New Year's Resolutions

I know many of you read Kelly's Korner blog. It is one of my favorites, and I especially love the "Show Us Your Life" segment she does on Fridays. The first topic of the new year is New Year's Resolutions/Goals. I figured that if I wrote mine down for all to see, then I would have to hold myself more accountable. So here are some goals and improvements I am hoping to make for 2010:

Start Running. I know this may be nothing for some people, but the last time I remember physically running a mile was in 9th grade P.E. class. It is not to say that I am not active. I love to walk, do yoga, elliptical machine, boot camp, kickboxing, weights, etc. but I just have never been a runner. But ever since one of my best friends, Casey Mac, completed the Nashville half marathon in 2005, I have felt inspired (she will not mind me saying that she started off as a VERY non-runner like myself). And when she finished her first full marathon this past fall, I decided that the least I could do was a 5k:)

Take a sewing class. I did some minor sewing my senior year of high school in Home Ec. I even have a quilt to prove it. But now that Emmy is here, I am feeling like I need to learn. I even have a sewing machine, so it seems like a necessity!

Get ORGANIZED! I will be the first to admit that I am no Type A personality. I like to keep the house clean, but organizational skills (closets, fridge, etc.) are something I have to really work at. After being married for nearly 5 years and having two kids, stuff can accumulate really quickly. I have already tackled the master closet and bonus (with Heath's help), and have a huge donation of clothes and toys for our local Help Center! I just need to keep up organization all year...

Work on my photography skills. I am obsessed with pictures (having kids will do that to you), and need to learn more about my SLR camera, lighting, angles, etc.

(Finally) Start reading the Twilight series. My mom and sister in law think it is necessary. Apparently i am way behind! Ha!

Try more new recipes. I love to cook, and having two small children makes it hard (and sometimes downright unpleasant) to go out to dinner. And I tend to get stuck in a rut (tacos and spaghetti anyone). So I will be breaking out the cookbooks more often (this should be an easy goal- we love to eat, which will make the running more imperative!:)

Spend more time in God's word and practicing it. Self Explanatory!

Continue to work on being the best wife and mother I can. When I had a "real" job, we did yearly reviews and worked on goals and professional expectations for the next year. This is my job now, so it only makes sense to do the same for it. Too bad you don't get a yearly raise or bonus like in the professional world!

I am sure there are more things, but that is all I can think of right now...I better get to it!:)

Christmas 2009

We had such an amazing, blessed holiday season this year at the Thorne house. It is crazy to think that last year it was just us and Cade. Well, I did have a little bump...and now we have two precious kids that are into everything!

This Christmas was especially fun, because Cade was really into Santa. I am actually sad it is over, since I used the good ol' "Santa is watching you" many times as a bribe for good behavior. I guess it is never too early to get ready for next year, right?;)

Emmy had a great first Christmas. Like most babies, I think she enjoyed the paper, bows and tags as much as the actual gifts! We are so thankful that we got to share the holidays with family and friends!

Here are a few of my favorite pictures:

Thanks, Santa!

Santa brought Emmy a new big girl seat since she is nearly too heavy for her carrier

Cade and cousin Maddie

His new hard hat and goggles

This is one of his most favorite gifts. He loves to make a stage and sing songs (which he is very theatrical about). Future Justin Timberlake maybe?

You'll shoot your eye out!

Loving the wrapping paper...

Big hug...or maybe a headlock???

Fun with bubbles!

Cade loves to take bubble baths in our "big bathtub." The jets really churn up a lot of Elmo Bubble Bath!

"Ho ho ho!"
Abominable snowman:)

Christmas festivities and 6 months old

Emmy had her half birthday on my (gulp) 29th birthday, December 5! She has had a couple of big milestones this month (besides for her first major sickness). She now has one bottom tooth, and I expect the second one to come in any time. She is also sitting up like a champ. That is all she wants to do! I just sit her up and surround her with toys she can grab or let her watch Cade and she is happy as a clam.

We had our first Santa experience of the year. The country club we go to has a "Cookies with Santa" day every year. It is nice because you never have to wait too long. Cade was a little nervous about Santa, but when he saw Emmy sitting on his lap, I guess he felt pressured to do the same;) After our picture this year, we decided to stay and eat lunch. By the time we were done, pictures were over and Santa was gone. We got almost to our car when Heath and I spotted Santa getting into his car. We tried to block Cade's view in order to avoid the questions that we knew would ensue...but it was too late. Cade froze in the middle of the parking lot and yelled "Daddy, Santa drives a red pickup truck! That is crazy!" At that point, I am laughing so hard that my eyes were watering. It is just so cute and funny how innocent and honest kids really are. Santa saw Cade, too, and I think he felt really bad, because he pulled up next to us and said, "Hey there Cade! On Christmas Eve I am going to come to your house and bring all my reindeer." Cade just stood there wide-eyed, like he could not believe Santa was talking to him. Good Save, Santa!
The next few pictures are from the Lebanon Christmas Parade. Heath and Cade met up with the Thornes and the Naves. Emmy and I stayed in, because it was so cold. I think Cade really liked the parade for the most part, although he did not understand where the big balloons were like the ones we saw on TV. Ummm, maybe because the L-town parade is not quite as big as the one in New York City:)

Having some cotton candy with his "Aunt B"

This is how you roll to a parade Lebanon style!

Needless to say, his coat needed a wash after all the cotton candy!

Happy Birthday Heath!

Happy Birthday to the best father and husband ever! I will not tell exactly how old you are (we know you are still holding at 29;)... but I will say it involves double digits! Hope you have a great day- we love you!