Elf on the Shelf; what Buddy's been up to

We've really gotten into our Elf on the Shelf this year.  It's made our mornings so much easier!  Emma and Drew (well, really Emma alone) are actually excited to get out of bed each morning to discover where Buddy's landed.  Here's a look at all the fun places that Buddy's explored this year.

Emma & Drew weren't so good this day, so Buddy had to write them a little note.

Buddy was feeling a little under the weather, so he took a little nap in the Kleenex box.

Snowball fight (marshmallows) with some Barbies.

Silly Buddy. He got a little carried away with the sticker book.

Buddy needed his coffee buzz!

Hanging out in the Christmas tree!

Kid's Christmas Lists

Emma and Drew created their Christmas Lists for this year. Complete with glitter puffy paint and rhinestones.



Since Emma can't spell yet, we did a picture list instead.



Some of the hot items this year include:

• Orbeez Soothing Foot Spa
• Bella Ballerina shoes
• Operation
• American Girl clothing & accessories
• Salon Chair and Carrier for her American Girl
• Train Set
• Garbage Truck
• Tractor Trailer, carrying cars
• Matchbox cars

Jolly Days at the Children's Museum

We took our annual trip to the Children's Museum to see Santa Claus this past weekend.  I have made many posts about the Children's Museum in the past; as members, we just love going there as much as possible.  And this time was no different. 

The Jolly Days exhibit was absolutely packed.  There were kids and parents, cameras and wipes everywhere.  It was almost nauseating.  Luckily, Daddy stood in line for the HOUR and A HALF that it took to get to Santa, while we played at the other fun exhibits.

I'm not going to post our picture with Santa just yet.  I've included that picture in our Christmas card, so I want that to be a little surprise for ya'll.

Taking a ride down the big slide.
She beat Daddy.
Of course.

Catching some fish.

Drew caught "a BIG one."

My Lou-La. I love her so much; she's my pretty little lady.

And my little man. He's such a precious little guy.

Andy's 12 Month Challenge

At the beginning of the year, Andy set a goal to run one half-marathon once a month, for 12 months.

That's a big challenge.

A Tall Order.

That's hundreds and hundreds of miles. 

IN ONE YEAR.

Did he accomplish his goal?

Hell YES he did.

And then some......

Let me lay out all of Andy's accomplishments this past year.

That's over 300 freaking miles in ONE year.  And that doesn't include all the training runs and rides that he did in between.

That's one heck of an accomplishment!  I am so incredibly motivated by his dedicated, passion, and commitment to this challenge.  I'm not sure I know of very many people that can commit themselves to something like this, all while keeping an incredibly demanding job AND staying active and supportive to me and our babies.

So am I proud?  Am I bragging? 

Hell yes I am.

Wouldn't you?!?

Winter Fun List

1. Go to Jolly Days at the Children’s Museum
2. Visit Santa
3. Decorate the house
4. Put up Christmas lights outside
5. Mini “road trip” to see Christmas lights
6. Bake cookies
7. Use our fireplace to roast marshmallows
8. Go sledding
9. Make a snowman
10. Go ice skating at Pepsi Coliseum
11. Write a letter/list to Santa
12. Go to a holiday puppet show
13. Christmas at the Zoo
14. Go to Disney World!

My Wedding Ring. My Commitment

For the first time in the SIX years that I've been married - seven if you count the engagement year - I forgot to wear my wedding rings.

And I am absolutely lost.

And naked.

And ashamed.

And embarrassed.

Who would have thought that two tiny rings have become such a part of my life?!?  Of who I AM.

Six years ago, I made a commitment in front of my family, my friends, God, and most importantly - myself and Andy.  I made a commitment to love, honor, and cherish him every single day.  And while I know that he and I are far from perfect in cherishing each other each and every single day, the one constant in my mind is wearing my wedding rings. 

These two little bands represent our love for each other.

Our love for our babies.

Our love for the life that we have created together.