To Resolve, or Not To Resolve...

...and if I do resolve to make changes in my life, what resolutions do I make? I realize that the beginning of a new year is naturally the perfect time to make the decision to do better, be better and keep being better longer than the first 2 weeks of January. But instead, this year I am overwhelmed at the number of things I could and should do better at. I'm also somewhat confused as to which goals should be a priority over many others I have listed in my mind. There are the goals that would make improvements to my mind and my body, those that would keep my house cleaner and myself more organized. Then there are the things I could work on that would improve my spiritual side, hopefully making me a better mother and wife and making my home a haven for my family. I would love to hear your thoughts on this subject. What changes are you resolving to make this upcoming year?

My Birthday

There have been a few requests for a post about how my birthday turned out. I do have to say that it was the best birthday I've ever had. And since most of it was a surprise to me I'm sad to say that there are no pictures. Still Keith did a super, fantastic job making me feel special.

I got to sleep in which is always a nice way to start off any day although, I was a bit puzzled at the lack of a nice homemade breakfast which has been the norm in years past. I was able to open a couple of presents pretty early on thanks to the anxiousness of the kids and received a gorgeous pair of earrings and a new addition for my Christmas Village, which is also an expected surprise for my birthdays. It's a surprise because I never really know what the new piece will be and this year I got the Post Office I'd been eyeing.

Then we put things in high gear to get ready to go out for a Birthday lunch, just the 6 of us, at Brick Oven, YUM! The rush supposedly was to get done eating by noon when Keith had something planned for me. As we entered one of the banquet rooms I was met with about 20 of our family members minus my sisters who couldn't come because of the snow. There was presents, a huge chocolate cake, awesome food. But the surprises weren't over.

We had been planning to attend Keith's work party that night at the Grand America Hotel up in SLC (see pic below). The rest of my surprise was then given to me by my sneaky yet so wonderful husband. We weren't just attending the party, but were staying overnight at the hotel (very fancy) and he had arranged for a sitter for the kids, a substitute for my Sunbeam class and had talked to the Primary President to reschedule my week to do sharing time. Who could ask for more?!?

But there was more!! Keith had also been able to acquire tickets to the Christmas, Music and the Spoken Word for the next morning. It has to be my favorite part. Because it was the Holiday version, it was in the Conference Center and we had great seats. Even President Monson was in attendance which made it even more special. We had a wonderful time.

Thanks to all of my family who battled the snowstorm to come and surprise me with lunch and for keeping it a secret, that had to be hard. Most of all, thanks to my bestest friend and husband for giving me a great day! It was so amazing to actually have some alone time and to get to dress up again, just like our first date! I love you!

Random Pics

Piled on Dad's lap. All 4 of them barely fit!
I thought this was a cool shot, on the way to Thanksgiving dinner.
Rach and Dustin dressed up in the hats Dad brought them back from San Diego!

Rachael lost yet another tooth and now is missing THREE in a row! I've never seen that before!

CHEESE!

Dustin devouring a Thanksgiving drumstick!

Claire's picked up this habit of taking the couch cushions off and using them for her little trampolines. I guess this time she got too tired out!
Keith and I before heading to his work Holiday Party, more like an extravaganza!

DONE

Just thought I'd let you all know that as of Tuesday night I am completely done with my Christmas/Birthday shopping! WA-HOO!!! It's so hard having our anniversary, my birthday, Keith's birthday and Christmas all within a month of each other. Now I can turn my attention to fun things like treat making, playing with my kids and enjoying this time of year! So, be happy for me, be excited for me, or even be jealous....either way, I'M DONE!

A Few Days Left

Well, in a few days I will exit my 20's and begin my downhill slide into my 30's. Only it doesn't really feel that way.... I know I'm supposed to be all depressed about this dreadful year, but I still feel like I'm 21, maybe 22... and seeing how I still look young (maybe not 21 or 22--humor me please!) and sometimes I still act like I'm a teenager..... it isn't going to be nearly as traumatizing as it is for some people! Maybe it has to do with the fact that if you've never really been cool, you don't feel like you're losing something, right??

Let see, my 20's brought me many great friends and countless good times. I got my degree and was able enjoy being single for a year or so. Then I married my favorite guy, we made 4 of the cutest babies ever, and are still in love!!! We also bought our first house together lived there for 5 years and recently moved to our second home which hopefully will last longer than the last!! Looking back there are many times I love to remember (and many times I choose not to remember). So much hard work went into accomplishing goals and I am thankful for everyone I was able to meet and for what they added to my life. I am also grateful because I think it was during this time that I began to develop the relationships with my family & my Heavenly Father that I cherish so dearly now. I was also welcomed into a new family with loving arms and love being part of them. If my 30's can be any better than my 20's, then I say...whoo-hoo!! Bring it on! (We'll see if I feel the same way on Saturday)

Proud Mama

Indulge me this second to brag about my kids :) Rachael and Dustin came running through the front door after school yesterday, both so excited. Each of them have been named student of the week. What are the chances of them being selected at the same time?!? The part they liked best was having their pictures taken with their new principal (who they think is awesome, I wonder why?). I'm so happy at how well they've adjusted. They are obviously doing well at their new school. It makes me so proud to be their Mom!

T'was the Night Before our Savior Came

T'was the night before our Savior came and all through the house not a person was praying, not one in the house.

Their scriptures were lain on the shelf without care thinking that our Savior would not come there.

The children were dressing to crawl into bed, not once ever kneeling or bowing a head.

And mom in her rocker, with baby on her lap was watching the Late Show, while I took a nap.

When out of the East there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter.

Away to the window I flew like a flash, tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

When what to my wondering eyes should appear, but angels proclaiming that our Savior was here.

With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray, I knew in a moment it must be the day.

The light of his face made me cover my head. It was our Savior returning just like he had said.

And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which he held in his hand was written the name of every saved man.

He spoke not a word as he searched for my name, then he said, "It's not here," and my head hung in shame.

The people whose names had been written with love; he gathered to take to his Father above.

With those who were ready, he arose without a sound, while all the rest were left standing around.

I fell to my knees but it was too late. I had waited too long and this sealed my fate.

I stood and cried as they rose out of sight, "Oh if only I'd been ready when our Savior came tonight."