Resolutions

'Tis the season to make resolutions.

I started my list about a week ago. Some items have been on my annual list since high school. Others are brand new. And I'm sure I'll add a few more things in the next couple days.

In 2009, I resolve to:
Whiten teeth.
End 2-week, gluttony-filled Weight Watchers hiatus. (aka- lose weight and fit into pre-pre-pregnancy clothes)
Take better care of skin.
Get new haircut & color.
Start hitting gym again, at least 4x/week.
Only buy clothes that "fit my personality", not that simply "fit".
Drink lots of water.
Stop mumbling. (any suggestions from my speech-pathologist pals?)
Continue my education with a photography, sewing or cooking class -or all three.

Looking at my list, I see tangible goals. Things that can be measured by a number on the scale or by simply looking in the mirror. But I realize there are so many big-picture things I should strive for.

So this year, I'm adding some other items to my list.

In 2009, I also resolve to:
Slow down. Live in the moment.
Date my husband.
Be a better friend.
Be a better stranger.
Smile more.
Listen. Really listen.
Treasure each moment with my family, as if I'm the 85-yr-old version of myself whose been granted the wish to come back and have just one more day with my family at this time in my life.
Make mental impressions of how bear hugs feel.
Belly laugh.
Belly dance.
Take time to remember my crazier side - without the crazy Kelli college hangover.
Reflect on important, life-changing moments and people from my past.
Plan for the future.
Be constantly reminded that life is short but the legacy we leave lasts for generations and can be quite powerful.
Treat my body as a temple. Not a dumpster.
Take my eyes off myself and focus on what and who are around me.
Cut others a break. Who knows what it's like in their shoes or what valuable lessons they have to learn.
Cut myself a break.
Be a kid with my kids.
Be a kid with my husband.
Invest in some nice "girly" things for myself from time to time.
Try things that scare me...whether it be a kickboxing class or seafood.

Maybe by writing these things down, I'll be more aware of my actions. I realize that this is one of those blog entries that only I benefit from and others will just skim by. But there is something very powerful about writing something down...or in this case, typing it on screen.

I remember hearing someone say many years ago (on Oprah, of course) that the best way to become the person you want to be is to write down 10 things you would be doing if you were that person. Then start doing those 10 things. That way, you can't help but become that person...or at least a better version of you.

That's probably the smartest way to go about resolutions. Don't write down the big picture goal. Write down the steps that it takes to get there.

Still, there are some big things that you just do, possibly by choosing to change you attitude. This past year, more than ever, I've been reminded of the power of a positive mental outlook. Here are some of my favorite writings on this.

The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, gifted ability, or skill. It will make or break a company, a church, a home.

The remarkable thing is we have a choice everyday regarding the attitude we will embrace from that day. We cannot change our past, we cannot change the fact that people will act in certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing that we can do is play on the one string that we have and this string is, Attitude. I am convinced that life is ten percent what happens to me and ninety percent how I react to it. And so it is with you....We are in charge of our Attitudes.

- Chuck Swindoll


Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

- Phillipians 4:8-9

And of course, The Sunscreen Song.

I hope everyone has a wonderful & safe New Year! Cheers!!!

A Very Merry Christmas

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Ours flew by, as it seems to every year. This is the first year Hayden was truly excited about Christmas...and especially Christmas morning. He loved opening presents - even the ones that weren't his. Carson slept through most of it. Here are a few pictures of the past few days. We're celebrating Christmas with my parents this weekend, so Christmas is still not over in our books.

All I Want For Christmas...

is a giant baby brother.

Check!

Sit-Down with the Santa

Does This Fireplace Make My Butt Look Big?

A short video of the big guy dancing and checking out his bootie in the fireplace. He has some mad skills!

Gift Tags

I put together some gift tags yesterday and thought I'd share online. Nothing fancy, and I didn't even bother to make the tags equal sizes. Works well if you print on photo paper or card stock. Should print to 8.5x11".

The Christmas Card Rejects

I'm learning just how hard it is to get both kids to look at the camera at the same time, much less smile. One - if not both - seems to either look mad, drunk or half-asleep. In the end, we gave up on getting a good one...but we had a lot of fun taking them!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Birthday Extravaganza

It's hard to believe, but Hayden turned 3 on Saturday. He was spoiled with trucks, Transformers, one giant dino and many other great gifts. But most importantly, he was surrounded by friends & family...for which we're really grateful!

