A New Year, A New Start

I always start my new year with a few resolutions. I love feeling a new determination to accomplished my goals.

However,

instead of trying to accomplish everything all at once, I'm going to spread it out a little. I was inspired by one of my favorite bloggers. She chose one word to be her motto for the year, and I thought it was such a good idea that I would do the same.

My 2011 word is:

I will focus on doing one thing a month to improve myself, my family, and my home. I hope by spreading out my goals, I will be able to FOCUS on this specific goal and improve life one step at a time. I also hope to focus on the important things in life.

My (or should I say our) word to focus on for January is BUDGET. Not a fun one to focus on, but needs to be done. Benj and I have made some big goals for our family this year, and we know we can accomplish them by being smart about our $. Not going into too many details, we hope to begin and achieve some of Dave Ramsey's 7 steps to Financial Freedom. We are very excited and determined! So, if you want to hang out with us, think of cheap, fun things to do!

I will continue to update on a monthly basis. Stay tuned and here's to a FABULOUS YEAR!

CHRISTMAS

Our family had a wonderful Christmas. Christmas is always wonderful, but there was something about this year that made it extra special. Maybe it was because Logan was more into it, or the blessing of being with lots of family. I especially enjoyed Benj being home for almost 2 weeks vacation. It was mostly very relaxing, just how I like it.

We started out with a beautiful turkey dinner on December 23rd. Benj's grandparents always set a very elegant atmosphere.

Logan got to spend time with his cousins.

We had a little pre-Christmas morning because we were going up to Idaho Falls for Christmas Day. Here's a photo of our tree and Logan's Santa gift (kid table and chairs). I always love moments with my little family.

Benj rocking his new hat.

Some of our loot. Spoiled, spoiled, spoiled.

I hadn't been home for Christmas since I was single. Mom and Dad usually come down to Utah a couple days after Christmas. It was so much fun to be home, and remember all of the traditions that I had growing up. I'm glad Logan got to experience it too.

Logan and Grandma Croft on Christmas morning.

I especially loved sitting in this spot and singing Christmas songs with my family. Something that I will always remember.

Other activities were: watching movies, playing games, shopping, and eating way too much. But it was oh-so-good.

Dad carving the roast beast (er, prime rib roast).

Andy makes a mean bowl of popcorn.

This was Benj's favorite spot throughout the holiday.

Logan got spoiled with attention from his aunt and uncles.

Our little family after church

And a very cute 20 month old in his very cute Christmas sweater.

Hope your Christmas was wonderful too!

Merry Christmas

May we remember the true reason for the season.

I am so thankful for my Savior and his love for all of us.

Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas.

Mommy Loves

Photo taken just before bed tonight.

THINGS I WANT TO REMEMBER ABOUT TODAY:

*You were playing with a baby Jesus picture you got from nursery. I told you, "That's baby Jesus." Then you said as clear as day, "Je-sus." It was so sweet.

*I loved as we were walking outside, the big snowflakes would fall on your face and you'd hunch your shoulders and giggle.

*I loved how you were so excited when you got an orange balloon at the store. You've been calling it "bobo" all day long.

*I loved when you crawled into bed with me and snuggled right into the pillow. Then you just stared with me with a big grin on your face. Following that came big slobbery kisses. :)

*I love seeing your little round belly after eating a big meal. You have a major outie belly button.

*I loved how you ran away from me as soon as you were naked for bathtime. I found you perched on my couch pillows waiting for me to "come get you".

*I love your hair after baths because its especially curly. You are one darn cute kid.

*I love how you know your bedtime routine when we read books, say prayer, and sing a song. You leaned your head on mommy's shoulder as I sang you "Away in a manger".

December Happenings

You may remember last year how we did a Christmas activity every day in December. We continued the tradition this year as well, and we've had a lot of fun already. Here are some of the fun things that have been going on.

We made GINGERBREAD HOUSES. I should rephrase that. We decorated gingerbread houses. This was a prebuilt one from Costco. Quick and easy, but not recommended to eat. Maybe next year I'll be adventureous and make a homemade one.

We decided it would be easier to decorate it after Logan went to bed. Kinda sad, but he's just too little to help and the kid loves sugar. He would've ended up eating anything and everything.

Not that I haven't let him have his fair share of sweets. He was not a pleasant boy once I took this chocolate sucker away.

We said farewell to our friends (Benj's old mission buddy) who are moving to London. Logan had so much fun with their little boy. They are only 3 weeks apart. Just look at both of their curls. So stinkin cute.

Logan was pointing to a christmas tree hanging from the ceiling.

Our ward Christmas Breakfast - Santa came to visit all the excited children. Just look at Logan's face.

Not having Santa's lap. I'm hoping the professional photographer got a better picture. This is the best we got.

Round 2 - Santa trying to lure Logan in with a candy cane. He didn't get any closer than this. Better luck next year?

More sugar on its way - we made sugar cookies!

And they were delicious! Logan was particularly fond of the frosting.

Last weekend my family came down for my cousin's wedding. My little brother Andy babysat for us while we attended the sealing. Logan LOVED hanging out with him and wouldn't even come to me when we got home. His favorite activities with Uncle Andy were playing with toys and climbing all over him.

Later that day we attended the wedding luncheon at La Caille. It was beautiful. Sadly I'm not used to the more fancy things in life: valet parking, hor d'oeuvres, string quartets, 7 utensils, etc. It was so much fun and so beautiful. We were in an atrium so we could see the beautiful snowy landscape.

My parents enjoying their coconut shrimp and hot wassail. They just celebrated 30 years a few months ago. :)

Typical picture of the siblings: Jenni looking cute, Sam (sigh) and suave Andy.

That's better. These two have been married a year!

Our wonderful desserts - rich chocolate cake, creme brulee, and a delicious fruit tart.

We hadn't eaten that much in one sitting for a while (we're eating 6 300-calorie meals a day). My man has already lost 20 pounds! So proud. I must say he can pull off a beard quite nicely, don't you think?

So wonderful to enjoy an elegant dinner without a toddler. Benj and I vowed to do this more often.

Hope your December has been full of fun as well! So much to do this week!

PS - Don't forget the blog is going private so leave me your email if you haven't done it already!

ANNOUCEMENT

No, I'm not pregnant. :)

We are making our blog PRIVATE.

My plan is to change at the beginning of the new year. I invite all family, friends and acquaintances to send me your email via facebook, email, text, phone call or leaving a comment here on this post. I would love all of you to keep updated on our little family.

Christmas Spirit

There is nothing that invites the Christmas spirit more than visiting Temple Square. It was not only beautiful, but very peaceful. It was such a wonderful reminder to keep Christ in our hearts.

Benj's wonderful family came with us.

It was a little chilly, so we kept Logan bundled up tight.

Logan had the best spot for looking at the lights and nativities.

Now it feels like the Christmas season has officially begun.