2012, Suckas.

So, I'm sure you all have noticed that it's the beginning of a new year?  And that 2011 is over, and it all just flew by amazingly fast?  Well, if you haven't, I'm filling you in.  Here we are.  I'm 34 years old.  34, YO!  And I don't feel it.  Embarrassingly there was a time in my life where I honestly felt like by the time I hit this mark I would need to be put down.  Seriously.  And here I am, hoping for another at least 50 years.  People always tell you how fast it goes, and you always think it's just because they're old and suffering from various types of dementia.  And then it happens to you.  Until then, you just can't comprehend what a head trip it is when your years start to feel like months. It seems to go by faster with each kid.  So for those of you that have decided less is more?  Less just may be more.  More time for you.  I'm just saying....

Anyway, Jeff and I celebrated 13 years on Jan. 2nd.  For those of you that are married, it's odd how it kind of feels like you've been married forever, at each and every year.  I think it's because you get  into this frame of mind that your life NOW includes this other person.  That's what it is.  They're just permanently a part of you.  And that's how I believe it should be.  Maybe that's not really romantic, but I think you all understand. You love them, you appreciate them, they're just part of you.  And even though it's been x amount of years, it now just feels like...always. Personally this way of thinking has made me happiest.  

Anyhoo, the Christmas season is now over, and that makes me a little sad.  It always goes way too quickly and this year it was so warm.  No snow.  So I felt a little slighted.  However, I got myself a brand new bicycle from Santa Clause, and it's fantastic, and I can't wait to ride it.  Because I haven't yet.  Because NOW it's started snowing.  And I got sick.  And stuff just seems to happen.  But once it starts being nicer outside?  I'm gonna be a biking fiend.  For real. 

It's been a little daunting to get back on the blog thing again.  Am I getting back on?  I don't know.  I don't know if I'm giving up, or what.  It just hasn't been as satisfying as it once was.  This attitude could be because I'm sick, too.  Whatever it is, I feel bad saying that I'm "back on the blog".  Cause, maybe I'm not.  I have a lot to say, but then I know that's a bit boring for everyone else.  So we'll see.  If I tell myself there are no expectations, than I may find posting on my blog more interesting.  
Two days before Christmas, our neighbor had a heart attack, and died. His wife, and his two teenage sons, are picking up the pieces, but, I can't imagine what they deal with day in and day out.  All that responsibility and during the time of year when I personally feel I need to be with my family, more than ever.  It made me think about my life and the things I take for granted each day.  
I decided that time with my kids, with Jeff, is most important.  One of my goals for this year is to be more comfortable with my family time.  I know it seems like our little family is selfish with our time together but I've thought about it, and I just feel like this is what's most important to me...so how could that be wrong?  Regardless of how confusing it is to others that we enjoy each other's company so much, we just do.  So I'm going to appreciate it--even take pride in it.  Who knows how long it will last?  Squeezing every last second seems like the most logical decision.

I feel like I need to tell my reader(s) that Sydney has started this year speaking in full sentences each day.  In fact, I talked to her preschool teacher, and asked her how Syd is doing.  She paused, and said," intellectually, she's doing really, really well.  However, she needs a lot of help in listening to directions:  staying in her seat, staying on the mat...that kind of thing.  And she'll get there, but she needs practice".  
Which I took to mean, "She's a smarty, but she's also a brat that thinks the world revolves around her, and she really won't do anything she doesn't want to".  Which is essentially, what I gleaned from her, as her mother.  So I couldn't be happier.  Not only is my baby spot on, but I was totally right. :)  
In all honesty, I am beyond thrilled.  Sydney is a completely different child than she was a year ago, and I'm so grateful for her progress.  It's a huge relief/blessing/anything immensely good.
I hope it's the same for all of you.  That this year is/will be better than years past.  At least for the most part.  Later Dudes.