The party was a lesson learned for me. First of all, don't let the three-year-old be in charge of opening the cards before tearing open the paper. This seems obvious, but we were about three presents in before I realized that we never announced who the first several were from. We had to do a little backtracking and delayed thanking.

Secondly, don't single-handedly finish off all appetizers once guests leave...especially when you're trying to lose baby weight and you only lost .4 lbs the week before.

Thirdly, I've learned that birthdays and Christmas can bring out the little kid in all of us...especially my husband. I've never seen him so excited about buying gifts, getting great deals and finding those perfect little things that will make Hayden's eyes light up when he sees them for the first time. (did I mention he was out the door at 5am on Black Friday?) And in the case of Hayd's birthday, it caused him to rush to Toys R Us at 6am Saturday morning to get the last dino that had just been marked down ridiculously! I envisioned him slapping moms and bull dozing other triceratops-crazy dads to get his hands on the last box, much as those insane moms did in my childhood with Cabbage Patch Kids & Pound Puppies. In the end, it was all worth it. Hayden told the dino this morning that he was so glad he came to our house and he was the best dinosaur ever in the world. Troy's deal-watching & quick reflexes had paid off!

Our goal in the next few weeks is to stress the difference between birthdays and Christmas. They are so close together that they roll into one big party for him. At some point, he'll learn Christmas is about giving (and not just getting) and most importantly about Jesus' birthday. It might be a hard for him to share his birthday month with the Big Guy, but he doesn't have a choice :) At least he's in good company.

Carson slept through most of the party. For being such a big part of our lives, he's awake for a very small part of it. I believe the grandparents had a good time passing him back and forth.

I didn't get a lot of great pictures once everyone got here, but here are some mainly from before & after the festivities!

our little santa

grateful

I am so very grateful for...

my boys, who teach me every day what life is REALLY all about • the excitement of Christmastime • naps • my family's health • childhood innocence • date nights • the smell of our Christmas tree • old friends • new friends who love us as if we were old friends • bedtime prayers • a full night's sleep (if that exists) • the fireplace on a snowy day • oust & germ-x • pee-peeing on the potty • a fresh pot of coffee in the morning • my husband, who loves me unconditionally, is the yin to my yang and who thinks i'm beautiful even when i feel far from it • pinot grigio • story time • my parents, who would do anything for their girls and are their biggest fans • my voice, and a use for it • my god, for a multitude of things, including bringing me to this point in my life • my sister - her friendship and huge heart • aldi's • grandpa logan and his mad guitar/banjo skills • second (and third, fourth, fifth...) chances • my dad's sense of humor (is this a true story?) • troy's job • my mom's heart and limitless love • the ability to think outside the box • the sound of feet shuffling down the hall early in the morning • my church • my in-laws • the extra 35 weekly "cheat points" in weight watcher's flex plan • spanx • my brother-in-law, who has shown his family the importance of working hard and following your dream • my church • baby sitters • learning as you go • shan & bren • that fresh-from-the-bath baby smell • my creative, crazy family • kisses & bear hugs • the adventure that is life

'Tis The Season...

...to take lots of photos.

But first, a bit about what's been going on in our household lately.

Carson seems to be doing great. His yellow skin color has been replaced with polka-dots, as he is following in his brother's footsteps and developing a serious case of baby acne. Maybe he'll get it out of the way now and have perfect skin through his teen years. Braces and a changing voice can be torture enough :) He's starting to smile, as you'll see in the photos below.

Hayden is sick, which really stinks. If he even looks at a kid with a runny nose, he's done for. Troy has been his constant buddy, trying to quarantine him from the little guy. He's got a birthday coming up, so better sick now than then. If we can make it through the week without us all getting sick, I'll be thrilled. Other than that, he's working on his list for Santa Clause and getting excited about the holidays.

