2012

New year, new post.
Finally right?
I don't think many people actually read this anymore anyways, but it's been a nice break to not have to worry about blogging this last month.

But
I'm going to try to be better.

This is going to be a big year, I just know. I want to do so many things, and we have to do so many things... IE, Damon has to take the boards at the end of June. horray. We want to go on a fun trip somewhere when he's done, somewhere far away and glamorous (or not glamorous- hostels and street food are my style)

Ellis will be 1 next month, whattheheck? Dude is so funny right now, he popped another tooth and he's all smiles now that it's out.

I have a big little project I'm starting, hopefully it all goes well, I'm a little nervous about how much work it could potentially become, but I look forward to it, and hopefully I'll have something more to share about it soon...

New year's resolutions? I don't really make them, because I know I won't keep them. I did find this awesome calander, a 'declutter 2012' thing, and have started it and it is fabulous. It's one small thing each day, to simplify, organize, clean, declutter.  For instance, yesterday's assignment was to go through the freezer and toss any old freezer-burned food. Today's was the question "what 5 values do you want to explore this year?"... Sundays are rest/contemplation days, the others are work!
You can download it HERE

We are also going to be trying to cook and eat healthier, more whole foods, real food. I skimmed through the book In Defense of Food, and highly recommend it to anybody.  The basic concept is to eat lots of plants, and lots of real food. Meaning unprocessed, natural form, food.

I also want to serve others more, alone and as a family.  I would love for us to spend more time giving to others and helping, becoming more charitable.

I'd love to start writing letters, real handwritten, mailed ones. Email and Facebook shouldn't be my only means of communicating with friends. Anybody want a pen pal?

Do you have any goals for the year?

Here are some pics/video of our break, off my phone of course. That's another one, I'd like to start using my real camera more, or sell it.

 Texas, feeding the chickens and enjoying 70+ degrees

 Texas, Ellis' first Freebird burrito.

 Texas. Jake was so helpful to open all of Ellis' Christmas gifts for him

 Texas. Ellis was stunned at all the toys

 Washington. This is how people park in Spokane. You should have seen BMW's face when he got to his car and was completely confused, and wondering how to get out.

 Ellis and Finley on Christmas, best pals!

 Ellis was spoiled having all those 40-something cousins around. He especially loved playing the piano with Hilary

 Julia, I found her alone in the kitchen, tearing apart a turkey leg. 

 Ellis slept about 13 hours a night in Washington, so he usually woke up super happy.

 Dockside cultural presentation

Costa Vida. Best meal I've had since the last time I was in Utah. I would just die to have another one right now.

Back in Texas, we went to Salt Lick for some tasty meat.

Ellis ate lots and lots the whole trip, he probably gained a whole quarter-pound!

Ellis and his uncle Jake