Thursday, November 18, 2010

Preschool Photos 2010

Here are the big guy's preschool photos. Amazing how much he has already changed in just a short year! Next up... kindergarten photos. Somebody get me some kleenex!!


 

Monday, November 1, 2010

Moses & The Cowboy, part II

How mischievous!
On the hunt for candy

Leading his people to the
promised sweets!

Let my people go!

I can't believe I didn't get a single shot
of them together!!

Monday, October 18, 2010

Moses & The Cowboy

Every year it seems as though a Halloween costume idea magically comes to Hayden. He knows what he wants to be - without a doubt.

When he was two, he was Woody from Toy Story. Seems as though this was a result of numerous viewings of "Toy Story" 1 & 2.

The following year, he was Harry Jones (more commonly known as Indiana Jones). We found the leather jacket at a garage sale, and the rest was history.

Last year he was a pirate...mainly inspired by pirate Legos and a pirate ship toy...which lead to a pirate-themed birthday party.

This year's costumes, however, seems to have a bit more divine inspiration.

While most of his friends are going to be Darth Vader, Iron Man and zombies, Hayden has decided that he must be Moses.

Yes, Moses.

Not the old Moses that we see in books or "The Ten Commandments" with the long white beard and bouffant white hair. He is going to be the young, handsome Moses from "The Prince of Egypt" (a Dreamworks animated movie...pre-Shrek). And he's been studying Moses and the Hebrews in Sunday school the past few months. It seems to have had an effect.

He even has a tagline he's been practicing around the house...

"Trick-or-treat. Trick-or-treat. Let my people go!"

The little man has inherited big brother's Woody costume this year, along with his love of "Toy Story". He's a man of few words, but he can shout out "Yee-hah Cowboy!" with the best of them.

So if you happen to see a little cowboy and a little guy with a robe and staff shouting out the ten commandments in between bites of Tootsie Rolls, you'll know who it is!

Monday, September 20, 2010

Adventures of the Cheapskate Mom

I've come to the conclusion that it is a life-long quest to inject personality into your home's decor.

Luckily, I have multiple personalities. So each room can be a bit different.

I've spent the past few weeks adding a few budget-friendly touches to the house. And since my creativity has been sapped by post-preschool art projects (leaving my brain with nothing interesting to write about), I thought I'd share a few of them.

Vintage Frame Chalk Board:

















Thanks, mom, for pulling this frame out of your basement! Love it! I think I hung it in two different rooms before I decided what to do with it. One can of chalk board spraypaint and a $2 piece of plywood later, and we have a kitchen chalkboard. Now, if I only I can figure out what to write on it.

Colorful Bath:













I decided that the boys needed some fun colors in their bathroom. The towels were all $4 at Wal-Mart. I took down the silver towel rack because, let's face it, no 2 or 4 year old is going to hang their towel back up neatly on a rack. It was replaced by two bright red towel hooks. They were $15.99 at Hobby Lobby...and of course, 50% off...making them a grand total of - you guessed it - $15.99. They also match the boys' step stools from Target. And speaking of Target, I bought the white frames above the towels from their dollar section a couple years ago and created some art on the computer to match the bathroom decor. They are not high quality...but they do the trick for now. Plus, they are just darn fun! (Honestly, these frames are not crooked...but they sure do look like it in this picture)

$30 Art Gallery:









I picked up these nice, huge matted frames at Wal-Mart for $11 a piece. They are hanging in the upstairs hallway outside of the boys' rooms. I added a few of the big guy's latest masterpieces and voila! Instant art gallery. He loves showing off his art, and we can change them out as often as we like.
 
Super Hero Costume:
Ok, I know, this isn't decor. But you've gotta' give it to the kid. He wanted to be a super hero. And he created a DIY mask and crown. (yes, super heroes wear crowns now)


















They even eat in them.



















Next Project:

















The boys will be sharing a room (hopefully) starting next year. I've already started gathering up great deals when I see them, including a cool find from an antique store that I plan to fix up and put above their window.

Ok, so maybe none of this stuff is worthy to grace the pages of Better Homes & Gardens. But good or bad, it has personality. My family's personality. And I don't think that you can ask for more than that!

Thursday, August 5, 2010

carolina dreamin'


We recently went on a family vacation to South Carolina.

And by "family"...I mean the entire family.

Me, my husband, my two boys, sister, brother-in-law, niece, nephew, mom and dad. All in our friends' three bedroom lake house.

