Not Me Monday!

Check out MckMama's blog for some great free therapy every Monday! Okay, here is my list for this week!

I did not go to CVS 8 times this week trying to find a particular item that I could get for free. No, coupon shopping does not make me that crazy!

I did not stay up until 1:30 a.m. talking to my cousin on the phone Saturday night. And then, I certainly did not stay up until 3, just reading. Nope, that would not be good for getting up to go to church Sunday morning.

I did not eat six spring rolls when my father-in-law took us to eat Vietnamese food. Of course I have more will power than that!

I did not sign my children up for preschool one day a week. I never need a break. OH YES I DID and YES I DO! :)

I did not decide to give away FREE etsy stuff to people who comment on my blog. Read the post below if you decide not to believe me!

have a great week and see you next Monday!

Free Stuff for Reading my Blog!

Okay, so I'm trying to get started on Etsy. So, if you are reading my blog and leave me a comment before next Wednesday (January 28th), I will send you something for free! It will be either a hand-made greeting card or a magnet! This way, I can spread my shop name (www.benandkelli01.etsy.com), and a little happiness as well. :)

After Wednesday, I'll briefly post my e-mail address so you can send me your mailing address. How does that sound? Have a great day-

Not Me Monday!

Welcome to Not Me! Monday! This blog carnival was created by MckMama. You can head over to her blog to read what she and everyone else have not been doing this week.

Wow, it's been a while since I have participated, so time for some confessions! :)
MckMama hosts a blog carnival each and every week for us imperfect moms to tell all! You really should head over and check it out... she is a true blessing!

I did not pop out of bed this morning and come straight to do "Not Me Monday." Nope, not that excited about it!

I have not let my children stay up until 11:00 or later some nights because of the holidays. Because the holidays are over, and we are back on a strict schedule. ;) And last night was not one of those nights, because they were in bed by 8:00. ha!

Last night, I did NOT feed my children (and my nieces!) chocolate for dinner- brownies and ice cream to be exact- at the Chocolate Bar. Nope, I am much more responsible parent than that. Hey, if I did do it, it's because it was my daughter's birthday.

We did not take our son out in public yesterday wearing a shirt he had "decorated" with a pen during church. And added more "decorations" during lunch. I always inspect my children before taking them out!

My house does not look like a tornado hit it because I don't get tired of picking the same toys up over and over and over and over and over again. Nope, I tirelessly pick them up 57 times a day so my house always looks like a model home!

I'm Nine!

Happy Birthday to Allie!

Today is our beautiful daughter Allison's birthday. She is two. But don't try to tell her that! Ask her, and she'll say, "NINE!" in the cutest little voice. I have no idea where she picked that up, but it is adorable! The funny thing is, our friend Bethany used to say the exact same thing at this age. And of course Allie wouldn't remember that- she was not even one yet!

We had a fun party with her back in our hometown yesterday, and tonight we're having her pictures taken. Then, we're hitting The Chocolate Bar for dessert first! Yummy. Our nieces are also visiting with us, so it's shaping up to be a fun day, after spending the morning at our great church.

No matter how old you turn this year, celebrate life!

Some Pictures of Allie at her birth- oh, what a great day!








Allie's first birthday. Pictures of yesterday coming soon!

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Wow, I cannot believe it has been an entire month since I last blogged! What a whirlwind it has been, too.

Dec. 19th-21st, my sister Lindsey and her hubby Alan came to visit us. We took Alan to a wonderful restaurant for his Christmas present, and also Santa came to visit us while they were here:





Dec. 21st-28th, we visited both of our families in East Texas. It was a very relaxing time of fellowship- well, minus the stomach bug that wiped out about 25 members of my family. It was an interesting Christmas, with everyone comparing bodily functions. :)

At Pop's and Mimi's house:


At Uncle Joe and Debo's house:


Dec. 24th, our new nephew was born. He deserves his own post, so look for that later!

Dec. 29th was our 7th (!) anniversary and we went to a Rockets game- Ben's first NBA game ever. It was very fun, and we discovered a great new restaurant as well!







Dec. 30th- my cousin Tasha and her four kids came to visit us for a few days.

Dec. 31st- my friend Mandy came to visit for a few days as well; we had a New Year's Party at our house

Jan. 1st- Tasha and the kiddos had to leave early b/c her kiddos got sick. Very sad.
Mandy, Fabia, and I went to eat lunch, then Mandy and I spent the rest of the day shopping.

Jan. 3rd- Mandy left to go back home.

So much fun! Now back to real life.
I hope that your holiday season was spent enjoying your family and friends, and celebrating Christ's birth.