I think my life has gotten exponentially more crazy with each child. As I think about 2010; it feels like watching it flyby while perched on the edge of a merry-go-round. Not holding onto to the bar. Or the edge. And starting to feel a teeny bit sick. Okay, maybe not quite that bad, but just about. Last year, I made some great goals. This year, I am going to cut out a few things so that I can better keep those goals. (That’s right. I am admitting that I didn’t succeed very well.) This year I will:
Be a more sane mommy, breath and keep my temper in check better, be more understanding of the girls’ perspectives, keep my home in better order, be fun.
Take control of my health/weight/tiredness. I am going to do this with measurable objectives (that you don’t really want/need to hear about).
Scrapbook for the girls.
Send meaningful birthday cards to my family (maybe friends next year??) and thank you notes.
One major clean-out item in doing this is cutting back on blogging. Last night Emily kept begging me to take a picture of her baked potato that she had sculpted into a sundae. I realized that my photo folder is probably half full of pictures of food. I don’t want my kids to think it that you are supposed to take pictures of dinner before you eat it. There are a lot of stellar food blogs out there. I don’t need to post recipes.
I will still post projects and holiday crafts, but I will be posting no more than once a week. I know, no one is crying into their keboards about this; but I needed to put it out there to help motivate me to stick with it. I sure do love to read the many great blogs out there and share on my own, but I need to better focus where I spend my time. I was hit hard by another mom in my Relief Society who said that she is looking for places to cut back so that she can spend her time doing what is really important–teaching her children. She said this season in her life isn’t about her, it is about them. I have been thinking a lot about this and looking for areas that I can work on this week. So far I am noticing a difference.
I have been having some fun too. If you made this far, I will share one of the little projects I did over Christmas –a mobile to hang over Amanda’s crib, I love how it turned out. It is so airy and whimsical. I painted 4 branches and lashed them to form a frame, then strung wire from side to side (about an inch apart). Then used fishing line to string paper and vellum butterflies to the lines.
So what are your goals for 2011? How are you guys coming with your resolutions so far?
So, when I have a baby (I don’t know whose baby), I will definitely be inviting you to my shower.
Is it bad that I looked at my goals for 2010 (I usually don’t write them down, but I did last year) and realized that I didn’t succeed with one of them? So the goals of 2010 are now the goals of 2011. They are ones I’d still like to work on so…here goes!
And as a mom of now adults, gulp, I’d say it’s ok to take some time for yourself along the way. Focus on being a good mommy but good mommies also need to nurish themselves!
p.s. I think you ARE a good mommy!
2 comments
1. you are too hard on yourself, you’re beautiful in
every way! so make some little changes but don’t
throw the baby out with the bath water!! xoxoxox
2. your mobile is amazing! lucky baby Amanda!!!
Amen. I love all of your goals; I enjoyed especially the part about taking pictures of food. I feel like I need to take pictures of special creations, or things I really love… but I don’t. There are food blogs specifically for this purpose. My main goal this year is to be on time… or, rather, not be the reason we are late, if we are (which is the case a lot of the time). I agree with Juli; you are beautiful in every way. And, I LOVE LOVE LOOOOOOVE your mobile. You are my idol in a lot of ways, as you are to a lot of others. Be good to yourself! Enjoy the new year, and good luck with goals!
I love that mobile!
I’ll miss your posts, but hope you’ll continue to post your creative ideas to do with kids. I know you’re a great mom, but I can totally relate to your resolution to spend time on your kids. I’ve decided that a lot of things aren’t going to happen at this stage in my life, and I’m okay with that. I sure miss my time to read books and blogs and eating out in nice restaurants though 🙂
That mobile is beautiful. I want to do something similar to that for Easter time.
I will anticipate every post you do, no matter when it may be:)
On your tiredness level… I was having major energy issues, so I went to the doctor to see if I inherited the family Thyroid problem. I haven’t yet, but I did find out that I was seriously Anemic from having Abbie almost two years ago, and I am vitamin D deficient. I got on some meds and noticed a significant difference. Matbe that is something to consider, though no amount of meds can combat with having multiple children:)
I love you Keersten, and I love reading your writings! 2011 has brought much focus into our home (my life!) and by that I mean…priorities are completely different than they ever have been for us. 2010 was full of challenges…especially the last few months…and I was not sad to see it go. ‘Simplify’ is my permanent motto of the day (month…year) and it’s OK. It’s better than ok…it’s the best!
Keep in touch! xoxox
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Hi Keersten! I couldn’t find an email address to email you, so I hope you get this. I just wanted to let you know that you won the first Campbell’s giveaway on my blog!! Send me an email at tasteandtell@gmail.com with your address so that I can get it out to you!