Coming up on 2014

Before I get to todays post, I just have to share with you all something that I discovered as I settled in to start writing. IMG_3553I had a super icky ingrown toenail on this toe for waaay too long, if you remember from a few weeks ago. Its pretty well healed by now, but I’m completely scared of clipping my toenails right. I had done it recently, and it turned out, and somehow today, the thing busted off super short on the corner >:( Not too impressed with this whole thing.

Does anyone remember when I posted about hypothetical New Years resolutions? I was fairly wishy washy about what to set as goals for myself. The last two years, I’ve given myself serious leeway and have just tried to do better in my life. Trying new things, being more responsible and more loving. And I can honestly say that I think I’ve done alright. Sometimes, those lax guidelines just leave me free to do nothing at all, but I really felt it was time to grow up a bit, and I did. This year, I wanted to ask more of myself. I had a few people tell me that the things I was thinking of challenging myself to do were too much, which was true. I was struggling to find the right balance of what wasn’t going to overtake my life, but would also get me out of my box. But I think I’ve got it!! Ready?? Ok, 2014’s goals…

1. Brady and I are going to attempt the 52 week savings plan. The way it is recommended to all is to put away $1 on the first week, $2 on the second week, and so fourth until week 52, where you will have saved almost $1400. We are, however, going to double up for the first eight weeks, so we’ll have saved our years worth by the beginning of November. That will be our Christmas money. For everything. Presents, family Christmas date night out, seasonal Keurig cups, gas money if we travel somewhere, a turkey, new decorations, a tree, and who knows what else. How incredible will t be to not be broke after Christmas?! Very.

2. I’m going to try one new recipe per month. I know this one isn’t huge, but if I want to do more, I can. I already have my recipe for January picked out. Apricot chicken. It doesn’t sound like something I would necessarily choose of a menu at a restaurant, but I stumbled upon a recipe that makes it sound sooo delicious and flavourful and, best of all, EASY! We have all the ingredients in the house and I am ready to try it!

3. On a similar note, I would like to do/make something new once a month. If that leaves me scrambling on the 31st, speed/crocheting a newborn sized toque at 11:30pm, so be it. But I’m more so hoping it’ll encourage me to try new things altogether! I haven’t written a song since the one I recorded for Brady as a wedding gift, and I would love to try that again. I’ve also recently been realizing interests that I didn’t know I had, and my desire to pick up certain new skills. Maybe I’ll be able to dabble a bit in them. So I don’t claim that these potential monthly projects will be wild successes, but they will at least encourage my creative juices and work ethic.

4. I want to be a blessing to people. I’m not sure how yet. I see so many cute, DIY gift ideas on Pinterest, and they almost always remind me of someone. Why would I not take a bit of time and put one together for that person? Or even just leave encouraging notes?! Anonymously, even. I feel like this is the least “organized” part of my goals and, while I don’t love the sound of that, what else am I going to say? “I’m going to bless someone once a week.” Well, thats silly. So this will be my blanket goal this year – trying really hard to bless people.

I’m thinking thats it. I know its not too lofty, but I want to be able to dump TONS of love into my family, and that takes top priority over food and gifts and art and money and everything else. I’m really looking forward to the year 🙂

Seriously, this post could be done now, but I have to add cute pictures of my kids first 🙂 How can I not?

We were going to go to church today but the kids were WIPED OUT from the last few days! Dekker slept forever, and in that time, Laela woke up, was awake for a couple hours, and took a nap. These three pictures took place moments apart…

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IMG_3529This is Dekker after getting dressed this morning. Standing there with his cell phone, he looks so grown up!

IMG_3535Laela also after getting dressed. She certainly is sweet!

IMG_3540Free cookies at the bakery!!! “Dekker, smile big!”

IMG_3543I was teasing him and making nibbling noises, and he pushed his cookie into my mouth 🙂 Great sharing!

IMG_3548The little miss, napping and milk drunk. I love pre-bedtime naps. Why don’t we all take those?

Time to close up. Days like today always leave our schedules wonky, and we are only now making supper for Brady and I. Let me know your thoughts about this upcoming year. Does anyone even make new years resolutions anymore? What are your goals for 2014?

 

 

 

 

 

mama jeanne

Good goals Hailey. I think you’ll get it done and have fun doing it. My goal for the year is 10 shoe boxes filled and hopefully some pictures framed and ready to go with a little help from Brady:-) As for your toe my dear, i have one like that too and even when it appears to be broken on the side if it doesn’t break off I do some serious filing and try to keep it above the side skin. I’m pretty sure I’m not making sense so if you want more info give me a call 🙂 I love you and Brady and your sweet little babies ♥♥♥♥

haileyjeanne

I like your goal for Christmas Child 🙂 And I’m the frames will be up and running soon! I think I get what you’re saying about the toenail thing. I did just clip off the very very tiny sharp tip so hopefully its ok :S Love you so much!