To My In-Laws

 Dear Grandma, Pop-Pop and the rest,
Living away is tough. We always traded updates and stories. You always knew exactly what was going on. You are long overdue for an update. Ill pretend Im sitting at your table sharing cold cuts and fill you in....
Ella's tooth is growing in and she is so proud. She insists on changing into sweatpants and a t-shirt as soon as she gets home from school. She loves taking her own showers now and she's reading more and more words everyday.
Drew's top two teeth are loose. He is eating constantly and I fear that means he is growing more - why can't they stay little forever?! When I volunteer in their class he is a little bit of a class clown, can you believe it?!
Tyler and Drew are quite inseparable. When he isn't with Drew, Tyler can usually be found behind a couch with a container of sprinkles..."Im doin NUTHIN!" His hair is getting long and I think we might keep it that way :)
Colby is a dancing machine. When he isn't dancing he is eating. He loves to hug and kiss everyone, especially if they are crying. Cue lots of fake crying.
Mike and I are doing well, but busy. Everyday seems packed, but we are together more than ever - a bonus! Mike's deal finally closed - whew! Good Riddance! And I have 2 real estate clients. Things are looking up.
We love you, miss you and talk about you all the time -
xoxo

Feeling Good

Sometimes when we are out for a walk, Tyler just decides to lay down and roll. I suppose it feels good to my little crazy. We should all do things that make us feel good...just because they feel good.

Here is what feels good right now....

:: Popping popcorn on the stove & savoring with a cup of green tea

:: Crafts in the kitchen & the conversation that comes along with it

::Getting outside, not matter how cold & then warming up inside

::Sharing Homeland with my husband

:: Slippers, books and afghans

:: Settling into home for the winter...almost like hibernating but with little trips here & there

Resolve

(Peapod - give me a call to talk advertising!)

There isn't a week that goes by that Im not planning something, setting a goal or resolving to change. I vow to keep up with the laundry, play more board games, or avoid sugar. Im always ready to improve...myself, my family, my days. Not because Im not happy, but the exact opposite. I may be one of the luckiest people around - family, health, wealth (it's all relative, people) - and I consciously work to appreciate what I have and think of ways to enjoy it more. A little corny? Cliche? Pollyanna-ish? So be it. 

But a new year ups the ante. This is where the big guns come out. It isn't about minor improvements or silly little tasks. For me the New Year is a time to take stock of where we are, what we are doing, and where we are going. My resolutions are designed to move us forward on those goals. What will we make of this life? This year? 

1. Live Purposefully:: I think about this everyday. To me this is about making the days count. Filling our days with moments that build on our life, not just pass the time. But it is all too easy to get caught up in mindless routines, or to veg out in front of the Real Housewives on TV.  So this year, I resolve to keep the purpose present - every day. 

2. Be Grateful:: Im guilty of wanting. There is plenty to want. New clothes, fancy cars, vacations, a house. But wanting isn't satisfying, it isn't making me happy and it isn't the focus I need in my life. Each day Im going to find a way to be grateful for what I have - this blog helps, talking to the kids about being grateful helps more, and a few minutes of good ol' self talk can solve the "wants" pretty quick. 

3. Look Forward:: Laying the groundwork today will get us to where we want to be...someday. Im going to stay focused on our goals - as a business woman :), a mom, and a wife. Little weekly goals will keep me on track. 

I strongly believe that life is what you make of it...and 2012 will be the best year yet!