New Years Celebrations

Here I am, blogging for the first time in 2010! I Love New Year's...it feels like we get to start fresh and have a whole new 365 days to try new things, grow in our walk with the Lord, make new memories, and become closer to accomplishing our life goals! I wonder where I will be on January 1, 2011? Anyway, I'll just focus on today for now ;-)

You may notice some changes to my blog. A brand new header for January, and a fresh start to my "books I've read..." section. Also, I went back and started putting labels on every single blog post. I've been wanting to do this for awhile, and thought now is as good a time as any since I have some extra time. Also, my very first post is up on my Project 365 blog, so check it out :-)

Okay, now onto my New Years festivities. Every New Year's Eve our friends throw a big party. We usually go to that, but this year decided to skip that and take it a little easy. Luke had a concert anyway, and I didn't really feel like spending time at that party without him. So instead, we hung out at my parents' all evening. Luke didn't get there until around 9:30 because he had a concert to play at earlier, but it ended up being really fun! We were the youngest people at the party by about 25 years, but it was still a good time :-) We played lots of games like Buzz Word and Scene It: Squabble. And I can't forget about all the delicious food!

(I made the cut-outs...I can't resist it. Any excuse to use my cookie cutters and I'm all over it!)

As it got later in the evening, we all went into the living room and watched the DVR'd 20/20 documentary on the real story of Michael Oher from "The Blind Side." Then at about 11:50, Mom brought out the peppermint punch in fancy glasses, and we rang in the new year watching the ball drop :-)
I tried to snap a picture of me and Luke during the first few moments of 2010. We are getting old though, and Luke was tired. He was mid-yawn in this picture yet smiling at the same time. So I thought it looked pretty funny :-)It was a mellow New Year's Eve to say the least, but I loved it. I think I'm a fan of smaller, intimate gatherings for New Year's Eve rather than big parties. I wouldn't even mind just staying home and watching the ball drop from the comfort of our living room next year. I guess I'm just not a fan of being out that late anymore! Ha!

Every New Year's Day we go to a party at our pastor's house. He and my dad and a few other guys were all best friends growing up, and still have a New Year's Day get-together every year. This has been going on for as long as I can remember. I almost consider these people to be a second family to me. It's always a lot of fun to catch up with all of them on New Year's Day. And there is always a lot of great food involved. Good thing one of my resolutions is to work out! ;-)

I brought some more cookies today, too. Even some little footballs, because today Ohio State played Oregon in the Rose Bowl...AND WON!!! :-D
The men stayed in the beautiful living room and watched football ALL DAY

While the women sat at the table and chatted for hours.
Here is a picture of my mom with one of her BFFs, Gale. I thought the reading glasses were cute on both of them ;-)
And here are some of the girls, who are also my dear friends: Kristin, my sister Julie, me, and Lauren.
What a great day! Friends, Family, Food...and it snowed alllll day...so beautiful!
Oh, can't forget about Millie! This dog was so adorable, and I love how her tongue is sticking out in this picture. Makes me want a puppy!
Luke and I spent all afternoon and most of the evening there. Then during half time of the Ohio State game, we left and ventured over to his parents' house for the second half. Everyone sure was excited when Ohio State won!! It's been awhile since they've won a big game under pressure like that :-)

I had a lot of fun ringing in the year 2010! 2009 was a great year, and I only hope that 2010 is just as great :-)