2012

We have a church tradition every new year. We are given index cards and on one side we write about highlights from the previous year. On the other side, we write about goals for the new year. While we were given this assignment to do at home this year, I was expecting it and have been putting a lot of thought into the last year. It was definitely filled with a lot of positives, but it had a few negatives.

Of course the kids were a major highlight, but they also contributed to a few lows:

-Ellie. We started 2011 with a new, beautiful baby girl, but we were stranded in a hospital 4 hours away from our family. We were sleep deprived and had a constant awareness of Ellies birth mom (she texted weekly the first few months of the year).

-Zach. Before we were settled into having 3 kids, we found out we were going to have a 4th. The pregnancy was rough. I spent too much time sick on the couch. My energy (and tolerance level) sunk. However, we now have a 3rd amazing little man that I wouldn't trade for anything!

-Ben. I started homeschooling Ben. Its something I never thought I could do, but Ben is actually learning things. While most days it goes pretty well, we are both stubborn so when he gets stuck on something and shuts down, I don't handle it as well as I'd like.

-Sam. Sam has been the most consistent. He is taking after his brother in the drive me crazy department, but his sweet smile and big hugs make up for the frustration.

-Jon. Jon got a raise and has done an amazing job of impressing his boss. That also means he worked a lot on his days off. He has also been the most patient and loving husband a stressed out, sick and pregnant wife could ask for. I'm incredibly lucky to have him, but it would be nice if the dirty dishes made it into the dishwasher more often than the counter on top of the dishwasher!

-Religion. I have done a terrible job of reading my Bible. Something that should be done daily hasn't even been thought about in months.

-Exercise. The pregnancy forced me to stop running. I temporarily started back up after my 6 week check up, but residual back issues stopped me again.

While every month had its own set of pleasant surprises or unexpected challenges, those are the major points. So what to do about it.... I'm not big on resolutions. I typically don't keep them. I'm setting mini goals for myself instead.

The first goal is to strive to be a more "peaceful parent." I don't like yelling (Ben informed me he doesn't like getting yelled at) and I don't like having Jon come home to a wife in desperate need of a break the minute he walks in the door. This is something I really need to work on so I'm just focusing on one day at a time. I'm very lucky that I get to stay home with my kids and I want to enjoy it. I need to remember they are just kids. They don't care about a clean house or volume levels. They just want to play and have fun. I could learn from them!

The next goal is to read my Bible every day. I can definitely see a difference in myself (and life in general) when I am focused on learning more about and listening to what God has to say. Such a simple task can make a huge difference in many areas. I'm excited to get back into the routine and setting a good example for the kids.

The final goal turned into another half marathon. I signed up to run Clevelands half marathon again. Corrie and at least 1 other friend will be joining me. A full marathon is still the long term goal, but since I'm officially starting over, I thought I should start smaller! I'm hoping this will help me shed a few pounds and get my energy level back up for the kids. Its been months since we ran around the park together or had a dance off in the living room. I'm looking forward to being able to keep up with all four of them.

So thats how I'm starting 2012. 3 very attainable goals which will lead to a happier mama which will lead to a happier family. This post has been floating around in my head for a few weeks, but it made it to the blog because I need the accountability. Its out for the world to see now. So please, if you see me getting frustrated with Ben, remind me of this post. Ask me what book of the Bible I'm reading. If I can't answer you, then remind me of this post. And when I want to take a nap or watch tv instead of running, please remind me of this post!