Hello 2011!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

2010 was quite a year for me. Instead of focusing on the negatives, I am taking those experiences and making them positives. In this past year, I have learned so much about myself and the people in my life. Again, this is a good thing. I know the people I can trust and count on and for that I am thankful. I have determined that Kyle and I can make it through anything. I am fortunate to be married to my best friend who happens to be an amazingly strong and faithful person. I feel so lucky to have an awesome daughter. She continues to fill our lives and hearts with happiness. I am thankful for all that has happened this past year, good or bad, because those experiences are all apart of God's will.

As for 2011, I am looking forward to any and all experiences headed our way. I feel like this year will be filled with some exciting changes. I am ready for some fun times with my family and friends. Happy 2011 to you all!

Another funny moment

Kathryn is so darn funny...
Last night her nose was running a little. After wiping her nose, she looked up at me and said, "Mommy, my nose is crying." She totally cracks me up!

Christmas Collage 2010

There were tons of pics taken during this last week...these are just a few to document this Christmas.

The merriest of Christmases!

What an amazing Christmas we had! Christmas has always been one of my favorite holidays, but having Kathryn makes this holiday even more special. And, to top things off...we had a white Christmas. We woke up this morning to a pretty white blanket covering the grounds...BEAUTIFUL!

To kick off this special time of year, we went to church on Christmas Eve. I love that we have made this a family tradition. Kathryn did pretty well in "big church" until Brother Roger started preaching. Right before he began, she announced that she needed to potty (and yes, this announcement was made when the congregation was quiet). She was already getting restless, so I took her to potty then we remained in the foyer where she could play. There were tons of other young ones out there, so she had some friends to play with. After the service, we went to the Luthers for dinner (which was DELISH!). Oh, and on the way from church, we sang Happy Birthday to Jesus several times...so sweet! We wanted to be home early on Christmas Eve so Kathryn could get a good nights rest, therefore we did gifts at the Luthers before church. Kathryn got lots of goodies including HUGE Bert and Ernie dolls, clothes, rain boots and a matching jacket, a chair, the recordable Hallmark books (one read by Uncle Michael, one by Uncle Jay, and one by Mimi and Pop) and the ever dreadful Play-Dough (we accidentally left this at the Luthers ) ;).

Christmas morning, Kathryn woke up around 7:30. Kyle and I went to get her and explained that Santa had been there and left presents. She really hasn't quite grasped the whole concept, but none the less, she was excited when she got downstairs and saw the gifts Santa left. Her favorite gift is the metal shopping cart. She loves to put all her things in the buggy and push the buggy around. She also loves her Bitty Baby supplies (a medical kit and baby food). And, the only thing she said she wanted Santa to bring her was cookies. So, she definitely got cookies. In addition to the gifts left by Santa, she also had lots of wrapped gifts to open. She received matching pjs for Bitty Baby and herself, some books, jewelry (including an owl necklace...she always wants to wear Mommy's necklaces), Mega Blocks (she loves them Aunt Kiki), a Leapster 2 and Backyardigans game (thank you K and JR, she was SOOO excited to see the "Yardigans"...we are going to get her game system set up tonight), and a few other things. She was super excited about all her gifts!

I fixed up a big breakfast for everyone (and, it was pretty yummy if I do say so myself). The rest of the morning was spent playing and somewhat straightening up. Kyle and I did exchange gifts as well. We must have been really good this year, because we got the hook up!

The snow is continuing to fall, chili is in the crock pot, and we have no where to be but home spending time with one another. As I sit here and type, I think about how much God has blessed us. My heart is so full of happiness. Merry Christmas everyone!

Pics Above...Kathryn with Bert and Ernie, us on Christmas Eve (Kathryn was not sad, her mouth was full of candy), Kathryn looking out the door watching for Santa, our tree, Kathryn on Christmas morning

My sweet baby boy

I cannot believe Bailey will be 12 in April. In his older age, he has become hard of hearing, more nervous, and in general has slowed down. However, he is still just as snuggly and sweet, and he is a great big brother to Kathryn. I was super nervous about how Bailey would react to Kathryn since he is older and set in his ways. Much to my surprise, he has been really great with her. I love Bailey so much. He is my sweet baby boy!

