Today we have learned to appreciate the little things in life. Like bugs, butterflies, air to breath, ants, bubbles, and snowflakes that glisten while falling looking like glitter. It's the little things in life that can turn a day from good to bad. A smile from a child, a note in the mail, a prayer in your heart, or breakfast in bed. Our goal this month and next month are to make little differences in the world for others. From volunteering to help different charity groups, to dropping homemade things off for those who simply just need some love, to brightening someones day out of surprise, and just being nice. We hope that this will spread through our families and friends, so that we can all help make this world a better place. One of Abby's favorite things is butterflies now. She loves how simple and beautiful they are. Her favorite song right now is Butterfly Kisses, by Bob Carlisle. So we have included the lyrics for you. She says it reminds her of peace, and angel kisses sent down from heaven from her grandpa's. Ah, the peace and love you can only understand from the innocence of a child. I am so proud of her for wanting to help others, and for understanding we are all individuals.



Butterfly Kisses lyrics
By, Bob Carlisle

There's two things I know for sure
She was sent here from heaven
And she's daddy's little girl
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes
And I thank God for all of the joy in my life
Oh but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk beside the pony daddy it's my first ride
I know the cake looks funny daddy but I sure tried

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve a hug every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

Sweet 16 today
She's lookin' like her mama a little more every day
One part woman the other part girl
To perfume and make up from ribbons and curls
Trying her wings out in a great big world
But I remember

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
You know how much I love you daddy
But if you don't mind
I'm only gonna kiss you on the check this time

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses at night

All the precious time
Like the wind the years go by
Precious butterfly
Spread your wings and fly

She'll change her name today
She'll make a promise and I'll give her away
Standing in the bride room just staring at her
She asked me what I'm thinkin'
And I said I'm not sure
I just feel like I'm loosin' my baby girl
And she leaned over

Gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there
Stickin' little white flowers all up in her hair
Walk me down the isle daddy
It's just about time
Does my wedding gown look pretty daddy?
Daddy's don't cry

Oh with all that I've done wrong
I must have done something right
To deserve her love every mornin'
And butterfly kisses

I couldn't ask God for more than this is what love is
I know I've got to let her go but I'll always remember
Every hug in the mornin' and butterfly kisses

♥ There comes a time in life, when you walk away from all the drama and people who create it. You surround yourself with people who make you laugh, forget the bad, and focus on the good. So, love the people who treat you right. Forget about the ones who don't. Life is too short to be anything but happy.

I think I will be adding one additional goal this year. I am tired of people who disrespect you, belittle you behind your back, say they are family and act the exact opposite, and say unkind things. Why can people be so mean? Wouldn't it be nice if we all could just get along. If only the world could see people for who they are, what they believe in, and what they do. Not their financial status, how big their house and cars are, and who they are friends with.

Please if you find that you do this, consider how the people on the other side feel. They are human beings trying to do their best. Trying to teach love and acceptance. It doesn't matter what worldly status they fit in, because if that is all you have; then you really don't have much of anything. I have been teaching my kids to be accepting of everyone. If someone treats you unkind, hurts you, or is mean just put distance between that person and you. Don't let them bring you down, and make you feel like a lesser person. I know I am not all that inspiring, but if you can just think about it and help yourself become a little bit better than I have succeeded.

Welcome 2011. Our family has made several goals for the New Year and are excited about the new adventures we may face. Our goals are:

1) To try and make a difference in the world whether through volunteer work or other options we encounter.

2) To lose weight and become a healthier family.

3) To go back to school and better our education.

4) To read a book a month to better our knowledge and understanding.

5) To go on our first family vacation.


Jaxon is not included on the weight loss part, because we are hoping that he stays healthy and gains more weight this year. It has been fun to be together over the last week and not have to go anywhere. We have done loads of puzzles which is now Abby's favorite thing other than Art projects. We have played in the ice and snow. We have shoveled and shoveled to get the ice off the driveway. We have watched a few movies and played with our new toys. Abby loves the dollhouse just as much as Jaxon loves hiding her dolls and throwing her furniture around. Boy he learned early about teasing and picking on your sisters. He loves to crash his trucks into everything. Mom has spent the time throwing old things away and organizing the house. It is amazing what you may find in boxes from when you were a child. Dad will be going back to work and the days will be filled with business and the fun things we all encounter as parents. We hope that all of you have set your sights and goals high for the New Year. We wish you all good health, happiness, and adventure.