Sunday, December 30, 2007

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!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

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!

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

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!













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Friday, December 14, 2007

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.....

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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!
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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

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!
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Monday, December 3, 2007

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