Photo Dump

A few weeks ago on a rather chilly, but sunny day, Logan and I took a stroll to the park. We live two blocks from the best park in town, something which we are thankful for everyday. Right away, I snapped several photos of my little with my favorite phone app and immediately tried to load them for a special "at the park" post but wordpress would not have it. So, here are those awesome photos!

Logan loved looking at all the ducks and yes, the solid-looking part of the lake is frozen.

Logan would rather run through the fields and chase the birds than play in the sand and swing.

My little tree hugger.

Getting his exercise on!

Some random photos: his gangster look with the hat while ridden his train.

Bath time is the best part of his day!

MY VERY OWN OFFICE!! All clean with a new paint job...still working on decorating and making it my own.

Logan LOVES music! Rocking out to The Beetles right here.

This is an awesome peanut butter/banana shake I found via pinterest. Find it HERE. Super healthy!

I made these fun yarn balls the other day (four so far). Wow...what a project! They are way more difficult and time consuming as it looks. I made 4 in an hour and was covered in glue. But they turned out awesome! I have not hung them in Logan's room yet, but I will post a pic when I do.

DONE!

My sweet boy, snuggling with his uncles blankie. He won't go anywhere without it now.

Check These Out

Here are some fun links to check out:

1. I posted a new birth story on my Midwife blog. It's beautiful and traumatic and empowering. Thank you Sarah for sharing!


2. Have you seen This Is Colossal? It's awesome. A great mix of incredible photography and art and really big things, of course.


3. Dear Photograph, which has been featured in some commercials, is just awesome to look at. I keep wondering if I would be able to recreate something like this, but I'm not there yet.


4. I made THESE two days ago and after the 3rd attempt, SUCCESS! I will blog about the entire process later, but suffice it to say that while these are super awesome, they are super messy and very time consuming.


5. Facebook will be forcing everyone to change to their new Timeline layout on Wed (Feb 1st). Read this article so you can be sure to hide or delete the things from 5+ years ago that only you and your college RA should know about.


6. This post on Huffington Post by Glennon Melton has raised many eyebrows over the last week or so since it was published. Personally, I enjoyed it. I liked how she talked about two different types of time and while the title might be too much, I thought it was well written and spoke to me.

Monday Music Recs

Happy Monday Friends!! I don't know how regular this will be, but I was listening to some awesome music last night and decided this would be sometime fun to share. I have loved and enjoyed music for as long as I can remember. When I was very young, like 7, my best friend at the time and I would go skiing up in Winter Park every Saturday. On the drive up we would listen to our Amy Grant tape on our walkman over and over again. We belted Baby, Baby from the top of our lungs and from that day forward I found my love for music in Pat Benetar, dancing in the kitchen with my mom and my aunt Dana, Ace of Base, Real McCoy, and alas, Hanson.

I was a few weeks shy of 14 when I went to my very first REAL concert (I say real because I'd been to local free shows in the summer in the town I grew up in). Real meant watching my mom dial ticketmaster over and over until finally reaching a rep to purchase four tickets to see Hanson at Red Rocks, the most incredible place to see a show. It's an amphitheater tucked into the foothills and surrounded by huge rocks, making the sound flawless. From way up, you can see all of Denver lit up. Beautiful.

Since then, I have managed to attended over 100 concerts ranging from NSYNC to The Fray to Death Cab for Cutie, Jacks Mannequin, Dave Matthews Band, Michelle Branch, Snow Patrol, Hillary Duff, Gavin Degraw, Maroon 5, and of course, more Hanson shows. The best concert I've ever been to was most recently to see Jacks Mannequin. The venue was small and intimate, allowing for a close, special show while dancing around with people who knew Jacks as Something Corporate way back in the day. It was euphoric. The worst show was Dropkick Murphy's. The band was fine, but it was the first show I'd ever been to with true moshing and not to mention I had a raging sinus infection. It was one of mine and B's first dates and he LOVES Dropkick.

Anyway, there's you're little history of my love of music. I grew up loving it. Even still, my parents go to Wilco and Gillian Welch shows. I don't get to go as often as I used to. Ticket prices are crazy expensive and well, I have a family now. It's different.

