How Sweet!

Emily at Trailerhood Aristocrats so kindly passed on the Liebster Blog award to me. Emily and I are new blog friends.  She lives in Colorado with her husband and sweet little girl.  She and her husband are making plans to build their forever home and so are Mark and I.  It's been a lot of fun to read her blog and follow her Pinterest boards as we make plans for the future. 
Thanks for the Liebster, Emily!

So what's the Liebster?

This award is given to bloggers with less than 200 followers, in the hopes that it will bring many new friends/followers.

Liebster is German and means 'dearest' or 'beloved' but it can also mean 'favorite'. The idea of the Liebster award is to bring attention to blogs with less than 200 followers. So, in the spirit of good fun I am passing this award on to five other bloggers. Please stop by and visit them.

The Rules are:

1. Show your thanks to the blogger who gave you the award by linking back to them.

2. Reveal your five picks for the award and let them know.

3. Post the award on your blog.

4. Bask in the love from the most supportive people on the blogshare-other bloggers.

5. Finally and the best rule of all..........have fun and spread the love!

And the Liebster goes to...

Angela at Unexpected Elegance

Kathleen at Simple Silly Life

Paige at this little life...

 Shannon at Upon A Dream

Lorri at Lizards and Lollipops

Walk in the Woods

On Christmas day, we walked through the woods on the land that we own.  This land is where we hope to build our forever home. 

We won't start building this year, but the closer it gets to becoming a reality the more I realize that we need to start seriously planning.  Just recently I was talking to someone about getting dirt work done for the site and pad for the house.  They were telling me that it's really important to prepare the pad and let it set.  I'm not sure the time frame that it should set, but I know that it's good for the foundation if you do.  Again, it takes planning to get things like this in order. 

Mark and I are excited and overwhelmed with all of the decisions we will be making. 

Right now since it's not in the near future, we're enjoying walking through the woods and dreaming about our forever home.

Through this clearing is where I'd like our private driveway.  It's secluded and I love the way the trees frame the path.

Mark and his dad walking down what I hope is our future driveway.

On the path, you pass by this exposed rock.

And here it is!
This is where we'd like to build our forever home.  It would be to the left of where Mark and his dad are standing.

The cedar trees need to be cleared and we need dirt work done, but we feel like this is the perfect spot.

There are paths all over the land, thanks to Mark's dad.

Wouldn't it be amazing to take a walk through the woods every day?

This is who I get to plan and dream with.  I'm a lucky girl!

While we live in the present, we dream about the future.

Sharing at Casey's at Deb's.

Can I still post about Christmas?

Yesterday, I posted my New Year's Resolutions for 2012, and today I'm doing a Christmas post.  I'm all over the place!

It's never a good time to blog during the holidays because things are so hectic.  Once they are over, I realize that I've skipped over some things that I'd really like to include on my blog for memories for my kiddos.

Christmas Eve at with Mark's family

  We eat breakfast/brunch and then open gifts. 

Will with his gifts.

Look closely and you'll see that Ben received a few dollars in his card.  He was just as excited about it as he was the Lego Cars set.  One of our favorite moments was when Ben opened his first gift and said as happy as could be, "I got a box!".  He was thrilled with his new box!

Will was happy with his new Winnie the Pooh movie and Wii game.  

The boys each get a gift from Mark's parents and from each of his brother's families.  It's just the right amount of gifts.  It's not excessive or out of control.  I really like that about Mark's family. 

This is Carol's Anthro mug.  Will was talking to his Mamaw the day we bought the mugs and he told her, "Mamaw we bought you a mug today." I overheard him and told him she wasn't supposed to know because it was a gift.  He told her, "Don't tell anyone, it's a surprise."  Bless him!

Carol surprised Jerry with the Biggest Loser cookbook.  They both made resolutions to eat healthier and lose weight in the new year. 



Christmas Eve At Home

Christmas Eve at our house was more successful than last year.  The boys and I made and decorated cookies for Santa.  We also had carrots to leave for the reindeer. 

Hope Santa and his reindeer enjoy! 

One last thing to do before they go to bed, check Santa's location on NORAD's Santa Tracker.

2012 New Year's Resolutions

I'm one of those people who likes to make lists and making resolutions each year goes right along with that.  Last year I had 11 resolutions for 2011.  I'll admit that I didn't go 11 for 11.  I failed to keep several, but like I said last year, the resolutions can only make me a better person so why not give it a try.

1.
Learn how to use my DSLR on a setting other than auto.

I've pinned numerous tutorials on Pinterest, but I've yet to read through any. I'd like to invest in a new lens for my camera, but I don't think it would be a good investment if I don't really learn to use the camera.


