Going to Rome!
I'm so excited. In two weeks Matt and I will be on a plane by OURSELVES headed to Italy.
Now, as excited as I am, I am totally going to miss my little man with every bone in my body. That's why I'm taking this blogging opportunity to thank God for the snow days gift. It was perfect. I got to spend major quality time with Corbin from the Friday before his birthday up to today (almost a week later). We have played with every birthday gift, colored some thank you cards, finished a puzzle, played our first "board" game together, shared hot chocolate, thrown snow balls, marveled at Daddy's fire in the fireplace... we even went to the indoor pool together today! He has been such a sweet boy, and has turned a corner (we hope) from some of the horrendous terrible two tantrums. Don't get me wrong, he still frequents time out. However, he is starting to express his feelings with words rather than shrills. For instance, when we informed him that he was not getting ice cream after his meal last night because he left his lasagna virtually untouched, he pouted and said, "but, I reeeewwwy want some white ice cweam. I feel fwustwated at you." Okay, back to Rome- I've been browsing some online sites and have narrowed down my must-see list. To the surprise of many, I do not have any desire to see the Vatican. Neither does Matt. So, we're pumped about focusing more on the tour of the ruins and Roman classics. Leading up to this trip we watched the Rome series (originally on HBO), and several specials on the History Channel. On our first snow day together we watched Agora and then did a little research online about Hypatia, the philosopher, and other cool happenings in Alexandria,Egypt right around the time of the official divide of the empire. Anyway, I'm nerding out. Totally pumped about our week in Italy. I will post pictures in February.
In other news, Corbin is 3!!! Holy cow! How did that happen? And, we are battling insurance (boo) on the upcoming ear surgery. We have a majorly big summer ahead. Tricare made it seem rosy initially, but now medical management wants to know why we're choosing a surgeon in California, and why we're opting for the Medpor implanted ear rather than a rib-graft construction. My defense at this point is, "Seriously?! My husband fights for this country six out of 12 months of each year. Risking his life each time he deploys. His insurance isn't sure if they want to cover the reconstruction of his child's birth defect?! I might just pull my own hair out!!!"
Anyway, as always, prayers are appreciated. We just want what is best for Corbin, and we'll fight the hard battle to get it.

This kid has a serious thing for Wall E.












The Christmas pajamas were a gift from Mema and Granddaddy. Totally adorable penguins in winter hats on a long,skinny toddler= perfection. 2011 has gotten off to a great start. I am publicly stating my resolutions. You may ask me about them in March to hold me accountable.
1. Be more optimistic
2.Floss
3.Start introducing some Spanish to Corbo

Now, for the BIG announcement. Matt and I read an article in The Pilot last week about a local couple who committed to not buying new "stuff" for an entire year. They spent 2010 forgoing consumerism. I found it fascinating. They laid ground rules out and stuck to it. They posted the plan in their home to remind them to stay diligent. What sparked their experiment was a little video called The Story of Stuff. I checked it out. It's a bit dramatic and leftist, but it does make one think about our ridiculous consumption-disposal cycle. I enjoy shopping and I have observed in myself certain spending trends. When I have a particularly rotten day, I fabricate a shopping list. It goes something like this: "gee, I feel rotten. Some retail therapy might cheer me up. Hmmm, Corbin does need new socks. I NEED some chapstick. We really NEED a door mat.... Before I know it I've visited Bed,Bath &Beyond, Wal Mart, and TJ Maxx to procure the needed (cough!) items, but I've been suckered into so much more. I can not admit to how many Goodwill trips I've made with useless junk that I purchased on a whim. And, I'd be further embarrassed to recount how many items I've thrown away. It seems that the majority of stuff we purchase is such poor quality that I end up replacing it within a few months. For example, we have been through at least 3 plastic brooms and 2 vacuums in the last two years. I go to Wal-Mart, succumb to the low prices, and then PAY for it later. Boy, this is a long post. I'll end it soon. The rules for us are as follows:
1.Groceries and toiletries are permitted
2.printer paper, pens, and pencils are permitted
3.Necessary household items that may break (refer back to the broom) can be replaced
4.2 meals out per month in restaurants (again, this has become a sort of therapy for me)
5.2 entertainment excursions per month
6.Running shoes as needed

NO new stuff. No new clothes, shoes, gadgets, make up, jewelry, cds, movies, books, etc...

What I hope will happen:
1.Save money for Corbin's surgery this summer
2.Learn new consumer responsibility
3.Spend far fewer hours in hell (a.k.a Wal-Mart)
4.Visit the library more, play board games
5.Learn to mend clothing out of necessity

What I hope won't happen:
1.Humiliation at the frumpiness of my old,dilapidated, out-dated clothes
2.Grumpiness