January 2012 - State of the Union - Start Out the New Year

Happy New Year everyone!  Cannot believe it is already 2012 ... holy smokes ... I know that this cartoon has been circulating around a lot ... LOL ... makes me giggle.  Anyhow before we talk about the start of this new year, I felt we needed to address the ending of the last one.

Ashley and Austin came up for Christmas this year.  It was really nice.  It was great that Christmas this year was on a Sunday.  As the choir director of my ward, I got to be in charge of the Christmas program.  It was like a music and the spoken word kind of thing.  The choir did three numbers, the primary children did two numbers, I had Ashley sing a solo, the congregation sang 3 numbers.  It was great.  I don't think Austin thought we really could just get up, have our traditional 'cocoa and toast' Christmas morning breakfast (it's a german thing) and read the Christmas story, then get ready for church to enjoy the Christmas program, then come back home for the present opening. But seriously, what a great way to begin Christmas Day ... focusing on the true meaning of it all.

Anyhow ... we get back, get into our Christmas PJ's so we can open presents.  This is the last year Ashley and Austin are coming to family for Christmas.  And although I love it when they come, I really can understand that they need to start having their own Christmases as their own personal family unit.  Create their own memories.  

Drew was very excited to open the presents.  The last two years he has really gotten into the spirit of celebration.  I don't know about you, but as much as I love getting presents, I would have to say watching those you love open the presents you got for THEM is my favorite part :D

Darin likes to get shorts for his Christmas PJ's. How do you tell one that it is WINTER outside???  We actually had to turn on our heater this year.  It's been chillier than normal here.  I have actually gotten to wear some of my sweaters :D

Was very happy that Ashley received a new smart phone from Santa Claus.  She needed a new phone that she could depend on really bad :D  That way when we are chatting I will be able to hear her and she will be able to hear me.  Yes.  Very good present Santa.  You chose ... wisely (heh heh heh )

I am sure you are all wondering why Darin has a large garbage can in front of him.  We have learned over the years that Drew likes to clean up the wrapping paper right away, so we bring a large garbage can in to throw the wrapping paper  right in there.    LOL ... ah ... somehow I will direct that obsessive compulsive desire to bigger and better desires ... like Drew cleaning the house ... or filing papers ... or ... or ... or ... I'll think of something (heh heh heh heh)


Since Christmas day concluded, Drew has been spouting to me daily about his birthday plans!  LOL   .... I have been told that we need to have "food and drinks and candy treats and big presents" and then he goes on to list for me what those presents should be ... lol ... goodness.   Ummm ... the list is quite extensive ... he may get one or two, but fifty million ... love you son, but no :D


Monday's FHE was about what goals we want to accomplish as a family this year.  I don't like calling them resolutions.  Resolutions are so absolute.  So, if you falter on a resolution, you feel like a failure.  I prefer goals.  Goals are a journey.  If you falter one day, it's okay. Just stay on the path and keep trying.  So, for those reading this, I hope you choose some goals to work on this year.  And share them with someone.  It makes you more accountable and it's great to have a cheerleader in your corner to cheer you on your journey to goal reaching success.