New Year's Eve.

We decided to just hang around our house tonight. Having preschoolers means lots of things. It means I don't want to start a new year by leaving them home with a babysitter. It means, I don't feel like risking being on busy roads when others have been drinking and may be driving.

It means, let's get our baths early, then pull up a seat in the front yard and watch the neighbors put on an epic fireworks display!

It means we get to start our new year together! And that's just exactly how I would want it.

So, with that... have you decided on your word for the year? I have. I struggled with it!

First, I just knew it was going to be BUILD. Then, I really wanted PLAN. I even sat down and started a list of all the things I was PLANning in 2012. As I worked on that list, I realized that was really not what I was seeking at all.

What I really want to see more of is....

I'll tell you in a minute. Now, I will continue the story of our fancy schmancy New Year's Eve celebration. As you may remember, this is Jake's birthday . As far as my kids are concerned, that is why everyone is sending up fireworks and celebrating.

I just love it that they think that!

So, we did like we always do. We got our balloons ready. And Ellie kept telling me she wanted a "word".

I thought maybe she wanted to pray over them. But, finally I realized she wanted to WRITE a word on it. So, I gave her that opportunity. In fact, I let Gabs get after it too.Wait! Ellie wasn't quite done. She also needed to add a little color!

There! That oughta do it!

Gabs had already streaked outside to let hers go. At least her feet are warm.

Next up... Ellie Sue.

And so we let them send our balloons too. Daddy had gone by MMPT to use our helium tank to make four balloons, one for each of us to send.

This was a message from Daddy to Jake.

Gabbi Girl prepares for round two.

Jake, wherever you are and whatever you are doing... I hope you know for SURE that we have never and never will forget you! You are always going to be a four year old to us, because I have no idea how to imagine you as a 10 year old. WOW!!

You'd actually have some of your "big teeth" by now. Something you never got to experience.

But your picture was all over our Christmas tree. Your photos dot our home. Your memory is all over our lives.

And like that... the fourth and final balloon was launched to you.

Your MO has a big 2012 planned! I have always sort of done things on a whim. Always last minute. Never any real specificity to my daily routines. ANd now with little girls who rely on me to teach them about life, and how to maximize it... well, I have finally figured out what I hope to see more of in 2012.

ORDER!!

More on how/ why and what I intend to create ORDER in tomorrow. Are you ready to share your word?! Just think of what's been on your mind lately. What you've been wishing you coudl do more. How you want to feel? What has to happen to feel that way?! Choose your verb!! Then, live it out in 2012!!

Happy New Year, y'all!!

Mo

Todd's Man Cave... at Christmas

Yep. I kinda thought everyone would like to hear from Miss Mary Allison herself. It seems she was somewhat inspirational. She's a cool kid. I think we'll keep her! and let's move along on our Christmas Tour of Homes. Next up... Todd's man cave. Here he keeps a picture of our beloved Earl. I used to collect sporty Santas for him, but quite frankly, I don't have any more room for any new ones, so I just display the current collection.

One plays baseball, but all the rest are golfers.

I think they make a fine fit in this "boys only" room!

Although not on in this photo, we had lights strung all through this garland. I haven't taken any of these down yet, JUST IN CASE we end up having a party at our house for the big national Championship game!

There are even LSU helmet lights intertwined all in the garland!!

More golfing Santas!And then a few specific LSU figurines too.

Here's our LSU tree.

This sucker is FULL of LSU ornaments! I used to collect just about anything that was sporty or purple and gold. Now, it pretty much has to say LSU to make the cut. We are just plain old out of room!

And strangely, no matter where I am, I can see an ornament and totally remember if I do or do not already have it. And for that matter, I am referring to the ornaments on all SEVEN trees in my house!

That number one is a new one this year.

As is this one.

And I added two nutcrackers and this jersey.

And this was the first year I'd ever seen this megaphone.

Or this symbol of a structure on LSU's campus.

I am pretty sure this is a last year's jewel.

I even still have this invitation to Cindy's son, Robert Scott's, 5th birthday party. He is now in middle school!

Oh, and I like this one too. It's an LSU tiger choking an Auburn tiger.

Not that I am condoning violence or anything!

I had the opportunity to get Todd's dad's ballglove framed for him. He was pretty surprised.

I even scoured through tons of old photos to find this one of him and his dad, with Todd in his beloved Cowboys jersey. They shared a bond of a love of sports.

The plate on the bottom, in case you can't make it out, says

Scott Groves 1947-1997

Annnnnd, there's Ellie... not about to let me alone for a few minutes! Nosirreee. She is going to be wherever her mama is!! for sho!

And shall we take a little walk outside now?!

I am also leaving all of this up until at least the 9th when LSU creams Alabama.

Yes, as a matter of fact I DO know that I take Christmas a tad bit over the top when I am even decorating the back porches.

But hey, to each his own, right?! And if you look waaaaay back there, you can also see that the cottage is decorated.

This was a rainy, dreary kind of day. Doesn't matter to me though. I LOVE a reason to have to stay inside this time of year!

Ellie.... get back under this porch!!

And finally the screened porch! You know the PLANNED screened porch that has no screen!

What it DOES have is a seriously SAD looking poinsettia!!

And some cute cushions and bows!!

Have a great day everybody. Be safe. Be responsible. And be thinking about your word... what do you hope to see more of in your life in 2012!? I think I know mine, but I need to percolate on it all day tomorrow and maybe Sunday as well.

MO