Hello... [Sunbeam]

                                                                                                                           ....good-bye nursery.

Hi. This is Dan.

As you all know I'm not the blog type, but after Carrie's last post I figured I better give my

two cents. My super 2010 word is obedience. I know its not too creative but I really can do

better at listening to that little vioce in my head. for examlpe anyone that has seen me lately knows the voice

 is right when it says "It's late Dan, stay out of the fridge/pantry." but

 seriously most of the time being obedient starts with the little things.

[2010]

I love this time of the year! I love looking ahead at all of the many wonderful things that is in store for our little family. I love that everyone that surrounds me is resolving to be a better person and live a healthier life. My sister challenged me to come up with one word for the year to describe my goals. I came up with {routine}. I need a day to day routine. I have nothing shaping my time besides myself. My kids are still little, Easton is too old (or so he thinks) to take a nap anymore, and Nixon is still too little for a napping schedule. I still have a year and a half before kindergarten is added to the mix, and I want to keep my days (and the kiddos) a little more structured.

What I would like to encorporate into my "routine" of life is:

Time for my family- I need a routine where Easton will know that after lunch, I am on the floor playing with cars, and doing puzzles. The boys need to be in bed early enough that Dan and I can have time for just us, and we aren't falling asleep before I can have a conversation with another adult.

Time for my home- I figured out that after being married for almost 5 years, I need to do laundry every single day. Our life becomes consumed with dirty clothes if I miss even one day. I also learned that in that one load of laundry that I do each day, I need to see it through to the end, otherwise our home gets consumed with clean clothes. Other items on the list: making my bed every morning when I wake up, and helping Easton manage his toys (that is actually a big one).

Time for myself- I am just getting out of that "am I going to take a shower today" phase of having a newborn, and getting into that "if I shower a 5am, then feed the baby, get back to bed and wake up at 7 am when the older child wakes up" phase. But, since I don't sleep at night, waking up to take that shower, is no longer the priority. So, either way, I need to make time for myself, even if it is only to take a shower. :)

Time for all things spiritual- This one is pretty self explanitory.

Time for photography- First off, I need to figure out when the best time during the day/week is to answer emails, do edits/proofing, and update that little blog is. I feel that everytime I sit to do any of that, I am distracted by the kids or with making breakfast or lunch (or dinner) and with everything else. I feel like it takes me all day to do one thing because it is so stop and go. I also need to find time to learn. I accidentally took all of our Christmas pictures in nef (raw) files, and instead of just converting them, I want to learn how to edit them (tips anyone?).

Okay- I had gotten pretty side tracked. I was actually just planning on listing (like last year) all of the things that I am looking forward to for this up coming year.

 I am looking forward to the time (hopefully this year), when I will be able to sleep for more than 3 hour streches.

 I am very much looking forward to our anniversary, we will be married for 5 years in March! We are already planning our big date, and I am quite excited.

I am looking forward to being in shape. Pretty lofty goal considering the shape that I am in now, but my body is seriously aching for some movement. I am also a yoga person. I love that type of exercise, and it is something that I can do from the comfort of my living room.

This is going to be a big year for Nixon. I am so excited to experience all of his "firsts" with him, and see him grow. I will also be sad when this year is over and he will no longer be a baby, but heading straight to becoming a toddler.

This is also a big year for Easton. He is transforming from a toddler, into a kid! This is also the age where they are learning so much and preparing for school. Starting in a couple of weeks, he will be going to joyschool, the fun part about this one, is that he will be learning French. I am also planning on getting him to start some type of sport/gym class soon. He really needs have an outlet for his energy!

Lastly, let's all give three cheers for Dan! After a 3 year break, he is planning on finishing his associate degree this year. I know that he will be happy to have it finished.

My goals for the year are simple and attainable, and I am looking forward to a great year!

Nixon's {Blessing Day}

Just like Easton's blessing, Nixon was blessed along with his cousin that was his age. He also wore the same outfit that Easton wore.

It was a very special day, and just for the record- the last picture melts my heart every time I look at it. :)

[the card]

I hope that this will find everyone happy & healthy on this wonderful day... I am thinking a lot about family today, especially the ones that are not in Utah right now! Sorry that I never got these in the mail box, I hope that this will do. :)

[brotherly love]