New New New

"Out with the old, in with the new" ... A new year is upon us and I love that saying.  If you know me at all, you know I love Christmas and the whole season that brings it... But I also love the "new" after Christmas. I actually like taking all the decor down and making more room for all the new.  And I do it usually the day after Christmas.  It's a "clean" feeling I guess...and I love clean.  These past few weeks were filled with family, food and fun. It was so nice having the boys home and being a complete family again for a little over a week.  But all good things come to an end, right...school started back up on Monday.  Girls basketball also started yesterday for Gabi...more on that later I am sure.  But to catch up on the blogging...here are some things we have enjoyed these past few weeks in between the family fun and holiday season...

The BCS championship game - I mean who wasn't excited that Notre Dame was playing in the Championship this year!!! We certainly played this into our gift giving this year too.  Although ND lost to Alabama we still love our Fighting Irish.  My boys were so pumped for this game.  Growing up having "Notre Dame" rooms...true Irish fans since they can remember...what a chance for ND.

My new Keurig.  Just got this new a few days before Tyler got home for Christmas and it has certainly been a big hit.  My favorite k cup as of now...caribou.  Don't get me wrong...still love my Dunkin Donuts!

Home improvements...finally got a white range hood for my kitchen to match the other appliances.  It is something we just kind of put off because who really thinks of that. Lol and a door for the "under the stairs storage" in our basement.  Overdue.

Pictures.  Been going through pictures and heirlooms.  Since dad R has been gone we have inherited many many things here and there.  Going through and taking the time to store things we know will be treasures and donating those that could be someone else's treasures.  Learning what tangible things to keep and what not to with my own kiddos.  Letting go of things I thought at what time were important and hanging on to those things that have been reiterated that they are.  Does that make sense?  Delving into our family trees some more.  I started this at one point some time ago, but I have quickly learned that this is important and have felt more of an urgency lately.  Learning from family that are here with us.  VERY important.  I must take advantage of this.  Now.

Health.  Trying to eat better.  Ben and I did the Advocare Cleanse a while back.  Can't really say that the pills etc actually helped aid in the weight loss but I can say that this diet taught us a much better way to eat.  And we learned that we CAN do it.  Going to add some type of workout plan also.  With not being able to run just yet (still sore foot)  I feel that my energy level has definitely gone down. Need to start moving in some way and plan to.

Other things I am loving right now...my new Eco Citizen watch. So pretty.  I am very addicted to my Baby Lips, especially in the dry, coldness.  And shoe liners.  I bought Gabi a few pair a while back and never realized how much I like them until I tried them.  It's the kind of product that makes you say, "why didn't I think of that???"  A must have for my new Toms.  Love.  Also trying some new things...riding boots I found for cheap cheap cheap.  I love bargains.  And fashion scarves I am loving more and more each day. 

Really want to see "Zero Dark Thirty" - have you seen the previews???  Looks so good!  And with one of my favorite not so known actors in it...Kyle Chandler.  I miss Friday Night Lights.  Would like the book, "No Easy Day" and may just have to go and get it.  Very interested in info like that. 

Wishing both the boys a very good semester. I think they are ready to start fresh and work hard.  Again, LOVED their visits.  Looking forward to some more IU basketball.  It's been a great year for Indiana sports.  Let's keep it up!!!

So there ya have the past few weeks in a nut shell.  The "in between times."  And have I mentioned I am seeing a beautiful warm place in my future.  Warm > Cold

:)

Happy New Year!