Welcome 2009!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I hope everyone had a fabulous New years Eve and rang in 2009 with a bang!! In all honesty, I don't like New Years Eve, not even one bit....never have...probably never will! However, I do like the fresh start that is offered on New Years Day. I know a lot of people make resolutions...some stuck to, some fall by the wayside and others are simply adjusted to more realistic goals. With all that said, I have to admit I have been on the "healthy" lifestyle bandwagon since Monday (not a resolution of sorts, just a plan to strt eating better and getting my body into a helathy place...maybe that has something to do with the fact we are heading off to Disneyworld in March....YAHOO!!! As Miguel would say...the kids are excited about returning to Disney as am I....after enduring the cold, snowy Midwest winter, I need something warm and wonderful to look forward to!). With all that said, I would like to take the time to reflect on this year....Things have been difficult in many ways; this year has brought struggles to my marriage (Not something I have openly talked about here on my blog as I like to keep this the "happy place" and wonderful world of decorating),struggles with the housing market which has kept us tied to an outrageous mortgage, health issues for loved ones around me, layoffs for myself and family members....it has been hard times in 2008 BUT with the bad comes the good - right? We are very blessed my husbands business has been steady and prosperous (he owns his own roofing / siding company), I have 2 wonderful children (who try my patience on a daily basis, and it is at those times I remind myself how fortunate I am to have two miracles from God), a daughter who is kind and genrous, a son who says I love you mommmy several times a day, both of my parents involved in our lives who are only a hop, skip and a jump away a roof over my head, food on our table and Uggs on my feet (certainly not a necessity BUT a wonderful "gift"), WONDERFUL friends who take the time to lend an ear, offer advice and help in anyway they can. my health and many other small daily blessings...onward and forward to an AMAZING year!!