And it was one of the best vacations ever.

As I hinted at in my earlier post, we experienced a lot: Jet skis (which my brother-in-law bought and brought back to Illinois with him), boat rides, fishing, swimming, the ocean, insanely-fast-melting ice cream cones, trivia night, missing swim trunks, scrogglings, inhumane Charleston heat, historic landmarks and Waffle Houses. This was all kicked-off with my parents' surprise wedding/vow renewal. We also laughed until we cried and caught up with old friends (who feel just like family). And I, once again, fell madly in love with The South.

I love how everyone waves at each other. Anyone under 25 says "yes, ma'am" and "yes, sir"; anyone over 25 is called "Miss" or "Mr" followed by their first name. Butter and homemade ice cream are embraced. Life seems to move slower and is savored. And the women don't need an excuse to wear a cute little sundress.

I suppose I should be posting pictures from the trip, all 400+ of them, but I'll save that for a later date. Instead, I'm sharing a little glimpse into a big dream. The picture above was Troy's homemade birthday present from yours truly. What a lucky man! (By the way, happy birthday to my husband who turned 34 yesterday.) As I was saying, we decided while visiting our friends that we would love to have a lake house/ beach house/pond house/puddle house someday. I mean, we're in no place to even consider it at this point. We still have to put 2+ kids through college...and I am yet to even buy dining room chairs for my lonely dining table.

Yet still...it's nice to dream. And now we have a tangible little change jar for that dream. I realize more and more everyday the importance of writing down your ideas, hopes and dreams, but that's a whole other post. I've even been decorating random nooks and crannies of the house with seashells and starfish, although Hobby Lobby seems to think we should already have our pumpkins, scarecrows and snowmen out. That, too, is a whole other post.

For now, we'll throw our pennies, dimes and nickles into the pot. So family, we hope to have our own lake house in about 30 years to share the good times in all over again. Until then, we'll be bunking with you, Creeds!

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Remember Me?

Hello? Anybody there?

Any of the handful of friends and family who used to read this blog still checking it? Because if you aren't, I don't blame you.

It's been months since I've posted anything other than last-minute birthday & mother's day wishes. (sorry, mom!)

It's not as though I haven't had lots of inspiration for writing.

Vacation.
My parents' surprise vow renewal.
The ocean.
The lakehouse.
Good friends.
Wonderful family.
Summer.
Swim lessons.
Tee ball.
First popsicles.
First boat rides.
First 5k.
Crabcakes for breakfast.

And I don't even like seafood.

If anyone out there is still checking the blog, I have a few posts in the works.

Don't give up on me just yet.

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Happy Birthday Mom!

So, these pics didn't turn out the way I had hoped. I suppose that's what happens when you try to make two kids sit still after a long day at the pool. Hopefully you get the idea! I hope your day is terrific! Can't wait to celebrate with you in a few weeks. Love you!!!!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Family Photos 2010

Here is the link to our family photos. Go to www.kendrapence.com/photocart.  You have to create your own username & password to view the galleries and then need to enter our access code to see our proofs. The access code is "kellif". Lots of good ones of our little guys, but I finally narrowed them down and ordered today.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Little Ditty

Since I've written way too many posts about writing a song a while back, I thought I'd share it - for better or for worse :) I couldn't figure out how to upload an mp3, so I just posted a slideshow here.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

To Our Moms on Mother's Day

In lieu of cards, we are doing blog posts this year...and this is by no means because we didn't get them put in the mail on time or because we were so busy preparing for the mother's day brunch at church that we were a bit absentminded this week. By no means.

Ahhhem.

So, here's what those cards would have said. And instead of a piece of paper that might get thrown away in a month or so, you now have a blog post to live infinitely in the world wide web.

To My Mom on Mother's Day, From Troy:

Happy Mother's Day! Just wanted to say I love you and thanks for not only bringing me into this world, but for also bringing me up in it. I wouldn't be who I am or where I am today without you.

Love you,  Troy

PS...what's up with that shirt? So glad you came to your senses.












To My Mom on Mother's Day, From Kelli:
I was trying to find some photos of you and me from when I was a kid. I went through an entire trunk full of photos and mementos in the basement. I couldn't find many, though. Partly because you have a way of avoiding having your photo taken, but mainly because you were the one taking photos when we were kids.


