Christmas 2014

• We spent Christmas Eve with Ryan's dad, sister and her family.
  
• The kids are all getting so big! Lia got a Canon SureShot camera and was ecstatic.  Shae and Brenna got Lego Friends- the mall and cruise ship and were all googly eyed over them.   The boys got the Skylanders Swap Force for the Xbox and Amelia got lots of toys.   

• The kids (except Amelia) are at an age where we can actually play games without them needing us every second.  The adults were able to play Ticket to Ride after dinner while the kids played in the basement.
  
• We went to the 8pm Christmas Eve service at Westwinds.  As always, they outdid themselves with the decor and theme.  The theme was Christmas in the 40's and they had a vintage looking Santa.  There were work benches set up in the lobby... 1 for kids to write a letter to Santa, and 3 for families to make pinecone ornaments to remember this Christmas Eve at Westwinds.  They were painted green, and there was glue and Epsom Salt to sprinkle on them, put them in a paper gift bag and take home.  The service was amazing... all 40's themed Christmas songs and as always, worship was spot on.  We are so blessed to have found such an awesome church to call home.
  
• The kids were beyond tired by the time we got home.  We forgot to put out reindeer food. Oops!  They were out like a light (well, Amelia was a bit fussy but after Ryan sang to her she zonked out.)
  
• Porter woke us up at 7:30am and drug us downstairs.  He and Hudson were giddy as can be. I had to wake Amelia up, so she was so confused at opening her stocking and seeing gifts.  Santa brought android tablets for each of the kids (in their favorite colors: red, green and purple), sleds for the boys, a stroller for Amelia and lots of little goodies... their annual Nutcrackers as usual (a hunter for P, mouse for H and ballerina for A), kinetic sand and more.  They were so surprised over the "iPads".  I'm pretty sure that was their favorite gift.
  
• Hudson was the most excited this year... he's really into random, quirky things so he's super easy to please and surprise.  He got this Animal Babies Monkey that giggles, burps and farts and he LOVES it.  He also got a stuffed macaw parrot, Waddles the penguin, dry erase markers, Spirograph, Mixels, Shrinky Dinks, Pokemon cards and Legos.   

Amelia got a Bitty Baby, Frozen dress up clothes, some tutus, a doll high chair, a vintage Fisher Price camera, and a Llama Llama book.

   

Porter got Minecraft Legos, books (Harry Potter, Wonder, and Magic Treehouse), Skylanders characters, Pokemon cards. (He was the hardest to buy for... his wish list literally ALWAYS consists of: iPhone, iPod touch, dirt bike, bb gun and quad.  Sorry buddy... not happening).

They got combined gifts of Osmo iPad games (I.LOVE.THESE) and Disney Infinity 2.0.  Whoop Whoop!  Each of the kids got a Little Live Pets bird... yeah.  Ryan hates them HAHA!

We thought we'd use Christmas morning to surprise them with our DisneyLand trip... big mistake. Turns out they're like "okay, cool"  Uhm. HELLOOOO we're flying to CALIFORINA to see RADIATOR SPRINGS!  Yeah.   Next time we'll just wait and tell them when we're on the plane HAHA!  #surprisefail

My sister and her girls came over for dinner and a movie, and my dad stopped by for a bit.  We all just hung out in jammies and relaxed all day.  

9 free favorite printable holiday tags

I love searching Pinterest for great printables.... especially when it comes time for Christmas and making gift tags!  I decided to post links to my favorites that I found on Pinterest.  I decided to print #3 from Shanty2Chic on cardstock.  Now if I can just get my printer to work.... I swear it was just working yesterday.  Today... no dice.  Doesn't want to load the paper.  GRRR.   Electronics.   

Free Printable Christmas Movie Quote Tags @ The Happy Tulip

Colorful Gift Tags @ ColorMeMeg

Black and White Tags @ Shanty2Chic

Adorable Stockings @ Fresh Picked Whimsy

12 Different Calligraphy Tags by Lindsay Bee  Download HERE

Hand Drawn Printable Gift Tags @HeyLook

Hand Illustrated Holiday Tags by Emily McDowell

Watercolor Printable Tags @Oana Befort

Vintage Printable Tags @Oana Befort

Gratitude

November.   Thanksgiving.   The month of counting your blessings.    

