A New Year

I love the New Year. But before I share my loves of the New Year -- the last few years we have had such memorable New Years Eves, and this year was no different. Julie called me at the beginning of December to let me know she would be here for New Years. Last year we spent New Years with Julie and Chris. For dinner New Year's Eve we went to Tepanyaki (Japanese cooking at your table). We had such a good time I suggested we do it again this year (in fact our kids have been asking all year to do it again). Debbie made the reservations and we were all excited. (Just a side note Tepanyaki style of cooking has a lot of fire involved. As a child on New Years Eve we had fondue. My dad's least favorite part was the fire and oil on the table -- as an adult I have a greater understanding of this, luckily it seems at these restraraunts they have it under control and if not their of enough sprinklers surrounding to take care of any situation.
We did have a lot a fun again this year.

A few days before New Years Eve Meagan (aka The Wedding Planner who practices on home parties for now) decided that we needed to have a New Years Eve Party. She put on her wedding planner outfit and began to plan. Nothing can be small in her party plans, and boy did her imagination create a celebration. After the large banner was hung to greet the guests, the outside lighting and entrance were changed to "New Years Style", streamers, balloon arches, balloons, food, and games were all included in the night. Everyone had fun popping balloons, creating new M&M games (while keeping the dog supplied with endless M&M's), blowing New Year horns, climbing on the roof, drinking sparkling cider, and breaking the pinata, but I think all enjoyed the snowball fight the most (thanks Tammy).

New Years Day was just as fun having lots of friends and family over for a traditional breakfast of "Spam and Eggs" along with many other edible items (cinammon rolls, waffles, fruit, hot chocolate, bacon, sausage, and regular eggs.) We were ready for the New Year to begin.

The New Year reminds me I have just enjoyed a highlight of the year Christmas. That helps me focus on the Savior. This all helps remind me where I am going and what I want to be doing. With this in mind the New Year comes and I find it so natural to let go of what I didn't accomplish last year and start fresh. I love setting goals. I love looking at a new clean calander (usually because I don't buy one until the New Year is here). I love sitting down and trying to plan out the year. The birthdays, holidays, events, reunions, vacations, school schedules etc. I'm sure I learned this from a mother who was always organized. Who taught me how to set goals. So again as this year we sat down and wrote out personal goals along with family goals. Sheldon reminded us the goals help us become perfected. In D&C 67:13 we are taught, "13 Ye are not able to abide the presence of God now, neither the ministering of angels; wherefore, continue in patience until ye are perfected. I believe by setting goals we achieve what Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley constantly urged us to do, "Let us all try to stand a little taller, rise a little higher, be a little better. Make the extra effort." I love the quote but I don't know who said it, "A goal not written is just a wish".