This week I want to share Bon Iver with you. I've mentioned before how much I love their Skinny Love song. Thanks to Pinterest, that is how I discovered this band! Birdy, a youtube sensation, covered that song and made a beautiful video. I had find more music. Thanks to Spotify, it was no problem. Their music is melodic and has a ballad-like quality. It's not something you want to listen to if you're in the mood to dance, however, if you're in the mood to take a bath (like I was last night) and listen to something relaxing with deep lyrics, Bon Iver is perfect. Every song is special and by far, Skinny Love remains my fav. I'd love to see a show of theirs. I cannot imagine them playing anything bigger than the Gothic, a venue in Denver. Yes, Red Rocks would be too much for their intimate music. Go check them out.

quiet, except for

It's been quiet around here. I'm going through one of my writing ruts where I'd just rather not write anything. So here's a short update of our on-goings:

• We have been trying to get Logan to use the potty like a big boy by introducing it very slowly. We don't force him to sit on it every day, but when an opportunity presents itself we ask him if he's game and lately, he has been. Usually when we let him run around in the buff or before bath time are our best moments. However, the other night was different. He hadn't pooped in 4 days. I knew he was super backed up and that once it was time for him to go, it would be rough. I was standing in the kitchen washing dishes (because, as you know, we don't have a dishwasher) and Logan comes running up to me and grabs my legs. He begins to cry and I instantly know what's going on. IT'S TIME. I just held him and then B has the brilliant idea to sit him on the potty. Logan was not opposed to the idea, although he was still upset. He managed to go #2 on the potty and was so proud of himself! He got a piece of chocolate and felt so much better when he was done. Now, we're just trying to figure out how to keep this good thing going.


• B and I had Friday off together for the first time in months. It was so nice to spend time together running errands and even taking a late afternoon nap.


• Friday night my bestie came up and we went out to a slushy bar in town.Yes, I said "slushy" and "bar" in the same sentence! It was soooo yummy! Like having a sonic drink only spiked with your liqoure of choice.


• We have decided to put Logan back into a daycare center. We interviewed a center and a home daycare and decided that even though it's more expensive, the center is a better option for Logan. He will thrive more and the times we've visited he has had a great time. I enjoyed meeting the teachers and feel really comfortable with the decision. It's also very close to where we live so what we're saving in gas to take him to the sitter we will put towards his daycare.


• Since I received my promotion, I have had my office painted and the carpet shampooed. It looks so good! I'm still working on the decorating aspect and trying to figure out fun ways to make it my own. Once my schedule is solid in a few weeks I will have evenings off and I'm hoping to sign Logan and I up for the 2nd level of swim lessons. We took the first level class last spring and he just loves the water. Plus more mama-son time together!


• B and I discovered Running Wilde, a short-lived TV show. It's on Netflix and we love it! I also discovered Downton Abbey. Another awesome miniseries.


• Logan started saying "yeah" when we ask him a question rather than just an "uh-hu". It's so cute! What a character. Oh and did I mention he will be TWO two weeks from today?!

I'm a Big Kid Now

I make a point not to talk about work on my blog and I'm still going to hold to that, but I have news I feel is worth sharing. After nine months working at an incredible hospital, I have received my 2nd promotion. Never before have I worked somewhere that allows so much growth both personally and professionally. I suppose most hospitals are like this, but I am shocked. I never would have thought that I'd be as close to my dream job as I can get in less than a year.

Obviously my dream job is to be a midwife, but for now I will be just as happy working alongside all the awesome nurses and staff in labor and delivery as the admitting rep. I feel like a real working professional now...not that I haven't been, but this is the first time I've ever had a M-F 8-5 type job where I don't have to work weekends, I have my OWN office and more satisfaction as a working adult than I ever before.

I hardly consider what I do a job. I go home happy almost every night and never feel like I don't want to go to work. I love all the interactions I get with patients and my team. Oh my team! They are incredible. So much genuine support and care for one another. My benefits are amazing...I could go on.

I am so happy. I was really happy with my job before this happened, but I'm even happier now.

our weekend

Friday night my stomach was in ruins so I laid on the couch all night.

We watched Hangover II until I passed out from the medicine.

I worked early Saturday morning and had a very busy day.

B bottled the beer he brewed a few weeks ago and now way wait a few more weeks before it's ready to drink.

I finished watching the end of Hangover II and Logan and I went out and bought crafts.

We watched the Broncos game. Need I say more?

I attempted to make a yarn ball thing, but the first two tries didn't work out.

Went to bed early and woke up early this morning with Logan.

We made awesome homemade waffles and ate them with way too much syrup.

B's mom and grandmother came up for a visit and we had lunch at my new favorite burger joint called Big Al's.

We visited and sipped on tea and hot chocolate while Logan napped.

B headed to work and I pinned while watching Gossip Girl (he's still napping!).

