"Snow" Much Fun

I couldn't resist the play on words. Forgive me. But, we really have been having a lot of fun in the snow around here...sledding, sliding, slinging. Hmm...anymore "sl"s?

It's been a big one--for these parts anyway ( and I THANK the Lord we still have electricity). We are now officially on a solid 3 days of school being closed which also means a solid 3 days of not going anywhere. So the snow is pretty much what we have relied on to keep us entertained. So much for returning to a "routine".

Although, our days have been filled with cold, wet, white fun, I would be lying if I didn't say, I'm just about on the verge of being over this snow thing. Cabin fever, anyone? Tomorrow might be the day that sends me over the edge. But, until that moment I will relish in the fun we've had thus far.

Happy Snow Days to all!

Book Review: Sundays At Tiffanys

What if your imaginary friend from childhood was your one true love?

This is the sentence that graced the cover of my most recent read. It was Sundays At Tiffanys by James Patterson. I was looking for a light hearted, feel good read and my Mom passed this on to me. And light hearted and feel good is exactly what it was.

I wouldn't say that I connected to it...I never had an imaginary friend, although I probably could have used one, being an only child and all. But it did remind me of a few things, like for one, how lucky I am to love my husband, and how there really are jerks in this world (and I am so thankful I didn't choose one), and following your heart isn't always a bad thing, and oh, how so bad I would love to take a trip to New York again soon!

This novel was a super easy read, I think I finished in less than a week (hence the reason it is tailgating my last book review). It definitely reminded me of a Lifetime or Hallmark movie and ironically, I just found out that they are/have made it into a Lifetime movie (not sure when it was published, therefore not sure if it's in movie form yet). But, if you are in to that kind of thing, this is definitely for you. And if you're not, I can't imagine anyone not smiling or getting a little giddy while reading it.

So, in the spirit of this novel...cheers to love and a very happy ending!

A Look Back: 2010

I like to take a look back at the previous year each January. I am always amazed by how much my kid(s) have changed and all that we have accomplished in 12 months.

I have to admit it was harder this go round to pick one single event that stood out to me in each month. With two kids, I felt like many times there was something special about each of them in each month. But, keeping true to my promise, I narrowed the list and found the one thing that reminded me of that month in the year 2010.

Some months were almost impossible, I couldn't believe all that had happened. And then there were a few months where I almost wondered "what did we do?". Then I would assume that either Maggie was teething or Jack was having a few 3 year old moments that month.

Regardless, 2010 was truly a special year for our family. 3 years old has proven to be Jack's year (most of the time, anyway). We relish in his company, his wit, his thought process, and everything he is becoming. He has been a true joy and a fabulous big brother. I couldn't be prouder of him. And then there is Maggie, oh dear sweet Maggie. She really became a part of the family in 2010. So many milestones were hit and so many hugs and kisses were passed around. Maggie's love permeates everywhere she goes. She has brought this family together like no other--what a special addition.

So with that being said, here is A Look Back at The Cibula's 2010...

January: My sweet 2 month old baby girl gave us her first smile and let me tell you...it was heaven!

February: What more could a girl ask for? I enjoyed a Valentine's date with my two boys at Jack's pre-school. Love was certainly in the air. And look at that baby face...it will amaze you how much it changes by the end of the year. My first baby sure is growing up!

March: Snow in March, really? This boy had more fun during this impromptu snow playdate. I had just picked him from school and we were headed in for lunch and nap and then this...I could hardly get him back inside. So, I gave in, went and grabbed my camera and now, I'm so glad that I did.

April: THREE...glorious 3! It has really been life changing around here. I can actually rationalize with the boy. Love it!

May: Our 3 family beach trip to Rosemary. Kids, sand, sunshine...What else can I say?

June: My all time favorite photo session...Maggie's sitting session. We got gorgeous pictures of the kids and even a family picture that I can tolerate. Not to mention my sweet Mags, who was just starting her separation anxiety, did wonderful. She must have known that it was all about her!

July: A trip up the East coast...to beautiful Maine...with my hubby...sans kids...perfection!

August: Jack going off to the 3's classroom was a hard one to swallow. Only one more year in Pre-school after this...what will I do? I'm already getting teary eyed.

September: I love that this is the way my kids looked after our annual "Babies & BBQ"/cookout this year. Do you think they had fun? Not to mention, this is just about the time when Jack and Maggie started to interact on a "higher" level. I use that term loosely:)

October: She couldn't have gotten any cuter on Halloween if she had tried. I remember being stumped as to what her costume would be when Jack said he wanted to be a spider. And then it hit me one sleepless night...and it could not have worked out any cuter!

November: So bitter sweet, but it's inevitable, right? My darling Magpie turned the big 1 turkey style. Mmmm...love that girl!

December: Okay, this might seem obvious for December. But, I didn't choose it for the reason you are thinking. I chose it because I was SHOCKED that Maggie let this happen. I was totally prepared to sit on Santa's lap with my kiddos in hand. So, needless to say, I was thrilled. Maggie?, not so much. But I did get that Santa picture...yay!

Christmas Again

As if Santa didn't deliver an entire sleigh full to the Cibula house, here come Grammy and Grampa with Christmas again. I'm not complaining and the kids certainly aren't either, but where am I going to put this second load of Christmas loot? Right now it is adorning my once living room. I'm hoping to transition part of it to the playroom in time.

So, with lots of Christmas goodies in hand, Grammy and Grampa graced us with a Christmas visit and it was as wonderful as always. I might have to let Grammy play Santa more often. Her toys were a hit with Jack and Maggie. She always knows just what they will actually play with!

I, along with the rest of the family, only wished they could have stayed longer. We celebrated our Christmas Part 2 with gift giving, family time, and busy kiddos....which I'm sure wore us all out. Clay and I were ecstatic about one of our gifts which was babysitting for New Years Eve night and sleeping in. We've come to cherish "free" nights out.

Clay made the plans so you can guess that it might involve football. Yes, we attended the Chick-fil-a Peach Bowl where FSU played. I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Can't complain about a night sans kids! Thanks Grammy and Grampa! Looking forward to another visit.

Now, it's time to put Christmas to bed around here. Down with the decorations and an extreme attempt at returning to a routine. Jack is already longing for school (can't complain about that) and I am definitely ready to return to our "normal".

So long Christmas! It was a great one (both times)!