My name is Kelly, and I'm a Blogoholic

There, I said it. Boy, do I feel better! There is something to be said about owning up to your addiction. I stumbled upon this world less than a year ago when I got re-acquainted with an old friend. By "re-acquainted" I mean, I read her entire blog from start to finish after finding a link to it on Facebook. Yes we have reconnected through emails and she knows that I am an avid stalker, ahem, follower of her blog. After seeing what she created I realized that I could do this too. I could write down my thoughts and family adventures on my OWN blog! So, I started my own and now I can't stop. (I don't think that is a bad thing. Part of my problem? Perhaps.)

Not only do I enjoy posting random thoughts and happenings on my blog, I have stumbled upon a whole gaggle of blogs that I look forward to reading each day. I don't know what it is about reading perfect stranger's blogs that keeps me so entertained. Some of the blogs that I read belong to friends and I enjoy seeing what they are up to considering they live so far away from me. Others that I read belong to perfect strangers, most of which inspire me to be a better person, mother, wife, and friend. Sitting down at the computer, when I have a few minutes to spare, and reading blogs is a part of my day that I look forward to.

I have mentioned to friends that they should venture into this world of blogging. Most say, "I don't know how you have the time to blog." Others say, "I would be afraid of what people would think of me." I think it is pretty cool that one day I will have a whole online journal filled with the simple things that I can look back on and enjoy. How do I have the time to blog? I enjoy it, so I make time for it. Am I afraid of what people might think of my words? Sometimes, but that is all part of the experience.

All of that said, I am not quite ready to head to BA (Bloggers Anonymous). My children aren't starving, my husband isn't neglected, my pets are all alive, and my house stays moderately clean (although I could use some improvement in that area).

The bottom line is, I enjoy reading about other people's thoughts, dreams, successes, and challenges. I get inspiration from their creativity. So, thank you blogging world for introducing me to some amazing people and their blogs. They might not know who I am, but I feel richer for knowing them.

Fridge of Fame

I like to devote one half of our fridge space to pictures of friends and family. I wish I could say that I took these pictures myself because that would mean that I see all of these people frequently. But no, I snag these pics from Christmas cards. Or baby announcements. Or whatever greeting that I receive that comes equipped with a picture.

Did you make the Fridge of Fame?

No?

Plead your case and those in charge will consider your request.

Sweet Boy

Tonight when I was singing to E before bed, he joined in the singing (both Twinkle, Twinkle and ABC's) and tickled my face the same way that I was tickling his hair. I could just gobble that kid up!

New Year's Adventures

We spent this New Year's Holiday up in, one of our favorite places, in my parent's cabin. We drove up there 2 days after Christmas with my parent's dogs, all of our stuff, and Aunt J too! (My parents came a few days later.) Prior to our arrival it snowed. A lot. The gentleman that plowed our driveway had to rent a front loader to clear the 3 feet of snow that had piled up. The boys were thrilled just to be there. The fact that there was so much snow they could disappear in it just made it even better.

During our stay: the boys managed to get in many more hours of movies than I am normally comfortable with; I never really got out of my transition clothes (if you are not familiar with transition clothes, they are the clothes that come after jammies but before the clothes that you would actually wear in public); we got a healthy dose of sledding under our belts (complete with a head (B's) to a tree); and thoroughly enjoyed the BCS football tournament. By the way, the BCS is so much more fun with there is money and an excel spreadsheet involved.

Speaking of money, after my parents (Amee and Papa) arrived we somehow managed to convince Dad (Papa) to come to the indian casino with us. Historically, we belly up to the blackjack tables at the Hondah and 20 minutes later we are leaving. Not this time. We managed to stretch our money for a few hours and had a great time. Dad provided plenty of entertainment and the dealers kept us laughing.

We really enjoyed our trip and hated to return to real life down here in the Valley. While the cabin is certainly missed, we are happy to be home, B is excited to be back in school, and all of us are looking forward to the many possibilities that 2009 holds for us!

Oh, I almost forgot....

Here are some pics from our trip!

The Year of the Beard

Well, more like two weeks. He grew it out over the holiday vacation and ended up shaving it shortly after this picture because it was driving him nuts. I won't share the mustache pics. Sorry. I just can't do it. But, seriously, how HOT is he? Right?

Christmas Day

Early on Christmas morning, B crept into our room at before 7am. He patiently rested with us in our bed so that E could sleep a bit longer. There came a point where he just couldn't wait any longer. He went into E's room and yelled, "Wake up! Santa came!" Aunt J spent the night with us, so she was there to enjoy the morning with us. And what a morning it was! Wrapping paper was spread across the floor along with the loot that Santa brought. We didn't have to rush off anywhere, so we really relaxed and enjoyed the morning. Aunt J was so kind to take pictures of all excitement.

B's favorite gift was his GeoTrax Airport.

E's favorite gift was his Pixar Raceway.

Dad's favorite gift was new boxer shorts.

Mom's favorite gift was a new camera (Canon 50D).

We couldn't resist a family pic. E couldn't be more excited!

Amee and Papa came with scooters for the boys.

Grandpa John and Grandma Wendy came with some race cars.

After relaxing all day at our house, we packed up and went to Amma Gramma's for a lovely Christmas dinner with Uncle M, Aunt JJ, and CeeGee. You better believe I took the new camera to her house to capture all of the magic.

Amma Gramma got the boys a Hot Wheels city for all of their cars.

CeeGee loved all of the activity!

Uncle M, are we having fun yet?

Aunt JJ modeling the apron that I made for her.

Amma Gramma loved the over sized pics of her grandchildren!

Prince Charming's Aunt Deb brought some MORE surprises for the boys and enjoyed some cuddle time with CeeGee.

We had such a wonderful holiday. It couldn't have been better.

What's next? We head to the cabin for a week to welcome the New Year!

Celebrations

My Parent's Christmas Eve Party

(This year held on the 20th)

We got all gussied up and made our way to my parent's house to attend their annual Christmas party. This is the first year it wasn't held on Christmas eve and a lot more people were able to attend. Santa visited and brought a present for each of the children. Some were more than willing to sit on his lap, others were very skeptical.

B was so excited about Santa, E hid behind the chair to observe for a while.

Riley didn't want anything to do with Santa. She wouldn't even approach him to accept her gift!

Notice E behind Santa while friend, Nolan, gets his present.

Christmas Eve

We spent the evening at my parent's house with my grandmother. We had a mexican feast and we exchanged gifts with GG. After the boys had their bath and GG made her way home, we did our little gift exchange with my parents and sis. It was a lovely, relaxing evening!