HELLLLLO 2012

Well 2012 is here?  Really?  2012???  I can't believe how fast time goes by.  My whole adolescence I was told over and over to enjoy every second, stop rushing to grow up, live in the now.  I am pretty sure I rolled my eyes each and every time someone said anything along those lines, yet here I sit writing about how time goes by too fast. I remember so much about age 5 and being in Kingergarten so it is strange for me to think that Rylee's memories will most likely start at about this age.  All I keep thinking is I hope I don't damage her in some way!  She will watch our actions, responses to things and how we treat others.  I hope we can mold her into a strong independent and kind person by the time it is all said and done  but it is scary to think it is all based on how we parent her!!!  That is a lot of responsibility!!! :) 

We had a great Christmas and the kids ended up with WAY too many toys as usual! I did manage to get Rylee to give up a few to donate to kids in need this year!  Last year she had a total melt down at the thought of giving anything up.  It was so nice to catch up with all of our family (some of which we only see once a year).  We are so blessed to have such amazing aunts, uncles and grandparents!
I was lucky enough to have off work the week before and week after Christmas to finish up shopping and spend time with the kids while they were off school.  Adam even took the week after Christmas off so we could spend time with the kids. 

Pop Pop reading Twas the Night Before Christmas

My pretty girl!!!

The Smith Family

Christmas Day at Granna & Pop Pop's

Ry's new doll house

Easy bake oven that turns out to be NOT so easy!

JP's new John Deer Tractor

Christmas morning at home

The Tuesday after Christmas we went up to Woodville for the day.  John has some land there and we have been meaning to go for a while now.  The kids had so much fun running around and riding on Pop Pop's tractor and riding on the mule.  Adam and I did too!  It is so neat that we have places like that to take the kids. 

Deck of Pop Pop's barn

Rylee's first time on a tractor... Dads first time to drive

Mom's first time to drive a tractor :)

Pop Pop was so happy the kids got to ride

We spent New Years Eve with our best buds The Knott's and The Rentfro's.  The kids are all getting so big so fast and playing so well together. Parker has finally caught up with them and now gets to do what they do instead of watching from the side lines.  The Rentfro's are about to move to Dallas which makes us incredibly sad but we know it is going to be a good move for them and are happy for their new adventure.  We will miss them but know we will make it a point to visit every chance we get!!! 

Halloween - Thanksgiving

I am so embarrassed that I am just now posting Halloween pictures!!!  Since this would take an hour to read if I walked you through the past month and a half I will try to just post some pics with a few key points ;)

Happy Halloween

Jesse and my little firefighter

Howdy

I LOVE this pic

Rylee has been doing amazing in school.  She is reading really well and her math skills are impressing us also. She just received her 2nd report card last week.  She scored great in most categories although her hand writing needs a little improvement (guess she got that from her Mom)!  Her conduct and attendance are perfect!  Her teacher has had wonderful things to say about her which makes me very proud.  She has been bringing her lunch to school every day.  I keep trying to get her to buy it but she refuses.  Not only that but she has to have a peanut butter sandwich (yes, only peanut butter, sometimes honey) each day.  I remember a peanut butter sandwich was what I used to get when my dad would forget to send my lunch money and that is what she prefers over any other option!  Funny.   
We went to Comfort to visit my Dad, Sherry and Tucker for the Thanksgiving holiday.  We have made this a tradition and really look forward to it each year.  The weather was really nice other than being 38 degrees for the Christmas in Comfort Parade!  Tucker seems do be doing well but didn't seem overly excited to hang out with Parker.  The kids got to open a few presents from Nanny and Poppy early and they even decorated a Christmas tree Poppy cut down.  The biggest shocker for the weekend was we actually were able to get a Santa pic this year.  Anyone who knows Rylee knows that Santa terrifies her.  FINALLY we got her to go within 2 feet of him.  Of course we all had to be in the picture too but I think it is progress for sure.

Early Christmas presents!

Of course he carried around this water hose attachment the whole weekend.

My beautiful girl!

Cutting down the tree with Poppy

Trimming the tree :)

They got to decorate their tree

Petting zoo at Christmas in Comfort

Parker must have had food in his mouth for Tucker to get this close to him!!!

Trying to stay warm at the parade.

Nanny & Poppy

Can you believe it?????  So glad we have proof!

So big news..... I went back to work last week after almost 6 years of being a stay at home mom.  I wasn't actively looking but the opportunity presented itself and it seemed to be a good fit for me.  I am basically the office manager for a Spinal based company out of New York.  I am only working part time so I still get to drop Rylee off and pick her up from school.  What is even better is I have Fridays off which worked out great because Parker's school is closed on Fridays.  I had to add him to 4 days a week with Adam dropping him off in early care and me picking him up in aftercare.  It has been quite an adjustment for all of us but hopefully it will work out.  I think I was ready to get back to the professional world and the best part is that it is on Walden Rd which is the road our neighborhood is on.  It takes me like 10 min to drop Rylee at school and be pulling into my parking lot. :) 
Parker is doing really well with his new 4 day a week school schedule.  Oh other than the fact that his teacher sent a note home saying that he has starting biting friends!!!  UGH.  I asked him about it today and he told me that someone hit him.  Not sure how to handle this other than telling him no biting.  Developmentally he has been identifying colors, counting, having conversations, eating well with utensils but he is totally opposed to sitting on the potty.  I think Rylee was going on the potty and wearing pull ups around this age but he refuses.  I am just going to wait a month or two then re address it.  I am in NO rush at this point. 
When we returned home from Comfort our Christmas Elf "Bizzle" was waiting for us.  This is his 3rd year to visit.  He flies to the North Pole each night to give Santa his report then hides in a new spot each morning.  The kids have had fun trying to find him.  Parker calls him Santa.  :)
Looking forward to all of the Christmas festivities and Family gatherings.  This is my most favorite time of year!!!!  Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas and may we all count our blessing and remember what this Holiday is all about.