It's that time again

2012 was a great year for us at the Townsend house. Both Eric and I changed jobs - smaller school for me and no traveling for him.  It did take me a little getting used to having Eric here during the week.  But we ended up cooking more at home and saving some money.  Which is always a plus!

I learned to say "No" to my kids.  As a mother, you want to provide them with everything they need and want.  But I realized I wasn't doing them any favors.  If I don't teach them to budget and to save, they will be in for a world of trouble.  Even if they go to college, that does not guarantee them a job in this economy.  Saying "No"  has been difficult at times, but we are in the home stretch now. 

They didn't need to eat breakfast every morning at McDonald's or Hardees before school.  Yes, we are in a hurry in the morning - but Fruit Loops in a baggie, pop tarts, breakfast at school are all great, cheaper, healthier solutions.  They also don't need every new app that comes out.  I could not believe how much money we spent at iTunes.  Ridiculous! 

I sat down and wrote my 2013 goals for next year.  I did this because 1) I am a list maker.  and 2)  This will help keep me accountable.

Personal:
1.  Read through the Bible in one year.  Our Church did this last year, and I kick myself for not doing this one.
2.  Read at least 24 books on my book list.  This is not going to be a problem.  I love the read.  Reading has always relaxed.  Oddly enough, Corbin said the same thing not to long ago.
3.  Run at least one 5k race.  I am going to encourage Eric and Allie to assist me on this one.  Eric wants to get into shape and us do something together.  Allie is just a natural runner and loves it.
4.  Take at least one photo a day for my Project Life album.

Marriage:
1.  Have monthly date nights with Eric.  This year we did better at this one.  We still need to work on it so I think I will try planning one to make sure we accomplish this goal.
2.  Go on 2 weekend retreats sans kids.  This is going to be a hard one.  Our kids are involved in extracurricular activities that we love to watch.  I also feel guilty that I work all day and think I should spend every waking minute with them.  But I know that when I do get away, I come back refreshed and a better mommy.
3. Go on a family vacation.

Friendships:
1.  Write at least 2 handwritten notes every month to encourage someone.
2.  Go out to eat with girlfriends at least once a month.

Financial:
1.  Tithe 10% of our income.  It's not "ours" anyway.
2.  Give generously to needs in the community and around the world.
3.  Become debt free except for the house. 


I plan on updating my list once a month and crossing off what I accomplish.  2012 was just a blessing to me, and I look forward to 2013.

What I'm Learning from my Daughter

Lately it seems, instead of me teaching Allie things, she is teaching me a few lessons.  Here are some of the things I have learned recently.

1.  To have a good time.  Allie is always happy.  I got to talk to her teacher before school got out and her teacher commented that Allie is just a happy -go-lucky-gal.  Her teacher said that Allie talks to everyone and is nice to everyone.  I was so proud to hear this.  I feel like Allie is nice to everyone,but it is so nice when someone else comments on it. 

2.  To let go and move on.  About a month ago, a little boy in her class went out of control.  The teacher had to get everyone out to calm him down.  Allie did not say a word about it.  I ask her every day, " How was school?"  I had another parent tell me.  When I questioned Allie, she said that the boy was special and couldn't help it.  She told me not to worry that the kid liked her.  She was afraid the story would worry me. 

3.  To be content.  Our church has done a lot of mission work for an orphanage in Honduras.  Allie and Corbin's Sunday School class took up donations and money to send them.  I have heard Allie on several occasions tell Corbin to be happy with what he has.  She will say "What if you lived in Honduras and you had to eat molded bread or had no shoes to wear?" 

4.  To take silly pictures of yourself and laugh.  Allie got a Kindle Fire for Christmas.  She told me I could play on it.  I looked at the photo section and saw these two pictures.

 

 

 

Love that sweet girl!  I hope she always stay happy, content, and secure with herself.

Christmas 2012

I only have iPhone pictures for this Christmas because I forgot to grab my camera.

We had a fabulous Christmas. We got more than we deserved.




Allie with her cousins, Emma and Ava. Allie and her American Girl doll look so much alike.




Corbin and his gold controller that came all the way from Hong Kong. Ha! He loved it!




I love these two so much! The Lord has been so good to me! I can't wait to see what He has in store for me in 2013.

