Looking Back on 2008

January:

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Our first snow family built to ward off the winter blues.

February:

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The hubby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary at the Rock City Grill.

March:

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Easter egg hunting is done in the snow this year.

April:

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We are blessed with good weather and family starting to visit after a long winter.

May:

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After a long winter, the rivers rise and rise and rise....

June:

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Birthdays are celebrated with friends.

July:

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Look who's THREE!!

August:

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We travel to Boise, ID for the Phifer Family reunion.

September:

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Look who's starting school! Time flies...

October:

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Finally FIVE - he was so excited!

November:

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This year we celebrated Thanksgivingmas, since we weren't going to see family over Christmas.

December:

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December has been spent digging out of record snow, spending time with friends, and celebrating Jesus' birthday!

Merry Christmas From Our Family to Yours

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An Update

Good evening friends, family, and acquaintances!

I was reminded my a dear blogger friend that it's been nearly a month since I last posted. While I've stayed current on reading all of my friends' blogs, I've neglected mine yet again.

Let's see where to begin...

Weight watchers is going okay. I'm currently at a total loss of 5.4lbs or so. Honestly, I wish it were more. It's coming off, though, that's truly what matters. My friend, Michelle, and I have also been going to the gym. It's been good to get exercise. We've set a goal to lose 10% of our (own) body weight by Valentine's Day. After that I hope to do Bloomsday. In the 4.5 years that we've lived here in I've never done it. It's just over 7 miles - at a brisk walk I know I can do it!

Thanksgiving was lovely. My parents came over from the west side of the mountains. We actually celebrated "Thanksgivingmas" since we won't be seeing them for Christmas this year. It was good food, good fun, and good company. We are very sad to not be around family this holiday, but it's the safest thing for our family with the condition of the passes unpredictable.

My life is also kept busy with working (9-12 hours a week), serving at the coffee bar, leading a knitting group, shuttling Little Man to and from school 2 times a week, and attending a parenting class on Thursdays.

Life is crazy, but it's our life - beautifully chaotic.

How are you?

Here I Go Again!

This morning I finally did IT. What is IT you ask? Well, I finally went back to Weight Watchers (WW). This is not the first time, obviously, that I've been there. WW and I are good friends. The last time I joined was a year and a half ago (or so) in anticipation of a summer trip to Nevada and California.

This time I've hoping it will be different. I'm hoping this time it's in anticipation of enjoying the rest of my life. That's where I think I was at a disadvantage last time. I had a short term goal and once it was accomplished I went back to my old bad ways. This time my goal is long term.

I don't have a lot to write about in regards to all of this. This is more of an accountability tool. Having you all out there knowing I'm taking this step will keep me motivated. May the future be full of SUCCESS posts.

Cheers!

This week I'd like to highlight my wonderful husband. We've been through thick and thin in the last 6+ years. Yet, through it all he has stayed faithfully by my side every step of the way. He loves me unconditionally. He is one of the many blessings God has given me.

I am thankful that:
1. He chose me and he continues to choose me each and every day.
2. He is a loving, kind, and devoted father. The kids love their daddy and are secure in knowing how much he loves them in return.
3. He works hard, so that I am able to stay home with the kids. What a blessing it is to stay home and watch my kids grow.
4. He loves God - with all his heart.
5. He lets me sleep in every weekend.
6. He recognizes the value of my friendships and is willing to let me go have a cup of coffee with my girlfriends anytime.
7. He's not afreaid to help around the house - my man can cook, do laundry, and take out trash with the best!
8. He's always been okay with me persuing employment outside of the house - every so often I feel the need to contribute financially and lets face it - get some adult contact!
9. He puts up with all my crafty chaos.
10. He is a talented writer & artist - I hope someday he follows his dreams of being published.

I love you, Troy! Thanks, again, for choosing me...

Thankful,

Put up on a Pedestal

This holiday season, since we are hosting dinners this year, I've been working on trying to come up with ways to make my table festive and inviting. Of course, it all must be done on a budget, too. This calls for a trip to my two favorite stores: The Craft Store & The Thrift Store! My perfect day...

The Thrift Store

* 3 plates & 3 Cups/Bowls: $3

The Craft Store

* E6000 Industrial Glue: $4

The Finished Product:

* 3 Pedestals for my table: FABULOUS!

The How-To:

Supplies:

• A Plate
• A Base (cup, bowl, candle holder, etc)
• Industrial Stength Glue

The What To-Do: Take plate and glue base to bottom. The end.

What I started out with:

The Finished Product - Easy Peasey!

Have fun!

Contest: Win Baby Legs - Leg Warmers!

Win 20 Pairs of Baby Leg Warmers from babySNAZZ!

Thanks to Sarah @ GrabaCuppaJoe I found out about a great give-a-way at Baby Snazz. You can win 20 pairs of baby leg warmers! Baby leg warmers are great for children of all sizes. From infants that need a little extra warmth, to cruisers who need to avoid rug burn, to toddlers.

For my daughter, Miss K, we love them because it makes potty training a snap! She is a girly girl who LOVES wearing skirts. However, now that it's getting colder something has to be on those bare legs. Tights are so hard to get up and down while potty training. With baby legs you can stay warm, and go potty, without all the added hassel!

Head over to their site! They've got a lot of adorable merch.

Always,