I think we all had a feeling. And it wasn’t even the kind of feeling that we really just wanted it to be over and behind us. It was the kind of feeling where we just knew we were ready for the next chapter. So it was really no surprise to me when Carter Joseph Schmidt entered the world almost three weeks early. 
Tomorrow marks his two-week birthday (still a couple days short of the January 16 due date) of December 31. It also marks the two-week observation of New Year’s Resolutions for people all over the world who aspire to make 2014 the best year ever. For some, these resolutions – eating better, exercising more, finally kicking that bad habit – are in full swing. For others, they’ve already been forgotten.
That’s why I don’t particularly care for the theory behind resolutions. So last year I resolved not to make resolutions. Instead, I set goals for myself to live in the spirit of Christmas every day, love actively and live life forward. Because in reality you can’t really put Christmas away when you live a life of joy. From the ground up, it makes its way into everything you do. Everything you are. So I committed to living life forward by sharing everything I am with the world, hoping to touch a few hearts in the process.
Little did I know the impact a little terrier mutt like me could have on the world with something as simple as my perspective on the everyday happenings in my world. My musings have hardly gone “viral,” and yet I am touched daily by the kind words of readers who I have come to see as a whole other kind of family in my life.
Family has taken on a whole new meaning to me this past year. I’ve always been a people watcher, but as I have observed my little family more closely this year, I have learned so much about people. And relationships. And love. From the moment I knew mom was pregnant to the first time I met Carter, family means something bigger now.
I would say 2013 was a success. Not just because I (for the most part) met my (somewhat challenging at times) goals. But because doing so helped me get to know myself a little better. And getting to know oneself is always the first crucial step in being able to truly help others in the most selfless of ways.
My feelings about when Carter was due to arrive were right. Maybe my feelings about 2014 will be too. And I am ready for the next chapter. Because if its anywhere as good as the last one, I know it with all of my little doggie heart. I have a lot to look forward to.
Happy trails in 2014, ya’ll.
Wiley's Wisdom 
I agree with not making any resolutions. I want to enjoy life and all that it holds. I want to wake up each and every day without a plan, and enjoy the little things that make me smile. Something as simple as watching my dogs sleep, makes me smile, and I smile even bigger when I hear them let out a moan once in a while too. It is always the little things in life that I cherish the most, and those are free, but things that are priceless to me.
I don’t do resolutions either, I just want the new year to be simple,happy and joyful for eveyone. We ourselves have to work on that. You know having a blog also taught me a lot with people and made me happy as I can see what wonderful people are out here I never knew. It is a joy to reach out to people and canines all over the world. Be yourself Wiley and continue to bring joy as well as having a joyful time yourself!
Without a doubt you will have a close up and extended view of your world, Wyles. Congratulations on reaching so many people, touching so very many hearts and having just shy of 1,500 followers! Fabulous, Wyles! Happy 2 week birth day to Carter Joseph!
Because in reality you can’t really put Christmas away when you live a life of joy Beautifully phrased, Wiley, I couldn’t agree more. And that’s another beautiful picture of you and Carter together too xx
I think 2014 will be a dream-come-true year. Some of your family’s dreams have already come true. Perfect timing. I’m sure you and your brother will lead them to many more dreams this year!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
I hope 2014 is a brilliant year for you and your family – you deserve it!
I hope we all will have a great year and I’m sure it will be a super year for your little brother, Wiley. Imagine it’s his first year, wow!
Reblogged this on Wiley's Wisdom and commented:
A walk down memory lane.