the January blah's

 On New Year's Day, I took down all of my Christmas decorations then went to a girl's movie and dinner outing to celebrate my dear friend Carmen's birthday.

 

 We also had time later in the week to go and play with friends since we did not have to go back to school until January 7th which I loved! It was so nice having some time after the holidays to chill and decompress before having to jump back in the saddle.

 

The kids ended their winter vacation by a bike ride on the Denton bike trail to Five Guys for dinner with Grandpa and a ride back home. It was hard to go to bed on time that night and ever more difficult to get out of bed for the entire week, even for mom! I felt like a teenager trying to get out of bed again. I don't like January. It is dark, cold, and dreary, with no holiday to really brighten it up (not to mention that the pocket book has gotten thinner, and my thighs have gotten thicker over the past month), and I wish I could just hibernate through January and February like a bear.  Thus, the January blah's.

 

 Doug got inspired by the show BBQ pit masters this weekend and decided to try his hand at smoking some chicken and ribs.

 Doug took this picture without warning anyone! It's so flattering. Grandpa and Aunt Whitney joined us for dinner before taking the boys to the Mean Green basketball game.

 and the Eagles win! Ah Cah!

Hello, 2013!

Doug and I hosted the New Year's Eve gathering again this year. Doug smoked some of his yummy brisket, and everyone brought sides and dessert. This gathering has pretty much become a tradition.

 

 Sarah and baby Lila came for the fun, but 17 month old people don't party very late.

 

 The kids ate dinner together outside. I thought they were crazy! It is too cold for me!

 Ethan and Rachel are getting growing up fast.

 Doug and Ben

 Claire Boo and her Kate.

 Ethan with Grandma and Grandpa.

 the little boys

 

 the big  boys

 

 Me and some of my best gals

the guys

We had a New Year's Eve miracle this year. We actually stayed up 'til midnight for the first time in a couple of years! The big boys (as in the adults too) even moved the furniture and had  an impromptu wrestling match. We don't call the "rednecks" without good cause. We even played with one of my Christmas gifts, a torture device called an epilation razor! Yikes! I didn't make any resolutions so to speak this year. I just want to remember to take life day by day, and be the best person I can be today! Happy New Year!