belated resolutions

So I have some New Year's resolutions. I know, it is WAY past New Years, but I really want to write them down and hold myself accountable for them.


1. Be more patient with my kids. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it's something that I really struggle with, especially when I'm in a time-crunch.


2. Watch the tone and volume of my voice when talking to my kids. I can get a tad bit snippy (okay, a LOT snippy) given the right (or wrong) circumstances.


3. Take some more time for myself. I want to do this without spending money!! It's easy to take off and go fun-shopping, but I want to avoid the whole "buying things = happiness" attitude. I think I might start running....I've heard that's therapeutic!!


4. Do at least one home improvement project this year. We were on a roll at our other house and now we've stalled. There doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day, but I love the feeling of accomplishment after we've changed something in our house!


5. Visit family more. It's getting easier to get around now, so plan on making the rounds more! But if we come to you, just know that it will be CRAZY!!


6. Get organized so I can feel organized.


7. Have a date night with Brian at least once a month. We were good about this starting last fall. It's important to stay connected! : )


8. Get out more as a family. Brian and I both need to realize that it will be crazy and it will exhaust us, but it will also be a lot of fun!


9. Buy bikes and use them - A LOT!!


10. Be fiscally responsible - who doesn't have that as a goal?!?!?!!!


Definately not a complete list, but these are some of the things on my mind. : )

daddy-daughter dance

Brian and Lauren went to the Daddy-Daughter Dance sponsored by the Northfield YMCA this past Saturday. They had such a great time! The day started with Lauren and I going to visit our friend Deanna at Sassy Di's Salon in Woodbury for a haircut (for each of us) and then Lauren got her hair done up so very pretty! Lauren and I had gone to get a pretty new dress the day before, so we went home and got that on, along with some "Verry Cherry" chapstick (which, of course, was brought along in her pink handbag). Brian got dressed up and away he and Lauren went, off to "Old McDonald's" for some dinner and then to the dance. Lauren had such a fabulous time, as did Brian, I'm pretty sure! She colored a princess crown and LOVED the hanging tinsel to walk through (pics above) The first pic is hard to see her face, but she has the best smile! Pure happiness!! When they got home, the first thing she said to me was that she was going to go again when she was 5. I'm sure Brian will be up for that - a special night with his special little girl!! : )

big tummy

Logan + 6 chicken nuggets + a cup of corn + 2 clementines + 2 glasses of milk = BIG TUMMY!!