2014 - The Year of 14 Resolutions

I don't usually make formal resolutions before New Year's Day.  I try to set small goals often and attain them throughout the year.  But, there are several goals I've had nagging at me for years now.
I've decided to give myself 14 resolutions this year - and meet them all!  Most of these goals are smaller goals that I've had every year since 2000!

1. Read through the entire Bible.  I have an app for that!  I've started several times, but I plan to do it this year.

2. Develop and stick to an exercise plan.  I've done this before.  I lasted about 10 months before I let vacations and holidays get me off track. I spent most of 2013 trying to get back on track.  I plan to include running/walking, weight lifting, and yoga.  And I want to try something new that has scared me in the past…hm.

3. Keep up with the laundry - including the ironing!  I don't mind doing laundry, but I can't stand folding/hanging, ironing, and putting away the clothes.  Clean clothes usually live in the baskets they land in after the dryer.  No more piles of clean clothes!

4. Clean eating 80% of the time.  I did clean out the kitchen not too long ago.  I got rid of refined sugars, white flours, etc.  I've re-stocked some since though.  Now that the holidays are over, I need to purge again.  We will eat clean at home and only "cheat" when we go out to eat.

5. Organize my business in a way that benefits my family.  My hobby has turned into a business that keeps me very busy.  I have been so blessed with new customers!  But I have also been overwhelmed with work-load and trying to budget my time.  I need a "work schedule".

6. This is part 2 of #5.  I need to keep better books for my business - organize money in and money out.  Am I actually making money or just breaking even?  I'm ok with just paying for my hobby - as long as I'm not losing money!

7. And here's part 3 of #5!  I need to organize my crafts.  They have taken over half a bedroom and the dining room.  I need to take the rooms back and find a way to organize my supplies and finished products.

8. I think about writing letters/cards (not emails) to people who have influenced me in some way or who need a pick-me-up.  I even have a list of people I'd like to send them to.  This year I would like to do at least 2 a month.  One a week would be ideal.

9.  PURGE!  I have clothes, shoes, kitchen gadgets, decorative items, and crafting supplies that I *might* use one day.  I'm pretty good about purging clothes every so often, but I still hold onto things I don't wear. This year, I plan to turn every hanger backwards and toss anything that isn't worn - even if I didn't wear it because I may fit in it. If I get that small, I'll want new clothes anyway!

10. Spend more time with my parents.  I see them at least once a week when I grocery shop for them, but I need more intentional time. I want to talk.  I want to write down the stories and family history they have to share.  I will wish I had done this one day if I don't do it now.

11. GIVE.  My husband is excellent at this one.  He really is one of the most generous people I know.  But I have a confession to make.  It makes me nervous.  I love that he does it.  And sometimes i get credit for it, but it's mostly him.  Now that my small business is making some money, I'd like to give some of that away.  Maybe I can give more of my time?

12. I like to read fun books, but this year I'd like to read more non-fiction.  I love to learn, so I need to read more to learn!  1 non-fiction book a month!  Any suggestions?

13. Limit media time.  This one is rough.  I LOVE Pinterest, FB, Instagram, Etsy, etc.  I need to set limits on the amount of time I spend on each of this.  I'll set a timer when I sit down at the computer.  And limit the netflix time!  EEK!

14. Nest. This one is pretty personal.  I want to take care of my family, our home, and our hearts.

November 1

It's November already! Can't believe it, can you?
Last year, I did a Thankful Challenge for the month of November.  I am in a pretty thankful mood today - just thinking about all of my blessings.  I'd like to start the month counting my blessings.

I am blessed with a loving husband who works hard to provide for our family.  He leads our family spiritually and would do anything to protect us. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need and he sets a good example of generosity and compassion.  Love him!

I am blessed with beautiful step-daughters who let me love them and love me more than they have to.

I am blessed with parents who have always shown unconditional love to me.  There's nothing I can do to make them stop loving me - of this I'm sure!

I am blessed with the best girl friends I could ask for.  I don't know what I would do without them!

I am blessed with a sweet church family who loves and supports and welcomes without ceasing.