In a way, this seems so cliche.  So.... forced.  Why must we wait until November to be thankful for what we have?   I know it isn't intentional but this month brings out everyone's awareness of all they've been blessed with.   Be it a roof over their heads, a healthy family, a heavy burden resolved, final peace in their life, family finally near them, a new job, the ability to provide for their family, their technology, good food, their favorite shoes... whatever.... everyone seems to awaken to the awareness of their blessings.  

I can't count my blessings.  I've been given so many.   I've had seasons of severe drought.  I've had seasons of plentitude.  I've had seasons of contentment.   In all those seasons, I've always had exactly what I needed and have been thankful for it all, no matter how much suckage was felt during that time.  

After coming from a season of severe drought, yet realizing now we had just enough, to a season of abundance (Lemon Dropper people let's all gag at this word), I realize in both there are things gained and things lost.  Things given and things taken.  Things needed and things unnecessary.  I'm so thankful for it all.  I'm thankful for the highs and lows.   Live always seems to come around in a circle... around and around.  I know drought in some way or shape or form will come again and I'll welcome it with thankfulness.  

This year it is hard to express my gratitude and thankfulness.  I have so much to be thankful for.  Spending my days with Amelia.  Being available for the boys at anytime.  A new little life growing inside me that I can't wait to meet.  Friends I never asked for or dreamt of.  Family that loves me through thick and thin (AHAH literally!).  Our health and that we aren't facing anything life threatening.  My horse that has come full circle... my childhood dream now available to MY children. A home we love.  Neighbors we love. A church that I love to worship in.  A God that we can freely worship.  Internet!  A job I love and enjoy doing every day- the good parts and the sucky parts and the happy parts and the annoying parts.  The financial ability to give freely to others.  The ability to travel as we wish.  Finances to pay off student loans in huge chunks every month, and that the light at the end of the tunnel is so much closer than 20-30 years I've always accustomed myself to.   

I hope you are all with loved ones today, or at least someone you're loved by.  I hope you can see all your blessings, no matter how big or small, and for those be thankful.   Happy Thanksgiving to you all.  May you be blessed beyond measure. 

what's gotten into me this year?

Usually we don't get our Christmas tree until the weekend after Thanksgiving.  We've actually been known not to put up a tree until freakin' the middle of December.  But this year.... I'm soooo ready to get decorated for the holidays, and it seems like so many of my Facebook friends are ready too!  PEER PRESSURE!

I know everyone complains that Thanksgiving gets looked over but.... why can't you celebrate Thanksgiving with Christmas decorations up?  I think I'm going to this year!!!

Amelia and I went grocery shopping today and we browsed all the Christmas aisles.  I picked up some stocking stuffers for the kids (I love being able to shop for presents with a toddler who won't remember HAHAH!) and I've already started ordering Christmas gifts.   During AJ's dance class I made a list on my phone of random people in our day to day lives that we should make/give gifts to (like their teachers, dance teacher, art teacher, Nancy at the barn who takes care of the horses, the UPS guy... etc).  I'm just... SO in the Christmas spirit this year!   YAY!  

This weekend I think we're heading up to the Novi Equestrian Expo and the boys have riding lessons on Sunday but I think somewhere in between there we're going to try to get down at least some of the Christmas decorations.  Besides.... Ry bought some shelves to organize the attic so this would be a PERFECT time to get that done too!

Mothers Day 2014

I am incredibly blessed.   I've had good mothers days.  And terrible mothers days.  This year, however, was incredibly perfect.

Ry let me sleep in, and I was woken only by Porter, who brought me breakfast in bed.... A bowl of Trix cereal in a kids' Ikea bowl, meticulously layered on top of a small kids Ike's plate and then a larger adult plate.  I like this boys' presentation. ;-). He also brought me Oj in a cup with a top.  I love him.  I are my cereal half asleep (partially thinking.... Strain the milk... I'm almost positive he doesn't know to use 1% milk and there's a chance he used Amelia's whole milk).  He came upstairs and snuggled with me for a bit, and then later Hudson and Amelia came up to snuggle with me too.  I love snuggling with my kiddos.

