New Years Eve

The end of the year always brings a time of reflection.  What have I accomplished this past year, how have I changed, what am I looking to do differently in the new year?  Well, here's a recap of my resolutions for 2012 and how I did:

1. Use reusable bags.   

Yeah, I think I used one or two the entire year, but I bought several...lets keep it on the list again.

2. Start improving my credit.

I had good credit to begin with, it was just a little stale, needed some building, went to the bank and talked to a guy, and got some new things in motion.  Check and check...success!

3. Learn the Beyonce Booty-shake (and the entire 'Single Ladies' dance)

Started out strong the first month but then completely forgot about it...hmm...maybe it wasn't a     realistic goal anyway...we're tossing this one!

4. Be open to things...like actually be open to them instead of saying I'm open but really being closed.

 This one was hit or miss, started out being really open, got hurt a little by it so might have ended up closing up a bit again mid-year...a good one to keep on the list for 2013.

5. Make time for me.

I spend most of my time taking care of others...it is my job after all.  But I also do it in my personal life, and sometimes to the detriment of my own wellbeing.  To counter this, I started doing one or two things here and there that were just for me...like getting a dog.  Well, that went down in flames and somewhere along the way, so did the resolution.  But alas, I see the importance of maintaining a healthy balance...getting my oxygen mask on first so I can help others...and have vowed to work harder at it this year.  Staying on the list!

Adding to the list:

* No more negative body talk.

I am fearfully and wonderfully made.  God made me tall, pear shaped  and curly-haired for a reason, and I (as well as all women, everywhere) need to stop bashing my appearance.  Am I perfect?  No.  Is there work to be done?  Certainly.  But does that add or detract value to who I am?  Absolutely not.  I may not always love my crazy curls, skinny feet, dark eyebrow/light eyelash combo or the bonus booty I got goin on, but dang it, I'm gonna rock it anyway!

* Successfully complete race training.

I'm signed up for a half marathon in March, my plan is to fully commit and execute the training plan instead of giving up halfway through and running the race unprepared like I usually do.  If I don't make it though, I'll sign up for a 5k and train for that...there's always another race...but I WILL check this off my list this year!

* Step back and enjoy life.

I get so caught up in the to-do list that I sometimes forget that that's not what it's all about.  Who cares if the girls and I walk out the door a few minutes later than normal if it means we all walk out happy instead of cranky and mad at each other?  I'm going to work on taking a breath and putting the people in my life before the tasks.  At the end of the year I'd like to relay stories of good times with the ones I love rather than a laundry list of things I accomplished.   

What are your resolutions?

Happy New Years Eve!  Please be safe out there...call a cab.  AAA offers free "Tipsy Towing" in several states, you don't even have to be a AAA member.  Unfortunately the service isn't offered in Chicago, or most of the midwest but don't be stupid people...

A Different Kind of Christmas...

This year Christmas was a little different.  People had to work, had other obligations, etc.  All in all, it was a good holiday-I spent lots of time with family, enjoyed church, and ate lots of delicious food, but it just felt more like a Monday and a Tuesday than Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.  Here's the celebration in pictures:

Visiting Papa at the Cemetery. 

A ridiculously large stocking balloon and
 a small "you're the best balloon."

 The Collier Family Party:

My Uncle James.

All the "Collier" kids, grandkids and great grandkids...

Uncle James, Uncle Mike, Aunt Julie.

Me, Grandma, Alison, Jillian, Mom.

Alison and Connor.

Jillian, Josh and Baby Connor.

Grandpa and Connor.

Mom and Connor. 

Old Man Shauman seeking refuge under the table.

 The Holmes Family Party:

Uncle Jeff, my cousin Lauren and
brother Josh holding Connor.

Auntie Gail, my cousin Erin, and Uncle Jeff holding Connor.

Kurt and Connor.

Love my nephew Connor.

Christmas Eve:

Grandpa, Grandma holding Connor.

Connor kissing Sophie during Christmas Eve dinner.

Yeah, yeah, I couldn't stop getting pics with him!

Ian, Alison and Josh opening packages.

Grandpa testing out his new hat.

Christmas Lunch: yellow-tomato soup.

Christmas Day:

After lunch mom and I snuggled up on her bed and watched "The Full Monty" then had a hodgepodge dinner, after which I watched the Grinch and read my book.  Not exactly our traditional day, but it was nice anyway.

Christmas Dinner: Apricot jam toast and
champagne punch.

Pinterest Thursday

A few pins reminding me that:

1: God is in control and waiting isn't always a bad thing

2: I have the power to change how I feel

And 3: I like dumb jokes involving animals...

Click here to follow me on Pinterest.  And if you'd like to guest post and share some of what's Pinspired you, let me know!

Dominick The Donkey

Not everyone has had the privilege of hearing this song.  I was introduced to it a few years back and still crack up every time I watch this video.  It is untraditional, but enjoyable nonetheless.  

And Lo...

Every year my family and I go to the same church for Christmas Eve service.  None of my family actually attends this church but its the one I like best when I'm here so its where we go.  They, just like every church in America, put on a special Christmas service and though the message remains the same, the delivery changes year to year.  A few years back, the Christmas Story was recited by my sister's friend's little daughter, I think she was about 4 at the time, which means she can't read, this was strictly from memory...She's a little redheaded spitfire but when she got to center stage the Lord took over, her delivery of Luke chapter 2 was the best I've ever heard.  My favorite part was, "And lo," which was announced with arms opened wide and declared with authority.  The versions of the Bible I usually read (ESV, NIV) leave out the "lo" so I have posted for you the King James Version...this is what Christmas is all about...

For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

                                 Isaiah 9:6

Luke 2:1-20

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. ² (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) ³ And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. ⁴ And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) ⁵ To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 

⁶ And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

⁷ And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. ⁸ And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

⁹ And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. ¹⁰ And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. ¹¹ For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. ¹² And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. ¹³ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ¹⁴ Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. ¹⁵ And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. ¹⁶ And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. ¹⁷ And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. ¹⁸ And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. ¹⁹ But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. ²⁰ And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

T'was The Night Before Christmas...

Merry Christmas Eve!  Here's a look at some of my family's decorations...

Alison's House...Connor's first Christmas:

Mom's house...I personally hung all the stocking with care:

Josh's house, his tree had been assaulted by his cute little kitties:

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas.