New Year, New Goals

I've mentioned before that I don't really do the resolution thing.  But I *do* like to have goals that I am working toward.  I just finished reading my 2011 goals, and I had to smile, thinking back to where I was at this time last year.  Smack dab in the middle of house building.  Wow, that was stressful.  And looking forward to the birth of our fourth child.  At the time, I didn't even know she was a girl!  Crazy how much can change in just one year.  I didn't make it through the Bible :(  BUT, I did make it to Isaiah.  That counts for something, right?  And I am purposing to get through the rest of the Bible this year.  I am more than half way through.  I can do it.

That is definitely Goal #1  And in keeping with that goal, I am also purposing to pray more.  I pray with the girls at bedtime, say my own prayers before falling to sleep, and occasionally remember to thank God for all of those little blessings day to day.  Underwhelming, huh?  I received a prayer journal for my 30th birthday, and I have used it a handful of times, but I want to use it more often.  Sometimes I think that God would love to bless me with even more, it's just . . . I don't ask.  I could go on {and on} about that, but I won't ;)

Goal #2 . . . Exercise.  Ha! I know, I know.  Heard that one before?  Me too.  But this time I mean it.  I started a little over a week ago, and I've followed through every single day {except one!}.  And I have a little bit of an incentive this year.  Tell ya about it soon ;)

Goal #3:  Get my photography business off the ground.  I'm really praying about this one.

And too many other little goals to count!

How about y'all?  Do you make resolutions?  Do you have a list of goals?  I'd love to hear 'em.

Oh, and just because I can't resist:

Ohhhhhhh dear.  Seriously?  Is she the cutest thing ever, or is it just me?

Linking up with IA for TTUT

Some Babble, Some Photos

I've been dragging my feet on this because I'm not typically a resolutions type of girl. I figure, I break most of them anyway, so why bother? But, I do have a few goals for 2011, and although I'm a little late to the party, I thought I should jot them down. You know, as a reminder.

#1 on my list of things to do this year is read through the Bible. Confession: I have never read through the entire Bible. And I really want to. I downloaded the 90 day schedule, and it's looking like a lot. Especially right now when we are in the final weeks of house building, I'm pregnant, etc. etc. But I realized that I can always find excuses not to find the time. So I'm going for it. I doubt I'll have it finished in 90 days, but even if it takes me six months, it's a goal I want to achieve this year. {Anyone else gone through the 90 day program? Any thoughts are greatly appreciated}.

#2 I would love to make some time for activities that I used to enjoy, but have completely left behind since becoming a mama. Dance team and pageants used to be a huge part of my life. It may sound silly and shallow {?}, but I would love to be involved again. No Mrs. America for me, I can't imagine competing now, but I would LOVE to make it an annual tradition to attend the Miss Oregon pageant each year. And there is no reason that I can't attend local dance team competitions in the spring. The more that I think about it, the more I realize how important it is for me to show my girls what I used to be involved in, and even more importantly for them to see that I haven't always just been "Mama" ;) Besides, these are activities that I know my daughters would enjoy too.

And I suppose if I was going to add a #3 it would be to make more memories with my family. Last year we didn't get away much. This year I would love to plan a couple of trips to the beach, maybe a museum, the zoo, and more local attractions. Of course, now that the interest rate is going back up, and we'll be refinancing a brand new house soon, having even one extra cent around is looking pretty bleak. But a girl can dream.

~~~~~~~~~~~

And while I'm here {computer time has been limited these days!}, I may as well do a quick house update.

I cannot say enough about the finish work that my husband has done so far. He bought the unfinished wood trim, sanded, lacquered {then sanded and lacquered again, and again!}, and then put these GORGEOUS window trims together.

You can't truly get a feel until you see it in person, but oh my. He did an amazing job. Seriously, I'm thinking he's going to have to make it a side job ;)

And look what was installed Christmas day . . .

Cabinets! Woohoo! The countertops are done, linoleum is being installed on Tuesday, and Jeremy and my dad have been tirelessly working on the floors. It's coming together :)