Not even sure where to start....

I really think I should type these at night, or at least when the ideas pop into my head...not wait until it's utter chaos in my house when all I hear is cartoons, or the washing machine...oh well.  I decided that I would come up with the the Top 10 Things about December and then go from there.  In no particular order of course, because I really can't put a numeral value on any of these things.  Drum roll please.....

TOP 10 THINGS of DECEMBER 2010 (as according to Amanda)

1. Celebrating 7 years of marriage with my sweet husband Alex on the 20th.  Some days it seems as we have been married longer, and others, I find myself thinking we just met.  We didn't date a super long time, so there are still things I learn about him, or he tells a new story.  I have been super blessed with this man.  He is an excellent husband, father and my best friend.  The Lord knew what he was doing when HE sent me back home in  2002...it was so I could meet Alex.  Thanks again Lord.

on our wedding day, Dec. 20, 2003

2. Getting carded at The Grapevine, in Gruene.  I know this may not sound like much to some of you out there, but for myself...who is about to turn 35, it felt AMAZING!  She didn't card my friend, but me...don't know if it was because I was wearing a hat (covering up the grays), or because I still look so fabulous for my age...lol!  To say the least, Leslie and I got a big kick out of it.  I was glad to show her my license and hoping she wouldn't come back with a "damn, you're old!"  The whole weekend with Leslie and Melinda was awesome. Getting to spend time with my cousin Tabitha was an added treat.  Thanks ladies. Can't wait to do it again next year! (sad to say I took no pics)

3. Having some great family pictures finally made.  We have not had any made since we were married...some of the kids yes, but none of us as a group.  I would like to have been 20 pounds lighter in them, but what the heck...I thought they turned out great.  Especially when Garrison was making silly faces in most of them.  Not sure where he got his comedic ways (his momma?!)

my cute kiddos

the whole gang

Zadie, age 4

Garrison, age 2

4. Being able to be off for 2 weeks at Christmas.  I know I make crap for being a school teacher, and although there are days when I wish I made a lot more money, I am so grateful to have time off during the holidays.  Nothing sucks more than to have to go back to work on Monday after Christmas.  I love teaching, and still can't believe it's almost January.  I feel like I haven't even really gotten to know some of my babies this year.  Nonetheless, I am glad to have time off with my babies at home!

5. Christmas time.  I hate to say it, but I didn't get many pics of Christmas morning.  I think I was as excited as the kids about Santa as they were, and managed to get a few not so great shots.  I did get a few of all the Christmas's we attended.  So, do enjoy...

kids at Papa's

G Man in his car from Nana and Hershel

My mom found my old jewelry box and gave it to Zadie. She loved it!!

6. I had the pleasure of getting together with my D'field friends, as I have called them in the last few years, at the winery, in Pittsburg.  We had the best time.  I met Miachel at the college (who is from Winnsboro, not Daingerfield).  I became friends with Kelly, who introduced me to her little pack...Marnie, Courtney and Candace.  We went on to be in each others weddings, bachelorette parties, baby showers, and even funerals.  We don't get together near enough, but this year was a special treat, and we have decided to try and make it an annual event.  That was my first trip to the winery, but definitely not the last!  We had a great time catching up on each others lives and laughing at old times.

Candace, Courtney, Kelly, Miachel, myself and Marnie

7. Getting to spend time with my friend Melinda.  We hung out in Austin, well, she shopped and Leslie and I followed her around... she came by my mom's house yesterday to visit for a little while and let my kids see hers.  My 2 adored Sofia when they lived here, and Zadie was as equally excited about seeing baby Clara for the first time.  Melinda and I have been friends since kinder and she's been such a blessing to me.  I would be lost without her friendship.

Sofia, Clara and my 2...

8.  Getting to go away shopping with Alex for the weekend.  Glamorous I know.  Since our anniversary is so close to Christmas, we usually end up shopping for our get-a-way, which is fine. It is so nice to be able to get away, if just for one night with just you and your spouse.  We had a great time shopping, eating and sleeping in a big king size bed without 2 little munchkins waking us too early.  Thanks mom for watching the kids.

10. Eating.  December seems to be a time when I consume way too much food as I can totally tell from my scales, and my clothes.  Good thing I have Jan. 2011 to look forward to...to motivate me and to get my butt back in shape.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas and bless you as we roll into the new year.  I always look forward to what good things may await for me in a new year.  I still wouldn't mind telling the blogging world I was going to be a momma again.  So, I will continue to pray that if God wants us to be family of 5, it will eventually happen.