Happy New Year!

Christmas is over and New Year's Eve is tomorrow! How fast time flies! The holidays were excellent and the snowfall just prior to Christmas added to the festive atmosphere! Christmas eve and Christmas morning were especially wonderful! Having the kids both here, and waking up in the early morning to the excitement of stockings, wrapping paper, laughter, camera flashes and love is so very special, and there are not words to describe how blessed I feel !

A combination of the busy hustle and bustle, a lack of funds and our desire not to pack on extra pounds this year, resulted in not doing some of the things that have become traditions in our family...and I missed them!

1-Our annual overnight shopping trip to Kansas City.
2- Our mother/son & father/daughter day shopping event (usually the week before Christmas).
3-Our candy making evening.

We did celebrate the holidays with Marvin's family, and although we were able to spend a couple of hours with my mom and step dad, my siblings and my dad were unavailable.

The past year has been a challenge financially, but, after tomorrow, that situation should improve as I begin working full time again! It has been a worrisome year, but in the long run, it should be a good thing for us, providing not only more income...but better, more affordable insurance and a return to retirement saving as well!

Chas, Shane,Marvin and I are entering this year a bit more svelte than last year! Chas has lost almost 90 pounds, Shane is down over 40, I shed more than 30 and Marvin lost over 15! If you have the need for dieting help...we highly recommend sparkpeople.com!

The past year has seen lots of illness and time spent in hospital rooms and beside sick beds. Losing Becky was very hard, and we miss her chatter and never ending supply of energy very much! Helen is much improved and her pacemaker finally seems to be doing its job! Bill is very ill, and we count every day of life for him...an extra special blessing.

I have been thinking about New Year's resolutions...and here is a partial list...

1-I resolve to spend as much time as possible with my husband and kids...they are my everything!

2-I resolve to tell all three of them that I love them every chance that I get and to hug them as often as possible!

3-I resolve to KEEP the weight that I have lost off!

4-I resolve to try each day to be more open to and aware of the needs of those around me...especially those less fortunate...and to be willing to help whenever I can.

The list will continue to grow...well into the New Year!

I wish you all a very Happy New Year, full of love, life, happiness and Gods blessing and mercy!

Be Well!