February 15Th, 2009....seriously! It is exactly a month and a half into the new year and I think I've FINALLY decided what my resolution will be for 2009. Although, every year is the same old thing; lose weight, save more, increase date nights, more ME time....LA-DE-DAH, BLAH-BLAH...... I think I'm going to be a little more realistic and tailor this year's resolution to the reality of our chaotic life. It's time to be practical people.
Here are some of the things I've learned (and practiced) in 2008:
- To-Do lists are NOT over-rated and you can never have too many. When you post these around the house things WILL get done.
- Organization is a SKILL and not an obsession - so what if things in our house are placed alphabetically or in ROYGBIV order....this works for us. In case you didn't notice, we have 5 kids. :)
- Facebook isn't considered a social life......we need to get out more! It is great to catch up but everyone needs a little more face TIME not face BOOK these days. There are too many ways to electronically keep in touch these days, i.e., text messages, email, blogging...it's time for more in-person and at-home gatherings (the world is too broke for bars, by the way).
- Allowances don't work as effectively as contributions to a "Family Fun Fund" - kids respect it and appreciate their hard work and contributions toward a family vacation. They know they all actually earned it and hopefully it will keep them working hard for the things they want in life in the future.
- The "I'm Bored Jar" is not just for kids anymore. Works at home for me when I can't get motivated to tackle the to-do list - although, Joe pulled the dog poop pick-up patrol when he was actually hoping for the one-on-one time with Mom/Brandi! :) OOPS! It's just the luck of the draw.
- Reading time is imperative for kids! They need that consistency and practice at home......besides that, what else can bring us 30 minutes of silence?
- Love is everlasting and never fails....nothing can conquer it if it is true. All things are possible with love. Never give up on this!
- "Beautiful"..... not about appearances at all. In fact, it is a feeling. You can hear it and it also can be expressed in many ways but feeling "beautiful" is what matters most. To me leaving the house, knowing the distance I will travel and all I've set out to accomplish in the day, managing to keep a BIG smile throughout (with a little lip gloss of course....which brings me to #9) and having a strong, supportive husband and 5 KIDS to hug me good bye every day and wait for me to come home....now THAT is beautiful!
- Moms can never have too many shades of lipstick and/or flavors of lip gloss. They truly make you FEEL beautiful and sexy (see #8). These can include, but are not limited to; minty, cherry bomb, cotton candy, cupcake and you're never too old for these....even with glitter! I'm new to the glitter but it brings a little shine and more so than the obnoxious glitter look you may think it will have. It makes me feel complete and I never leave home w/o it!
- Finally, FAITH. I've always had faith in our Good Lord but this year, more than ever, I've learned that HE will always provide wealth. We're not rich by any means but richly blessed....INDEED!
I once believed God would never give you too much to handle and I've preached this many times to friends and family members. I was wrong. He's proven that to us by the challenges and events that occurred this last year. He tested our faith but along with this arm full of challenges, he also gave us good friends, a stronger marriage and lots of patience and endurance to get through it.
This year, 2009, we await the "adventures" sent from God and are buckled up for safety! Bring on the new year and the many new challenges we will be blessed with. We can afford to learn more from Him and continue our growth as a family.
CHEERS TO YOU New Year.....and to everyone we love so dearly!
Enjoy the ride of 2009!
