Just put on a little lipstick...

Be kind, be generous, be compassionate, be courageous, be trustworthy, be the kind of friend you would want to have - if you do this, you will be memorable.

We finally broke down and bought a wii. The last video system we owned was in the early 90s and I think it was Sega. We learned pretty quickly when Josh was little that he did not need video games, he needed to be outside burning off energy. I guess as the kids got older we all just stayed too busy for video games. So...Bryan and I were walking through Target and saw the wii on sale after the holidays and decided to make the leap and get one. Wow, have video games changed in the last 20 years - they are so interactive now! I'll spare you photos of me doing Zumba with the wii, but here's Emri playing our "Abba - Just Dance" game.

Yes, I know - exercise should be my newest addiction, but sadly I have fallen for pinterest instead. I heard someone say Pinterest is for women, like Fantasy Football is for guys, and I have to agree. I have found all kinds of great gift ideas, recipes, fashion and home ideas. My first pinterest inspired project was this chalkboard picture for Jenni and Erin's place. If you have a pinterest, make sure you send me your link! Here's mine: http://pinterest.com/lajane65/

now if Kate Spade would just put it on sale... I remember Mom telling me how her college girls taught me to say Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious when I was 2 years old. She said I was so proud of myself, especially since I couldn't say many other things. And well, with the addition of the lipstick - I think this necklace is  practically perfect in every way !

I'm still working on my official goals for 2012, but I have high hopes that I can knock several things off my to-do list. Passports - Bryan and I both need valid passports. We filled out our paperwork last year and just never followed through. Healthy home-cooked meals 4 nights a week, including meatless Monday dinners. (I'm hoping this doesn't mean veggie pizza take out every Monday) Routine exercise, cardio and strength training, my oncologist wants 5-6 days a week out of me. I didn't do so well in 2011 on this, but I am determined to do better in 2012. These bones need some jarring to combat this gift of osteoporosis that chemo gave me. Spend more time, make more memories with family and friends. Explore at least three new places in 2012- visit, shop and eat like the locals! This should get me started, and then I can formulate S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) from my ideas. Farewell 2011!

On New Years Day we had a lunch birthday celebration for Chassi and Chadd. Chassi turned 28 on the 1st, and Chadd will be 40 on January 3rd. Lisa arranged for Chadd's parents, niece and nephew to come from Missouri to surprise him. Don, Sue, Caroline and Griffin - thank you for spending time with us and sharing Chadd with our family. What a great day! We are thankful that Chadd and Chassi jumped right in to join our crazy bunch!

This past year I have been determined to get rid of clutter, and only bring things in to my life that bring me joy, or serve a purpose. I have enjoyed making gifts for friends that I hope will make them smile and I hope to do much more of that in 2012. and a few more - I love my Thelma shirt - the quote on it is one of my favorites and it makes me smile when I wear it. I love going to the Franklin Theater to see classic movies. I love traveling with my friends and family. I love entertaining. I love my doctors and nurses who take very good care of me, and help me stay healthy.

Josh, Chassi and the kids and Jenni spent the night on Christmas eve and we made cookies (my Granny's recipe) and tracked Santa on Norad . Tracking Santa's trip on norad was quite a geography lesson. They do a great job of telling you about each area and we had our globe by the computer so we could see right where he was, in relation to Nashville . Anna Belle is right on the verge of not believing in Santa anymore. We all talked about how magical Christmas is when you still believe. I read a great explanation of Santa from a mom to her daughter recently, and I'll share it here: Dear Lucy,   Thank you for your letter. You asked a very good question: “Are you Santa?”   I know you’ve wanted the answer to this question for a long time, and I’ve had to give it careful thought to know just what to say.   The answer is no. I am not Santa. There is no one Santa.   I am the person who fills your stockings with presents, though. I also choose and wrap the ...

Our good friends, Sean and Nikki are moving back to Michigan. We had a going away/holiday party on the 23rd and a fabulous time was had by all, although I seem to only have photos of the kiddos having fun. We will miss you Sean, Nikki and Declan, but we plan to come visit!!

Granddaddy, Grandsherry and all the kiddos We had some great family celebrations this year. We started out with my side of the family on the 17th, then had Christmas with Bryan's family on Christmas day evening. French Braid lessons from Aunt Deanna

We have 3 nativity sets and the girls play with them all year long, no need to only celebrate the birth of Jesus only once a year. This is my newest and my favorite!

I had my yearly visit with Dr. Wagstrom (my plastic surgeon) and it went very well. My implants are holding steady and staying soft, due to the daily vitamin E dosages. This visit is always pleasant and they have such a calming and beautiful office. From the day I met her, I knew she was the plastic surgeon for me. I had no problems during or after surgery and I know the doctors and nurses had a lot to do with that. If you ever need a plastic surgeon - call Dr. Wagstrom . I love everyone in her office and she did a great job for me!

Lee Greenwood said it well with his song- I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free. And I wont forget the men who died, who gave that right to me. And I gladly stand up, next to you and defend her still today. ‘Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land, God bless the USA. I am proud to be an American. I celebrate the right to freedom of speech. I also celebrate the right I have to listen, or not listen to people practice their freedom of speech. I personally find it offensive when people participate in name-calling and trashing the leaders of our nation. I think people can disagree without stooping to hateful statements. I didn't agree with it when the Republicans were in office, and I don't agree with it now. I think if we want our children to respect their parents, teachers and public officials we have to show them how to disagree with respect for the positions these people hold. I plan to research, watch the debates and make my own p...