It's a wonderful life...

After a midnight trip to Wal-Mart to get all our groceries for the next few days, I am officially ready for Christmas. AND, my Christmas cards came in today! In about two hours, I addressed, stamped, and sealed 100 cards. I took them to the post office, so hopefully they will be delivered on Friday...hopefully. All the baking is done, gifts are bought and wrapped, house is decorated (including a fresh arrangement for my new kitchen table, thank you Kailey!), cards have been mailed, and at this point, if I haven't done it, it is not being done. Tomorrow, I will spruce up the house with some light cleaning, but that is it. I will spend the rest of the day watching Christmas movies and vegging out! It truly is a wonderful life!

Above are some pics from the Kids Christmas Party (Kathryn was not feeling the group shot). Amelia and Andrew had a few of us over for some holiday fun. The kids ate dinner, made an ornament, and then decorated cookies for Santa. Afterwards, they exchanged gifts and played. It was a great party and very well organized. I was impressed! Thanks Amelia!!!

T-I-R-E-D

I always feel so lame telling everyone how busy I am because I know that everyone is busy! However, the last couple of days, we have been beyond busy. Friday after work, I headed to the Hilton to work on Candlelight Ball stuff (decorations, menu, etc.), after that, I headed to the Garth Brooks concert. By the way, what an amazing concert! We didn't get home until around 1:30 and had to be at the Luthers at 8 to go to Camden to celebrate Christmas with Kyle's family. We got home from Camden around 4. During my 2 hour "break," I fixed up several dishes to have for Sunday evening. A little after 6, we headed to the APSU bball game. Kathryn lasted the entire game...this is a first! We got home Saturday night around 9:30. Sunday, we went to church. Once we got home, I finished cooking and cleaned the house a little. My family came over at 3. We had our Christmas celebration together. Around 8 Sunday evening, everyone was gone and once again, I cleaned up. Why do I even bother cleaning before company??? Monday was spent cleaning out Kathryn's toys (donated a TON of things she has outgrown) and a doctor's appointment in Nashville. Monday evening, we had our annual progressive dinner with my bunco group. I will have to admit, this dinner is my FAVORITE Christmas party of the year. We always have so much fun! Today was a much more relaxing day...I waited for a delivery...mom got us a new kitchen table set (YAY, it was VERY much needed)...and I had a hair appointment. Tonight, I am taking Kathryn to a Christmas party for a bit, then we are headed to the APSU bball game. I plan on going to Wal-Mart tonight to get all my groceries for this weekend, and I am also going to make peanut butter balls to send to Kyle's bank tomorrow....busy night ahead! None the less, after I finish these few things, I am DONE and RELAXING the next two days. I have been really bad about taking pics during all the holiday festivities, but I do have a pic from last night's progressive dinner (posted above). Okay, off to get some things done!!!

My mini me

Preface: For those of you who know me well, you know that I love to organize.

Last night, Kathryn was "organ" (translation: organizing) some APSU bball ticket stubs (there were about 25 of them). She was taking the tickets and organizing them by color (the backs of some were red and others were black) and facing them the same direction. When I asked her what she was doing, she replied, "Mommy, I am organ." It was so darn cute!

Above is a pic of my little organizer playing on a slide

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I absolutely love the Christmas season! This holiday has been action packed for the Luther family. We have 6 Christmas parties down and 2 to go. We also have 5 family Christmas events coming up. Needless to say, it is a fun but busy time.

Last Friday, we went and saw the Rockettes. What an amazing show!!!!! I already felt in the Christmas spirit, but seeing the Rockettes brought it up another notch. I went with my mom, mom in law, Kailey, and her mom in law Marilyn. We decided that seeing a show during the holidays would need to become a tradition. We had such a great time!

The next few days are super busy for Team Luther, but next Wednesday and Thursday, we/I have no plans and I am keeping it that way. I feel that having some "me" time during the holidays is important too. So, I will spend those two days lounging and watching Christmas movies.

Since I don't know if my Christmas cards will be here before Christmas (I didn't order them until this past Monday), we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!!