Pictures from a busy mom

This particular Christmas break was on for the record books. We got out of school just a few days before Christmas Day, so I was a little nervous about finding the time to finish all my shopping and stocking stuffers for the kids. On the upside, I didn't have enough time to do it all so I ended up saving some money!!!

The absolute BEST thing about the break was having both holidays at the BEGINNING of the break, therefore leaving a full week of relaxing, sleeping in and enough time to clean up all the Christmas mess!!!

So it's back to work, school, getting up early and the daily grind of reality. 

But it's my sweet reality that I live in . 

New Years Eve

We celebrated the night in style with 9 adults and only 4 kids.

Ainsley and Evan partied hard until 8 pm, then they went to bed.

Drew and Connor were up until 10 or so..... then they faded.

We played Scategories and Taboo for a few hours.

It resulted in a lot of debates and voting.

Gerard, came in from South Africa on business and he really enjoyed us "Americans".

He really loved the games but had a hard time with Taboo. He didn't understand words like DEAR ABBY. We were kind and allowed him to pass without a penalty. 

Happy New Year!!

(minus the Smith's & Gerard)

Her 4 Favorite Things....

There are 4 things in this world that my pickle cannot live without.....

Addie, Elmo, Lovey & Baby.

(pictured left to right)

Her lovey was a gift given to her as a baby and she's slept with it every night since then.

Elmo came along around 8 months ago when I was cleaning out Drew's closet and found it.

Drew was never into Elmo however Ainsley was fan from the get-go. 

Baby was a birthday gift and Addie came from Santa. 

Every night she has to sleep with all 4 of these items and every morning she's hollering all their names.