Oh, Spring, where have you gone?

From celebrating 10 years with this amazing girl...

To the dreams of flying again... 

 

Treasuring every moment with these girls...

 

Yet, taking the time to rest...

Trying new things...

Memories made with Nana...

Rekindling the past fourteen years...

Yet thrilled to see what the future holds.

January's Simple Five

Every year, I feel as though I fail miserably at meeting my goals, accomplishing my resolutions, reading my list of books desired...  Honestly, I'm not sure how to overcome that feeling of failure, except to try something different.  More simple, yet more detailed...  That seems contradictory.  We'll see...

I found this great printable for 2014 goals that I find to be attainable, yet different from the norm.  Marty and I discussed these in the car one day and I still need to write them down and slowly check them off throughout the year.  

Meanwhile, I'm going to try for some simple goals each month.  (Some months, it may not even happen.  Leaving some space for grace.) 

January's Simple Five:

1. Organize our school room.

2. Finish A Chance to Die by Elisabeth Elliot (great book, but it's a doozy!)

3. Find and try 2 new, healthy recipes.

4. Run up to 3 miles again.

5. Devotions daily with my girls.

Confessions Part 2...

11.  iPhones & iPads are mommy-sanity-savers that can be easily overused...

12.  I've restarted the dryer three times in one day... the same load.  (Yes, I know how much electricity it uses).

13.  I've restarted the dryer without anything in it.  (I know...)

14.  I sometimes use the bathroom when it's really not necessary, sooooo I can browse on Pinterest.

15.  I can't exercise more than 15 minutes without having a bathroom break.  (or jump on the trampoline...)

16.  No matter what form of exercise I do, birthing hips are here to stay.

17.  I detest exercising!

18.  Reading a "real" book is now a luxury that puts me to sleep. (sigh...)

19.  There is no such thing as a flattering mirror in a Goodwill dressing room.

20.  I have discovered at least a half a dozen grey hairs around my forehead, of which I have promptly plucked (and changed my hair style.)

21.  Don't tell... but I put my make-up on in my van more than I do at home.  (I'm really trying to change this confession!)

22.  Whoever invented car-shaped shopping buggies and "little" buggies could not possibly have children... (or they must have incredible muscles and the patience of a saint.)

Day 4 - Exercise

Get up offa that thing, 

and dance 'till you feel better, 

Get up offa that thing, 

and dance 'till you, sing it now! 

Get up offa that thing, 

and dance 'till you feel better, 

It’s true.  On days that I get up and get moving, I usually have a better attitude and more energy throughout the day.  This is an area that has always been important to me.  But with three pregnancies, several moves, and a husband that has worked up to three jobs at a time, finding time to exercise has not always been easy.  

Before my first was born, I had plenty of time to visit my YMCA.  But as soon as she was born, I knew that I couldn’t continue.  Since then, I’ve tried exercise videos/dvd’s, walking (lots of walking!!), running, INSANITY (which is insane!!), jump roping, and recently, using an elliptical.  All of these have been beneficial and have met a need for each season.  So, I just want to encourage all moms out there to find some kind of exercise that you would enjoy and make it a daily priority.  It’s tough.  After nights when babies are up several times during the night, it’s hard to get up and find time during the day to shower, much less exercise.  Even if it’s just putting the baby in the stroller with cheerios in hand and walking around the neighborhood or at a local park, it’s better than nothing.  I’ve heard another blogger say, “You just need to get moving.”  So, let’s all “Get up offa that thing, and dance ‘till we feel better!”