Posting More... Photo Challenge

First day back at work in 2012 and boy has it staretd with a bang. I am so happy to report that one day into the new year (okay technically two but I am under the impression that on Holiday's some resolutions dont count, such as working out.) I kept my promise to myself (and Drew) and went and worked out this morning, then spent quiet time in a devotional with God. It has defnintely led me through the day already with a new outlook and more positive attitude.

In another effort to not be so lazy I have wanted to up my blog posting. It was every day for a while and has now slowly got less and less... I mean I  haven't even posted about Christmas yet! And I have a TON of photos waiting to be shared. Anyway I saw this photo challenge on Pintrest and decided it would be a great way to reintroduce myself to documenting everyday life to blog about. Hope you Enjoy!



So for Day One: a Photo of You (no not YOU, Me!)

Here is a photo of me and my sweet niece Peyton from last weekend when she was visiting.

 

See you tomorrow :)

Resolutions

I realize I haven't posted yet about Chrisymas... And it was a great Christmas with posts and pictures to come but I wanted to go ahead and post my New Years Resolutions for 2012.

2011 was a hard year. Lots of changes, lots of sadness but offered blessings as well. I am very much looking forward to the blessings that lie ahead in 2012.

I have NEVER been a fan of New Years Resolutions. I never really wanted to set the expectation of goals for myself not wanting to fail and be a disappointment... but THIS year will be different, THIS year I am setting Resolutions in all areas of my life.

1. Get Fit and Healthy. I have battled weight all my life, I AM DONE! I will start January 2nd (Gotta start on a Monday) excercising every morning before work.

2. Spend more time developing my relationship with God. After my morning workouts and with a cup of coffee in hand I want read and pray everymonrning to start my day right.

3. Count my blessings more and complain less. It is extremely easy for me to get caught up in the hard times of life, I feel like they are constantly circling me but I want to be more aware of the blessings I have.

4. Have more fun! I have gotten very caught up in work, taking care of things and not enjoying life so much. I want  to spend more time playing and not so much time stressing.

5. Find something that engages my passion!

6. Get involved in Church. This is something I have wanted Drew and I to do together but life has been crazy. No more excuses we are getting involved!

7. Love a little more. Love on my Family, Love on Drew, Love on others more and not myself so much

Dinner Date

Last night I had the most wonderful date to  Dinner and a Movie. There were some pink lilies involved as well as chinese food and the muppets but the best part was I got to spend my night hanging out with this girl...

Jealous much?! Yeah I would be too! Look how stinking cute she is rocking her santa hat!

For Kelsey's birthday I gifted her a dinner and movie all of her choosing. After her birthday life hit the fan a little but we FINALLY got to do it last night!

She picked Pei Wei for dinner which was so exciting as she is about the ONLY person I can get to go there with me. We both had Chicken Fried Rice and water (that is a Kelsey drink staple of choice.)

She wanted to go see the movie the Muppets and I have to tell you it was pretty cute. We were both pretty tired and I may have fallen asleep for oh maybe 5 minutes but the movie was a sweet and cheery one.

One of the absolute BEST parts of spending time with Kelsey is (aside from her smile and sweet spirit) .. if you are VERY LUCKY you can usually walk away with one of these...

A precious note telling you how much you mean to her. I am keeping this one in my car to look at when I need a little love!

Happy Late Birthday Date Sweet Kelsey!

Blizzard.

It is FREEZING COLD here, the wind is blowing, there is ice and snow covering the ground and my little toes are so cold. This is one of my Favorite things about living in Amarillo, we actually get SNOW!

Yesterday a blizzard blew through the area, the weathermen were predicting 6-9 inches of snow. I think was ended up getting 2 or 3 but nevertheless, they are still predicting snow again for this weekend. We could end up having a WHITE CHRISTMAS. There is nothing better to put you in the Christmas spirit than looking outside to see the groud covered in a layer of snow.

I didn't even mind running around in the blistering wind with Drew last night to do his Christmas shopping. He is a little bit of a procrastinator or he is just a boy and they do not concern themselves too much with minute details like ohh lets see shopping for Christmas presents. Anyhoo we ventured out into the weather last night hand in hand to shop.

