2011 Resolutions

I'm not  normally a big fan of New Year's resolutions. I don't love the idea of people setting unrealistic goals for themselves once a year. We should be striving for great things all year long, not just when it's convenient.

But, that being said, I do like the idea of creating a list of goals -- both big and small -- that I can strive to achieve in 2011. When I started thinking about what my list should include, I just couldn't narrow it down so I decided to put my goals into categories. Hopefully, when I look back at this list at the end of the year I will be happy with what I've accomplished.

Emotional:

• Be genuine. (This will be difficult to measure but it really is my ultimate goal for 2011.)
• Appreciate my husband every day.
• Do random acts of kindness often.

Physical:

• Run a half marathon.
• Compete in my first cycling race.
• Lose 5-7 pounds.

Spiritual:

• Join a small group.
• Read the bible every day -- even if it's just one verse.
• Trust in Him.

Random:

• Blog more often. :)
• Take pictures to document this crazy journey.
• Do my best in graduate school and commit the necessary time to do so.
• Send more handwritten notes.
• Think of my job as a service opportunity. Then, it won't be work but a passion for helping others better their lives.

Happy New Year, everyone! May your year be filled with joy and unexpected fun.

Merry Christmas Week!

From our family to yours...

Love

I have the best husband. He was out of town this week and got home Thursday afternoon. I had class until 7 pm, so I didn't see him until I got home.

So, after a long day I pulled in the driveway, our pretty Christmas tree was lit up in the window, and Michael had a candle lit dinner and wine waiting.

Isn't that awesome?! It was exactly what I needed. Just seeing him would've been enough but he made the night extra special and I appreciate gestures like that so much.

We had a perfect Thanksgiving, which I plan to post about soon, but between work and school things have been extra hectic lately. I'm in the middle of finals and big holiday projects at work so coming home to my best friend is so helpful.

I am very blessed.

Simple Things

Sometimes life can get so busy and overwhelming. So, because of that I'm going to share some of the simple things that make me happy and remind me of how blessed I really am.

• A good cup of coffee to start the day.
• Getting a text message from my husband when he's out of town that says something like, "Good morning baby! You are my sunshine. Have a great day!"
• Knowing I have the absolute best friends in the world that I could call on for anything.
• Mountain Dew.
• Coming home to two dogs that could absolutely not be more excited to see me.
• Christmas music.
• Clean sheets.
• Wine.
• Getting cards from friends or family just because.
• Being able to go to spin class and yoga to center myself more.
• Jeremiah 29:11.
• Black squirrels.
• Glee.
• Laughing until I cry.
• And living here...

Here's to a day full of enjoying the simple things!

Tis the Season

I believe we've established that Christmas is my favorite time of year. This Christmas is going to be special though. The Richardson's are sending out our first-ever family Christmas cards!

I couldn't be more excited about it. Getting cards from friends and family is a definite holiday highlight for me, so I'm ready to get in the game.

Shutterfly is one of the reasons I'm so anxious. Their Christmas cards are adorable, and affordable, and unique, and fun... I could go on and on. And the best part is it's simple. They make it so easy to create your cards and get on with the busyness of the season.

Here are some of my favorites...

Aren't they great? I'm a big fan of the square designs. In fact, I've even created Christmas cards for my work through Shutterfly. I'll share my little family's card and my work card after I send them out. I don't want to ruin the surprise for anyone.

So, go get started on yours and you'll probably find a million gift ideas while you're browsing around.

Shutterfly is giving me 50 free cards. (The beauty is that I already had our cards picked out when I heard about this great opportunity!) If you're a blogger, check out how it works here.

Snow

Well, it's November and up until this week we haven't had snow yet in Colorado. I've only lived here through one winter but even I know that's pretty crazy. Last year, it snowed the first week of October. I was SO excited about it, and I'm ready for it this year big time! On Tuesday evening I got my wish. I came out of my house to head to class and it was snowing. So beautiful and fun, especially for this Oklahoma girl. It didn't last long and was gone the next day but it was still great. Here are two pictures (terrible because they're from my phone) at our house. One was taken about a month ago and the other on Tuesday. It's crazy how quickly things can change!

So, in honor of the first snow I am officially counting down the days until Christmas, my absolute favorite time of the year. It's only 44 days away! I'm not just a normal lover of Christmas, I'm over the top and one hundred percent in love with it.

Here are a few of the reasons why:

1. Because it's the celebration of my Savior's birth.

2. Because buying gifts for people is my favorite thing to do.

3. Because being with family brightens my days.

4. Because Christmas decorations -- trees and stockings and lights make everyone's home a little warmer.

5. Because it's a time when people come together and cherish the relationships that matter most in their lives. And hopefully a time when we all give back a little to those who aren't as fortunate as we are.

This is my little family from our first Christmas together last year. We celebrated in Colorado with my family and it was wonderful. This time around we have an addition to our family (Paisley Ann) and so much to be thankful for!

Hope everyone is getting in the holiday spirit!

Love Like Crazy

I love the lyrics to the song "Love Like Crazy" by Lee Brice.

Be a best friend, tell the truth, and overuse I Love You

Go to work, do your best, don't outsmart your common sense

Never let your prayin' knees get lazy

And love like crazy

They're pretty simple, but I wish I lived my life more this way.