Now, I totally know that she won't be letting me call her "Baby" for long… at least not where she can hear me :) I already get the hand-on-the-hip… "MOM, I'm NOT a BABY" most of the time when I call her that… but hey, she'll always be MY baby :) Here's a couple pics from the big day… She had a friends party at The Champion Factory… What a Blast!!! Here she is at home, getting ready for the party…

and waiting for her friends to arrive, with her Bratz cake :)

Just for fun… Here's a couple (scanned, so the quality isn't the best… they're pre-digital camera!!) photos from Kathryn's FIRST birthday… Yup… that's the beginning of the sweet tooth :) She LOVES cake!!

Well… We're on Snow Day number 2!!! UNHEARD of here :) I don't think we've had 2 snowdays total in 3 years, nevermind 2 in a row!! (BTW, I am NOT complaining!!! We've had a fun time this morning in the snow!!)  Here's a few pics from this morning, now that the sun's out!!

Sean sliding down the mountain of snow near the front stairs…

Kathryn just laying in the snow… 'cause she can :)

Both of them throwing snow at me…

Finley in Doggie Heaven…

he was bounding in the snow, and digging, and bounding some more…

Literally giddy… Not sure I've ever seen a dog laugh before :) but he was honestly giddy about the snow :) maybe all that bounding will help him shed some of his fatty mcfattyness :)

I'm not a huge "New Years Resolutions" person… I usually make them, but I'm not always (read: never) very good at choosing reachable goals… or keeping the unreasonable goals that I've made… So, with that in mind… Here's my list for now… subject to change :)

I know that lots of people have a "word" of the year… Another thing I haven't been successful with… BUT this is the year of "Blessings" As in, I'm going to remember to count them every day… No matter the sadness or struggle, or the wonderful achievements… there are many blessings to have AND to share… And, so that's goal number 1 for this year… Be mindful of the blessings…

Goal 2… Church… I know I'm "odd" but, I LOVE to go to church… For me, it's a restful, peaceful place… but I never go… I don't really have any reason why… but that changes this week… I could use some "mind" rest… and Church is the best place for me to find that. And along with this… I would love to actually finish (as in listen every day, not just a month or 3 weeks at a time) www.dailyaudiobible.com love Brian's voice and view… and would LOVE to get through the whole of the bible in a year.  And, who doesn't love to be read to :)

Goal 3… ummm… the house… I'm going to try very hard to slowly get a handle on the house so that it's cleaner and more organized… we have too much "stuff" and need to purge, but also just set up some routines so that it doesn't always look like a war zone when you walk in the house… Or so that people can actually stop by without panic around the house.

Goal 4… health… I need to get more exercise… not just chasing the kids… but actual purposeful movement…And, with the new Dr. who actually listens, get a handle on the migraines and any other issues.

Goal 5… actually much higher priority… but these aren't really in any order… less yelling… It's not the kids' fault that I have migraines or am tired and crabby… so I'm going to try VERY hard to dig in and find more patience…

I think 5 is good for now… I can always add to the list if I accomplish everything :)

Well… Santa's elves were certainly busy before loading the sleigh to come to our house!! Here's my 2 favorite shots from the morning gift-fest :) Kathryn with her giant penguin… and Sean with Epic Mickey!!