Ramblings, Goals and a little eye candy!

Every saturday morning I think I'll get the chance to sleep in. I get all excited on friday night just thinking about those precious extra hours of nothingness! Than saturday morning comes and along with it comes what I like to call, "My life is not my own!" The nagging of a hungry and TV wanting 4 yr old. The chatter from the crib in the room next door and the gut wrenching guilt that I should probably go get her. Because deep down, I have a hard time letting Macy suffer, at all! Lets also not forget the husband, bless his heart, who is hoping for some saturday morning attention. See, like I said, My life is not my own! Thanks to my really independent and helpful 9 yr old, I can quickly get them settled with him and head back for at least a few more moments of dreamland.

I hope no one takes this as complaining... I assume most of us feel this way at times! And really, do I want my life to be my own?? Not really, that would be quite a lonely and boring existance!

I realized yesterday that I hadn't written down my goals for 2012.

Like most people, I have a lot of things I would like to improve on such as; more consistant prayer and scripture study, taking more pictures of my family, since quantity isn't available... more quality time with friends, and spending less and spoiling less!

But, I have decided on a few larger goals for 2012.

1. I want an need to become more organized. With my house, Macy's medical documents, and my time. I'll gladly accept any tips and tricks!

2. I want to set up a budget. I am the mom who buys on a whim and I want to stop doing that. I want to keep better track of spending and make better choices about what we NEED and dont need. Though I told my husband that he isn't allowed to do the budget with me... funny I know. But when we budget together I get crazy anxiety.

3. The last thing is going to be hard for me but a good challange. I want to do more little things for people around me; friends, neighbors etc. Last year we donated so much to charities and did fundraisers. But I think you can make HUGE changes in peoples lives with a homemade batch of cookies. I am not the best about taking meals to new mothers or taking treats to neighbors, but I want to improve on that. I want to do this because it is the people closest to me that directly bless my life and I need to show my appreciation! My hope is to do one per week!

Okay, with that said, on to the rest of the vacation pictures. I have to say, I regret that I have no pictures of Tommy on our trip. He was at his dad's the majority of the time. But I am going to get some good ones of him up on this blog soon.

 If you notice in the pool picture, Kyla is holding onto Macy's float. Protective or controlling? You decide!

 We put on some Justin Beiber music and I'll admit, we are big fans! Especially Kyla. Her and Sadie were having a major dance party on the side of the hot tub! Not quite sure yet where Kyla got her hip thrusting and rotating moves... I'll have to keep an eye on her!

 

Again, we ended up going to Disnelyland. But just for one day this time and the park was extremely busy, but we did get on a few rides with the girls. And of course, within the first hour of being in the park, Barry had to buy Cotton Candy for them!

At least we believe in a wholesome breakfast!

The only ride at Disneyland that Kyla really wanted to go on was (in her words) "The horses that go around and around.!

 I am thinking that we have done Disney enough for a few years! So maybe next year we will do Universal, Sea World or Lego Land! Any Suggestions?

Back to life... back to reality!

The lull after the vacation... I've actually been so busy that I haven't had a chance to miss being on vacation! Weird, I know. Today was spent in therapy with macy and booking appts for Macy, it seems like she hasn't seen her pediatrician or her surgeon in forever. But some good came out of today...

Macy got approved for an in home developmental aide that will come for about 6 hours a week. We will have this aide for 6 months and my hope is that in that time Macy learns to communicate better, listen better, stop pulling hair/biting, and learn to walk. I am very excited about this!! I have been really stressing about all this lately.

I left one of her classes at PREP a few months ago in tears because she would not stay in her seat, was throwing fits and pulled her friends hair... HARD! I was embarrassed... so I cried. Then I was ashamed of myself for being embarrased about my own daughter so I cried again. Shouldn't I be her biggest supporter and fan? I was having many conflicting emotions. Sometimes this process is just a little overwhelming I guess! Anyway, I want to break these habits before everyone thinks she is mean or difficult. She is really a great kid, but she has a HUGE personality. Basically, she knows who she is, she knows what she wants and she thinks she is running the show! That is probably because I love her so much and she knows I am weak and will give in to her!

Enough of that...

So, I am sure your all interested in my trip :) If not, pretend! We had a great, relaxing time. Here are some of our adventures.

 The dogs were a hit at the city park!

 This is Kyla trying to be like her uncle Brian!

 Kodak Theatre - I couldn't help but think about one of my good friends while I was here.

I think she would love it. Next time!

 We saw this car on Rodeo Dr. There were tons of people getting their pictures with it.

Barry told me it is a Bugatti and I can have one for only 2.4 million! Better start saving my pennies!

 We ate at Mels Drive-in where many famous movies and shows have been filmed.

 We drove around with a map of the stars homes. We did find a lot of homes!

Unfortanulty they are all mostly behind 20 foot hedges ;) So, we didn't see much, but we still saw LOTS of awesome homes! Beverly Hills is a must see!

 Twilight Footprints and Handprints in front of the Chinese Theatre

 And Harry Potter of course!

 I got a lot of star pictures. I had to post this one since we are taking the kids to see the Globetrotters in Feb!

 And I know everyone loves Dirty Dancing!! Don't Deny it!

 Even Kyla got in the action! Snow White is her favorite Princess and the first one she ever met at disneyland! The funny thing is, she has never seen the movie and when the 7 dwarfs came by in the parade, she asked me who they were! haha

 My own little Marylin

 I think Kyla ate too much cheesecake!

 Worlds tallest man!



More pictures to come...

2011 at a glance

This was not a year of big high or big lows. This was a year of smooth sailing, and what more could I ask for? I love smooth waters! But there were some great times that stand out in my mind... I wouldn't feel grateful if I didn't write em down! Here goes

This has been a great year for my marriage! The best so far. I think we have found our groove!

Buying The Wilderness Club in Montana, and spending most of our summer there!

Watching Tommy play baseball, basketball, And piano. As he gets older, it is fun to see his personality come alive!

Watching Kyla take her first dance class and her first gymnastics class! still the shortest in her classes! I love my little pixie!

Becoming comfortable with Macy's development! It has been so great this past year to worry less, compare less and enjoy her more. She is SUCH a gift! And I am glad to have her no matter what!

Going to Cavalia! A show that mixes cirque and horses. So cool

We were able to do lots of fundraising and donating this year. Some for friends, some for Macy's school, some for Ups and Downs and a bunch of smaller ones here and there.

Barry and I got to take two trips this year. One for a quite weekend at a romantic lodge in British Columbia, and the other to Dallas for the Thanksgiving football game at Cowboys stadium!

I got to spend two weeks again this year visiting my family in Utah... Now to just get them to come see me :)

Our annual Christmas Trip to California... Always fabulous!


Some lows of the year...

- A close friend moved far away ;(
- My sister in law moved far away ;(
-