Happy New Year...

Well, Christmas came with a bang and went out with a bang. Brian took two weeks off and just went back to work yesterday. I don't think either one of us were ready for him to go back. It was a very nice holiday break...filled with lots of family, good times, and..of course...presents. Who doesn't like presents?! I really can't remember a Christmas in which I got so many nice gifts. It was so exciting. Lots of fun gift cards which means lots of fun shopping. Whew Who!!!

The kids sure had a big time too. Will loves his family...particularly his cousins and enjoyed spending some extra time with them. For New Years, Brian's dad came up, I cooked a big dinner, and we were in bed by 10:00. How bad is that?! Like I always say, we may just be the oldest 30 somethings out there.
We are struggling this winter season with colds and illnesses already. It has been a bit of a rough start. I will be glad when me and the kids get back on track. All the sickness is keeping us indoors which gives all of us a raging case of cabin fever by the end of the week. Those gift cards may be gone sooner than I'd like simply for the fact..I need to get out. Funny--this is a picture of what I saw when I got home today from my dr.'s appointment...after having only been gone 2 hours. I had to give Will a quick pep talk about proper kleenex usage. He thought if you just touched your nose with it then it was dirty. Sorry trees.

I've got a few things on my New Year's resolution list but am not quite ready to say what they are yet. Fear of failure...maybe....or perhaps I need more time to add to my list. :) Either way, I will keep you posted.

For now, here are some pictures of the kids playing the other morning. They sure are cute together. Much love.

Sissy's new found talents..

Standing on her own.

Sissy "head-banging" and bouncing to the music.

Random Ramblings

What we have been doing lately....

Lots of drawing

Sissy's been doing lots of climbing. I have to really watch her.

Lots of jumping...Will has a thing right now about jumping. He thinks it is really cool.

Opening Christmas cards which I love.

Searching high and low for soft soled, black, dressy shoes, size 3.5 Wide and finally found them!!!

And the best part...they were 50% off. For all of you moms out there who know what it is like to pay dearly for wide shoes, this was a steal. One pair left, Abby's size, 50% off. Whew Hew!!

Just thought I would share...

Happenings...

Ok...now to give some time attention my poor, neglected blog. I would much rather my blog be neglected though than my family. :)
Let's see--I am officially done nursing Abby. She..yes..SHE just decided that she was through with it. I couldn't believe it. She wanted nothing more to do with being nursed or even drinking out of a bottle. I couldn't have been more unprepared. I tried to get her to do both at least one more time so I could say "this was the last time" but nope. All she wants is her sippy cup. I was thankful it was so easy but also sad at the same time. My baby is growing up.
We are celebrating Christmas with my family this weekend. We are all really looking forward to it. Mom and Dad are stock piling the pantry, fixing all of our favorite foods, and have got some really fun gifts for us to open. I can't wait. Another thing to look forward to is Brian's vacation time. He is taking two weeks off and we are all super excited. I love Christmas. Will is also super excited about Christmas this year. We have picked out Jesus' birthday cake and will be having an all out birthday celebration Christmas morning. He keeps asking what we are getting Jesus for His birthday. Any ideas?? I am not quite sure how to answer that one.
Not much else to report so I will just end this post by writing that I am so very thankful for all that God has given me in my life...for the sacrifice of His son, for the grace that I live under, for a husband that loves me so dearly and is so committed to me and our family, for my sweet, sweet babies, for my wonderful extended families, and for all the kind, generous people in my life. I am undeserving of God's favour but so very grateful. So, tonight and every night I celebrate all that I have in Jesus Christ who is my redeemer and savior. I am so blessed.

Christmas Picture

Cancelled the picture appointment with Portrait Innovations and decided on this one instead...

Merry Christmas.

Look at this...

Will's first word. I guess after watching the movie, he remembered how to spell it (because we don't own it). Pretty impressive.

Poor little blog..

My blog is in definite need of some TLC so I thought I would spend a few minutes typing while my e-bay auctions are ending and the pictures from Sissy's birthday are downloading.

Yes...my little girl is officially one year old. We had her birthday party on Saturday and had such a nice time. It is such a treat to have everyone in our home and cook for them. They all do so much for us it is nice being able to give back a little bit. Brian got his chef's hat on and prepared a terrific cheesy potato soup and I made Santa Fe Soup...served it with some little sandwiches...and voila. I think everything went really well (minus the fact that my brother and sister-in-law weren't able to come). Will had a BIG time with his cousins and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves.

With the Christmas season upon us, things have been super hectic. We have had lots of play dates, social activities, shopping, and....unfortunately...sickness. I feel like the kids have been sick all winter and "winter" just started. Abby is cutting ALL FOUR molars at the same time (so needless to say...she is a mess) plus she is getting over a cold. Will is finally over his cold but is suffering from a case of the rottens since he's been sick...so it has been a lot of fun. :))))) I hope we are on the upswing for a while and the kids will stay well.

Not much to report on our end. I have been doing a little shopping and a little e-baying to make up for the shopping (which I learned I just broke even) and Brian (after some changes at work) has been enjoying his job so much more. He is not in meetings all day every day and the stress level has greatly improved. I am thankful that he is more at peace. Now--we just need to get him over his cold. (Oh yeah...did I mention Brian has been sick too....and since I've been typing...Will has coughed 3 times...grrrrr).

I think that about sums it up. Shopping, sickness, birthday. Oh...I got our Christmas cards addressed and ready to be mailed out. Though not the best picture of any of us....it will certainly do.

Happy Holiday!