I don't normally make New Year's Resolutions, but this year I am! Why not? It gives me some things to work for - something to keep me focused. I'm not setting strict unattainable goals, but more guidelines for myself. I'll also share some ideas of things I'd like to do. Derek and I have also talked about some things we'd like to incorporate this year that I'll share.
As much as I love TV and Facebook, it is also a weakness that prevents me from being 100% productive. D & I just crash on the couch after the girls get in bed. But, there are mounds of books on my shelves that need to be read. I could also use more sleep at night. There are projects to be finished. And, there's always a chore to be done. I could actually live without TV, but I get so caught up in reading blogs and FB. I just need to limit my time.
As for healthy habit resolutions, I am going to be realistic. I've always been an all or nothing kinda gal - which has gotten me in trouble in the past. I don't have to work out like a lunatic 6 days a week. I just need to consistently make healthy choices and move. So, that's the plan. I will focus on healthy habits, which includes preparing ahead of time and cooking at home. I will also find more active hobbies and work in exercising at least 2-3 times a week.
My word for the year is BALANCE. If you know me or have read my blog long, you know I struggle with balancing everything. I need to knock out the All or Nothing attitude. Everything in moderation! I am seriously thinking NO to any major projects and commitments outside of home other than the ones I'm already committed to. There are some important things on my heart right now that will not allow me to over commit myself. I truly want to get everything reorganized at home and help my girls to understand the importance of taking care of our things. Audrey really struggles with neatness and picking up after herself (my fault!). I need to make and stick to a cleaning schedule, work schedule, and activities schedule. If I can get everything balanced, life for everyone will be much easier.
Financially, I'm going to continue to work part time. We're still working towards our goal of paying off our debt. I have two small debts that will be paid off in March and Derek recently started working on a contract with Coke. So, any little thing we can do to pay stuff off is great! I've become a coupon clipper in the last year, so my goal is to be more diligent and organized with that. It's a bit of a game to see just how much I can save. This week alone, my smart shopping saved $36 on groceries. =) I am also trying to do better with meal planning and cooking. This has suffered greatly since going back to work. (That whole "balance" thing again.) Not only is it better for us, but will save a lot of money. I started eating out for lunch quite a bit at work, so I will be planning ahead and taking lunch/snacks from here on out.
Some things that Derek and I have talked about doing is a monthly activity. We're going to set aside a piggy bank and throw our change it in daily. At the end of the month, we'll tally up and decide what we'll do. We want to introduce the girls to things we've never done... making things, going places, etc. Some ideas we're throwing around: soap making, geocaching, going to INK & Autrey Mill, game nights, workshops at Home Depot/Lowe's, unit studies of different countries which includes cooking foods from there, etc. Please feel free to share any ideas that you have for us!
A couple of ideas for myself include documenting life with a daily photo. I'll probably post once a week with my daily photos. I've seen several blogs that do this and think it's a great idea. It will also help me keep up with my scrapbooking!
There are a few things that are on my heart for consideration this year and I ask that you also help me pray for guidance. I have never really had a desire to go on a mission trip, but lately I've felt a tug. I know that we don't have funding for a big trip this year, but if God wants me to go, He will provide a way. I know that Audrey is really young, but I'd like to take her with me. She's always been given everything she's wanted/needed. I'd like for her to learn at a young age that the whole world isn't like that. She has such a sweet heart and I think it will be a good thing for her. Another thing that I've been toying with the past year that still weighs heavily on my heart is considering home schooling. I'm sure there will be future posts on my blog later, so I'll leave it at that right now. Finally, I am thinking about letting The Colorguard Academy go. I've been doing it for 10 years, yet only incorporated for a year. I have 3 camps lined up for the summer, but I don't see how I can realistically do it all while working and taking care of my family. There's a lot of traveling and is very time consuming with very little compensation. I've done it all these years because I love it. I'll be happy to consult and guide those that want to do it, but it may be time to let it go. My heart just isn't in it any more.
Well, that's it! Those are my thoughts for the new year. I pray that you all have a a very blessed, healthy, and happy one!
Maybe we should keep each other in check with our goals since they are somewhat similar. I keep thinking about that homeschooling thing too but John is just not on board =(