I got up and was presented with one of the best Mother's Day presents ever... A journal from the kids. Ry had found an old scrapbook of mine I never completed.... It had one page in it titled "pieces of me" and was about myself in 2005, pre-kids.   He had the kids each draw me a picture and write a note.  It was adorable.  Then I took the kids outside for a few minutes.... The weather was beautiful.

We decided to go out for lunch.  Ry had outback in mind and I knew it would have a long wait.  I figured mcdonalds was in our future.  I called outback and sure enough, 2 hour wait.  No way.   We went to Wendy's.  A little classier than mcD's.  It didn't matter to me.  I was with my family.  It was perfect.

Amelia and Hudson took a nap and Ry made me some raised garden beds for the yard.  We spent all afternoon planting flowers, building garden beds, digging holes and planting veggies.  The kids helped, and played and were filthy by the end of the day.  My mom came over as well and took the kids to the park for a little bit.  We ordered pizza for dinner and finished the evening off with baths/showers all around.  You know you had a good day when you require two showers and your feet are black from soil!  

It was the perfect end to the weekend.  

Happy Easter, little stinkers!

Since we were not going to be home for Easter I had planned ahead and bought and packed up te goodies that "the Easter bunny" would be delivering. I, stupidly, left the bag in my closet with plans to pack it. The boys, however, decided to go into my closet randomly one day and found all their loot. They ratted themselves out when I got home and I just shrugged my shoulders and said "Happy Easter... That's what you'll be getting in your Easter basket!" Not much else I could do. I wasn't going to rebuy new stuff. So, they can out two and two together as to who the Easter Bunny is. Honestly though, we don't really incorporate the Easter bunny a whole lot- I think they've maybe seen the Easter bunny twice in their lives (not sure Hudson ever has...?) and we just don't really play up that part of Easter too much.

I will be excited to see their faces in the morning when they find all their goodies!

Yes, my kids are totally color codes. p is always green. H is always red. If one if those colors is not sail able I substitute for blue. :-).

Memorial Day Celebrations

All weekend I've been bummed we aren't camping.  Although, it is 90+ degrees out and I'm sure if we WERE camping I'd be complaining that it was too hot and sleeping in a sweltering tent would be miserable.  But still... I'm sad we aren't camping.  (not sad we aren't camping in this heat).  Next year I'll get my shit together and make camping reservations way ahead of time.  Like in January.  Serious. 

Saturday evening the Huffs had brought their troop of little guys over and the Dawsons joined us after a birthday party.  Our little get together started out great but Jane and Adam had barely downed a couple hot dogs when poor Jilli Bean fell off our climber and broke her ankle.  To say we feel terrible it happened at our house is an understatement. Jane and Katie headed off to the ER with Jilli and Adam took the other girlies home. 

It's so crazy to think these boys have known each other their entire lives.   Porter and Donnie became buds at the ripe old age of 3 weeks and 9 weeks and the rest is history.  I love this group of little dudes.

The wild boys finished off the evening on the trampoline... I was pretty sure we'd be joining Jane and Katie with more broken bones from these wild guys.

Today we met up with the Tappans in Spring Arbor for the Memorial Day Parade.  I thought it'd be crazy busy but we found a nice quiet tree to sit under near the end of the parade route and we had the yard of a dorm building essentially all to our selves.  It was hot, but the shade + breeze made it very tolerable and we had a great time.  We decided to skip the festivities that were by the church (bounce house, face painting... essentially all the FUN part... HAHA!)  because we knew it'd be hot on the pavement and crowded and I soo wasn't about to crowd with others in the heat.

All weekend Porter has been playing with the neighbors' grandkids.  The two families by us that have kids are away this weekend, but the other two neighbors happened to each have a granddaughter visiting so he played with Julia all day yesterday and has been playing with Makenna all afternoon today.  

