Christmas After Thoughts & New "Goals" for 2011!

I am late (what else is new) to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! With all the commotion, and traveling,...I am finally back home and ready to begin a new year! After reflecting over 2010, I have come to realize that I am soooo ready to start 2011. Last year brought a lot of stress, and also a lot of trusting and praying. I am thankful for a year of challenge, that stretched me in many ways that I didn't realize I could be stretched. All in all the Lord brought us through and we continue to praise Him for it! This year we brought in the new year with the company of some of our dear friends. We all laughed at the fact that having children has made us a bit less ummm,..exciting? That when we get a free night to celebrate, we would rather stay home, put the baby to bed, enjoy a good conversation and a glass of wine and bring in the new year. There is still a part of me though that misses the chance to throw on a party dress and cute shoes and have a night out on the town. There is always next year!

I have decided that this year I will not be making resolutions, but instead "goals". I want it to be a list of a few things that I would like to accomplish, instead of force myself to do. That way I wont have to break a commitment I have made with myself. (Or beat myself up for not following through)

Here is my list:

1.) Eat healthier & drink more water - Lord knows I have tried, but with children (mine and the one I watch) I rarely have a second to myself, and it's much easier to make something instant. This will mean prep work. Oh joy! I am not much of a cook,..so this will be a big challenge. (I am sure my husband is happy to hear that)

2.) Read God's word more often- Even if it's just a passage from a devotional every day.

3.) Spend more time with my husband - This is something rare and cherished these days,..but I am now officially establishing date nights. Even if that means once a month.

4.) Add to my Etsy shop- This is something I have wanted to do for awhile. I have had some ideas in my head for awhile,...now I must get to work on it! My sewing/crafting therapy is something I enjoy and need to do for myself.

5.) Learn something new - I really want to learn how to work with photo shop. I love taking photos and have had the privilege to be hired to take photos for a few business/families. My husband has told me that I need to gain more confidence in my artistic photo taking. I guess I am always worried that my ideas aren't matched up with those I am photographing. (But then again, don't all artists have these insecurities?) I think this would help me accomplish this goal. 

6.) Spend more time with my friends - I am in dire need of social "adult" conversations some days. I am thankful for MOPS and FB!!

What are your "goals" for 2011?