Resolving to UNresolve...

Ten Things I'd Like to Do in 2011!

This is a very risky move on my part to post my goals for 2011, but I'll be able to look at this in 365 days and see if I was able to accomplish any of these things. My Blog can keep me accountable...so the pressure is on! I won't call these resolutions, because we all know where those go about a week into the New Year...to heck, that's where! So these are things I'd like to do this year, and if they don't happen, no biggie!

1. I'd like to get back to the gym. Yeah, I know, me and about 75% of all Americans...but still.

2. I'd like to get over my problem of hoarding clothes and GET RID OF THEM! I didn't wear that sweater in 7th grade, and I'm not going to wear it now! Seriously, I have clothes that date back to 7th grade, and shoes that date back to the 8th grade.

3. I'd really like to further explore and pursue some talent type of endeavor. Vague? yep! I don't know, maybe photography? Yes, I know, this is also something that 75% of Americans are trying to pursue. You put a camera in someone's hand and they think they are the next Ansel Adams...or in my case, Anne Geddes! But that's what this year will be for...ya know, to see if I can be the next Anne Geddes. Maybe...maybe not.

4. I'd like a new camera...so I can do the aforementioned #3! Mr. Clean said that I have to book clients and make money before he buys me one...but don't I need a camera before I make any money??? It's the classic "what came first? The chicken or the egg?" We shall see!!

5. It would be pretty awesome if I could finish memorizing John 3. I started memorizing it about 2 summers ago, and only got to verse 16. So maybe this is the year! Along with memorizing other passages...that would be nice.

6. I'd like to run the Peachtree road race in under an hour. Don't laugh, mom. Ok, this is a total pipe dream, and I KNOW will be one goal I probably won't reach!

7. I'd like to have a better blog. Once you start this thing, it's hard to neglect it! I'd like to redesign it and fancify it...ya know, TRY to make it super cool.

8. On the same note, I'd love to reach 100 followers (of my blog, not some religious occultist thing) this year. I love my current 38 followers, and I know this goal is totally strange...just think it would be cool, that's all. and if I can't get 100, then I QUIT! Ok, I'm just joshin' ya, I wouldn't. But, I do know that I've had this thing for 8 months now, and haven't even gotten half way there, so this is actually a pretty big feat. But I know it's possible because I have bloggy friends who have hundreds of followers...I don't know how they get that many, but they do!

9. I'd like to be an even better housewife this year, I'm improving, and Mr. Clean doesn't have to clean up behind me...as much, so maybe this year is the year! Fingers crossed!

10. My biggest goal, most important goal and one that I will be working my hardest at achieving, is going to be serving others more. In the (now) past I have been intimidated (for various reasons: I was working, I have a fear of man issue that they won't like what I make or do, lack of resources...yadda yadda) by stepping up to the plate to bring meals to families, or jumping at opportunities to give of my time and resources...NOT ANY MORE! Now that I stay home full time, there is no reason for me not to help out where I can. There. I said it. I can't wait to get started!

Praying you and yours have a HAPPY, HEALTHY 2011! WooHoo! Rock it!

This Past Decade....

Can you believe that an entire DECADE has passed since the"new millennium"? I've been thinking about the past 10 years and I do believe this decade has been filled with the most growth and change in my life (granted I've only been around for 2 1/2 decades, but still).
In the past 10 years I started High School, had a first kiss, attended prom's, celebrated my sweet 16, went from being in love with NSYNC to totally digging the Dave Matthews Band, had braces or a retainer for half the time, learned to drive, registered to vote, traveled to Boston, Maine, and Korea, and several other fun places, visited Disney World over 25 times, graduated High School, got my first job, attempted college, welcomed two baby sisters, met my future husband, participated in 6 Peachtree Road Races, trained and completed my first, and likely last, olympic sized triathlon, went to dozens of concerts (faves being Paul McCartney, John Mayer, DMB, Elton John, Billy Joel, and Rod Stewart), got engaged, became a wife, bought our first house, and this year became a mom!

