No slowing down

Last week, Charlotte was sick with a sinus infection. 

I kept her home from school and though, when I'm sick, I want to lie in bed all day..... not her!

We did stay in pajamas most of the day, but other than that, she was very active. 

Even helping with the ironing.

And no day (even a sick day) is complete without dressing up

Polar Bear, Lady, Giraffe and Bebe dressed up as well

This week, we're back to school and back to helping mommy in the kitchen. We made a wonderful veggie chili which can be found here. I prepared and chopped all the veggies and let Charlotte pour them in the pot. She loves being my Sous Chef. And what a darling Sous Chef she is!

Very appropriately, for career day at school, she dressed up as a chef. Unfortunately, we were the only ones that remembered so when she saw everyone else in regular clothes, she quickly removed her apron and hat.  

It was heartbreaking to see her embarrassment. I wanted her to walk in, proud of herself. But, even at 3, peer pressure is hard.

Happy New Year

We had a fabulous time ringing in the new year! We met friends at our country club and had a wonderful night filled with great food, drinks, live music, dancing and fireworks. My dear brother was in town to watch Tech's bowl game and babysat Charlotte for us. She was so happy to have fun Uncle Jason here and it worked out perfectly for us too! THANKS AGAIN!!

We are already one week into 2011 and things are going well. Like most people, my "typical" New Year's resolutions are to workout more, cook at home more, save more money (i.e. {yes, Justin, I do know what that means} spend less) and to stay organized. But because it's a new year, a fresh start,  I want to take it a little further than "typical". 

Though those are fine resolutions, it's the meaning and purpose behind the resolutions that make them "typical" and that's what I want to be different.

So, I want my workouts to not be focused on fitting into that tight pair of jeans, but because I want to be healthier on the inside. And, I want to cook at home more, not only to save money (which that will help because we spend way TOO much on going out to eat) but because I want to focus on family time and enjoying my little helper that LOVES preparing the food. I want to save more money because I want an added security blanket, not because I'm swooning after a hot new purse. Also, I want to stay organized because it makes me happy. I don't want to succumb to the laziness that often plaques me when putting things away. I recently heard Nate Berkus say that his home is always ready to be photographed. Now.... I know that the only photographing at my home is going to be done by me, but I LOVE the principle of his statement and want to incorporate it into my daily living. 
And finally, although not mentioned above, I want to embrace the art and beauty that are all around us by slowing down, breathing deeper, and praying with a sincere heart and mind.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Christmas Recap

Now that all the Christmas decorations are put away and the house is becoming "somewhat' organized, I'm finally ready to blog again. 

 2010 was a very blessed year and we are thankful.

This Christmas was magical. Watching the excitement on Charlotte's face was pure joy. 

So, even though, I was sad to pack away all the pretty sparkly decorations, I look forward to what God has planned for us in 2011. 

We LOVE all the beautiful cards we get from friends and family!

Cookies for Santa

Just a little more sprinkles for....

ME!

Traditional El Fenix Christmas Eve dinner

SO many presents, we had to start opening Christmas Eve

Getting the turkey ready for the smoker

Santa's gifts

Our Christmas mimosa toast

"mini-mosa" sans champagne

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Can you see all those toys??

When I asked Charlotte what she was writing she said, "my tank yous".

She melts my heart.

Cheers to 2010!

oxox