Reflections...

To say 2012 was incredible is an understatement. It was probably the BEST year we've had as a couple.  It was my last year in my 20's {I still have 5 more days}, I finished up my 4th year as a manager for an incredible company and still pick up a shift occasionally, became an aunt, gained {well almost} a new sister-in-law, and was able to have my dream job of a being a SAHM because the absolute BEST day occurred at 2:58 pm on June 5th!!!

It's been a year of firsts, learning, growth as a couple, woman and mom. It been a year of many laughs, tears {both happy and sad}, lots of dirty diapers, sleepless nights, TONS of pictures and many, many hugs and kisses.

It's also been a year of hard times; friends still unable to conceive, medical bills stacking up and  finding out my grandpa, one of my favorite people in this world, was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma {a post for another day}, a rare blood cancer of the bone marrow.  He has so many people praying for him and fighting this battle right beside him. We know HE is the ultimate healer and pray daily for complete healing. We believe in Miracles!

We know it all is a part of His plan. And His plan is good. He is sovereign and in complete control of the good and bad. Our faith will be tested. It's a way to be reminded to run back to Jesus. Honestly, I need trials. It's what makes my relationship with Christ grow. It's when I learn the most. When I give it all up, open my arms wide, fall to my knees and surrender my everything to the one who gives me life.
 
I've been a bit emotional today, knowing its the last day of the year our sweet boy was born. I'm weird like that. I cry easily. I still blame it on hormones. As long as I'm nursing I can, right?! I reflect back and that's when the tears flow.  I've told my hubby that I feel like I didn't do a great job at treasuring each day. What could I have done differently? I have no idea, but I still feel like I could have done more to slow down time. Impossible, I know. But a girl can try, right??

2013 Has a lot to live up to. I have said it in years past, I don't do resolutions well. Like ever. I manage to follow thru with some for a few months, or weeks if I am being honest. Then they are left in the dust when I get back to the busyness of life.

So here are a few things I would like to strive for. My  resolutions goals:

• Read more. I'd like to read at least 6 books this year. Last time I said one a month and I was on a roll until February. My pile is growing.
• Go to the gym at least 2x a week- I've been horrible about going. I'm at my pre-baby weight but am definitely a little more fluffy.
• Stick with a quiet time/devotional.  I've been really inconsistent and struggle with making the time.
• Get more organized-  I feel better when everything is organized.
• Enjoy each and every day- It's not hard to do, but I want to soak it all in.

We will be talking about what our goals will be this year as a family tonight and tomorrow. I like New Year's because it means a fresh start. It always feels good to start new.

We wish you all a fabulous New Year! We are celebrating for the comfort of our couch, both sick. Actually, all 3 of us are sick. But it's a laid back night, which I actually really enjoy.

See you in 2013!!

New Year's Goals

 I went back and looked at the goals I posted last year and I can pretty much put a giant FAIL next to all but one and half! We did join and get involved in a church here in Keller and I didn't read a book a month, but more than 1 every other month. That counts for half, right?!?!

So here are a few things I really want to achieve this year:

Menu planning every week. I started this towards the second half of the year, but stopped after only a month or two. As of today, I have the first 3 weeks in January planned!! Thankyouverymuch!!

I did try to read one book a month last year and it pretty much consisted of the books we read for book club plus two. 2010 reads:
 The Help (Awesome read, probably my fav for the year)
 29 Gifts
 Ender's Game
 Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Particular Sadness of Lemon Cake
Me Talk Pretty One Day
 One Day (only read half)
Deliver This (no, we aren't expecting. I read this as more of an educational book that discusses the many different ways to birth a child. Very interesting!)
and in the middle of 3 or almost finished with others!

My intentions were good, but  didn't quite meet my 12 book goal. So for 2011, I'm aiming for 15 books! YEP! I can do it! Starting book number 1 tonight for Book Club. Heart of the Matter  by Emily Giffin{I actually checked out the audio version on this one, but I am counting it anyways}  Also, I just found out that Fort Worth library branches now have eBook checkouts!!! I'm so excited that I can check out and download books to my Sony Reader with out every going to the library.

Of course it wouldn't be  new year's with out trying to commit to go to the gym more regularly. Trying for 3 times a week again! I'd like to be 10lbs less.

I have other goals for 2011 and as a couple we have more, but these are just a few to share with my 1 reader! :)