2.
Save money

It's not polite to talk about money, but I'm going to go there.  Mark and I have been a little too relaxed with our finances.  When we first got married, we saved money and were so frugal because it was a necessity.  Our salaries were much lower and we were paying off debt.  As we've gotten older, we have less debt and we make a little more money.  Well,  we have started to spend more money.  Most of our debts are paid off, but when we stop and think about what we have to show for it, some of it makes us feel good but some makes us feel bad.  We spend a lot more money on stuff like eating out, clothes and non-essential merchandise than we should.  When we were first married, we never ate out, never purchased new clothes and we didn't buy extravagant gifts.  Lately, we've found ourselves spending more and doing without less.  That's not the example we want Will and Ben to see as they grow up.  We work hard for our money and I think God expects us to be good stewards of what we have been blessed with.  Kathleen said it best when she said she had "stopped recklessly spending our money."  I immediately commented and told her that was exactly how I was feeling.  I have recklessly spent our money and justified all of my purchases one way or another.  Mark and I are both ready to change this bad habit, and we are committed to saving money this year.  Our future plans include traveling and building our forever home and those won't be a reality if we don't show more discipline in this area.

3.

Eat out less/Eat at home more

I like to cook.  I feel like I have a nice kitchen.  I have lots of cookbooks.  I don't really have an excuse not to cook healthy meals for my family.  It will take a little more preparation on my part, but I'm excited about the challenge of eating at home more.

4.

Lose weight

I think #2 and #3 will help with this resolution.  If we eat out less, we'll save money AND consume less calories.  Fast food is so convenient but it's really unhealthy.  Mark and I are committed to exercising more and eating healthier food to make this resolution a reality.  We're not going on a fad diet or taking a supplement.  Our plan is to drink more water eat smaller portions, less sugar and exercise.

5.
Read the Bible more

Really, does this need an explanation?
Psalm 119:105 (ESV)
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.


6.
Be more creative with Will and Ben. 

Be willing to do craft projects.  It might be messy but encourage them to be creative.

7.
Be more patient/Be in the moment
I have a problem with losing my patience.  I have to constantly remind myself to relax, take it easy and not be so uptight.  It's okay if there are dirty dishes in the sink, piles of laundry or stains on the carpet.  Those things really don't matter.  Spending quality time with Will and Ben is what's important.  Don't let the stress of insignificant things ruin the moment.

8.
Be conscious of my actions and speech.
One of my favorite quotes is, "Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words."  Francis of Assisi
Sometimes I feel an overwhelming amount of guilt about this.  I don't know if my actions and words always reflect a Christ-like attitude.  In fact, I know they don't. 
This verse comes to mind,
2 Corinthians 2:15 (ESV)
For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing,

Best of luck with your new year's resolutions!


Here's to a great 2012!

PJs, Bikes, Anthro, Lovely Things, Warning, Good Deals

It's my weekly phone dump with photos of what's been happening lately.

Matching PJs

Don't the boys look adorable in their matching PJs!?! 

Cuteness overload!

New Bikes!

Will has a new bike!  He's been given money in the past for a new bike and we end up getting something else for him instead.  This year my brother sent the boys money for Christmas and we decided to buy a bike for Will.  It would eventually end up being Ben's so they both would benefit from it in the long run.  Will's also finally big enough to really ride a big (with training wheels, of course).  We had to go to Mark's parents' house because our driveway has a steeper slope.  They have a perfect driveway for riding bikes.  It's long and level.

Will surprised us with how quickly he picked it up.

By the way, we got a great deal on Will's bike at Toys R Us.  We bought it on clearance the week after Christmas.  Bonus--it was already assembled!

Ben's bike is used but new to us.  It was passed down to us by some friends.  Their little boy had outgrown it and it was the perfect size for Ben.  Ben's not too sure about riding it but he's content to straddle it and walk around.  The only new thing we had to purchase for him was a bike helmet. 

Lovely Things

Look what Santa left in my stocking.  I'd been wanting a mug with my initial from Anthropologie.  I gave my mother-in-law and sisters-in-law one for Christmas. 

If I'm not enjoying hot tea in my lovely new cup, this is a delicious treat. 

Milk glass

Do you follow me on Pinterest?  I have an entire board dedicated to milk glass.  My sweet aunt gave me this lovely hobnail vase for Christmas. 

My precious grandmother, Mama Winnie.

We visited her at the nursing home on Friday after school.  It was a good visit.  She has Alzheimer's and sometimes she is very confused and upset.  Friday she was in a great mood.  I miss my grandpa and I miss my grandma--the grandma that I grew up with.  Alzheimer's is a terrible disease.  We've dealt with it since 1998/1999.  We are thankful she is with us and for the time we get to spend with her.

Impromptu family reunion in Wal-Mart.

We rarely get to see my younger sister (remember I have a complicated family) and we ran into her at Wal-Mart.  It was great to see her and catch up.

Look at this pretty apron my sister-in-law, Brandee, made me for Christmas.  Love the pattern and fabric!

And, it's reversible.

The boys were given money at Christmas for Chick-fil-A.  What a perfect gift!  Is CFA only a Southern thing?  Sorry, if you've never experienced it.  So tasty!  My boys always eat their food there and they have a blast playing in the play area. 

