Starting New

I'm not a goal setter or a resolution maker. They make me crazy. Why? Because I generally never reach most of the goals I set. I tend to make my resolutions based on who I think I should be, not who I truly am. And when you base your goals on what you deep down know is unrealistic, you just end up feeling like more of a failure when it's all abandoned.

Every year, I decide on a 'Focus' for myself. Not a goal, just a focus, or a theme, for where I want to center my vision. I post it on my mirror, just as a way of checking in. Do I truthfully look at it everyday? No. But, it's there. I take notice of it when I pull out the Windex, or when I turn and it catches my eye. It's a subtle reminder that tends to stick with me. There's no pressure attached to it, only clear focus.

For 2011, I've taken my year's theme from a favorite blogger. She originated the phrase, and it's grown into something more than the words themselves.

Do Less, Be More.

The written words seem simple, but it's message is deeper and life sustaining. What it means for me will vary from what it means for you. That's what makes these words so nourishing. And, they also make you feel like stretching your soul to be and do something greater.

Tomorrow is a fresh start. I'll open a new calendar and it will feel like a new beginning. January just has that effect. It makes your mind clear a bit and focus on what you want the new year to bring. So, whether you are a goal setter, or if you use a word to define the next 365 days, make sure you are true to yourself and what you want for those you love. As for me, I'm going to focus on being more and doing less. Wish me luck.

The HIghlights

Christmas has come and gone. I've packed it all up and put it away. Just this morning, the garbage man hauled away all the wrapping paper. Life feels (almost) back to normal.

Here are our highlights from this year's Santa day.....

She screamed when she opened this. I'm fairly certain that she will be the only child in her entire school wearing this come Monday morning.

The one present she asked for "in the pretty blue color".

It's hard to genuinely surprise a teenager. She and I had an argument about this dress (it's price) and I'd (white lie) told her I'd never buy it. Her reaction was worth it.

Somehow, Nana always finds a way to fulfill all your dreams. She bought Todd A CASE of the one thing he would need on a deserted island. Chapstick.

The cheapest gifts always produce the greatest joy.

The new family game.

Changing of the guard. The original is so faded and worn, you can't even read it. The new silver one will last my lifetime.

My sister-in-law sent me a subliminal reminder I so desperately need.

I hope your Santa day was as jolly as ours. I'm ever so grateful it's over and all cleaned up. Only 360 more days until the next one.

The Nativity

We've never reenacted the Nativity story before. I haven't ever wanted to put forth the effort. All that gift buying and wrapping kinda wipes me out. This year, Nana requested the story retold. And when Nana asks, she receives.

Sam made a lovely fair Mary. Makell insisted on being Joseph. Keagan was a very large and loud baby Jesus. It all looks pretty authentic, don't you think?

Addie was an angel. Yes, the irony did not escape me. In my version of the Nativity, the angels were calm and all together silent. I'm not quite sure she was true to character.

Towards the end of the narration, Makell stopped short and her eyes went wide. She exclaimed, "Wait a second, baby Jesus was a boy?!" Apparently this was truly stunning news to her. I obviously haven't explained things well over the last 11 years. Oh, and I guess that church attendance every. single. Sunday. didn't shed any light for her.

Good thing Nana asked for the Nativity this year. Without her, my kids would have grown into adulthood thinking baby Jesus was a girl. Where, oh where, did I go wrong?

The Aftermath

Does anyone else's house look like Santa got dizzy and threw up everywhere?

I'm Slowing Down To Enjoy

Merry Christmas from my "normal" family to yours.
Take time to enjoy it all.

A Day At The Zoo

Even after 3 years, my winter mindset has yet to change. I still marvel at the December days when we wear short sleeve shirts while exploring the zoo and riding the train. Really it's quite fantastic. Tomorrow it is supposed to drop to a freezing 61 degrees. Brrr.


You never know how a family outing is going to play out. You know it's going to either be really fun or really bad. There is no secret way to predict the outcome. You just have to cross your fingers and pray.


I must have prayed extra hard, because today was delightful. My kids had fun, fighting was minimal and we got to watch a mom and baby elephant have a bath. A perfect winter day.

Lightning never strikes twice. Right? Therefore, I know I'm in for it tomorrow. Today was good, so tomorrow will be mayhem. It's just how it goes, so I'm bracing myself. I'm going to wear short sleeves for good luck.

Naughty Or Nice?

"Addie, what were you asking Santa?"

"If I was on the naughty list or the nice list."

"What did he say?"

"He wouldn't tell me because he didn't want to ruin the surprise."

"Which list do YOU think you're on?"

...pause........

"I'm in the middle."