Letting Go.....

I don't know about any of you, but I have a little Diva on my hands at the ripe old age of 6 (almost 7). She LOVES to do her own hair, and put together amazing outfits. Well, today I just let it go! I usually tell her, "That doesn't match, those don't go together, you're not going to wear that, etc."
Well, today she was so excited when she walked out and was ready for school, I just let it go. As hard as it was for me to let her wear this outfit to school, I just did. I mean after all, "It all has pink, mom." How can you deny that face?

I have never been into all the trends and styles as much, but I do like things to match. So, letting go and letting my kids be their own independent selves is probably one of the hardest things I'll ever do. If it is this hard to let them pick out their own outfits, who knows how I'll be by the time they get to college. Ha Ha

Winter Sledding

Last weekend I had a big Regional Training with Usborne that I was attending. So Eric, being the awesome dad that he is took Friday off and spent both Friday and Saturday with the kids!!! And, what is winter without a day of sledding!!! They were even lucky enough to find some great snow left close by. Here are several pictures highlighting their fun day!

I am so glad they had a good time, but seriously Spring can come anytime now!!!! :-)

Webelos Badge & Arrow of Light

For the last few months we have been working with Preston on finishing up his Webelos Badge, and getting his Arrow of Light for the scouting program. I was trying to learn everything I needed to know (since I know NOTHING) about scouts, so I could help him. His desire was strong enough, and I made it a top priority. He loves Scouts.

This award is only available in Cub Scouting, and since he was turning 11 at the end of March we really needed to get busy and finish things up.

With the help of some awesome friends, and great scout leaders, I am happy to say we finally made it. Here is pack night with some eager boys, anxious to receive the award as well!! (I am posting this backwards, because technically he was supposed to get his Webelos Badge first, but they did the Arrow of Light ceremony first. It was all in the same night though.)

Painting his face, and learning the symbols of the "W" and hearing what each color represents and how it pertains to being a Webelos Scout. Grandpa observing in the background. :)

Receiving his additional badges, pins, and belt loops from the Cubmaster.

Posing with dad! Look at that smile!

Now posing with mom. I think he likes dad better, what do you think?

Here is his friend Collin at the of the Arrow of Light Presentation, doing the Flag Ceremony.

The special guest.

Talking about the meaning of the Arrow, and being "straight" by choosing good paths!

Getting ready to cross the bridge. We didn't get a good shot of him actually walking across the bridge. They all went so fast, that we didn't stand a chance.

Receiving the kerchief for the 11yr. old scouting program (the next level) from one of their leaders, Brother Wilson.

Preston checking out the cool award they presented for receiving the Arrow of Light!

Here he is with mom. I even got a pin! I still think he likes dad better. Ha Ha He loves this kind of stuff though, it is right up his alley. They even had his name engraved on the little plaque. CONGRATULATIONS PRESTON!!! WE LOVE YOU!!!

My New Life.....for a while!

As mentioned in my Christmas post, I saw some pictures of me over the holidays and decided I wanted to make some changes. Call me crazy, but on January 4th, I started this:

Which means for now, no more of this:

Many more of these:

No more of this:



I'm working on MUCH more of this:


No more of this:

A little of this:

And mostly this:


I will probably turn into a rabbit before I'm through! But, just in time for Easter. :-)

After a month, I am down 12 pounds and have "broke" a lot of bad habits! This is probably the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. I do love candy, but surprisingly enough I miss the pasta, bread, rice, and milk so much more!!!
I guess I am a true carboholic.

But...so far so good! Wish me luck, cause I'm not done yet!

Christmas Day 2009

Merry Christmas 2009!!!!

The tree:

First morning moments:

Cade's little pile:

Alyssa opening a gift. I LOVE Cade's face!

Preston wanted Monopoly really bad this year! Grandma pulled through!

Jaida loving her Candy making kit!

Alyssa with a jewery/ribbon kit!

Jaida & Alyssa with some more "girly" stuff.

Cade sportin' his new Curious George outfit!
I can't believe how much he loves that little monkey!

We didn't get any really good shots of the kids and all their stuff at the end. They had plenty of it, and we didn't have room. Our living room is so small, so we moved things out as quick as possible! I also discovered something as I viewed the photos Eric took on Christmas day. I was in most of them and I didn't like what I saw!

As you can see by all the pictures above, I am not in any of those. I skipped over several, and there was definately some cropping involved.

A New Year's resolution was made that day for myself, and I was determined to stick to it! Please see the post above this one for details. :)