dinner tonight:

recipe found here.

the girls started back to piano lessons after a few months off (their teacher had a baby). it's been fun to hear the piano being played throughout the day.
bre is working on learning some worship songs, so she can play them at church. last sunday she played, "Jesus Loves Me" and we all sang along. so sweet.

it's been strange weather here. i've run outside in shorts five times this month. i don't think that has ever happened in january! we're thankful for it, but now we'd gladly take some snow (did i just say that?!).
the kids have a list of things they want to do this winter - like making this awesome snowman we found on pinterest.

the kittens are pretty big now. we are keeping one and we gave the other to a friend. it was hard for the kids to give her away. we've already made a couple visits to see her in her new home.

i've been working on getting caught up on my photobooks. i decided awhile ago that i would make one book for each year and one book for every vacation. so far i have 2007-2011 and one vacation book made. it's a lot of work, but definitely worth it. if you're like me, and need some motivation to get started, here's a great link.

what have you been up to?

are you here? i hope so!
i don't think i can leave. i like all of you too much. i just need to be more disciplined about computer time. seems to be a theme for many people these days, huh?!

so, i'm back with a funny video for you. this made me laugh.

2012

i've been thinking about the new year and so far i've decided on two things i want to do.
one - run marathon #5. not sure where yet, but most likely it will be in the fall. it's just too hard for me to train here in the winter. plus, i really like running the 1/2 in june.
i'm still hoping to run the marathon with my blogging friends, kate and terri!

two - spend less time on the computer. it's funny how easy it is for it to be the first thing i run to when i have free time, but i know i could be spending that time on more important things. so, i've decided to start with saying goodbye to the blog. i will still read some blogs, but i plan to cut back on the frequency and number of that too.
many of you that read here are friends with me on facebook, so we can keep in touch that way. if we're not friends there, and you want to be, let me know.
thanks so much for reading and cheering me on to several finish lines! i'm so thankful for the many friendships i've made here. ♥

We had a great Christmas! My kids actually slept in until a little after 8. I was the first one up, which was really nice. I got everything ready and had candles lit and the tree on when they came downstairs. We had our traditional pancake/sausage breakfast made by my hubby. I can't remember how that tradition started, but it's a good one. ☺ He always makes some baby pancakes too, which the kids love. We spent the rest of the day opening gifts (3 for each + stockings) and playing with toys and games in our pajamas. So nice!

I got the CD I was wanting, which I love. She has such an amazing voice!

Also, my aunt gave me this vintage tree that I have been wanting forever. I always told her that I wanted hers someday, and she found one for me. It's one of those weird, kind of tacky things, but I love it...probably because my grandma and my aunt have had one for as long as I can remember.

I also got a new hall light. Funny how things like that are exciting, huh?! The other one was really bad though.

Now the tree is down and we're ready to celebrate a New Year!

Do you have a favorite tradition? What was your favorite gift this year?

• well, my streak lasted 9 days. lame.
• we finished reading "The Long Winter." after reading about everything they had to endure, i'm convinced we won't complain at all this winter. we really have it so easy!
• after weeks of working on decorating for this wedding reception, i've decided i definitely could not do it for a full-time job. unless, i could do everything how i wanted it. it's really hard trying to decorate for someone that has an idea of what "looks good," when you totally don't agree (i.e. fake flowers and lots of color everywhere). hopefully she will love it though. that's the most important thing!
• i'm getting antsy to start planning my next marathon. i almost signed up for one today.
• an awesome thing lately has been keeping my grocery list on my iphone. so convenient, and i just check things off as i get them. yes, i'm on my way to becoming super mom! haha!
• speaking of the iphone, another great thing on it is has been having the Bible with me at all times. i've started reading the Bible whenever i am somewhere waiting for the kids. i've been amazed at how much i can read even with small bits of time here and there. it's been so great. they say it takes 21 days to create a habit, so i'm hoping for this to become a new one.
• tomorrow my boy starts a two week break from school. i can't wait! i miss having him here all day/everyday.
• i'm making these for his school "winter party" tomorrow. it was an idea from pinterest, of course.

i need some motivation to get back to running consistently, especially now that it's cold here.
starting tomorrow i'm going to join this.
i'll keep you posted on how it goes.
this should be interesting.
*(this picture cracks me up. who can ever take him seriously?!)

anyone want to join me?