so long '08

Whew! The holidays are already here and gone. For the first time ever I took a substantial amount of time off around the holidays to do nothing in particular except enjoy myself and hang out with my kids. Mission accomplished! My time off with them to just do whatever was wonderful. When I tucked Gabe in last night he told me he was sure they'd talk about in school what they did over break. We started listing stuff, and wow, we had fun!

visits to and from grandparents
holiday get togethers with friends (with and without kids)
cross country skiing on my sweet backyard trail (Ava's on skis and loving it!)
mommy skiing on real trails
downhill skiing
downhill ski racing (just the kids)
many visits with aunts, uncles and cousins
snowmobiling
a new snowmobile (yes, I caved)
refined wii skills (fishing anyone? I am a silver medalist now)
SORRY tournaments
sleep in! (Yes, I'm human again!)
reading chapter books ("just one more chapter...!")
movies, movies, movies!

We had a great time on New Years Eve at Julie & Dave's, however I didn't commit to a resolution. Being the best me, or living your best life as Oprah would say (yes, I had a little TV watching time too) seems to be the one that stuck. After reading Kim's blog, I've decided that I'm stealing this line from her: When something seems stressful, ask yourself if it will matter in twenty years, five years, one year or even a week.

Ah hah! Now we are on to something. Very smart, Kim. That goes well with my recently adopted mantra of "not helpful, not helpful, not helpful" when I'm having thoughts strangling someone if I have to wipe one more glob of toothpaste off the counter or pee off the toilet seat. Just focus on Gabe's big brown, long lashed eyes and Ava's sweet little face and remember that they won't let you plant kisses on them forever. They are not always going to tell you that you are the best mommy in the whole wide world. Someday they will ignore you rather than run to you with open arms when you enter a room. My 2009 resolution is to do my best to be the best me I can, to remember when I'm ready to rant that it's usually not helpful and to think how will this matter twenty years from now, or even next week.

Happy 2009 everyone! And what's a post without a picture or two? Here's what I dug up from '08.

Ava's first play date. Nice moves Chloe!


What would spring break be without tattoos?


Getting ready to zip through the jungle in Belize


Gabe's mini-birthday party at the campground



Ava's first soccer game - thumbs up!


Now that's a lot of grandkids!


My girls getting ready for the spa - open your eyes Car, we haven't even gotten to the wine yet!


Grandma and Grandpa with my sweet girl, Sophia

Seriously, the best 2008 picture of T&C? Getting a good pic of you 2 and of me and my pal is on my '09 list for sure!


Let's not forget the wine tasting. 'Nice Rack' stickers complements of Lee


Celebrating 10 years of wedded bliss in Belize.
Here's to a fabulous year, Joe (even though you don't read my blog) and many more happy memories...love you!