandparent's house for "Sunday supper" when I was little. I would love for my four to be able to look back and remember the "good times", just like I do when I think about Grandmother's chocolate pie, or playing "spoons" with the Renegars.

Last Sunday, we finally decorated the Christmas tree. We waited one full week for the 12' frazier fur branches to relax enough to look natural again. We scarfed down the General Tso's "vegan" chicken. Let me stop here and say two quick things that Poppa and my children are completely unaware of. One - the meal was not homemade.....and two - the word "vegan" was omitted.....therefore, resulting in second helpings for everyone.

So....as I was saying....after dinner, we enjoyed the rest of our evening decorating the tree, telling stories of past Christmases and laughing.....while creating new memories to share in the future.....all in hopes of making new "old traditions".

Snow day!

Four pairs of snow boots.....$150.00

Four winter coats.....$400.00
Hats with gloves to match.....$175.00
Four new sleds....$120.00
The first "snow day" of the season.....priceless!

Snow flakes that land on my nose and eyelashes....

The first day of December and it snowed! I know this does not look like much....but I don't think it matters when your a kid.

When your nine....snow is snow....no matter how much!

I love to see the excitement in my kids eyes when they wake up to snow!

From to Jolly to broken

Jolly, our Elf on a Shelf (which of course I want to call our "house elf") is back! Every morning David and Anna have been super excited to find his new hiding spot. They continue to make my life a little more difficult by writing him notes before bed....so "Jolly" not only has to remember to move each night, but now he also has to write them back......on teeny....tiny....paper....with red ink.

David was enthusiastically helping me decorate for Christmas while home sick from school the other day. In all the excitement this snowman accidentally fell and broke. I, not being in the same Christmas spirit, did not "respond" well and made him cry.
Such a happy moment ruined....not because of a broken trinket....but because of my reaction.
The irony is that the person that gave me the snowman would have said that "things can be replaced.....people cannot".
I managed to somewhat glue the little guy back together and it's not so noticeable. I can only hope that I was able to patch up my little guy's feelings a little better.
Just another reminder to slow down and enjoy.....