Change.

That's right.

I did it.

For the first time in TWELVE years I went to dark.

I'm old.  And I'm embracing it.

The judges are still undecided.

I say.

It's here.  

Enjoy it.

Weekend in Pictures and some....

This weekend we had quite an eventful weekend.

Starting with the Pinewood Derby!

They are serious about this! Check out the set up!

The boys were SO excited.

Finally it was Jack's turn!

He was so proud of his car.

3rd place!

Yay!

Some of us came to eat.....

And eat...

and eat....

This weekend was all about cleaning.

Lots and Lots of recycling.

The weather this weekend was BEAUTIFUL!

Which means lots and lots of time outside.

And since Daddy was in charge of cones for the derby

we got to set up our very own race track.

Whooo hoooo!

We invited Ayden over for a ride...

Should I be worried already??

Hmmmmmm

Casey came over and helped me do this

Thank you Jesus!

I can see the floor of my closet!  It's a miracle!

I feel like a new woman!

We also had some sad news this weekend too.

Yesterday, after 16 years we lost our precious kitty Guiness the wonder cat.

I searched and searched for photos.  I KNOW have pictures of her when Lindsey and I tortured her with Cat Halloween costumes. And when she was a tiny kitten in Clay's arms.  but I could not find them for the life of me...

And I searched and searched my digital images...and could not find one. Not. One.

So sad...

The thing is... most people didn't even know we had a cat.  Once we had children she was pretty much gone all day,and would not show her presence until the house was silent.  

She was the best cat.

She warmed up my side of the bed every night so my feet would be warm. She slept on my head or back or legs every night.  She was my first room mate when Clay was shipped away for 6 month, and my only companion when he was called back after September 11th and was gone for 6 months again.       She was my late night pal.  And our first "child". 

And I will miss her. 

I hate to leave on a sad note...but that was our weekend. 

She's in a better place and I know Trig's up there with her.....and together....it's just like old times for them.

Fine. Whatever. I'm still here. Happy New Year Birthday 10 on 10.

I know, I know...No posts since CHRISTMAS! 

I can't believe it either....

I have had the best intentions.  I just could not make myself sit down and do a blog. 

But here I am.

Better late than never right!  

With Christmas officially over, we had lots to look forward to...

New Years Eve.....Jack-man hitting the big 7. 

We have been very busy the last few weeks.

For Christmas my Mom gave us a very thoughtful gift.  She gave all of the kids and grand kids season passes to Six Flags.  WITH free parking.

Score! 

So we immediately went.  40 degree weather and all.  I have to say, The dolphin show really isn't the same in a parka. 

But Jack didn't care.  All he thought was this was the perfect way to kick off his Birthday Extravaganza.  (Jack is definitely on board with packing as much as one can get in to the days surrounding a Birthday... *I have no idea where he gets that from*)

Madeline was just happy to be along for the ride.

Daddy is such a good sport in the tilt-a-whirl.

Madeline had her first taste of Gymnastics and she loves it!

I see parallel bars in her future...

Daddy had to work on New Years Eve....

So we headed to Pump it up for their New Years Bash!

They had a *midnight countdown at 11:59 am

and served sparkling cider and treats.

(Madeline was handed sparkling cider, took one sip and handed it back to me and said "Mommy can you peas take the bubbles out. I don't like them."  You'll learn my sweet girl, you'll learn)

Aunt Casey was kind enough to watch the kids so Mommy could enjoy a Ladies Lunch to celebrate one of her favorite ladies.

Happy Birthday Gram!

(we had lunch at Neiman Marcus- So much fun!)

New years evening we had the regular crew to ring in the New year.

Here's Marquito playing Headbands.  Which I love by the way.....

And Madeline and Lynne playing Madeline's Christmas Gift from Lynne.

Pretty, Pretty Princess.

Poor Audrey took a header on Maddie's new Pink kitchen....

See the bump on the upper right....That's gonna leave a mark....

I barely made it to midnight....I was asleep by 11 on my couch....

woke up at 11:55...walked into the Mancave and woke up my New Years Sweetheart asleep on his couch.  Made him countdown until 12 on the dot, got in my midnight kiss and then immediately went upstairs and was passed out by 12:02am.

New Years sure ain't what it used to be...

(Does anyone else think it's funny there is the faint outline of a baby bottle next to my champagne... #parentsoftheyear  )

When January 10th rolled around...I was READY. I was going to be back in blog mode.....

So I started my 10 on 10.

My Breakfast of Champions....

My assistant

My new red shoes for work from my main squeeze....

And that's it.  

I'm awesome.

Moving on....

Jack's *actual* Birthday!!

7. 

7 years old. 

Time is flying.

Jack's favorite place in the whole world is a buffet.  He doesn't care where- Chinese Buffet, Sizzler, Hometown Buffet, Round Table Lunch Buffet.  If he can serve himself..he is in heaven.

He was SO excited to have WHATEVER he wanted.  Including the Icee daddy let him have....

(which we paid for ALLLL  day.....But I get it....You only turn 7 once)

After Breakfast we went to Baseball sign ups!

Jack couldn't take his eyes off all the trophy's in the room.  That is all he talked about on the way home.

Can't wait for his first game!

Jack spent the afternoon Golfing his first round of real golf with Daddy.  He even got to drive the cart. All by himself.  

Big day for Jack-man.

As if all of that wasn't enough.....

We went to Super Franks.

Superfranks is this HUGE place that is kind of like Chuckee Cheese meets Pump it up meets Sky Hi....

And Jack can't get enough of it. 

And neither can the grown ups.

Please note the gentleman in the upper right is not related or known by the Kirby's.

At least they weren't alone looking like overgrown children.

Jack loves the zip line.  And so does Maddie, she kept going back for more.... 

Jack had the time of his life.

When we got home we had cake and presents.

Jack got a new game for the Wii.  

Dad had to assist to make sure he knew how to play.....

*notice no controller in the 7 year olds hand*

Jack did not want his birthday to end.....this one is the last one of the night.

The next day was the Golden Globes.

Have I mentioned how much I love an awards show!

The local girls got together and enjoyed lots of fattening food and bad fashion.

(can we talk about Lucy Liu's dress for a second- yikes!)

Casey brought Buffalo Chicken Dip.

Yum.

Make this dip immediately.

The little girls played dress up.

And had their own red carpet fashion show.

(How cute are these 3??  Can you imagine this photo in 10 years?)

Auntie Mary brought Donnie....

Who everyone couldn't get enough of......

And I finally got to relax.....

Mimosa's and ball gowns.

Yes. Please.

No time for much else....

I've wanted to keep up in blogging land....but I just can't bring myself to do it lately......

Do I have New Years Resolutions? 

 Yes.  Yes I do.  

Will I break every single one?  

Yes.  Yes I will.

Will I lose weight this year?

Yes.

Will I gain it all back?

Yes.

Will I be a better Mother?

Some Days...Yes!  Others...Not so much.

Am I doing the best I can?

Yes.

Can I do more? 

No.  For once...I can honestly say......No I can not. 

My. Plate. Is. Full.

I'd love to reflect on the past year, and tell you how amazing it was- because it was...it was a really fantastic year filled with Weddings and babies and unforgettable trips and milestones....but I blog about it all year and I can't recap it into one post.......I just can't. 

So I wont.  

I will tell you this.......

I love my children.  I love my husband.  I love my life.

And I'm exhausted.

The. End. 

Bring it on 2013.