Well, Hello 2014

I'm not even going to pretend that I haven't blogged in 310 days, nor will I do a fancy 2013 'in-review' blog post. Let's just pretend that I've been faithfully contributing to my little corner of the internet for the last nine months.

I'm ready to jump back on the blogging bandwagon, which is one of my resolutions for the impending new year.

Oh yeah, PS, I had a BABY in 2013. He's amazing. He's the perfect addition to my household of boys. My heart is SO full.

And, that's the only review into 2013 that I'll give you. I regress.

I'm here to lay out my new years resolutions :)

1) I'd love to start blogging again---realistically once a week. I miss my blogging girls. I read blogs all the time on my phone, and I follow several old blogging friends on Instagram. But, I miss having this little world to let my thoughts go. As a very busy mom of two precious blessings, my days are filled with busy childlike things. I'm looking forward to blogging after bedtime as I way to experience some "me" time, to draw encouragement from other busy moms, and to maybe be encouragement to someone. Each stage of life comes with it's hardships, and as fantastic as this mothering thing is, it's hard. I go to bed most nights feeling tired, sore, and defeated while being overly critical of myself on my "motherly" and "wifely" decisions for any given day. I throw this information out there, because Lord knows, I'm not alone! :) So, blog world, I'm back.

2) I'd like to acknowledge more birthdays! I said this last year, and it never happened. Thus, it's making my list again! We like to do big, fun birthdays in my house. I know how fun it is to get an unexpected card in the mail, so I've already beefed up my supply of random birthday cards from Mardel's in preparation to make this resolution happen. I'm one step closer to following-through than I was last year, ha!

3) I'd like to actually finish reading the books that are in my nightstand. I think I started "Grace Based Parenting" 16 times last year, so I almost have chapters one and two memorized. Here's whats on my short list: "Grace Based Parenting" by Dr. Tim Kimmel, "Unglued" by Lisa TerKeurst, "Women Living Well" by Courtney Joseph and "Chasing God" by Angie Smith (which is due to arrive mid-January). I've started "Women Living Well" and I'm just a little (LOT) obsessed with it! It is the encouragement that I need each day!

4) I'd like to strengthen my core. I'll just fess up (plug your ears fitness guru's), I'm not a giant worker-outer. I have a whole list of really great excuses :) However, after being in decent shape, I had two children sixteen months apart. Those experiences never really gave my body time to heal, and I feel those effects now. My back hurts at the end of every day, my posture is awful, and I look like I'm three months pregnant after my first meal of the day. While I'm not going to promise you a 2014 six-pack, I would like to really work on developing strength again---this is more or less to make me feel a WHOLE lot better, making my stamina better for my children each day, and making me a little easier on the eye to the 'ol husband. Even though he'd probably say I was beautiful just like I am, I'm sure he wouldn't complain looking at some rock solid abs :)

5) Lastly and most importantly, I want to run full-speed after Jesus each day. My quiet, devotional times are ever changing as my children's routines change. Ever since becoming a mother and finding myself responsible for these young, sweet boys my thirst for His Word cannot be quenched. Selfishly I want to experience all the "firsts" that a mother experiences with her children; however, there is not a day that goes by that I don't look at my children and pray for Jesus to return quickly! This world is so corrupt and hurting. I feel like if I can pour God's word into my life it puts a hedge of protection around my children and will help arm them with truths they need to be God's light in this dark world. My boys are so special, and I want to be the mother to them that God designed me to be. These same words can be spoken for the kind of wife I want to be and the kind of household I want to maintain. I need Jesus.

From our family to yours, we hope you have a blessed 2014 :) I'm looking forward to sharing my heart with you this year!