Bring It On - 2010

Well, today is New Year's Eve, a holiday that has never been a favorite of mine. I think it's so overdone, and prefer to spend it quietly with close friends at home, eating, watching a movie, etc. Why does the week between Christmas and New Year's go so quickly? This year we are lucky, having a whole weekend after to hang out and relax.

And whats up with the classic 'New Year's Resolution?' If you want to do something so badly why wait til New Year's to promise to do it? It really doesn't mean a thing anyway - how many people do you know that really stick to the so-called 'resolution'? Not many, I'd say. Hey I don't mean to be all negative, good luck to you if you are so inclined to resolve. Hope it works for you.

Of course my kids will be heading out tonight in all different directions - the girls running wild in the city, the boys sticking around for local fun and entertainment here in good old Jersey. Thats another scare - I'll be praying for their safety no matter where they are.

Tomorrow we'll be heading for my sister's house for the traditional New Year's Brunch. It's tons of fun, and the whole family, including all the cousins, will be there. The perfect way to ring in 2010.

Forget about the resolutions. Close your eyes and make a wish - ready - open them! Happy New Year, and I hope your special wish comes true!!

A heartfelt apology

Its not that I had 'blog-clog', or even 'blog-block'. Most days my head is exploding with things I want to write about, feelings I need to share with all of you. Thoughts and random subjects go round and round in my mind; so many that when I can't get to the computer, I write them down in a journal so I don't loose them. It's just the time factor. I need time to sit and just let all the thoughts flow out, and I guess during this frantic season, I didn't have that precious block of time. I'm so sorry.

I'm not letting this blog go. For all of you, my loyal readers, don't give up on me! I promise that this will not turn into one of those crafts that I never get to!!!! Look for lots of interesting posts to come.

And thanks, from the bottom of my heart, for sticking with me!

Twas the day after the day after Christmas . . .

and all seems peaceful. This year with Christmas falling on a Friday, it was nice to have a full weekend to recuperate. Up until Christmas morning when the kids were opening their presents, it was just stress, stress, and more stress - the mad push to "will I ever get everything done on time?" Each year seems to just get more and more grueling, and this year, I really tried to figure it out. Another thing I do is try to promise myself that next Christmas I'll be more organized, that I'll wrap presents as I bring them into the house (this promise is made every year, and I have yet to follow through), that I'll get my shopping done way in advance, and again, WRAP IT EARLY. I also promise myself that I will bake tons of cookies and even get a little crafty. Well, it just doesn't happen, and I can't understand why.

When my kids were young, I just don't remember getting to the utmost stress level at christmas. Maybe because I didn't work; maybe because we spent a lot more time at home instead of running around all over. I just remember being super tired; more tired than I'd ever been, and staying up very very late on Christmas Eve wrapping endless piles of toys. You would think now that I have no more babies that things would be easier. Well for some reason they're not.

Let's talk crafts. This year I got ambitious, well, ambitious in my head that is. I went to the craft store with glee purchasing all the necessary supplies to make homemade candles AND precious initial glitter gift tags. Okay, so all those supplies are still in the bag - maybe next year???? I guess I should start them in the summer. The one craft I did manage to get off is a scrapbook for my Dad celebrating his birthday back in October. It was my first time scrapbooking, and I have to confess, I loved it. The finished product is so inviting; so interesting, I would love to do more of it Summer again???

I truly don't mean to complain . . that's not my purpose. In fact, at church Christmas morning surrounded by my family, belting out christmas hymns, I felt a wonderful warmth and spiritual peace. Just the singing in church brings tears to my eyes. I am so blessed and thankful.

But tell me, how can we do Christmas better?