New Year Resolutions

So, I have to admit, I am not a big New Year's Resolution person. I have probably only actually stayed up to watch a ball drop a total of 4 times ever. So what is it about a new year that makes us want to improve ourselves? Stores start stocking up exercise equipment and organizational items for those of us who have vowed to lose weight and clean our houses! We should be constantly trying to improve ourselves, physically, emotionally, spiritually and socially. So I decided this year I would have some resolutions. Maybe I've always been worried I'd just break them anyways, so why make them in the first place? So for the first time, I figure I'll post them up for all to see, so you guys can check in on me and so how I am doing with them! Here goes:

• Volunteer or perform an act of service once a month


• Write an article once a month


• Get the family healthy and green


• Lose 50 pounds


• Start a garden


• Start recycling


• Walk everywhere I can, as often as I can


• Pursue business ideas

You may have noticed the loftiest goal in there by far, and the one that scares me the most is the lose 50 pounds one. That's a tough one to put out there, but since I am 100% determined to get down to business on it, there it is! There are many other things that this new year is bringing. Frank is still "new" at work, and learning the ins and outs of a comission only job, Toby is starting 2nd grade, Zane is sooo close to being a full fledged reader, Sophia is starting speech therapy in January, and Jude is almost 2! I have also started a new business, selling health and wellness supplements as an independent distributor for Shaklee. This will be a full year, and as the Cardinales do it, I am sure it will be fun! Wishing health and happiness, and all of God's blessings to you in 2008!

Christmas Yummies

Some of our Christmas treats this year! Homemade Banana Pudding and Haystacks, along with Key Lime Mini Pies. Now it's back to my diet!

Merry Christmas!

Before the opening of gifts....calm before the storm!
The boys with their new mp3 players, songs downloaded by dad!
Sophia's favorite gift was her princess tent/castle! She has vowed to sleep there tonight.
Baby Jude is scared of his neato remote control car, but loves his blocks and bath toys!

Frank is off reading his new book Into the Wild, and Sara and Grandma Laura are busy making Butterscotch Haystacks and a Tip Sirloin dinner. Merry Christmas to everyone, xoxo!

Christmas Traditions

This year we are trying to set up some strong family traditions around Christmas time. We have started Advent this year, and absolutely love the devotions every night focusing on the coming of the Messiah. It's a real treat! We also enjoyed going to the Christmas tree farm, 2 miles away, and picking out our tree! We came home, made chocolate chip cookies, hot chocolate and popcorn. While the cookies were baking we enjoyed decorating the tree and then sat down to enjoy A Christmas Story. Isn't the frozen tongue your favorite part?! Tons of fun! Wishing you all a Merry Christmas, wish we could be with more of you this year!

Damascus Christmas Parade

Beautiful horses, Sophia and Jude's favorite part of the parade!

Clogging is a big tradition here in the mountains.

A cross between tap dancing and country line dancing!

Smoky the Bear on a Construction Truck....?
The mountain roads are a favorite for motorcylclists.
Damascus has an annual Motorcycle Rally. I know......you want to come that weekend, right?!

Candy Booty

Priceless.....

Cozy Winter Days

Although, it didn't feel like winter here for a couple of days, it is getting cooler and the kids are cuddling in the morning before breakfast. Enjoy your cozy winter days!

Homemade Stockings!

Well, I did it! This is the 3rd year I have been meaning to make our stockings....here they are! And a whole 2 weeks before Christmas! I pulled out some fabric I had stumbled upon at a thrift store, and went to town. The white is a chenille, and the polka dot was recycled from a vintage apron. I backed it with fusible interfacing, and used some ribbon, ric rac and pompoms. We need 2 more stockings for Frank and I, but I am out of polka dot, so I'll have to dig in my stash for something Christmasy:) I love seeing something I've made, I can see why it is addicting! Merry Christmas!

Seriously, Who makes these quizzes?

When I am really bored, which should be never, considering the amount of stuff I have to do, I love taking these quizzes. Great laugh!

You Are Pecan Pie Soda

Sweet, but totally nuts

What Jones Holiday Soda Are You?

Thankful Swap

I recently participated in a thankful swap sponsored by Liz. I am SOOO thankful for my family, and so I sent a basket of goodies that helps me keep them safe. Included was Shaklee's Basic H2, one of Oprah's favorite things, 3 spray bottles, and 4 microfiber cloths. The Basic H2 can be used to clean EVERYTHING! 2 drops of it in 16oz make a killer Windex, 1/4 teaspoon an All Purpose cleaner. This is so economical and totally friendly for our environment. I am thankful I don't have to worry about giving my children a cleaner to do chores with! I'll post my Thankful swap as soon as I get it...waiting on pins and needles!

Friends and Fellowship

It's a blessed thing to have friends to share meals and laughs with! This Sunday we entertained the Warners and their 3 beautiful children. They have also moved to this area recently from the sunny state of CA! Nathaniel blogs too, a very fun read!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Our bellies are full, the kids are in bed and the leftovers are tucked safely away in the fridge! We enjoyed a delicious meal tonight of yummy Organic Turkey, Squash Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Bread and Roasted Garlic. Our good friends, the Ewings, came to join us for dessert which included my mom's famous Bing Cherry Salad, Pumpkin Pie, Brownies and Chocolate Meringue Pie. A new tradition was started where the kids all had a glass of sparkling cider with their dessert:) Jude was licking his lips! Good times were had by all! To all of our family and friends, we are so thankful for you and pray that this holiday season is filled with laughter and love. May God be ever close to you this season and New Year, and the stress and hustle far far away!

SNOW

Temperatures suddenly plummeted yesterday, and it actually SNOWED! More of a "dusting", but snow none the less. Is Christmas really almost here!?!

Also, this morning we got back from piano lessons, and found a bird in our house! I think he must have flown in when we opened the door. A red breasted nuthatch:) So cute!

Greening the World

With all the green talk lately, I thought I'd let you know what our family is up to. We have just started using some great products and LOVE them. They are economical, healthy and work better than anything we've had before. Seriously, I am not just saying that! Email me for more info and I'd love to share with you what we love about them! It's one of her favorite things, and Dr. Oz recommends it for staying young!

I have also started a new blog to review products and talk about our family's green journey. Check it out: Mama Goes Green. Have fun, and think of a way you can take another step towards green.

More Chatanooga Pics

Chatanooga for a DAY

Well, for our big adventure this week we got to go to the Chatanooga Aquarium, and met up with 2 of our life long friends, Lindsay & Julie. Between the 3 of us there were 10 children! TGI Fridays was ever-so accomodating and we had a great time! It was definately worth the drive! The friends and the fish were awesome! More pics soon!