New Years - 2014 in Review

As always, I must write my annual "year in review" post, to remember what happened this year and to set some new goals.

I am proud of myself (not totally, but mostly) on my goals this year.  They were to:
Save money
Be intentional
Be healthy

So I did pretty darn good at these if I do say so myself.  For the first five months of the year, I kept a weekly journal of goals for the week - all things that would focus to one of these three goals.  I was excited about sending notes to my friends sharing with them why I was thankful they were in my life.  I put money in a jar each week and didn't ever dip from it.  I started going to the gym - a crossfit gym that I enjoyed a lot.  But then things started happening.  I fell off the journal writing.  I think I got at least one note to each friend?  I had a job change so cash flow was slowed so I couldn't contribute the jar.  Mom had a health issue that required some time and energy.

But at the end of the year, I can say this - I made an effort for many months to be intentional in the written form, but for the most part I've been more intentional with my friends and family.  I never dipped into the money until Christmas (my plan all along).  And I went to the gym all year long and lost more weight and gained more muscle and feel great.  Still work to be done, but for the most part, I'm proud of myself.

What are my goals this year?  The same!  I feel like I had such a great start and I'm going to continue this year.  I think they are important goals for so many reasons. I'm going to go back to that same journal and pick up where I left off.  On to bigger (actually smaller) and better me!

This year has been interesting overall.  I had a feeling that it was going to be a game changer and it sure has!  In both good ways and bad ways, my life is almost completely different.  I have watched very bad things happen to people that I love and care about.  I have totally changed my career.  I have shared in the joy of great things that have happened to people that I love and care about.  I enjoy every single minute with my hubby and kids.  I am refocusing my life to be a good person in more ways that I currently am.  I'm excited about another wedding (hopefully this year), lots and lots of new babies, some fun trips, continued growth in my career, fostering friendships and health!

The world had some issues as well, ISIS, ebola, plane crashes into the ocean, Ukraine tensions and Nigerian school girl abductions.  Did the Sochi Olympics feel like years ago and not just 11 months ago?  Protests in Ferguson and many police shootings, and Sony got hacked.  Overall, not a terribly exciting year, but that's kind of a good thing right?  Hopefully as a country and world we can work out some deep seeded issues soon!

I hope that everyone reading this has a healthy, productive and happy year in 2015.  I sure am excited to move on from the excitement of 2014 and only have good news...

Cheers~

Christmas Traditions

Ugh, how this past month got away from me.  I have spent so much time doing... well, I don't know what I've been doing really, but I've been my busy self.  I've traveled a little, worked a bunch, got ready for Christmas, and so on and so forth.  I wanted to share with you my traditions for the holiday time.  I posted these on Instagram, but thought I'd collect them all here for a description of our holiday this year.

A visit to the Lights Before Christmas in Layton.  We have done this for years - even before the kids were born.  You can either drive through (more so around) or get out and walk it.  We like to walk cause you can see more of them and walk through the tunnel of lights.  They put random things (not really Christmasy lights) that we enjoy.  I think the spider might be my favorite.  The kids like the dinosaurs, Fogg likes the bear catching fish.

Mom and I wrap gifts while we watch (and sing along to) White Christmas with Bing Crosby and Rosemary Clooney.  Below is one of my favorite scenes - a classic dinner and show and her dress - amazing!

Always a visit to see Santa Tim (the skiing Santa!) up at Snowbasin.  He is a friend of mine and always so nice to my kids and skis with them.  Nora didn't cry this year but she was still shy.  I have  pictures from every year!

Christmas at Nana and Papa's house.  We did this a few days before and it was calm and nice and fun.  They gave Reed a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle and Nora a Frozen tent.  We sure do love these people!

A new tradition, making gingerbread cookies for Santa.  Reed really wanted to do this and it was a ton of fun to roll out, cut out, bake and decorate the cookies! 

Eve celebration at Snowbasin.  We stayed late skiing this afternoon, so we just hung around, watched Santa come down the hill, took a picture with him, watched the torchlight parade and fireworks.  Then home for dinner and one gift - new PJ's!

Skiing on Christmas morning!  I let them open stockings first thing in the morning, everyone got a new beanie!

Every single year - this crew (and then usually some more) we go skiing!  We take this pic every year!  This one might be one of my favorites.

 

2009   2010

2012   2013

2014

(2011 is skipped cause there was only two families that year due to Christmas being on a Sunday and we forgot to take a picture!  I do have one of our family I think somewhere)

Then home for making dinner and opening gifts with the Scrip's.  Reed and James always make gingerbread houses.  This year they also made a train!  I love that they both love this!

Our annual holiday party.  This year we had it on the 27th.  It got a little crazy but equally as fun!  Spidy got in on some fun too.

Love this holiday!  I love that I took none of gifts cause you know what, that's the least important of them all.  I love the time with family, friends and traditions that everyone enjoys.  Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all.