2010 Shake down and 2011 goals

2010! Come and gone and it was a bit of a roller coaster. We had a couple job changes which is no fun. It was painful during that time especially for Ben. Totally worth it in the end because he found his perfect niche. He's a small company kind of guy. The big corporate red tape drives him crazy. When a company is small-ish, they are more fast moving, moldable, compact and everything you do is more impactful. He found just that and is doing an amazing job. We are so grateful to Heavenly Father for his guidance and that the trial helped us to become more humble and reliant upon the Lord.

The kids are getting older! It's amazing the growth that they've all gone through this year (in size and spirit :)

We went to Disney World and that was tons of fun. My kids had never been to DW and they just loved it. It was great to spend that time with some of my family.

Generally I feel that this past year has been amazing! I'm excited to see what the coming months will bring for us.

Here are the 2010 goals that I set in place for myself

** Maintain a house of order
Not sure how well I did this. There were ups and downs :) That usually coincide when the kids are out of school. But generally did OK at this, and will roll this over to the new year.

** Connect with everyone in my house daily
My kids are getting older which means that they need more one on one with me. I love that we can have long conversations with each other and also I hope they feel they can talk to me about anything.

** Daily scripture reading
Didn't do perfect, but better! As a family we finally figured out a schedule that worked for us to read. I can't take credit for doing this goal well because Ben is an amazing spiritual leader in our home. But I can bask in his accomplishment because it's helped our family immensely.

** Two dates a month with my sweetie
Yes! Most of the time we got out generally every other week. Those golden moments where we are not having to worry about kids and completely focus on each other has strengthened our relationship. When parents are strong it helps to handle the chaos that our kids bring.

** Exercise for a healthier me
Still a work in progress for me. I had a groove going and then Ben's work schedule kind of changed this a bit. We need to reevaluate this :)

** Find a new passion
Not sure how to quantify this. It's an overall being more passionate about everything.




So without further ado, here are my new 2011 goals!

** Couple 1 on 1: We started this yesterday and will do this every Sunday afternoon. We talk about things we should stop doing, things we should start doing and things to continue. Also talk about our accomplishments and failures. Also calendar items for the week and give each other assignments to accomplish the goals. I think this will really help Ben and I to be on the same page.

** Daily scripture and prayer: So important and will be working on doing this personally this year.

** Serve more: Serve everyone more. Be more in tune with the spirit so I can be in the right place at the right time. I have such wonderful family and friends. I really am blessed!

** Maintain a house of order: Is this ever not a goal? Specifically I need to keep up on the laundry if I'm being specific. The household chore that is never done, you know what I mean?

** Keep dating Ben and go to the temple once a month: Yesterday we talked about this extensively. It will be scheduled with a permanent golden stamp because if it's not, the month slips away. It's just too easy let this one slide. I'm excited to go more.

** Monthly dates with Princess and G-man: I have a friend that made me think. She said that her kids were getting older and before long they won't think it's cool to hang out with Mom and Dad. I agree! And so I need a closer bond with them before they get too old :(

** Exercise for a healthier me: Will be figuring this out soon. It's so cold outside!! How do you do the exercise outside when it's icy and COLD?