2012

It's a new year! I feel like it's been 2012 for awhile - maybe just because people have been talking about this year for awhile now. The fact that it's 2012 means it's been a decade since I've graduated high school. Since then I've gone to college, graduated, taught for 3 years, gotten married, and have become a mom. But it still doesn't seem that long ago that I was in high school.
I'm ashamed to say I haven't really made new years resolutions yet. I like goals and such; I just have a hard time committing to do something for a year. In general, this year I'd like to actually exercise (I haven't worked out since before I was pregnant... seriously), eat less sugar, eat more greens, increase my spirituality, and be a positive influence in all of my relationships. We'll see how these resolutions turn into weekly, attainable goals.
My parents came to visit Matt's family and us at the end of December, so we were lucky enough to see both sides of our families for the holidays. Hazel is sort of funny about my dad at first. She just watches him like a hawk for the first few days, and then finally warms up to him. It was a done deal after they shared a love for the dog next door.

Hazel is pretty cute with her cousin Faith too. I love those little people.

For New Years Eve, we had steak and potatoes with plenty of fruit, veggies, and sweets from Costco. I thought it was funny that Bitner asked my mom if she thought she went a little overboard because she brought New Years plates, napkins, cups, gold gum balls, chocolates, and fancy poppers from home. Mom thought it was low key.
That night my mom offered to stay at the house while James and I went out to play with friends. We played cards and Bunko and watched people play on the XBox Kinect. I started with a score of 0 for the first round of Bunko, but I finished with the most points and most Bunkos. I never win anything (especially with all the gamers who were there), so I was pretty impressed with myself and almost left for Vegas right then. I had to leave on a win, so I left James to fight for the title of 4 square champion. Before I left, we rang in the new year with some classic Martinelli's sparkling cider.

This time I got a picture of Hazel before church on New Years day. I love her pose in this picture. That cute little dress is a hand-me-down from her cousin Cohlee.

After the new year, we went out shopping with the girls. Hazel was so excited about all the good deals.

Here's my happy girl ready for a happy new year!