Tonight we'll watch the Golden Globes and enjoy some time with my parents.

And then I'll find new childcare.

Every Sunday

 



I have lived in Colorado my entire life. Never before have the Broncos have so much fame as they do now with Tim Tebow as their Quarterback. I've never been big on football, aside from college ball, and have only ever been to one professional Broncos game in my life. It was Mike Shanahann's last game and nearly -20* outside. I was frozen and hardly enjoyed the game.

B works every Sunday. And on every Sunday I have dressed Logan in his Broncos jersey and sweats. Every Sunday B asks me if I'm going to watch the game and every Sunday I tell him yes, each time with more certainty. So every Sunday since the season started I have dressed Logan in his Broncos jersey and sweatpants. He knows how to say "football" and "touchdown" and throws his arm up for a 1st down. The kid is smart, I'm telling ya. Only a few times have we napped through part of the game. Like last weekend. I napped through the 1st quarter and as soon as Logan was up, I turned the game on. What an incredible game!

Every sunday, I've turned it on without B at my side. And every Sunday I've fallen even more in love with watching the Broncos play. There is something so satisfying about watching the game because I want to, not because I have to. In the beginning, I thought I had to and not only that, but there is nothing else on TV to watch. So for the first few Sundays I'd sigh heavily when I realized that watching football was my only choice and since Logan enjoyed it, what the heck.

But don't start thinking I'm a pro at this, because I'm not. I still don't understand what a drive is (well kinda), or where the heck a two point conversion comes from. What I do know is that I like football, the Broncos and doing something special with my son every Sunday.

The Broncos play tomorrow night, not on Sunday. This Sunday will be different. B will be working, Logan and I will take a nap, and there won't be a Broncos game to turn on. I've grown to love our weekly ritual. It's time to find a new one.

Dear Baby featured on Midwife 101

Friends!!! I am so excited to share that Melissa of Dear Baby, mama to Everly and Arlo, is my first featured mama sharing the birth of her first little love, Ev. Please hop over there and enjoy what I feel is an incredible natural birth story.

Everly's Birth Story

100 Foods and Drinks to try Before You Die

I saw this on a message board I frequent. Bolded items are things I've tried and strikethrough items are nowayinhell am I trying that. I don't know who made this list or where it came from. Some of the stuff on here I'm like REALLY?! And others I had to look up because I had no idea what it was!

1. Abalone (sea snails)


2. Absinthe


3. Alligator


4. Baba  Ghanoush (mashed eggplant)


5. Bagel and lox (salmon)


6. Baklava


7. Barbecue ribs


8. Bellini (Italian cocktail)


9. Bird’s Nest Soup (LITERALLY A SWIFT BIRD'S NEST!!)


10. Biscuits and gravy


11. Black Pudding (dried and cooked BLOOD into sausage)


12. Black Truffle


13. Borscht (beet soup)


14. Calamari


15. Carp


16. Caviar


17. Cheese fondue


18. Chicken and waffles


19. Chicken Tikka Masala


20. Chile Relleno


21. Chitterlings/Chitlins (pig intestines)


22. Churros


23. Clam Chowder


24. Cognac


25. Crabcake


26. Crickets


27. Currywurst


28. Dandelion wine


29. Dulce de leche


30. Durian (fruit)


31. Eel


32. Eggs benedict


33. Fish Tacos


34. Foie Gras


35. Fresh Spring Rolls


36. Fried Catfish


37. Fried Green Tomatoes


38. Fried Plaintain


39. Frito Pie


40. Frog’s Legs


41. Fugu


42. Funnel Cake


43. Gazpacho


44. Goat


45. Goat’s milk


46. Goulash


47. Gumbo


48. Haggis


49. Head Cheese


50. Heirloom Tomatoes


51. Honeycomb


52. Hostess Fruit Pie


53. Huevos Rancheros


54. Jerk Chicken


55. Kangaroo


56. Key Lime Pie


57. Kobe Beef


58. Lassi


59. Lobster


60. Mimosa


61. MoonPie


62. Morel Mushrooms


63. Nettle Tea


64. Octopus


65. Oxtail Soup


66. Paella


67. Paneer


68. Pastrami on Rye


69. Pavlova


70. Phaal


71. Philly Cheesesteak


72. Pho


73. Pineapple and cottage cheese


74. Pistachio Ice Cream


75. Po’ boy


76. Pocky


77. Polenta


78. Prickly Pear


79. Rabbit Stew


80. Raw Oysters


81. Root Beer Float


82. S’mores


83. Sauerkraut


84. Sea Urchin


85. Shark


86. Snail


87. Snake


88. Soft Shell Crab


89. Som Tam


90. Spaetzle


91. Spam


92. Squirrel


93. Steak Tartare


94. Sweet Potato Fries


95. Sweetbreads


96. Tom Yum


97. Umeboshi


98. Venison


99. Wasabi Peas

100.Zucchini Flowers

on my diet

I met with the dietitian last week. I had been looking forward to the visit since I'd made the appointment two weeks ago. My insurance had already approved four visits for me and I could not wait to get more answers.