But I did find many other photos that made me smile. Some that made me cringe a bit. And all that brought back tons of memories & emotion.

Playing in the utility room with it's brown, plaid carpet. The velvety maroon couch and round glass coffee table that I apparently loved to clean with Windex. Vacation bible school. Baptism. Dressing up in aunt Jane's vintage clothes. Posing on top of the piano. Colonial Williamsburg. Splits on a 2x4 in the backyard, pretending it was a balance beam. Grade school sports. Graduation. Slumber parties. Dances. Halloween. South Carolina. Plays. Musicals. Concerts. Graduation, again. College parties. Sorority functions. Brazil. Parents' weekend. Barn dances. Another graduation. St. Louis. Old apartments. Another graduation. First house. First baby..... the trunk was too full to fit much more in after that.


Although I didn't have many photos of you and I together, I know that you were vital part of every step of my life.

Safety.

Encouragement.

Prayers.

Unconditional Love.

Thank you so much for everything you've done - both seen and unseen. I definitely wouldn't be the person and mom that I am now without you!

And for Pete's sake...let's take some photos together!!

Love you!
Kelli

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Family Photos

Boy, are they lucky.

They didn't have to color coordinate. Black and white photos are very forgiving. They're probably all wearing clashing shades of red and hot pink for all we know! And they didn't even have to smile! How easy to take a photo of two adults and three children when you don't all have to be smiling at the same time.

Ahh...the early 1900s. A simpler time for family portraits.

I, however, am embarking on our 2010 family spring photos. How do these things always sneak up on me? I've had it scheduled for months now. Months. And now, in the last few frantic moments left, I am scrambling to assemble four complete outfits that define our our family. Our personalities. Our style. Our bond.

And all the while coordinating???? While not looking too matchy-matchy, of course.

I think we're going with blues and greens. Not pastels or whites, like last year. Bright, vibrant colors. The boys are {somewhat} taken care of.

I have a very tall husband, so simply going to the mall to buy him a shirt is not an option. They must be ordered online from any store that carries XLTs {thus my frantic call to customer service earlier this afternoon asking if I could order a shirt I just spotted in their catalog and have it delivered by Wednesday}. Not that we can't wear something we already own. I get that. The thing is, we just don't buy clothes very often. Clothes are functional. Not super-fun or flashy. And they get very worn out.

And I'm the worst person to dress! And dress in a dress, in fact. I feel as thought I should exude femininity {that made me chuckle just typing it} with three "men". How else to do that than wear a dress? This should be the simplest thing to buy for a woman with my body type {in short, I have hips}. But how come I've dragged my boys in a double stroller {which no tall, 57 lb 4 yr old should legally ride in} through the mall this week and found not one single dress?

I think I'm going to take a gamble and order a dress online as well. Pray that it fits. That it flatters. That it coordinates. That it exudes "Kelli"...whatever that may mean for the day.

Otherwise, I'm wearing my robe, pulling my hair in a pony, going without makeup and telling the boys to wipe all of the snot, Spaghettios and Play Doh on me that they can muster.

After all, that is real life. And that is what I want to capture. {real life, but not the robe}

Does anyone else have this much trouble coordinating their family's outfits for photos? Suggestions?

Friday, April 30, 2010

Blog Break

I haven't blogged much lately.

Between my inaugural (and quite unsuccessful) run at a rummage sale last week and the stomach flu this week, I am on a blogcation. And not the fun kind.

(Thoughts of ocean breezes and sandy toes now running through my head.)

I sometimes think about going public with a blog. This blog isn't "private". You don't need a password, nor does it have a tricky address. Long...but not tricky. But it isn't search-engine friendly...after the the great blog shutdown of '08.

Ugh.

But weeks like this make me realize I just need to stick to my simple ol' family & friends blog. I don't have the energy or constant stream of creativity to post a daily, or even weekly, super blog like my aunt and so many other friends.

Not much else to say. Off to make breakfast and get ready for a wonderful, non-eventful (fingers crossed) weekend.

Hope you have a great weekend, too!

Thursday, April 15, 2010

That Still, Small Voice

A couple of months ago, I tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep. Somewhere in the middle of the night, a song came to my head.

Just a chorus, comprised of only a few words. A simple Hallelujah.

I had two choices:

I could fight to go back to sleep.

Or I could indulge my overactive, sleep-deprived brain.

I chose indulgence.

