Photo Dump Wednesday: In a rut

First off, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope you had a great holiday with your loved ones. 

I haven't posted much lately because I am in a bit of a rut and am not sure why. Life has been quite busy and sometimes overwhelming. I have so much I would like to accomplish in the new year and I think that's part of why I have been in a rut because I am trying to properly articulate (in my mind) my top 3 to 5 goals for 2016. I don't make resolutions but as a Project Manager by trade, I like to set tasks and work to accomplish them. 

So while I ponder what my goals for 2016 will be, here are some pictures from the last 2-weeks.

On our way to NC for Christmas. The kids spent the time either screaming or talking. THEN just before we got there, they both decided to fall asleep. Ah huh! After keeping me up!

Christmas morning. All smiles. 

JAE's first Christmas! They were playing together. 

I love this picture of my littles :-). 

Took a page out of Peg's book and got matching PJs. I think this is a new tradition I'd like to continue each year. YAY!!!

JAE wasn't too impressed though.

Lots of presents "under" the Christmas tree! 

I told JOE that Santa sent the presents to her uncles and aunties because his sleigh was so full and he wanted to make sure she got her presents on Christmas morning. I'll have to figure out how to explain that to her when she is 5. For now, I am sticking with my story. 

My sister in law did a great job decorating their home. I took some pictures that I'd like to recreate next year. 

My brother turned the big 4-0 during the holidays and my sister in law threw him an awesome Golf themed birthday party. It was very nice. 

Yummy meatballs.

Delish guacamole made by my brother in law.

JAE and I took quite a few selfies. I mean, what else can we do when she is always glued to me. I am glad this is only a phase. I love that baby with all of my being. She is no light weight though :-). 

JOE spending some time with her grandpa and grandma.

It was a late night for JAE and she was pooped! 

The next day after Church, we went to a restaurant for lunch. I took this picture of my parents walking with their grand-daughters. Too precious!

Afterwards, JOE and her cousin walked back with my dad.

And why did I take this picture? Because it was the first time JAE let my dad hold her without crying or trying to get me to come take her! I just had to take a picture. No time for striking a pose. 

Back at home on January 1st, 2016

I love how she always comes at me with a very determined look. She is a FAST crawler too!

Some mommy/daughter selfies. I got my hair straightened on 12/31/16. I'll blog about that later.

She LOVES to take pictures. Check out her curls!!!

On 1/2/16, we got a chance to hang out with some bloggers turned friends. I just love that we get to experience this important part of family building/growing together. I am so thankful to have met these lovely ladies. 

On 1/3/16, we took down our Christmas decor. It was kinda sad having to put it all away. The house looks so different. I never really cared much for the set up/take down of the decor until I had kids. It really makes a difference to see the joy on their face during this magical time of the year.

On 1/4/16, JOE had her first visit to the Dentist. She did great and I am so proud of her. She answered the dentist's questions and even told her how she brushes her teeth twice a day!

My smiling JAE. Her hair now goes in pigtails because it gets in her eyes. So far, she isn't as fussy as JOE was at this age when doing her hair.

Sleepy baby. 

And she's out!

After J gets home from work, he takes the kids while I pump. Sometimes, JAE needs to see me to calm down. This is one of those evenings. I love her smile!

 But first and foremost, I love the man who fathered and fathers these awesome girls I call my daughters. 

I feel very thankful and grateful to God for his many blessings and for my family. I am going to strive to appreciate the little things and take the time to smell the roses this year. 

I didn't make any resolutions because I figured each day should be an improvement over the prior day so instead of making resolutions I won't keep, I'll simply take things one day at a time and will try to be a better me than I was the day before.

Happy New Year!