hello january

i've been trying to write a proper post showcasing the end of two thousand eleven for a few days now. the new year should bring with it a fresh start, resolutions, recollections, and gratitude. while i am experiencing such things, i'm currently caught in the middle of a few transitions.

 i'm starting a new job [officially] on monday, teaching preschool full time.
i am beyond excited. this is what i have experience in, what i love doing, and i couldn't be happier. and any other things going on are boring, trivial, yet need to be done. once i get into a normal routine i think i'll be feeling refreshed and ready to make two thousand twelve my bitch best year ever.
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last week, we celebrated the birthdays of my lovely mom and step daddio with a joint celebration.
mama turned the big five-oh in november and tap [the endearing name for the step daddio] turned fifty on new years day.

it was a fun evening full of yummy drinks, street tacos, and dancing.
dancing that was caught on video but should never see the light of the internet due to the fact that people's employment and relationships could be in jeopardy.
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happy two thousand and twelve people, maybe tomorrow i'll post some resolutions...and stuff.

noël

a peek into a lovely christmas celebration.

wishing you all love and cheer during the holiday season.

xo, hay

insta-christmas-weekend

maybe i'll show some real photos later, and hopefully everyone had a fantastic holiday.

fill in the blank friday.

1. The best way to spread Christmas cheer: is by helping others and making others around you joyful.

2. The thing I love most about Christmas is: being with family and giving. Giving gifts, giving to charity, giving love, that's my favorite part.

3. The holiday season is a time for: reflection and gratitude.

4. My favorite thing to eat during the holidays: is Christmas chocolate of course! Or soup/casserole. Any kind of comfort food is perfect.

5. I will be spending Christmas: Eve at my Dad's with my brothers' and all of Kate's family, and the 25th with my Mom's side. I'm excited to be around all of the family.

6. Tis better to [give or receive]?

see above.

7. I'm dreaming of a: calm and mellow Christmas. I'm excited to see my family open gifts and spend time relaxing together.

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linking up with Lauren today, if you want to link up too leave me a comment so I can check out your blanks.

xo, hay

you'd think we were toddlers.

taking a decent photo of your kids proves to be a challenge at any age. 

mom found out the hard way.

 take note to alex's face 

[far right]

and now tucker's

[middle]

 semi normal 

[of me at least]

there's a keeper.

on a side note,