Let it Snow!!

Oh how I love winter weather. I know I say that about every season but they all come with such a refreshing, new and exciting feeling. We were blessed early in January with a beautiful snow. We came out of church and as we sat looking out the window these huge snow flakes began to fall all around us. The biggest flakes I have ever seen. It was fun to have snow ball fights, drink hot chocolate and of course have homemade donuts with Kerry's family courtesy of Memaw Kindle and snow ice cream thanks to Aunt Jennifer. It was a very magical day and I am so thankful for those beautiful memories, which I captured with my new camera that Kerry surprised me with for Christmas. We made a deal this year regarding our gifts to each other. I had been wanting a new Coach purse and he wanted a new cell phone. So being that we both were very particular and they were around the same price we decided to pick out our own presents this year. And other than stocking stuffers that was suppose to be our gifts to each other. But of course Kerry had to go and make me feel bad by buying me an awesome new camera and surprising me with it. Which was a great surprise but all I had for him was a new belt, cologne and some small stuff on Christmas morning. Not that I don't LOVE my camera, because I definitely do but I was a lil embarrassed. He didn't act one bit disappointed though and was just so proud of himself for pulling off a surprise. Which is a big deal for him because usually he cannot keep a secret. He is the type that wants to give you whatever he has for you as soon as he buys it. It is pretty cute I must admit but I am thankful for this surprise. And now thanks to him I have been picture happy and have tons of them to post. We have been enjoying the laziness of this month and spending lots of time at home snuggled up watching football and movies and playing board games. We have also spent some great time with our friends and family. I am trying to be more of a chief at the Kindle home and have been focusing more on planning and preparing us some yummy yet healthy meals and treats. Its actually been a lot of fun and I have a very good helper who loves to cook and bake. Aubree is no longer taking gym or dance classes due to the fact that she didn't like being so busy and going to the classes. For now she would rather stay home and play in the afternoons. This was a difficult decision for me because I wanted her to have the advantage of starting early but she just hated leaving the house. (Could have something to do with the fact that we got 2 new puppies and all she wants to do is play with them.) Once we got there she loved it and had fun and was a great learner. But getting her there had become a battle and a fight every time we had to go. So for now we are enjoying our time together at home in the evenings. Her instructor said this is pretty common at her age and to try her again when she is 5 yrs old. So I guess we will see about it again in the future. We do still enjoy playing gymnastics at home in the comfort of our living room with all her babies and pets. Lol! Kerry has started his final semester for his degree in air conditioning/heating and refrigeration. His schedule is not so crazy this time and we are looking forward to his graduation in May. God has blessed me in so many ways with a wonderful husband, loving father and best friend. I am enjoying this chapter in our lives and look forward to all our "seasons" together. Aubree and I met him last night in between classes for a yummy dinner at Red Lobster. It was a great night and while he was in class we did a little shopping to pass the time. On our way into Target, we were trotting along holding hands and she looks up at me and says, " I want to be just like you." Talk about priceless. It melted my heart. I didn't know what to say to her. I am very hard on myself and am a perfectionist. Many times I feel as if I fall short of the person and mother I want to be and feel let down at times by things I do or don't do. This made me realize how much of an impact I am making in her life. And that in her eyes I am doing a pretty good job. Which means the world to me! Of course, I will always strive for perfection but it's nice to know I am a harder critic on myself than she is. In so many ways I want her to be better than I am. I want more for her than I had and so I take that statement as a compliment but I hope she surpasses the person I am and is so much more than I will ever be. It is my prayer that God will work in her and use her for great things! It has been such a great winter month and I am excited for every precious memory we are making!