I Resolve . . .

It's that time of year again. We all look over the past year and make a list of things we're going to change about ourselves or our habits. I've done it. We've all done it, I think. This year, I'm not making any resolutions other than to just try and be grateful for everything I've already got.

I may not be the healthiest or the skinniest person out there. I'm pretty certain that lose 20 pounds is on my doctor's wishlist for me, but in all honesty, while I'll try and be healthier I'm just not going to put that pressure on myself at the start of the year. I need to find more time to write, to clean, to whatever  . . . we all have that list. However, I'm more interested in putting the computer away a little more often to chase my daughter in the backyard, teach her how to hula hoop or bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies with her this year. I swear every time I look at her lately she's another half inch taller. Before I know it she's going to be a snotty teenager who doesn't want to have anything to do with her mom. So, I'd rather take the time with her now than take the time chopping celery and plugging away on the elliptical.

My dad was sick this past year. In fact, one year ago this week he went into the hospital and didn't get out until February 25th. My father in law spent Halloween in surgery. And while everyone is out of the hospital and doing alright, I learned that there are much more important things than the foolishness we usually come up with for our resolutions.

So, I'm going to enjoy this new year. I appreciate this last year, even though it didn't have the best of luck in it, but I'm also happy to let it go. Here's to more smiles and hugs, the scent of fresh baked cookies and the scent of the summer wind over water. I want vacation memories and too many pictures to scrapbook because we've done so much as a family this year. I wish the same for you and yours--more memories that make you smile in the year to come.