Things That Get Me Through Winter

1) My birthday. I had a pretty nice one. I got flowers from Baleigh, a homemade cake with 37 stinkin' candles in it (that baby was putting out some heat!) from Krista and Baleigh, my own copy of a year of "Bob and Big Lou - Livin' the Dream" from my favorite sister, dinner with Dan, a basket of goodies from Mom, and dinner, a movie and a book from my friend Michelle! Pretty good haul! I felt loved :)

2) The NFL Playoffs. I love it! And I won't bore you with all the reasons that I do.

3) Boys and Girls High School Basketball. When the week is long, and cold, and dark, and boring...there's always a high school basketball game to look forward to.

4) Baleigh's Birthday! This major event always keeps me occupied for awhile. I think of and then list the options, await the decision, plan for the day, endure (oops, I mean enjoy) the day, and recover. The past 9 celebrations have been a success. I'm goin' for 10. There is quite a party planned for the landmark welcome to double-digits. Pictures and post-party comments to come.

5) The Super Bowl. It's a big day around here no matter who is playing, but this year is another SUPA Super Bowl as the Steelers try for #6. We will be watching on our 8' X 8' projection. We have an LCD projector that provides a clear, life-size image on our wall. It is awesome to watch movies with, play Wii with, and of course to watch football with. We should sell tickets.

6) Big Ten Conference and NCAA Tournaments. After the birthdays and football are over, I/we focus on college basketball. I pay a little attention in December and January. But in February and March, I am very aware of the Illini schedule and make an concerted effort to watch them play.

7) Netflix. On the cold, dark, and boring nights that there isn't any basketball to be seen (I detest the NBA), I/we will be watching movies from Netflix.

8) The Anticipation of a Snow Day. I had to add this one. We haven't really had any weather to speak of down here yet, but supposedly we could get enough sleet, ice, freezing rain, and/or snow to get Tuesday off. Watching. Waiting. Aniticpating. I will check weather.com 20 times before I go to bed Monday night :) I don't really care if we are off or not, but I like watching the weather to see if maybe... I wouldn't mind one snow day, but I don't care for school in June. Nope. It be time to play in June.

Baleigh has been having Sadie Photo Shoots lately.

Sadie tolerates it. She's quite fluffy right now.

We always refer to her as Fluffa Pup when

her hair is this long.

Have a good week everyone! Safe travels to those who have to.

Doin' Fine in 2009

Happy 2009 Peeps! Our 16-day vacation came to a screeching halt at 5:30 this morning. I cracked open one eyeball and moaned, "just one more day off..pleaaassee". Ten seconds later, I was thinking, "Am I crazy? It is high time to get back to some sort of routine here! Fat and lazy sure doesn't take long!" I am REALLY looking forward to The Biggest Loser - Year Deux. I believe details are coming soon via Lindsey or LouAnne's blog.

As much as we prepare for and enjoy the Christmas season, I think it worthy to post a few more Christmas pics for your viewing enjoyment.

Here are the amazing (say it with a lot of cheesiness like they do on the commercial) Bendarooz. Bay made Patrick, Squidward, and SpongeBob's houses on her wall with the little bendy, twisty things.

On New Year's Eve, Dan, Baleigh and I played another 50 games on Wii until our friends Jake and Bridget came over. Then we all played Apples to Apples, Foosball and....some more Wii. We watched The Ball drop at 11:00 and I called the Hoosier Kinfolk to wish them a HNY! At midnight, we brought out the traditional pots and pans and spoons to clang and tooters to toot. I am trying to remember where the pots and pans tradition came from and I know that some family member can help me out here. From my childhood, I think it came from Mom and John. Am I right Mom? What about you LouAnne? Was it tradition back in the day? Or did I make this all up? I have to admit that I am not the best at remembering stuff like this. Once someone sparks my memory, I am good to go though. Then, it's always, "Ooohhhh yeeeaaah, NOW I remember!"



It's good to have Miss Krista down here. She hung out here this weekend and I think we gave her a new appreciation of the NFL playoffs:) We are a little intense around here as most of you know. Baleigh definitely has acquired the super-competitive, sports-fanatic gene. She was even in our Fantasy Football League Playoff Draft! Dan doubted her ability to comprehend and strategize, but I assured him that she would get it once I explained it to her. She took it pretty seriously and did a pretty darn good job. I hope she wins.

Baleigh got this sweet Hannah Montana motor scooter. It is for ages 12 and up and holds up to 170 pounds!

Sunday, Krista joined us at church and spent the day hangin' with Baleigh girl. After supper, they ended up havin' GNI (Girls' Night In) at Krista's apartment. Apparently, they played Sorry! until the first morning quack of the ducks (Krista lives on a small lake that has a wonderful flock of ducks!), because Baleigh fell asleep at 7:30 tonight! Coming soon, pictures of us feeding the ducks! Sorry Bob and Rob, no guns welcome on Lake Ashley.

In an attempt to fit in with the whole NY's Resolutions thing, I have thought of a few things that should be on my list. Like Megan, I don't usually make any resolutions because I am a believer of the same saying - that NYRs are merely "Things That I Should Do, But I Know That I Won't". I try to set goals for myself year 'round. I guess my first resolution should be to actually achieve some of the goals :)

My NYRs: (in no particular order)

- Find a new church and attend it regulary

- Lift weights and jog outside routinely

- Spend more time with my extended family

- Spend more time volunteering

- Lose fat...a lot of fat

Health and Happiness to You All in 2009!