Whew! It's almost over!

Perhaps I am becoming jaded, but I honestly have to say that I am glad that the holidays are almost over. I think year after year I become more disgusted with the commercialism of the holidays, and this year I am especially happy to have them over with. I'm just tired this year and I definitely did a lot less than I normally do. I really didn't do any holiday baking this year, and my Christmas shopping was rather limited because of deciding to get Mark one large gift instead of several smaller ones. Perhaps I'm a scrooge......

Keeping in mind that tomorrow is New Year's Eve, I figured that I should share my resolutions with you (Even though I'm afraid to call them resolutions for fear of dooming them to failure).
1. I have a goal (and a plan!) to increase our emergency fund to a more appropriate amount during 2009.
2. We will get around to removing all the tree stumps left from when we cut down trees this past summer.
3. I plan on expanding the vegetable garden and planning things differently so that I don't run out of interest in gardening before July.
4. I am going to stop buying Bread from the grocery store. I know this one seems kind of silly...but homemade bread is better for you. Plus, there is nothing that quite says home like hot fresh bread, and a wife in a cute pink and black apron...LOL. The apron is a long story!
5. I am going to begin line drying at least 75% of our clothes. It's better for the environment, cheaper, and our clothes will last longer. I am only aiming for 75% because I can never seem to keep up with laundry. It seems like I am always trying to scale Mount Washmore.
6. I am going to be a better friend, sister, daughter, wife. I don't have a plan for this one yet, but I'm going to find a way somehow!
&. Mark and I have another goal that we will start working on in February. We will keep you posted then!

Dear Santa

I know, I know, I;m a little old to believe in Santa We just have a little tradition here at the Carney house of writing a letter to Santa the night that the Christmas tree goes up. So here goes:

Dear Santa,
We really have tried to be good this year, but no one is perfect. We know that we have spent too much money and wasted too much time, but you just gotta have some fun!
This Christmas season our list is easy (at least it should be for you!). We simply want:

Christmas with Amy's family for next year since it can't happen in 2008
Help in deciding if Amy should go back to school or wait a bit
An immersion blender
The patience and love to be better help meets for each other
Peace on Earth
Our kitten to stop climbing the Christmas tree
Martin to arrive home safely from Florida
For that one last dream to come true (you know the one)

Have a good flight,
Mark and Amy

Blogging for Change

I have a challenge for all of you out there in blogdom.....Make a difference this year. Make someone's Christmas mean more than ever before.