Last post of the year

**If you hear vimeo clips of Taylor, scroll down and pause them. I don't know why they come on automatically. Sorry. **

I don't know where my head's been, but I just now realized today is the last day of the year. And just like I did with our family Christmas card, I've totally dropped the ball. Normally by now I would have set some goals for 2012 but I just haven't given it a thought, which is probably just as well considering I can't even remember the goals I set last year. Eh. Who gives a flyin' poo anyway about resolutions? I'd diet to "lose the last 5 pounds of baby weight," but I really like food, so that goals out. I could say we'll save more money this year, but I've come to embrace the philosophy that money is made to be spent and you can't take it with you, so aside from our 401k and retirement plans...saving is out too. I want to go places and do fun things, because isn't that what it's all about, anyway? Hmm...So as of now, with 16 hours left until 2012, I got nothin'.

2011 was kind to us. We've had a really great year as a family and have felt really blessed. We're in a good place right now. The kids have grown and changed so much this year, with Taylor starting school and Corinne almost 3 years old now. Wes and I celebrated our 10 year anniversary, which seems IMPOSSIBLE since we feel like our wedding couldn't possibly have been that long ago. I've had the chance to write all year for KSL.com and Deseret News, and I've just been asked to contribute one article a week for 2012. Being a (poorly) paid writer is sort of fun, and I'm hoping to pursue it further. Why not get paid to do what you enjoy if you can?

I hope 2012 is just more of the same. I'm not big on change. I'm hoping my mom and my dad tackle their health problems with the same sense of humor that they use to tackle everything else, and I hope the rest of us stay healthy. I hope we get to travel somewhere fun this summer, and I hope we get to enjoy the friendships we've made this year. I hope Taylor continues to enjoy school, and that Corinne blossoms in preschool. (I just realized, I'll have two kids in school this year....holy cow! What will I do with all my free time???!!)I hope Dumb Ass..uh, Zero, learns to stop digging up our yard but continues to be the same lovable guy he's become. He's seriously grown on me. And I hope everyone I know without a job, finds one. I'm hoping for some good things in 2012.

Taylor lost her second tooth on Christmas day at Ma and Pa's house (her great grandparents). All she wants for Christmas are her two, front teeth.....

Angry Bird Game = SO FUN! I think I may have liked it more than Tay.

I love the expression on Corinne's face here. And she said, "Ahh....." It was a bag of Little Mermaid accessories that she's been begging for since November. How did Santa know?

This picture is Taylor, waiting VERY patiently for Corinne to wake up. Tay was up at 5 am when she ran into our room and said, "SANTA CAME!!! And he brought A LOT of presents!" And indeed he did. We've never been able to get them so much at Christmas, and it was fun to see their expressions when they came down and saw the loot!

Christmas eve pics below. It's my favorite part of Christmas. The total stress of Christmas day hasn't entirely set in, and we get to hang with family while stuffing our faces. By far, my favorite holiday tradition.

"Celebrate with joy!"

We went to Taylor's kindergarten performance this morning and it was great. I'm always impressed when someone can get over 50 kids to sing and do hand motions in unison. I can barely get my kids to put their shoes on without begging and pleading. Kuddos, to the brilliant Mrs. Evans.

I can hardly believe Christmas is in 3 days. I'm actually not half as stressed out as I normally am. Last year I had a major migraine on Christmas day, and I'm doing everything I can this year to avoid the stress that inevitably comes when I worry about money, and who should get what present, and if everyone (adults included) will behave and get along. This year, I'm good. We finished the kid's shopping the day after Christmas and we were able to get a few other things as well. We're not worried about much this year and it feels good. I am beyond excited to see the kids open their presents on Christmas morning! After all, the Christmas hoopla is really for them.

Below is a picture that Taylor drew of Corinne. It gives you an idea of how Corinne has been lately. No progress whatsoever in tackling her tantrums. She's driving us all mad. Bed time is horrendous and it doesn't help that she's been a little under the weather. I took her to the Dr. today, and it turns out she has "urinary retention" problems. She holds it too much, basically. And then using the restroom hurts her. So she holds it in more. Sigh. If it's not one thing with this kid, it's another.




Tay's in the center near the top.

Corinne: My arch nemesis

I remember there was a very brief period of time when I thought Taylor had hit her "terrible two's". But in NO way was she as terrible as Corinne. I don't normally have a favorite child because that would be unfair, but today I'd say my favorite child is Taylor. I actually prefer our dog over Corinne right now, if we're being totally honest.

My gripes? Well, she cut her hair today....again. And when I lecture her about it, she stares blankly at me and says, "Ok, mommy. I won't do that." But I know she has NO remorse. And the same goes for staying in her bed at night. When I explain to her that she's to stay in HER bed, she gives me the same cherubic face and says, "Ok, mommy. I won't do that." Round and round we go. She's evil! Spanking doesn't phase her. Bribery doesn't phase her. Time outs? PAH!! I'm really at a loss. She has me so frustrated at the end of the day that I feel completely drained. And I'm just waiting for Christmas day. I'm sure she'll have some sort of a meltdown with all the chaos of that day, and I'll have to just smile and say stupid things like, "Oh, she'll grow out of it." But will she? She really has me scared, this girl.

But on the up side, my favorite child is doing really well. Taylor lost her tooth while on a date with Wes to the movies. She was SO excited that it didn't bleed, and of course she was thrilled with the $5 from the tooth fairy that she quickly spent at The Dollar Store. Taylor's still doing really well in school too and I'm thrilled with how much she can read. She's reading "A Day With Frog and Toad" at home, and I love to just sit back and listen. Her teacher mentioned at our parent/teacher conference that Taylor doesn't trust herself enough and I'm seeing that in her too. She has NO idea how smart and beautiful she is. I tell her everyday, but it doesn't seem to be sinking in. I don't want her to have a big head or anything, but I worry that she's lacking in confidence. If I pay her a compliment and tell her what a great reader she is, she says things like, "And Carolina is a really good artist." Sigh. What I wouldn't give for her to see herself for just a minute through my eyes. I guess it's just one of those things that she's going to have to figure out on her own. I hope the people and friends around her will help with that. What does mom know,
anyway?

This is a speech we wrote together for her class. She had to choose a Christmas tradition to talk about.

5 reasons I can't wait until Dec. 26 | ksl.com

5 reasons I can't wait until Dec. 26 ksl.com

Yup. You're getting tired of them too, arent' you?

Message from the North Pole

http://www.portablenorthpole.tv/watch/gFS_Ro0mISeacALnjHpXYxg I found this cool website that sends a personalized video from Santa to your child. Made this for Taylor!

It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching these 5 films | ksl.com

It just wouldn't be Christmas without watching these 5 films ksl.com

I wrote this too.