December 31, 2014

Happy New Year!

I wonder if entering the new year is like the beginning of Spring - in like a lamb, out like a lion. If so, watch out this time next year, the Ostwalds will be uncontrollable wild and crazy cats! Our night tonight started out great with me winning one out of two Clue games with Don and Alex. Unfortunately, I am now sitting on the couch after going bankrupt at the hands of Alex "the Trump" who owned the majority of the Monopoly board! Yes, it is a quiet New Year's Eve but we are still awake to watch the ball drop, we have already tapped into the revered New Years cheese ball and the champagne is waiting in the snow drift on the deck. I can't think of anything else we need to welcome the new year....except maybe chocolate...you always need more chocolate. Happy 2015!

The Lucky Cheeseball!

The hip twenty somethings in the basement!

December 30, 2014

To Blog or Not To Blog - That is the Question

Last January 1 I made a New Years resolution to blog every day for 365 days. The reason behind this pledge was to make myself focus on something positive every day, hence the name of the blog - Living Positive. I will be honest - there were days that I had to dig deep to find something on the bright side. However, I have realized that there are many more positive events that happen to me every day than negative. I think this is a fact for most people but too often we let the negative block our view of the good stuff. My family can attest to the fact that posting my renderings every night was sometimes challenging due to poor internet while traveling and trying to stay awake to hit the send button! But unless something drastic happens tomorrow, I will meet my goal with my post tomorrow night.

Here is my question to you oh faithful readers. Would you like me to continue my blog in 2015? If so, please hit "like" and make a comment if you are so inclined to let me know how often - daily, weekly, every full moon, etc. I get a kick out of people who tell me that they read it so it would help me if I had your input. Thank you!

December 29, 2014

Mess the Halls

It seems like no matter how much I pick up lately, the house stays messy. Part of the problem is that I'm not used to having my kids home - usually it is just me cluttering up the place but now I have two more messers- it must be genetic.  Another contribution to the mess is distraction. I start straightening the Christmas cards and then I sit down and read them again. I start putting presents away but then don't because I need to leave them out so I remember to write thank you notes.  I start doing the dishes and then decide I need another Christmas cookie and a cup of tea. I need to sit down to drink the tea and see that the Harry Potter movie marathon is on.....and so on. Oh well, tomorrow is another day!

Messy 

December 28, 2014

25 Years of Someone Special

Twenty-five years ago I met the second love of my life - my son Alexander Joseph. He took his time making an appearance - he was due on December 21st but held off until the 28th. In hindsight it worked out for the best since I think it is much easier to have a birthday after Christmas than right before. Also, a parent can take advantage of those after Christmas sales if you know what I mean! Alex is such a wonderful person and keeps getting better with age. Happy Birthday Alex!

December 27, 2014

Wedding Celebration

We prolonged our stay in Fort Morgan after Christmas in order to visit with my sister from California and local relatives and also to attend a wedding reception today for a special friend. Jeff became my husband's friend in elementary school. There are many memories of their childhood escapades in the neighborhood and later through junior high and high school. We have tried to stay in touch but we haven't seen Jeff in a long time since he is now living out of state. Today, however, we not only got to see him but we also got to celebrate his September marriage to Sharon at a reception at a local church. It was terrific to get to visit with him and meet his new wife and also to see other friends from high school - as well as some teachers! There is something special about being "home" and reconnecting with friends who hold a special place in our hearts. Congratulations Jeff and Sharon!

Don, Jeff and Sharon

December 26, 2014

Calm After the Storm

A relaxing snowy day was just the ticket the day after Christmas. It was especially laid back because we spent it at my mom's house. Because we weren't home, we weren't distracted by laundry or attending to the endless list of things to do around the house and for work. No, today the only big thing to do was decide which chair to move to next and which cookie to consume. We were a little productive - my sister Lori showed us her awesome photos that she took on her September African Safari and I also managed to get my Christmas cards done! Yay! 

Photo by Lori

December 25, 2014

Merry Christmas!

A wonderful day spent in Fort Morgan with the Duvall family! We hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas as well!

Y