...spending the last day of 2010 all together at home.

May God bless you in 2011!

(FYI, when this photo was taken, it was about 40°, but not even 30 minutes earlier it was nearly 60°! And it only took a few minutes, so nobody froze :) )

...having a computer guy for a hubby.

...watching your kids enjoy their gifts on Christmas morning.

She's not in the picture, but here is Sierra's picture...

Even Sniper was enjoying his new toys...



Merry Christmas!!

...being able to sing, "All Abby wants for Christmas is her two front teeth..."



...being a family. ♥

...knowing whatcha got BEFORE it's gone.

...really getting INTO the Christmas spirit!

And when I said, 'getting into,' I meant it literally.



...remembering that you bought a Christmas tree for $8 after the holiday season last year. And it's pre-lit!

Now all I need to do is put it up...

...having a daddy who helps take out that wiggly tooth.



...getting a rose for no particular reason.



...rocking out with my oldest daughter to Taylor Swift.

:)

...having such a great little bro.

Happy birthday, Flip!!



... having a whole day to do nothing.

...opening my laptop & seeing this:

♥♥♥



...flying kites on a windy day.



...trick or treating!



...listening to the excitement in your daughter's voice as she tells you about what she's learning in Science class.

I just love Sierra's love of learning. She is so fascinated by it all, and I pray that it continues on all her life.

...having lunch with my buddy.



...getting to sleep in till 11.

...eating a bright pink cupcake that leaves 'lipsticks' on your lips.

Yum!



...letting go, and letting God.

...going to bed before midnight.

Good night.

...getting a big task completed.

...having a midnight snack with the hubby.

...having kids that will take out the trash & recycling when Daddy forgot.

Again.

...surviving the 2nd grade 'Pet Show' with a cat that has never been outside.

I have to say, we received a lot of compliments about how mellow Sniper was, and what a good kitty he was. He really was great, though he wasn't too sure about the horse and cow. Iowa sure has some interesting pets...



...freshly mopped floors.

Though I tried a new wood floor cleaner, and it seemes to have left a purple hue in one area...

...getting out to enjoy the warm weather.

Unfortunately, the bugs think so, too.

...watching your 4 year old hold the door open, without being asked, for someone with their hands full. ♥

...seeing the beauty of the changing seasons...

...even though you know it means the dreaded winter is on its way.



...having peace & quiet while Elise plays with her Play-Doh.

...not having to make dinner because Hubby brought home a chicken meal deal. With extra sides!

...watching your daughter march in the parade.

More to come soon on my blah'g!

...gooey cheese on your pizza.



...getting your 'toe-nie nails' painted with Mommy's polish.



...practicing your ollie.

...being ticklish!

...watching your daughter play a sport she loves.

And also watching her team place 2nd in the tournament!

More to come on my blah'g!



...hearing your baby say the Pledge of Allegiance.



After only going to school a few weeks, Elise has gotten the pledge down pretty well. I'm so proud of her - there's a lot of big words to learn!
(Every time we drive by Kid's World in Sac City, without fail, Elise points out her little friend's preshool. This time was no exception.)

...finding a pretty cute caterpillar on the windowsill.



...having a happiness that isn't based on others' attitudes, actions, or behaviors.

...finally having that pipe replaced!

 Robert did a great job at patching the pipe about a month or so ago, but it finally just busted through. It was BAD. Nothing in the bathroom or basement (the bathroom was an add-on at some point, so the water just sprayed onto the dirt in the crawl space), so that saved a big headache.

Could have been worse, but it wasn't, so I'm grateful.

OH! Another thing to be happy about - the plumber owes Robert for some computer work, so his call will just be deducted from the bill, so nothing out of pocket!

:)

...having a full, but fun weekend.

...trying to find Mr. Toad

"Where are you, Mr. Toad?"

"Can't...quite...reach you."

(I took these from inside, to the blur is from the window. Just wanted to explain :P)



...riding a bike without training wheels.

I told Abby that her little best friend just started riding her bike without training wheels, so as soon as Daddy came home, she asked him to take her training wheels off. She's asked before here & there over the summer, but always at times it couldn't get done.

I told her that it might take practice before she figures out balance, but she got it right away, albeit a little bit wobbly, but we have our lumpy, bumpy, cracky sidewalk to thank for that!

...wearing Mommy's shoes.



...spending quality time with Caitlin.

And if Caitlin was writing this, she'd say, "Happiness is getting to order my own soda and churros!"

:)

...driving home during a beautiful sunset. And cresent moons.

...playing a number game with my kiddos that they just can't figure out how I win EVERY time!

 Their attempt at finding clues to my winning...

But I will always win.

;)

...not living in fear. Thanks to all who have sacrificed.

...having a million butterflies in your own backyard. And tree climbing. And wagon riding.