New Year's Resolutions

It's that time again...time to re-evaluate the last year and look ahead.  Brian and I sat down the other night and planned out our resolutions or goals for 2014.  Of course, I organized the list into categories.

Family:

• Monthly envelope (will include two activities to do as a family that month and 4 or 5 of our Mitchell Family Values to review)
• Take a vacation next June/July (based around Uncle John's wedding)
• Have 4 "Spontaneous Sundays"
• Start a Chore/Job Chart with the kids
• Start planning our Disney Vacation (June 2015)

Relationship:

• Monthly envelope (will include a date night idea that costs $10 or less)
• Daily Dialogue
• Exercise one time a week together

Spiritual:

• Complete Bible Challenge
• Pray Rosary as a Couple
• Memorize "Act of Contrition" and go to confession
• Go to church 2x a month

World Wide Marriage Encounter:

• Write first set of talks
• Give first presentation
• Attend leadership meetings regularly
• Promote WWME (bulletins, couples, etc)
• Attend local Circle groups

Financial:

• Pay off Student Loans
• Have big budget meeting (1/5/14) and monthly budget meeting
• Find 3 new ways to save money
• Organize our documents, passwords, etc.

Home:

• Pave driveway
• Deep clean/organize/repair home (pick one of 6 areas at the beginning of each month; repeat second 6 months)
• Finish half bath
• Make usable storage in attic

Individual:
Abbie:

• Have 75 crossed off items from 101 in 1001 list (49 done and 13 started as of now)
• Join family Health Club
• Train for and complete the 10 mile River Run in May
• Start tracking WW points again

Brian:

• Have a one-on-one day with each child
• Complete full marathon and 50k
• Drop body fat
• Find new ways to make my wife fall in love with me
• Continue daily prayer

Lunch with the Fam

My family came over for lunch yesterday.  We wanted to see Annie and Charles one more time before they headed back home.  I made all of the sides using stuff I had in the fridge and freezer.  Mom and Dad brought chicken.  The other reason we wanted to have them over was so that the kids could show them everything they got for Christmas.  We hung out, watched the Colt’s game, and enjoyed some Lic’s chococreams.  Fun!

#8 Christmas with My Family

Our last big Christmas was with my immediate family.  After Lilah’s party, Brian took the kids home to nap and I cleaned up.  Once we were all unpacked and repacked, we headed to my parents house.  We opened gifts, ate yummy finger foods, watched a Christmas movie, and hung out.  It was fun to all be together and next year we will have another addition!  The kids were a little wound up from the day and loved all of their presents.  I was very stressed out and just upset with some of their behavior.  It happens! 

Allie surprised us all with a weekend in a cabin!  Brian and I also got a pressure cooker and canner, among other things.  We are hoping to start canning food this spring/summer.  I can’t wait!  Santa even brought a box of new toys to stay at Grandpa and Grandma’s house!  When all of the paper was picked up, Gavin helped Grandpa take the trash out.  He insisted on carrying all of the bags by himself!  Christmas isn’t completely over, because we still have to celebrate with Aunt Beth, Uncle Wil, and Parker.  Hopefully, we get to soon!

Gavin got a repeat gift this year, so he wrapped up his old one to give to Furrby.

LJ’s PJ Party

On Saturday morning, we had Lilah’s 2nd birthday party.  It was a pj party, so everyone wore their pajamas, I served brunch, and the activities had to do with early morning.  The food was french toast casserole, hashbrown casserole, sweet potato muffins, bacon, sausage, fruit salad, milk and juice.  For dessert, we had “bacon and eggs” and cake batter pancakes.  I used the kids blankets as tablecloths.  The kids were able to make fruit loop necklaces and brush their teeth by painting with toothbrushes.  My favorite thing I did was bring the kids’ sleeping bags and ask all of the kids who were there to sit on them while Lilah opened her gifts.  This gave us space to breathe!

Lilah had a great party and was a little shy during the song.  It was crazy, but really fun.  As guests left, they were able to take home a box of cereal and spoon.  Thanks to Allie for allowing us to use her house and taking pictures!  Thanks to everyone who made my baby’s birthday great!  I can’t believe my youngest is 2!