I am blessed with knowing what it means to serve.  I wouldn't trade anything for my experiences in Honduras.  I am thankful for Mission Lazarus and my friends in Honduras.

I am blessed with a group of children that I get to spend time with weekly.  I am especially thankful for getting to go trick-or-treating with them last night and being part of their joy!

My list could go on and on!  

What are you blessed with?

November Thankful Challenge, the 13th

I am thankful for in-laws!  Sound weird?  People really do love their in-laws!
Let me list them for you:
-My SIL, Kelli was my first in-law.  She has been around since I was about 10 or 11 and put up with me through puberty - enough said!
-Next was my BIL, Jim (aka Big Red).  He and I could not be more opposite, but I love him the purpleist.
-When I got married I got 2 sets of parents-in-law.  They have all been loving and accepting of me.  I love spending time with each of them!  I am so thankful to know them all.
-I have 2 more SILS now: Karen and Amy.  They are both so sweet!  I've gotten to really know Karen in the last few years.  I have come to the conclusion that we would get in a whole lot of trouble together if we lived in the same city.
My family keeps getting bigger and bigger and I LOVE it!
Her are a few of the ILS for a birthday lunch today!

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Day 12

Time Marches On

Well, the last couple of weeks have been quite busy!  I've thought about blogging, but I haven't cleared my head enough to just sit down and do it!
In the past 16 days, I've spent my last day with my little friend Micah.  He's been staying with me all day every other week since August. His mom is a teacher, so she's home with him for the summer.  She's so happy to be able to spend every day with him now, but I sure do miss that little man!  He was 7 months old when we started our time together.  I got to see him change and grow so much.  That last day that I put him in his car seat to go home was rough!
This past Sunday, my nephew graduated from high school - the same high school I graduated from EXACTLY 15 years before him.  I'm so proud of him!  He will be attending Millsaps in the fall to play basketball.  He's not just an athlete, but he also received an award from the Army for his performance on and off the field.  They choose one male and one female student athlete each year.  We were also able to bring my Mom.  She's been on hospice care since September, so being part of any holiday or major event is very precious.

 

Monday was Memorial Day.  The hubs was off work, so we went to visit one set of his parents in their small town.  We went to a little park with friends from their church for a cook-out.  It was so hot, but a lot of fun!  My MIL and I teamed up for a game similar to horseshoes, but with washers.  It was neck-and-neck at the end of the game and I got us the win!  Ha!  That was fun.
When we left the park, we stopped by his Grandpa's house.  He was in WWII in the Pacific, so Memorial Day has a strong meaning for him.  We spent a long time listening to his stories about the war.  It is still unimaginable for me, but so real for the men and women who have fought for us.  It was a perfect and meaningful way to spend the day.  Here's Grandpa showing us his medals and pictures.

Yesterday was my BIRTHDAY!  I love birthdays - not just mine, but any birthday. My sweet hubby took the day off from work.  We started the day with him joining me for my run.  That was a treat!  Then we went to breakfast at my favorite place and ALL THREE of my girls were there!  Then we went to the mall where Murphy's Law kicked in.  The hubs told me I had a certain amount of money to spend and to go shopping!  I searched the mall and left empty handed - figures, right?  Next time I got to the mall I will find all kinds of stuff I want and I won't have the money to spend.  

After the mall, we went to CPK for dinner. I was excited to see our best friends there, but it took me several minutes to realize that they were there for ME!  We had a great dinner and I got some really sweet cards.  

When we got back to the car to go home, I got another card and some pretty and "fun" earrings from the hubs. He was so sweet and spoiled me all day!

 
He's so silly - gave me a card that we had to reenact!

When we got home, I still had more presents to open!  I got the Tervis water bottle I wanted and a DREMEL!!!!!!!!  Those were from my other set of in-laws that I didn't get to see this week.  I can't wait to start on some projects with my new toy!
I also got so many sweet and thoughtful texts, emails, phone calls, and Facebook messages.  What a great day!
I took a couple of days off from eating cleaner and healthier.  It just wasn't worth it.  The desserts I had were so good, but a bite or two would have been enough.  I have learned another lesson!  My stomach is upset and I feel lethargic today.  Time to get healthy again!