She Loves The Color Pink: January 2013

Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013

2013 Resolutions

I've thought a lot about what I wanted to work on this year. I think these goals will help me in the areas I want to improve.

Here are my 2013 Resolutions:

Goal #1: Finish the Book of Mormon with a journal

I started a read through of the Book of Mormon later in 2012. I started in the Words of Mormon because I couldn't handle starting in Nephi again. We were reading it as a family & in Sunday School. I just needed a Nephi break so I skipped it all and started in Mormon.

When I got to Alma 49, I started writing in a journal. After reading, I summarized the chapter I read that night. If I had any thoughts I wrte those down. I read the previous night's summary before I go on to the next chapter. Doing this has helped me understand the stories better.

My goal is to continue this and write in my journal for every chapter of the Book of Mormon. To finish the entire book, my last chapter will be Alma 48.

Goal #2: Yoga & Strength Training

In my previous post, I talked about dealing with IT Band problems. I ran at the gym this summer and ran pushing the stroller once it cooled off. I also stopped stretching. So... not stretching, overdoing it, probably needing new shoes, solely running and no strength training = the perfect recipe for an injury!

This year I want to be well rounded in the physical activities I do. I'm hoping this will help me avoid any more injuries. My goal for 2013 is to incorporate yoga & strength training into each week. Increasing my flexibility and strengthening my muscles will help me be healthier all around.

I've been working on these two exercises this past month. I'm enjoying the mix up and am learning a new kind of endurance. I'm really excited about this goal. Plus, this is something I can continue throughout pregnancy--nope, not an announcement.

Goal #3: Teach the Book of Mormon Stories

My theme for teaching the boys this year will be from a line in "Nephi's Courage." (Charlie's favorite primary song)

"I know the Lord provides a way, He wants me to obey."

This is a constant pattern in the Book of Mormon. I want them to know they will be blessed when they follow the commandments. I want our family to have faith in following the Prophet, knowing we will be guided by the Spirit when we do so.

I will be using FHE as a chance to teach these stories. I've been making little lessons with pictures that go along with each story. I started this goal this past week and told the story of Joseph Smith's first vision. It was quick, but at the end I asked Charlie questions like, "why did Joseph Smith pray? Who did he pray to? Who came to him?" He knew the answers after this lesson! It was the encouragement I needed to know that this will be beneficial this year.

Happy New Year!

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

2012 New Year's Resolutions

Last year I set 3 goals. I'm happy to say that I completed each of these goals in 2012.

Here's a look back at my 2012 goals.

Goal #1: Have a plan: plan my days/weeks beforehand

I used my notebook (and now I use my phone) to plan out the next day each night. This turned into weekly planning with Tony on Sundays, something we now do each week. We plan a date night, family activity, when we exercise, FHE and chores that need to be done. I now have a cleaning schedule where certain chores get done on certain days.

Getting organized has made a huge difference in my life! I'm better able to take care of the house, my family and myself.

Goal #2: Run the Joplin Memorial Half Marathon

I had a couple setbacks along the way--a kidney stone and a week long hospital stay after ecoli attacked my kidney (because of the surgery to remove the stone). I was out of training for about 2 weeks the month before the race. A lot of sweat, literally hundreds of practice miles, side aches & prayers went into accomplishing this goal. Crossing the finish line was one of the best moments of my life!

Unfortunately I have been dealing with IT Band syndrome since this fall. It has been frustrating and I've had to take a break from running. I'm trying to turn it into a positive and am learning some new hobbies. I will keep running, but am working some new physical goals this year.

Goal #3: Gain a stronger testimony of fasting: fast each fast Sunday

I did fast at least once a month this year. For different reasons, this past fall I fasted almost every single Sunday. Besides feeling extreme hunger, I have had my testimony strengthened in fasting. My fasting hasn't always been perfect, but I have felt blessings from heaven in trying. I'm learning that Heavenly Father always blesses us when we put forth faith.

In past blessings, I have been told that setting goals, in writing, will bless my life. This year I have finally understood what that meant. These 3 goals turned into habits that have blessed me in every aspect of my life.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

The Best of 2012

It was fun looking through past 2012 posts. 2012 was a good year for a family.

Here are our highlights from 2012:

We met our goal and attended the temple 4 times

We went to Utah and saw Jack come home from his mission. We also got to see our Gibson Grandparents & our Wood family for a day.

Charlie hugging Jack at the airport

the boys with their grandparents

I trained for and ran my first 1/2 marathon

Tony and I celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary

marriage has been good to us :)

We spent a weekend in Kansas city and attended my cousins wedding. We visited the KC aquarium, church historic sites & the Deana Rose Farmstead.

Independence Visitor's Center

feeding the goats at the farmstead

Charlie was potty trained!

"good guy underwear"

Summer activities

This summer was the best! We spent the majority of our days in the backyard & in our swimsuits all day long. We grilled our dinners, played at the splash park, went hiking on the weekends...I think summer is my new favorite season.

Fun in the water: