Goodbye 2013. You’ve been an exciting year. I got engaged and married in 2013. Last year is the year I will fondly remember when my children and grandchildren ask about how daddy (or grandpa) proposed and the beautiful wedding. 2013 has been a great one, but I’m excited to see what 2014 will hold – a one-year anniversary and maybe a few New Year’s resolutions achieved? What about you? Do you have any New Year’s resolutions? Have you ever accomplished one? Usually about Feb. 1, the “resolute” plans die out. At least, that’s how it is for me. Popular ones are weight loss and becoming debt free. Makes sense after eating your weight in homemade Christmas goodies and buying 25 people gifts.

I certainly ate some Christmas goodies. Paisley and I made cookies for Santa, Mama made about five different kinds of homemade cookies, MoMo made cookies – not to mention Jacob and I had to get Christmas cookies from Janie’s. I just got overwhelmed realizing how many cookies I have eaten in the past few weeks. My attempted resolution for this year will definitely be to get back to exercising. I’ve got to burn off about 50 cookies, two slices of pie, some bread pudding, various chocolate desserts and about 25 of those candy cane kisses. Make that 26.

I read that taking better photos is also a common New Year’s resolution. I’m not sure if that means taking better photos behind the camera or in front of it. If we’re talking about behind the camera, I’m good. If in front, I need to throw out those candy cane kisses.

Paisley sure has enjoyed all the sweets. That child has a sweet tooth bigger than mine. The day after Christmas, I let her get into her candy that Santa put in her stocking. That night, she literally ran around and around the house with our dog, Muzzy. After putting her in bed, she tried every effort to keep me in her room. “I want my Christmas tree on.” “I’m thirsty.” “What should we name my pony?” (Stuffed. Santa didn’t have a big enough bag for that.) “Look at this bobo.” “Will you read me a story?” “You haven’t read to me today.” “Will you turn my bathroom light on?” “I’m scared.” “Can you turn my Christmas tree off?” “Let me look at your necklace.” After I finally got away, I thought for sure, she’d fall asleep quickly. About 20 minutes later, I heard her talking to her stuffed bear. About 20 minutes after that, she walked into our bedroom. The stocking candy somehow disappeared into a secret hiding place after that.

My main New Year’s resolution is to fight for my goals and not become easily discouraged. When something brings me down, I hope to take it as a challenge and not a setback.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas full of sweet treats and sweet moments and a Happy New Year. As usual, my family shot loads of fireworks, and as usual, the men disregarded the rules of firework safety.

Somehow, my husband managed to make a firework go off into the ground instead of up in the air. After an explosion, where the tube lay was nothing but burnt, smoking grass. My poor husband gets picked on so bad. After a round of laughs from my uncle and daddy for that mishap, a gun was fired into the air while he meticulously tried to light another; and while riding the four-wheeler after making a short trip from our house to get another lighter, fireworks were shot in his general direction. I guess I can’t complain too much though. At least my aunt didn’t catch on fire this year; and my uncle didn’t attempt to rig up a firework involving a smoldering log.

2014 was certainly and literally kicked off with a bang. I hope you make good and attainable goals and have a resolute New Year!

You may write to Jessica Boyd Smith by emailing jessimarie2010@yahoo.com.