2013 In Review

So this year, rather than making resolutions, I set goals.  You can read that post {here}.  To sum it, my goals were:

1. Get fit.

I hit this one out of the park, if I do say so myself :) I hit my goal weight before my "deadline" and found a workout that I love!

2. Make sure the ones I love know how much I love them as often as possible.

There is always room for improvement here.  I do my best - and I sure hope my kiddos know how loved they really are.  

3. Focus on the here and now.

This is always important.  Try not to plan too much (definitely something that I am bad about) and enjoy the present.

4. Pray more.

Again, always room for improvement - I feel like I did better this year.  But there is no such thing as "praying enough!"

5. Focus more on the kids and less on the other "stuff."

Again - so important!  I try to set technology aside (phones, computers, TV) and play with them and read with them and all that!  I sure love my kids and I think that is a good way to show them :)

6. Step it up a notch in the daily wardrobe category.

I was doing so good with this one - and then I got pregnant and was so exhausted and now I'm struggling for cute things that fit - all of my maternity things are too big from losing weight!

7. Keep reading.

I stink.  I did not read one.single.book this year!!!!  I have some good ones waiting on me - in fact, I think I even started two or three.  Next year I'll do better :)

8. Learn to use my sewing machine - and actually make useful things.

I stink again.  But I now have a place to set it up and plug it in since we got our closets done this year.  Now I need to clean up the closet and set it up and give it a go!

9. Less is more.

Simplifying is always important.  I certainly have to take advantage of when I am in the mood to purge some stuff!  And with this wee one on its way, it looks like the guest room/catch all room will become another kiddo's room!  AH!

10. Cook more.  Eat out less.  Menu plan.

We have been eating out WAY too much!  I do great cooking when we have company, but not when it is just us.  But we definitely need to eat at home more often with me cooking and eating healthy food - for all of us!

Whew!  Those were some lofty goals, no?  I have to say - I think, all in all, it was a good year and we accomplished a lot of good things!  There is definitely room for improvement, and this list of goals provides lots of food for thought for next year's goals!  That list will come soon.  But for now, I am going to relax, maybe or maybe not make it to midnight, and look forward to what 2014 will bring us.  I am so thankful for what I have and so excited to see what is to come!

Better Late Than Never: 2013's Goals

Well, I told myself I would do a "goals post" in January.  Nothing like the last minute, right?  I think I did a good job with my goals last year, but there is always room for improvement.  This year's goals are sort of similar, but I've thrown a few new ones in.  Last year I decided not to make definitive resolutions - I like this approach much better.  

I found this and I think it pretty much summarizes up my goals.  I love all of the little goals or words of wisdom!  

Goal #1: Get fit

I have lost about 28 pounds since the end of August, 2012, and I want to keep up the hard work!  I love seeing progress and being able to fit into "new" clothes!  I want to eat healthier and get in better shape.  I want to be a good role model for Katie and be able to keep up with her and Jack, and I think fitness/healthy choices is one big way to do that!  Not to mention I feel so much better and more confident.  

Goal #2: Make sure the ones I love know how much I love them as often as possible.

I want to remember to tell them and show them.  I want Brad to know how very loved he is.  And I want Katie and Jack to know how much their mom loves them.  And my parents.  And my brother.  And my grandparents.  And my whole family.  And my friends.  I think I take for granted that everybody knows how loved and important they are and I want to do better about saying it and showing it.

Goal #3: Focus on the here and now.

There is no reason to worry or try to anticipate.  And I am really bad about that.  With these two crazies, it is easy to want them to become more independent or learn to do this or that.  I need to do better about relishing the here and now.

Goal #4: Pray more.

This kind of goes along with goal #3...I need to remember to hand my worries to God.  I want to be a role model for Katie and Jack with prayer and faithfulness and quiet time.

Goal #5: Focus more on the kids and less on the other "stuff"...

I am guilty of spending too much time on the computer or the Pinterest app on my phone when I really need to be more engaged as a momma.  I know there are responsibilities around the house that I need to take care of - but I also have these sweet children that need me.  And they often need my undivided attention!  Sure, I need to be sure to take time for myself.  But Facebook is not more important than reading a book with Katie and Jack or baking cookies, or rolling around on the floor.

Goal #6: Step it up a notch in the daily wardrobe category!

