Pajama Party!

Tristan and Madi came to spend the night with the kids tonight and they are all having a ball....they decided to have a pajama party! They all put on footies and slid around the kitchen floor. Then it was off to play Guitar Hero....I loved Tristan singing YMCA! Too cute!

Here's to 2010!

This has to be my absolute favorite post....the reflection post! Here's a look at 2009 answering the same questions that I have answered every year since I have had my blog! 2009 was such an awesome year....

2009--What kind of year was it???

1. What did you do in 2009 that you’d never done before?

2009 saw so many changes in our lives, but I am struggling to figure out something I have NEVER done before...hhhhmmm. Well, in 2009, I don't know of anything I personally did, however Richie has never shot a deer since we have been together (nearly 3 years now). But in 2009, he got his first deer while I've been with him!

2. Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?

My New Year's Resolutions last year were similar to what they have been for the past couple of years...to exercise, get organized, and get involved in a church. I can happily say that I have committed to exercising and even started running! Now since it's been cold, I haven't been able to run as much, but I have gotten on my elliptical as much as possible and I am up to 30 minutes on it....a record for me! Also, I have lost 48 of the 51 pounds I gained during my pregnancy...yeah! As far as organized, I can honestly say that I am giving this my best effort being in our new home. In fact, our attic is going to be organized! It's a slow process, but I just make a big-picture list and then focus on individual tasks. So far, the house is fairly organized...now to just get the garage under control.

As far the church aspect, I have been visiting a new church in town for a couple of months now and really like it. I hope to keep that in my life!

For new resolutions....ok, I am really going to try and make a huge impact in my job with my new product! I have such a great opportunity to make a difference and really want to achieve that. I also want to spend more quality time with the kids--even if that means that other stuff has to wait. I spend time with my kids, but I feel that it is rushed and often not "quality". I would also like to lose that last little bit of baby weight!

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?

Yes! We have a new baby! Landen Sawyer Wolford! Thank you Lord for such an amazing little guy! He was well worth waiting for! Also Catina and Jeremy welcomed Addison, and Heidi and Keith welcomed Luke!

4. Did anyone close to you die?

Yes, my Aunt Lois passed away this year. I will miss her, but have such great memories of her during my childhood.

5. What countries did you visit?

Well, this is the first year in awhile I haven't visited another country. But, being pregnant sort of kept that from happening. Besides, being pregnant is like being in another country!

6. What would you like to have in 2010 that you lacked in 2009?

Last year I really wanted a new home and guess what? We have it! I also wanted a toned body (and I didn't get that being pregnant) and hopefully I can get that this year! I think I really want to feel settled finally...we have our house and baby and hopefully this year we can spend more time together! I would love to have some more free weekends to travel in the RV! I can't wait to see Landen traveling with us.

7. What date from 2009 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?

September 30, 2009 when Richie and I welcomed our precious baby into the world! Welcome Landen--we are glad you're here!

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?

Surviving pregnancy! Moving during pregnancy! Working during pregnancy! And having an 8 lb 5 oz bundle of joy! Also, I actually made it into the top 10 in the company sales performance for a month...woo hoo--maybe I'll make it to Hawaii one day!

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?

Not illness, but definitely some bedrest for a miserable last few weeks of pregnancy. Oh yeah, I forgot the 14 weeks of morning sickness too. UGH!

11. What was the best thing you bought?

I got a new camera for Christmas and I can't wait to have some decent photos from it. I wasn't ever really satisified with my other one, so I hope this one is better. We also got a BluRay player and I can't wait to download movies from Netflix! But the house is the best thing by far that we bought this year--I am loving it!

12. Whose behavior merited celebration?

I really have to give this one to my parents this year....yep, I am proud of them. My step-dad has been great to help hang pictures, install the surround sound, and he is even buying back my land/building that I have been dealing with the past 5 years. Thank you so much for all of your help!

13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?

I am a little frustrated with people who cater to those that won't do for themselves. I won't name names....that wouldn't be nice at this point. But I get frustrated by the fact that Richie and I bust our rear, yet others in the family are spoiled simply because they won't try to do things on their own!

