One Little Word 2010

Do you remember last year when I posted my word for 2009? If you weren't reading my blog at that time or you forgot go over to Ali Edward's blog and read more about the idea.

Basically, you choose one word that you are going to focus on for the year. My word last year was appreciate. I truly feel like I stuck to my word. Doing the Project 365 definitely helped me along the way. I appreciated the little day to day things we do as a family. I also appreciated how fast time goes by and to savor all the little moments and things Andrew does because I know all too soon it will change.

This year my word is **INSPIRED**. I am so often inspired by those around me whether they are other moms, photographers,crafters, etc. There is inspiration everywhere. I want to be inspired to do and be better in 2010. I'm not saying I'm not happy. I'm just saying there is always room to grow and learn. I recently sent out a quote to my family and I'll post here.

"There are people who live 70 years and there are those who live the same year 70 times."

A sledding we will go!

The day after Christmas we all went sledding and took a zillion pictures. I even have some of myself! There is just something about sledding that brings back the kid in you.

Check out his look of determination!

Awesome!!

My heart candy cane photo has been featured on the Pioneer Woman's website. Yeah!! I'm so excited. It's so flattering when other people notice your work. What an honor. :-)

Spidey is in the building!

We went to a birthday party yesterday afternoon and had a great time. They had a face painter/balloon maker (I can't think of their real title right now!)

Andrew asked to be spiderman and she did an awesome job and then she made him a spiderman balloon. How cool is that?? She was also making princess balloons and butterfly wings the kids actually wore. It was incredible!

Andrew checking himself out in the mirror.

I even got a "tattoo" of my own. ;-)

And, the whole reason for the celebration. Miss Alexis is now a one year old! Here she is thoroughly enjoying her cake.

Christmas Day

Andrew woke up around 7 a.m. on Christmas morning ready to find out what Santa had left him...

Checkout out the front door to see if the reindeer like his carrots and food. They must have been hungry because ALL the carrots were gone!

Here are some pictures of the opening present frenzy. I love his facial expressions!!

This plate from Auntie is just too cute and Andrew thought it was the funniest thing ever.

And just like that it's over and the mess is all that is left. (Lanette this photo is for you. I hear you think I have a maid! HAHA that is funny. Oh, I wish. Boy do I wish.)

The boys retreated to the basement to play all of the new Wii games. Andrew loves loves loves to play the Wii.

We had an awesome day. Playing with all the new games and toys and eating a yummy prime rib dinner. Perfect. Absolutely perfect.

Christmas Eve Recap

It snowed all day on Wednesday and we woke up on Christmas Eve to beautiful sparkling snow. The sun was out and it really looked like a winter wonderland.

We spent all morning baking and cooking. Then we headed off to church for the family program at 1:30 p.m. The program was great and really geared towards children. After church, we had friends and family at our house and had an absolutely wonderful time visiting. The kids played in dress up clothes and had a blast.

See below for the rest of the story....

After our friends left Andrew got right to business and got the cookies and milk for Santa. He was very specific this year. We had to leave three cookies and ice milk because that is what Santa wants. Then he said "Oh wait! I have to write Santa a letter!" He proceeds to write him a letter saying "Please only eat two cookies. Love, Andrew" LOL Apparently he wanted one for himself. This kid cracks me up.

We stepped outside in the beyond cold freezing temperature and left carrots and reindeer food for Santa's reindeer.

Then headed upstairs to read a fun version of the Night Before Christmas.

Andrew didn't even finish the book. He said he wanted to hurry up and act like he was dead (it's in the book) so Santa would come and leave him presents. Then he reassured us he wouldn't look out the window or get out of bed to take a peek at Santa. I love Christmas Eve with a 5 year old. I know a day will come when he doesn't believe so I'm savoring every second of this.

Merry (white) Christmas!

It snowed all day long yesterday and was just beautiful. We baked and cooked and had a snowball fight. Two against one is getting old. It's always boys against girls! Ah...Who am I joking I wouldn't have it any other way.)

It's supposed to snow off an on for the next three days. So, yes we are going to have a white Christmas this year. Woo-hoo!!!

I want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and hope you are able to enjoy this magical time with your family/children. The excitement for Santa is building in our house and I can hardly wait to see Andrew climb down the stairs in the morning to see what Santa has left him. It really is the most wondeful time of the year. :-) (Yes, it's corny but I couldn't hold back!)


Here are more pics of your winter wonderland...

December Daily : Day 21 & 22

Day 22:


I found this cool technique I just *had* to try. At first I saw this lens and an adapter than created this look by Lensbaby and I really wanted it. However, I've spent enough on photography this year and don't need any more write offs. (Translation: I've spent enough on Christmas and have already received my BIG gift from my hubby so it wasn't going to happen.) So, I stumbled upon this tutorial and made my own in a matter of minutes for free! If you have a lens with a small aperture. I used a 50mm F1.8. For the money this a nice lens and I would recommend it for anyone out there wanting to take some nice portrait shots and who wants to do this neat technique! I would love of course to have the50mm L glass but $90 compared to $1500 hmmmm... see above re: not needing any more write offs.

Day 21:

December Daily: Day 20

I have to say I stole the idea for the candy cane on another blog. I can not remember which one now or I'd give it credit. I thought it was a cool idea. Anytime I can play with Christmas bokeh I'm all for it. 5 days left for Christmas. Really?

December Daily: Day 19