Our Christmas

This year was different from all years past. I think that's a good thing. We learn to appreciate the little things more. It's not always the same.

I was determined to enJOY the holiday season; to not feel stressed out. Stress takes the fun out of everything. Gift giving wise, it was a smaller Christmas than ever before. Yes, the kids did get underwear and shoes. I don't think there was even a HINT of technology that was unwrapped. And that's okay. We were all together; that's what truly matters.

Here are few pictures from around my house:

 

 

We hosted not only the extended family for a Christmas party, but also my parents and grandma for Christmas. We had such a blessed season!!

Da Hoppa

Have you seen that new series of Dish commercials regarding the Hopper?!
The husband works for Dish; I sometimes pay attention.

Da hoppa one gets me every time I see it.

Speaking of da hoppa. Someone evidently told my kid that in order to participate in an egg hunt, one must act like a bunny.

And look at that Ring of Chocolate around his mouth. Fire schmire. Johnny Cash, eat your heart out.

We hosted our Spring Fling {aka Easter} & April Birthday's at our house yesterday. The husband was at work, so he missed out.

Here are some pictures of those who were present:

My beautiful cousin, Chell. It's almost like she was getting her sun burn on right then and there!

My momma.

Alex and my Aunt Julie

Chell and her youngest Evan. Her oldest, Austin, was too busy scoring all the eggs to be bothered with a photo-op.

My niece Charlotte

Her brother Ben

My cousin-in-law, Darryl (Chell's husband).

Oops. Can't see Chell. My memory card is fried, me thinks! Sorry, cuz!

So there you have it. Kids, eggs, chocolate. Yep, I immediately took a nap after everyone left.

2012 Resolutions

2012 has to be a good year for us. I insist.
And because I insist, I decided to jot down a few resolutions for the coming year. I am sharing a few here, but please know the usual be more organized, be kinder to others, blah blah blah are also included.

To explain #1 - here is a picture of me from right after Marcos bought my my new bike {which prolly couldn't be considered new any longer}...

{2009}

I am ready to get back on that cruiser and go crazy. You know Isabel got a new cruiser for Christmas, and the husband just hit "ACCEPT" on his Amazon order which consists of a smooth, silver cruiser of his own.

We need to make some serious changes around here. I mentioned in one of my previous posts that I had to take a trip to the ER. I am still not 100% sure what the deal was, but it felt like I was *dying* and that someone was sticking a knife and slowly turning it clock-wise in my back. As in KIDNEYS!! It took some major meds to get me even remotely comfortable. I am done not taking better care of ourselves. Since then, I've been taking my meds and also drinking water like it's going out of style.

My cute boyfriend and I have decided to remove ourselves from dairy for at least the month of January. Hopefully beyond. Do you know how hard it is to have Taco night without sour cream and cheese?!

Easy, we did it last night! Champions, we are!

We went grocery shopping today and got tons of good stuff. My poor niece, who is away for the weekend, is going to be shocked when she sees our 2012 pantry. ;) 

My seventh resolution is to just CELEBRATE life more. Whether it be birthdays, holidays or the random Tuesday, we need to appreciate it. Watching my grandfather decline has made me realize that the experts are correct; life really is too short.  :(

We are ringing in the new year as a family of 5 tonight. If Nic bothers waking up, that is. We are having a healthy dinner, some healthy drinks {virgin for los ninos!}, and are hanging out, err - in.

If you have a resolutions post, feel free to leave it in the comments, or share what you are going to be focusing on in 2012. I think it's going to be a great year.


Happy New Year to all of you!

Thanksgiving 2011 {Photo*Dump}

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We stuffed ourselves full of good food. We laughed a lot.
There were 10 of us total. The six of us, my parents, and my grandparents. It's a tradition.


I made three pies; one apple and two pumpkin. This was only the second ever apple pie I have made. I liked it.

Adult table decor...

Fall around the house...

My daddy...

Abby and Grandpa Barney!!

Marcos filming me taking a picture of him. ;)

I decided to bring the kitchen table into the formal living/dining room so that the kids didn't have to eat alone in the kitchen. I shortened it (took the leaf out) since we only needed four seats. 

Adult table... (P.S. I made the runners out of canvas and green tulle.)

Do you know how hard it is to find Fall themed candy/snacks the day before Thanksgiving?! We settled on Gold Fishies and Reece's Pieces.

Our theme this year... owls!

The food is on the table...

Last year we did a thankful tree... {see that post here}... this year, we did Thankful Owls...
Everyone wrote down what they were thankful for as they came in the door.

Yes, one of mines  wrote that he was thankful for his PS3.
And it wasn't the 16 year old.
Nor the almost 5 year old.
Hmph.

I am very thankful for my family, my friends, people that do good things...
I am thankful for our health, our happiness, and each and every morning we get to try, try again.

I am thankful our Thanksgiving went off without a hitch and that I got to spend it with my wonderful parents and my fantastical grandparents. I love them all so much.

I hope you had a wonderful Turkey Day!

Just a few Easter Pics!

Mom had us over for breakfast... and what a spread she put on! The food was DELICIOUS! They had 3 terrific Easter Baskets for the kids! They kids were impressed!! And very thankful!
GiGi and Barney even stopped by for a bit! It was wonderful to see them. Sadly, Marcos had to work... he was missed (however, i got to eat his share of the cinnamon rolls -aka Monkey Bread).

Just a few funny pics!








Mom and Dad got each of the kids a new pair of Sunglasses. How cool are my trio?



Hope everyone had a great Easter.