There are moments in my life where I look over and just think how blessed I am by Drew and his love for me and my family. How he continues to suprise me with his thoughtfulness and how with each day we encounter a new experience together.

I asked him last night who he was buying for and he recited me a list with my family's names first. I watched as he carefully handpicked presents for his family and mine. Trying to find just he right and perfect gift for each person on his list and yet still being a boy about it he broke down after an hour and was hungry and thristy. We went for dinner and he rejuvanized and we powered on to complete all but 3 people on his list.

I have loved the anticipation of Christmas this year and Drew being such a part of my family. Each of my brother's have wanted to include him in our exchanges and get him something for Christmas. I love that he has now met everyone in my immediate family and they LIKE HIM! I am so grateful for the short time that Grandy had around him and that Drew got to be with Grandy. I am so so grateful for the time Drew had with my Dad and knowing that my Dad stamped his approval on Drew means the world to me. Drew came into my life in a time where I desperately needed him, I needed him to be apart of my family and meet the important people in my life.

Anyway... there is a little Tuesday ramble about my Monday night and the man I love.

Shopping and a Birthday

This weekend was just a full on fun time! A little bit CRAZY but Fun Fun Fun.

Friday night I met Neeley at the mall and we powered through my Christmas list...

There were AMAZING SALES happening and I was able to get every single thing on my list that night. Such a relief to have it all done!!

Saturday my dear sweet bestie Laura Beth came in town on her way to spend time with her family for Christmas. She hung with me and mom to accomplish my to do list for the day and then came to celebrate Nana's birthday with us on Saturday night.

Nana's birthday is tomorrow but we had a big family dinner on Saturday at Starlight Canyon. It was a great meal spent together celebrating the matriarch of our fam!

 

 Had her Sister by her side to celebrate.

 

Got a Christmas carolers to add to her collection.

 

She did a little modeling of her new outfit for us.

 Mom gave Nana a Mother's Love Necklace from James Avery. It was a precious moment between them and for all of us there.

For my gift to Nana I had seen an idea on a blog to scan old photos then print them on vellum and attach them to a lampshade. I thought this would be the perfect present for Nana using some old photos of her and Grandy.

Needless to say she LOVED it. She loved looking at the old photos of them together and reliving the memories. She already found a great place for it in her room.

It was a precious party to celebrate Nana's Amazing life!!

Today Laura Beth and I went to breakfast at IHOP and then she left. I picked up Drew and we went to see the new Sherlock Holmes movie. Then went to Sam's and dinner with my mom.

I came home after to wrap all my presents for everyone...

 

My Bathtub is FULL of presents. I cannot wait for everyone to open them up!!

6 Days until Christmas! I hope this week goes by very quickly!

Christmas Decor

Christmas in our house hasn't been something I have looked forward to for a looonnnnggg while. Last year we weren't even sure we were going to really do anything to celebrate Christmas after Grandy died. For the past 7+ years our family has had Nana and Grandy to celebrate with on Christmas morning. Last year it felt empty and sad. We have also had to deal with a "combined" family which essentially meant our traditions went out the door, then Ryan moved away and got married and our Christmas' have just not quite gotten back to any sort of normal. The truth is it never will.... we are all growing up and growing into our own little bubbles in the world, but for the first Christmas in a while I am actually excited. Both of my brothers will be coming in to Amarillo and for a day and a half my mom will have all her kids together at one time. With all that we are going through missing my Dad, I am so thankful that I have the opportunity to be surrounded by my family. 

I was excited to decorate for Christmas this year in our house and wanted to share some of our Christmas Spirit with you!

 

1. Coffee filter wreath I have been dying to make for over a year. Took me a total of $3.00 to make it with materials from the Dollar Tree. 2. My newest Santa to add to my collection courtesy of my Elf Aunt. 3. Chalkboard Advent Calender that I have not been counting down on. 4. My FIRST Christmas tree to buy. 5. Red and White inspired entry-way table. 6. Neighbors red and white Christmas lights that I LOVE coming home to (even if its next door.) 7. My newest Christmas ornament and burlap tulle on the tree. 8. $5.00 Garland on the mantle with gold pinecones. 

And Last but not least... my favorite part of our house. 

A Wreath I put together with items from Michaels. I love the Purple and the feathers on it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!