Beneath barely-read books, tubes of Carmex and crumpled up Kleenex, I found a pen and scrap paper in my bedside drawer. Recalling every ounce of music theory I managed to retain from college (which isn't much), I jotted down the words, notes & rythym. And happily, I fell back asleep.

The next day, it stuck with me. And the next. And I promised myself I would actually finish it.

I eventually sang it for our ridiculously talented music director. And in all honesty, I thought that was that.

But I suppose that's the cool thing about that still, small voice. If you share it with someone else, it gets louder. And louder.

And this Sunday, that little song that was in my head in the wee hours of the night will be sung at church for almost 4000 people. Exciting and absolutely frightening. Last night I was able to practice it with the entire band. How cool to have something go from your head to the sound system! Our music director did a complete arrangement with piano, keys, base, acoustic guitar, congas, drums...and maybe a cowbell or two (just kidding on that one).

Now, I'm definitely not saying that I think it's great or anything to flip cartwheels over. (Matt's arrangement is great - I'm referring to my actual song) I'm sure it sounds quite amateurish...as I am, in deed, an amateur! In fact, I'm nursing a crazy sore throat and on a strict regimine of antibiotics, Mucinex, Zicam, cough drops and Sinex. Paints a lovely picture, no? I may sound more like Marge Simpson than Jessica Simpson, if I even have a voice at all.

But I suppose the whole point to this post is that I wonder what would have happened if I had just rolled back over and went to sleep, forgetting the words. The tune. The excitement of embarking on a new challenge. I wouldn't have gone with that little voice and saw something transform from a sleepy idea to a tangible orchestration.

So what is that still, small voice in your head saying?

What is it nudging you to do?

I'm pretty sure God has great things in store for us. We just have to just shut up and listen.

And then have the courage to doing something with it.

Sunday, April 11, 2010

To My Sister on Her Birthday

Yet Another Birthday Ode:

Oh my dearest Kari,
You are a beautiful, top-notch sibling
Even though as children
There was a lot of quibbling

You're always there for me,
Just a simple call away
Or a boring 3 hr drive
Through fields of corn & hay

You've taught me many things
About life, love & laughter
And how to love our men:
The runner & the fantasy baseball drafter

You make everyone around you smile
With your warm & caring ways
And you're on your way to making
"Wine & Cheetos" a household phrase

Oh my dearest sister,
You are my friend, indeed
Though I am a silly sister
And in a drawer I done peed

Until we are united
Once again in the town of Vern
I send you birthday greetings
And for your face I'll yearn

So happy, happy birthday
You sweet and slightly-old lady
I hope to be your Alice
As you're my Carol Brady

Here's to you, my life-long pal
I pray your day is sweet
And here's hoping that Sean will cook
and lovingly rub your feet

This is the last line (I promise)
To celebrate your day of birth
I cannot wait to hug you,
With all my strength & girth


Love you, Kari! Looking forward to celebrating your birthday soon. Mom & dad are bringing your gift home with them next weekend. Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Our New Rec Room

Since our dining room table was getting up there in years and didn't match the rest of our furniture, I thought I'd try to sell it on Craig's List. I posted it last Monday afternoon, and in less than 24 hours, it was sold! We ate Easter dinner on folding tables (I didn't think the timing through on this one). Now, I can't seem to find what I'm looking for:

•Round pedestal table.
•Dark wood.
•Leaf.
•Quaint...not too formal or fancy.
•Sturdy.
•Not at a Pottery Barn price!

Why are the simplest things sometimes the hardest to find?


















For now, the dining room is our new rec room. Any takers on how long the mirror or those plates will last with the Better Batter Baseball threatening their existence?

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Dino-mite!

These are for my mom, who has been going through blog-postings-featuring-pics-of-the-boys withdrawls. In no particular order: St. Louis Science Center, a little montage of the St. Louis buddies changing in front of our eyes and the little guy's black eye (compliments of big brother). Someday I will figure out how to put captions directly under the photos!

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Somethin' Sweet for My Peeps


















This Peeps sunflower cake is quickly becoming a springtime favorite in our house. It is super easy & quite delish! The recipe can be found at Taste of Home. Enjoy!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Toughskins

Do they still make Toughskin jeans? We need them! Seriously...what does he do all day? And mainly only to his left knee?