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day is never a real big deal around here... I usually put up a few decorations (though this year didn't bother venturing into the attic to get them out... kids didn't seem to notice), and we (err usually I) get the kids a few treat/goodies.  Ryan and I don't usually "do" Valentine's Day.  Overrated :)

This year was nice, and seemed extra special.  Luckily I had picked up a few goodies for the boys because I didn't even think about V-Day until the night before.  They each got a $1-spot box of chocolates (Disney Cars) and a Matchbox Car.   $4 total spent... and they were both screaming "This is the BEST Valentine's Day EVERRRRRR!"  HAHA!

I managed to rummage up a red shirt that fit and actually had some cute red shoes that matched perfectly.  I felt kinda  pretty yesterday (albeit, large and uncomfortable).  The boys... well.... I hadn't washed reds in awhile so Porter ended up picking out an orange shirt.  Oh well.

The boys and I (well mostly me..) had made these red velvet whoopie heart cookies and I put a few in some baggies for Porter's teacher, the parapro in his room, the secretary and principal.  His invitations?  Printed off Pinterest and a pencil stuck in them.  So easy.

At school the kids were wired.  Its so funny how exciting school parties get them!  Our school does parties WAY better than Porter's school (though I totally understand keeping it low key).  Our room moms and volunteers put together 5 or 6 centers and kids get a variety of games, coloring activities, projects, snacks etc throughout the party.  So fun!  Porter's school literally has a snack and look through valentines.  Super simple.

Ryan was home from work, and he and Hudson surprised me at work by stopping in at lunch with roses.  Orange tropical looking roses.  So pretty (and I am so not a flower-lover...).  They ate lunch with me and then went home to take naps.  After lunch I just had one group of students to see and then left to go to Porter's V-Day Party.  I love seeing him interact with the kids in his class and he sits next to this little girl, Taylor, and she is so darn cute and hilarious.

By the evening I was worn out, and grumpy.  Bleh.  We had spaghetti for dinner and the kids had meltdowns and went to bed.  :)

Sunday Afternoon

halfway to the weekend

• The boys and I had dentist appointments yesterday.  It was Hudson's first time and he did great.  He was a bit squirrley in the chair but wasn't scared at all.  Porter went first and Hudson was SO curious about what was going on and he was watching so intently.
• 
  
• The hygienist found a loose tooth in Porter's mouth!  Yippee!  He's sooo excited.  So tell me, parents with toothless children... what is the going rate for a tooth?  I think I remember getting a few quarters.  The hygienist told Porter to request the $5 tooth fairy.  What?!
• 
  
• Ryan and I have plans to get away for our anniversary... 3 days and 2 nights up near Frankenmuth. I am SO excited for a few days away from the kids.  It will be nice to have some adult only time, go out to dinner without tantrums and shop without losing children.
• 
  
• I've already begun Christmas shopping.  I'm SOO excited to get this holiday going.  Poor Thanksgiving!  LOL!  We are still hosting our annual Thanksgiving dinner here (which we have not planned at.all. ooops!)
• 
  
• This past weekend was Girls Weekend at Duck Lake.  Because my mom was visiting (and staying with us that weekend), I missed out on Thursday and Friday night.  I was able to make it for the last evening and ended up staying until about 5pm on Sunday with Lori.  It was nice to get some scrapbook pages done- I haven't scrapped since... uhm... sometime this summer???  I miss it!  I need to SET ASIDE and PLAN a day each month to spend a few hours scrapping.  This is something so important to me and I hate that I've let it slide off my plate.
• 
  
• I am 15 weeks pregnant today.  This pregnancy is going by so fast but oh so slow!  I'm huge.  Totally huge belly (and butt and thighs and boobs...).  Yikes.   I'm going to see LeeAnn this weekend to have her scan me and see if she can determine the gender.  I'm still not 100% I want to find out, but then again I'm so excited to find out.  Isn't that so weird?  If she is able to tell, I'm having her put it in an envelope for Ryan and I to open alone at a later date. And, if we decide not to find out, we just leave the envelope sealed.
  
