My Fountain of Youth

Today I celebrate another year closer to 40 now. Thirty-seven to be exact!




I'm not a person that is obsessed with a number. I have noticed the aging process more this year though. I'm not depressed, but it's a little sad to see yourself change:( Here are some tips that have kept me going.

10. A good hair dresser- hair color is important

9. Ibuprofen

8. Spanx- do I need to say more:)

7. Tums- ok yes I've started to get heartburn.

6. Guilty Pleasures- Bad reality TV(Anything Housewives) Facebook.

5. Chocolate, cheese and wine.

4. Girlfriends- The best excuse to get dressed up, look pretty and LAUGH!

3. My Girls- Singing, dancing and tea parties. Elise and Corinne make me feel young.

2. N- I know he is lying when he says I have no wrinkles I won't encourage him to see an eye doctor:)

1. Keurig- I know this is a machine but caffeine is important to keep this girl going!

MY COFFEE CUP RUNNETH OVER

Snow Day Tea Party

Being from Minnesota I find it a foreign concept to start cancelling school before snow?? Why not let the kids sweat it out a little. It must be like fashion the East Coast can predict those trends:)

I must admit I understand now why my parents were not thrilled about SNOW DAYS. Usually I love a day to sit in and relax. It's only been a week since winter break though. I need to get a routine going again!

I did a little preparation so the girls and I would have a nice snow day, and Mommy wouldn't go crazy:)

The morning began with some crafts and baking for our Tea Party. The girls were very excited and spent a good part of the morning getting their dolls ready.

After naps/quiet time and a little run on the treadmill for Mommy we started our preparation. I even set the table with real tea cups. We feasted on banana bread and chocolate zucchini muffins. A good time was had by all.

FORGIVENESS

Happy 2011!

The New Year always brings such promise and hope. It also brings a lot of stress. I haven't even put away my Christmas decorations and I'm expected start working on those goals of losing 20lbs, organizing my home, be a better Mom and Wife. Talk about pressure! Granted it's self-inflicted:)

It's hard to come up with one goal. The things in my life that are important to me remain pretty consistent.

1. Being a mindful Mother- Every year I just strive to be the best I can be. They know they are loved.
2. Being a thoughtful and caring wife- Since the day I married my Hubby 8 years ago I have been his biggest cheerleader and he is mine.
3. Healthy Lifestyle- I think the majority of the world would say their goal is to lose weight and be healthy. This has always been important to me. Each year I try to find new ways to challenge myself. This year I've started running. Maybe I will compete in a race? I would love to lose some extra pounds, but I'm done with beating myself up over it. I will just continue to make good choices and know there will be good days and bad.

If I have to pinpoint one goal for the year it would be FORGIVENESS.

It's hard to let go of all my imperfections. I tend to dwell on the negative. This can be consuming and is time and energy wasted. I try to be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend I can be. I'm human though! I fail and make many, many mistakes.

This year I would like to learn from all those imperfections and MOVE ON. I'm always trying to teach my girls this lesson. I guess Mommy should start 'Practicing what I preach.'

Life will be much more enjoyable if I forgive myself. This year I want to focus on holding my husband's hand, seeing the smiles on my girls' faces and surprising myself by trying things I may not succeed at.

Here's to 2011 and all those bumps in the road. With the love and support from family and friends I know I will make it to the finish line.

Happy New Year to all of you! May 2011 be all you hope for!