Happy New Year!

Hard to believe that 2012 is here! I have a feeling that this is going to be a good year. It has to be better than the end of 2010 and 2011. Not that we aren't very blessed and grateful for all of the great things that we do have, but some pretty crummy things {that I'd choose not to repeat} happened over the last year and a half. So here's to 2012 looking up!

On a positive note, my friend, Jill Pope, has a great family blog. Jill is a great friend {and often provides many much-loved comments on my blog - hint hint} that I've gotten to know better over the last few years and I look forward to getting to know her and her adorable family more in the year to come. I'm going to go on record here and say that, Jill, this is your official shout out that you've been hoping for. Long awaited, but I know it was well worth it. I'd like to emulate Jill's "Best of 2011" post {'cause I so enjoyed looking at hers} and showcase our own great highlights over the last year. 

Ah, great memories! Thanks Jill for the great idea. Which brings us to present day...

For anyone delusional enough to think {from reading my blog, Pinterest or Facebook} that I am some Martha Stewart master crafter/baker and perfect 50s housewife; that my beds are always perfectly made; my kids' rooms are spotless and organized; my floors {even with the Haan steam mop} are shiny and polished all the time; my laundry is all washed, ironed and hanging perfectly in my closets, here's a reality check. This is recently what a few rooms in my house looked like...the rest of the house wasn't {and still} isn't much better. The floors need mopping, the bathrooms are atrocious and the laundry still isn't done!

So there, I hope any delusions of grandeur have been permanently set aside. Consider yourself now in the circle of trust.

A random side-note, but have you tried these cookies? I love the sugar cookies from Immaculate Baking Co, so I thought I'd give these a try for the holidays. I'm officially addicted to the Ginger Spice!

I'm a self-proclaimed cookie monster. I think they are my most favorite dessert. These are most enjoyed with a cup of tea {I've been dosing up on Echinacea tea since all of the crud going around my house and beyond} or coffee.

I just had to tell you that!

We rang in the New Year with some friends at an all-adult evening. It was a nice escape from our usual kid-friendly get-togethers.

Not our best picture of all time. Or maybe we just don't look as good as we think sometimes.

The adult party goers in a never-ending attempt at a group photo with a camera timer.

I guess this is the year for trying new things - especially since conveniently a half-marathon is something new and it so happens to fall in 2012. So, I've decided to make a few New Year's resolutions {a first for me}. Here's the list...To read more books {I've started with The Help on iBooks - hello 2012!}. To eat better {not skip breakfast, eat more fruits and veggies, eat more frequent, smaller meals, that sort of thing}. Not sweat the small stuff {like cleaning and laundry - see above}. To have more patience {with my kids and husband}. To continue my running/working out {even after the half marathon}. To grow a food garden. And to save more money. The list is still growing, though. I'm in a real self-betterment phase of my life.

And speaking of trying new things...I paddleboarded for the first time today. Ben's Christmas gift was a stand-up paddleboard. Once we finally got all of the proper racks and tie-downs {thanks Mom and Dad}, we were all set to take it in the water. Thank goodness for a 75-degree weekend! We took the new board to Shell Point {a perfect starter destination considering the water is only about ankle deep to waist high even quite a way off the shore}. I was actually surprised at how stable this board is - it's great for beginners.

Mom taking a turn to try it out {promise I let Ben have the first go}.

This takes skill to paddle a 5-year-old on the front.

Jack gives SUP'ing a go.

Paige gets suited up for her turn.

Hard to tell, but that is the little girl on the front with Daddy.

Jack liked sitting down to paddle best.

My happy boys!

Ben took Jack a long way off shore.

All was fine until Jack looked up and realized how far out they were and made Ben paddle him back to shore.

I think he was a little upset after that.

The Sweet P busied herself with lots of digging in the sand and going up and down the slide.

The kids loved how fast this slide was.

It was a beautiful day. Hard to believe it is January...it's been unseasonably warm, even for Florida. I think the new gift was a big hit for Dad and will provide lots of enjoyment for the entire family.

Here's to more new experiences and a great upcoming year!