Raindrops on Roses...

These are a few of my favorite things this week.

Clementines. I wish they weren't seasonal.

Raggedy Ann & Andy. Doing laundry is a bit more fun with them. Just a bit.

Dates nights. Can you tell he loves them too?

My water bottle. Keeping my resolution.

Snowmen. Our winter decorations.

Do Life: Oprah Style

"The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams."

-My good friend Oprah (Winfrey)

via here

Caught in the Act

Bailey's resolution was to eat less treats, go on more walks, and finally catch a squirrel. Resolution fail.

Hello 2012, Goodbye 2011!

Happy New Year! We are thrilled to welcome 2012 and say peace out to 2011. This past year was great, when we look back on it we see an abundance of blessings. But it is also hard to forget all of the challenges as well: moving, career roadblocks, medical adventures. Each of these have been trying and not so fun, but taught us the major importance of a positive attitude. You can find the good in any situation if you look for it. The support and encouragement of our loved ones was key in finding those blessings and making 2011 a fabulous year.

On that note, I want to share my 2012 resolutions. This is the first year I have actually made resolutions and I am so excited about them, especially number three.

They are on display to remind me of them daily. These resolutions are realistic and are steps to "Do Life".
1) Drink more water.
2) Cook more, dine out less.
3) Take a trip (honeymoon) with Kurt.

I'm super curious to know other people's resolutions and how you plan on keeping them.

Ready To Party

Happy New Year! 2011 has been a crazy year around here. We are ready to celebrate and move forward. Bailey has her party shirt on, which conveniently doubles as a workout shirt so tomorrow she can get down to business on her New Year's resolutions.

The Daily Bailey

That big bundle of stuffed Bailey was our Christmas gift from Kurt's Mamaw. She saw it at the store and had to get it for us because it looked just like our dog. I'm surprised she didn't run in the other direction when she saw it since the only time she ever met Bailey it resulted in Bailey knocking her over and her cutting her leg on the end table.

Merry (Belated) Christmas!

I didn't get around to posting Merry Christmas before the actual holiday, but since I am striving to feel the love and joy of Christmas always, here is our Christmas post! Plus, it can be a bit of a let down after Christmas when all of the excitement suddenly ends, so I'm just trying to keep it going a bit longer.

Wes, the family photog, taught me how to use more of my camera's features so I can be a mini paparazzi like him. Sorry in advance to all of you who will be my subjects/victims. Bailey is already tired of it.

Our sweet little tree.

This ornament was a wedding gift and makes me smile every time I see it hanging on our tree.

Homemade gifts are some of the most meaningful gifts to give and receive, so this year I attempted to be more of a Martha (Stewart). I made snow globes for our nieces and gingerbread syrup for all of our family, along with a few other yummy treats. It was delicious, but turns out syrup takes a while to boil and then boom! boils over. Our stove has a few battle wounds.

Hoping you all had the happiest of happy holidays!

Workin' On Her Fitness

I set up my yoga mat and when I came back in the room, Bailey had claimed it.

Baby Steps

Between Kurt and Bailey each getting sick, both of my running buddies are out of commission. With the two of the them leading the fluffy life for a while, I found an alternative to our running schedule. Me and my new friend, Jillian Michaels, have a regular 30 minute date in our living room. I will say it is nice not to go out in the cold, but it doesn't exactly make me feel awesome when I am struggling and she points out that 300 or 400 lbs people can do this, so I should be able to also. However, some of her motivation is a little more inspirational. My favorite is...

"Transformation is not a future event, it is a present activity."

It is really easy to think to myself, tomorrow I will exercise or eat better (as I have a big bowl of Whirley Pop in my lap and am making it a priority to Keep Up With the Kardashians). So I am trying to keep in mind that every little decision adds up to a greater result. Small goals. Baby Steps.

(Clip from the movie "What About Bob")

Study Buddies

Finals are quickly approaching and luckily Bailey makes an awesome study buddy. They divide up the reading and she gives him the cliff notes on her chapters. She just needs to learn how to get through them without falling asleep.