Goodbye 2012 - Hello to 2013!

Following an eventful 2012, we have thankfully survived the Mayan end-of-world predictions and are now poised at the threshold of a brand new year, 2013.

2012 has seen a lot of changes, some good, some not so good.

There have been some devastating tragedies that have made me take stock of my own life and hold my loved ones a little closer. I have shed so many tears and felt such sadness at times.  But there have also been some wonderful experiences, brilliant opportunities and joyous events that we have celebrated. I have laughed hard and had such fun making memories.

These days, I am not one to dwell on the negatives.  I finally see that the glass is never half empty ... it's always got air in it so the volume of liquid is irrelevant, it is always full!!  Life is so very precious.

I have learned a lot in 2012.

My family has been the cornerstone to my happiness this year.  I am so blessed to have really great parents who we are able to lavish love and attention on during their fortnightly visits.  The kids adore them and I am so happy to have seen the relationship between my mum and dad and my children flourish in 2012.  Making memories that they will cherish forever is something very special.

I have a wonderful nephew and niece, Tom and Kate, who mean the world to me.  I have been lucky enough to see them both this year and meet their respective other halves, Ashley and Mike.  I wish all four of them an amazing 2013 filled with everything they wish for.

I am so thankful to all the other people that have helped make 2012 so special for us all.  I hope to continue to surround myself with their love and friendship in 2013.

My own children make me proud everyday.  They are amazing and I am so honoured to be their mother.  They inspire me to do better.  To be better. They define me.  I adore each and every one of my wonderful children.

Finding the right college for Ella and the right nursery for Freddy has been a huge factor is ensuring my kids' happiness this year.  Being empowered to make changes has been so beneficial to us all.  No longer will I ever sit back and accept situations. Things don't have to stay the same.  If something isn't working, we can change it for the better.  Anything that allows negativity into our lives does not need to be tolerated.  I will fight tooth and nail to ensure that my loved ones are happy.

My marriage is a gift that I am blessed with.  The relationship I have with Ian is the thing that keeps me grounded, gives me confidence and strength.  By nurturing our relationship we become better people and better parents. I love my husband who is my best friend in the whole world.

The arrival of our first grandson on December 17th has changed the dynamic of our family in such a positive way, bringing such joy to myself and Ian, as well as to his doting aunties and Uncle Freddy and to his great grandparents who were all so delighted to meet him.  Baby Ted is a beautiful boy.  Seeing Joe as a daddy fills my heart with love and pride. We have so many wonderful adventures awaiting us in 2013.

I am entering 2013 with a happy heart and a positive outlook.

Happy New Year to everyone. x

2012 Resolutions, Hopes and Fears

So here it is, 2012!  I saw the new year in dancing with Freddy and Kizzy whilst watching the amazing London  fireworks display on TV to officially launch the Olympic Year.  I felt really positive and excited about a brand new year...I must have been swept away on group euphoria!  I don't drink, so I can't blame the alcohol for my warm, fuzzy glow.

This year is going to be quite momentous for us McD's.

We are waiting for Ian's hospital appointment for the surgery that should fix all the problems that came to light last year when he had a health scare.  After numerous tests they have finally found a blockage that can be lasered away.  Fingers crossed it won't be too awful...but I'll be in my best nurse mode to help him get back on his feet (after all who'll be the housework if he's incapacitated hehe!!)

Freddy, who is the king of developmental procrastination, will have to potty train and self wean this year.  Then we can start thinking about getting him into his own bedroom and sleeping through the night!  EEK!!  He'll also need to get his first haircut *sobs* I love his curly, blonde locks but he does look a bit like a girl!

Ella has her GCSE's and will be applying to attend a new Sixth Form College in a larger town 15 miles away.  That will be a big change, and for someone who isn't the quickest at getting ready in the morning it will be quite a challenge!

Megan graduates this year and is already trying to find a post-graduate scheme for September.  It's exciting to think that my little girl is in her final year of university.  Where did the time go?  She'll be moving on to pastures new, getting a flat of her own and making her own living.

Joe is getting his pay rise this month and will hopefully stop borrowing from the Bank of Mum and Dad.  We might actually get to spend some cash on ourselves soon!  That'll be a first.  I only saw my son on about a dozen occasions last year.  This realisation shocked me a bit.  So I'll make the most of every moment that I see my beautiful boy in 2012.

Kizzy's resolution this year is to learn to swim!  I blame myself for her lack of water skills, I hate swimming pools and getting changed after swimming.  So she rarely gets to go. But this Christmas I got her to swim six widths of the fun pool at Ribby Hall!  She is so close we need to take her more often to consolidate her new found ability.

For me, I want to get to grips with the health and weightloss which has been my focus for a while now.  I need to step it up.  My Cyber resolution will be to take part in the 366 Project.  Not sure if I'll be able to do it  or not, but I'll do my best!  If I don't manage to post everyday, I'll do it when I can.

The only blot on the 2012 landscape is those darned Mayans and their prediction of Armageddon!  Damn their calendar that finishes with the Apocalypse on the 22nd December this year.  Just in case they are right, I fully intend to live everyday of this year to the fullest of my ability.  I intend to have fun.  Smile a lot.  Spend quality time with my family who I adore.  Cherish my husband.  Enjoy having my parents in my life.  Enjoy every minute...because you never get the time back once it's gone.

Happy New Year to you all!