Life with Helen

Each year I like to write a post about just that - the year. I like to reflect, reevaluate, set goals, make plans, and figure out how to make the upcoming year better than the last.  I don't know how to do that this year!  2014 was a REALLY good year for me.  I did stuff! A lot of stuff! Things that I never even imagined would be on my radar are now in my rearview mirror.  I'd be lying if I said I wasn't proud of myself.  I think I'm allowed to be! Some of the things on my list weren't easy, and you know about my struggles, highs, and lows because I've written about them here. So, here I am, just being 25, and I have no idea what to do with myself. I'm a planner.  Anyone who knows me knows that I like to act like I can just go with the flow, but that is not the case. If you REALLY know me, you know that if there is no plan, I am not okay.  I like to be in charge, and it is really hard for me to just let things...

Christmas has always been a big holiday in the Lewis household.  Helen and dad get REALLY into the decorating.  As you all know Helen loves sewing, so she makes EVERYTHING.  Christmas pillows, curtains, blankets, tree skirts, chair covers, place mats, pajamas, dresses - you name it!  There is not an inch of our house that isn't decorated.  And then there is dad's enormous collection of Santa Clauses all over our house.  Growing up, helping them decorate was seriously THE WORST.  It seemed like it was never ending! One of the worst arguments Tara and I ever had was over helping dad carry in the decorations (next to the great hair straightener debacle of 2004).  You have to admit that carrying boxes from the storage shed, up the stairs, and into the house about 20 times in the cold is a miserable task for children!  Boarder line abusive! BUT if we didn't help, no presents from Santa!  Such a cle...