Over the River and Through the Woods

Yesterday, we got back from Christmas at Hoot & Annie's (Kane's grandparents, my mother & step-father). It was fun and busy and exhausting. Four kiddos between 8 months and five years is a lot more activity that we are used to, but fun and exciting. Kane is the only boy, but he doesn't mind hanging with the girls.

Plus, his Annie loves him and he was on her "Nice" list.

One of the best parts of Hoot & Annie's is the land. They live on a few acres of lakefront property with lots of space to explore. And lots of leaves in the fall.

They even have a gate that Kane tried to squeeze under.

But he realized he wouldn't fit and went to find cousin Aubrey on the swing. Gertie tagged along.

The men had gone to Papa Jerry's (my grandfather, Kane's great-grandfather) lake house to do manly things and Kane and I were playing outside when they got home. I have to tell you that I have a sweet, sweet baby toddler. He likes to snuggle. He likes to give kisses. He likes to hug. But he loves his daddy. And his daddy might kinda like him too.

I know it's a little early, but my New Year's resolution is to be in more of the pictures. I tend to hide behind the camera like most moms. If I'm not taking the picture, it most likely won't be a picture. But not this year. I don't want Kane to wonder where his mom was thru his childhood. I don't want to have to say "I was there! I was there for everything...you just never see me in the pictures." I want him to know what I looked liked the Christmas of 2011.

So from now on, I'm handing the camera to who ever is standing there and letting them take a picture or two. I don't care if they aren't focused or need a crop, I just want an image to remind me of what it was like that day, at that moment in time.

I have no idea what Kane is yelling at or about, but this image cracks me up.

We always enjoy our time at the lake, but head home tired and yearning for the quiet of our home. We left on Christmas Eve this year and had a chilly and wet ride home. But we were thankful the day before had been dry and we had a chance to play outside. Of course, Annie had packed us some snacks for the trip.

But he didn't need any...he slept the entire way.

I'm blogging...because everyone else is doing it

I like to analyze things. Think them through. And through and through. This is why I never wanted to be a trial attorney. The requisite for an on-the-spot "OBJECTION!" with half-intelligent reasoning behind it made me nervous. I don't like having to respond that fast. It doesn't give my brain enough time to analyze.

But sometimes my over analyzing hinders my actions. I don't do because I'm busy thinking. Like this blog. I've been thinking about blogging for awhile. Like 2 years. I mean, everybody's doing it. And right after I hit "Publish", I'm heading over to the bridge that all my friends are jumping off. It sounds like fun.

But I will turn 31 next week and I'm ready to be start being the version of me that I've always wanted to be. I think it's time to finally expose myself [get your mind out of the gutter] and there's no better place than the internet. Get over my fears, step up and jump off the bridge. I'm opening up and letting people see a little more of the real me and what goes on in our house. It's mostly fun anyway. And it stars my adorable son, Kane.

I mean, who couldn't like that guy? So here she is, my blog ... Artsy Magnet. I guess you already knew that since you're here.  Thanks for clicking the link, by the way. I've always wanted to be artsy, and as I get older, I find myself being attracted to artsy things. It's time to stop wanting to be [fill in the blank] and starting to be [artsy].       

This blog is a new adventure, an attempt at something I've wanted to do, and a leap of faith. Faith that people will read and enjoy. Faith that exposing myself isn't such a bad thing. Faith that blogging is way cheaper than therapy. I kid, I kid [maybe]. 

I wanted things to be perfect before I launched her, but I've realized that just isn't going to happen. There will always be room for improvement. So I'm introducing her today, ready or not.

I figured the best way to start was with pictures of my little guy.  These are our Christmas card photo attempts, rejects and the one that finally made it to print. If you recieved a card, I hope you enjoyed it.  If not, send me your address and I will put you on the list for next year!

Christmas is easy at our house this year. My little guy is still too young to really get excited about Christmas, but that just means he doesn't know what's coming. I'm sure he will have a blast opening presents. 

And the grand finale...our official 2011 Christmas card pictures...

Merry Christmas to All, and to All a good night.