almost new year. new look.

I am not planning on changing my hair color before the new year so giving the blog a fresh new look will suffice for now. I wish I had mad computer skills so I could customize my page (anyone want to help?) but for today, I chose this template. The light background is a nice change of pace.

A creature of habit, I have already boxed up Christmas decor and the tree is in a snowbank in our front yard. Scott laughs at me regarding my obsessive compulsive behavior when it comes to finishing projects and organizing, but I know that secretly that is one of the reasons he picked me to be his wife. At least I will keep telling myself that.

I have already started preparation for the new year. Yoga has been an integral part of my to do list for the last few weeks. It takes me the first half of the class to get my muscles warmed up and by the last half of the class I can slowly stretch those muscles which have been horribly out of practice for the last 8 months. I have no idea what caused the initial disc injury but I am just happy I can actually put my socks on without excruciating pain. I have no weight goals for the new year - I'm just thankful I can work out again!

Sometimes it startles me how fast Jacob grows. He turns 2 years old on the 1st of January. Although Scott always jokes about a 2007 tax write-off, starting off the first day of 2008 with a new baby was a phenomenal way to start the year. Now, on the first of each new year I love the fact that Jacob starts a new year of his life and I look forward to the exciting and new discoveries we will make. I feel like I am starting to get more comfortable in my own skin as a parent. I still throw tantrums now and again but with each day I gain confidence and realize that there isn't a perfect way to raise a child. With God's grace and help I plan to stay balanced, mindful, and enjoy that little boy every single minute.

In the new year I plan to eliminate as best I can expectation and judgement. This is truly a challenge for me. I plan everything and usually have an expectation of how things will go. Scott perpetually reminds me that setting expectations usually leads to disappointment for me when they things don't turn out as I think they will. I think some expectation, goals and routine are necessary, but I'm working on flexibility with the outcome.

Another goal for the new year is to take a photography class. Scott and I bought ourselves a new camera for our Christmas present to each other. (Should I say Scott bought it since I don't contribute financially to the household?) Anyway, we are excited about it and I am looking forward to learning some new photography skills. Learning how to use the camera would probably be a good step too.

These days Scott and I are rarely stay up until midnight. However, if we are up at that hour on New Year's Eve you can bet we'll be jumping off our chairs into the new year. A long standing Jacobson tradition. Although, with my old lady hip I will probably opt for jumping off of a low step.

As I reflect on 2009 I am filled with joy for everything that God has blessed us with. My cup runneth over.

I hope 2010 brings you joy, love, laughter, health, happiness and all things good.

When life gives you a snowstorm - go sledding!

We had planned to drive to Omaha to spend Christmas with the Sinclair family. Unfortunately, Old Man Winter showed up, and we decided driving down I-35 in less than ideal conditions with a 2 year old wasn't a smart decision. We were disappointed to say the least, as we'd been telling Jacob for the last week how he was going to get to play with Noah and Hayden. All week he had been asking about them, and he even got to the point where he would point up to their presents that were on our shelf in the closet and say "Noah", "Hayden". In addition to our change of plans, our Christmas Eve service at our church was cancelled!

On the other hand though, I am truly thankful for our other family that is in town. Mike's family invited us to come over for sledding and dinner and Sarah and Mike hosted dinner on Christmas day. Jacob had a blast sledding and Dad got some exercise (not only did he ride down the hill with Jacob but he pushed Jacob up the hill at least four times).

Jacob had a great time opening his gifts - it has only taken 3 days. He had 6 presents under the tree and he opened a couple of them and started playing with his new drill and truck. We asked him if he wanted to open another gift and he said "no" and just kept on playing. This morning he noticed another gift under the tree and picked it up and brought it over and asked if he could open it.

I am so thankful that no matter where we are and what the weather is doing we are blessed with our gift all year long, our little "Jabits".

We hope you all had a Merry Christmas, and may God bless you and your family in the new year!

Christmas picture fun

Photos by Sarah Sinclair Barntsen

Our new (to us) table

This table brings me great joy for the following reasons:

* Jacob's legs fit under it while sitting in his booster chair.

* It is round. I think I will always get round tables in the future.

* It is smooth. No more slivers in my forearm.

* It matches our chairs perfectly.

* It gives me a reason to buy a new tablecloth.

* It is from the 60's. I bet there were some great conversations around this table.

* This Ethan Allen table is in great condition and came with two leaves and a protective pad...all for $100. Great find, Scott!

Walking in a winter wonderland

Scott had a class in Madison last week and I was able to join him for a few days. Although Scott was in class all day it was nice to hang out in the evenings and explore Madison a bit. They got hit with a major snowstorm while I was there which prevented me from driving a bit further to Milwaukee to see my best friend from high school but other than that setback it was a nice few days. We met up with some friends, did a bit of Christmas shopping, ate really good cheese curds, and saw a performance of Grease (Scott's favorite part of the week) which included Ace Young and Taylor Hicks in the cast for all of you American Idol fans.

All aboard the Holiday Train!

Santa Claus was busy last week checking up on all of the boys and girls along the Mississippi river. He was on his way back to the north pole in preparation for his Christmas Eve journey when he made his stop in Hastings. He likes to give the reindeer a break before the big night so he hired a Canadian Pacific train for this trip. Jake is still talking about the train with the lights.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

Corval Group Christmas party

1. Mr. and Mrs. Scott Sinclair. P.S. Remind me to not curl my hair again until it gets longer.

2. Pretend like you like each other!

3. This is Scott's boss, Scott with his wife Irene. I wonder if Scott and Scott ever get phone calls intended for the other Scott.

4. Anthony (Scott's co-worker) and his fiancee, Rachel.

5. Patrick (Scott's office mate) and his fiancee, Laura.

It was a lovely evening with appetizers, drinks, a tasty meal, and entertainment from the comedian Scott Hansen. Much to my dismay the dance floor remained relatively empty once the DJ's started playing and I didn't want to be "that girl". At least not at Scott's company party. Maybe next year. :)

We're getting into the holiday spirit. Bring on the eggnog and Tismas! (That is how Jacob says Christmas).

Good stuff, Maynard!

Do you remember the Malt-O-Meal commercial from the 80's? I don't think Jacob would even consider sharing with a bear. He eats his entire bowl and usually asks for more. This kid cracks me up.

Jacob is a very bouncy fella

I took Jacob to the local gymnastic center which opens once a month for our MOMS Club. From the time we walked in until we left an hour later he literally didn't stop moving. Unfortunately for me, he wanted to go in the foam pit at least 5 times. If you've never been in one I will just tell you they are extremely hard to get out of. Getting out of there is a workout in itself. (At least, for those out of shape 30 somethings). It was truly a fun morning and we are already looking forward to next month!