2014

Really, it's very simple.  My new year's resolutions are never very shocking or original.

They're basic.  They don't change much from year to year.

I just want to be better.  To do better.

I want to be the best wife, mother, daughter, friend, teacher I can be.  That's it.

This year - I'm trying to focus on Patience.  Joy.  Consistency.  

Patience - I rush.  All the time.  I notice that I'm always rushing my kids.  I'm usually running late, and then I get stressed about being on time, and I rush everyone around me.  Tensions are always high before we actually get out the door.  This has to change.  Our children are little.  They are slow-moving.  I need to adapt.

Joy - I'm an anxious person.  I stress myself out over stupid, small things.  I get overwhelmed by the future, by schedules, by things to do.  I tend to focus on the negative or the tiny little thing that could have been a tad bit better, and it overshadows everything else. I need to choose joy.  To focus on the present and be happy.  One day at a time.

Consistency - I'm an inconsistent person.  I change my mind when the wind blows.  Or when an adorable child smiles or bats his/her eyelashes.  Or when a child whines or cries.  Namely, my children.  But other peoples' kids, too.  I don't like the whining or crying, so I cave.  And then it gets worse.  This is part of the reason our children are unruly, and I know this to be true.  I'm working on it.  Knowing is half the battle, and we're making changes.  What we say first, is what has to go.  

These are my goals.  So far, I still have a lot to work on.

Our New Year

Our new year had a sad start.  My 47 year-old cousin, JJ, passed away on New Year's Day.  After battling cancer, surviving surgeries, and trying to find his way in a "new normal," he's no longer in pain or suffering from his illness.  But my poor Uncle John...it is for him that my heart is breaking.  Our family has lost another member, someone we grew up around, spent holidays with at my Grandpa's, and visited during our family reunions, but my Uncle John has lost his firstborn, his eldest son.

No one should ever have to say goodbye to their own children.  To have to watch them suffer and to be powerless to stop whatever comes their way.  It is so very sad.

I traveled to Cleveland this past weekend with my mom and dad and my sister and nephew.  We spent time with family and went to JJ's funeral services.  We supported my uncle, Aunt Lolly, and JJ's siblings as best we could.

But it's not enough.

When something like this happens, it's never enough.

JJ was loved and will be remembered.

And while my Uncle John will never be the same, he will be okay.  We are here for you, Uncle John.  We love you - and we are so very sorry that you've had to go through this last year.  We hope for nothing but peace and happiness for you in this new year.

{Uncle Bob, Uncle John, my mom, and Aunt Kathy - all the siblings together}

2013 {in pictures}

My loves.  My life.  I am so blessed.

Happy New Year, Friends!

2012

Our year in review...

2012 was good to us, and our hearts are grateful.

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

It's nearly January 2nd, the day I have to leave my winter vacation and head back to work, and instead of going to sleep, I'm procrastinating by surfing the internet, catching up on my blogs, and going through the pile of paperwork on my nightstand.

Amazingly, our house is clean.  Christmas has been put away until next year, and the kids' new toys have been redistributed and organized into bedrooms, and the playroom, and the baskets.  Oh, the new toys!  Such lucky little children they are...the good news is that I have nearly an entire guest bedroom of toys that the children have outgrown...some of those toys we are saving for our little nephew and the rest we are giving away.  I was impressed with how willing Jack was to go through his toys and choose things that other little boys and girls could now have...he has such a good heart.

One of our puppies is snoring beside my bed...I think it's actually Belle, although it's a pretty deep snore.  They are happy little puppies.  I surprised myself by making an appointment for their haircut months in advance and just in time for the holidays...surprised because I completely forgot about said appointment until my phone reminded me.  I love my phone!  The puppies smell so good after they get their haircut.  Hannah has been especially lovey with them lately, and they got tons of puppy snacks in their stockings this year, so they have lots to be happy about.

Hannah can officially wear pigtails now!!!  I feel as though I have waited my whole life for this moment, and it's finally here.  Now, while she can wear them (as in, she officially has enough hair), she still doesn't like to wear them.  I'm working on it.  Bound and determined.  Pictures were taken, and I will post them soon.

I am going to do a 2012 post in pictures and words here soon, I promise.  I just need some time to get myself organized, but don't you worry.  It's coming.

We had so much fun over this winter break...

spending time with family

baking Christmas cookies, or rather, Christmas balls, as Jack ended up calling my feeble attempt

sledding

playing with new toys

watching The Amazing Spider-Man

celebrating New Year's in Washington, D.C.

shopping

napping

...I wish it didn't have to end.

I am going to miss the littles tomorrow while I'm at work. I hope that morning drop-off goes okay.  I'm expecting everyone to be a little sad, myself included.

Looking forward to all that 2013 has in store for us...mostly a little nephew and a new uncle:)  Babies and weddings!  Oh my:)