so far behind...

I'm so far behind with my blogging, that I just don't know where to begin. In regards to scrapbooking, people always say to start where ever you are in life, vow to keep up as you move forward, and as time allows, go back and pick up the stuff that you missed previously. Wellllllll... a part of me wants to start with January 2010 and move forward as suggested by the "experts" with my blog... but the more anal part of me is having a hard time dealing with the idea that my blog photos and stories would then be completely out of chronological order, and you would miss the last 6+ months of my fun-filled life!

And so... you have... now... discovered... ME

This is an example of ME in every sense of my life. Not really sure where to start, so I just turn in circles... hoping to find the "start" button... but never really do. I just see a blurred "start" button, because I'm spinning so fast and can't stop. Darn those circles. Ha.

So, anywho, back on subject --tsk,tsk-- what to do?, oh what to do? Major decision, here. and I'm torn.... hhhhhmmmm....

well, I think I'll just share a couple of my favorite pictures with you now in this post and then promise to go back to the "stories" behind them ASAIC (that's As Soon As I Can). Then, we'll all be happy (all of my personalities, that is). And, you'll get to see my beautiful children before they move off to college. So, there. Happy Day.

Back in AUGUST (geez! I know, I know. don't remind me), we had a great time on vacation. We went to the Smokey Mountains, and invited Josh's family to come along with us this year. A good time was had by all. I have some great scenery photos, and of course, some great snaps of the kiddos, but those will have to wait...

We walked in the Light the Night Walk for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society along with Team Felder in September. This was a family event for us, and we ALL had a blast. More news about this and other TEAM FELDER events coming... But here's a photo to tide you over...

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Also in September, my Mom retired after 40 years -yes, 40- with the bank. So proud of her and so happy that she has finally

reached "Retirement". She has been doing exactly what she wants to do, when she wants to do it, and I think that is just wonderful.

It also makes me really look forward to retirement myself.

Ha, I know, don't remind me how far off that is.

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In October, we shifted into high-gear. Apparently so much that I haven't even slowed down enough to get the pictures printed. Yet. Ugh. Okay, I will have to look for the October pictures. But meanwhile, I'll go ahead and tell give you a few hints: fun times at the pumpkin patch, and one adorable little pirate and his precious lil sidekick, a butterfly. No, I have no idea what happened to the parrot. Just take my word for it, this butterfly was much prettier!November continued with a whirlwind of events and holiday get-together's. Joy worked on getting some more teeth (besides the bottom two that she's had to depend on for the last 5 months with no sign of any help coming) and Jax worked on his "A-TENnnn-TION" (it's never too early to begin preparing for one's future career!)

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December brought us snow for the second year in a row here in South Mississippi! Last year (2008), it was 70 degrees when I went in to the hospital for Joy to be born... and it was SNOWING the day we brought her home. In the spirit of this amazing feat, we decided to go with a "Winter ONE-derland" theme for her first birthday party. And, we did have one special birthday party because it also SNOWED the night before, and the morning of her party. It was really cool that she got REAL snow at her Winter ONE-derland party. How many kids living in MS can say that??!!! I promise, more party pics coming later, but here's a couple of the Birthday Girl to tide you over:

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The holiday festivities continued in December with MORE gatherings, reunions, and parties. Although Joy really didn't understand the whole Christmas ordeal yet, she was able to participate in most activities planned to celebrate the season. She could "sing" a little in the children's Christmas program at church, and she was really good at jingling the jingle-bells, and of course, looking like a sweet, pretty little angel. Jax was so much fun this year, as he looked forward to seeing Santa to give him his list, giving AND receiving presents, and he was even excited about feeding the reindeer and leaving cookies out for Santa to have a snack. I can't wait to add more pictures of one of my MOST FAVORITE times of the year...

And, then, of course, there's January. Our little baby boy turned FOUR on January 9. Wow, where does the time go? He too enjoyed a GREAT birthday party, despite the 14-degree temps outside! Winter birthdays are definitely a challenge to plan, but Jax's Knock-Out Boxing Party was a whole lot of fun! Again, more pics later, but just a teaser for now:

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Check out that REAL black eye - it was MUCH better by the time his party rolled around, but it was still visible for sure! Just goes right along with the theme, doesn't it?!! More on that story later also.

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So that, in a nutshell, brings me up to date. I cannot BELIEVE I have let the most eventful time of the year for us slip by "uncovered" on my blog. Maybe it was because I was busy planning and attending those events. I won't say that I made it a formal "resolution," but I'm hoping that I can do better this year with my blogging and photos.

I did make a resolution to STOP giving up ALL of my personal time for work stuff... so hopefully, that will help me to not sweat the small stuff in my work hours, so that I can get done what needs to be done, and not have to sacrifice my personal and family time making up for time wasted on the menial things. I have found that students really do not appreciate the little things, and most of the time that's not their fault - they just don't notice them so they don't know to appreciate it. Sooooo... out with the small stuff, and on with the fun stuff. Both at work, and in personal time.

Oh, P.S. - any suggestions on HOW to get more time out of a day will still be accepted and appreciated! (I still need that genie, regardless of the so-called resolution. LOL)