14. Where did most of your money go?

Baby! Landen cost a whopping $30,000! Thank God for insurance. The rest of the money went to our house and new clothes for my new body I am trying to embrace!

15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?

Waking up each morning to a beautiful little baby that we tried so hard to have. Now that he is smiling and trying to talk, it's such a joy to have him in our lives.

16. What song will always remind you of 2009?

I think the title of Faith Hill's Christmas song fits the year..."A Baby Changes Everything".

17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
happier or sadder? thinner or fatter? richer or poorer?

I am about the same weight as this time last year...got a few more pounds to lose to actually equal it. But considering I have gained and lost most of the 51 lbs during pregnancy, that's pretty awesome. I am definitely much, much happier. And I would say we are richer--we are still trying to save!

18. What do you wish you’d done more of?

Relaxed. Read books. Spend time with my kiddos.

19. What do you wish you’d done less of?

Less worrying. (Same as last year too!)

20. How will you be spending New Year’s?

We are hosting a get-together here at the house this year!

22. Did you fall in love in 2009?

Yes, I did. I fell for a cute little guy named Landen and I couldn't love him more than I do right now!

23. What was your favorite TV program?

Probably 90210, Desperate Housewives and Rachael Ray! I also loved watching Natalie whip Russell's butt on Survivor too!

25. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?

Nope, I don't bother wasting time on someone if they don't deserve it.

26. What was the best book you read?

I am still reading The Shack and it's great.

27. What was your greatest musical (re)discovery?

I love Miranda Lambert's new album.

29. What did you want and not get?

A good night's sleep!

30. What was your favorite film of this year?

Loved the new Chipmunk movie!

31. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?

I am 31. However, I didn't do much on this birthday---I was suffering from some serious morning sickness!

32. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?

I think being able to be a stay-at-home mom would be the best! I have never really wanted that before, however having a new baby always brings out the desire to stay home with my kiddos!

33. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2009?

I love leggings--so comfy! My style in 2009 wasn't very noteworthy since I spent most of the year in maternity! However, here's to 2010! :)

34. What kept you sane?

I think just having a few months with my newborn was the best. I have some really good kids, so knowing that always helps too. I have also tried to just relax and not fret so much--tough for me since that's my middle name!

35. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?

I was amazed by the Tiger Woods scandal. Not sure why. I guess I just had hope that there was a celebrity that could stay true to his family. But I was shocked by all of the things he has done. I was also surprised by the way the scandal just kept escalating. Guess it just goes to show that your true colors will shine through one day!

36. What political issue stirred you the most?

The economy....I just hate to see so many people suffering so much. I really hope things turn around soon.

37. Who did you miss?

I don't really have anyone I miss--I love the people in my life right now.

38. Who was the best new person you met?

Catina and I have bonded over our new bundles of joy. I love her to pieces--such a sweet, sweet girl!

39. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2009:

The smallest things can bring such great joy. Cherish every moment--it will not be the same forever.

40. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year:

I would have to say Darius Rucker's "It Won't Be Like This for Long"

He didn't have to wake up

He'd been up all night

Layin' there in bed listenin'

To his newborn baby cry

He makes a pot of coffee

He splashes water on his face

His wife gives him a kiss and says

It's gonna be OK

It won't be like this for long

One day soon we'll look back laughin'

At the week we brought him home

This phase is gonna fly by

So baby just hold on

'Cause it won't be like this for long

Cherish your days--they become memories! Here's to a great 2009 and to an even better 2010! Happy New Year everyone!

Merry Christmas 2009!

