Willow Beach

A few days after Christmas we headed to Willow Beach. I love Willow Beach and I had so much fun there when I was a kid. I've always wanted to bring my family so when my nephew's got a canoe from Santa we headed out there to try it out. Markie brought his kayak and we all brought along a picnic lunch. It was a beautiful day. Karley dipping her feet in the chilly river.

Asher, Karley's best... partner in crime.

Paige was clearly enjoying her time out on the canoe.

Karley and Asher out adventuring.

The "beach"

We all had fun crossing the river and checking out what was on the shore.

Madison and Karley enjoying the kayak...just don't fall in the ice cold water!

Sweet Madeline

Dustin enjoying some picnic lunch.

Dustin trying out the kayak. Pretty good for your first time! Well, except for the fact that you dipped your sleeve in the water and almost tipped out. But, still, pretty good for your first try!

Getting ready for the big launch.

I WANT a canoe so badly. It was so peaceful paddling around. I loved being out on the river with Dustin and the kids. I WILL have a canoe someday...I WILL!!!

Scott loves the canoe and dangling his little hand into the chilly water.

Scott's favorite part? Throwing rocks at the ducks as they swam by.

Ten things I'm trying to resolve---

Here we are... nearly at the end of the month...



But I do love making resolutions...



I'd hate to miss this opportunity. So here are my ten goals for 2009:


1. Party more! We love having friends over and we've kinda gotten out of the groove. We will be hosting some fun parties this year! Dustin's reminded me already that he turns the big 3-0 in April and we will be having a HUGE celebration in his honor!!!!


2. Win the Biggest Loser Challenge. I love things like this! Last I checked, the prize money was up to $740.00 I could use that!! I started January 5th and I've already dropped 9lbs. I'm working my butt off... and my chin... cheeks ...arms ....and tummy. My goal is to lose 15 more lbs. Wish me luck ... and will power. I promised my kids that if I win we're taking them on the ultimate Disneyland vacation. All you can eat churros, kids!

3. Be a less-crabby Mommy. My kids are growing way too fast and I want them to know how happy I am to be their Mom. I cherish my children and I want to spend this year happy and laughing and doing more memory-making activities together.

4. Be more satisfied with what I can accomplish in a day. Sometimes I get overwhelmed when I try to do it all. I should be happy about the things I've been able to get done instead of focusing on everything I didn't get to.


5. Be more creative. And spend more time on hobbies I enjoy. I'd like to take classes to become better at cooking, sewing, painting, photography...

6. Spend more time laughing. More time with friends, having fun. More time with Dustin, just the two of us. I cherish these moments.

7. Take more vacations, even mini ones.

8. Help my kids succeed at school. Read more. Help them to feel confident and proud of their work.

9. Cook more. Sometimes I get lazy but I love serving my family a good home-cooked meal.

10. Give more... more often. There are times that I feel that I need to tell someone just how important they are to me. I'm going to act on those feelings more often than I do.

Madison, Madison

One of our greatest blessings is this girl.

Born 12 years ago...

Which, forever, changed my life.

Madison is such a special part of our family. She is understanding and kind. She has compassion for people. She is wise beyond her years. She loves to make people laugh, She's funny. She likes to sass our friends and listen in on our conversations. She loves her friends. She is a great example to all of us.

When Madison was 6 she asked me, "Mom, do they have good schools in Massachusetts?" Though shocked by her question, I replied yes, but very quickly added that she could go to college a little closer to home. My heart hurts a little when I think of her going to college someday. I'm sure plans have changed and I'm grateful she has many more years to decide. But I know she has big plans for her future and there's no doubt in my mind she will grow and do great things with her life.

We love our little Maddi-Moo!

Happy Birthday!