New Years are great for new beginnings, aren't they? I haven't had the guts to write down very many of the resolutions I've been mulling in my head for the past several weeks (because once they're written down, it's proof of failure if I don't follow through, and I'm feeling overwhelmed enough already. Which is why I haven't officially resolved to hit the treadmill every day - or at all - even though I desperately need to.) There is one resolution, however, that I'm ready to write down - publicly, even! - which is the one you see above in the fancy announcement.
Not to give excuses, but part of the reason I have a hard time responding is that I never know whether I should just reply in the comments section (the fastest, easiest way) or if I should go through several more clicks to write a personal email response which I know the person will read. Often I feel like I should do both, which takes up even more time that I really don't have during the day because my kids can't stand it when I'm on the computer and it's impossible to concentrate on emails when they're up and about. But taking precious work time at night to handle computer stuff is also not ideal...hence the deplorable track record I have so far. It probably comes across as arrogance, but please know that it's just a bad case of disorganization and an unfortunate lack of ability to create more than 24 hours in each day.
If I can just let everyone know that I'll respond in the comments section, though, that will take a load of stress off of me and will also let you know that I really do appreciate you! Because blogging is a 2-way street, right? I hope to figure out the whole blog reader thing soon so that I can tell when somebody had a new blog post...I'm trying to think if I've seen another Typepad blogger with that function in their sidebar...hopefully it can be done!
Did everyone have a nice Christmas and New Year? I think my kids did, even if I didn't make them their new PJ's this year. :-) Something's gotta give, and this year it was the homemade PJ's. They still got new ones - our tradition is that they get to open 1 gift on Christmas eve, but it's parent's choice....and it's always pajamas! My parents did that with us, only my mom would always make ours - and they were always really fancy too. Ah, well. At least my kids have their homemade stockings!
My little brother John was able to spend Christmas Eve and Christmas morning with us, which was great fun. Santa gave him a giant stuffed rat, which Hazel took great pleasure in scaring John with.
Here he is again, all dressed up in his Navy uniform on his way to the airport to fly across the country to spend time with the rest of the family.
My kids were so sad to see John go! They sorely miss his tickle fights and Lego-building capabilities.
Miss Hazel loves all the dress-up pretties that Uncle John gave her.
On Christmas Eve we did a re-enactment of the nativity story (baby doll and diapers compliments of Hazel)...
...until Hazel decided it was time to get her baby back.
Remember the pink baby blanket I made for the baby doll to replace the red paper napkins?
Well, she seemed to think it should be for her instead. (Note Hyrum's foot on her backside. And yes, he got the desired - shrieking - response from Hazel. I kept telling the kids all I wanted for Christmas was no teasing and fighting, but I guess that was just too much to ask...)
No Christmas is complete at our house without decorating a gingerbread house - the kids have so much fun doing it (almost) all by themselves.
I still don't have decent pictures of the girls' coordinating Christmas skirts, but I was able to snap a few blurry, low light shots of Hazel as she was - literally - running full tilt in our front room around and around in a circle.
That girl doesn't hold still much, especially when she knows I'm wanting to take her picture.
Trying to keep the stolen bag of goodies away from Hyrum (the rightful owner) doesn't help matters much either. She knew she was going to get caught any second.
Oh look! She stopped running long enough to do a break dance move on the floor!
What good is a twirly skirt without twirling in it a time or two? I hope to get some better shots of this skirt and Eliza's plaid skirt here pretty soon, when I can get both girls to dress up and play model at the same time. Hmmm...some bribery may have to come into the equation at some point...
I actually have so many more pictures and projects I wish I could show you, but I have to keep them under wraps for now. I don't know how I'm going to handle keeping things a secret for the b--k for such a long time! Secrets are not much fun for me - but I guess a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do.
Happy New Year everyone!
Wow. Still I stand in awe at all you get done! And your house looks very festive. Am hoping the secret project includes your delightful whipped cream cake frosting. I just passed the torch of making wedding cakes to the next generation - my last one was Daniel's, our youngest son, on New Year's Eve. And I want the birthday cakes in our future to have your lovely frosting on them - thanks for all the wonderful ideas!
Posted by: Jane | January 02, 2011 at 12:59 AM
Dear Shelley,
I love reading your blog - posts of your creativity and see your kids grow. I miss you.
Now, I am trying to figure out what B--k is. Best wishes with everything you are setting out to do.
I miss you and hope our paths will cross again soon.
Posted by: Chimge-young.blogspot.com | January 02, 2011 at 11:50 AM
Shelly, everything looks wonderful. I love the skirt, blur and all.
Posted by: Emilie | January 02, 2011 at 11:55 AM
Jane, I had practically forgotten about the whipped cream frosting - thanks for the reminder...guess that was more of a hot weather treat and we haven't had much hot weather here lately! I'll see if I can work that one in. Congrats about Daniel's wedding!
Chimge, it's great to hear from you! Thanks for the Christmas letter, your baby is beautiful! A huge congrats to you!
Emilie, thanks for the luv - hope you and your family are feeling better!
Posted by: shelley | January 02, 2011 at 07:13 PM
Happy New Year Shelley!
Looks like you and your family had a really nice Christmas. Glad to hear though that my kids aren't the only ones who seem to ENJOY fussing at each other (I didn't get my Christmas wish either, sigh).
Hazel's skirt is SO cute and seems to be able to roll with the punches as well.
If you would like to add me to your reader's blog list, I would be honored.
Ann
Posted by: Ann | January 02, 2011 at 07:44 PM
What a lovely Christmas it looks like you all had (despite the shrieking, of course).
I love the skirt twirling especially, lovely!
I'd love to be linked to as a devoted reader - you can find my ramblings at tempestahoy.blogspot.com.
Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tempest Ahoy | January 02, 2011 at 11:49 PM
hope you and your family are feeling better!
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