Happy (Late) New Year!!

Christmas was pretty cool around here. We had Markham Christmas over at Aunt Denise's. I had a bad sore throat so didn't cook anything. Everyone seemed to like their Cross Stitch ornies that I made them. We all got some great little gifties. The biggest surprise was a nice chunk of change for both James and myself. We really, really meant for it to go towards repairing the car. We had to wait till a friend could come tell us exactly what I needed to order for it. Um, yeah, you guessed it. We spent the money!! I got the boys stocking presents which was so fun. That is something we have not done in years as they just want cash. But it was really taking the Christmas spirit out of James and I. James ordered himself a tablet which he adores!! I got tons of DMC thread. I want to have a full collection and I'm about a quarter of the way there now. I also got for my stocking all 6 of the 6 Fat Men patterns by LK. I also got some specialty threads for a few patterns I already have. Oh my gosh, when the thread came in, I swear I wanted to just put it all on the bed and rooolllll in it! I also ordered the cord for my camera so as soon as it comes in I will be able to post pics!! Yay!!

I started the New Year out with a strained back. It's not my lower back which is just chronic pain and when it flares it is really hard to move. This is upper back. I haven't messed it up since I quit working @ DG. Not sure what did it! So I haven't stitched as much as I'd like. James and I watched Dick Clarks Rocking New Year Eve. You know that is just a strong tradition. But it is so hard. We're horrible people. I'm sure we all remember the pre-stroke Dick Clark. And I so admire him continuing to do this since the stroke, really I do. But it is so hard to watch!! It's just not the same. I don't have New Year's resolutions, but I do have goals for the year.

My first goal is for James and I to quit smoking this year. Finances are so tight, but if we quit it would solve that problem. We really just can't afford to keep smoking, not to mention the health benefits.

My second goal is to get myself into the doctor and back on my thyroid pill!

Third goal is to get finances on track better. We're doing better with monthly bills, so much better! But we have such a long to-do list. Luckily tax returns will help with a lot of that. On the list is the boys Christmas money, Dolly and Tas to vet. I'm sure Dolly will have to have a growth removed off her leg, she is limping quiet a bit. Tas needs to go on meds for seizures. Of course, getting the car fixed (not just the damage from the wreck, but also that manifold gasket), needs new tires, a new windshield, and the registration/inspection as well as oil change.

Fourth goal is to get the dental work James and I need to have done, done. He has a couple of teeth that need to come out through oral surgery then a few cavities to fill. My gum's are receding and I need one of those deep cleanings.

Fifth goal, to get better at commenting on all the blogs I follow. I read, but just don't post. I also want to become more active in the Yahoo groups I am on. I post some to Stitching Sister, but am afraid I have left ILCS in the cold as it seems strange to double post. I also want to start posting at least weekly on my own blog :)

Sixth goal, is to actually sit down and pick out the projects I want to stitch this year and plan them out.

I think that is probably enough for now. The boys will be keeping me busy also. Tyler starts his first full semester of college and it's all online courses. In the past he has not shown good habits of managing his time, so I will be constantly checking on him. (read: nagging) Seb is really struggling with school this year. He is so freaking smart but so darn forgetful. He is actually failing courses. So he needs to be constantly monitored. James loves his job, but it is def. stressful for him. He now has the added stress of all the errand running that I normally do. So once the car gets fixed I'll be able to go back to that. With Seb's weekly counseling, and normal errands it will be busy again! But it will be nice to be out of this house again!!!

Well, that is all for this posting. I hope everyone is healthy, happy and stitching away!

PS. I just thought of one more goal!! As I read blogs I love the layouts people have of theirs. I would love to learn to do that with this one!