Happy New Year, a little late

Well, better late than never right? Right. We had SUCH a great 2011. I got to stay home, great jobs continued for Derrick, a healthy (albeit pukey) pregnancy, an amazing seamless delivery, a big sis who loves 'her baby' with all she's got, and even cousins added to the mix! How are we going to top that? Good news, we don't have to. We just get to enjoy 2012 with all it's got to offer. Looking forward, we don't know what's God's got coming, but we're ready to see it!

A few things we hope to see-

• Josiah sleeping. Hopefully in the earlier months of 2012
• New and exciting milestones for both Addilyn and Josiah
• Derrick with ONE job. Which will mean me finding a way to earn some money.

My personal goals for 2012:

Read the Bible in a year
I found a great chronological Bible in a year reading plan that I really like and am excited to use! I think connecting the stories of the Bible will be a much easier way to read the whole Bible for me.

Create a Thankful home.

Find 1000 gifts in the year-

Basically, have 3 specific things I am truly thankful for each day and record them.

Writing more Thank You notes- by myself and with my kids.

Saying thankful prayers throughout the day with my kids (and teaching Addilyn how to do the same)

Keep a Clean home

Declutter

Organize (and stick to) a schedule of cleaning for each day

INVEST

It's just really hard to help lead a church when you aren't spending any time with them and we love the people here too, it's time they know it.

CONTENT

Last year, I worked a lot on being content and I seem to do pretty well as far as stuff and things go. But, there's a lot of times that it's hard for me to be content to not be living near family (shocker, right?!). We've prayed a lot about where God wants us, what he wants us to be doing, and if he wants us to be close to family. Right now, we feel that we are doing what God desires of us and (like I just talked about) need to be more content in where we are, with the people we are. I get there a lot of times then something comes up and I'm once again reminded how much easier parenting, seeing friends, going on dates, all kinds of things would be easier with family close by.

Another part of being content for me is to stop planning. Be content is where God has our family now, not try to plan and worry about next week, next year, or 5 years down the road.

UNPLUG

I want to do at least one totally unplugged day a month. No phones (emergencies only), no computer, no tv. Just family.

I promise lots of pictures for the next post. :)