B got the time off work so he could join me. I am so glad he was there. It is very difficult to relay all that information, as I will try to do here, and since he was there the communication and understanding is clear.

I went into the meeting expecting her to tell me all the things I should and should not eat, along with the list I'd already started. In educating myself about lactose intolerance I believed that there was next to nothing that didn't contain even a trace of milk or whey protein. It's in so.much.stuff. What she told me, however, is that while there is lactose in bread (for example), the amount of it in a single slice is minimal and the chances of that tiny amount affecting me is next to none. And I know this to be true. I can eat a turkey sandwich no problem.

I shared what my regular diet consists of. I'm lacking heavily in my fruits in veggies, which is hard because berries, peppers, tomatoes...these all affect my GERD, especially if I don't take the prilosec. I also learned I'm 15 pounds underweight. FIFTEEN people!! I'm 5'9'' and 120 pounds (nekked) or 123 clothed. The plan is to increase my calories all while trying to gain healthy weight. She is not expecting me to gain 15 pounds, but to get to a healthier weight in which I feel better. My personal goal is not a certain number. It's the same as hers. I felt best right around 130-133. My clothes fit great and I had more energy. She wants me to eat at least 6 times a day. Three full meals and at least one snack in between each meal, including a snack before bed time.

Speaking of meds, the prilosec is really the only med I must take and if I take it later in the day it seems to throw my entire system off. I feel a huge difference in taking it and know it is helping with both the GERD and IBS. I'm also taking a probiotic. I'm not feeling a difference one way or another, but the dietitian indicated that it could take several months before that has a true effect on my symptoms. Lastly I take a tummy relaxer. I've only needed to take it once a day, usually in the evening when I can tell the prilosec is wearing off. I can take it up to 3 times if I need to and won't. That shit backs me up bad and since I'm done to one a day things are much better.

Overall, I am encouraged. I'm doing a 6 day diet study. Our next visit will go over all the specific numbers with that study and possibly help narrow down where certain symptoms come from. The last two days have been great. But I know that this is not a quick fix. My history shows that I have 2-4 good days and then a bad day in between. Hopefully those will become fewer as my diet becomes more controlled.

Sharing Birth Stories

Hi friends! I have been working on my Midwife 101 blog and I want to feature a birth story each week! It doesn't matter HOW you birthed your baby. I just want to find new ways to reach out to each other in this blogging community and share one of my most favorite things about pregnancy: the birth. Births are never perfect or the way we want or intended them to happen. But they shape and move us into motherhood in a way nothing else in life does. Send me a comment or email if you're interested!

i heart faces-best face of 2011

Normally, this might have been a difficult challenge picking my best face of 2011. But it wasn't. I knew that of the hundreds of photos I took last year that THIS was the best photo, and not just because it's my little Logan looking like a stud. I feel like this photo helped define and increase my photography skills which means I can't wait to see how I grow from it.

Check out all the other awesome "best faces of 2011" below:

a little down

Not gonna lie: this week was rough. BUT, we did manage to have a great New Years Day and Wednesday was pretty fun. Otherwise, it was mostly sad and frustrating.

On Monday there was a fetal demise at work. This sort of thing NEVER gets easier. However, I no longer cry. The first time I was at work when this happened, I cried all morning. I was so sad. I know this happens to women everyday but to be that close to it just breaks my heart every time. THEN, yesterday there were THREE more! All 21-23 weekers who were just not ready for the world yet. :(

On Tuesday we found out that Logan's doctor is not accepting his insurance anymore. This is a total bummer. I did some doctor hopping for a few months last year and ended up going back to her. She has been my doc for 12 years and I would not want anyone else taking care of my kiddo. Well, now we have to find a new one. I'm meeting with someone this morning so hopefully it works out. Logan still has a bad diaper rash and seems to be having an upset tummy so I'm glad we're going in.

I also had a little issue at work the same day and really, it was silly. But anytime my integrity is questioned I get really upset. All it came down to was miscommunication, but still, I felt ill over it until we figured out what really happened. Ugh.

