Being the Bowens: Headstart

I've been musing about some new year resolutions lately. Actually, they're not just for the new year (they're for whenever I get around to them), and they're more just basic goals than resolutions. But, I do have them written down in a list, and since I keep losing my list, I figured I'd write them here where they can't get lost!

Item #1: learn how to can and dehydrate food. Okay, so we currently don't really grow anything (gardening is tough in Flagstaff!), but I can order bulk produce through my co-op at a fabulous price. My parents are helping me with this one, as they're getting us a pressure canner for Christmas and they left us two cases of mason jars under the tree!
Item #2: Make lasagna from scratch. Except for the noodles.
Item #3: Be a consistent menu planner (especially with lunch, the meal I most struggle with) and intentional bargain but healthy grocery shopper.
Item #4: Sew the shirt that I've had the pattern and material for for years. Oh yeah, and learn to sew.
Item #5: Order pictures for all of our empty frames and update Aurora's baby book.

I think that's a decent start! We had a nice Thanksgiving with family in Palm Springs. A highlight was a trip to the zoo, including Rory's first carousel ride, and Blake and I amused ourselves by puttzing around on the golf cart since the weather was beautiful.

At the zoo

In other news, my mom (who spent a few days after the holiday with us) and I were inspired to browse a couple local thrift stores on a whim, and two great finds included: a fabulous artificial 7.5' tree with lights for $13, and a vintage lined wool jacket for Blake (he's wanted one for months). Now the house is all decorated and I'm officially counting down the days until Christmas is here!