Winter Fashion

It is cold here in the South.  I know I complained when it was so hot for so long, but I am not a fan of the cold weather.  I am trying to shop my closet, instead of buying any new clothes lately.  Eric has shut my debit card down for a month.  Ha!  We spent quite a bit on the kids this year.  I can't wait to see their faces when they open their presents.  I am also trying to lose some weight. 

I keep saying I am trying to lose weight, yet I have yet to eat better or work out.  I need to get busy on that goal.  I read the blog http://cornerofjoy.blogspot.com/ , and she had some Pinterest fashion ideas that I love.  I already have most of the pieces, too.  So I am going to try to pull off these outfits in the near future.

I have a long pink maxi shirt, leopard scarf, and light brown cardi.  This outfit will be easy to duplicate.

I have a short black dress instead of the longer version so I will definitely add tights.

I love, love this outfit!  The yellow skirt is so bold and playful.  I am on the hunt for a yellow skirt now!

I love reading blogs and looking at their outfit suggestions.  My only problem is I stay on the computer too long!  Happy Saturday!

Most Unusual Christmas Gift

As a teacher, I get lots of little knickknacks for Christmas. I have gotten my fair share of coffee cups, ornaments, necklaces, candy, Bath and Body lotions, etc.

This year I am teaching in a small country school. One of my boy students brought me deer antlers from a deer he had killed. Ha!

I can say I have never received that gift before. He was so proud of his gift.





My husband and son thought this was the best gift ever.

Chicks with Sticks

Allie took an after school class - Chicks with Sticks- this semester. She loved twirling the baton. They were in the Christmas parade and did a great job. So proud of her!



Allie and her friend before the parade.



Allie with the CFA cow!



During the parade





After the parade and worn out! Ha!

Piano Recital 2012

Corbin and Allie did so good in the first piano recital. We were so proud of them.




Corbin went first and played the best he's ever played. Allie played second and hit the wrong first note and then giggled. Ha! She regrouped and played beautifully. She is a very silly girl.




Allie and two friends that came to support her.




Group picture #1




Group picture #2
We love Ms Jessica and are so thankful for her. We look forward to next year's recital!

Catching up!

December arrived with a bang, and it hasn't slowed down yet.  Between our jobs, Christmas events, and both kids playing basketball, we are never home.  I know it will slow down soon though.  Here is what has been happening with the Townsends.

1.  Allie and Corbin had their piano recital.  They both did a great job, and we are so proud of them. Allie seems to like it more than Corbin, but Corbin had expressed interest in playing the drums in middle school next year.  I found out that band teachers like to have their drummers have piano lessons.  So we are making him stick with it a little bit longer. 

2.  At piano recital, one of my former students was there.  He is a freshman this year and not your typical piano player.  Ha!  He did amazing.  He played Silent Night and Just a closer walk with thee in a jazzy, Southern Gospel way.  You could not help tapping your foot along with him.  I was so proud of him.  He had a rough 8th grade year, so it was so good to see him doing something positive. 


3.    I have come to the conclusion that my Allie is going to be an athlete and not a dancer.  I know this is silly, but I am not an athlete at all.  But she is going to be tall and she is fast, so I know this is right for her.  I will cheer her on no matter what she does.  Love that girl!

4.  Corbin had a rough patch at school and at home.  I call it the "preteen" disorder.  He didn't want to do his homework or his chores, arguing, not cooperating, etc.  You know how that goes.  But after a good talking to by his dad, he has turned a corner.  Taking the Xbox away might have helped that, as well. 

5.  Tomorrow is Eric and my 12 year anniversary.  Wow!  Where has the time gone?  Both of us just wanted to order a pizza tonight and watch movies on the couch.  Crazy, I know.  Years ago, I would have pitched a fit because we were not doing anything grand.  Oh, how time changes you.  Plus, I am worn out.  I just want to stay in my sweats all day.  This is the only Saturday we will have off for 2 months.

Hopefully, I can add the recital pictures soon.  Life is crazy busy right now, but one day I know I will look back and smile about all the good memories. 

December 1

Allie had her first basketball game today.  Go Allie!  She is playing on a new team and has a great coach.  Here they are pregame for a coach's conference.

Her team won and Allie scored 6 points.  After the game, we let C and A play on the playground behind the school.  Today was such a beautiful day!

Daddy and Mommy might have played on the playground, too!  Ha!