New Years Resolutions:

A lot of people are talking about New Years resolutions so I thought I would share a few things that I would like to accomplish this year.....and hopefully continue in the years to come.

1. Live in the present......try not to dwell on the past or focus on what might be in the future.

2. Live a healthier life......I'm trying not to focus on a number that I want to be but rather a feeling of being healthier.(and hopefully this will mean a smaller number on the scale!) This goes for my kids too, I need to put more focus into their nutrition.

(these next two are very similar but each deserve their own number)

3. Be a better friend....I am truly blessed with good friends and need to acknowledge them more often.

4. Focus on the family.....this includes my family of 4 and the rest of my relatives. I am SUPER blessed with a good family and should be more grateful for that. You can't pick your family but if I got to I would pick them all over again!

5. Get Bryson potty-trained!

6. Get a part-time job!

7. Teach Ramsey to tie her shoes. (in her defense, she has never had shoes with laces before so we haven't had to face this hurdle!)

8. Remember to thank God for my daily blessings and to grow in my faith.....this is one that I believe should be on my list every year.

9. Read one new book a month.....suggestions would be appreciated.

10. Focus on quality of time not quantity.

11. Get Annie to stop jumping on the fence....if she goes over, I'm not running after her.

12. Send put a hand written letter once a month......maybe you will get the first one?!?!?

2010 in review

I must admit, we had a pretty good year as a family! 2010 was good to us but I think 2011 has some amazing things in store as well.

In 2010 we sold our first house and moved into, what I call, our forever home! I love, love, love our house and joke that Dustin will have to wheel me out of here when its time to go. We have meet some amazing new people and we love Ramsey's school!!!

Speaking of school, we feel so blessed that Ramsey has flourished so much this year! Kindergarten is a BIG step and she has taken to it so easily.....what a blessing!

Bryson started school as well and while that hasn't been the easiest transition for him it has been great for all of us.

Dustin's job is out of control busy right now but that is how he likes it. He is gaining lots of respect within the company and is basically kicking butt! He was taught his work ethic from his parents and we are all so proud of him!

Not that our life is perfect, it certainly isn't always sunshine and roses, but I have learned this year that nothing in life is a guarantee. My personal goal for 2011 is to be grateful for what I have and not focus on the rest. I have love, laughter, faith, family and friends and should find all the happiness I need in those things.

So, bring on 2011!!!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!

And may you "laugh all the way" through the next year.

Christmas blessings to each and every one of you!

Too much, too soon

So, I remember thinking a few weeks ago that having Christmas at our house with just the 4 of us would be less stressful and relaxing.

What the heck was I thinking?

I have SO much to do and like 2 days to get it done.

It doesn't help that my baby tooth (YES, I still have a baby tooth in my mouth, I don't have a permanent one under it) chipped and I have to get it pulled tomorrow!

All I have to say is, thank goodness for good friends who will watch my kids, a good husband who is going to take the kids somewhere so I can start "Wrap-a-pa-looza 2010" and my family for understanding that stress makes me irritable!

What I REALLY need to do is to concentrate on the meaning of this season. Jesus Christ was sent to us to SAVE us.....to save us from our sins, our fears, our doubts, our sadness and our stress. His birth is the reason we celebrate!

So, who cares if I don't get all the wrapping done.....Santa can get the credit. (someone please remind me of this at 2am Christmas morning!)

I am wishing you and yours a Very Merry Christmas and the peace and joy that surrounds this season.

It's the most wonderful time of the year

and also the busiest! BUT I LOVE IT! I love Christmas! I'm not gonna lie, it bums me out that Hobby Lobby starts putting their Christmas stuff up like the day after Labor Day but I LOVE Christmas time! I love the music, the lights, the magic, all of it! And I LOVE Christmas parties! We had 2 last weekend, one this weekend, lights on Sunday, Christmas Bunco tonight and next weekend we travel to RR for Christmas with the Bettencourts!

Oh, and lets not forget the shopping! My favorite thing is BLACK FRIDAY SHOPPING! I know some people hate the crowds but they make me happy! I dread the day I am too old to do it.

Our beautiful new house looks fantastic all "dressed" for Christmas, although we are looking a little ba-hum-buggish outside because we have NOTHING. well, except for the wreath on the door. I am going to make Dustin put up 2 more wreaths and a few trees this weekend.

We are actually going to celebrate Christmas day with just our little family of 4. At first, I was so upset that we wouldn't be with our extended families but then I realized that we get to make our own traditions, the kids will wake up in their own beds and we can do exactly what we want to do.......and that may include staying in pj's all day! We will miss our family but will cherish this special time as well.

So, what are your plans for Christmas?

Kindness Hero

Kind–adjective, -er, -est.
1. of a good or benevolent nature or disposition, as a person: a kind and loving person.
2. having, showing, or proceeding from benevolence: kind words.
3. indulgent, considerate, or helpful; humane (often fol. by to ): to be kind to animals.
4. mild; gentle; clement: kind weather.
5. British Dialect . loving; affectionate.

kind·ness   
/ˈkaɪndnɪs/ Show Spelled[kahynd-nis] –noun
1. the state or quality of being kind: kindness to animals.
2. a kind act; favor: his many kindnesses to me.
3. kind behavior: I will never forget your kindness.
4. friendly feeling; liking.

Ramsey was recently selected as her classroom's "Kindness Hero". We are so very proud of her and the sweet young lady she has become. Her teacher, Ms. Cross, always has nice to things to say about her and we are amazed at how much she has matured and grown since starting kindergarten.

Walking off the stage after accepting her award:

Smiling with cutie-pie Bradley:

Smiling at school!
Ramsey----We love forever and always! Love, Mommy and Daddy

iPhone uPdate

I rarely carry my camera with me but my phone is usually around and able to capture the day-t0-day happenings for us. Enjoy!

Ramsey with her face painted from our friend Christi and Mark's "Harvest Party"

Annie in the bathtub with Bryson
BUSTED: Bryson dug into Nate's leftover birthday cake, and daddy caught him!

My 2004 Envoy hit 100,000 miles the other day....fittingly, in the Target parking lot! I love my car and I hope I can drive it a few more years!

If you are on Facebook you have probably already seen this....but I love this picture of Bryson throwing a massive tantrum in the middle of CostCo. It SO represents our outings!

More to come later, for now I am going to enjoy a nice cup of coffee on the couch...Bryson is still sleeping! :)