Resolutions

Now you have to hold me accountable....

Here we go.

I want to start looking as pretty as I know I can. For my husband, for my family, and geehz for other peoples eyes....but for myself more than anything. Just spending a few minutes a day on me...i think it might be the boost I need. I am not talking hot curlers and blue maskera...I am talking eye liners and lip gloss.

I want 2010 to bring change. I want my dream to finally come true. The dream I have been working so hard to achieve. The dream the has been in every second of my thoughts and prayers. My dream is coming true this year. 2010 is my year.

Lastly, I want 2010 to be the year I read the bible. I do not want to be unrealistic and say read the whole bible front to back. I just want it to be real part of my day to day life. I want to see the words become real in my life. I want to give the holy spirit something to work with. I want the spirit to work in me.

Now most importantly, I want-NO-I will- put my family first. Every choice, every action, every thought, and every dollar.

As for 2009. Just as I thought it would be. Work hard. Play with friends. Cherish every second with family and grow....inside and out just a year to grow...to get ready.

Ready for 2010.

I wish blessings and peace and JOY to you. I love you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Happy New Year. May all YOUR dreams come true.

The professionals.

These two were not only adorable but they new how to handle the cold weather. They cuddled right up to stay warm.

Great grandma is many things....but it is her laugh I love the most. She lights up a room, cuddles with kids and stays up late taking down the boys with a game of cards. i love spending time with her.

Ski-doo

These things move fast....really fast. So fast I had to kick Wade out of the drivers seat so I could so faster...yeah right...SLOWER.

Hunter loved it...he begged to go again and again.

Honestly it is really fun-if and only if- you are dressed right and your glasses don't fog.

A word to the wise for next time...wear your contacts!

We are getting along...

The snow and I...that is. The whole family went out on a horse drawn sled ride through the country. This is one of the Little family traditions and it was neat for me to be a part of it.

It was beautiful. And COLD. But more beautiful than anything else.

Hunter did well for most of the ride. Just the last few minutes he decided he was done....really done. He endlessly repeated "CCCCold....BBBBBuurrrrr."

Rick and Emily rode on the sled that was being pulled behind and ohhh did they have a blast.

Then there are these two. Man are they like...and I can see them both in Hunter too. Neil is a man that is strong and hard working...there is not a second he is just standing still...unless he is with one of the grandkids. Neil and Wade are building a legacy with their lives...with their hard work and with their hearts.

The snow and I are getting along today....and at least for the next few days that is.

Three airports, 2 airplanes and many hours later

We made it to Canada....and every scream, kick and tear was worth it.

The first airplane ride from San Fran to Minnesota was a piece of cake...thanks to a long nap and Fraggle rock.

The second one however was horrible....and I honestly cannot blame Hunter...we were delayed, it was past midnight and I think we all were just done traveling.

I have to admit I love airports....because I love people watching....and it is one of the easiest places to eavesdrop on your neighbors converations and peak at the emails the man next to you is typing out. Don't judge me...I also try to do some good with it...like lending toys to upset children and hold open doors and anything else I can notice that might help. I like to call it paying attention to what is going on around me....ha!

Yum

Some of my favorite Christmas treats this year were old traditions and some were first time adventures.

Candy cane cookies are a main staple of every Christmas I can remember. They are a pain to make but worth every second. The slight almond flavoring, the crisp white and red colors....it makes Christmas feel right for me.

Wade loves turkey but only with Cranberry in every bite. Since the canned version is not an option....I whipped up a batch of homemade sauce....and it came out just right. Now even your standard pork tenderloin is adorned with a dabble of this red tart sauce.

I would love to share my recipes....just ask:)

I hope your Christmas was full of yummy food.

Christmas Countdown

"Unto us a child was born..."

This is the verse that resides in my heart this Christmas. It comes to mind over and over...perhaps because I have a son, or I have babies on the brain...or maybe, just maybe because I am learning just how precious a gift it was.

Hunter can say Santa. At first i was excited and we went to visit Santa. Then the more I thought about it the more I realized that he does not know how to say Jesus.

I need to talk more about Jesus. I want him to know baby Jesus.