I am way guilty of throwing on workout pants and a shirt and tennis shoes.  Part of this is because I want to be ready to exercise if I come across some extra time.  It is also easier to throw the hair in a ponytail and get out the door in the morning.  But I have all these clothes in the closet (even more selection now that I've lost weight!) that I should wear!  And it does not take me long to put makeup on - I need to do it!  And when we are going out, I need to actually fix my hair!  I just bought a nicer curling iron and hair spray so I can give it a go.  Sure, there are days where workout clothes are a good idea.  But I need to do better about looking more "put together" in public!

Goal #7: Keep reading

I haven't done much reading lately and I really miss it.  I need to get back into that swing of things.  In fact, I have Gone Girl waiting on my Kindle - I need to start it!

Goal #8: Learn to use my sewing machine - and actually make useful things!

I have had this sewing machine over a year and it is still in the box.  I keep buying a yard or two of fabric when I see something I love for the kids.  Now, I need to USE IT! I could so easily make shorts for Jack or a pillowcase dress for Katie!  This is the year.

Goal #9: Less is more.

We have so.much.stuff.  That's what happens when you have more storage.  You fill it up.  And we also have all the baby gear.  Whew!  I need to make myself get into the frame of mind of going through the stuff and getting rid of it!  I am so bad about buying things for projects and either not doing it or getting halfway through and stopping.

Goal #10: Cook more. Eat out less. Menu plan.

I absolutely love trying out new recipes (thank you, Pinterest!) but it seems the day is gone and we are always asking eachother what we want to do for dinner.  The last few weeks we have done a menu plan and that helps TONS!  Of course we are flexible, but we usually do a fairly good job sticking to it!  We have a few regular items we rotate, and then I usually try something new at least once a week.

So there you have it!  Ten very reasonable, very reachable goals.  I've done pretty well with most of these goals this month.  And I have the rest of 2013 to work on them!  What goals will you be working on this year?

*photos are all from Pinterest!

Goals of 2012

I was coming up with resolutions for this new year in my head over the last few days and then I read my friend Melinda's post with her goals for 2012.  And I liked her rationale.  So, I'm going with it too!

I know I don't really HAVE to set goals (or as some may say, resolutions), but I like having things to try to accomplish throughout the year.  I agree with Melinda...life is a work in progress and is always changing.  So with that, I am making 2012 Goals!

 Here are some goals that I have set for this going-to-be-oh-so-wonderful year of 2012:

1) Blog every day: I know this may not be terribly realistic, especially once we have a newborn in the house, but I want to do my best to capture the realistic, day-to-day happenings of our lives!

2) Read more: I don't think I am going to give myself a certain number this year.  I know I'd like to read more this year than I did last year, but we shall see.  With my new Kindle Fire, I think it will make this goal a little easier - I am already on my second book this year!

3) Read the Bible everyday: Even if it is just a few verses, I want to do better about having quiet times in God's Word each day.

4) Find a Sunday school class: This is a bit of a carry-over from last year.  But it is still important to me!

5) Stay in shape (or get back into shape): I am going to try to not gain as much with this pregnancy, which will hopefully allow getting back into shape to be a bit easier.

6) Be crafty: Pinterest is inspiring me to be crafty and to continue to try more recipes!  I want to do a Pinterest project once a month (reasonable, right?).  Since I got my sewing machine for Christmas, I'd like to learn some basic, fun baby things and make them before June!

7) Save money at the grocery store: Does this mean hardcore couponing? Not sure.  I, at least, want to cut out coupons from the inserts each week - every bit of savings helps!!

8) Simplify & organize: I feel like we are surrounded by stuff! I'd love to donate or repurpose or something!  Maybe a project a month?  We will see!

9) Send family and close friends a birthday card in the mail: I always intend to send birthday cards to our family and friends when their birthdays roll around, but I usually forget or it is too late.  This year, I'm going to try to do better!

10) Be a better wife and momma: I think there is always room for improvement here.  Patience is likely the key to success.

I hope I can say that  I did a super job working on my goals (and hopefully even accomplishing them) this year.  Even if there are too many...or if they are too lofty, I want to capture the real things I hope to do this year!  I don't know if I will do monthly updates like last year, but I will definitely be sharing how I am doing with each one of these - once they are written and made public, it definitely holds me more accountable!