Resolutions

As we begin a new year, everyone is talking about their "New Year Resolutions!" I have never really had resolutions, but I thought I would write down some of the things I want to do/continue to do through 2012! These are in no particular order at all. Just a few things I've been thinking about when I think of my own "resolutions" ...................................

1. Make one night a week (at least) a date night with just me and jared...not even like a date where we get dressed up and go out... just quality time-talk, watch a movie or TV show, play a game, something just us! We pretty much do this every day, but I want to make sure to keep that up because it is important for all relationships! We focus so much of ourselves on our kids it is important we have time for eachother, too!

2. Diet and exercise. Yeah, this is one that is on a lot of people's resoultion list, but it is something needed for me since I have had two kids (and never lost all the baby weight from the first kid then had another) I keep putting off exercising, but I am working to MAKE time for it!

3. Plan out meals in advance. This is something I have tried before and it worked SO WELL. The problem was I only did it for one week and then we were back to our usual ways of deciding what we want at the last minute and running to the store to buy the "ingredients" OR we resorted to Car Side To-Go or Fast Food. This will help save time, money, stress, and will help with #2.

4. Stop going to the grocery store almost daily. This goes back to #3 (and #2). If I have our meals planned out, we will have everything needed and I can have meals prepared when Jared gets home from work. (healthier meals)

5. Use coupons and shop smart. Jared is really good at finding things on clearance because he works all day at a Target store and finds deals on everything. But, I admit that I am quite the impulse shopper who sees something I like and buys it without really thinking. I am definitely getting better about making grocery list and clipping coupons...and finding coupons online. But, I could be better. A LOT better. And I love checking out when I have a bunch of coupons on the items I needed. :)

6. Stop buying so many headbands for Bella. I get suckered in every time I see a cute bow or flower hearband. I love them and I love dressing Bella up. But, we have many of them and I should just save the bow money for college funds- or groceries and diapers and formula!

7. Worry less. Not that I consider myself a "worry wart" or anything, but I want to spend my life not worrying so much about the small things...

8. Blog more. I hate when I haven't blogged in months and then I am trying to play "catch-up" on what's been going on!

9. Catch up on Bella's baby book. And KEEP up with her calendar. I love Jayden's baby book and I want to make sure Bella has one just as great! I have worked in it a lot, but not as much as I want. Also, I have the same calendar for Bella that I had for Jayden. I wrote something for every single day of his first year- doctor appts, visitors, something we did, special moments, etc. I am not too far behind in Bella's book, but I find myself writing for a week's worth of time at a time. If I could just do it every other day it would be much easier on my brain! (pregnancy brain doesn't really ever get better even after the baby comes)

10. Watch movies! I love watching movies and we used to watch movies all the time. Obviously, kids and family time are more important than watching movies, but I LOVE watching movies. In the past week, after the kids have gone to bed (well, at least Jayden!) we have watched 4 movies!!!! It has been awesome. Redbox rocks!

11. Spend lots of time with family! My family is really close and we spend a lot of time together. I always want to keep a close family...we always have so much fun playing games together-and just being together! :)

12. Stop wearing PJs all day. Just because I am a stay-at-home mom, it doesn't mean that I should not shower all day until Jared gets home and just sit around the house in PJs. I had an excuse when Bella was a newborn and very "needy," but now she is 5 months old and able to play on the floor, jumparoo, exersaucer. I will feel better about myself, too, if I start my day with a nice shower and take a few minutes to get myself ready!

13. Remember to tell Jared thank you every day for working so hard so that I can stay home and take care of our kids. I know I don't thank him enough, but I hope he knows how much I appreciate all he does for me and our family. I am so grateful that I am able to stay home. I am grateful for such an amazing husband...............seriously, AMAZING!


I am sure there are a million other things, but that's all for now! I am off to balance the checkbook and pay bills before Jayden wakes up! :)

If you have resolutions, I wish you luck with them and keeping up with them all year! Happy 2012!

One more thing--I am really excited for the next couple weeks. I have a few days coming up of seeing old good friends that I have not seen in a while. I can't wait!!! <3