A New Year

Another new year is upon us. Some will go out and celebrate in style at the latest greatest party (New York Times Square) others, like myself, will have a quiet celebration at home.

Actually, truth be told, I can not remember the last time I stayed awake long enough to meet the New Year. Yikes...

Some of us have already thought of or are making their final decisions on their New Year resolutions. Most of us make the "lose weight" or "get finances in order" as goals we would like to accomplish. Me inlcuded. Every year I make about a handful, only to fail at seeing them through before February even hits.

For example, my three 2008 resolutions included: pay off debt, eat healthy (lose weight after birth of son), and take time out for me (a difficult one as most mothers know!) This year, I have decided to make my resolution simple: complete at least one 2008 resolution.

What do you want to accomplish in 2009?

Boy or Girl?

My husband and I agreed right off that we were going to find out the sex of our baby. I remember walking into that cramped ultrasound room; the cool gel being placed on my belly and the anticipation that came afterward while waiting to hear whether this growing baby inside me was going to be a Logan or an Audrey.

I secretly wanted a girl. Perhaps it is because I am the only female out here on this wide, vast ranch. However, when the ultrasound tech self-assuredly said I had a little boy I felt (with shame) disappointment.

Two days ago, my husband asked me if I would trade Logan in for a girl. Without any hesitation I exclaimed "Hell no!"

I unconditionally love my little guy! I look forward to seeing the person he is each day and the person he is becoming. Already he is such a jokster and a little flirt. He gives me kisses when I feel blue or stressed; makes me laugh with his talk and facial expressions.

Now I can not even imagine my life without him!

Survival of the Holidays?

Sometimes, while asking someone how their holidays have went, they answer, "survived another year." With Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas so close together I can see how some may take a survival strategy for those last 3 months of the year.

I ask, when did the holidays have to become a state of survival? What happened to the simplicity of it all? It should be about sharing this time with our loved ones. Instead it has turned into a commercial war. Before Halloween even hits the stores are filled with the newest, greatest toys. Sales are flaunted promising the consumer the best deals and prices, "buy one get one half off."

And we, somewhere along the lines have gotten caught up in it all. Do children even know why we celebrate these glorious days? Parents run around in a frantic trying to purchase that last PSP or video game that little Johnny will die without. Instead of looking forward to having family over, they find it more as a burden-the extra cleaning, cooking, and decorating to prove that yes, your house is better than everyone's on the block for holiday splendor.

I've often said how simple of a life I live out here with my family. A tree cut down from the mountains, a few decorations, "Twas the Night Before Christmas" being read and a CD playing those classic Christmas carols.

We should all take a step back and re-evaluate this time of year. Was the bustle and that PSP worth all the debt and stress?

And so I leave with you today to think about the following excerpt from "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" by Dr. Seuss.

And the Grinch, with his grinch-feet ice-cold in the snow,

Stood puzzling and puzzling: "How could it be so?

"It came without ribbons! It came without tags!

"It came without packages, boxes or bags!"

And he puzzled three hours, till his puzzler was sore.

Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before!

"Maybe Christmas," he thought, "doesn't come from a store.

"Maybe Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!"