The past 10 years have been great! Filled with life's most precious milestones...most of life's memorable milestones, in fact! The decade was packed to the rim with God's overflowing blessings and abundant mercies! And although there were A LOT of great times, there were a lot of painful and difficult times as well. A lot of life lessons, a lot of tears, and mistakes, a lot of forgiving and even more asking for forgiveness. Fortunately, time has a way of healing most wounds in my life, leaving me no option but to celebrate all of the good times. the exciting times. the life-can't-get-any-better-than-this times.

Think back on the past 10 years. Laugh. Cry. Remember. Go ahead! You'll be amazed at where you've been and will hopefully be excited about where you are going. Happy New Year!!

Baby's First Christmas!!

So, Christmas has now come and gone and yet again I feel like it went by way too fast. I'm all about savoring the moment, stopping to smell the roses, and maybe for too long! And wanting to savor the Christmas season is no different! I don't even want to blink for fear of missing it! Unfortunately, this year went by even faster than years passed! We (momma and I) had grand plans of going to the Festival of Trees which never even came close to happening, and I didn't even get to see It's a Wonderful Life...or even enjoy a cup of cider!

And even though it slipped away from me too quickly, it was still my most favorite Christmas ever!! I know Kidd-O will never remember his first Christmas, but I will and I wanted it to be perfect...maybe too perfect...borderline annoying the fool out of my family perfect!

I tried several time to get out so Kidd-O could see Santa, and didn't think it would happen... but forced it to happen on Christmas Eve Eve. It was stinkin' cold, and the line was forever long, but I'm so glad I did! I will cherish this picture forever!I miss being a kid at Christmas, it was such a magical time, and I'm forever grateful to my parents for giving me such special memories! Because of my fondness of those memories, it is my mission to do the same for my little one(s)! I know people have different feelings regarding Santa (i.e Mr. Clean), but we (and by we, I mean me) have decided that as long as the central focus remains on the birth of our Savior, we will celebrate the gift of a kids imagination and let Santa visit...but I am under a strict probationary period! Here's what Santa brought for his first visit to Kidd-O. Not only was this Christmas special because Kidd-O joined us this year, but Georgia had it's first measurable "White Christmas" since 1882!! It was simply beautiful! Even though it cut our time with family short due to hazardous road conditions, it was really neat to see that much snow on Christmas!!

I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas with your family and friends, that you were able so savor every second, and revel in the miracle that came to us in the form of a newborn babe...our Savior!

Christmas and the Days of Yore

As Christmas quickly encroaches upon us, as it seems to do faster and faster each year, I often wonder if it always goes by this quickly? I'm a dreamer and live in "dreamworld" a good portion of the time, and I have always desired to have a Christmas like they did in the days of 'yore...whatever "yore" means. Do you know what I'm talking about? The kind of Christmas where all the girls wear dresses, and the boys are wearing sweaters their grandmother knit for them and both of them are on the floor, stringing cranberries and popcorn for the tree that the family all went to chop down together. Mother is in the kitchen preparing figgy pudding and a roast goose. Father (who is wearing a hat, scarf and a long coat) is out getting more wood for the fire and when he opens the door, gusts of snow fly around the room. The kids' faces light up when he enters and jump up to greet him! Grandpa is sitting in that big, comfy green chair, smoking a pipe and telling the tales from when he was young. After dinner, they sip on their wassail while mother sits down at that old upright, and begins playing carols. Everyone begins to gather 'round, placing arms around each other and join in just in time for the chorus. There it is. The Norman Rockwell kind of Christmas that I long for. Was Christmastime EVER this dreamy? or is it something that's just left for storybooks?

I'm excited to start new traditions with my family (even Though Mr. Clean isn't a tradition-kind-of-guy) and maybe someday I can recreate this picture perfect scene myself!

What is your favorite Christmas tradition?? I'd love ideas!

