New Year

As I said last year, I have come to realize, over the past couple years, that I appreciate resolutions, as corny as some think they are. I like seeing how I worked toward a handful of goals I set for myself. I like to assess where I am and where I want to go. I also like to take time to appreciate the good stuff...some things just don't need changing! I don't need a fresh start, new husband, different job, or any of that, but there are always things, I as an individual can do to better myself.

So, it's the moment of truth...how did I do??

Here's last years goals...
1.Craft lots...Yes! I would say I did that. I do love to craft! I even tried my hand at smocking this year...and I am determined I will figure that out before too long! I do, however try to contain my crafting itch for after I've completed my work around the house...try!
2. I want to cook more...amazing success this year when it comes to cooking! I not only cook, but it's good...and don't tell my husband too often, but I may even like it! Most of the time! I have had so much fun making freezer meals and cooking lots of good food! I was introduced to Wildtree products last year, and that has definitely changed the way I cook! It's good for you, easy, and makes some super yummy meals! So yes! I cooked more :)
3. I have to go to the dentist...proud to say, yes! I did go to the dentist...not once but twice! It was just as unpleasant as I remembered, and I will do my best not to stay away as long as last time.
4. Cut Grady's hair...yep! We have cut hair three times! That baby has some amazing hair. It's seriously painful when you have to cut it off! ;)
5. Be a more awakened mommy. By this, I mean being more mindful. Starting the days with smiles. Playing more, celebrating more, and being a peaceful parent. More than anything, taking time to notice the abundance in my life. Find beauty in each day. Maybe I will even add grace to this this year. Live gracefully...I can't really say I checked this one off, I don't really want to check it off, but would rather it become a part of me, so it, along with a few others are honorary resolution list makers. I will, however say, we had blast this year! We celebrated every little thing and we made the most of everyday! And with that, I'm satisfied! ;)
6. Read more...ok honestly this probably won't happen. I have never been a novel reader...I do have a high interest in history...US and world, and I do love books for mommy's by mommy's, But as far as reading a fictional novel...it just doesn't happen. I was kinda hoping to read some this year though. Guess we will see! :)...NOPE! totally failed on this one! I did read two entire books by one of my favorite home school mommies...other than that, I got nothing! ;) It was a nice thought, but I would much rather sew...
7.Be more flexible...Ha! Work in progress I guess.
8.Spend more one-on-one time with each child...if that's even possible!...We did make an effort to squeeze in dates here and there with each child, and will continue to try! It was always such a treat to spend one-on-one time when the chance came along!
9.And I guess the dreaded weight loss would have to make the list...maybe finish off what I started last year. Hopefully! ;)...I can honestly say, I think I am starting this year a whole lot healthier than last...if you don't count the last couple weeks in there. I started spinning in March and really got serious about it in June. I now spin 2-3 times a week and do cardio or weight machines once a week. It has definitely made a dent in the weight and continue to work towards it for yet another year...;)
10. And finally prayer...pray everyday!...Did my best! :)

So, I think I will give myself a 6.5 out 10...some things just can't be checked off the list, but they are always in progress. ;)

I've given lots of thought and contemplation to a new list for this year, along with continuing the old ones. :) I think I'm ready to throw them out there! They are not listed by priority, just listed! ;) 

1. Be more financially aware. We are by no means rolling in the money, but we also aren't struggling to make ends meet every month, which we feel extremely blessed and grateful for. There are, however goals financially that we would like to meet and I would like to make an effort to do my part by being a little more aware of when and how and what I spend money on.

2. Stay clutter free. I started the new year by cleaning out the attic and kids rooms and playroom. It feels so good to get rid of extra stuff. I've never been one to keep a lot of extra laying around...it just kind of crowds my space and makes me feel a little anxious...but with three kids, it's just inevitable that things creep in. So this year, I want to be more on top of this...maybe set a day a month to deep clean in those areas? 

3. I really...and I mean really, want to set a cleaning schedule and stick to it. As I mentioned, disorder kind of makes me anxious. I'm not sure it's a control thing, more so a calm thing. At the same time, I want to be sure I don't spend too much time addressing this that I forget my kids and I are here all day everyday, so it's just gonna be messy sometimes...okay, most of the time. But in my cleaning efforts, I'm more referring to bathrooms, windows, dusting...versus the kids toy messes. 

4. Date my husband more. Making the time to be together. We have come to appreciate our family unit. We enjoy ourselves and we love being together but I think it's important for us to take the time to be with one another without distraction too! Last year had a handful of dates for us...usually when we visited grandparents we would dart out for a bit, but this year I have arranged with my sister to come once a month and I have pre-planned/prepaid 12 dates! I sincerely hope it works out, and I'm already looking forward to our first one! :) 

5. Make some family technology guidelines. We are not TV people so that's not really an issue for us. And I really don't think I would call it an issue, honestly, it's just more proactive. ;) I don't want the time wasters to distract us from one another and the children. There's so much more productive things that could be going on besides browsing the internet, playing on social media...or blogging! ;) ha. So I pray that self control is present and these guidelines may be kept.

6. I want to this year, and have already started to address some more natural alternatives to cleaners, detergents, treatment of minor ailments (using essential oils). I would like to rid our house of as many chemicals as possible. Chemicals these days are found in any and everything, and I have been pondering the long term affects of these and just felt led to address them in our lives and family. So this year I will slowly but surly be working in some more natural alternatives to these! We are already pretty careful/aware about food chemicals...added hormones, food dyes, etc., so I think now we shall address the other! I'm sure it will take some research and commitment, but I'm willing to give it a try.

7. I would like to continue to work on my mindfulness...being more awakened. Awakened to the job before me. Approaching it with patience and gratitude. Mindfulness that I am always aware of the little things.

8. I hope to continue improving my health and inching away at the weight but more importantly just being more intentional about eating healthy, exercising and treating this one body God gave me with respect.

9. This year, I told Chris our family motto will be "above and beyond". I am working on the children with this...putting each other before themselves. And I also want to work on myself. Going above and beyond to speak and love and teach each child individually based on their love language and teach them to go above and beyond to love one another that way also. Also going above and beyond to to be consistent with our responsibilities around the house. And going above and beyond to be a good friend, leader and Christ follower. So it is, the motto for twenty fifteen..."above and beyond".

10. And as always...Pray! Everyday! :)

So there it is. 10 things I want to accomplish/work on over the next 12 months...all out in the open! ;) But more important than all the little details, I pray this coming year is purposeful, filled with love, and takes us in the direction God would have us go. May it be one of little moments that are purposeful and faith filled. Little moments that write our story.  Happy new year to you and yours and may your year also be filled with little moments that bring you closer to The One who created you.