So, here's to a great weekend! Today Logan and I are hanging out all.day.long! The weather has been nice so maybe a trip to the park after our appointment.

21 Questions with Heather

YAY! This little series is back! This week Heather from I Put the Blah in Blogger is our featured mama-to-be. We became fast friends where we worked and then she left me for her home state. I miss her mucho! She's a great writer and friend. Check her out!

1. What is your #1 bucket list to-do item?  Questions like this make me really confused about how to answer them.  I feel obligated to say things like, "Be the best Christian ever," or "Change someone's life," or "Save a baby from a runaway train."  But I'm going to skip all that and say... Be a famous singer-songwriter who has awesome hair and rocks out every night on my piano in front of a large crowd.  Does a bucket list item have to be realistic?


2. What is the worst injury/illness you’ve ever had?  Injury:  Badly sprained ankle in the 8th grade.  Illness:  Mono in the 7th grade (no, not from kissing a gross boy).  It was the best diet ever.  I lost 25 pounds.


3. Do you collect anything?   These pregnancy hormones have me collecting pimples, which is a lot of fun.  Other than that, I don't really have a certain thing I collect... do earrings count?


4. What is your guilty pleasure TV show?  Any of the Real Housewives of Wherever shows.  Those ladies are cccrazy.


5. What is the most special thing your spouse has ever done for you? Gotten me pregnant.  Oh wait.  I mean, hmm... He offers to give me a foot/back rub just about every other night, which is pretty dang special.  He is fabulous, every single day.


6. Do you believe in ghosts? Gonna have to say no to that one.


7. What does your exercise routine look like? Pre-pregnancy:  running a few times a week, strength training a few times a week.  During pregnancy (now):  occasional walks, pilates & yoga dvds, eating vigorously.


8. If you could witness an event past, present or future, what would it be? Oh gosh.  These questions are intense.  I think it would have been cool to see Jesus turn the loaves and fishes into a giant feast that fed thousands.  I love Jesus AND food, so that would be neat.  But only through like a time machine that could then transport me back to here.  Bible times seem scary, am I right?  Also, I would like to be in attendance at this year's Royal Christmas just to see what it is really like.


9. If you could change anything about your high school/college experience what would it be?  I've tried to mentally block high school, so I'm going to go with college.  I would have studied something different, instead of art.  Actually, after typing that, I'm glad I studied art.  I would have left my nose ring in for longer than three months.


10. What season do you enjoy most? Fall, hands down.  I love everything about it.  The clothes, the smells, the sports, the anticipation of the holidays.  It's just so nice.


11. What celebrity do you most look like?  I've been told Alanis Morissette, but I think I am a dead ringer for Gisele Bunchkin or however her name is spelled.  We just really have the same body type, it's kind of creepy really.


12. What band/singer are you enjoying most right now? During the holidays I was all about some She & Him, but now I am enjoying Madeleine Peyroux and Sara Bareilles.  And of course the way I sound in the shower/car.


13. Do you implement any of the things your parents taught you into your parenting style?Little Nugget Child won't be here until May, but there are some things I plan to implement.  We went on lots of really fun trips when I was growing up, and that is something I'd like to do.  Something I think I've decided I do not want to implement that my parents did is use spanking as a form of punishment.  I don't know.  It's a touchy subject.  Literally.  


14. What is/are your family traditions? Family traditions were kind of thrown out of whack when my parents got divorced two years ago (suck).  BUT, back in the day there were so many good ones.  Taking first day of school photos outside while holding up the number of the grade you were in.  Mom stomping some boots out the door on Christmas morning and yelling, "OK KIDS!  Santa's gone!  You can come out now!"  Mom used to make monkey bread in the shape of a cross on Easter morning.  Dad crying every single year when we watched Prancer.  Good times.


15. What is the best parenting advice you’ve ever received? Don't let your worry get in the way of enjoying and parenting your child.  Also, let him/her make messes.  And don't stress too much.  Aaaaand, always love your husband more.


16. What was the best gift ever given to you/that you gave? Given to me:  it's a tie between the Nike necklace I got for Christmas in the 4th grade and the entire dvd collection of SATC that Andrew gave me for Valentine's Day one year.  That I gave:  I used some of the money I earned from selling a few paintings my senior year of college to buy Andrew a PSP.  I gave it to him totally out of the blue, and he was so surprised.


17. Have you and your spouse written a will? No.... should we?  I guess we should.  That's just so sad.


18. If you could change one thing about your wedding day what would it be? I would have chosen cheaper bridesmaids dresses. Oh, and tried more food than my one bite of cake.


