New Years Resolutions

Every year, the inevitable New Years resolution spew forth. "I vow to..." "This year, I am going to..." and the papers and articles mock us for our inability to stay resolute. Some argue that there is no point to forging a mere hope that you will just feel guilty over in a few weeks. I disagree. Life is full of motivational moments and seasons of falling off the band wagon. I, for one, intend to grasp ahold of anything that kicks me in the butt, short lasted or not. So it is, that I find myself thinking of what goals and aspirations I have for myself and my family for 2011.

1. I will try to get up earlier than my children each morning, go for a walk, have a coffee, do my devotions, and be alert and ready for the most important job I will ever have. I promise to try doing this whether I feel like it or not, whether I am exhausted or not, whether I am cheerful or not. I promise to no longer turn off my alarm, but rather get up despite my brains adamant refusal.

2. Consequently, I also will try to go to bed at a more decent time to facilitate the near impossible task of getting up early.

3. I will hop back on the bandwagon of ROUTINE with my children. Doing school and learning time with them each day, spending one on one time with them each day, having a regular bedtime routine, etc.

4. I will organize myself in order to continue on with piano lessons while ensuring that my kids do not suffer in the process. If this is unable to happen, I will cut some of my students in order to fulfill my duty and desire to put my kids first.

5. I will prioritize and schedule my daily life so that I am not wasting time on the computer or being lazy, but being a good steward of the short time I have with my children. (and increasingly short days with teaching piano)

6. We (I make this resolution on both Jonathan and my behalf) will pay off a good portion of debt this year, and be diligent and wise with our money. STICK TO THE BUDGET! :)

Alas, who knows how long these will last, I know myself and I know that time and time again I will be back in this place, on the ground watching the wagon go on without me. But I will not give up, time is so short, every day my kids grow and change and I refuse to miss out simply because I am not being wise with my time. I may not be able to do this on my own strength, but I pray that God will enable me to follow these goals, not just of my own making, but goals of His heart as well. Happy New Year everyone!

My Christmas Poem

 Christmas is upon us, I don't know what to say

My kids are sick, my dog does lick, my days just waste away

"So much to do, so little time", the phrase that haunts my sleep

The coffee drips, the coke I sip, my sanity to keep

Lights are up on every house, that is except for mine

My list is long, "someday" my song, "next year will be just fine"

Next year I'll start traditions, I'll try to keep up pace

'Better organization', I think, 'will help me to save face'

But alas each year comes and goes, my best laid plans awry

I grab my seat and buckle in, and struggle not to cry

And so it is, the day has come, I'm at a loss of words

To continue on in chaos or break off from the Christmas herd?

I pull the chord, I stop the train, I grab my kids and leave

I refuse to keep this crazy pace and forget what I believe

Santa's sleigh, little green elfs, and rudolph's big red nose

These are just a passing story, one that comes and goes

And so it is I leave the list, I sit down to enjoy

The wonders of the season, each little girl and boy

My kids' awe at each big flake that falls down from the sky

The sparkle in their eyes as they beg for Apple pie

The smell of pine and cinnamon, the sound of Christmas cheer

And the story of the one who came to spread hope far and near

Merry Christmas everyone! Oh, and Jonathan does actually have lights up, it is a metaphor for all the other things that are NOT done this year ;)