Our Pennsylvania Christmas 2018 (a little late)

I know I am several weeks late writing this Christmas blog, but better late than never. 

Our Christmas's here in Pa are usually cold and sometimes we have snow. This year we had the cold, but unfortunately we did not have snow. The weeks leading up to Christmas were a little crazy as I had had surgery Nov. 30. For the most part, we were ready for the big day!

As always Kaylee and Jaxson came to stay for several days. Jaxson, being four, is at the perfect age for the magic of Christmas. From him explaining Mary and Josephs travels to Bethlehem where baby Jesus was born, to being intrigued about Santa Claus and the elves. Its truly a magical age and we love reliving it through him!

Christmas morning we have everyone here for gift opening and breakfast.We had a large selection of food, coffee, juices and of course mimosas. Our local donut shop had the BEST Santa donuts which were delicious! I decided to break an 11+ year tradition and make two new casserole dishes for breakfast. They were delicious and I will definitely make them again next year! 

After everyone got their food, we headed in the family room to open presents. Santa had come and Jaxson wasn't waiting any longer!!!

Every year there is what I call a "Gift of the year", which is one thing most of the girls in our family ask for, want, or need. Last year it was Sperry duck boots. The year before it was Vineyard Vines everything. This year it was a titanium hair straightener and Patagonia jackets. The family gift, which was a surprise for even my husband, was the Nintendo Switch. I love this gaming system as it has lots of classic Mario Brother Games and other classics. So far it has been a huge hit for the entire family!

As another Holiday season ends, I am reminded once again that time with family and friends is what really matters in life. This year we were very blessed to have the entire family together under one roof! We are so thankful for this and realize it may not always be this way...

And to all a good night!!!

New Year, New Me

Happy 2019 Everyone!
 As most people have made their resolutions, this will be the first year in my lifetime that I am actually doing the same. I have never made them as I just think that if I really want to do something bad enough I will do it whether its the New Year or not. Not to mention that 80% of New Years resolutions fail by February! Never the less this year I am making them. Lets see how many I can keep!

First, I am going to try to trust in God more than ever before and try to worry less about things I can't control! (easier said than done)

Second, I want to loose at least 20 pounds this year. I have already lost 7 since Nov so i'm on my way...I'm not going to mention that most of that was due to a major surgery I had to have...LOL

Third, I want to start to be more positive and talk less crap about people who annoy me. (just being honest)

Forth, I want to be a better wife! I don't want to let the little things (like weird behaviors of my husband) make me go insane or just get mean. I want all the small things that really don't matter to roll off of my back.

Fifth and Final, I want to spend less money on things we or I don't really need! Its so hard especially when new seasons began and so many pretty things come out...Note to myself...stay out of Hobby Lobby and Homegoods!

A bonus Resolution of course...I am going to blog much more this year...once a week hopefully!

Stayed tuned to see how I am doing with my resolutions with monthly updates and early next week look for a 2018 Christmas in Pa Blog!