#1  Run a 5K.  My biggest goal for 2015 is to RUN a 5K.  Not walk a 5K, RUN a 5K.  I bought the ugly running shoes and downloaded the training app.  I'm ready to go. 

#2  Eat less processed foods and eat more "real" foods.  I've been trying to incorporate Meatless Mondays into the mix for a while and now I'm ready to add 2 days, per week, of eating only "real" foods.  Baby steps.  Last year's resolution was to give up pork products entirely.  I am proud to say that as of January 1, 2014, I have not eaten a single pork product!  While I have no plans to cut fish out of my diet, I am trying to eat less animal meats.  I am not doing this for health reasons but it will be a happy bonus! 

#3  Take a French class.  This is so that I can speak to my sister-in-law's family when they come visit for the summer. 

#4  Keep my house relatively clean and visit-able.  I'm pretty terrible at this one.  I don't want to be.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  I have decided to set my timer to clean a set amount  of time each day. 

#5  Love my people more.  This is the most important one.  I want to be intentional with my love this year.  I want to stop the busyness and love on the people in my life.  

I have other big/small "wishes" for the year, but for now, I'll start with those 5. 

So Long 2014

As with every year, 2014 had its share of "high" moments and some "not quite as high" moments. I lost quite a few loved ones this year, some expected and some very unexpected.  I will cherish every moment shared with them and will carry them with me forever.  

I have made a commitment to RUN my first 5K in 2015.  I have walked quite a few 5K's but I have never actually ran an entire 5K.  Yesterday, Scott & I went to Run For Your Life and had my feet/gait analyzed by an "expert" for a new pair of running shoes.  I'm so glad I did because I had no idea you are supposed to buy running shoes at least 1 to 1 1/2 sizes larger than your normal size.  I normally wear a 7 but my new shoes are an 8 1/2.  I'm on day 3 of the Couch to 5K app and am in the process of learning to run properly.  I'll keep you posted on my progress.  Not because anyone would particularly care but because I need to hold myself accountable somehow.  

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind of busyness, both at home and at work.  Scott & I have taken our turns with the winter cold that seems to be sparing no one around our area.  I'm actually looking forward to going back to work in the morning and getting back into the "normal" routine. 

A couple of months ago, Scott decided he wanted us to buy a king sized bed.  I'm one of those rare girls that really dislikes shopping.  When the time came to go shopping for a bed I said, "Why don't you build one?"  So, he did...

This is a picture of the bed before he disassembled it to paint.  It is now an "off-white" color.  Earlier today, we bought a Sleep Number mattress.  Wow, I had no idea that buying a mattress could be as difficult as buying a car (and frankly, as expensive as some too!)  I'm looking forward to our new mattress being delivered.  I will post pictures of the finished product once it arrives.  I guess I have to buy new sheets & a new comforter now.  

Blossom still has her 1 1/2 roll per week toilet paper habit. 

So for Christmas Santa brought Blossom her very own roll.

 Greta enjoyed the warm, sunny weather that we had earlier this weekend...

And, because I don't want to leave Huggybear out....here's a picture with Balto...

Well, Greta just threw up on the couch.  Time to to some more laundry....

Family

 It wasn't the weekend I would have chosen but I feel so blessed and thankful.  Yesterday, we said goodbye to a beloved Uncle.  Hollywood could not have written a more beautiful and touching ceremony.  I just felt so blessed to be among such a loving family and I only wish that I could have spent more time with each and every one there.  There were so many that could not make it and they were missed.  God is good.  

Yesterday, I found out that one of my favorite people in the world was not feeling well.  Last night, I found out they were going to the hospital.  Later in the evening, I was told that the doctors in the ER had discovered cancer and it "wouldn't be long".  This morning, I found out that my dear friend had passed. God is good.

It has been a hard week/weekend and this week will bring some more hard days.  All I know is that I am so thankful for such a wonderful and loving family and such good friends.  There is always so much to be thankful for in each situation.  As the song says, "Life is hard but God is good".