Who would have thunk?

Well, it has been 2 days now that we have had Marley in our family. I must say it has brought it's share of milestones and downfalls to our lives. I will be honest. I did not get this dog for me. It was for my children (aka Julianna). I know how much she wanted a dog and I figured it would teach her some responsibility. Anyway, the ironic thing about that is the dog had not come from a family. He came from a single girl. So, he is at Sean and I's feet at ALL times. He makes sure he is in every room and rarely cares about the kids which I think frustrates the kids. I find myself very protective over him and make sure he is feeling comfortable in our home. I never would have cared before, so this is a new thing for me. I know he will get used to them eventually, but I am glad that I have taken to him. He really is a great natured dog. He has slept at the foot of our bed every night since he has been with us. That is something I was not prepared for. I thought how gross it was when people had their dogs sleep with them. But here I am! I think we are going to transition him to another spot tonight, but we are not sure how he is going to take it. It really is like having another child. He is sensitive and his feelings get hurt. We didn't know how he would handle us leaving the house without him. He actually barked at us when we got home last night from a party. It was like he was traumatized. I never thought dogs had so much feeling to them. I am starting to realize how they really are more human like than I would have ever thought. I know he is such a great addition to our family and I am so glad that we were the ones to get him.

Marley Bear

We have a new member of our family! His name name is Marley Bear formly known as Little Bear. We got a call this morning from our friend, Jessi. She knew of a friend of hers that was trying to find a good home for her dog. He is a year old and potty trained! Score! I was a little interested after I heard that. So, tonight we went and looked at him and I was worried that I wouldn't feel any connection to him. But, as soon as he walked in, it was like magic. I have never been a huge dog person, but he just seemed right. We hung out with him for a while to make sure the connection was there. He is ultra mellow and fun. He has a beautiful coat and his face is really cute. We knew that we were going to take him home right from the start. The kids promised that they were going to help take good care of him. Julianna was overjoyed! She is the lover of all things furry. I have anticipated this for 10 years to have a dog in our lives. I am happy to have him in our family. He completes us!! Pictures to come!!

Nerves

Today I gave my first power point presentation in BNI today! It went well I think. It was something I was fretting for a while, so now I feel a huge sense of relief not to have to worry about it for at least another year. I am feeling more and more comfortable with the people which always makes me feel better about being around them. It is funny how I am around a new group of people. It takes me days and this case months to feel completely accepted. I am great one on one. Never miss a beat, but for some reason, in a group setting, I totally clam up. I guess it is something I have to accept about myself. But, opportunities like today make me realize that no matter how nervous you are, you are what you are and if people don't like it, then too dang bad. I can't change what people feel about me. I am worth something to somebody and that is good enough for me. Now how many people truly believe me??

The Party that Santa Left

So, Christmas had it's pleasantries and it's disappointments. I work hard every year to create a magical Christmas for my kids. If it means creating new traditions that are abnormal, so be it. I was talking to a friend about their traditions and she told me that Santa always left balloons a their house. I was intrigued. I wanted Santa to do that for our family. So, that is exactly what happened. The one thing that my friend told me that was so cool about this is that they care more about the balloons than the presents. I thought that was good considering I didn't have as much to open this year, so any distractions I can have the better. Well, the room was prepared and it looked Awesome!! I was so excited. I went to bed in anticipation to only hear the kid's door at 1:30 in the morning. I told them under any circumstances not to go out to the room where the tree was. Well, that went out the window and Elijah saw all the balloons. I was too tired to care at that point. But he couldn't get back to sleep after that. He had a total meltdown. It took a couple of hours to calm him down. The next morning, we were just about to go in when I heard Jules saying to Elijah that he was right. There were balloons. They went in and just rushed to their presents. No surprise. No fun. It was a total blow to my plans. High Expectations always bite me the butt! I figured that it will not be repeated and I am telling Santa to leave the balloons in the North Pole. It wasn't that fun to clean up!

Christmas was good with all the things the kids got. I am thankful that it is over! I will post pics later of the day.

Simply Magic!

Christmas Eve is here and our PJ's are on! Polar Express on the TV and popcorn in our tums. Ready for the BIG DAY!

The REAL deal!

Can't Wait!!

What would you like for Christmas??

Lego's of Course!!

Have a Merry Christmas!!

Smith Family 2010

This year presented it's up's and downs, but with family, anything is possible. I look at these pictures and realize how lucky I am to have these 4 blessings in my life! I hope I can be as good to them as they are to me. I love my forever family!!