see ya, 2012.

Happy almost 2013!

For the past three years, my New Year's Resolution has been the same. Clean more? No. Volunteer somewhere? No. Watch less trash tv? No. Should those be on the list though? YES.

My New Year's Resolution has been to walk Libby outside everyday. Even if it's only 5 minutes.
Sounds easy enough, right? Wrong. Dead wrong.

I fail miserably every year.

Sorry, Libby.

I can only blame my failure on this.

Except for we didn't have much of that last year & I still failed at my resolution.

Sorry, Libby.

I really should just blame my failure on this.

And this.

So, we're changing things up around here. Because I don't like to fail. This year, my New Year's resolution will be to simply be better.

Be a better wife, sister, daughter, friend, teacher, listener, organizer, housekeeper, cook, saver, driver, & yes...dog walker.

Surely, my resolution success percentage will go up this year.

Peace out, 2012. Cheers to 2013...may happy things come your way all year.

Merry.

Once upon a time (back in 2011) there was a boy. A very thoughtful, yet practical boy. He got his girl photography classes for Christmas so she could learn how to use their fancy new camera. The classes expired on December 15, 2012. Plenty of time. But, the girl became consumed with watching reality tv, taking daily trips to Kroger & avoiding cleaning at all costs, so she forgot all about the classes (although she still dearly loved her camera). Finally, the boy signed her up & she went one week before the expiration date.
The end.

Enjoy the merry happenings in the Carter house.
Sparkle close-ups courtesy of my new photography skillllz.

I hope your home is filled with merry things, too.
With the most important thing centered around this.

How can I make it better?

4:30, Wednesday, long day with the little people, tired, cranky.

Solution? This place.

I pull up, order my drink & get ready to pay when the male barista (love that name, by the way) kindly asks how my day was. I reply with, "Ok." I really just wanted my coffee & to go in peace.

His reply, "Well, how can I make it better?"

We lock eyes, then both look at the drink...and he knows I am going to say "a free drink." Barista smiles...and then says, "Besides a free drink." Of course. I then reply with - "Ok, you can do a dance." Smugly thinking he would never do a dance. Much to my surprise, he pulled out some running man moves right there in the drive-thru. And, some jazz hands. Extra points for jazz hands. Mission accomplished. He made my day better. I thanked him & went on my way.

I thought about him & our conversation all the way home. Often times when people ask others how their day was and they reply with "ok, fine, crummy" the natural response is to say, "I'm sorry" or "hope it gets better" & move on with their business. Because, let's face it...sometimes we ask how people's days were, but we don't really care. I've done it, I'm sure you've done it too.

So, next time try asking someone how you can help make their day better. I know I'm going to try it. While at the same time knowing that a hot Christmas-y drink can usually make anything better. And running man moves, too.

kickin' the Christmas bucket

Heeeyyy December!

Its been awhile since I updated the 'ol blog. Sorry readers (or reader)...I have no idea who looks at this thing.

I've been busy putting up my one tree. And by one, I mean four.

Even our ball of fur has her own tree...complete with ornaments given to her by her grandparents. I can't wait to see what they do when they have grandkids that walk on two legs instead of four.

Also keeping me busy is this: a fun new December project...our Christmas Bucket List!

I have seen these floating around online that are seasonal related, so I decided to be a little different & make a Christmas one. All you have to do is:

*find a cute template online
*discuss ideas with your significant other and/or kids
*change or delete ideas from your significant other that you don't like (sorry, Dev)
*type in your list
*scramble around for an old frame to use
*display
*complete the list!

I am most excited about driving to the Home Alone house in Chicago. I have been obsessed with this house since I first heard the name Kevin McCallister.

Dev is really excited about sleeping by the fire. Not. He has already declared that it must be on the coldest night in December. We'll see how long he lasts.

May your week be Merry & Bright...and full of sparkle.