New Year, New Blogging Goal

Okay, this is getting ridiculous!  I have been so horrible with this blogging thing.  I did have a big post all about our Lake Shasta trip back in August just about ready to go, but just never got around to it, but now it just seems pointless.  I have a goal for this year, though.  I don't typically make New Year's resolutions, but I am saying (or typing) right now that my goal is to blog at least once a month.  I mean, REALLY!  I should be able to handle blogging once a month.  I figure if I could at least blog about the highlights of the month, then I'd be doing good and if there's anything special I want to blog about, then that will just be a bonus.  As you may or may not notice, the blog does have a new look with it's winter theme.  That will obviously need to change as we move out of winter into spring, which really can't come fast enough right now.  Unfortunately, though, I think we still have at least another month to month and a half of winter weather  to suffer through.  But enough about that...  It has been a busy month with two birthdays.  I finally finished up with all the parties last weekend, and am relieved to be done with all that for another year. 

So Justin's birthday came first and as always, snuck up on me after the holidays.  I think I barely had the Christmas decorations taken down and put away by the time his birthday came around.  He turned 10 this year and had a bowling party.  I took a group of his best buds for bowling and arcade games.  Justin, unfortunately, was at the bottom of the bowling scoreboard (takes after his mom), but they all had a great time, and there was no mess for me to clean up at home, so it was a win-win for everyone.



Justin and his crazy friends

Hannah showing off her flexibility at 12

Unbelievably, Hannah turned 12 this year. Just one more year before we officially have a teenager in the house. Unofficially, I feel like we already have a teenager. Hannah is definitely as into fashion and makeup as any teenager I know. For such a fashionista, what better place to have her birthday party than at the mall. With the help of my friend, we took 6 girls to the mall for a scavenger hunt. For the most part, fun was had by all. There was some drama with mom tagging too closely behind and apparently trying to butt in too much, but for the most part, emotions remained in check.  Just a little taste of what I know we're in for over the next few years.  For now, though, she still usually remains our sweet little girl who isn't too embarassed by her parents unless we're actually trying to, which is something her father often strives for.

Hannah excited about her new Toms



Her brothers helping her with the 2 extra fingers she needs for her age



The mall crew--Hannah's besties.



Hannah leading her workers

 Hannah has also joined the Wy'East Dance Team and had practice throughout January.  They competed at a large competition with many local middle school and high school dance teams last weekend.  I was a little worried because they didn't even practice their entire dance all the way through until their last day of practice before the competition.  I was happily surprised, though, because I thought they did great.  






They break into the YMCA








Hannah was actually the little "star" of the piece playing the boss of a group of janitorial workers in their "Working Day & Night" number. Very proud of my little dancer. They continue to practice throughout Feb. and will have another competition at the end of the month.



Hannah leads the kick line



And the big finish--Ouch!

Okay, well there it is--my first blog post in almost 9 months.  Here's hoping , there'll be another one soon.

TTFN -- Ta Ta For Now