Starting 2012 with a clean slate

If you have been holding on to many unnecessary people, let them fools go.

If you have been clinging on to some old memories for too long, let the past go.

If you have been holding on to a bad partner hoping that they will change some day, let their go.

If you have been haunted and bound by past mistakes, it's time to let them go.

If you have been holding on to hate, regret or old grudges, let that drama go.

If you have been afraid and stopping yourself from being who you truly are for too long, let all that self-doubt go.

If you have been insecure of your abilities and afraid to take risks for too long, let go of the loser mentality.

It's time to let it all go and prepare your soul for a new life that is waiting for you in 2012

Welcome to the Jungle

12.21.2011
My boy turns 7...lucky number 7!
The original plan was a house party on the 17th...then realized that I had planned three parties back to back from the 16th (hosted our work Holiday shindig) & the 18th (Annual Nestie Baked Good Exchange). Thank goodness that Scooter's Jungle had an opening on a Wednesday that happened to be Russell's actual birthday and my day off!! And as t turned out was the best decision EVER! We invited his classmates and their parents & had a blast! We kept the menu simple & kid friendly...Pizza, Chicken Strips and mini Corndogs. I even made it a whole lot easier with the goodie bags...Angry Birds stuffed animals, Angry Bird Cookies and some other items. The kids loved it! And seeing the faces of the parents as the kids ripped open the goodie bags was classic! I could almost see the bubble on top of their head saying OMG!
More pics to come

To my dearest Anak

Dearest Rj,
About 7 years ago you entered our world and have been such a big source of joy in our hearts. From your colicky nights and now ever so curious and inquisitive mind you continue to amaze and challenge us in so many wonderful ways. I thank God everyday for the wonderful gift He gave your Papa and I...and that is you, Russell!
We love you so much and pray that you continue to be a wonderful person and make a difference in this world.
Love,
Mama

Starting a new Tradition

During one of our car ride conversations, Russell asked me if I knew about the Elf on the Shelf book. I honeslty had no idea what it was about so he continued to tell me the story in his own words. I was intrigued. Being a sucker for anything traditionally Christmas...we visited the nearest Barnes and Noble the very next day and searched for the book.

It came in a hard covered box and it contained the book and your very own Elf.

After reading the story to the kids, we named our Elf...

Before going to bed we made sure that we took off the stickers that hold the plastic cover in place and untied the twisty ties holding Fredey in place. Russell made a visual check on Fredey where I left him and he asked me if Fredey was on the shelf or off the shelf when I placed the book in the hallway. I told him Fredey was sitting on the shelf. Apparently when Russell checked on Fredey, he was NOT sitting on the shelf...OOOhhhh!

 Morning came and this is what I found in the hallway...an empty box....where did Fredey go.

Kids woke up early and found Fredey here...sitting next to the TV in my room, smiling and watching them....this could get a bit creepy...but the kids love it. Although Celeste keeps asking to hold Fredey and play with him.  And Russell keeps reminding her that kids can't touch him, other wise the Christmas Magic will disappear and Fredey will not be able to go back to Santa to report their activities.

I am a bit curious as to how long this will last and how many creative ways we will find Fredey at.

Our new Home...

It is beautiful...but no plumbing....
Its the house of George Mason, one of the main writters of The Declaration of Independence but refused to sign it because he did not fully support what it stated 100%...which led to George Washington excommunicating him as a friend. That is why we have by heard of him before.

On our way

To the airport...