I'm Back.....

This is the view from my front door... or, should I say, it was the view a few days ago.

Ok... not that anyone reads this blog, but I am back from a break. Let me just say that a combination of strep throat and the kids being out of school for 3 days last week (along with the snowstorm and deep freeze) has kept me from writing. However, this week should see us back on a more "normal" schedule. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

The kids and I spent some time cooking some special foods (comfort, of course). This donut recipe was found on my favorite recipe site http://www.recipezaar.com/ (I highly recommend you check it out, if you haven't yet).

I started many new projects this weekend, but sadly have finished none. I think I may need to borrow/buy a couple of tools. We'll see. Hopefully, I have some projects by the end of this week. Check ya later!

A New Year... Full of Opportunities

Well, it's been a freezing last week or so here in the midwest and today was no different... I believe the temperature is hovering somewhere around zero. The good news is that I didn't have to leave the house today and the family spent one final day of Christmas vacation together before we all head back to our busy schedules.

As promised, I am back to post some goals (not resolutions) for this next year. While sifting through my ideas, it was hard to narrow them down to just five, so there will be a few more... please bare with me:

1. Save money for a basement remodel (it's currently unfinished)- this will take much dedication and discipline (especially from me... I'm the spender) and sacrifice on the part of the whole family to make this happen

2. Be better organized for daily living..... purge unnecessary items... build systems that will help our family be more efficient at getting out the door in the morning and maintaining a mostly clean and uncluttered living space (no small feat for a household with 4 children)

3. Track finances weekly and hold a monthly budget meeting with hubby

4. Spend more quality time with the kids.... right now, I'm thinking one child per month on a one-on-one "date"

5. Send out all birthday cards on time... I know this sounds ridiculous... but I have gotten seriously bad about doing this.... I have twelve neices and nephews...... maybe this goes back to being more organized, but, anyway...

6. Menu plan weekly or monthly.... haven't decided which.... this also goes back to organization... but perhaps, also to time conservation, in terms of less grocery store trips, etc.

7. Spend more quality time with hubby... go on a "date" at least every other month (maybe even a weekend getaway?)

8. Live in the moment.... and enjoy each and every day and know that in the words of Trace Adkins.... "You're Gonna Miss This" and if you haven't heard that song... here's a link:
nevermind, apparently, I can't figure out how to do that... darn all this complicated blogging stuff
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG9XfJxMY8A
Maybe I just figured it out.... we'll see.

9. Oh, and I can't forget. I want to save for a new camera. As a matter of fact, I'd like to purchase the Canon Rebel XSI. I'm already half way there after saving Christmas money and some New Year's Eve earnings... maybe I'll post about that later.

Good night, all!

Happy New Year!

We had a great New Year's Eve night at the hubby's parents' house. We ate good food, played games and enjoyed the fellowship of family. Unfortunately, all that fun has taken it's toll on my body.............and I'm exhausted today. I just can't stay up until 3 a.m. like I used to and still function the next day.

Believe it or not, all the kids (including the youngest) were up at midnight to ring in the new year. And, again, unfortunately, they don't do well on very little sleep, either. So, hopefully, we will all get our much needed sleep so we can start accomplishing all those New Year's goals.

Tomorrow I will list 5 key goals for next year that I would like to accomplish! You'll be glad I waited.... I hope. Until then, I leave you with this quote:

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man (or woman). - Benjamin Franklin