The snow was just beautiful this morning! What a great Christmas present! We had our annual breakfast and Mom felt much better and was able to come. I tried out a couple of new recipes...Hashbrown Quiche and French Toast Casserole. The Quiche was a definite hit and will likely become a traditional piece at Christmas breakfast. The French Toast casserole was good, but we are just a spicy kind of family, so I think the sweet stuff doesn't go over as well. The kids got go-carts for Christmas and it was so cold and with the snow/ice on the ground, they weren't even able to try them out! :( In fact, our hill was a solid sheet of ice! I was surprised everyone was able to make it over this morning, but nothing stops my grandparents and parents from a hot breakfast! Santa was good to me too! I got a new camera, some perfume, a spa gift certificate, and even some lottery tickets! I won $8 (however, I think Santa is still in the hole)! Richie got a new BluRay player, so we can't wait to watch a movie on it now that we have our surround sound hooked up too. Who needs a movie theater now? Weston got a new camera and then he also got a video camera at his Dad's house, so he is ready to record some memories. Kylie got tons of clothes and shoes. In fact, she asked me how many shoes I was going to get her as she kept opening shoe boxes. But, the girl seriously needed some new shoes! I am so exhausted...from the cooking, to the going everywhere, and the midnight feedings! I know Richie is absolutely worn out too. I think we will be ready to kick back and relax this weekend.

Here's the kids from this morning...it was after presents were opened because we had to wait for Baby Landen to drink his morning milk before we could get a picture.
The backyard with snow on the ground!
And our first snowfall at the new house!

White Christmas!

'Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring--not even Baby Landen for once!!

It's going to be a White Christmas--Baby Landen's, Weston's, Kylie's and my first! Supposedly the last white Christmas was in 1975, so even I haven't seen one! However, it's also a dangerous condition--so please be careful if you get out to see family and friends!

What a Christmas full of firsts--the first Christmas in our new home, Landen's first Christmas, and the first white Christmas....this will definitely be a Christmas full of great memories.

However, there was a few other firsts. My Mom was supposed to host the annual Christmas Eve get-together (the first time for her since we usually have it at my Me-Me's house), however she got the flu. So, Christmas Eve celebration was here at my house! This was the first Christmas I didn't get to celebrate with my Mom. Then, I am still having the annual Christmas breakfast, so I am one tired Momma from all of the cooking and cleaning!

With that said, I am turning in. So sorry--this is usually one of my favorite nights to blog, but a sign of the times--I am worn out!

So Far Behind!

I am about a week behind and I feel like I am never going to catch up. I am still in my PJ's, presents are still waiting to be wrapped, the house is a wreck, and my Dad is on his way over tonight for dinner. Staying home with a 12 week old is a one-task job! He is such a sweet baby,but he's still a baby. So, the house may not be clean, dinner may not be ready on time, but I am so thankful to spend the day with a sweet little guy!

Skype Fan!

So, I just had the opportunity to not only talk to my husband and kids, but also see them LIVE! We video-called each other using Skype and that is by far the coolest thing! I was able to see Baby Landen (although he cried)! He is growing by leaps and bounds!

Yesterday's Love Dare had an awesome sentence in it...."Resilient marriages are built on honesty, respect, commitment, forgiveness, and endurance. When love takes over, it compels us to humbly apologize and take full responsibility for our failures, and to fully forgive where our spouse has failed us." I loved this sentence! Why? Because of the word "resilient". It doesn't say "perfect" or "best", it describes the marriages that pick up the pieces and learn from the mistakes. Sometimes we don't want to forgive, sometimes we don't even want to take responsibility for our short-comings as a spouse, but if we want a marriage that can grow and withstand the day to day drama and headaches, then we HAVE to. So, thank you Lord for a wonderful sentence that reminds me that my marriage isn't going to be full of perfection. Thank you for letting me know that my marriage is going to be one that can withstand time!