  Don't forget to vote in the ExpectNet poll in my sidebar.... the game name is BabyBarczak3.  I think I'm going to do a prize for the winner... maybe some kind of gift card? 

Watch what you're thankful for...

Of course it backfires when I decide to be optimistic about the rain and be thankful that it has created such beautiful greenery around us.

It was cold and rainy all. stinkin. weekend. 

This was not good for our plans to put up 4' wood fencing around our yard.  Ryan got about 5 of the post holes dug and posts concreted in, and he also purchased all the fence panels but was unable to get anything else done.  Friday WAS beautiful, I can't complain about that.  Only.... I spent the day... the only gorgeous day of the weekend... doing a garage sale at my sisters.  I made a whopping $60 (ok, so its $60 more than I had before Friday and I didn't have any other plans but to sit around all day anyhow... which is what I did at the garage sale).  I hate garage sales.

Today is sunny but very chilly.  When will it warm up???

What else is new:

• Duncan got his hair lopped off on Friday.  I was so ready for it to be trimmed and ultimately decided to let her go shorter with his hair so we could go a little longer in between haircuts.  It had been 3 months since he was last groomed and that is TOO long.  We're going to try 8 weeks this time.  My word... I spend more on his hair than I do my own!  $55 every 8 weeks??? GAH!  I didn't' realize this when I decided to get a Goldendoodle.  We love him though.  

• Today started out just like a Monday...  I backed into the trailer that Ryan parked in the driveway full of fence panels.  I didn't see it on that side of the van and it is low so I didn't see it in the rearview.  Jacked up my bumper... made a hole in it .  GRR.   Then the vending machine in the lounge was out of water AND pop. And then I found out that while I had been hopeful at the prospect of 2, possibly 3, positions being open at my school next year... it isn't so.  Other people are filtering into those positions and its likely there aren't any openings at the other elementary schools either.  The next few weeks I'm going to get resumes ready and do my annual "turn in your resume to every school around" event.  Ugh.  I'm thinking of applying out of town as well... I hate to do that because of gas and I'd hate to have to commute and cut into my time with my kids. 
  
• I've decided to go back on Zoloft.  Target Pharmacy is filling my scrip as I type I'm sure.  While I've learned a lot of techniques to dealing with my stress/anxiety, I'm finding that the stressful things are piling up and I'm spending more time talking myself down from the stress and spending more time helping myself get through my anxiety than I am enjoying my life.  I think for the time begin I need a little helper and hopefully once life is a little more stable... I'm not working 2 jobs etc... then I'll try ditching them again. 
  
• There are only 4 weeks of school left.... this one being the only full week!  I can't wait for summer. Stressed though as we're about $1200 short  of having enough $$ to cover my checks throughout the summer.  I'll be picking up a few extra photography jobs this summer and trying to stay away from stores as much as possible.
  
• Last week Porter started t-ball.  He has 2 left hand mitts (so, for right hand throwing)... of course he's the opposite. He has practice tonight at 5 and I am not going to be able to get to the store to buy him a new mitt.  Hope he can muster one last practice being backwards HAHA!

And even older news:

• Our second follow-up with Dr. Bloom and Porter's ultrasound (May 2nd) was pretty much inconclusive.... everything looks a-okay inside and he hasn't been having his "episodes" lately so as of now we're doing nothing.  If things start acting up again Dr. Bloom said to call and make an appointment but for now he doesn't see the need to do anything else.
  
  
• During these trips to Mott's, I've really been enjoying my time with Porter.  I need to make more one on one time for each of the boys. They are such special little people and its amazing how their true personalities shine when they are my main focus.  These trips have also made me realize how incredibly lucky and blessed I am that we are only visiting Motts for a simple pee issue.  We have seen so many young children... and babies... with so many battles they are facing.  It makes me really count my blessings and be thankful that our visits here are for simple issues and that my children are healthy. 
  
