New Year

2012 is off to a fun start. We've had a great year so far (besides our household being sick at the moment but we won't dwell on that.) We've got a lot going on these days but I wanted to make sure I posted about our New Year's Eve because it meant so much to me and Gloria.

It was just us girls this year. I took Gloria down to First Night in Northampton on Saturday. We got to see a puppet show and dance to some live music. We did some shopping and played in a few of the stores that had activities. Lastly, we got to watch fireworks! It was the best fireworks display I've seen in a very long time. Gloria and I were in awe!

I loved every minute of hanging out with Gloria on this special night. Tom had suggested we go and he would stay home with Leo for a guy's night in. I'm so glad we went! Gloria and I hadn't had quality time, just us, in a while. It was so special. I hope she'll remember it when she is older. As I held Gloria in my arms while watching the fireworks, I couldn't help but cry a little. I just couldn't believe another year had passed us by and our baby girl was growing so quickly! 2011 was a fantastic year for us and I feel so very blessed. I was in awe of our lives together and it brings so much joy to my heart!

I took a few pics from our night together, they don't do the time we had together justice. The memories are there though and that's enough for me. I love my family and I thank God for them every day! Visit our New Year's 2012 album to see a few photos.



I actually took this picture by accident but I love it (even though the quality is bad)! I had gotten the camera ready to take a pic of Gloria and I together at the end of the fireworks but they kept going after I pulled the phone out. I hit the button by accident and this is what it took. I love the look on our faces...we were loving the fireworks! :)

Happy New Year!!! (a few days late)

2010 is a thing of the past. We are looking forward to a fresh new year and the new memories that we will make in 2011! We are looking forward to this coming year and hope it brings health and much happiness to all of you!

I recently watched this You Tube video with Will Smith. It was inspiring to hear him talk so enthusiastically about life. It made me think a lot about what types of changes I want to make for the new year and how I will follow through. Take a look at this video. No matter what your vision or goal is this year, it is inspiring to listen to Will talk about his personal outlook on life and how he approaches it. If only we could all be as passionate!

New Year's Brunch

Matt and Dawn hosted a fabulous New Years brunch on Sunday. It was originally scheduled for the 1st but because of weather, they rescheduled to Sunday. We had such a great time with everyone! Heather had a great idea to make the numbers for the year and have everyone get their photos taken. It was fun! Visit our New Years 2010 album to see them all.

I was browsing through the photos from last year's brunch and its crazy how much everyone has changed! If you want to take a look, check out the January 2009 album.




It was a busy day for us that day. After the brunch, we headed to my parent's house for lunch and to celebrate my aunt Signe's birthday. My dad made his specialty, a cheesy chicken and rice dish and it was delish! Then we had chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting that I made for dessert, yum! We had a fun afternoon! Gloria was certainly pooped after all the visiting, as were we:)

Fresh New Year!

I always have mixed feelings for the new year. I'm sad because it means another year has passed us by. Time just keeps flying! Its also a time of reflection of the good, the bad and all that stuff in the middle.

As I put the Christmas decorations away today, I did reflect on the year. I thought about the negative things that had happened in 2009...my dad being diagnosed with esophageal cancer, being laid off from a job I loved, the struggles of finding a new job which continue to this day, having to put our 19 year old cat Smokey down and a few other woes here and there.

I thought about the positive things...my dad being cancer free, being able to stay home with Gloria, spending more time with Tom, starting a new business, growing closer with some friends and family, Tom continuing to be employed :), the babies born this year, the weddings, our supportive family and friends, and the list truly does go on.

I had thought to myself at one point, 2009 really was a terrible year!! I can't wait for 2010!! But...really...once I truly thought it through, it wasn't a bad year. Sure, there were days that were tough and didn't feel so good but when I look back on 2009, I hope I'll think about what we were blessed with. I have to keep in mind that the sweet isn't so sweet if you don't know what sour tastes like:)

Good year, bad year, whatever...the part I love is that each new year brings a fresh start! A clean slate and so many wonderful opportunities. Cheers to 2010!! Who knows what is in store for the McDonald family but we're excited to find out!



Happy New Year from our family to yours!!