4 Years Ago Today....

4 years ago today was my wedding day.

4 years ago today I woke up so nervous I got sick.

4 years ago today I walked down the stairs to eat my last breakfast with my family. Momma and Daddy-o were drinking coffee, feeding the kiddies, and scanning the paper. I remember it being...normal.

4 years ago today my soon-to-be sister-in-law, bless her heart, was driving me b.a.n.a.n.a.s (we laugh about this now)!!! She was just doing her job, keeping me on "schedule" until I snapped. And I snapped real hard, yelling "I AM THE BRIDE AND THIS SHOW DOESN'T START WITHOUT ME, SO CAN IT!" she was pretty quiet after that.

4 years ago today I needed to be alone after my outburst. I hid in my closet while everyone else loaded up the cars. I was hiding behind all of the clothes I couldn't bear to pack up (along with all of my other belongings) and I was crying on the phone to Mr. Clean...I was already homesick.

4 years ago today, while hiding in my closet, I saw my daddy-o's feet walk in to my room. He came to tell me it was time. Time to hug me. Time to say "I love you". Time to kiss my cheek. And time to say goodbye. That moment I will remember forever.

4 years ago today the boys were calm as cucumbers....

...and the girls were busy little bees.

4 years ago today my dear friend excitedly reminded me that "you'll never have a first date again, or a first kiss again...you're about to be an old married woman!! Isn't that exciting!?" I began to cry.

4years ago today we were blessed with PERFECT weather! It was sunny and 72 degrees.

4 years ago today my mom thought she was attending my funeral instead of my wedding.
4 years ago today my daddy-o walked me down the isle to give me to my best friend.

4 years ago today I couldn't remember what I was supposed to say and had to ask our pastor to : "Come again?"

4 years ago today our families and friends gathered around us as we promised to take each other in joy and in sorrow, in plenty and in want, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish all of our days.

4 years ago today I danced. I danced like no one was watching.

4 years ago today I was a bride and I was swimming in my wedding day, soaking up.every.single.second!

4 years ago today I married my love, my confidant, my cleaner half, my baby daddy, but most importantly, my friend.

Happy Anniversary!!!!

My Monday Mind Dump...

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things....

1. Christmas music 24/7! I can't turn it off. Even if I'm sick of it, I still listen because I feel like I'm supposed to listen when it's on the radio.

2. Right-out-of-the-dryer-and-on-to-the-bed sheets. Simply divine!

3. Pretty presents! I LOVE giving gifts that look as pretty on the outside as what's on the inside.

4. Snail Mail. But only the good kind, like Christmas cards or letters from our Compassion International Child. I've tried looking at the "bills", but it might as well be written in Mandarin because I have no clue what they say.

5. ICE COLD COCA-COLA CLASSIC. Not pepsi. Not Big K. Not Sam's Club. And call me crazy, but I truly believe a coke tastes better when Santa is on the can.

6. Magazines. Any kind will do, I just love 'em! Glamour, Southern Living, and Real Simple are my faves. Taste of Home is on my naughty list these days because they NEVER send me my magazines!

7. A crisp dollar bill...or 20 dollar bill...better yet, a crispy Benjamin! But I can't tell 'ya the last time Ben and I got together.

8. Laughing with Mr. Clean. He's a good sport...

9. My momma's cooking! She's 'da bomb-diggity!

10. L.L Bean. I love getting my catalogs so I can wish and dream for everything in it! Their wild blueberry jam is delish!

What are some of your favorite things??

Friday's Photo Flashback...on Thursday!

A Year Ago Today...