  
• 3rd Annual Mega Meet/Archiver's trip (May 6th) was great.  This year it was me, Jane, LeeAnn, Jessica, Lori and Cristi that went.  I didn't get many pages done at Archiver's but I did get some great new product.  I was almost ready to back out of the the trip because of my crazy "missing my kids" feelings (oh, and Hudson also barfed Friday morning but we have a fabulous babysitter who said "GO! and I'll take care of it!" Bless you, Sam!).  I'm glad I went.
  
  
• Easter... boy I never blogged Easter.  Well, same as every year... we went to Lori and Don's, had dinner, egg hunt.  Kids played, I napped for a bit, everyone else played Phase 10, took some pictures outside of the monkeys in bunny ears.  Good times all around. 

He loves me

My hubby's handmade my valentines card... At work... While being teased by his co workers. He loves me. And I sure love him too!

Valentine's Day was pretty low key... I tried to do little things for the family to make them feel special.  I hand made Ryan, Porter and Hudson cards... I wrote little "Roses are Red..." poems for them.  The boys  got the robot/monster plates, bowls and silverware from Target $1 spot and some candy and heart shaped lollipops.  Porter has been such a sweetheart lately... he saw his gifts at his spot on the island and said "Is this for ME?  Mom, you're the best! This is great!"  I love love love that kid!


Hudson eats lunch at daycare so I didn't have to make his lunch, but I made Porter a sandwich cut into a heart and he had red foods.... a little debbie (super treat for him!), watermelon, a peach (red outside) and strawberries. 

I had therapy in the evening (good stuff on V-day HAHA!), and when I came home Ry was making dinner... we had spaghetti (because its red!) and garlic bread.  It was a pretty low key evening, we finished watching Home Alone 3 for the 20th time.

Lovey Dove Printables!

There is a blog that shares a "Keep Calm" type printable for each holiday.  She hasn't made one yet for V-Day so I decided to do a little searching online.  I made my way to Etsy and found a bunch of cute posters I liked and decided to make my own because, well, why buy it if I can make it?  :)   Anyhow, I thought I'd share these with my readers. You should be able to right click/open them and view them full sized.  Then right click/save them to your computer.  

This first one is a 12x12. 

The rest are 8x10's

50 Reflections on 2010

It's that time already. Keeping with my tradition from 2007, 2008 and 2009, here we go...

1. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Last year it was to set some "goals" for this year... to get back into shape; to curse less; to yell less and be more patient with my kids.


2. What was the single best thing that happened this past year? I can't say there is a SINGLE best thing, but its been a good year. Probably our vacations/family trips... to Emerald Isle, Chicago, Silver Lake, Custer, two Girls Weekends and DC. I feel blessed we've been able to travel so much and do so much together as a family.

3. What was the single most challenging thing that happened? Probably going back to work with both of my regular sitters unable to care for the boys for a couple months. That was stressful, both emotionally and monetarily.

4. What was an unexpected joy this past year? Camping with family. Okay, this isn't totally "unexpected" but we did two LONG camping trips and we had a blast both times. The second trip we had rain all but one day, and despite the awful weather, we really had a great time and made some wonderful memories.



5. What was an unexpected obstacle? Dealing with betrayal and hurt dealt from someone I thought was a good friend. Learning to move on and let go, learning to lean on those who have my best interest in mind. Having to walk away from a 14+ year friendship.


6. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
 Began taking Master's classes. Also went on a Mom/Daughter weekend with my mom and sister.


7. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010? More patience and money. And time. I'd love more time.


8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?


9. What was your biggest failure?
 Gaining weight. Yelling at my kids.

10. Did anyone close to you give birth?
 Katie (Adrian Michael) and Jane (Lyla Claire and Jillian Kate)

11. Did anyone close to you die?
 No, thank God.

12. What states/countries did you visit?
 North Carolina, Virginia, Washington DC,

13. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?



14. How did you spend Christmas?
 Christmas Eve was at Lori and Don's house. Christmas Day we stayed home, in our pj's. Very relaxing day!

15. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
 I turned... 29. Ryan and I went out to dinner with the Huffs, as Don and I share the same birthday.