Haircut

He is growing up to be the sweetest young man. He now sits on his own for a hair cut....and hold as still as a statue.

I love watching him interact with people. The entire time he was getting his hair cut he was talking about his grandma and how we are going to visit her. "wherez gamma" he would endlessly repeat...with his hands raised in question.

This child of mine is a hairy boy....and those of you who know me well....know where he got it. Poor Kid. I am trying to figure out what style this kid should have. Short and militant, long and hippie like, spiked, mohawk, or slicked down....it has been fun playing around.


These are the days.

Dare Devil

I remember as a kid that nothing feels better than having your parents and grandparents cheering you on...clapping, calling your name and rooting for you.

Besides the Little family Hockey nights in our living room, there are no major sports yet for Hunter....although he would count jumping the stairs as a major Olympic event...and of course we are all there cheering him along....and when we forget to clap he reminds us:)

Back to the basics

Our last night in Yosemite we lost power. Wade and I jumped in the car and went into town to buy a battery operated lantern and flashlight. We made dinner on the gas range in the dark, ate dinner by the fire place and played with the flashlights under blankets.

At moments it was cold and frustrating. But more than anything it was just what we needed.....to stop and just enjoy the basics.

Good people.

A warm fire.

Good conversation.

I look back on that night now and realize that I should turn it all off more often.

Giving it all I Got

Today is the annual Almond Conference.

I look forward to going every year. My time there is full of learning the latest policies and tends in the industry as well as building new relationships that could lead to a better, stronger Monte Vista Farming.

I also enjoy running into old friends. People that used to work for me, people I buy equipment and supplies from and people I only see once a year at this conference.

Then there are the people I try and avoid. The sales man that unfortunately has my business card and calls once a week. The grower that wants to complain about everything. And my most challenging....The people I used to work for. I only see them this one time year and it stirs up all types of emotion.

I hate that things are not great between us. It makes my stomach turn to know people out there might not think the best of me....just because I left for another job.

I hope I get the chance to say hello and begin building a new bridge. I hope the past is the past....and that the future holds good things. They are good people....and they played a big roll in my life over that time period I worked there. They gave me more than just an opportunity, they gave me a good challenge....one that brought out the best in me. One that helped me find me.

Do you have someone in your life that you have a past with...a past you wish you could change? Today is the day to make the call, to reach out your hand, to begin again. At least you will fall asleep tonight knowing that you gave it all you got...I believe that is all God requires from me....all I got.

Things I love

I just thought I would share a few things I love about life today.

10. I love Hunter's doctor...or doctor's...they are brothers. They are wise, thoughtful, and they listen carefully. They have helped us get over the aspiration and kept the flu/colds away this year. All three of us have had the H1N1 vaccine!

9. I love all our friends and the time we spend together.

8. I love the hard times. I know they are building my strength for tomorrow's challenges. If there were never hard times...the good times would not feel so good right?

7. I love that Hunter calls my sister auntie. When he see's a picture of her his face lights up and he wonders where she is.

6. I love my stinky dog. Even when he tries to lick me to death....I still love him. He is such a sweet, loyal and handsome dog. He is patient and soft with Hunter. Knowing he will bark at the slightest noise outside makes me feel safe.

5. I love that my dream is about to come true. 2010 holds the most wonderful reality for me and my family. Have you ever dreamed, and worked hard, and prepared for a BIG dream to come true in your life....?? I just cannot wait.

4. I love my home. There are always projects I would love to dive into...like ripping out the carpet and refinishing the hard wood, or putting in granite kitchen counter tops, and so on. But more than anything, I love the character and charm of my little home. I love the layout and all the space. I love that it is full of memories, laughter and love. I love it just the way it is.

3. I love my son. He is 18 months and I love this stage of his life. I count every
second with him the best gift that Wade and God ever gave me.

2. I love my husband. I love his humor, his genius level of intelligence, and the way he loves me. He is never too proud or self consumed to love me. He puts the first things first, he deals with my moods and emotions, and he leads me.

1. I love my God. He sends me blessings that I do not deserve. He quietly guides me
in his direction. He has a plan and purpose for my life that is powerful and I cannot wait for what is next....