Busy, Busy, Busy

 I am trying to keep up with both blogs... the photadayblog is so easy to update, even when I get behind, I can update it in no time!  We are trying to get back into the swing of things. Tomorrow will be the first Monday to work in January due to Christmas Break, Snow Days, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. The weather has been very chilly around here, and we haven't seen much sunshine. I spend a lot of my computer time editing photos for my photography business, but I am trying to find a way to keep the family blog up to date. 

It's a New Day

Don't kids just sometimes hit the nail right on the head with their words?  This morning, Rylan came into to Dan, who is working about 100 jobs right now and exhausted in every sense of the word, and said, "Daddy, Wake Up, It's a New Day!"  His simple, innocent voice said it all!  I am not a morning person, but I think I'll be remembering the eagerness in Rylan's voice... oh, how we should all wake up like an energetic five year old, thinking, "Time to wake up, It's a new day!"

Snow Day!

School cancelled Monday and Tuesday!  We are living in the moment... so glad for this unexpected break, and annoyed at any teachers bringing up the fact that we will have to make up these days! 

Daddy, who grew up in New York, is a master snowman maker!

There is a lot we don't love about the house we are renting for now, but today it was nice to have tons of fresh snow to play in... today was probably the most fun I've ever had playing in the snow. I hope the boys enjoyed it as much as I did!

Snow 2011

What a fun way to start the year- a snow day! I used to get cabin fever REALLY easy, and although I still tend to like to be on the go, I am noticing that my attitude about staying in and around the house is changing, probably because the days go a little slower at home.  Life is so busy, and what I love about Snow Days is the complete halt of scheduled activities for a day or two.

This boy does not like to be held still for a picture.

Although we've had real snow(not the ice we got about once a year growing up) for two years in a row now, it is definitley a novelty around here. And, since it really is a special treat here in Texas to get anything more than a dusting, the fun really comes out when we get to play in snow.

All five of my "kids" - three boys + two dogs



All of our unique personalities really come out when it snows... the boys, of course, pretty much just want to pummel each other with snow balls.  Bryce does a full wind-up pitch with a packed snowball, but no one seems to mind! 

Jayden seemed to enjoy tasting the snow more than anything, but his mischevious nature couldn't resist a snowball fight with his brothers, and he threw several at me, too!

Rylan's face in all the snow pictures wears a big, toothy smile.  He is such a happy boy, and is never happier than when playing with his big brothers. 

 





Since I do not like Green Eggs and Ham, I'll try these...

Photo credit: http://www.wildmanwildfood.co.uk/pages/products.htm



Dan and I get one ham each for a Christmas gift from our school district... this year we even donated one of them (okay, I forgot to pick mine up, but I'm hoping that means they donated it!)  We STILL have a ton of ham leftover. I froze some and am making Navy Bean and Ham Soup right now. Following are some recipes I may try with the rest of it.

Ham and Potato Soup

Easy Ham and Corn Chowder

A Bunch of Good Leftover Ham Recipes here

I'm back...

Life is about acheiving the balance between busy and stressed. I just don't think all the things we do in life are worth it if we don't have time in-between to reflect upon them and count the m as blessings. 

 Because this philosophy is so innate within me, I was an avid journal-keeper at a very young age and continued this until young adulthood, always compelled to chronicle the adventures in life, the good, bad, the ugly. 

I have always loved photography and scrapbooking for the very same reason. It is a collection of memories, moments in time never to replay again, except through photos and scrapbooks.



Until the birth of my third munchkin in 2005, I kept a family scrapbook (or two for each year),  and I rather enjoyed this pasttime. 

However, with three children to keep up with and a full-time job, scrapbooking quickly began to feel like more of something else on my to-do list, and the only scrapbooking I have done for the past 5 years has been more oriented toward quick projects for gifts and things of that sort.



When I discovered Blogging, I felt it was the perfect solution to my need to chronicle, organize, and reflect. I also enjoyed other aspects such as feeling connected to other moms and families, the many ideas for crafts and projects (something else I enjoy immensely), and, of course, the abundance of  sharing things like coupons, recipes, and any sort of idea.

This year I have not done well at all keeping up with my main blog. I began a photo blog with only titles and a photo-a-day, and that has been easy for me to keep up, but I miss the other blog. I am going to try to keep it up.  I love to write and share, and I want the blog to be part of the legacy I leave behind. 

So, here's to a new year... a new beginning, and here's hoping for more time in-between to reflect and organize the memories and ideas. 



I love the adventures I have with my boys!  They will turn 11, 8, and 6 in 2011. 

Happy New Year!