New Year's Eve 2011

I'm sorry to have been MIA.  Brien has been home this week and I've been spending lots of time with him and the girls.  We are also dealing with a dead laptop so we're sharing my computer.  It's so odd to think we have to "share" a machine--we've become so spoiled.  If you had told me twelve years ago we would live in a house with this many computers--a couple of them laptops--I would have laughed at you.  Now, I have my machine and B has his.  It's actually been nice having to share because I'm spending FAR less time online than I typically would. 

Which brings me to my New Year Goals:

*Less time on the machine.  I tried, but it seems I have an addiction and it's a struggle.  Sometimes I just find myself aimlessly searching the web when I really have nothing I want to look up.  Doh.  I could be spending that time with my husband and children and reading and making cards, and oh, I don't know, all that stuff I used to do before the siren that is the 'net beckoned.
*I want to make at least five cards a week and revive my poor, sad stamping blog.
*I want to send out at least two cards a week.  If I'm making five, sending two is an admirable goal. Plus, it will have me off the computer and doing something more constructive.  I swear, Ellie's going to think all I do is have my face in a screen. 
*Continue to work on being more green.  Every year I add a little more to my efforts.  I'm thinking eating two meatless meals a week will help with that.  I don't know if that will actually happen (we do try to do one a week), but these are goals so I can work towards it.
*Be more mindful of recognizing family occasions with cards and gifts.  I'm lousy at this.  (And embarrassed to write it. :oS)
*More movement more exercise--it goes right up there with the first one.  I did so well the first half of the year, and then, kaput.  Why why why why why???  It's so hard to get into shape and so easy to maintain it, and yet, I flopped.  No more.  My health, my girls and husband are far more important than my laziness.  I must be more healthy for ALL of us.
*Get out in nature more.  It revives me and restores me to get out amongst God's creation and I need to be more mindful of that.
*Be more mindful of my tone of voice and voice level when frustrated with my husband and children.  I need to be kinder.  That's it, end of story.  As Jessie once said to me, "I love my husband more than I love being right."  That just about sums it up.  She's a smart cookie, my sister.
*Spend less money.  My goal is to not buy anything that we absolutely do not need.  If I buy it, we had better use it. 

There are a couple more goals, but they're a bit more private.  Although this is my personal journal, somethings still need to remain close to my chest.  I've written them down to be more mindful of them.  I have quite the list this year and I know they are all doable. 


2011 was a pretty good year and I have high hopes 2012 will be even better.  :o)

For those of you to whom I owe emails and such, I'll be on it by Tuesday.  I have been thinking of you, but have wanted to take a bit of a break from the 'net.  I know you understand. 

I wish you all a very happy New Year!

Oh, and for Lissie (and anyone else interested):
Some photos for you to enjoy. :o)

We've been busy visiting with Josh, Dana and Ever, taking trips to Richmond to visit, family dinner with Nana and Pop (GG and Bill came into town, driven by Patti, and Bill Jr. and Gayle joined in the fun with them--there was a CROWD last night), and oh so much more.  The girls are utterly wiped out and I'm doing all I can to get them back on track before Tuesday morning...but, it sure has been fun getting here. :o)