Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Year, new goals

As 2012 approaches, I've been giving a lot of thought to what I would like to accomplish in the coming year.

Obviously, I want to lose 25 lbs. (If you know me at all, you know this is pretty much a standing resolution when I am not pregnant.)

But mostly I have been feeling inspired by a friend's recent "spending fast" (buying nothing for one month) that was in turn inspired by another blogger's 2011 goal to purchase nothing NEW (used items from thrift stores were acceptable, but of course there were still groceries and household necessities to buy.) I like both of these ideas, but a year is a long time to commit to, and I know I do better when faced with bite-size projects. So I've decided to take this idea a month at a time for as long as it is interesting. I LOVE that my sweet husband listens to my ideas (even if it is with an amused look on his face) and is willing to participate in my hare-brained plans! :) So for January, I am not going to buy anything NEW, and I am limiting our month's grocery/household items/eating out budget to $250.

Do I hear you asking, "why?" "What in the world is the point of this bizarre exercise anyway?" There are a lot of points actually, and maybe I will be better at expressing them as time goes on, but it has to do with watching our savings account shrink... with watching our children's rooms fill up with toys (I would like to blame Santa, but I must take full responsibility)... with seeing our children argue MORE as they have more STUFF to fight over... with the undeniable craving I have to go to Target and Kohl's and Chik-Fil-A... with the culture of consumerism! I don't know. It's just time to try things a different way.

And finally, I am going to try to speak my mind more freely. This is soooo hard for me to do. I am a people pleaser, a peacemaker, I want everyone to be happy... and I don't really think there is anything wrong with that, per se. However, I feel like I have missed opportunities to have more meaningful conversations at times, because I didn't want to ruffle anyone's feathers. So watch out y'all! lol Just kidding. But seriously, I am going to try harder to say how I feel and not be so worried about the response it gets. And if you are on the receiving end of this, please know that it is in an effort to deepen our friendship, and not the opposite. :)

I wish you all a happy new beginning in 2012!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

first foods, first Christmas

Just before Christmas Jacob had his 4 month check-up. He was 18 lbs. 14 oz. (100th %) and 27 inches (98th %). Jakey is the 1%! (Sorry, I couldn't resist.) So, ya know, he could be a Sumo wrestler or linebacker or something. ;) He is adorable and very healthy. He smiles at everyone and is particularly attentive to Rob and Toby... I think those are great choices of people for him to look up to. Anyway, the doctor agreed that we ought to start some solid foods, and there was much rejoicing.

He was very happy to have a spoon just like everyone else.

Cereal, however, was not a hit.
I am looking forward to a little bit more independence and to sharing the feeding responsibilities, but I'm glad we're not ready to stop nursing yet. I love the quiet, cuddly feeding time with my baby.

On Christmas Eve, Charlotte and Toby were so excited they couldn't contain it! Jacob was a little overwhelmed by the noise and energy, but it was fun to see them all playing together and having such a great time.

These kiddos are best buds.
They loved their gifts from family and Santa, but they couldn't wait to give Jacob the stuffed animal that they had picked out for him and wrapped.

It's okay Jakey, you'll get used to it.

Sunday, December 11, 2011

Lights of the South

We've been passing two different bugs around our house for several weeks now, but we have been trying to get out when we can anyway, and last Monday night we went to Lights of the South for family home evening.

The kiddos LOVED this! We took a hay ride through some pretty elaborate light displays (a depiction of Christ's life, followed by many, many familiar movie characters, and Santa's workshop, etc.) This castle they are in is near the end of the hayride.

This is a photo of it from outside.

Rob and I are curious about their electric bill.

We also visited with Santa. Jakey was very awake and alert at this place. So much to look at!

Charlotte and Toby were all business.
Toby told Santa he wants a football and a skateboard for Christmas. (The skateboard is a new addition, and doesn't seem like a good idea for a 3 year old to me.) And Charlotte asked for a Barbie. (She does already have some Barbies, but she would like a new one.)

We also ate popcorn, and played on the playground, and a lonely old man followed me around for awhile telling me about his dogs, which made me think of my mom (who talked to EVERYONE,) so I listened to him with a smile and wished him a Merry Christmas.

We also decorated our tree. It was fun to do all of the ornaments again this year. (This is Charlotte with Rhett Butler- I have several book character ornaments that my family gave me when I started library school.) Last year we only put on homemade and unbreakable ones since Toby was just 2. The kids were so much fun to watch hanging them all so carefully-- but only up to 3 feet high. I rearranged things a bit after they went to bed. ;)

I don't know this kid. LOL

Sooooo serious.
(Have I ever mentioned how Rob and I both were told that all the time when we were kids?)

And last but not least... Jacob is turning 4 months old in a few days. He is ginormous. We'll have the official weigh-in just before Christmas, but our scale puts him at 18 and 1/2 lbs.

I love these boys. :)
Charlotte will always be my girl and I love her and am thankful for her every day, but I gotta say, I love these cuddly, sweet, gentle boys sooooo much.