"New Year, New You"---do I have to?

It seems as though everything I see lately, says something about the New Year and a New You. I don't want there to be a new me. Maybe a slightly thinner and more fit me, but I like myself just as I am! I mean I have a great life--a wonderful husband, a beautiful and joyful little boy, a house to finally call my own, a "job" that I am loving, what more can a girls ask for! Well since it is the end of the year, I will look forward to the next one! So what do I want to accomplish in 2009? Well lets see...

1. To finish Xander's first year scrapbook before he turns 2, that leaves me only 6 months-yikes!

2. To be healthier--this requires a few steps. First, of all I am not going on a diet, I am just going to eat healthier, write down what I eat, and eat the correct portion size. That's right no counting calories, or fat grams, just a pen and some paper to keep me in line! Second, I am going to drink more water. It is not that I drink a lot of pop, or sweet tea, it's that I just don't drink anything, so I will start. Yes, I will write this down as well, lets try for at least 5 decent size glasses of water! Third, I have a toddler, I will use him as an excuse to run around, play, be silly, and "exercise"!

3. I will not buy unnecessary things this year. Shopping is a huge weakness of mine. I WILL control it! I will be frugal, and if I cannot get it for next to nothing, than we do not need it! Here I come yard/garage sales, craigslist, Marshall's and consignment stores!!!!! (Chris I know you will appreciate and help me with this one!)

4. I will try at least one new recipe a week! I have even started this today! I have a recipe in the slow cooker as we speak! This will not only allow us to broaden our menus, but also play into my frugality and make me plan my grocery shopping trips better, so I do not buy useless things. Stock the pantry with basics and use them and a wonderful array of spices to create wonderful meals!!!!

5. I will read at least one new book a month! I have lots of options sitting on the book case!

There, I think that sounds pretty good! Nothing too challenging, so I'll actually stick to it, and yet things that can only benefit and enhance my life! Here's to a wonderful 2009! May we all have good health, happiness and lots of love!!!

It's so nice

It's so nice when I have the opportunity to rock my "baby" to sleep. Xander is full of get up and go, and doesn't like to stand still very long. So it was nice that today and yesterday he let me hold him and rock him to sleep, for his nap time. Those are the kinds of moments that I want to cherish forever & hold for always in my heart. So on those days when he is misbehaving, I can flash to the days when he just wanted to sit in my lap and be rocked!!

He is such a joy, and growing up so fast! It seems like every day he does or says something new. He knows his colors, can count to five, and does pretty good naming fruits, vegetables, animals and other items. He also likes to repeat things we say. We definitely have to watch what we say. We have also taken to spelling things, who knows how long before he knows what we are spelling! We have meaning to give him a haircut, as he needs one, but then again, won't that make him look even more like a little boy? Oh they grow up too fast!!!!

Like the new kid in school

I don't know if it is because I am ten years older, or that I have a baby to protect, or that I am feeling like the new kid in school, but I am having a hard time making a point to get out and make friends here in Texas. It may have something to do with the fact that I am not working, unlike any of my previous moves, you are kind of forced to meet new people when you start a new job. Also, I had really special friends in SC, whom I love and miss terribly. I don't want them to feel replaced or abandoned anymore than they feel already. I obviously need adult contact, and while Chris and I have a great relationship-sometimes you just need to talk with your girlfriends. Now don't get me wrong I talk to one of my best friends nearly every day, but she lives in SC has 3 kids of her own and a full time job, so it is unfair to burden her with all my "problems". Time for a change!!! "New Year, New Me" will be my motto in 2009. I WILL make at least one new friend. I WILL go on play dates to give my son the opportunity to play with other children--and get some non-mommy time! I WILL be the confident and outgoing person I was before the move! There don't you feel better--I know I do!!!!!

Friday Fill-in 12/26/2008

1. I must __make my (positive) mark on this world___ before I die.
2. You can't stop _believing in yourself and others____.
3. I wish I never had to buy _unfortunately I like buying things--but if I never had to worry where the money was coming from to pay for them!____ again.
4. _Xander___ has helped me change my life.
5. I know the song _Do kids songs count-I sure know a lot of them!____ by heart.
6. If I weren't so afraid, I would _set out to meet more people in TX, slowly but surely I'm coming around!____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _playing with Xander____, tomorrow my plans include _getting a haircut?____ and Sunday, I want to __spend time with Chris and Xander___!

