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?

Serenity

Lately it seems as if life has been a whirl wind. All summer we have gone from one thing to another. Traveling, visiting, working, going to weddings, BBQ's, etc. I am not complaining, I had a very fun summer! It just seems as if I blinked and summer is now over! Seriously, where does time go? I love summer, but I am ever so ready for Autumn. Can't wait to get out my jackets, and jeans...to dress more stylish! Have cooler days to take Liam on strolls around the neighborhood. See the colors of changing leaves. Ready to have a schedule and relax a bit more this up coming Autumn. The verse that I have been meditating on is:

"Be still, and know that I am God;
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalms 46:10

I will be reflecting and taking time to just "be still". The photo above is from a beautiful spot near Austin Texas, I was privileged to visit this summer. It was so serene and beautiful. Whenever my life gets stressful, I close my eyes and think of this place and remember the smells, sounds and the "stillness" in the moment.

Behind the Eyes

Picture by

I was looking over my posts these past few months. It has been such a fun journey having a blog. I feel a part of this small community of such wonderful people. If you look to your right, I have a list of the blogs that I read on a daily basis. Some of the bloggers I know personally, and some that I feel like I know, but have never officially met in person. I have gotten quite a few sewing ideas, fashion tips, recipes, and inspiration from many. It's been nice to feel apart of something,..ya know? Being a stay at home momma can get lonely at times. I am a talker, and it's hard to chat with a baby who just thinks what you say is just so darn funny. (I am loving the new babbling phase that Liam is in) Don't get me wrong, I love my momma status,..but it feels good to know that I can connect outside of my own little world with people from other places. Modern technology is amazing (at times)! Today I thought I would share a bit more about me and my thoughts. I would encourage you to fill it out and post this on your blog as well!

Making: A list of all the things I need from the grocery store. Fun fun!
Cooking: Not a whole lot at the moment. The summer is mostly a grilling time of year at our place.
Drinking: Green Tea (my new obsession)
Reading: "The Royals" by Kitty Kelley (Scandalous book btw) & Harvesting the Heart by Jodi Picoult
Wanting: a new (working) vehicle and a new cell phone that is on it's way out
Looking: at my little man rolling around (almost crawling) and thanking God for a healthy, happy child.
Playing: Peek a Boo (A new game Liam has discovered)
Listening: to my heart and my gut instincts as a mom. Also a little Coldplay goes a long way! ;)
Wasting: my time day dreaming.......
Sewing: a surprise project. ::shhhhhh::
Wishing: I could go back to Europe this summer. :(
Enjoying: the sunshine and beautiful weather!
Dreaming: of Anthroplogie (clothes)
Waiting: for this baby weight to come off. Sheesh!
Liking: my new Momma role.
Wondering: what the next step is for my life.
Loving: my husband for all he does for me. I am so blessed!
Hoping: that I can get to a few projects today (Nap time!?)
Marvelling: at how fast Liam has grown. Where has the time gone?
Needing: some clothes that actually fit me
Smelling: Liam after a bath. Amazing smell I never want to forget.
Wearing: whatever I could find that was clean + the new necklace Tom got me for my B'day!
Following: the Bachelorette...yes I admit, I am addicted.
Noticing: that this has been a tough year but it has made me stronger
Knowing: that no matter what, I have a heavenly Father who loves me just the way I am.
Thinking: too much! (Sometimes it's a weakness)
Bookmarking: a few new Etsy sites
Opening: my eyes to reality
Giggling: over Liam and his new obsession with making a mess of his food
Feeling: confident