Next project: Learn to patch denim!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

A Little Design Inspiration

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

D to the I to the Y

Troy and I have spent the past two weekends working on projects around the house. And when I say "Troy and I," I really mean Brandon and Troy. They put wainscoating in our downstairs bathroom, and it looks great! A little bit of "country cottage". I had to paint it my new favorite color first - "Comfort Gray" (with a bit of extra gray added to the mix). It's also the color of our dining room. And after buying three yards of a matching linen at Hobby Lobby and pretending that I know how to sew after two short lessons (which I really don't), I've begun adding this color throughout the house. This is coming from a girl who has ALWAYS decorated with reds. Not sure what I'll do when it comes time to get the fall & Christmas decorations out again. For now...I'm in love. Here are a few pics from the last week.
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Monday, February 22, 2010

Finally...A New Camera

It's amazing how many photos you can take in less than 48 hours when you're trying to figure out your new toy! Enjoy...and happy Monday!
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Friday, February 19, 2010

Finished...

and only 999 more to go!

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Ta-Dah!

I have officially completed my first sewing project.

Here it is, folks...in all of its pillow-covering glory!



I didn't use a pattern, and it probably shows. And the print doesn't go exactly like I thought it would when I saw it in the fabric store.

Yep...it's not pretty.

But I'm still so gosh darn proud.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

A Thousand Songs Unwritten

I used to write songs all of the time.

Start them.

Finish them.

I wrote my first official song for the 8th grade talent show. "Put Your Hand In Mind". The lyrics were as cheesy as the title, but it was mine, and I was proud.

It was followed by "Please Don't Bring This Day to an End." I wrote it in place of a speech as the class valedictorian and president. Yes, Troy...have I mentioned that I was class valedictorian? Come on...let a girl hang on to her (grade school) glory days.

I wrote a few in high school as well and performed them at talent shows and even a baccalaureate. I accompanied myself on the piano, too. "Tell Me How You Feel", written for a heartbroken friend our freshman year followed by...uhm...another song that I can't remember the name of. And then, who could forget "Oh I Wish I Had A Boyfriend," co-written with my fellow single pal Jenny during gym class.

I didn't write much during college. I didn't have a piano at my disposal and hadn't yet learned how to play guitar. Majoring in music made music something I had to do...not something fun to do. And I found other ways to occupy my free time that didn't lead to anything constructive at all.

Ahhem.

I also wrote a few silly songs in my post-college years inspired by too many trip to McGurks. I wanted to be one of those Irish guitar-wielding geniuses with their clever lyrics and catchy melodies. After a few black and tans, I, too, felt as though I could play as well as the Irish Brigade with my original diddies. In reality, I fell short. Quite short.

The last song I wrote was eight years ago for our wedding. I surprised Troy at the reception and played along with the guitar. I was nervous, he was shocked, I mastered four chords and all was well.

There was one common thread in all of these songs. Outside of the obvious, overt CORNINESS of every single line and every single lyric...I sat down to write a song and I finished it! And I had the confidence that someone else wanted to hear it.

So it's been eight years since I've finished a song. But I've started hundreds! I'll think of a catchy chorus or interesting rhyme, write it down on paper, chart the chords. And then as soon as I hear it come out of my mouth, I deem it pure rubbish. Nonsense. Mediocre. Lame.

I'm not sure what happened. It's not as though marriage or children has made my life less interesting. Maybe less heartbreaking...but much more interesting :)

I think that I've grown up over the past 8 years. I've learned that I'm not going to be a famous singer/songwriter. I'm not going to write music with the ease and hypnotic pull of John Mayer or Norah Jones. I can still only play five chords on the guitar. And my piano is wasting away in the garage.

Yep, I've grown up.

But I think I've grown up too much.

You see, earlier in the week, as I was lying in bed trying to fall asleep...a song popped in my head. Much like it has a thousand times before. But this time, I kept repeating it. I imagined the harmonies. The drum beat. The chorus, the bridge.

And the next day, I still remembered it.

And the next.

And it's been in my head all week.

And I like it.

So...today, I'm writing this post purely for selfish reasons. To challenge myself publicly to finish it. And not only finish...but sing it for someone, even if just my boys or God above.

To be that big-banged 8th grader again with no fear of embarrassment over the words or simplicity of chords.

Hold me to it! And I encourage you to do the same.

Friday, January 22, 2010

Happy Friday

at least it's not a lamp shade...

