Here's to 2010

It's resolution time!

Some people think it's funny to make resolutions. I think it's a way to keep yourself accountable for certain things you want change in. I like to look at them as goals. If they are written out for you to see...you're more likely to accomplish them and take personal accountability for them if you don't.

So let's get started!!

1. Become debt free. With the exception of our house and student loans, I have no doubt in my mind we will be debt free in 2010! Getting out and staying out!

2. Become a stay-at-home mom. I'm going to work on building up my Mary Kay business so I'm able to come home with the girls. Why on earth should I go to work for someone else every single day who is going to control how much money I make regardless of how hard I work? Why should I have to pay someone else to raise my kids so I can sit at a job that's not going to get me the things I really want in life?? My point exactly!

3. Become healthier. I was going to say "get into shape", but I'd rather know my body is HEALTHY, than a certain size. I'll run more, play more, hike more, explore more, and get outside more.

4. Relax more. I'm such a busy body that I don't take the time to just sit back and relax when I should. Having to sit with a newborn for feedings has certainly helped!! The kitchen doesn't always need to be spotless, the clothes on the floor not always put up. This one is going to be a stretch!! :-)

5. Read more. I like this one. I'm starting with Dr. Wayne Dyer's book "Excuses Begone!" I'm excited to start it! I have a closet full of great books to complete this year. Plus Anna is such a copy cat, I'd rather her sit down and pick up a book, than sit down and pick up the remote!!

And how did 2009 do?

So here is the list of resolutions I made for 2009...let's see how I did!

1. vowed to eat better
I actually did eat better this year. Partly because I was pregnant and either couldn't stand some of the things I was eating and because I really only craved PB&J and cereal! But also Chris and I really focused on introducing healthier foods to Anna, which means we ourselves would have to eat it too!

2. become more active
I definitely was more active this year. Chris and I took a lot of camping trips, walked the city of San Diego three times (!!) and just got out and about more this year. My proof is that I weigh 10lbs LESS now than when I first got pregnant!!

3. see the brighter side, less dwelling on negative
I still struggle with this at times, but seeing results in 2009 on certain things has definitely helped! My glass is half full!

4. read more books, less tv
No doubt is this true! Since having a 3yr old, starting Mary Kay and having Chris home more at night, I've definitely given up some of the TV. I still have a couple shows I watch regularly, but nowhere near what I once had.

5. get out of debt
This is the biggest one. And I'm so happy to say it's one resolution I've actually made the biggest impact on. Chris and I ROCKED in becoming debt free this year!! 2010 is definitely OUR year!

Now it's time to make my 2010 resolutions!

Dinner at the Wheatley's

We went to Josh & Virginia's for dinner on Sunday night. Josh bought something like a 15lb roast and was kind enough to invite us to dinner to enjoy it. I honestly don't know why those two don't open up a restaurant or do a catering business or something!

They always make the BEST food!

Little Miss Virginia...YOU'RE ON THE BLOG!!MMM, I wish I had leftovers!Anna enjoying a piece of the giant cupcake!! I LOVE this picture of Virginia and AbbyToby waiting patiently for Virginia to drop something. Thanks again for having us over.

As always it was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

On CHRISTMAS Eve we went to visit Grandma & Grandpa Perkins and Uncle Barry. The Grandparents are out of the hospice home and appear to be doing well. They have put their Spring City home up for sale and are living back up to SLC again so they can be close to the doctors and family.This is what happens when you try to get Bear to sit still for the camera when she thinks it time to lay down. I look like I'm pulling a WWF move on her!Anna got a Tinkerbell doll from Grandma P. When I'm not looking she'll put Tink in Abby's coat, put her in the car seat and will buckle her in. I guess Tink is Abby's new baby!On CHRISTMAS morning we woke up to see that Santa had taken bites of the cookies we left out for him and enjoyed a glass of milk. What's the first thing Anna does when she comes down the stairs in the morning?? FINISHES OFF SANTA'S COOKIE!! It doesn't look like much...but man the living room was a disaster after!Santa brought Chris family season passports to Lagoon! He's been asking for years!!

Guess Chris was good enough this year that Santa finally rewarded him!Anna was super excited to see Hershey Kisses in her stocking!Abby just chilling. She wasn't too impressed with CHRISTMASBear got a boneHolly got pig ears

After our busy morning, we went to my mom's for more chaos!

(seriously, I couldn't even sit in the living room because I couldn't find the floor under all the wrapping paper and gifts that the kids had opened early!!)

Aunt Stephy & AbbyAshleySpencer (who got all snowboarding gear)
Autumn (who was just content holding Abby) Aunt Tannia, Haylee & Abby.
Haylee celebrated her 8th birthday on CHRISTMAS day
My nephew Andy is on holiday leave from the ARMY right now. He's definitely trimmed up and walks a little taller these days!

Holiday Cheer

Anna and I attempted to make sugar cookies for the Wood's family CHRISTMAS party.

It was....MESSY!Anna's cookies
My cookies We got VERY creative with the toppings!!

Abby didn't help much

Uncle Mike came up and hung out for the night. Anna LOVED playing with him. In fact I think she got to hang out with him more than Chris did!! Mike has over 400 days sober and is doing great and getting his life back on track. A Christmas miracle indeed!

We also got our yearly visit in with the Woods.

Aunt Shanna & Abby

Grandma Wood & AbbyAnna forcing herself to hug Grandma W.

Anna kept calling this girl "My Girl".

She'd go around saying "Mom, where's my girl?"

We finally learned her name, Patience, and yet still kept calling her "my girl"

Luminary

Wasatch Lawn does a lighting each Christmas where they place a bag with a candle on each grave. It lights up the entire cemetary. I really wish my camera would have taken better pictures. It's something you just need to see in person.

They also place a Christmas tree inside the chapel for you to decorate ornaments on for loved ones. My family has decided to make this a yearly tradition, this being our 2nd since my dad passed. My grandmother is also buried there so it's a neat way to remember them at Christmas time. My mom, Tannia & Stephanie

Just pictures

Abby loves to snuggle with Chris.

A trait that runs in the family!
I have no idea what Bear got into or what she ate, but her nose was swollen the other day. She acted fine and it didn't interfer with her breathing, but she sure looked funny. Anna's been teasing the dogs lately with her food and the only thing she had that morning was grapes. I sure hope that wasn't what caused this! Chris checked the backyard and didn't see tracks from any other animal, so we're sure she wasn't attacked. Maybe a bee? In winter?

3 for 3

All the girls are now 3. It's the terrible 3's times 3!!

Avva celebrated her 3rd last week with a party at MyGym.

Happy Birthday Avva!
Anna loved the zip line! She was so good. She listened to the teachers, she participated in circle time, total 180 from the last time I took her. Now she says "mom, I want to go to the gym with Kaylee and Avva". I may just bite the bullet and get her a one month pass for January.