New Year off to a Great Start

Did we get all caught up with the Christmas edition?  I mentioned that there were more exciting things to come, so I'm glad you are back for more of M's Musings!

How was Christmas for your family?  We were kind of low key this year.  Very few gifts were exchanged, but we still had plenty of good food, family time and fun.  It is the one time of the year that we are all under the same roof for the night, and that is precious to this momma.  The reason we kept it simple was because we decided to all go to the Cotton Bowl in Dallas TX for New Year's.  I never thought in my life that I would do something like that....but I did!  Of course the men in my life were a driving factor.  Michigan State was playing Alabama and Jim really wanted to go.  Noah got on board when he found out it was going to be at "Jerry's World", so we decided it would make a good family trip and asked Nate if he could get off work and come too.  We haven't all taken a trip together in nine years!  We spent the first day driving to TX, the next day at the Cotton Bowl, the following day was a down day, and drove home the next day.  The best part for me was spending time with my boys.  They talk more and you find out things when you spend time together.  For example, Nate was excited to take us to Deep Ellum, an area in Dallas where he has played several shows with his band.  As we drove around, I found out he has been to the art museum, the JFK museum, and other places that I never imagined he would even consider stepping foot in.  Noah was an excellent chauffeur, which was a huge blessing to his momma.  I didn't get behind the wheel once on this trip-a first!  While perusing Facebook before the game, I figured out Jim's college roommate and his wife were in town for the Cotton Bowl and we were able to connect before the game.  We have not seen them since we have been married and that was 28 years in December.  The weather was a little cool, but tolerable.  The stadium was amazing!  It was covered, so we were able to sit inside in short sleeves to enjoy the game.  We had great tickets, but in the Alabama end zone.......  The game started off tight, but took a turn for the worse towards the end of the second quarter......  In case you didn't watch the game, Michigan State didn't score at all.  Disappointing, but it is only a game after all;  at least that is how I deal with it.  Some people, who shall remain nameless, were still moping the next day.  I wasn't involved in the planning, or I would have mentioned that our down day was New Year's Day and most things would be closed.  We did go to the Gaylord Hotel and walk around.  Yes, everything in TX is bigger, but not necessarily better.  I liked the Gaylord in Nashville MUCH better!  I thought we could spend the whole afternoon exploring, but after an hour, we were pretty much done.  So that was our quick trip to TX.  How were your holidays?  Did you do something new or stick with the traditional?  What was the best part of your celebrations?

So we came home, and the new year had begun, and I felt like I was behind.  Christmas decorations were all still up, presents needed to be put away, resolutions/goals were not even on my radar, and it was my heavy week at work.  So I have been easing into the new year, which is just fine.  Most of the Christmas mess has been dealt with and I have purposed in my heart to make some SOULsolutions instead of resolutions.  I love Ann Voskamp's blog, A Holy Experience, and that is where I got the idea.  If you are interested you can follow this link to read more about  SOULsolutions I framed mine and placed it where I look at it everyday and I am amazed at how God has already brought me opportunities to grow! I began a new Beth Moore study about the Holy Spirit at my church this year.   I was sad to have my year plus study on ministering to the Lord end, but excited to study this subject and study it with the women of my new church for the first time.  I also attend the BSF study on Revelation, which is new this year.  I went on women's retreat in January and had a really nice weekend.  I wound up having a room all to myself, which I realized was a blessing in disguise.  I spent some quality time with God and then slept soundly through the night.  

Noah blessed me with an infrared sauna gift certificate for my birthday, so I have been going to my local salon for sessions.  I have been researching infrared saunas and would like to have one in my home.....but thought I should actually try it out first.  I do feel like it is making a positive difference in how I feel, so that has only strengthened my position.  I also purchased a mini trampoline and have started bouncing.  I've read some articles that say that bouncing is a great way to activate your lymphatic system and clear toxins.  I have noticed my sinus drainage is clearing up already.  Another good thing for the lymphatic system is dry brushing, which I have started, but I have not been  consistent about that yet.  We have a new insurance plan this year, which is causing me to seek out some cheaper, more natural health care solutions.  So I have begun dabbling in essential oils.  I diffuse oils every night and have just purchased the materials to make my first topical solution.  Other than a short lived cold, I have been healthy this winter.  Another positive thing I have done for my health is using a light box.  I get SAD really bad in Jan/Feb, but I use the light box in the morning when I have my quiet time, and I am doing much better this winter season.  Work has been interesting lately.  I have done some supervisor training, interviewed, hired, and will begin training a new employee for the first time.

Not much new with the rest of the family.  Nate continues bar tending and playing shows with his band.  Noah is working hard at his job and the gym.  He is also studying for his grad school exam. Jim is busy with his new job.  He works long hours.  He is going to Chicago for a month for some training.  It will be fun to go visit him-I love Chicago!  We are hoping to do some more traveling this year, so come back next month for an exciting announcement (hopefully)!

Well that's all I have for now.  Peace and blessings.