Wednesday, January 25, 2012

 Jesse's 4 year birthday.

Change is in the air! Ugh, I don't like change most of the time. It all started at the beginning of the school year this past fall. I had all my plans written down for the year, schedules printed, chores given, everything in order...on paper. Yes, I did my best to make it work, but slowly, painfully, things got more and more crazy. Why is it that everything rises and falls on the mom, if things are going to work? As the year progressed, things got stressful and I felt like I was always trying to catch up.

My dear husband saw my sad, stressed face and asked me about my schedule, which had been totally destroyed and made into what I like to call, a routine. It was just not working for all the many things, chores, grades, laundry, meals, activities that I am responsible for. So, the other night, he sat down and did a nice schedule for me. Today, we implemented it. I'll have to admit that I yelled a lot less and things went smoother, a lot smoother. I am what you might call a free spirit. He, on the other hand, is not. He likes order and discipline. I like order, but if it interfers with my fun, than I can put it off for awhile. I know, that's bad.

God is teaching me to grow and change through my family. My faults and failures are so evident, especially being with each other so much. I am grateful that God's grace, mercy and love are knocking off  those areas that need to go! With His help, change is possible.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Now that my kids are getting older, I am enjoying the pleasure of reading again. I have just finished a book called Survive by Peter Deleo. This book was riveting! If you like a true story about a man's will to live, this one will keep your interest. His story involves a plane crash and 13 days in the Sierra Nevada mountains in the dead of winter. There are a few choice words in it, but a great story despite occasional language.
I just started reading Sugar Nation. This is just as it sounds, decrying all the bad sugar we eat as Americans. I have been putting this one off, since I love sugar. However, I know, in the long run, it will be a catalyst to spur me on to eating healthier.

Sunday, January 22, 2012

Resolutions for 2012. I made a list right before the new year. I really like the concept of setting new goals for every month of the year. Don't you think the word goal sounds better than resolution. It has a friendlier sound. Anyway, January's goal was to get to bed earlier. At least by 10:30 p.m. I failed miserably at this one. I think the earliest I got to bed might have been 10:30 once or twice. I lack disciple when it comes to putting down a good book or checking out an interesting blog. It ends up getting way later than it should. So, this week, I am going to have a cut off time where there is no more...fill in the blank. Ten is the bewitching hour. Ugh! That sounds so boring! I'm going to at least give it a try. So no more books, blogs, etc. after 10. I will have a half and hour to wash my face and brush my teeth and plan for the next day. Plenty of time :)
I will let you know about February's goals at the beginning of the month.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

New to the blog world

I have always wanted to blog. I seem to have running posts in my head. I started this one years ago! Blush. With the New Year upon us, this blog is one of my resolutions for 2012.
Another resolution is to start couponing again. I tend to go strong for a while and then fizzle. I had a great binder all organized with categories and coupons cut and filed. Then I lost it! I have no idea where. I called Walmart, Target and Winn Dixie hoping to find it in their lost and found. No such luck. So that is where I fizzled.
Which leads me to my couponing party I had with my daughters. I am determined to keep up with cutting and sorting every time a new batch comes in. So, I have recruited my girls to help, with a little carrot dangling to make it fun!
I made hot chocolate and bought Anna's favorite chips, Doritos. I also put in Robin Hood, the BBC version, to watch while we cut. Score! We had a great time and got the cutting done. I still need to sort them, but we are off to a good start. Now my girls are asking to have a coupon party again.