Hmm.  Where do I begin when I think about the past year?  Back in January, I resolved to live intentionally, focusing on making my life full of what I wanted it to be.  I wrote: “If you really want something, you have to work for it.  This can be for everything from making dinner, to desiring an organized home, to starting a new business.  You have to prioritize the time, money and resources.  You have to commit.  Instead of living in a cloud of “somedays” and “maybes”, you have to dig deep and follow through.“ I had no idea how much those words would be tested this year!  2013 seemed to hold the highest of highs and the lowest of lows for me.  I am thankful for it all.   


A few of the highlights: 

• Completed a “30 Days of Pinspiration” challenge
• Lost 30 pounds
• Started running and completed my first two races
• Took a weekend trip with Sophie on an airplane by myself
• Read 12 books
• Worked through a really rough patch in my marriage, which is now better than ever!  We celebrated eight years in November!
• Spent two weeks on vacation in Maine
• Started the Penpal Project and then Penpal Circles
• My oldest started first grade!
• Had professional pictures taken of my family with LucyO Photography (SO worth the investment!)
• Held a Pajama Drive for children in my community in foster care
• Visited the National Zoo
• Spent Thanksgiving with family in the real Big White Farmhouse
• Successfully maintained a happy household of six!

October will be about…

• NOURISHMENT.  Seeing meal preparation as a gift to my family instead of a chore.  Creating dinners that get us closer to our goals.  Trying new recipes and adapting old favorites.
• STRETCHING.  Stretching myself to try something new.  Stretching our grocery budget and creating meals with what we have.  Incorporating stretching after my runs.        
• CELEBRATION. Birthdays and Halloween are coming, but little things should be celebrated too.  Scheduling new family traditions and fall activities.   

  

September will be about…

• NEW ROUTINES.  With the addition of school and sports, our routine is about to change dramatically.  Figuring out how to juggle housework, exercise and other commitments to have our days run smoothly.    
• GRATITUDE. Being thankful for the abundant blessings we’ve been given.  Less wasting, both in food and money.  Seeking out the positives on the overwhelming days.  Starting a journal to record all of the little things I usually overlook.    
• CONNECTIONS. Writing lots of letters to my penpals.  Meeting new people in my community.  Keeping relationships with friends and family members strong.  

  

• GROWING IN FAITH.  Trying to stay on track in my daily Bible/Catechism reading.  Re-learning the why’s for what we believe.  
• QUIET.  No TV and less Internet.  Knowing when to shut off the media devices.  Embracing the quiet in hopes of more prayer time and inspiration.  
• ENCOURAGEMENT.  So excited to serve other Mammas in the Penpal Project. (P.S. Have you signed up yet?  I’d love to send you something!)

February was about…

• GIVING.  Making a commitment to be generous with our money and time.  Finding ways to support the people and causes we are most passionate about.  
• LEARNING.  Trying new things, gaining new skills.  Lots and lots of reading.  
• TAKING CHANCES.  Making great strides in the development of our boutique.  Products are beginning to be purchased and photo shoots have been scheduled.  Scary and exciting all at the same time.  

January will be about…

• HEALTH.  Losing the baby weight.  Focusing more on health than the number on the scale.  Easing into eating less processed foods and more fresh ingredients.  Getting active and finding an exercise routine that works. 
• PLANNING.  Working on a post-holiday routine that works for every member of this family.  Figuring out how to add a few fun extras into our homeschooling week. 
• CREATIVITY.  For both me and the kids.  Simple crafts, home improvement projects and more!