Happy 2019

Happy New Year friends! A fresh start and new beginnings, here we come.

 Christmas decor is back in the attic.  I took a lot of time this year organizing and going through things as I put everything away for another year. I kept the poinsettia as it still pretty and some wintry coasters that I love.  There is candy on the kitchen counter but it's not long for this world either.

I took down all of the blow molds, Napco figurines and bottle brush trees from the kitchen shelves.  As I put things back together I went through each basket, found and organized all 2018 tax information, took care of appointments for doctor referrals, and organized bills and records. 

 During December I don't look at the bank account because it may be frightening and because I'm busy.  I have since balanced and checked everything and that feels good.

As soon as the new year arrives I start making campground reservations and airline reservations.

Check and check. I like to look forward to something so the January rain doesn't get me down.

All holiday linens have been washed, starched and ironed.  I am still working on the pile of shirts.  Oh, how I miss Toni and Pearl.  Our local dry cleaners closed in November and I miss those girls and their mad ironing skills.

 I am dreading the power bill for December.  The lights are taken down inside, Hubby has to take down the outside lights this weekend, weather permitting.

 We enjoyed many lovely holiday meals.

 Baked Alaska for dessert, yes please. Oh my, it was fun!

Now recipes like Sassy Water are popping up everywhere.  Not as fun but I'm ready for less.

One last hurrah!  The traditional post holidays clean out the deli drawer mac and cheese dinner.  I'm going to make it for dinner tonight.  Whether it's good or bad this year, it will never be duplicated. 

Vacation ends on January 7 for me and until then I am organizing, prepping and doing some relaxing.  List making is my favorite so it doesn't feel like work to me. Goals and resolutions do not begin until vacation is officially over, as in back to school.

I don't make hard core resolutions so much as goals and just wanting that uncluttered fresh start that comes with a new year.

Here I go!

2018 in a Looong Review

 I took some time this morning to think back on 2018. God is good.

The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble, And He knows those who take refuge in Him." ... Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever.  Praise the LORD, for the LORD is good; Sing praises to His name, for it is lovely.

Psalm 135

The Instagram hashtag #livehappy popped up for me yesterday. I do try to choose joy everyday. There are days where it isn't easy.  But I've been blessed with many days that it is easy to choose joy.

I wanted to share some of my favorite photos from 2018.  It turns out that I had many, many wonderful days in 2018.

The photos are in no particular order.  That would have taken me a lot of time as my computer has completely scrambled my pics. That hasn't made me very happy or joyful this year.

Hubby and I living our best life.  I love my guy.

 I loved seeing Sam and Levi both so happy at Levi's wedding.

 This was such a good photo at Silver Lake that Kulshan Brewery used it too.

 Oh mylanta, these guys make me laugh. 

 The Pie Pals give me joy and it was fun to be reunited for an afternoon this summer.

 Jessica received her masters degree and Danny will in April.  My heart gets the chest tights for Jess and Danny, they are so happy and work so hard to reach their goals.

Entertaining gives me joy!

 Huaka'i Annie gives me joy!  My morning coffee gives me joy too.

 Oh my, Hubby and I can have so much fun together.

 My extended family brought back the Vander Haak camping trip.  It was so good to have the next generation show up, sleep in a tent in the pouring rain and still baby Aurora was good as gold.

 This tribe on the Naches River is so much good and happiness.  I'm tearing up looking at this photo because they are such a blessing to us.  If I'm not crying, I'm laughing cuz there is a lot of laughing with them.  Steve and Jean, I miss you.

 Get outside!

 Oh Liz, we don't see each other enough!  Her hubby Eric couldn't come with her to the rally this year but he told me on the phone, you have the best Liz, she is so happy with all of you and that is the Liz I love the most.  I think Liz chooses joy and it felt really touching to me that her hubby sees that in her.

 What does Tami want?  Waterfront campsites.  Rivers, lakes, oceans and pools are my jam.

Annie!

 Seeing Hubby excited to try something new makes me happy.  He took a class from Scott and Renee this summer and he is jumped on the Lodge Dutch oven bus.  The added bonus has been delicious food and less camp cooking for moi.

 This is always one of the best days of my summer. #floatingismyfavorite

Some of my trailer tribe gals!

 Hubby and I finding new breweries and enjoying the journey.

 A spontaneous day trip with Mark and Karen to Winthrop was so fun and the ride was gorgeous.

 I got running water this year.  You have no idea what a happy camper this has made me.

 Max loves his in-laws and that give me joy.

 The Fourth of July in George, family weddings, Hubby and I love his in-laws too.

 We'll be reunited in January 2019 and I am counting the days.

Mostly the guys bring me joy unless they're making mama crazy.

Thanksgiving season warms my heart.

 December is my favorite.

 

 I celebrated my 60th birthday in December.

There was a spa day from my sisters and brother and a beautiful dinner party from friends.

A trip to the W in Belllevue and Snowflake Lane with Hubby. He treated me like a queen.

 Sam graduated from fire academy in December. It is so good to see him reach this goal and feel good about himself.

 I brought back Friendmas.  It was fun to plan and a fun evening.

I didn't make the guys wear ties or have etiquette lessons like the good old days.

They are grown up and have good manners.

 Vern and Shelly with their kiddos.

 Christmas!

I bought this painting at Pike Street Market this fall.  It will always remind me of the good time we had in Seattle with friends.

  I said goodbye to my Mom and that was hard.  Still is hard. 

But my joy for her makes it easier for me.

 My guys took good care of me on the day of her funeral.

 Our last Mother's Day with Mom.

My sisters carried me through.  My Sisters on the Fly tribe and my sissies, Kathi and Jodi were such a beautiful blessing for me in 2018.

Happy New Year Friends!  #livehappy #choosejoy

Cheers!