I have 7 younger siblings. I know babies. Growing up there was ALWAYS a baby around to hold, or babysit. I had seen 3 births, cut 2 umbilical cords, held hands while they got stitches or had emergency brain surgery (my mother has a weak stomach), and when these babies grew up, I spent lots of time kicking them out of my room or yelling at them when they drew with marker all over my BRAND NEW comforter,or barging in my room at 5 am ! So When I got married almost 4 years ago I was not in ANY hurry to have babies...maybe ever. My momma and daddy-o gave/gives every bit of themselves, they showed selflessness in every circumstance, they went without so we could have, and did so graciously (which I recognize even more now than I ever did growing up) and frankly, I was way too selfish and self absorbed to EVER do the same! I had seen the good, the bad and the ugly when it came to child rearing and I was fairly certain I wanted no part of it!

Around this time last year Mr. Clean and I discussed (briefly) the possibility of never having kids, and if that is a lifestyle we could see ourselves living. We did agree that although that would be fun, we may regret that decision down the road. No one ever regrets having kids, but we may regret not having them . But one thing was for sure: NOW WAS NOT THE TIME!! Things were good just the way they were. Just me and Mr. Clean.

You can imagine my surprise then, when one year ago today I found out that I was pregnant. It was a cold and rainy day (as every good story begins) and I decided I had better get a pregnancy test...or 4 from the dollar store. I didn't tell Mr. Clean about my inkling, because I was positive that I could not possibly be pregnant (believe me...IMPOSSIBLE), but something never happened that month that gave me a sneaking suspicion....

I came home and locked myself in the bathroom. I can't really describe the feeling I had that day. I felt scared and alone. not to sound mellow-dramatic or anything, but it was scary and lonely. Only my sister-in-law knew of my secret because we were having the "baby talk" the day prior, and I wasn't sure I could deny that I might be, ya know, "with child" (GASP! YIKES!)The silence was deafening in that bathroom. 30 seconds seemed to be 30 years, and unfortunately, I didn't need the entire 30 seconds. The pink line was there. Good thing I still had 3 more tests, I was hoping that the dollar store sold defective tests, that's why they are a DOLLAR, HELLO!!! I took one more to confirm...yep. My life is changed. forever. How do I tell Mr. Clean (aka El Cheapo)??

I'll tell ya how I told him. I walked right out of that bathroom and straight into his office and said "I'm pregnant". His response was not really one of joy and not a response I will repeat (if I'm being honest), and I began to cry. Yes, I cried. Not because HE wasn't happy, but because I wasn't. I know I may be awful for saying such a thing, but it's true, and it's my story. I can't change it. No more sleeping in, or going out on a whim (which never really happened that often, Mr. Clean isn't a "go out on a whim kinda fellow), and long gone are the days of using both of my hands. I was about to be tied...FOREVER. The one thing I was happy about, was that people would stop asking when I was going to finish school or when I was going to have a baby. Both questions I received COUNTLESS (did I say COUNTLESS???) times a day (Unfortunately, I still get asked when I'm going to finish school, and my answer remains the same: NOT TODAY)!

That day was life changing for me. And it took every bit of the 9 months and every last day of my 40 weeks (Kidd-o even gave me 2 extra days) for the Lord to prepare my heart, repair my attitude, and fill me with joy and excitement. Now, when I look at my baby there are times that I am embarrassed and ashamed that I was EVER disappointed and sad about having a baby! I have been stretched and grown in the past 4 months. And I now realize it is a joy and a privilege to give of myself the way my parents always did. My mom was right, you just "do it" you don't even think about it! And, our pastor's sweet wife had often told me: Once your baby comes, you'll wonder why you didn't have one sooner. I could not agree more! The love that I have is overwhelming. I am head-over-heels and over the moon in love. I'm in love with those little fingers that envelope mine in the middle of the night while I feed him. I'm in love with the way his little jammies hug his chubby legs and his sweet toes just PERFECTLY, causing my to snuggle just a few minutes longer.His delicious smell right after a bath is intoxicating. And that smile? fuhgeddaboudit!

If someone had told me one year ago today, that I would be "one of those mom's," I would have had to laugh in your face. But it happened. And I could not be more grateful it did, And I can't wait to, Lord willing, do it all again, and again...and maybe again???? but that's all....maybe.