Bring it on...

I'm talking about the year people! It's a whole new year, in case you haven't noticed, and I have been thinking long and hard the past few weeks about a lot of things. I have decided that I'm not going to make any resolutions in 2010 just for the sheer truth that I know I won't keep them and don't want to disappoint myself :) But what I have decided to do instead is to change my way of thinking. It all started right before Christmas when I had a small emotional breakdown/through about the craziness that has become our holidays. I was stressing out way too much about getting everything together-gifts, food, something to wear, etc.-and I had one of those "AHA" moments that made me think. When I got home, I had the newsletter from our church and it had one of the best messages in it-it was just what I needed. It talked about how much life would change if we gave each other different gifts (other than the material ones we are used to). Gifts such as: Forgiveness, Respect, Admiration, Friendship, Encouragement, Humor, Kindness, Love, Gratitude, Recognition, Compassion & Understanding. WOW! These things don't cost a penny, yet we neglect giving these things to the people we hold most dear (and some we don't). So this year, I am going to try my hardest to give these gifts to those around me. I am truly blessed beyond belief-I have more than I ever deserve-but know so many who need these gifts and don't have anyone in their lives to receive them from. I don't personally know everyone's story or what is going on in their lives or what they believe in. You may not believe in God, or even the same God I believe in, but as a Christian I am charged with sharing what I know about Him with others and giving the gifts I mentioned before would be the best way I know how. I am by no means perfect, and I know at times in the past I have failed at LOTS of these, but this year I have decided to focus on giving to others what I have been so richly blessed with. And as for the age-old resolutions: eat better, exercise, get out more--I will work on that as soon as it warms up outside!!!

And here is an obligatory Caleb pic-since that is of course why you are here!

Chillin in his recliner (courtesy of Aunt Donna). Yes he is double fisting with the beverages and yes, he is not wearing any pants, and yes, that is his duck call sitting with him. What a boy!

Have a great week!

Better late than never

I put a Christmas post and a Snow Day post on here (finally) and I promise to update this blog better in 2010! I will put some New Years Day pics on here later this week. I hope everyone has a terrific new year!

Christmas Time

We had another busy, yet oh so blessed Christmas this year. Caleb went to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops in Pearland and he was very intrigued by the bearded man. They gave us three pictures b/c he was smiling at us in the first one and then Santa told the photographer to take one with him looking up at him. It was too cute. They have an amazing set-up in the store, complete with giant reindeer and activities for kids! We will definitely go back next year!We went to Cracker Barrell for the annual Christmas Eve morning breakfast (which turned out to be sort of a disaster, but I complained online and got a free meal for two so yippee!). Then it was back home for gift exchange/lunch with Mom, Dad, Uncles Jimmy and Jason. More eating-which I of course did-and it was delish! GJ went all out with some really cute stuff for Caleb and he had a blast opening and then walking around the room to show everyone his gifts. He loves books and anything he can throw! He took breaks to snuggle every once in a while too.After a quick nap, off to Bo and Shirley's for family/cousins gathering and gift exchange. Oh, and more food of course. And yes, we ate AGAIN! Couldn't pass it up-good stuff again. Caleb changed into his jammies and had to take a water break after opening up some awesome stuff from Rocky and Nena, and Uncle Blake and Aunt Kim! What a great day!Christmas morning! Santa brought Caleb a four-wheeler, some blocks, and a few other fun things. He was pretty funny on the four-wheeler!Saturday after Christmas-showing off his ride to Rocky and Nena in the back yard.

Where did he go? (This is his number one favorite thing to do when someone leaves the room-it is hilarious!)

He was a little hesitant on the gas, but he is getting the hang of it!

Snow Day!

Caleb had a blast in the snow! He was so excited and he just kept raising his hands up toward the sky and yelling like he was saying, "Come on snow! This is awesome!" And he didn't want to go in, but I was freezing, so we took multiple trips outside to see it all.