Resoluting

Back in college, I had some very fun roommates. One year we made New Year's Resolutions that were fun and true to our life at the time. They were easy to keep and probably the only time I've ever really kept resolutions. So this year I plan to make resolutions like those. So here they are:

1. Drink more wine. I've never been much of a wine drinker. All my girl friends are wine drinkers. They seem more refined and sophisticated when drinking wine than I feel when drinking beer - my drink of choice. And since my friend, Kristen, posted on Facebook that Champagne (my favorite) is actually wine, I think I'm golden!

2. Reconnect with old friends. My 20 year high school reunion is this year. This one should be another no brainer.

3. Run 5 races with my friend, Natalie. It will get me moving, then running and give her someone to run with. I've already told her about this resolution, so she'll make sure I keep it. First race is scheduled for Jan. 30 - a 5K. That's 31 days away. I guess I better get started training!

4. Have a colonoscopy and mammogram. Fun, I know. But with my dad's history and my age, I have to do it. I'm getting old. Turning 38 this year.

5. Go on a date with my husband once a month. Sounds like it should be easy, doesn't it. This will probably be the hardest to keep. I work every weekend. He works during the week. We rarely have a sitter. Lots of things stacked against us, but I think it's important, so I'm going to put forth some effort.

Well, that's five. I think that's enough to work on. Don't want to have too lofty of goals and miss them all. Happy New Year & wish me luck! Ready, set, GO!!

Fun at the Nelson

There's a mummy in Kansas City. Did you know?



There are billboards advertising. Brett has been talking about it non-stop since he saw them, "When can we go? When can we go? When can we go see the mummy?!"


So today, we loaded up and went to see the mummy. Here it is.



It was kind of cool, a little creepy and all in one small room. Wow, that didn't take much time.

Lucky for me, the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is a pretty cool place and today was filled with families. We walked through the rest of the lower level and the kids looked at art, covered their eyes when they saw naked stuff (their idea, not mine) and seemed to enjoy themselves (for a while anyway).

Even luckier for me, they have a huge sculpture park outside & it was 65 degrees (yes, 65 degrees on December 30!) We had so much fun out there playing around. Here's a few shots from the fun.



Thinking with the Thinker



Who knew shuttlecocks could be so much fun?!







This is Zack & Mikaylah, my extra kids for the day. Such sweeties!



What a beautiful day!

It's Christmas!

Otherwise known as "am I going to get anything?" day for Brett. He was a little nervous, a little excited before going downstairs. We weren't sure what was going to happen on the Santa gift front. Here is what we found



A big sign of RELIEF left Brett - he made it - the nice list! Or at least the "not too naughty" list.





Kate already knew she was on the nice list, but she was excited too!



After Christmas morning present opening & breakfast, we went out to the White house for more Christmas family fun





Cowboy Brett was one happy boy!



We had a little fun with the Santa hat too.





A beautiful white Christmas from our house to yours

One more day til Christmas!!!

It's Christmas Eve!! I can't believe it's already here!! We are heading out of town later today, so we let the kids open their gifts from us before we left. (Saved me packing space in the car)





It snowed a little at our house before we left, but nothing like what we were greeted with in Marceline when we arrived.



We had dinner at CoCo & Poppa's, went to church and then came back for more PRESENT OPENING!







A Magic Kit!!!



Boxing Gloves?!?!



Look Out!





DJ Jazzy Brett & Jam Master K try out the Jam Mixer

Now off to bed so Santa can come! Sleep tight!!

The countdown continues...2 Days til Christmas

Today our plans were to get out & about and head downtown to Crown Center & Union Station. We picked up Katelyn's friend, Mikaylah and were on our way! Our first stop was at Fritz's for lunch.





Then on to Union Station for "Junie B. Jones in Jingle Bells, Batman Smells"!



Patiently(?) waiting for the show to start



After the show with Junie B. and May



After the show, we had some ice cream and headed home for some more play time. We drove around later that night & checked out all the crazy Christmas light Raytown had to offer.

The countdown is on...3 Days til Christmas

School let out yesterday. It was cookie decorating & fun today!







These were decorated special by the kids - beautiful, aren't they?

Here's my favorite.



In the afternoon, we moved on to Gingerbread houses. We picked this package because there were five houses. I didn't realize how small and very hard to decorate they were going to be. I think we try something different next year. But we did the best we could & turned them into a village.





Whew - These busy decorators need a rest! More fun planned for tomorrow!

The Halls are Decked

The Stockings were hung on the Mantle with care



The tree was decked out with gifts to share



A special sign for a little boy



In hopes that St. Nicholas would bring him some toys!