Merry Christmas

Wow...this month has FLOWN by. We survived Christmas. As many of you may know Christmastime always leaves me well grumpy. I love giving and watching everyone open gifts but getting to that part drives me up a wall. I almost cancelled Christmas I was so fed up, but I took a deep breath and remembered that it isn't about the gifts given its about the sparkle in the eyes of Jackson as he tore into his presents (with the help of Daddy) and the surprised look on Cam's face when he got his iPhone (followed by a well planned out contract that he signed that Rich & I wrote). Now that its all over and done with I'm ready to get this year buttoned up and start next year FRESH. So thankfully my husband will be out of town...wait that came out wrong. Rich is going out of town for the annual Tulsa Shootout. As much as I am going to miss him and not looking forward to being by myself let along w/ Jackson for the first time w/o back up I am looking forward to a day of cleaning and organizing courtesy of my Mom. I don't know how I would survive without her down the road (even if it is 45 mins away).

There are a few things I need to tackle but the biggest on my list is a tie between the "Man Cave" and the Kitchen. For me to be such a Type A personality you wouldn't know it if you looked in my cabinets so I have been "creative farming" as my husband likes to call it and yes I have an addiction to PINTEREST. For those of you who haven't learned of this craze let me tell you once you get started you can't stop. Talk about a great way to lose a few hours. I have found some of the neatest ideas and the best part, I don't lose them cause I can pin them to their appropriate board and the go back. LOVE IT.

Back to Christmas...It was so strange having my own little guy to open presents. There's nothing like watching them be amazed at little things..like wrapping paper for instance. Even Zander and Jayden were so excited each time they opened a present. That was all I needed to remember why we work so hard all year long. It really isn't about the gifts (though I can't wait to use my new food processor *thanks MOM & DAD*) but it's about the smiles, memories, and laughter.

I hope everyone enjoyed their families and much as we enjoyed ours.

Merry Christmas & Best Wishes on the New Year!

I DID IT!

It's official...I AM AN ADULT! Thanksgiving dinner was a hit. The turkey was the perfect golden brown and juicy, everyone loved it. Talk about a feeling of accomplishment. Thanksgiving was a fun day too. All the family was here except for my dad who wasn't feeling well and Jim & Ang. We laughed, watched an awesome Green Bay game (GO PACK!) and enjoyed spending time as a family. I'm so thankful that my families get along so well, are close by, and enjoy eachother.

Jackson oh how I laugh at him. He is learning textures so he's constantly touching and feeling. It is so funny to watch him discover something new, like the stubble on Rich's face. He isn't quite sure what he thinks of it but he just sets there are touches then gives Rich the funniest look. I can't believe how well he is doing. Either the teething tablets that I got for him are working or the fussy baby that appeared for a few weeks decided to leave and I have the cutest little cuddle bug who just smiles and laughs (I greatly prefer the later...).

We are planning a date night Saturday. Jackson is spending the night with GramsZ and Pa while mommy and daddy do Christmas decorating and dinner on the town. This will be only the second date that Rich and I have had since Jackson. I firmly believe that we need time for eachother as much as we do spending time with him. Plus it also makes Jackson aware of being ok with other people and not totally dependent on us. I love the fact that he doesn't know a stranger, doesn't cry, that anyone he meets he just smiles. Of course when he is older we will have to change that a little bit but I'm sure he will adapt just fine.

With the year winding down we are making some changes. The biggest one is setting a budget and paying off debt. It seems like a never ending battle but Rich and I both have dreams that we know the only way to accomplish them is with hard work and getting rid of the debt burden. So we have been realistic and decided to tackle the dreaded credit cards first. I wish there was a magic potion that would take them away but there isn't so I guess overtime it is for him and I.

Pictures to come of our Christmas Tree!