Happy 2011!
Happy back-to-school!
Happy now-I-have-to-shed-this-christmas-weight-on-top-of-what-i-was-already-trying-to-lose.
Yes, it's that time of year again. You take a deep breath and realize that you have re-organize your storage to fit in your Christmas loot, step up your exercise to make up for all the treats and not exercising over the holiday season, and do some fancy accounting to pay for it all.
We tried to keep the gifts giving simple this year. Well, more like, we had no choice. Going back to being a one income family means less money for gift buying, party going and well, pretty much everything. But, we had a most marvelous time just being with family and enjoying the simple things.
There still seemed to be plenty of loot under the tree. Granted we also had gifts for 10 people under there.
My favorite part is the stockings... all hung in a row...
And of course, the faces of my loved ones as they opened gifts and .... well I don't have a lot of those pictures, as I was quite busy helping Vicki play Santa and drinking as much coffee as humanly possible. I barely that night. Call it the anticipation of seeing the kids open their presents... the excitement of seeing if Santa had truly arrived, or the joy of contemplating the gift of Christ some 2000 years ago.
Whatever it was, I was a walking zombie. But a very content and Christmas-joy-filled mom.
Christmas wrapped up a year of change and growth for our family. We are thankful for all we have, and all the memories we have created together.
Looking into the year lying ahead of us now, we know it will bring more change and growth. As I search for a part-time job, as Samm heads to 16 and **gulp** driving, as the big kids continue to work out their plans for school, jobs and how to make it as emerging adults in this tough economy, and the regular every day stuff of life.
I don't make New Year Resolutions. I don't believe in them. Can't say I have ever seen anyone keep one. Instead, I will share the areas in my life where I am putting some focus and have been and will continue to try to grow in.
- To take better care of my body and my health. I don't want to take for granted my good health. I want to actively contribute to and sustain it.
- To be less judgmental, but instead be ready with a kind word, thought, deed and prayer for any and all who need it.
- Make sure my husband and children know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are loved and adored by me. I will give of my heart and my time to them.
- More time with God, in His Word and in His Presence.
- To make a little time each day to spend on my talents and passions.
May the year ahead bring each you blessings of peace and joy. May your home be warm, and your cupboards full. May your family grow closer and experience contentment in each other. May your heart be filled to capacity. May your cup runneth over.
