I know it's late, but I had to share today's adventure with y'all. Today I took the time to volunteer at New Mexico's largest food bank with the Rising Tide Society's Tuesdays Together New Mexico group.

With Mother's Day coming on Sunday, I thought this week's post would be an opportune moment to share with you all a little about the beautiful moms and grandma that I'm blessed to have. I honestly don't know where- or who- I'd be without them.

One of my many goals this year is to read 36 books. To some that may sound like a great many books, and to others, not nearly enough. But, as a busy mom of three active boys, a business owner, and someone who is dyslexic (Yep. I've worked hard to be able to read and spell well, because it's something that I enjoy!), 36 books- or three books a month- seems a reasonable goal. I've managed to accomplish one-third of my goal, and I wanted to take a moment to share with y'all what I've been reading.

As I type this, I'm sitting here watching my boys decorate gingerbread houses with my mom as part of their Christmas fun. My dad is relaxing in the living room, and my grandmother is doing heaven knows what while puttering in her kitchen.  We're currently at my grandmother's house sitting at her dining room table while all of this is going on. One of the things I love most about this room (besides eating dinner in it, and the people I'm surrounded by) is that it's covered in photos of our relatives. My grandmother's parents, their parents, and their parents are all represented on the walls of this room, as are my grandfather's.  

It's hard to believe that I am once again writing this annual post. It seems like I just wrote the one at the beginning of 2016! But, here we are at the beginning of 2017.  

I'm always amazed at how fast time flies. Each year, it seems as if the new year sneaks up on me, no matter how closely I watch my calendar. 

Christmas is my favorite holiday- but, not for the reasons that you may think. I love that this is the time of year when people slow down, when work becomes less important and family takes the spotlight. I love that I get to give people gifts, making them happy- even if it is for a few brief moments. But, most importantly, I love the traditions that my family has developed over the years.