16. Did you suffer illness or injury?
 Hmmm nope not really.

17. What was the best thing you bought?
 My 50mm f/1.4. Love it!

18. Whose behavior merited celebration?
 Porter's. He has blossomed so much in preschool this year!

19. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
 Leslie's. I'd never have expected her to stab me in the back the way she did.


20. Where did most of your money go?
 Mortgage and bills. Where else would it go?

21. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
 Christmas Day... seeing the excitement the boys had and how magical the holiday was for them this year.

22. Compared to this time last year, are you:

a) happier or sadder? 
 happier
b) thinner or fatter? 
 fatter
c) richer or poorer?
 poorer (how do I keep getting poorer every year!?)

23. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year? As always, being the best mom I can be to my boys. I'll never be perfect, this I know. But I want to give them the best of me. I don't always do this, and I'll forever be working on this.

24. In what way(s) did you grow:

• emotionally? I think I've become more in control of my feelings/anger/actions. I've learned to let things go and how cliche "not sweat the small stuff."
• spiritually? I've really lacked in this department and hope to grow more in this category this year.
• physically? Zip. Didn't do squat to grow physically. This must change.

25. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others? Ryan and I grew closer as parents as we tackled some challenges we had with Porter. The parenting class and counseling has been such a wonderful thing for our relationship to help us realize we really are a great team, we really do work well together and we ARE great parents, despite our downfalls and shortcomings.

26. With whom were your most valuable relationships? First and foremost, my husband and kids. Second would be my girlfriends- the best ever, Katie, LeeAnn and Jane.

27. Did you fall in love in 2010?
 Nope. Already there :-)

28. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
 Hate is a strong word. But there is one person I'm severely disappointed and sadded by, and another person who has done things to make me dislike them very much.



29. Who did you miss?
 Cathy

30. Who was the best new person you met?
 Dot! She was (is) a lifesaver. She has opened up my eyes to so many parenting issues and helped me overcome many obstacles (and many more to come).

31. What was the most enjoyable area of managing your home? All of it. I feel blessed to own a home and even more, own a home I love.


32. What was your most challenging area of home management? My office, playing defense to the boys and their messes... and tackling dog hair. UGh.

33. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year? Hmm probably games on my iPhone. And Facebook. I've been trying to cut back.


34. What was the best way you used your time this past year? Just sitting down and playing with the boys. Doing projects with them. Coloring with them. Building blocks and train tracks.

35. What do you wish you’d done more of? Scrapbooking, keeping up on photography bookwork (I have a long road ahead to get ready for filing taxes!) and somehow archiving all of my pictures/blog into Blurb Books.

36. What do you wish you’d done less of?
 Yelling and making impulse purchases.

37. What was the best book you read?
 Hands down, The Parent;s Handbook. But, DANG sadly I AGAIN did not read for fun. Wait! I read Smotherhood. It only took me about 6 months, but it was a good book! I did get 3 new books for Christmas so I'm going to make time to read them.


38. What was your favorite TV program?
 Real Housewives (any of them), Flipping Out, Teen Mom, 16 and Pregnant, Millionaire Matchmaker

39. What was your favorite movie of this year?
 No favorites, I don't think. I did like these, though. Inception, How to Train Your Dragon, Toy Story 3, Salt, Bounty Hunter and What Happens in Vegas

40. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? LOVE Gerard Butler, Ashton Kutcher, Owen Wilson, Matthew McConaughey

41. What did you want and get?
 My kitchen remodel finished!

42. What did you want and not get?
 A full time job

43. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
 Getting hired into a full time teaching position at Bean.

44. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?
 Smooshed. Because I'm at an ultimate high in the weight department. Must get that under control.

45. What kept you sane?
 Medication and knowing that "this too shall pass..."

46. What political issue stirred you the most?
 None, really.

47. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
 Sometimes you just have to build a bridge and get over it.