I have officially started Weight Watchers today. I weighed in on Saturday, but seriously...who starts a diet on a Saturday? Then again, who starts a diet on Dec. 1st? I just have to get a head start! I waited two years after having Hayden to start Weight Watchers, and then got pregnant two months later. This time, I'm not waiting around. After all, I'll be on the beach this summer and I do not intend on wearing capris the entire time! I've added a lb counter to the site to keep me accountable :) It will be a busy week this week as well. Our Christmas musical is Sat. & Sun. at church, and I've got practice on Tues. & Wed. night as well as Sat. morning. Say a prayer that Troy & Carson don't get sick, or it could be too much to handle!

Troy is doing good, too. He really loves it here, and it's so awesome seeing him with Hayd & Carson. He's a wonderful dad. And, as you'll see in the photos, he's a heck of a light-hanger. I had to give him props for it, as he spent all of Thanksgiving morning and some of the afternoon getting it done.

Enough talk. Here are tons of pics of my boys. Happy Monday!

Pics of My Boys

Things are going good! I hope to have a "real post" by the end of the week. Happy Thanksgiving!

This is what Carson's hair does after a bath-
spikes straight up, just like daddy's


The Frerichs Boys - watch out world!


Why can't they both look at the camera at the same time?


I think this is some type of baby gang sign

Our Little (Big) Boy

I'm still here. Haven't had much time to blog. Or sleep. We had baby brother's 2 week check-up today. He is 9lbs, 12.5 oz and is now 22" long. Either he grew an inch a week, or he didn't want to stretch out the day he was born. His color looks good, and we're all adjusting to being a family of four. I hope to have some creative juice again soon to do some writing. Christmas decorations go up a week from today (not that I'm counting the days or anything), so that should be inspiring! Hope everyone is doing good!

thanks!

baby brother's bilirubin levels went down today, and he'll be going off the blanket. he still looks yellow, but that should start clearing up soon. can't wait to kiss some rosey cheeks! thanks for your prayers.

please say a prayer...

please keep our little guy in your prayers. his billirubin levels are high (has jaundice), and he'll be on a billiblanket for the next few days. a home health nurse will visit tomorrow morning to check his levels. will keep you posted. thanks!

He's Here!

We are so excited to introduce our new little man to you all! Everything went well with the delivery, and now we're all just resting and adjusting at home. Thank you all for your thoughts & prayers. Looking forward to showing him off in person soon!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Induction Junction

Well, we are scheduled to be induced on Thursday! Troy and I will be heading to the hospital late tomorrow evening to get things rolling. I have mixed feelings about being induced, but I think it's the best route this time around. Please keep us in your prayers. I'd really love to avoid a c-section, but most importantly, please pray for a healthy bundle of joy! We'll keep you posted.

Oh No He Di'int

Troy and I have been really impressed with our little guy's vocabulary lately. He's been using expressive adverbs & adjectives, pairing them with phrases that I didn't even know he'd heard before. Enough to make your heart swell.

Or, enough to make your face turn red with embarrassment and wish that he was still that ga-ga-goo-goo-ing infant who kept his opinions to himself.

As we turned down the canned vegetable aisle today at Wal-Mart, there was a very large woman in front of us aways. The closer we got, the little guy became very perceptive.

And vocal.

"Mommy, look at that huge butt."

What? No. Surely he didn't say that. Just ignore it. He must have said something else.

"Look at the huge butt, Mom."

Crap. He did just say huge butt. Ok, Kel. Keep walking. Just ignore him as we pass this woman.

"Mommy, look. Look at the huge butt!"

Ok. There's no way to deny that he said that. But just pretend that it didn't happen. Don't address it and make things worse.

We finally reached the end of the aisle, and I turned down the next as fast as my waddle would take me.

This got me thinking about all of the other things that might possibly come out of his mouth! I'm debating whether or not I should have a talk with him about what he said. I'm afraid that bringing it up might make it even more fun for him to say. Plus, he was just stating what he saw. For now, I'm continuing to ignore it.

That is, until it turns to "Mommy, look at your huge butt!"

Halloween

We had such a good time last night, and the little guy got enough candy to last until next Halloween! Papa & Grandma Frerichs came over for the festivities, and our little "Harry Jones" (what he has called Indiana Jones for the past 6 months or so) got pumped up for the night by watching a few minutes of The Last Crusade. He also stopped to visit some neighborhood friends along the way. I hope everyone had a great Halloween!