19. What have you done that you said you’d never do as a parent? I can't really answer this yet.  I'll get back to you in 4 months.


20. How long have you been married? 3 years, 7 months, 19 days, and 3 hours.  It's been wonderful :)  Well, after that first year.  Man.  No one warns you about that.  Here I am, warning you.  The first year is rough.  If you need more details than that, I am happy to tell them to you.


21. Do you want more children? Yes.  1.4 more, please.  Also, 6 more cats.  I love cats.

I hate doing laundry

Of all the household chores, I hate doing laundry. I know there are a few (crazy) souls out there who enjoy it. Good for you. I don't. I'd rather be doing ANYTHING other than folding and hanging up clothes. Since we had a packed weekend, I didn't get to the laundry once last week which means I have towels, sheets and at least three loads of laundry between the three of us. I decided last night I was going to do it this morning. If nothing else got done, then so be it.

Logan slept in until 800am! I get worried when he sleeps that late! Such a nice surprise, though, to wake up and get going before he's banging on the door. I checked on him and, I'm certain, woke him up because his door jam is loud. His hair was a hot mess and he had creases on his face and hands from his dreaming world. I smelled the top of his head, gave him a kiss and wanted to hang onto that moment forever.

We got three loads of laundry done and yes, we. Logan likes to help hand me clothes, however, if I'm not fast enough it falls to the floor. He finds the light button and presses it over and over again. This kid loves lights. We ate breakfast, played with the doggies, and three hours later the last load was in the dryer and it was time for me to head to work.

Starting my morning with a super happy boy, yummy breakfast, and snuggles on the couch--there's nothing better.

Logan's Review of 2011

I found a layout on pinterest HERE and had to fill it out for Logan! I think he'd agree.

A Little About Me:

• Name: Logan


• Age: 12-23 Months


• Favorite Color: Orange


• Favorite Food: Chicken & Mac & Cheese


• Favorite Activity: Playing outside


• Favorite Book: Where the Wild Things Are

Highlights from 2011:

• Greatest Lesson Learned: Hitting is not nice and gets me in time-outs!


• Hardest Thing of the Year: Moving twice in 6 weeks. I hate moving!


• Favorite Memory: Making mommy cry on Mother's Day when I decided it was time to walk.


• What I Loved Most about 2011: Discovering how awesome lights are! WOW!

Looking Forward to 2012:

• Want to learn: How to put all these words in my head into sentences.


• Want to get better at: Throwing the ball for the dogs.


• Biggest Goal: Pee in the potty. BUT for now, it's a big swirly hole that will swallow me! AHHH!

 

 

Hello, Twenty Twelve

I cannot begin to express how excited I am for a new year. It's an odd feeling, starting out the last day of the year knowing it will all be behind us, but how different is that day than the rest of the year? I mean, every day we wake up and start something new but there is something fresh, exciting, and unknown about a new year. Twenty Eleven was a tough year, as most of you loyal readers and friends know, which is why I could not wait to shut the front door on it.

I started out this near year by sleeping in. Is there a better way to greet the new year? I think not. I slept in and spent some lazy minutes on the couch holding onto my sweet boys. The sun was shining and without another thought we decided today was a great day for church. Logan and I try to go a few times a month, but rarely does B get to join us due to work. While the service was not exactly what I had been hoping for, I did take away a few things worth noting:

1. Know where you're going.


2. Start your journey.


3. You will arrive at your destination. The universe will conspire to make it happen.

These three points spoke deep inside of me. B and I have many goals we hope to accomplish this year and we are thrilled at the possibilities of meeting those goals. We know where we're going. This is the easy part. Starting that journey, however, is the hard part! B and I are weak in the self-discipline arena and we both have to hold each other accountable to get certain things accomplished. Arriving at the destination, the goal, is what makes starting the journey easier and more exciting.

So this year, I have a few goals, er, resolutions (whatever). With B's help, I know I will achieve these goals.

1. Make ME happy. I am a people pleaser/do-er. I am always anticipating others' needs and making sure those are met well before mine are and most of the time, mine are left on the side. Rarely are they met when I want them to be met.


2. Do yoga 3x a week. This is both for my physical and emotional health. I hate running. When I've done yoga in the past I've loved it and there are many benefits for digestive health.


3. Read The Bible to Logan. I've wanted to read the Bible front to back for many years and want to include Logan in that journey as well.

So, friends, what are you new year resolutions?