All Things New

The Christmas decorations are packed away for another year (sigh), and memories are tucked safely inside my heart--ones I'll treasure forever.

It was a great few days with family. Bob and I are blessed to have our parents so close. My siblings also live nearby. I'm very thankful for that.

Ethan was incredibly excited this year about all the toys he received. It was adorable to see the spark in his eyes, to hear "Oooh Mommmyyyyyy!" at each new gift he received, and "Daddy, loooook!" as he figured out how each new toy worked.

So. Stinkin. Cute.

It was Emma's first Christmas, which of course, is always a special occasion. She's enjoying the toys she recieved, as well. Although, as it goes with babies, I think she would've been just as happy with the boxes and wrapping paper that housed the toys.

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Now it's time for birthday planning! Ethan will be three....Threeeeeee! I can't believe it. Completely ridiculous.

That's the 25th of February.

And then my little Emma girl will be ONE whole year on March 4th! It's literally been the fastest year of my life. Pinterest will be my best friend for the next few weeks, I'm sure!  =)

Emma's birth was the highlight of the year for me; otherwise, 2011 wasn't the greatest, although I'm incredibly thankful I could be a part of it!

With that said, 2011 has sparked something in me--an intense desire to make 2012 better. To not waste my life (As John Piper's book so aptly encourages)

I want to live with purpose---to be intentional.

I have so many goals for this year. And I actually wrote them down and got specific. I don't believe I've ever done that before.

I've got a lot of changes to make, and with the grace and power of the Lord Jesus Christ, I can make those changes! I'm so excited for a fresh start!

I'm so thankful that He makes all things new! (Rev. 21:5)

A few goals from my list:

*To spend time with God, everyday. To pray without ceasing. I want Him to be my priority. My All.

*To wake up before my family, at least 5 days out of 7. It should probably be all 7 days, but I'm going to start easy on myself as I adjust to a more disciplined schedule. (It's embarrassing for me to admit that I usually rise when my children wake me up--but that's how it was for most of 2011--and I'm ready to change that!)

*To exercise at least 3 times a day. Long enough to break a sweat and get my heart pumping.

I used to be an athlete and was in great shape. But now I think I'll need to get in shape just so I can get in shape! 

*To lose 30 lbs. Ahhh!

*To cut waaaaay back on our sugar intake (I love to bake, so this will be super tough!)

I've studied nutrition for several years, so I know what we should be eating. But putting all that into practice is usually easier said than done.

*To be in bed by 11pm. It's currently 12:32am. Needless to say, this is going to be a tough one, too.

*To stop being so distracted by silly things!! I've already deleted my Facebook and Pinterest apps off my phone. I need to spend much less time online, and much more quality time with my Lord, children, and family. 

Many women do not have an issue with wasting too much time via the internet, but I do. This is something the Lord has really laid on my heart.

*TIME MANAGEMENT. I am so bad about being late to places. It's embarrassing and incredibly rude. I've struggled with it for as long as I can remember. This is a huge goal for me.

I have other more specific and personal goals, but these are some of the majors. 

I have a lot to work on, don't I?

It's a good thing I have the Lord on my side =)

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Do you set goals each year?

If so, what are some of yours?