A New Kind of Resoultion

Usually this time of year, most people have made...and broken...their New Year's Resolutions. That group includes me. I don't even remember what I decided to do last year. All I know is it didn't happen.

My kids were with Grandma, Grandpa, Mimi, and Pa the week between Christmas and the first. (Thanks to them, by the way!) I discovered Pinterest bringing my world to a standstill. I looked and pinned all week. I found the following two sayings/pictures and they keep running through my mind. You'll see why. So...in the fashion of all good procrastinators I have decided to make myself a couple of resolutions.




We all do this. I tell myself: I was good yesterday, I can have a candy bar today. Or: let's make cookies, I'll only eat one. Yeah, right!

So here's the deal. Candy is for sharing with my kids. I will make better food choices.




For many parts of my life this is very true. I have my husband, my kids, and a life on this farm. Work is okay most days. The only part of my life that is completely ridiculous is that I am not teaching and I am not around family and friends nearly enough. I'm not speaking just physically but with kinder gestures.

So, I will write more letters, make more phone calls, and *gulp* send more texts and emails.

.......

Now, I am going to need some reminding. That's why I'm leaning on you. Yell, call, or slap me. Seriously.

Christmas Morning...At 5 a.m.

Christmas morning came at 5 a.m. at our house.  Not becuase the kids were up but because Travis was up.  He had to go into work early so that meant everyone was up.  I love seeing the tree and presents all lit up before the sun rises.

Pants-less Gentry looking at his new cars.  He refuses to wear his pajama pants.

August liked her new Tinkerbell movie.

Our family Christmas picture.

I Still Get Starry Eyed...

So we waited until December 23 to go see Santa.  Actually, I forgot until December 22 at 9 pm.  So we loaded up in the car and made the trek to the mall. 

Did I mention it was December 23?

The mall was atrociously busy.  The line was long.  And there was a brat in line behind us.  My children were angels.  Litterally angels.

Forty-five minutes later we reached Santa and Mrs. Clause.  Yep, Mrs. Clause was there and she was pretty awesome.  Both kids sat on Santa's lap and they talked about what they wanted for Christmas.  Aug insisted that she wanted a motor boat with a remote control.  Gentry just stared at him.

They talked for quite a while.  It made it totally worth the wait. 

Aug's Preschool Christmas Program

August was so cute in her preschool Christmas program.  She waved at us, just like last year.  She sung all the words to all the songs.  It warms my heart to see her in action like that.  We have been so blessed to have found Kinder Cassel.  She loves going to school and loves her teachers.  It seems like weekly one of her teachers tells me a funny or sweet story about her.

(Pretend there is a video here of August and her classmates singing.  I'm having trouble uploading.)

We Wish You a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Six Years Ago

Six years ago I woke up for the last time as a single girl at my mom and dad's house.

Six years ago I drove to the church and was helped into a white dress by four close friends, each representing a major part of my life until that point.

Six years ago I held a bouquet of pink roses and white alstroemerias and was walked down the church aisle by my dad.





Six years and two kids later. I asked Travis if he had any regrets...

He didn't answer.

On Teaching Charity

I've spent some time this holiday season thinking about how we as a family could give back. Travis and I have talked about what we would like to do for 4-H clubs and the FFA when we get back to Olney. (Both played such a big roll in what we are.) But for the time being, we want to make sure our kids realize how good they've got it and what it means to help others.

Finally I realized what we could do. A local radio station was holding a 13 hour toy drive at Walmart. Perfect. We would hurry to get ready and go to Walmart before I had to go to work. August was to pick out a toy, something that she likes to play with at home, to donate to Toys for Tots.

Quickly she settled on Strawberry Shortcake, with pink hair of course. We checkout out and August proudly carried her purchase to the tent outside. She was about to drop it in the box when the morning radio personalities appeared. One of them recognizes me from work. He looked at me, looked at August and said, "can we interview her on the radio?" Sure. "Great. We are live in ten seconds." A man from AT&T rushed out and recorded it.

We had never intended on such a big deal being made of August's first donation. However, I am so happy it did. I hope that she always remembers that day.

We are so proud of her. She is wise beyond her years and compassionate. She may have taught me more than I taught her that day.

(Thank you WIXY for hosting the toy drive. Thank you AT&T for making a contribution and for recording it for us. Thank you Roofing Dog for being there. Both kiddos were amazed to see such a large and friendly dog.)

Just the Kiddos

New pics of the kids I took Thanksgiving Day.  My favorites are the second and last.  Enjoy!