Monthly Update

I'm afraid I'm not a very good bloggist. Finding the time to actually update on our lives is proving more difficult that I thought it would.
In the past month:
I've started Zumba! I'm taking classes once a week at the YMCA with a friend that works in my building. It's AWESOME and the perfect introduction in to exercising for me.
I'm also doing fairly well on lessening my sugar intake and I've completely stopped drinking regular Coke. My new favorite friend is Coke Zero, but I try not to drink too much either. I've lost 7 pounds.
I told Abbey a joke:
Me: Why did the chicken cross the road?
Abbey: Why?
Me: To get to the other side!
Abbey: Don't you understand?!?! HE'S SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE BARN!
We experienced the "Scare Cut of 2011": Abbey begged me to cut her hair so that her bangs were out of her eyes. I'd been trying to grow her bangs out for about 2 years, and I don't know what made me agree to cut them, but I did. And I cried about it. Ok, more like I *sobbed* about it. It really isn't that horrible, honestly, but I still regret doing it. And I have since vowed never to cut my child's hair again. I'm leaving it to professionals.

We welcomed sweet Bennett June into our world on February 3. My sweet little step-neice! I can't wait to see her again!

We have also ALL (with the exception of Natalie *knock on wood*) have been sick! Abbey got sick first, and then me, and now Matt. We're all still recovering, but it's a horrible cold that just won't go away!

Valentine's Day was fun. Matt and I put together treats for the girls, and Matt got me flowers and Ferreo Rocher chocolates (my favorite!). We also had breakfast for dinner which is always a welcome treat!

We've had a couple more house-viewings, but no nibbles yet. The last person who looked really did love the house, but not the particular location. Oh well. It will happen when it's supposed to!

Next up: Abbey's FOURTH birthday!!

Holy Moly it's 2011

I  didn't realize how long it had been since I posted. Seriously. But with a giant sigh of relief, I can say that the hectic holiday season is over. Yes, it was wonderful. Yes, I had some restful moments. And yes, any stress was worth it. Still, I'm glad it's done til  next time.
With Christmas, we enjoyed snow, time with family, hot chocolate, movies, and playing with new toys.

And now it's a new year!

Some friends have done a Top Ten of 2010, and I suppose I'll give it a try.

1. Putting our house on the market. Granted, nothing much has happened with it so far, but it was a big step.
2. Taking the girls to the beach for the first time. Our trip to Folley in September was wonderful. It was so nice to finally take an Olmstead family beach trip again after many years of having to skip it. Hopefully, it become a yearly tradition again!
3. Celebrating 5 years of marriage. It's amazing to think of all the has happened to our lives in the past 5 years. And here's to MANY more!
4. Celebrating TWO weddings. Seeing my step-sister get married was a happy moment, as was being MOH for one of my very best friends. I'm so happy for them both!
5. Heading a bachelorette party in DC! That was sooo much fun!
6. Having my other step-sister tell me she's pregnant! This news was surprising, but received with nothing but support and love. I simply cannot wait until she welcomes her daughter into our family in the next month!
7. Seeing Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1. Ok, so I'm a nerd. Whatever. I just can't tell you how much I love the books and the movies, and I was highly impressed with this one. Yay for Part 2 in July!
8. Watching the girls grow. Every day.
9. All the times we were able to do things with friends and family: Weddings, birthday parties, holidays, Beer Olympics, and all things celebratory. These things are just fun, and are the highlight to all years. Also, reuniting with old friends. Always wonderful.
10. Participating in Hokie Idol and singing in front of people. WHAT? That was just crazy for me to do. So I feel accomplished.

That was harder than I thought it would be. And now something harder (maybe).

My 11 Goals for 2011 (I won't call them resolutions)

1. Sell our house and buy a new one. Need I say more?
2. Have Natalie completely weaned from breastfeeding by June. She is only night-time nursing as it is, and it's just time for me.
3. Lose 15 pounds by the end of the year. Honestly, I just want to be healthier. I don't care so much about the number on the scale, but...
4. Go to the dentist. I haven't been since I was pregnant with Natalie.
5. Get an eye exam and new glasses. I can tell my vision is slightly worse off, and I just want new frames!
6. Cut back on sugar intake. I suppose this goes along with the weight loss goal, but I know I eat too many sweets and drink WAY to much Coke.
7. Floss every day. Right now, I don't. Almost ever.
8. Plan a trip to Georgia with Jenni. We went to Mass. and stayed at Lizzie Borden's house back in 2008. Our next destination will probably be the Marshall House in GA. Another reason I want Natalie weaned, so that Jenni and I can take a weekend trip!
9. See Deathly Hallows Part 2. I know this goal will be easily accomplished. ;)
10. Get the cats to the vet. They haven't been in years. This is just poor pet-parenting, and I need to remedy it.
11. Practice patience. 'Nuff said.

Happy New Year everyone!