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Random Thoughts on a Thursday Morning

I've been in a blogging slump. Earlier this week, I poured my heart into a long (very long) blog post. It was deep and introspective. And boring. Therapy perhaps, but nothing that anyone else would want to read...except for maybe a therapist. Therefore, I never published it.

So today, I just thought I would jot down the random thoughts and insights I've had over the past few weeks. Here goes.

It's all about perspective.
My boys are in serious need of a haircut.
I'm in serious need of a hairstyle.
Looking at the past, I realize God's timing is perfect...although it never seems that way in the present.
I wouldn't survive without Diet Mt. Dew.
Losing 5 lbs. makes you feel like a new person - so does gaining 5 lbs.
We're always making an impression, so smile even if you don't feel like it. Your mood will eventually change, but the impression won't.
I know God answers prayer, but I'm always so floored when he does.
We are so very lucky to live here in the U.S.
Pico de gallo is a great low-calorie condiment but is horrible for the breath and love life.
I can't watch The Biggest Loser without crying hysterically.
I can't watch Modern Family without laughing hysterically.
I need to spend more time with my boys...not just in the same room with them, on the couch with them or pushing the cart that they're riding in.
I will never finish decorating my house. Ever.
The Muppets are timeless.
If a color makes me happy, I should splash it on my (dining room) walls.
My little guy is an awesome south paw.
My big guy is as emotional as I am.
I need to read my bible more.
And pray.
My toenails seriously need to be painted - the "Christmas Red" is chipping.
Sometimes we need to cry - for no big reason but a lot of little built up reasons.
Dreams (the past two nights) can be really weird.
I have a wonderful family.
I have a weird family.
I miss my family.
If you own two ten-year-old cars, they will inevitably break down the same week.
It's amazing what a lit candle can do for my mood, right about 4pm.
I really need to shave my legs. Really.
Although I worry about us growing out of our house, to our boys, it's a mansion...and I'm grateful.
I love my boys. All three of them.
There's a lot more to this whole blogging world than I realized.
I've probably missed a lot of great moments and opportunities because my head was in my arss.
I need to get my head out of my arss.
I'm proud of my mom.
I don't need to keep apologizing to the world for stupid things I've done - no one really cares anyway! :)
I'm hungry. Time for breakfast.

Saturday, January 2, 2010

Resolutions 2010

It's funny how the same resolutions pop up year after year. Here is my list of "tangibles" from last year, my personal performance review and my thoughts on each item for the new year:

In 2009, I resolve to:
Whiten teeth. Worked for a week or two. But seriously, I'm not giving up coffee & tea. Will put it on the list again this year...and maybe I'll try drinking my coffee through a straw?
End 2-week, gluttony-filled Weight Watchers hiatus. (aka- lose weight and fit into pre-pre-pregnancy clothes) Lost 35 (ok...34.8) lbs. Gained almost 5 back during the holidays. Will once again start back up with Weight Watchers, but am giving myself a few weeks to detox to avoid having to pay membership fees again.
Take better care of skin. Did good. Only went to bed twice the whole year without washing my face. This year, have already purchased ProX to minimize my crazy forehead wrinkles. Will let you know if I see any difference.
Get new haircut & color. Went brunette. Went back blonde a week later. This year, I will go with a new hair cut...but that's about it.
Start hitting gym again, at least 4x/week. Went to gym 5 times a week or so. Will keep it up and incorporate more weight training classes.
Only buy clothes that "fit my personality", not that simply "fit". Did so-so. Hope to become more adventurous in 2010!
Drink lots of water. Check. And ditto for this year.
Stop mumbling. (any suggestions from my speech-pathologist pals?) Yeah, didn't do so well with this one. Maybe I need some therapy or shock treatments.
Continue my education with a photography, sewing or cooking class -or all three. Giving myself a big fat "F" for this one, BUT I will start a sewing class soon to learn how to use my sewing machine & serger (from my grandma-in-law). My goal is to make some pillow cases & curtains.

A few more to add to this year's list:
Put boys to bed awake and at the same time every night.
Be consistent with devotions!
Be as intentional as possible about thinking positively and not worrying as much.
Need to impose some type of statute of limitations on what I'm allowed to dwell on. Seriously - if it happened 10 years ago or my senior year of high school, it's probably time to let it go! :)

I'm sure I'll add more. I just like to have this in writing (for the whole world to see) to keep myself accountable.

Happy New Year everyone! I hope that 2010 is your best year yet!!!