Baby Talk

Tonight Richie called me and Landen "spoke" to Mommy on the phone. It was precious hearing his coos! I sure miss them! Richie said that he would look at the phone and even looked around the room to try and find me. Tomorrow I am hoping to try Skype with them for the first time. I don't know if it'll work, but it's worth a shot to be able to see my baby. I am afraid he'll forget me before I get home. That's why I am glad I got the chance to "talk" to him on the phone tonight. Maybe hearing my voice will remind him.
My babysitter is absolutely awesome! She sends me pictures during the day of Landen and I told her to be sure and send some extra ones this week since that's all I will have. So, she sent 3 or 4 pictures today of him and he was so cute! I didn't bring my cord so I can't put them on here. I am in Day 2 of the Love Dare and today's devotion focused on Love as a Motivator. There was an interesting exercise in there where you replaced "love" with your name in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7. I have to say that reading, "Tara suffers long and is kind. "Tara" does not envy. "Tara" does not parade herself. "Tara" does not behave rudely.....and so forth, was very eye-opening. I try really hard to maintain self-awareness, but it's hard at times. I get frustrated. I get tired. I get tired of trying with someone who doesn't ever try. But then I realized that people probably get frustrated with me. People get tired of trying with me and think I never try. Ultimately, my actions are just that--mine. I can let others try and influence them, but if I can let Love be the motivator, then I am sure I will be a lot happier with how I act!

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Well, I made it to the Windy City today--and it's cold! Not as cold as it could be though, I guess for Chicago. This morning was soooo hard! I had the hardest time saying good-bye to my little man! He wouldn't even look at me when I was trying to tell him good-bye which made it worse. I know he wasn't doing it on purpose since he's only 10 weeks old, but I was really needing a big grin and some eye contact before I could leave. I think it's absolutely the cruelest thing to take a Mommy away from her newborn! I know I am going to be ready to see him by Friday. And my big guy too! I miss you Richie!
Awhile back, Richie and I saw the Fireproof movie and bought the Love Dare journals. Well, life kind of got in the way, and I am embarrassed to say I didn't finish the book. But I got to thinking that besides a house and 401k, there's not much more that we have in life that we invest in for long-term. And those are material items. But when it comes to spouses and kids, we need to do things to help us invest long-term! And I am always of the firm belief that your marriage comes first. So, when I saw that the Love Dare had put out a yearly devotional book, I decided to get it. It has 365 "Love Dares" and rather than waiting until January 1st, I brought it with me to start tonight. I feel like I take things for granted at times in life and I certainly don't ever want to feel that way about my marriage. So, here's to Day 1 "Love is the greatest of these" from 1 Corinthians 13:2. May I remember to make sure I show my husband my love for him!

Kylie in the Parade

Here's some pictures from Kylie at the Christmas parade this year. I finally found my card reader, so I can actually post a lot faster and include pictures! It was complete chaos Monday trying to get ready for the parade. I was frantically trying to make the signs at 5 and we were to be there at 5:30 and still had to go get the car from my Mom. I was a basket case!

But it all came together at the last moment....Here she is in her fur coat.

It was warm enough this year to go without her coat, so everyone was able to see her cute Christmas dress!
And here's the phenomenal signs I slaved over! :)

Kylie was so thankful for all the hard work everyone put in to getting her in the parade. The only reason this girl does pageants is so that she can ride in parades! Other than that, she could care less--too funny! I told her that if she wants to be in the parade next year, then she'll have to win another pageant. She asked me if she gets like second runner-up if she could still do the parade! I started busting out laughing and told her that I didn't think it would be cool to have a sign on her car that says, "Kylie Cumbie, 2nd runner up Little Miss _____"!

On the way home, she was being really lovey-dovey to me and told me, "Mom, when you die, I die." I asked her what she meant by that and she said, "You know if you die at 6:30, then I will die at like 6:30 or 6:31 because I love you so much." I started tearing up--basically she was saying she didn't want to live without me. How sweet!

5 Christmas Trees!

This post is so late, but I have been SO busy and I really don't have time to post now, but my brain is absolutely fried from my home study materials. I am at home studying for certification for a new product. I have an exam at 8 a.m. Monday morning in Chicago and then I am there until Friday for sales training. WHEW! Add 3 kids, a husband, and a dirty house (and laundry) to the mix and I am drained....

Here's some pictures of the house after I got finished decorating a couple of weeks ago (told ya I am behind on posting).....We put up 5 Christmas trees this year! This one is Weston's Razorback tree. It's hard to tell from the picture because I took it with my phone, but he did a great job decorating his red/white tree!

