Post Christmas Catch Up

I have caught up on sleep, recovered from the stress of work and sleep deprivation and thoroughly enjoyed Christmas Eve, Christmas day and the two days off that followed. I'm sorry I have been so absent here, I'm not going to lie, the weeks leading up to Christmas were quite stressful for me.  Waiting til the last two weeks before the holiday to shop, bake, make and wrap gifts was just too much this time.

We were able to see our Cervantez nieces and nephews two nights in a row.


Frank got the idea to learn some Christmas songs on guitar so that he could play with and for the kids.  At first they all said they weren't going to sing but they really got into it.
We sang Jingle Bells, Rudolph and Feliz Navidad multiple times.
I think we have a new tradition!




We repeated the singing at my parents house.
Karlie loves to sings, and is always singing.
Yes, a new tradition for sure!


Karlie and cousin Thomas


We took our usual walk with Karlie to see the horses after Christmas dinner.
I love that she loves to be outside.


On the way back she was running a good while and saying "I run fast!".
I want to find joy in running like that.




My mom posted this picture that I took of Karlie with the caption:

I hope all of you are running off joyously into the New Year where there are lots of blessings and good things waiting for everyone.

I like the sentiment of that quote.  I am trying to do those things both literally and figuratively.  Running (or walking) for health, counting my blessings, and finding joy in the new year.

I have several handmade gifts to share with you, though I neglected to photograph the ones that I made the most of.  I guess I'll have to bribe my gift recipients to take pictures of themselves wearing my scarves.

I have plenty of New Years resolutions, as always, I want to start anew.
Mostly they come down to being more organized, planning ahead and having healthier habits.
 More specifically:
*Better meal planning, with my wacky schedule it is hard.  Planning better will also lead to healthier eating habits.
*Exercising regularly.  We want to join a gym but so does the rest of the country right now.
*A repeat of my goal for this year that didn't come to fruition: de-cluttering the house, going through all closets, drawers and cabinets to clear out excess and deep clean the house.  I also want to paint and reorganize our utility room.
*Add more personal touches to both our home and my wardrobe.  Basically being more thoughtful about my style and what I live with.
*Learn to Knit, finally!
*And start preparing for Christmas early next year.  But that goes along with better planning in general.

If you don't see me before next week, I hope you are all safe, happy and surrounded by the ones you love as you ring in the New Year.  We don't go out on New Years, but I still love it and it feels like a fresh start.

Happy New Years!
xoxo
Ashley