Another New Year

The years sure are flying by...I can't even believe we are about to bring in another year.  I'm hoping this year is better than the last!  A lot of great things happened, but more bad than good.  I just want 2011 to be better and I want to be better too.  Here are my resolutions for 2011....

Be a better wife
Be a better mother
Be a better friend
Be a better teacher

We will be ringing in the new year at home this year.  We usually go out and do something fun, but this year it will be quiet with our little family at home.  I hope this new year brings lots of good things for everyone.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

The DEW and Ry

 Really?!  Can she get any cuter in her outfit?!  I LOVE how Declan is smiling (at her) in the background.

 Yeah...I know I'm pretty!  Do you like my shoes?

 I could eat her up! I wonder how many times I have said that about her on my blog.  Her mouth is full of crackers too!

 Cracker Break!

 Going in for the kiss...good thing Bryan wasn't around.  Declan does not seem to mind :-)

 Taking Ry for a ride!

 Declan's turn!

 Hey, wait!  Where did she go?!

Oh well...I'm pretty comfy here!  Hey, Mom!

It is almost the end of my "break" with Declan.  I'm ready to get back to work, yet sad at the same time.  We have spent a lot of time laughing and cuddling lately.  Monday will be rough for sure.  We have been hanging around the house, but Declan and Rylan had a play date today while Kendra and I caught up.  The busy holiday season interferes with that sometimes.  These two are precious together...still.  I'm so glad they are friends and play so well together.  They had fun today.  I think Rylan chased Declan around more today.  Usually he follows her all over the place.  I think he was distracted by all of the new toys that Santa brought her ;-)

Mmmmm...Cotton Candy

Declan's favorite thing out of his stocking was the cotton candy that Santa left for him.  Love these pictures of him enjoying nothing but pure sugar.  He is in the middle of getting four teeth...if we keep giving him sugar like this they won't make it.  Only kidding!

Baby, It's Cold Outside

We ventured out in what little snow we had left!  Declan kept saying "cold," and eating it.  He LOVES being outside and exploring.  He actually kep his hat on too which is a big deal for him, ha ha!

Must Be Santa, Must Be Santa, Must Be Santa, Santa Clause!

This by far was the BEST Christmas EVER!  Jason and I got up a little early and while he started a fire, I made cinnamon rolls and a breakfast casserole while we waited for Declan to get up.  Of course he chose to sleep in on Christmas morning. 

When he finally woke up, we told him Santa had been here and we walked into the living room...his reaction was just what we thought it would be..."WOW" and "COOL," is what he said.  His face was priceless.  He went to each present and was overwhelmed with all of his gifts.  He did not care much for his stocking, and was more excited about the gifts that Santa had set out.  He was in heaven.  It made us so happy to see our little boy happy.  I'm sure it just keeps getting better, but this one will ALWAYS be remembered by this Mom.

After we ate, played, and napped, we headed to my parent's house.  My grandmother and the Cullinan's were there to celebrate too.  Declan had a blast with his cousins!  It is so fun to watch them play together.  Melts my heart.

 Declan and Kara on the new bike from my parents

 Jason and Me

 When he first saw his presents....

 This is all mine?  Really?

 A little overwhelmed!

 Playing on his slide

 Checking out his chair

 Eating Christmas breakfast

 Declan and Pop

 Gi Gi and the Cullinan Crew

 Cyn Cyn and The DEW after playing in the snow...

 Declan and Aunt Staci

 In his new jacket...from his Dad of course :-)

 Cracking up while playing with his Aunt Staci

 Me and Declan enjoying the white Christmas

My handsome, Dad!  I love this Man!!!

  It was just a perfect day...and it even SNOWED!  We were all thrilled to have a white Christmas this year.  We ended up staying at my parent's house due to the weather and adult beverages.  It was nice to spend some quality time with my parents too.  I love my family!  My parents gave us a new grill too!  So excited!!!

Waiting For Santa...

 Me and The DEW

 Helping Dad with the fire....

 My boys :-)

 A million books to read before bed...always includes Goodnight Moon

 Santa came!

 Wow!

 He is really into farm animals and noises!  Santa must have known ;-)

A chair for him to sit in and a slide!


Jason and I have the tradition of exchanging our gifts on Christmas Eve.  I was definitely spoiled this year...just like always!  I'm very lucky to have such a thoughtful husband!  He definitely ALWAYS puts Declan and I before himself.  He is one of the most selfless people I know.

Christmas Eve With Family

 Jason, Stacy, Declan, and Chris

 Aunt Lauren and Uncle Chris

 Lisa and Sydney

 Declan and his monkeys from Chris and Lauren (He calls all monkeys Bobo now, after a monkey in a book we read).

 Aunt Morgan and Grandma Stacy

 Declan and Uncle Chris

 His pillow pal from the Lord's :-)  He was a little afraid of it at first, but now he growls at it and loves it.

Declan and Scout.  He LOVES this little guy!  Thank you Chris and Lauren!

We went to Jason's Grandmother's house for Christmas Eve.  We had such a nice time with family.  Declan was also so cute and calling his great Grandma Mimmie.  Precious!  Declan was spoiled with gifts.  We went there early and were home early to spend some time with Declan and to make sure we were home for Santa ;-)