Out With the Old and In With the New

How can it be that Christmas has already come and gone and the New Year is upon us? I always have mixed feelings at this time of year -- sad that all of the Christmas festivities are over, but excited at the prospect of a fresh start in the new year. I grew up watching Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea constantly with my sisters. In the movie, Anne's teacher says to her, "Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it." I think it's so refreshing to think that tomorrow we start a new YEAR with no mistakes in it.


My new year's resolution usually revolves around weight loss, but this year I've decided that my resolution is to spend quiet time each day with the LORD. (during which I'll be sure to pray about some weight loss) I wish that I didn't have to actually make a resolution to do this -- that it was easy to carve 15 minutes out of my day to spend with the one who loves me like no other, who has blessed me immeasurably. Why is this so difficult? I can easily spend 15 minutes a day blogging, blow-drying my hair, reading a good book, exercising, even doing the dishes!! Why do I feel so restless and uncomfortable when I sit down with nothing to do but pray and read God's word? I hope that through committment and prayer this time with God will become truly enjoyable and fruitful.


We had a fantastic time at home with our families this past week, taking no less than 232 pictures of our little Tanner opening presents. (I know -- there's something wrong with us.) The week started with a wonderful celebration -- my sister, Katherine, and Jon's brother, Pat got engaged on December 22. They have been dating since Katherine was in 8th grade and Pat was a freshman in high school -- so almost 9 years now!! I'm SO happy for them and they are so happy together. Pat took Katherine on a scavenger hunt that ended underneath the Hall's Christmas tree, where the train came around with a ring in one of its cars. The proposal was so well thought-out and planned, and very romantic if I do say so myself -- with one of the clues involving Katherine selecting one of two new dresses to wear for a fancy dinner after the proposal -- just like on The Bachelor!! They are hoping to get married sometime this summer -- I'm just waiting to be asked to be a bridesmaid (Matron of honor, of course). I told Kat that my calendar does have a tendency to fill up quickly, so she better ask me soon ... :)

Congratulations, Kat and Pat!!

Christmas morning was very fun, but a little hectic. Since my house is no longer filled with small children, but adults instead, nobody wanted to be awoken before 9am. We quickly opened presents, ate our sticky cake, and headed to Grandma and Grandpa Hall's house for Christmas part II. We warned Tanner on the way there that Santa only comes once on Christmas morning, so not to expect more gifts from him at the Halls -- he would have to be "Little Boy of the Year" for Santa to come twice. I guess he must have been pretty good, because Santa had left even more presents for him to open -- my goodness! :) He had much more fun opening gifts than I could have ever imagined, but seemed to have the wrong idea as far as what to do with his gifts -- wanting to eat everything instead of play with it!

Reading "The Night Before Christmas" with Grandpa, a Hall Family tradition.

Yummy

I hope we didn't overstimulate him ... :)

His favorite gift ...

What a happy little angel-baby!

Once again ... eating his presents.

Trying to be cool with Uncle Pat.

So serious. Thank you so much for the Tiny Diner mat, Uncle Steve and Aunt Christin.

We spent the remainder of the week enjoying time with our families. Grandpa Hall got a new poker table for Christmas, and we spent several nights playing Texas Hold 'em for small amounts of cash, which was a great time (especially since I won a few dollars on the last night!). We also got to see a movie one night while our parents babysat -- The Great Debaters. It was really good and I think we enjoyed it even more because we haven't been out alone together in a long time! We were also able to visit with a few old friends who also welcomed new little ones into their families during the past year. It was so fun to see Tanner interact with their kids. He LOVES other babies!

Jon, Kenny, Tanner, and Trey

I caught this one on the fly ... how CUTE are these dads??

Kennedy and Tanner

He is SUCH a flirt. Check out that hand-grab!

The happy mommas and mommy-to-be.
Lisa, Rachel, Michelle, Tanner, and Kennedy

Well, Tanner is up from his nap, so I better get going. I'm sure you're tired of reading by now! I hope you have a BLESSED NEW YEAR!!