New Year Fresh Start

I decided to preemptively pack our January full of activities to look forward to in an effort to avoid the Post Christmas blues that usually strike our home.  We spent a lot of time with our family and friends, playing games, snuggling and binge watching Netflix, taking hot baths, and eating yummy foods.  We did make some effort to get back to the gym and eat better, but our ultimate goal in the new year was to stay warm and happy.
  

My parents surprised me by giving me the piano my family had growing up.  I learned to play on this beauty.  I have decided to paint it, so we took it apart and I couldn't stop marveling at its gorgeous insides.  I really like the way it turned out.

Christmas Day 2016

We had a dreamy Christmas this year that was made even more special by my sister's family staying with us for a week.  Heather and I can have fun doing pretty much anything- even midnight shopping at Walmart is hilarious with her.  The kids enjoyed opening their presents and then we rushed off to church, where we enjoyed a beautiful service with our friends and family.  Once we all got changed back into our pajamas after church, we enjoyed the evening with my family at my mom's house.

The few days following Christmas were spent enjoying the company of family while they were still in town.  We took our traditional trip to Fargo's, splurged on some Rita's Italian Ice, and did some sightseeing in Old Colorado City.  I'm so thankful for the opportunity we had to share the week under the same roof.  And I'm grateful that even though we live 532 miles apart, we are still so close.  I hope my kids love each other as much as I love my siblings.

Trenton got me this necklace for Christmas because after all the junk I've gone through with my heart this year, he's "happy it's still beating."