Me & Mine

December 31, 2012

The Eve of a New Year

When I think about the year 2012, it is filled with many, many happy memories. Ella completed her first year of preschool. Both girls learned to swim on their own. My husband returned safe from a year long deployment. We attended many weddings of our beautiful friends and family.We found out we will be welcoming our son in 2013. Tom received a dream spot at the Naval War College (meaning we get to leave Ft. Sill finally!). We have grown so much as a couple and a family...but we also suffered some very hard times as well. We lost my father's best friend to cancer in April and then his own brother over the holidays. I find myself still in denial that either man is no longer in my life. Makes me hug my dad that much more when he's with us. Leaving FL and our family and friends to move back to Oklahoma took a toll on myself and the girls. It was certainly an adjustment for all and the girls STILL ask to move back to Grandma and Grandpa's house.

We find everyday to be a new day here. We try not to take anything for granted and appreciate every single day God gives us, as this year especially has taught us that life is entirely too short. As I sit here on the night the Ball drops in NYC, I truly can't believe 2012 is even over. Another year gone by of learning lessons, counting my blessings, loving my babies and husband...and growing...in more ways than one;)

I leave you with this Irish Blessing:

May you always have walls for the winds,

a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire,

laughter to cheer you, those you love near you,

and all your heart might desire.

Because really...what else do you need in life?

Cheers to a New Year!

A few last pictures before the tree comes down tomorrow on NY's Day

Sisterly love

And of course, some sparkling blueberry juice in real champagne glasses, cute headbands, precious little girls and big smiles...completes our 2012.

December 30, 2012

Before it melts...

More fun in the snow! I know the snow is on it's way out so Tom took the girls out for one last snowball fight. It was finally warm enough to enjoy being outside! Too bad I chose the easy way out and decided to watch the fun from the balcony and take pictures:)

You know he's so proud of this snowball

My lil Eskimo

Ella sneaking in a quick shot

Doesn't suspect a thing.

Madeline grew tired of the snow and instead chose to blow bubbles upstairs with me:)

December 29, 2012

Peaceful

I snapped this shot with my iphone through our living room window(as if you couldn't see the screening). I love our view and the small layer of snow that still lays on the porch swing. There's just something peaceful and pretty about it. Maybe I DO like the snow...

Post Christmas Blues

Ok so of course from the pictures below you would never know any of us suffered from a Christmas hangover. And not the alcoholic beverage kind. I'm referring to the aftermath of sadness that overcame me once the holiday was over. I hated seeing my parents leave (I may be 32 years old, but I am still a mama and daddy's girl to no end). I already missed the excited feeling you get when you know Christmas morning is approaching. I sort of missed our Elf and his craziness. I missed the excuses to bake cookies. But in all honesty, I really missed being able to tell the girls that if they do not behave, the presents would be few and far between under the tree. (You know you ALL do that). The Easter Bunny just doesn't have the same effect that Santa does. And Easter is pretty far away in a child's eyes. So now I am left to the normal daily ways of parenting. *Sighhhhh*

Tom loves the fact that Ella received Legos for gifts. Finally a toy they have he can relate to.

The game Hedbanz cracks me up with these kids.

Grandpa time:)

I loved that we lived with them for a year and these girls really got to know and LOVE their grandparents on both sides. My dad adores these girls as much as they adore him!

Lazy afternoons with daddy

Ella built a snowman inside (when it's too cold to go outside...you made do, ok??)

And we just had to look like our AG doll, Julie.

Note: Julie's side braid

December 28, 2012

A White Christmas!

A White Christmas indeed! I never believe our weather forecasters here. But they were spot on when they said we would have snow on Christmas morning. It made our day that much more special (and I was secretly happy when they canceled my parents flight for the next day). After we opened presents, we bundled up and headed outside to build a snowman. The winds were pretty crazy though and a snowman probably would've fallen down so we just made angels and played in it instead. I am not exactly a snow bunny. I may have skied one of the highest mountains in Germany and I do own ski boots and snow pants and some cute snow boots...BUT I prefer the sun and pool weather any day over the freezing cold. However, I can accept a few days of snow just to see the smiles on all of our faces. And possibly to throw a snowball in my husband's face;)

Admiring the snow from the warm indoors

Sporting her new Minnie Mouse winter cap...and when did she grow up?

Ella just had to catch some snowflakes on her tongue

It's fight time!

I LOVE this pic of them!

Good picture to show the girls our house in the background later on in life:)

December 27, 2012

Merry Christmas!

Merry, Merry Christmas to all! We had an awesome day. I don't think I could have possibly asked for a better Christmas. It turned out to be my absolute favorite one ever. I had my parents with me, my husband HOME, the girls were ALL smiles and laughter and full of excitement. AND, best of all...it snowed! A white Christmas. Perfection! Watching the girls open their gifts and seeing how happy they were is just plain fun! I say this every year, but there is nothing like watching your children on Christmas morning. It's simply magical.

Santa stopped by!