Why not?

I just had to share this sweet moment with you. It's been great having a backyard for the first time in our family's life, and we put a trampoline back there the week we closed on the house. Since the weather has been oddly mild lately, the boys were out playing on the trampoline. I noticed that it was pretty quiet out there, which caused us to go check on them. This is what we found. Haha... so sweet!

Just having a chat outside :)

2013 Bucket List

In my last post I mentioned I had a friend who made a bucket list for her year instead of goals/resolutions. I loved this idea so much that I had to do it too. This way it doesn't have to be something to improve or get better at (though those can be on your bucket list too), just something you want to do this year! So here is my 2013 Bucket List.

• Pay off the minivan (hoping for a good tax refund!)
• Obtain an animal, cat or dog
• See the new elephant exhibit at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo
• Play with friends more
• Go camping at least 5 times
• Go hiking at least 10 times
• Go to the top of Pikes Peak either by driving or by the cog railway
• See my Dad
• McBride family reunion!
• Yes, I would like to lose weight...

It's a new dawn, it's a new day

To make resolutions or to not make resolutions? I mean, don't we just come up with resolutions at this time of year because we've been so busy eating sweets for the past two months?

Still I always find myself pondering what the next year will bring, and wonder what I can do to make it a good one. I suppose it's a natural inclination, and nothing to guffaw at others for doing. There's nothing wrong with wanting to make a change or to do something better.

So here are my jumbled thoughts about the prospect of 2013;

My sister picked a word of the year that suited her goals- home. For me, I think my word for 2013 would be 'stability'.  2012 was a year of much change, moving from Korea to Colorado, and adjusting to life here. Little did we know that the adjustment would bring about some major tantrums in our 6 year old Cade. We had started seeking help in Korea, but the resources just weren't available there. Now that we were back in the US we knew it was time to get the ball rolling again. After months of doctor visits and paperwork, the end diagnosis is Asperger's. While the diagnosis is not a shock to us, we are still in a period of letting the official-ness of it sink in. This is where my word of the year comes in. Stability. Cade needs stability and we truly believe the therapy that he will be able to receive as a result of the diagnosis will provide this. Mom and Dad need it too. I look forward to helping him cope better in this world.

Another idea I've seen is more of a bucket list approach to your resolutions. I like this because it doesn't have to be goal oriented, just something you want to do this year! I've been thinking a lot about my bucket list for 2013 and I'll be sure to post it!

It's true what they say about time; All you have to do is to decide what to do with the time given to you.

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Though this year has been a bit hectic, we sure have enjoyed our first Christmas in our new home and back in the United States. I've always wanted to put Christmas lights on the outside of a house. Dan put these up for me, don't they look great?

Christmas morning was simple and perfect. Budgets were tight this year, but the amount of presents seemed to be just right. A lot of times my kids get overwhelmed after a while of opening gifts, but not this year! Help me remember that for next year, okay?  Here's a few pictures of the kids enjoying their presents. I hope you all had a safe, healthy and happy holidays!

Hot Wheels wall tracks are pretty cool!

Merry Christmas!

Seeing Santa

Cade's school district put on a fun Christmas night at the local community center. I really didn't want to go because my kiddos generally whine and complain the whole night at group events like this, but for some strange reason we actually had fun.

There was a hay ride, tree lighting, hot cocoa, cookies and Christmas crafts. Santa AND Mrs. Claus were even there!

Cade's been asking me if Santa is real. I generally skirt around the issue for now, but that night he said, "I know that's the real Santa because he said Ho! Ho! Ho!"  That really made me smile.

Christmas Pajamas

This is the best $20 I've ever spent! The boys LOVE and LIVE in these nice, soft, warm footie pajamas. There's a green pair too with santas all over them.

Christmas Tree

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, Kevin was the only family left. He sure is a great uncle and my kids just love him (and Alex will tell you that over and over and over and over...)

I knew that if I didn't put the tree up that weekend that it would never happen.  I was due to get my wisdom teeth out in a few days and then it really would not be a fun experience. So, after I assembled the tree, Kevin helped me with lights and we all helped put ornaments on.

Now time for the star!

And here she is all done. I didn't put up the rest of my Christmas decorations until a few days later.

And even though it's a little blurry, a night shot. I sure love this time of year, sitting by my beautiful tree.