A Gurley Gurl: 2018

Monday, December 31, 2018

Best Of: 2018

I can't believe 2018 is OVER. Overall, we had a really great year. We transitioned schools for the big kids, Brent started a new job, I changed roles at work, and we all rocked it. It wasn't a perfect year {hello flu for 4 of us and strep 4 times for Drew!}, but considering 2017 had death, more illness {physical and mental}, I'll say 2018 was a winner. It also represents 10 years of blogging for me. I started in 2008 newly pregnant with Trent - WOW!

I also did another 'faves' post a few weeks ago that has some other favorites of 2018.

Best Book

Guys, I had SUCH a hard time picking a favorite this year.

I could easily have a 10-way tie. But I made myself pick a winner...

When you're an amazing book AND movie...it's kind of a no-brainer.

Runners up:

The Secret Life of Violent Grant by Beatriz Williams

The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katrina Bivald

Educated by Tara Westover

Nine Women, One Dress by Jane L. Rosen

Goodnight From London by Jennifer Robson

Worst Book

This book was so weird and annoying. The only good thing was it was short!

Best Movie

I remember seeing a preview for this and thinking it looked dumb.

My sister told me I'd love it, and she was right!

I also showed it to the big kids and they loved it too - and we LOVE the music.

Worst Movie

Allison and I expected this to be awful, and it wasn't, which was a huge surprise.

That still doesn't mean I loved it and would be happy to never see it again.

Best TV Show

I really love having a show to watch with Brent!

Best Trip

Our trip to Lost Pines with Nana!

Best Album

Golden Hour - Kacey Musgraves

This girl can seriously do no wrong - her music is magic.

Best Experience

The new school for the big 2!

While I LOVE where Paige is {and the big kids were there for 4 years},

it wasn't feasible to pay tuition for 3 kids.

I knew our current school would be a good option,

but I didn't know how good!

Trent and Drew are having fabulous years,

and I am genuinely excited to be a part of this school!

Worst Experience

Definitely lancing that pesky chalazion!

Favorite Family Picture

I'm so looking forward to what's in store in 2019!!

Thursday, December 27, 2018

Paige Turns 2!

I can't believe our Paigey turned 2 on Friday! The kids were out of school, and I took off work, so we enjoyed a fun day with our girl.

First, we went to get donuts, but Paige got mad when she realized I didn't have a cake pop for her {I guess she thinks all drive thrus result in a cake pop? Too much Starbucks perhaps?}, so she pitched a fit over the donuts but did DRINK UP her very own chocolate milk.

It's so good when it hits your lips.

I babysat our neighbor/friend's kids for a couple of hours, and these boys are some of Paige's favorite friends, so we did lots of playing.

Later in the day, Drew's bestie, Brooklyn, dropped off some surprise Christmas cupcakes, so I think the donut fiasco was redeemed by cupcakes!

When Brent got home from work, we went up the street to the coolest house in our neighborhood that does CRAZY Christmas lights all season as a Make-a-Wish fundraiser and Santa was going to be there!

Looking at all the lights

Saturday morning, we had a small breakfast party for Paige. The main attraction was the hot chocolate bar - yum!

I had these cute labels made - so fun!

All the add-ins, Bailey's for the adults only of course!

I made 2 casseroles - my breakfast bake and a French toast one.

We tried donuts again haha.

Such a shame she has no personality.

Singing to our big 2 year old!

We have a cute video and she actually blew out the candle.

She had fun opening her presents - she seems to be starting to get the concept of presents - it was really cute.

My mother-in-law got her this bath scrubber and she bit it and said 'Yum!'

Patty and I got these birthday angels every year and I'm continuing the tradition.

We also decided to trim Paige's hair - like her sister, she had a decent rat tail growing, so it just needed to be evened up. Aunt Patty did the honors for both girls.