Three Strikes Your Out

I'm in pain in my brain and heart right now as I think about this. I feel absolutely torn. That checklist item, "Write and Send out Christmas Cards" has been on the list for two months. I decided earlier that I wouldn't do Christmas Cards this year because I had just sent out baby announcements. I make decisions and try to tell myself to stick to them, but then continue to doubt myself, and then continue to leave those items on my list because I just can't bear to take them off. This is where I go wrong. But in truth, I could erase them, then write them back in again. And that would be counterproductive. As if my constant indecision is not.

So here at the end of 2009, as I continue to think of people that won't be hearing from us, aren't bloggers, won't get an update, and might not feel loved. OR...what about those people that think they didn't make the Christmas card list this year but yet made it all those years in the past? Oh come on, Candice. Is it really that consequential? Back where I was, here at the end of 2009, I have decided to make a blog post declaring that I have struck out on my Christmas Card attempt, and hope that my blog post will fill my To Do list hunger enough that I'll be able to take the "Write and Send Christmas Card" item off of my list, and NOT put it back on. Til next year that is.

The excuse I propose, hoping it will be strong enough to "let go" of my Christmas Card endeavor:

Which family picture is Christmas Card and Friends' Fridge worthy to print and mail out to all our dear ones this year?

Picture one.



We love this picture. A great professional pic of the fam...BUT...Hadley is one week old here. She's now six months old. That won't do.

STRIKE ONE!

Picture Two.



I love this picture, it's okay, Trent isn't looking at the camera though, and has a knife in his hand. And it's not like we were preparing for a picture to send to the world this day.

Picture Three.

Our attempt to take a picture with our camera sitting on top of a chair using the camera's timer. I think it's self-explanatory when considering our son why what we have here is

STRIKE TWO!



In my attempt to try for the Christmas Card pic, we tried for a shot in front of the tree. One has Tim's head cut off. And in neither are we all looking. (I know my standards are high.)



STRIKE THREE! You're out!

...

Did it work? Will I take "Send out Christmas Cards off my list?"

Uh...

Keep an eye on your mailbox.

Four Years Richer

(Any excuse to post pictures of my wedding day, when I looked so young and fresh, is an excuse I'll take.)


Four years ago I gave myself to my best friend, and him to me.








I still think I married the best man in the whole entire world. (Like my friend says, "Don't worry girls. Second isn't half bad.")



As well as being the best man on this entire planet, he also happens to be my perfect match and the very best man for me in eternity. (Probably because of how well he handles me, his less than perfect other half.)










Again, I'm not a woman of many words when it comes to publicly sharing my feelings. But let it be said, he makes me such a happy woman and such a happy wife. And I LOVE him.

I truly hope that one day it is said of me that the love I feel inside is shown amply, even abundantly, through my actions.

Love you honey.

Alexa's Tree

My dear sister-in-law Brittany did a tree at the Festival of Trees this year for her sweet daughter Alexa who was stillborn at 40 weeks gestation, and born on her due date four years ago.





Look at the amazing talent of my in-laws! They have amazing decorating style and talent and I'm constantly trying to have it rub off on me. These aren't the best pictures, but maybe some of you saw the tree in person.

There was a special spirit for me at Alexa's tree. I took Hadley up to the tree and we talked about Alexa.

I am so thankful to be a part of Tim's family. How lucky am I that they are obligated to hang out with me all the time since Tim and I tied the knot! Totally lucky. They're pretty cool.

New Things

Man I love being a mom! I love the anticipation of trying new things with my kiddies. I am so giddy and excited for Christmas day! Like I was when I was a kid!

My advice: Be a mom. There is nothing better.


New Things #1: Rice Cereal!!


Allow me to narrate:

"I'm such a happy girl sitting here in my bumbo with my bib on. My parents sure do love me...



Mom and I get along...


We do a little pose for the camera. Not sure why...


Something is coming to my mouth? I open when something is coming to my mouth.


Let me remind you, mother, that up until this point in my life I have trusted you...


Not quite sure if that trust was well-vested...


I'm thinking not.


Definitely not.


But mom! I trusted you! (Look at her look me in the eye like that!)


Agh mom! Agh agh mom! Panic is setting in.


Kuh kuh. (kukka)


I think I'll spit this out....


Now dad's taking of picture of this disaster?!


And mom's still doing it?!"


"Ahhh...I guess we survived."



New Things #2: For Bret's (my father-in-law's) work Christmas party, we all went bowling. Trent's first time.

The grandkids:


Haddle-bunches with Nana.




The boys.


Mom too.

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

Picking out and buying our Christmas Tree as a family. Pretty sure that tree picked us. It was calling my name since we hit the lot.

I love this tree. It's like a fifth member of the family. I have to feed it almost as much as I have to feed my kids. Speaking of that...




Finding out my son who looks exactly like his dad is actually related to ME too! He puts his belongings in perfect rows. If they get bumped, he fixes them.

Books.


Balls.


Trucks.


Shoes.


Pencils.


Sharing with sister. I just could eat these moments up. No words can describe what it's like to witness this as a mother.


Trent playing in the snow for the first time (that he can remember, at least). He was a bit apprehensive at first, but then when he could feel how fluffy and kind the snow was, he loved it.


Decorating for Christmas. (Hadley getting all tangled up in the tissue paper stuffing.)


The nativity set my parents have given to me over the years.


Uncle Corey. Precious moment.


Couldn't resist pulling out my camera in the Mother's Room at church on Sunday when I saw Hadley sitting in the chair like this. As soon as I snapped the picture, Trent got in the other chair and posed for HIS, kind of like, "Don't you want a picture of me too, mom?" I love when I laugh out loud at my hilarious toddler. Only wish every one else was there to enjoy these moments with me.


Trent cleaning the house. Love it. That thing all a blur in his hand is a rag.


And finally, taking our sweet children to see Santa Claus. Trent had to check him out before he could look at us for the picture. Can you just imagine what a 2-year-old is thinking? "Why does this man have white hair on his face?...My parents actually condone sitting on this stranger's lap?..."

"...well alright then."