2016

When I reflect on 2016, my initial thought is that it wasn't the best year.  But the more I think about it, it really has just been the last few months that have been rough and the holiday season in general is always crazy and hectic.  The problems in our life are so incredibly minor compared to what others are dealing with and I really need to focus on being positive and grateful for this wonderful life we have.

I always love starting a new year.  A fresh start seems so refreshing and right now, I am really ready for some changes for me personally and our family.

In 2017, I want to start doing more things I enjoy.  Of course I enjoy being with my family and taking care of my kids, but when I have down time when they are at school, napping, after they go to bed, etc. I don't spend my time doing things that I enjoy and things that build me up.  I used to love blogging.  We had some issues with our computer and are still having issues which is the main reason for my lack of blogging, but I really want to start blogging again.  I may not post as much as I used to, but some is better than none.  I also want to open up more on my blog.  I tend to only post the highlights and I would like to share some of the struggles that we go through as well.  I love that other people read my blog, but I blog for me and my kids.  I love looking back on our life and I want my kids to be able to look back and read about their life.  While I want the positive memories to be what we remember the most, I think it is also good to look back and remember the hard things we went through and how we overcame them.

In addition, I want to spend less time on social media and watching tv and more time reading books.  I would love to learn calligraphy and start doing embroidery again.  And I want to get out my big camera more!

As cliche as it sounds, I want to get healthy in 2017.  I want to lose weight, live a more active lifestyle, and become healthier mentally.

The most important change I want to make is to be more present with my kids.  Sit on the floor and play with them, really listen to them, take them on individual dates, etc.  They are growing so fast and I just want to soak up every second with them.

2016 wasn't my favorite and that is ok!  I am excited for 2017 and all the things it will hold for us!

Happy New Year everyone!