Happy New Year 2013! Year End Wrap Up

I have been a little quiet since Maggie's birthday.  I have been busy with the holidays but I also wanted to unplug a bit and really enjoy the time with the kids.  I mean it is not like we are sitting around singing Kumbaya or anything it has definitely been crazy but I am trying to be in the moment...as much as I can!  We spent Christmas Eve at Chris' cousin's house with most of the family.  It was really fun and I look forward to it every year.  They bring in a priest and we had a houseful for mass and then we have dinner.  It is a great way to see everyone and have good food, good conversation, and really the best Christmas mass ever!  Christmas morning we got up and hosted Chris' parents for present opening.  I am honestly surprised that Matthew made it until 8 am to open them but after Christmas Eve with his cousins he was pretty beat so he got us up at 7!  Then for Christmas dinner we went to my brother in law and sister in law's house.  It was just the immediate Herzog family and it was so nice to spend time with them.  Since then, I have been furiously cleaning, which by the way, never seems to end!  Also, I have been making candy for gifts (yes a tad late).  And to wrap up 2012 we spent it all together celebrating!  Maggie was quite respectable for a 4 year old and made it until 11.  Matthew made it until after 12!  It was fun and nice and the perfect way to ring in the New Year.  I have thought long and hard about what I want to accomplish in 2013.  I decided I am going to declutter my life.  Both literally and figuratively.  Simplicity is my new motto.  Chris and I have a ton of clutter to get rid of (have you seen our garage!) But I also want to focus on not taking on new stress or drama.  I want to focus on me (of course getting rid of the baby weight) but also just being present for my family.  Not complicated just simplicity.  I am excited for the new year!  I will close with a video of Peter that I shot last night.  He cracks me up because he is getting so big. I mean seriously all of a sudden I woke up and bam he is 6 months old and a big boy:(  Not an infant any more!  I love how he loves the sound of his voice and is using it!  Happy 2013 and I hope that you make it what you want it to be for you! xoxo