New Years Resolutions.....

I'm not the kind of person that normally makes a New Years Resolution. I always feel like it setting yourself up for failure. But this last year I accomplished more than I ever thought I could.

Last July I told myself that I was going to get healthy and make a huge change in my life. I gave up my favorite things in the world (pepsi and treats) and started a lifestyle change in my eating habits. I also started exercising, which I hadn't really done since highschool. The first few weeks were the hardest I had ever had. I never knew how much I relied on food to get me by. But as the days went by and I actually started to see results I knew that I had done the best thing for myself. I never knew I could actually have that much self-control to stick to it for the last 6 months. So now here I am....52 pounds lighter and much happier.

So now that I know that I am able to see something through I want to try to make a resolution and make it happen. I couldn't decide what I wanted to change the most in my life this year, whether I wanted it to be about me or others. So I decided to not make just one large resolution, but many small ones......

I want to be a nicer person. I want to be un-selfish and do for others, to help when its needed. I want to make more friends. I want to visit places and do new things. I want to learn to not be afraid of stupid things, like snow & dating (random, huh?). I want to open myself up to people and not hold back, to not keep it all in and be closed off. Does that make sense? I want to be a "new" me that is more adventurous and fun. I want to a person that someone would love and want to be with. I want my family to be healthy and happy. I want the best for them all. I want to "Pay it Forward". I want, I want, I want....wow, I need to work on that. I guess I should say instead, " I would really really like for.....".

I just know that I can BE better. So if any of you have any more ideas for me to make this happen then please feel free to write and give suggestions. I just hope that I can do these things. I guess we'll see. Let's see if I can make this new year one like I've never had before!

Its Christmas Time!!!!

Can you believe that Christmas has come and gone already??? It seems like we wait forever for it to finally get here, then all of a sudden its over. I love the Christmas season (minus the snow). I love the lights, the decorations, even the shopping. I always put up my tree the day after Thanksgiving so the season can last longer. We even had out lights up BEFORE Halloween! So here's a few pictures I managed to take of my holiday...

I got to cookin' like I always do (extra hard this year considering I'm not supposed to eat this yummy stuff anymore). I made yummy pecan tarts, gingerbread cookies, and pretzel/rolo goodies. Then I made gift bags of popcorn with seasonings to give away. It all looked so good, I hope it tasted good too.....

So every year we try to cram as many people into out house as we can. I don't know why we do this and not move to a bigger venue, but whatever. So with everyone in the living room, I try to find people to hand them their gifts. It is pretty crazy!!! Then the wrapping paper fights begin and it becomes a mad house. One thing though...I wouldn't change it for the world. This is my family, I love all the craziness and mayhem!! What would I do if I didn't have this to drive me mad?

Its fun to see people you don't get to see often, but its hard because you don't get to really visit and sit & talk much. I can't believe how large this family has gotten in the past few years. We were missing some people too. I'm just so happy to welcome new people into this wacky family and to get reacquanted with others who've been her awhile. I just don't like the clean-up afterwards. Where are my helper elves when I need them?

So my sister Christy gave everyone a Million-Dollar bill as her gift (they were fake). People got such a kick out of them and Tucker ended up with like $5 million I think. If only......

I'm so thankful for so many things. I have a great family, my health, a home, a job, etc. This Christmas was a great one and I appreciate all that I was given and thank everyone. Christmas has now come and gone, and now we begin a new year. I hope it is full of fun and adventure, and all good things for me & my family. I love you all and wish you a very Merry Holiday and an even better and joyous New Year!!!