48. What song will always remind you of 2010?
 Hmm.... Christina Perri "Jar of Hearts"... I first heard it on Sirius Radio on tv and instantly loved the tune. Words aren't too symbolic, but I love her voice.Rihanna/Eminem "Love the Way You Lie"- Eminem reminds me of Girls Weekend in October... we heard it a lot on the radio. And Black Eyed Peas "Boom Boom Pow" reminds me of Zumba!

49. How did you ring in the New Year? The boys and I made Shrinky Dinks, we all ate chicken tenders and rice. Ry and Porter played the Wii while Hudson and I played blocks. We put the boys to bed and then Ryan and I watched a movie and I scrapbooked. BORRRRINNG. Its 11:52 as I type and I don't even plan on watching the ball drop.


50. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year. Hmm... I can think of a few.

Jason Mraz "Live High"

Live high
Live mighty
Live righteously
Taking it easy
Live high, live mighty
Live righteously

Eminem "Not Afraid"

I'm not afraid to take a stand
Everybody come take my hand

We'll walk this road together, through the storm
Whatever weather, cold or warm
Just let you know that, you're not alone
Holla if you feel that you've been down the same road

But this, by far, is my favorite. Jason Mraz "Details in the Fabric"

If it's a broken part, replace it

If it's a broken arm, then brace it

If it's a broken heart, then face it

And hold your own

Know your name

And go your own way

Hold your own

Know your name

And everything will be fine

And go your own way

Blissful, Relaxing Christmas

This Christmas Day was probably the best we've ever had.  The boys are at PERFECT ages this year and I just adored their excitement. 

I don't think the boys woke us up until about 9am.  When we came downstairs, I had put beanbag chairs by the tree (from Ryan and I).  Their stockings were still by the fireplace with their Santa Gifts.  Porter walked into the living room, saw the tree and was like "Oh no, Santa didn't come!" (because last year Santa left all his gifts by the tree.  Once he realized Santa DID come, he grabbed his stocking so fast and dumped it out on the couch.  He was so excited!  Hudson didn't realize he had his own stocking so he tried to raid Porter's at first (which led to a little squabbling... love that its caught on video HAA!).  

We sat back and relaxed and let the boys play with their stocking and Santa gifts.  Ryan put some cinnamon rolls in the oven and got us some orange juice.  

After a little bit, we got the presents from us out and the boys slowly delved into them.  They opened one present at a time and literally played with that present for awhile, not caring that they had others.  We opened a couple presents, had breakfast, let the kids play, the kids opened a few more presents and we just sat back and relaxed.  I don't think they were done opening their gifts until after noon.  And they each only had I think 5 or 6 presents?  It was very relaxing and enjoyable.  I felt like we just soaked up the morning, the togetherness and the gift giving.  

Hudson, oh sweet boy after my own heart.  He cracked me up all throughout the Christmas festivities (Christmas Eve and Christmas Day).  He was rarely found without chocolate on his face.  Seriously.  I think from Friday morning to Saturday night he had chocolate somewhere on his face at any given time of the day.  His favorite things out of his stocking?  CANDY!  He tried to raid Porter's stocking candy as well, but only made out with a couple pieces.  He has a sweet tooth just like his mama!

See... chewing candy.  :)

And there's Hudson behind us.... opening more candy.

This is funny... but Porter REALLY wanted a GREEN Zhu Zhu hamster.  Luckily, there was one single green hamster left at Target when they were on sale for $6 so I picked one up for each of the boys.  These silly little hamsters were the most played with toy of the morning, I think!

Here is the hat and mittens I made for Hudson out of Porter's old sweater.  So cute!  Its a little big for Hudson, though.  I'm sure it'll fit him next winter though.

Dave and my Dad came over for awhile.  My dad and I played golf on the Wii.  He kicked my butt.... I lost interest after the 2nd hole.  

The boys are really into building blocks.  Hudson got some Fisher Price Trio blocks (and Porter got a couple sets of Legos).  They have been building stuff non stop!

In the afternoon, Heather, Aubri and Addi came over and we got the annual "picture" with the 4 kids.

I made these washcloth bath puppets for the boys out of some cheap washcloths from Meijer.  They turned out so cute!