Happy New Year!

I hope everyone has had a GREAT start to the new year

I am already behind on a couple of my "resolutions"...one of which was to catch up my blog and post more frequently.  I am still trying to get some things in order so I can make those "resolutions" a reality. 
You notice I put quotes around "resolutions"....that's because I don't really like the word.  A resolution means to resolve...which has negative connotations to me.  I prefer the word GOALS.  So that's what I make each year..I set goals...some I reach, some I don't, but I keep trying.

I did accomplish a newly made goal...I started another blog.  (OK, the goal was not to start another blog...especially considering I can't seem to keep the ones currently in existence up to date).  The goal was to start a gratitude journal...which I will do in blog form.  Check it out here.

Dec Random Pics

December is notably busy, so there aren't alot of random pics.....

This is Kraig and I at his class Christmas party...

Miss Kitty sitting on top of the house...think she's trying to tell us something?

Coldplay - Fix You [Lyrics]

Christmas!

Christmas Kraig!  He wears the hat when we decorate...

Sitting on Santa's lap.

Our family ornament

Kyle's wreath.. 

The outside kitty...notice how she's on TOP of the house instead of inside....

Christmas Eve!

Kraig ALWAYS cleans up!!

Christopher might not get as many...but what he lacks in quantity is made up for in cost.  The gifts get fewer and smaller, but the cost is the same.  

Nina....inside joke.

The kiddos....

Kraig at the cemetary with Kyle

Christopher with Kyle

I told you I'd be spending my free time playing with legos....

Christina Perri - Jar of Hearts Official Video

Happy Birthday Nina!

The Birthday girl....

21 years ago...8 pounds 4 ounces

Look at her now.....my baby is growing up.  

The cake, red velvet by request.

Christmas Tree Lighting

Since we moved to the town in which we've lived, we've always gone to the Christmas Tree Lighting.  It is not a very dramatic event, but it's fun nonetheless.  They always have free hot chocolate, 3D glasses, school choirs singing Christmas carols, and of course Santa.

Nina and Kyle

Nina and Kraig

The main event....

Nina and I

Kraig, Nina and I

hello again

I've been away a while, partly because I've been busy, partly because I've had complicated things going on, and mostly because things are just crazy in my life.

I've found myself in places emotionally I never thought I'd be, having conversations I never imagined I'd have with the most unlikely persons, considering life changes that never once crossed my mind, and hoping with all I have ~ so much that it hurts ~ that I am not disappointed in the choices I have made.

One day, I might can share what's going...in the meantime, suffice it to say that I have a long, hard road ahead of me...a path that will require much time and effort and work to traverse. 

With the love and help of my Heavenly Father, and the people He has placed in my life, I will succeed.  Of that, I am sure.  More sure than I ever been  of anything in my life.

As an FYI, I will be splitting my blog (again).  My other blog will be for the blog hops I do...and I will move the family related posts to a different one.  Obviously, there will be some overlap, but this is something I've needed to do for awhile.  I will send the link once completed.

November--Random Pics

As an early Christmas present, we got Christopher season tickets to the Memphis Grizzlies basketball games. 

The 3 boys after church, while still dressed up....

Kraig loves to lay on the boxes for drinks at Kroger...haven't figured out the fascination, but he does it every time.

This is what happens when I go to RS night.....

Kraig and his 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Ledbetter.

His new duds!

Kraig the indian!

Several of Kraig's friends have birthdays in Nov....this hat was one of the activities at Melody's party.

And his friend Noah had the blow up slide.  

Chillin' for a minute waiting for cake and ice cream.

Beautiful sunset....

I love the trees in the fall....so pretty.

Happy Birthday!!!

 This is the birthday bag from school.....pretty cute, huh?

Part of his birthday at home....on his birthday.  He got a pillow pet dog from Grandma, and the bag is his gift from Nina.

His party was actually at home....but afterwards, we met at the fire house closest to us for a tour.

The cake (made by Grandma, of course.)

Blowing out the candles....

Playing games while waiting for parents....

The Loot....

This is how I will be spending my free time, I think....

Kraig's birthday is not complete with also remembering his brother, Kyle.

We release balloons for him as well as for his cousin, Mallorie (she died in 2001 at 2 months 6 days)

I always bake cupcakes or cookies and decorate them with a K for Kyle.

We also make a display to put out there....

and sprinkle rose petals.

Kraig and Kyle

You can read their story here if you wish.