Motivation From the Mouths of Babes

I'm not too crazy about making New Year's Resolutions. After all, I never tend to keep them. However this year I decided to make a generalized resolution to be more disciplined in my life.

In other words, I'm trying to commit to doing all the things I know I should be doing....

Spending less, eating healthier, exercising more and learning to say no.

So far I'm doing OK and the boys are trying to hold me to it. Nothing gets past them because although they don't listen to what we say directly to them, they always listen to our adult conversations.

On the way to the gym this morning Gavin and Zachary gave me a lecture about being fat. Of course Gavin always prefaces his statements by saying he's not trying to hurt my feelings. It's quite humorous at times, but this morning it continued on for nearly 10 minutes and Zachary echoed nearly every statement Gavin made.

Then as we left the gym they asked to go to the Dollar Store. Granted we certainly could afford to go, but I'm trying to teach them the concept of money so I explained that we should save it for our upcoming Disney Trip. Strangely enough they both agreed that saving the money was a great idea. The only problem is that in the hours that have followed, Gavin has conveyed a list of other things we should save money on. Specifically we don't need any more clothes, Diet Coke, purses, jewelry or cleaning stuff. It would be a rough road without the Diet Coke, but Amen to knocking off the cleaning supplies! I guess I'll have to contract a maid service.

So here's a few pictures of my cute little guys who always seem to have my best interest at heart.

Gavin remains a few inches taller.

I can't remember what I bribed them with, but they were being quite cooperative for the camera.

Gabby at First Start last week. Miss Susan would have let her remove the whole box, but I made her stop.... I'm such a mean Mommy.

Gabby playing with fake snow.

Yes, it came in a box and you just add water.

Gabby looking at me as she sneaks her binky off the table.

I dread the day I have to throw them all away.

Playing with her stethescope...

and knowing exactly where to put it.

I wonder if Amanda recognizes this shirt...

Finally, a few pictures of us playing billiards this past weekend.

It was fun despite losing to guests on our own table.

Happy New Year!

Happy (Belated) New Year!

It's been a few weeks since I've posted to my blog. I've been trying not to spend too much time on the computer, but I recently joined Facebook and while it's been fun reconnecting with old friends, it's also been somewhat addicting. However, now that the Facebook novelty has worn off to some degree, I'm finding the motivation to post.

So here's a recap of the last few weeks.

We celebrated the New Year at Sandestin Resort with friends. It was refreshing to get away from the house for a few days. The condo and the view were beautiful so I spent a lot of time day-dreaming about retiring on the beach some day.

There were plenty of things to do at the Village, but I think the boys enjoyed the candy store the most. They're still talking about the gummy snakes that took them a week to eat.

It was nice spending time with friends. The guys played golf on New Year's Day. We also spent one afternoon bikeriding through the Village. The night life was great and very kid-friendly.

Here's a picture of Vanessa and Tucker.

Before our ride was over, both Tucker and Gabby were napping.

Gavin and Zachary kept a fairly impressive pace.

There were also plenty of trips to the park during our stay. It was a beautiful weekend and a wonderful way to ring in the New Year.

Some other recent happenings include a night at the bowling alley.

The boys love to bowl, but as you can see they also enjoy it as a spectator sport.

On January 8th we celebrated Gabby's first "Happy Heart Day."

It's been a year since her surgery and she's so healthy and happy!

Her Aunt Kimmie (and family) sent her flowers.

She's growing up so fast. Her vocabulary is expanding and she even says "I love you."

I'm currently in the process of going through her clothes to give away and it's a little heart-breaking to realize how much she has grown.

She's actually keeping up with her brothers and wants to be included.

But she's not up for sharing her dolls.

Finally here's a picture of Gavin in the backyard. It's his favorite place to spend the hour or so after school.

I realize this post is predominately pictures of Gabby, but she's much more cooperative with the camera than the boys are these days.