New Year...New Challenges

As I look back at 2011 I have great, good, bad, and horrible memories all in which made 2011 and unforgetable year.  I won't dwell on the good or the bad at this point it made me a much stronger person who feels she can really handle just about anything.  There are some things that I know after this year...

1. My husband, my daughter, and my son are the most important and they will always come first.  I love that GOD chose me to be the wife, the friend, and the mother. He gave me the greatest gift of all.
2. Miracles happen every day
3.Money is not everything and we do not need all the material things we think we do.
4. You are the only one that holds yourself back and you can achieve anything
5. Family is everything and no matter what "family" you have they are all important
6. Prayer does work

Now some of the things I want to hold myself accountable for in 2012...

1. Loosing this 40-50lbs I have been griping about for the last two years
2. Value the little things more with my kids and make millions of silly memories
3. Date night once a month with my husband no exceptions
4. Pay off some debt
5. Be a better person - I will not elaborate as I know what I need to do
6. Continue to believe in the everyday miracles

Many Blessings and Miracles to each of you in 2012

Christmas Eve 2011

Christmas Eve each year we go to Chris's moms house with all his family.  This year was extra special and my family joined us.  We had some great food and really enjoyed this time together.

After dinner and presents we came back to our house where my parents, brother, and sister stay the night.  We did dirty santa gift exchange, homeade donuts (my favorite part), a game of pictionary, and so many laughs.  We got up at about 7 am the next morning and did santa gifts, ate Breakfast casserole, then I started on the big Christmas day lunch and this year Chris's family came back over to join us again.  It was such an amazing Christmas and after this crazy year we are truly blessed. 

I hope everyone had a very blessed holiday with your families this year!

Christmas weekend with my grandparents

The weekend before Christmas we always go to Pine Bluff to have Christmas with my dad's side of the family. This year was extra special to us. We picked up my mom's mom and took her with us as a surprise to my mom for her 59th birthday which was December 13th

We ended up surprising both my mom and dad and combined their parties this year with all the family.  It was such a great night and they really enjoyed it. 

After the party was over we played Bingo for hours with prizes.  Everyone brings a few prizes from their house or the dollar store.  I love that we have started this tradition and we had a great time.  On Saturday we got up and mom and I headed out the mall for a little while then we came back to Granny and Papa's and had our big family Christmas dinner with all 14 of us.  Here are some pics from after dinner before present exchange time.

Kallie and my grandpa

Kallie and both great granny's

Kallie and her great aunt

We had such a great Christmas with them this year.  I am gearing up for a week of fun activities.  We have Cub Scouts christmas potluck tonight, Gunner's school party on Tuesday, Silver Dollar City with our favorites on Wednesday, and so much more. 

Santa Claus

Wednesday after school the kids had Dentist appointments so I told them if they were good we would go see Santa at the mall.  Both kids did a great job and I could not have been happier.  The kids wanted to take Santa some cookies so we put two cookies in a ziploc bag and took them to him.  Gunner told Santa he wanted and Itouch and Legos.  Kallie wanted a princess phone and tangeled dress.  Santa was great this year with the kids and while I took my own picture instead of paying for one it did not turn out as well but either way we got one.

Christmas Decor at the Block's

 I decided to take a few pictures of the decor around my house this year.  Hope you enjoy...