Back to the Grindstone

We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Years and now it is time to get back to life as we know it. We had a great time with both families and received so many nice things. Arkansas was so much fun for the kids, they love Meemaw and Pepaw's house! Kylie really enjoyed playing with Essie's dog, Dutch. She loves to go outside and sing to him and pretend! It's so much fun to watch her but when she sees you spying on her, she stops all the action! She also really enjoyed Aunt Essie! She thinks that she is too cool!! Her excitement for Christmas was such a joy! This is the first year that she has really gotten into Santa and opening presents. She loves her Leapster L-Max and was really thankful for all of her gifts. Riley wasn't that excited about Christmas this year but he found many things to play with after Kylie opened them for him. She has really started taking care of him and sharing her stuff. He did enjoy the sweet ride that Jeff and Kyri got him!






We enjoyed a night out with Alan's college friends and their wives and even got to see King Kong. I also got to have lunch and go shopping with my sweet friend, April. We had the most fun playing Rummikub, though. When we got back, we dropped the kids off at Nana and Poppy's house and turned our study into a playroom for the kids. That took a lot of time and we are just now getting the house back in order. Alan and I are both exhausted and feel that we are recovering from the flu!

Alan went back to work today and I am STILL picking up the house. Riley had therapy this morning and is doing so much better than this summer. We have seen some improvements, although slow, and are thankful that he responds to us and is now showing Kylie some interest by dancing and laughing with her. We stop everything we are doing and cater to him everytime we hear a word being used in context or when he shows interest in something that we are doing. He has been saying "thank you" and calling "Daddy" when looking for Alan. The other morning he told me, "thirsty" as clear as a bell. I jumped up out of bed and gave him his milk/juice! Our next step is to visit a Developmental Pediatrician so please keep us in your prayers.

As for New Year's Resolutions:

1. Trade Coke for a Diet Coke
2. Be able to run the whole 3.1 miles in our next 5k
3. Keep working out and TRY to look better
4. Keep reading The Message and immerse myself in God's Word
5. Listen to others more
6. Be a more patient Mommy
7. Have people over for dinner (Socialize!!)
8. Get all of our thank you notes written
9. Spend more time with family
10. Organize my life!!!!

I am sad about 2005 ending but can't wait to see new t.v. shows in 2006! How sad!!! I'm looking forward to Lost, Grey's Anatomy, and my favorite... The Office! I can't get enough of that show! Since Alan has reign over the t.v. now, I don't get to watch MTV as much but I guess that I will get over it. This blog is so long that Riles fell asleep while I was doing it! Too cute!