Jump into the new year

So you may be thinking — Gee Christina, where are all your posts about walking?!
Way to NOT keep your resolution. Well, I did walk, okay more like shuffle, from the bed to the couch and then back again on January 2. And January 3, I walked from the van to the doctor's office. Seems the combination of a sinus infection and head cold was just too much. UNCLE! Slowly feeling better with antibiotics on board. January 4th William and I walked the length of the mall and back looking for school shoes with no success. No longer can one get just about anything at the department store!

Today I walked up and down the alley (big hill!) a couple of times while the boys jumped and jumped and jumped. Our lucky boys got a trampoline for Christmas from the grandparents. It's been a big hit! Sunday the high was around 55 and I would guess the boys spent close to three hours jumping (off and on). That is a lot of jumping! But there will be no jumping today. Or walking for that matter unless I find someplace warm. High temperatures will be around 22. What?! Coldest weather for Alabama in 10 years! And we are cold-weather wimps! Most of the city is shutting down because we don't know how to drive on sunny days. Add ice and watch the tires spin. Forget getting any milk or bread in a 50-mile radius. But don't worry too much about the South. We'll be back in the 60s by the end of the week.

So let's review: I don't walk when I'm sick. I don't do cold weather either.

Santa vs. Joseph

Oh my Will, always so happy to see Santa and tell him what to bring for Christmas. 

Joseph on the other hand ...

He wants nothing to do with the big guy in red. 

This year I suggested Joseph try standing next to Santa. But no, I was not even 

going to get that. Tears people, tears! I may or may not have yelled, "Stop crying. This is 

suppose to be fun!" I had backed down by the time we got to Bass Pro (yep, because

they have games and activities and 4-wheelers). But Santa didn't give up as easily ...

Santa waved a candy cane. Joseph looked up at me. I told him if he wanted the candy cane

he'd have to get it himself. So slowly, slowly Joseph inched closer. He got the candy cane 

but let his guard down for just a second because Santa reached both hands out and plopped 

Joseph on his lap. So fast I didn't have time to say that's okay Santa, no need to push. 

But there Joseph sat. I waited for the screaming and wailing. But Joseph just ... pouted. 

There were a few chuckles from fellow parents as the photographer clicked away. Not sure if Joseph even talked to Santa. He says he did but I did not see an exchange. 

And the candy cane is mine! 

(For non-locals, Joseph is posing here like Vulcan.) 

Happy to forget all the drama and get back to playing.

And you can't go to Bass Pro and not

sit on a 4-wheeler. Heck, I even sat on one.

Go take a hike

I am making a simple resolution this year. One that I hope I will keep. And that resolution is to take a walk every day. Occasionally I hope to get everyone out for a big hike at Ruffner or Red Mountain. Or a few laps at a local park with Chris after the boys are off to school but before work. Most days, like today, it will be a quick stroll around the neighborhood. It's a good resolution. And to keep me going, I plan to post a picture every day. And those pictures might have a few words with them and I'll be on my way to writing more as well. Because last year I only wrote 30 posts?! Crazy. We can do better than that. 

How about you? What is your resolution for 2014? Regardless if it is big or small, may we all have a good new year!