FOR TODAY

Outside my window... the sun is shining. The dogs are enjoying the backyard today.

I am thinking... of how different the weather was last year at this time. Surprise snowfall blanketed the ground. I was a little disappointed we didn't get a white Christmas this year.

I am thankful... we had so much family here to celebrate Christmas. The house was full; 19 people here for dinner, including nephews' spouses/significant others and another couple who have no family here. Mother spent almost a week here with us as well. We had a great time. Also got to see my Florida niece and nephew for a few hours Monday evening as they journeyed back from a visit to their grandparents in St. Louis. Wish we could have had longer!

From the learning rooms... All quiet for now, but will be getting started back up with math and science next week.

In the kitchen... Nothing going on, but it is CLEAN!

I am wearing... Navy pants and cornflower blue sweater.

I am creating... Hogwarts Castle with Joel. We are halfway through. Just 5 bags left to assemble.

I am going... to stay home today. Have been out with the boys for allergy shots earlier, but hoping we can just hang here for the rest of the day.

I am wondering... what the new year will bring.

I am reading... nothing at the moment, but I have a lot of things waiting on my Kindle, as well as some books I picked up at the Scholastic Book Sale just before Christmas.

I am hoping... to see a lot of personal growth in me and my family this year.

I am looking forward to... the KLOVE Friends and Family Cruise in February. Brian and I are sailing with 2 other couples from our old church in Omaha. I need to find some clothes to take with me!

I am hearing... the sounds of Halle and Joel playing Kinect Adventures on the new XBOX the family received for Christmas.

Around the house... the Christmas tree is still up and decorations are still out. The dining room table is covered in LEGO pieces and a half-built creation. My bedroom is decked out with new sheets, a new quilt, and new shams that I bought back when we were getting the bedroom painted. We finally turned Emily's old room into a guest room... new mattress set in there. We'll work on adding some other things to the room to make it multipurpose; maybe set it up as a crafting area as well.

One of my favorite things... is a peaceful home.

A few plans for the rest of the week: Tomorrow I am going to the hospital's Wellness Center to get signed up. Brian and Noah have been working out there for a few weeks now. Time for me to get busy in the pool.  Friday is Emily and Noah's birthday. We are going to The Melting Pot for dinner to celebrate. No NYE plans yet, but will probably spend it at home. Hopefully my sister will be able to come over.

Here is picture I am sharing...

 This is what Joel and I have done so far on his new LEGO Hogwarts Castle.