Warning

 There should also be a "Warning Sign" that warns parents of small children to watch out for pre-teen, unsupervised, out of control children in the play area.  Nothing frustrates me more than children who are too old to be in the play area playing rough and intimidating the younger ones.  Also a pet peeve is unsupervised children who do not play nice.  I still love Chick-fil-A, but I watch my kiddos closely at any and all play areas.  It's just the right thing to do.  I'm finished with my semi-rant now. That is all.

Good Deals

I may have gone a little crazy at the 75% sale at Bath & Body Works.  I also had a coupon for $10 if you spend $30.

The mini hand sanitizers were 50 cents.

The little plastic case for it was 12 cents. (I bought 6!) 

And, I bought a few other goodies! 

Funny thing at Bath & Body Works, we ran into my in-laws and two of my nieces.  They were having a sleepover with my in-laws and were at the mall.  We never shop at that mall but we happened to be at stores next to each other at the same time.  Fun coincidence!

AND linking up to Stacy at Kids Stuff World for Life in an Instant :)

Me, A to Z: 2012

Last year, I did a getting to know you post.  This one is different but still fun.

Me, A to Z: 2012

{Photo by Lauren}

A. age : 34.  I'll be 35 this year!

B. bed size : Queen

C. chore you hate : Cleaning the bathroom and dusting

D. dogs :  no doggies

E. essential start to your day : Checking email, having breakfast

F. favorite color : Blue

G. gold or silver : Gold

H. height : 5'5"

I. instruments you play : None.  I took piano lessons for several years when I was a child, but I wouldn't practice therefore I do not know how to play.

J. job title : Mommy, junior high history teacher

K. kids : Will and Ben

L. live : Small town Texas

M. middle name : Elaine

N. nicknames : Cheles

O. overnight hospital stays : Twice when I had Will and Ben

P. pet peeve : People who are dishonest, inconsiderate, gossips and rude.

Q. quote :  I have more than just one.

Most people are about as happy as they make up their minds to be. Abraham Lincoln


If you judge people, you have no time to love them. Mother Teresa

I have learned that success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has had to overcome while trying to succeed. Booker T. Washington

Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words. Francis of Assisi

Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart. Anne Frank

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, "What! You too? I thought I was the only one." C.S. Lewis

The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep, loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

R. righty or lefty : Lefty and let me just say it's a right-handed world.

S. siblings : 3, Brian, Chris and Kirsten.  I don't talk about them a lot because I have a complicated family.

T. time you wake up : 6:10a.m.

U. university attended : East Texas Baptist University (first two years) and I graduated from Texas A&M University.  Whoop!  Fightin' Texas Aggie Class of 2000

V. vegetables you dislike: Olives

W. what makes you run late : I waste time doing things in the morning.  It's not totally useless or aimless but I get easily distracted doing dishes, folding laundry or picking up the house when I should be getting ready for wherever it is I need to be.

X. x-rays you’ve had :: my arm when I was young because of trampoline accident--no broken bones; foot--no broken bones and the standard dental x-rays

Y. yummy food : Tex-mex, frozen yogurt with mochi

Z. zoo animal favorite : tigers, elephants, penguins


Me with three of the most important people in my life :)

2012--Ready or Not Here We Come!

I'm not sure where to start with this post so I'll just jump in.  I'm writing random and linking up to misc monday at lowercase letters.

{one}

Christmas break is over.  It was truly a fun-filled break, and I'm a little sad that it's over.  We did so much that I'm not sure I can pick a favorite thing.  We slept late, watched a lot of cartoons (especially Peanuts), cuddled on the couch, baked cookies, went to the movies and spent time with family and friends.

Here are the boys at the Dallas Arboretum on the first weekend of the break.  It was a beautiful day for the middle of December.  They didn't even need coats.

{two}

I didn't blog a lot over the Christmas break.  I had to make a choice--be in the moment and enjoy it or blog about it.  I chose to be in the moment.  I'm sorry if I haven't commented, responded to emails or been a very good blog friend.  I think almost all of you would agree that cherishing the moments with my family was the right decision.  You know, these are the moments that I'll never get back.  This is good stuff!

{three}

I'm working on a list of New Year's Resolutions.  I followed through on some of mine from last year, and I still need to keep a few from last year on this year's list. 

{four}
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.
I think this is something I need to focus more on this year instead of seeking after insignificant things.  I'm excited about starting a Bible study over the book of John with the ladies of my church.  I hope and pray that the study will help me do just that.  I'd also love to hear about any resources you've used that were good when studying the book of John or the Bible in general.


{five}
Genn listed some things she's looking forward to in 2012.  I thought that was a great idea. 
Here's my list:
*Spring Break--I want to go camping.
*Mark and I will celebrate our 10 year anniversary in June.
*Will starts kindergarten in the fall.
*Ben will hopefully be potty trained before he turns 3 in June.
*Summer 2012--We have a couple of things planned.  We are hoping to take a trip to Vegas for our 10 year anniversary.  We also would like to visit family and friends on the East Coast or take a road trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Tetons National Park with Mark's parents.  We're not sure which of those will take place.
*Start making plans for our forever home.  I have some photos of the land to share with you soon.  So exciting!