This one is baby Landen's tree. It's really small and cute as a button (like him)!
Here's our black/silver tree in the main living area. Again, hard to tell since the picture is from the phone.
Here's Kylie-bug's pink tree. Extra funky and cool--like her!
And the granddaddy of them all, our main tree in the hearth room. It's 9.5 feet tall, so that's the only spot in the house it would fit! It's a brown/gold/cream tree to match the hearth room decor.
Well, back to studying--so I can pay for some presents to put under these trees!

I'm Gonna Miss Her

Today I went to my Aunt Lois' funeral. She was such a special lady to everyone who met her and I have such great memories of her when I was a kid. During the summertime when I would go to visit my real Dad, I would often stay at her house with another cousin of mine and we had such a blast listening to DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, playing in my aunt's make-up and hair stuff, dressing up in some of her clothes. She would play dominoes with us, cards, and watch movies. I never, ever saw that woman get mad--in fact, I can still see that sweet smile that would cross her face when she looked at you. I am embarrassed to say that the last time I saw her was when Kylie was a baby. I was on maternity leave then and took Kylie to the nursing home where she was at. That made her day! She loved seeing my daughter and getting a chance to catch up. I still remember that visit--she was a hoot telling stories about herself (heck, even things I didn't know!) and remembering the old days. In these last few years though, she had lost her eyesight and she wasn't able to really remember people very well anymore. I couldn't stand to see her like that--I wanted the Aunt Lois I knew to be the one who came and opened the gate so that her doberman dogs didn't get out!

It was so surreal being at her funeral today because I don't actually visit with my dad's family a lot. And although we're all a lot older, when I saw the different family members (mainly all of my cousins) that came, I instantly saw them as the kids I remembered years ago. Boy, how we have all gotten older though! I can't even describe the day really--I mean we aren't all supposed to have kids yet, we are still supposed to be kids ourselves! Time goes by so fast--we change so much over the years. There are days I wish I could have some of that time back....I would go visit Aunt Lois one more time. I would call my Dad a little more often. I would stop by my grandparents house and visit more. But I don't have that time back--so I hope I can make the most of the time that's left.

The Journal

Tomorrow is my last day of maternity leave...I am SO sad. I will greatly miss my little buddy during the day. I hope I can focus on work and not dwell on the time I am missing with him. I also found out that I have to go to Chicago for 5 days on December 14-18 for certification of a new product and I am very sad about that....I can't imagine being away from the little guy that long!

I have tried to get a few last minute "wish list" items accomplished while I have time and one thing I wanted to do was organize my bookshelf. When we moved, all of the books were put on the shelf, but they weren't organized where I could find anything. So, I started sorting them Sunday evening and I came across an old journal. That morning at church, the pastor had been speaking about prayer and he talked about some old journals he had and how it was neat to reflect back on his writings. I opened up my journal and the first entry was from October 2000! I was shocked! Nearly 10 years ago I had penciled some thoughts in this book. What was interesting is that my next entry wasn't until 2002, then one in 2003, then again only one in 2004. Since then, none. But those few entries really showed me how much I have changed in some areas and how little I have changed in others. First of all, I have had 10 years to grow since the first entry, yet I still have such a low self-esteem. I wish I could have more confidence in myself, but for some reason, I don't. That probably shocks some people, but I am the biggest perfectionist! However, I have learned my lesson in friendships...it's like the old song, "if it don't come easy, just let it go." It was interesting to read my thoughts several years ago when I was experiencing some changes in that area and then to think about where I am at now. I can't believe how much time I wasted and fretted over that stuff. Journaling is so good for the soul--it's like a time-machine into our hearts. It was interesting to hear myself speaking from years ago. It was nice to tell myself I have grown and it was also interesting to see what areas I need to keep working on. Which brings me to this blog (and probably the reason I haven't written a single entry in that journal book in 6 years). I have truly enjoyed going back and reading some of my entries in this blog--though they aren't as personal as a journal entry, I immediately know what my thoughts and situations were during the posts.

So, long live my blog!