2014...

2014...Really?  Where the heck did you come from?  I remember sitting at a NYE gathering in 1999....YIKES!  1999, holy old lady!  Anyway, I remember waiting at midnight (which let's be real honest here...I don't stay up until midnight often, so I actually remember!) We were all wondering if we'd lose power, or what type of crazy thing would happen.  Yeah.  You pretty much guessed that.  Uneventful.  Just the way I like it!  So now here we are, closing out yet another successful campaign from the beloved 2013.  Of course I can look back talking about all the wonderful moments, but honestly, our greatest blessing was the arrival of our Anna in August.  The girl didn't want to come out, but when she did, she came in a hurry, and boy am I glad she's here!  Let's be honest, (I'm all about honesty here!) the pictures that my friend Jillian took were out of the world awesome, so you'll have to endure looking at just 3 more, that you've probably already seen, but I like looking back, because she has already grown and changed SO much!

 And of course, our Claire turned the big 2 on Halloween!  Now that little girl makes me laugh.  I mean sometimes she gets laughing, like really laughing, tears in her eyes laughing that leads to the hiccups type of stuff.  It's pretty much the most awesome sound in the entire world.  She is a great big sister (and no I'm not just saying that because I have to...trust me, she has her moments where she thinks she can tackle Anna or try to wrestle her) and I'm excited to watch the two little ladies play together.

I'm pretty sure my New Year's Resolution is to figure out how to cram a few more things into my day.  You know, because my kids are perfectly well behaved at all times.  They never make messes, they do their own laundry, and my meals prepare themselves.  I am obviously the only person in Virginia who is immune to Pintrest or Facebook or Instagram or any other source of technology that seems to eat away at all the minutes I shouldn't be wasting!  Ok, ok...I kid.  Maybe my resolution should be to get better jokes or be funny for real!  Usually my students and my husband don't think I'm very funny...note to self: improve jokes.  But for real...life is good.  I'm truly blessed, and I'm sure there are lots of things I could say I'm going to do or improve on in 2014...but will it really happen?  I prefer setting small goals throughout the year.  Oh, a cop-out you say?  No way!  Try it  yourself, you'll see.  It makes things all a bit more attainable for me.  I bet you didn't know this (insert sarcasm) but I'm easily overwhelmed by things, so if I break it down, it all works better for me.  And you know what?  Working better for me is something I need to focus on.  For real.  I often get so wrapped up in making everyone else in my little life happy and content I forget about making choices that are going to help me, or keep me on my A-game.  

So, take a minute.  Reflect on 2013.  What stands out to you?  What makes you smile?  I hope you can think of all the happy times from this year, and not dwell on the sad.  (Because let's face it, there are always sad times, but it's important to learn from them, and get going)  Ok, perhaps I shouldn't pretend to be Dr. Phil either.  Phew, I'm striking out.  Guess I'll just stick to being my dorky self!

Happy New Year!

Cheers!