Resolutions

So, I read a friend's blog today, and he mentioned he doesn't like to set New Year's resolutions. I am the opposite of that guy. This year, I set 14 of them. Dave Ramsey suggested we set and track goals; he also suggested that we add balance to our goals. There are seven areas, hence the 14 goals. It isn't the best system, what he has set up, but because I am smart, I am able to work it to fit my needs.

Normally, I set small, medium, and long term goals, but this time, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't think past this year. Next December, to be exact, was as far as my little brain would carry me. Probably due to the insane amount of things I am attempting even as we speak, but my goals are all significantly short term. Here is a glimpse:

I want to read to my kids at least three times each week,

I want to work out three times each week,

I want to finish my student teaching notebook,

I want to volunteer at least 4 hours each month,

I want to find a new bible study and learn something from it everyday,

I want to eat way less sugar,

I want to sell at least one thing on Craig's List at each month...

They pretty much continue like this, only they are all measurable,

realistic, and in balance with who I am called to be as a wife, mother,

teacher. Good stuff. What are your goals? I will keep you updated

on my goals.

Christmas

My favorite time of year because:

I get to wear my jammies a lot more often

My kids seem to want to snuggle more often

Family/Friends come over more often

Lights twinkle more often

We nibble on treats more often

We play games together more often

I get presents more often

We try new dishes more often

We love each other more often.

Advent Week Two

These pictures make me happy for obvious reasons,
but mostly because it means we have made memories.
I loved this day.
I loved that we were freezing and huddled in my van while
The Man continued to trample the mountains for a tree.
I love that we only had to drive half an hour to find a
tree worth cutting. I love that my kids giggled most
of the day and didn't argue once.
I love that Sam wanted to "ice skate" even though he was clearly frozen.
I love that Izzy told her dad she would look at the tree later as she was
frozen from the waist down.

Sam I Am has the most beautiful eyes. Some girl is going to find herself swimming in them some day.


We had a lot of tree hunters. Kristopher and the boys found a great little stubby tree.

Nanie hung back with me and toddlers, which seemed fitting as Addison is certain Nanie IS a toddler because of her smallish stature.

Where's Waldo has got nuthin' on my husband. Seriously, these are just his everyday clothes.

My family is large. I don't know that I noticed before. Maybe it's because Eli is holding a saw and it scares me, so my eyes are opened wider than usual.


Beautiful. I can't believe my kids all turned out so cute. I am convinced God had us stop having kids when they were about to turn ugly.

Our Halloween Party Was Better Than Yours Cause...

We had a Batman to save us with all his fancy gadgets, and give us candy to eat while we tricked-and-treated.
We had proud mammas that travelled 500 miles just to take pictures.

We had yum-o sweet potato biscuits (which is what we call LeAnn now) and itty bitty teething pumpkins.
We had smiling baristas handing out genuine iced coffees to the adults who trudged with their little ones for tricks-or-treats.
We had violent coffee pots. And incredibly smiley barista girls.
We had eating children. LOTS of eating children. The children ate, we didn't eat the children.
We had toppings galore...
To accompany our insanely delicious buffet of chili: Turkey Chili, Family Recipe Chili, Family Recipe Chili with a little corn, Kristopher's Jalapeno Chili, Uncle Mike's Come and Get 'Um Antelope Chili...mmm delish.
We had rabid Star Wars characters who couldn't wait for the table before scarfing corn bread.
Tinkerbell stopped by.
And Yoda wished us all great happiness using the force.

Why I like Mike #24

He rocks. For realz. These were the shirts we wore to dinner for Fathers Day.

Spring Breaking- On with the hunt

Cousins: Kena and Addison are going to be those really old ladies who hate each other, but love each other, and share a room in an elderly care facility. They will most likely fight over the "hot" old grandpa down the hall.

Eli's stash

Tristan is such a crazy little spaz. He always looks like this. He isn't making a face.

Easter Egg Coloring

This is spring break number two. There are a few more. It was a fun week. Mostly free, which makes it even better.

I don't fully understand this pose. He was trying something new I guess.

This was Sam trying to keep from smiling. Fight it if you want.

Camo eggs, obviously.

Why I Like Mike # 22

He has stayed married to me for 13 years.

Between hospital visits, metal shards in the eyeball, chili dinners, injured backs, subbing jobs, and fighting fires, The Man and I celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary. It was a good day because, at the end, I knew I was loved. I knew I would have someone to offer me a hug with a secret butt pinch. Ah, husbands. Love you Hot Lips Hoolahan.

Be Mine Valentine

Dinner by mom, prepared with love,
Candle Light
Heart shaped confetti
Lots of kisses
Air hockey playoffs
Batman pinball games
Smart Cycle
snuggling in front of our wedding video. Valentine's might be my new favorite.












SMOOCH

Mike

Why I like Mike #19. He bought me a present :) And not just any present, but a Canon Rebel Xs . I am utterly in love. Now, I just need to learn how to use it. Here are some samples:









Happy 2009.