New Year...New Goals

Well, it is January 2011 and time to make some new goals. I'm not usually one who sets new years resolutions...knowing that I wont actually commit to them. However, I feel this year that I should, it is time for change. I've decided to go with three goals.

Goal #1: Wealth
Wealth can mean so many different things. This year I would like to start a rainy day fund along with college savings for the girls. I've learned over the past year that unexpected things can arise which can make it hard to survive if you are not prepared.

Goal #2: Wellness
I would like to be fit this year. I have wanted to start running and participate in marathons but for some reason always find an excuse not to. This year my goal is to actually train and participate in several running events. This is great for the body, mind and soul.

Goal #3: Well-being
By well-being I want to focus on myself spiritually, emotionally and mentally. By doing this it will be beneficial for myself and for my children. I am looking forward to going to church this year and focusing on family. I am hoping to read more books this year as well as I have canceled cable!

R.I.P Sparky

Your time with us was short but you will be missed by us all!

You see, the girls got guinea pigs the day after Christmas to replace Saraphina (the cat). Saraphina was having potty training issues so she found herself a new home for Christmas. I'm sure she is being adored at her new house as they too have kids. With Saraphina gone I felt this void for the girls. Every child needs a pet!

So I loaded up the girls and we went to the pet store where we purchased two guinea pigs. Payeton named hers Rose and Harper named hers Sparky. I use to joke that we named him Sparky because he was going to need a spark plug to survive Harper. Well, I no longer joke. The girls played with their new pets for hours each day. They put them in the stroller, cuddled with them on the couch and chased them around the house. On Sunday morning Harper wanted to hold her guinea pig. So I went to the cage to get Sparky. When I picked him up he was bleeding from the bum. I called the pet store right away and they said he should be fine but to just watch him. We left him in the cage and went to a birthday party. When we got home he was in the same spot (and didn't look good) but I decided to clean him up and let Harper hold him. About five minuets later as Harper and Sparky were laying on the floor in a blanket I noticed Sparky was not moving and was really limp. So I grabbed him from Harper and yes indeed he had passed away. I like to think he went in peace with Harper cuddling him (not squeezing him to death). Needless to say we are headed back to the pet store to get us another guinea pig. Wish me luck this time!

Payeton's response to Sparky passing away. "Mom, he's lucky that he gets to go to heaven. Now he can be with the Guinea Pig Father."

Myth Busters 101

Myth:
Does sugar really give you an energy rush?

Results:
As I was cleaning the house, shampooing the couch and taking down the Christmas decorations Harper decides to test this myth. You see, she had just opened a present from her Grandma J and was excited to see a plastic candy cane full of Reeses Pieces. (One of our favorite treats.) I opened the container for her and went back to my cleaning. Not really putting two and two together that 1) Harper is a sugar junkie and 2) I just gave her a large container of candy. In my ignorance she downed the entire thing. I figured no big deal she just wont get any candy tomorrow. At about 11pm when she was still bouncing off the walls, singing at the top of her lungs, crawling in the guinea pig crate and falling down with laughter I decided that this myth was true.