New Year...New Car

SM got a new car at the beginning of the year.  His old car was on it's last "leg" and it was just a matter of time before it wouldn't be working and so we've been putting money aside knowing that this day was coming.  SM knew he wanted a Honda Fit and so he began his search and we were surprised that we found one that fit the budget.

Showing off his sticker in the back window.  I wasn't so sure about having a sporty red car but I'm starting to enjoy the car.  SM is really enjoying his car.

Here he is looking all handsome and such in his new car.

Our old car was donated to Cars for Charities.  I'm almost ashamed to say it, but as the tow truck took away the purple car I felt the tears welling up in my eyes.  I didn't let any of them escape but I was very sad that that part of my life was ending.  But I am looking forward to the new car and the new phase of my life that will begin this summer.  Phew!  Who knew that a new car would represent a new phase in my life.

New Year...New Hairdo

For the new year I decided to have a new hairdo.  So, now my hair is curlier than before and I like it.

We tried an new drying method...and it looks very funny.

And this is what it looks like when it's dry and down.  I like it.  A great way to begin the year of 2012.

New Year's Eve Fun

On New Year's Eve, a few of us ladies decided to make up our eyes with a little bit of color...or lots of color.

I have very big eyelids...and now they are blue eyelids.

Group shot of all the lovely ladies!  I don't think blue is exactly my color...but we did have a lot of fun!

Here's our sexy shot.  Wow, those are beautiful ladies...even if we don't exactly look as sexy as felt...hee, hee.

My niece even had here eyes done!

And the making up of our eyes was just one fun thing we did on New Years Eve.  We also had some great food and games and puzzles and tag and time together as a family.  What a way to welcome in the year of 2012!

Crocheting headbands

One of my sister-in-laws' taught us all how to crochet headbands with a crocheted flower on the top.  We also enjoyed hours of talking with each other.

Here's our fearless teacher.  She was so patient as she helped each of us with all of our questions and mistakes.  And she was a great teacher!  We all finished at least one headband that day.

And here's the finished piece and our beautiful model.

Angry Birds

My brother-in-law and sister-in-law got an Angry Birds game for Christmas.  In this game you build different shapes with pigs in them for the birds to fly over and smash.  It was a lot of fun.  Take a look at some of our photos.

You'll notice that I got a few photos of the birds actually in the air...lots of fun!

My mother-in-law doesn't wear yellow birds in her hair.  This is actually the bird in motion.

Cookie Day

One of my Mother-in-laws' family traditions is to have a cookie day where the grandkids roll out cookie dough and using cookie cutters, making a plate of cookies for themselves.  We cook them up and then the grandkids decorate them with icing and sprinkles.

The adults think they are needed to help the little ones with their cookies.  Really, we need to think we are needed.  It's lots of fun for the little kids and the big kids.

And when I talk about cookies being made there are also cookies being eaten.  I caught you cutie!

I love this family tradition and hope that when I have my little kiddos they will also participate in such a fun cousin activity.

Christmas Eve Family Dinner

One of the family traditions that we have is a family meal together on Christmas Eve.  This is the "little kids" table.  Because our meal is done by candlelight and knowing that candles should not be on the table with the smallest members of our family, they were given a small lantern.  And oh how they loved it and how they love just being together.

 

This photo is partly staged.  When my nephew realized I was taking a picture of him and his cousin, he decided to pull a face.  I love his personality...even if he's a bit dramatic.  As a side note, the garland in the middle is white lights with lots of colored ribbons.  It was another thing to have on the table instead of lighted candles.

Lots of yummy food at the Christmas eve dinner.  In fact, we love getting together because we love the company and enjoy the food. 

Here's one of my gorgeous nieces.  Doesn't she have a beautiful smile?!

And here's another beautiful niece!