New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again. 

Time to say good-bye to another year.

Time to look at what we have been given.

Thank God for the many blessings.

Learn from any mistakes we have made.

Take those experiences and see if we can't improve ourselves, thus helping those around us in the coming year.

This past week I have been reflecting on what I would like to work on most.

Obviously, there is much!

There are the simple things: 

Eat Healthy

Continue to cook fresh, whole meals for my family 

Exercise and hit the gym 3-4 times a week

Pray more

Then there are the things I REALLY want to work on.

I want to read more, Good reading, spiritual reading, deep reading, educational reading.

I had bought alot of books to work on this, actually even finished a few. But I have several more sitting on my stand, calling my name. Most are even women's study guides. It would be great! Maybe I can even remember to share and summarize when I finish them.

Then there are the personal thoughts of how to become a better person, wife, mother.

Most importantly, for me, is the mother part.

My husband and I CONSTANTLY talk about how we want to raise our children.

What we want to instill in them.

And the relationship we want with them as parents.

From the beginning, we knew we wanted our children to know, they were "NOT" ours!

They were not our possessions, but rather a gift from God for us to share, they are really HIS!

We always wanted them to know, no matter what they did, we don't want them seeking our approval, but rather looking to please God. 

We as parents can be wrong, we can do wrong, we are IMPERFECT!

God and His Blessed mother are the One's they should seek! 

THEY are their perfect role models.

We also wanted to be able for our children to tell us anything, without fear.

Obviously they are a little young to see if we are doing well in that area, but I think we are on the right track.

Compassion is a HUGE thing I want to instill in my children, along with charity.

I want them to know, you can NEVER out give God. 

It is not necessary for other's to see what you give. He sees all. He knows your heart. 

In the end, this is ALL that matters.

One thing I have noticed for myself and several families around us, is that children will emulate exactly what they see.

If they see their momma cry over anything, or a dad, yell and loose his temper, throwing things...they are going to react the same way....even at a very young age.

I know for myself, I want to work on complete patience.

I want to be able to enter into any situation with complete calm.

Of course right now, I have alot to work on.

It depends on the day.

Some days the WORST catastrophe can happen, and I laugh it off and tackle with ease.

The next day, I could be popping my top at the simplest thing.

Patience is something I REALLY want my children to see in me.

I can tell if it's been one of those experiences where I loose it, the next time the kids have something happen, they react the same way.

I had to confess to my SIL's, if they hear my kids say, " Please God, help us all", that's from me. I say it when something happens and I don't want to loose it.

I say it ALOT! 

=)

So 2011, good-bye!

It's been fun!

Hoping 2012 can bring about a better me!