Santa Came!!!!

Santa came to town today!!! Xander seemed kind of confused, and wasn't really into opening presents. He was however, interested when we opened a present and then he could see what was in it! There was no stopping him then! He did have a blast running from one thing to another!! Overall a good Christmas, would be better if a.) we could spend it with friends and family and b.) Xander did not have a fever, poor thing! Merry Christmas!!

Love the life you live, live the life you love!
--Bob Marley

Friday fill-in on Saturday!

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, __why aren't you sleeping___.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, __this is the reason for the season___.
3. __no hills it is pretty flat here___, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _a windy-wind____.
5. __release all your burdens___, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing __and sing loud and proud and don't be afraid___.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _watching Christmas movies and making fudge____, tomorrow my plans include _watching Christmas movies, listening to Christmas music, and wrapping Christmas presents ____ and Sunday, I want to _well I don't want to but I will be cleaning the house____!

And the answers for real!

1. Said the night wind to the little lamb, _do you hear what I hear____.
2. The first Noel, the angel did say, _as to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay____.
3. _Go tell it on the mountain__, Over the hills and everywhere.
4. It came upon the midnight clear, _that glorious song of old____.
5. _Have yourself a Merry little Christmas____, Let your heart be light.
6. And the thing that will make them ring is the carol that you sing _from your own front porch___.
7. See # 7 above Special thanks to carols.org for help with #'s 4 and 5

This weather is too wacky for words!

So today is December 18, 2008. It is approximately one week until Christmas and it is 78 degrees outside--yeah you read right!!! Earlier this week it was 40+ with a windchill of 32+, and overnight lows in the 30's. Now I am not saying that I don't like the warm weather but going from 75 one day to 40 the next takes a toll on the body. Mine is so confused it doesn't know if it should be sweating or shivering! According to the 10 day forecast our low tonight will be 63, but the low Sunday night will be 30--the weather here is crazy! I feel for my family in Minnesota where winter is always damn cold, but at least it is consistent!

Fill In Fun-- for 12/12/08

Thank you to my sister for finding Friday Fill-In!

1. Snow _balls____.
2. I'm looking forward to _Christmas Day____.
3. _Xander____ is the best __son___ ever!
4. One of my favorite old tv shows is _Full House____.
5. I'm done with _cold weather____.
6. The most enjoyable thing around the holidays is _Christmas music and FOOD____.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _working on scrapbook____, tomorrow my plans include _spending time with Chris and Xander____ and Sunday, I want to _look at Christmas lights____!

It's beginning to look a lot like...

Christmas?!?!? Wait no it's not! It did feel very wintry yesterday, and we did get some snow, but alas, it is sunny and warmer today, with no trace of the light dusting-it's as though it didn't happen, just a figment of the imagination! Although I miss the beauty of snow, and how it makes everything look magical, I do not miss the cold! My body has adjusted to the heat of living in the southern part of the country.

Things I am Thankful For

1. My wonderful husband Chris..we celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on November 25th! I love you soooooooo much!
2. My beautiful little boy Alexander! You and your father are my heart. I enjoy every second I have with you! You amaze and delight me at every turn!
3. My family--we were lucky enough to have both Chris' mom and my mom and dad here the last couple of weeks! It was great that they drove down to see us, but the visits were too short! It makes me realize what a great set of parents I have and how much they love me! I miss them so much!
4. My sisters--oh, how I miss them! I also realized how much more I love them, and how special they are to me, and how I would feel if I lost one of them. My brother-in-law lost his sister right before Thanksgiving and it makes my heart ache to think about losing one of my sisters. I love you two!
5. My friends--I miss you all so much and am thankful that you are only a phone call or e-mail away!
6. My health--other than a few aches and pains I am feeling pretty good!
7. My home--I am thankful to have a roof over my head, and in this stressed economy, that is a lot!
8. My freedom--thank you to the men and woman who serve our country and protect what I hold dear!

Although Thanksgiving was a few days ago, I am thankful for these things everyday!