I was able to really focus on simplifying my life. When I review what my 2014 goals were, I wasn't able to accomplish most of them. Even though I didn't get a check list done, there was so much happiness. I did a lot of fine-tuning. I made a lot of simple changes that brought a lot of happiness.
My goals were:
2014 Goals
1. Read the Book of Mormon and memorize the Book of Mormon scripture masteries.
2. Start my morning with a prayer.
3. Read 15 novels.
4. Lose all of the baby weight.
5. Finish landscaping the front yard.
6. Listen more and talk less.
7. Stay positive even when I'm tired.
8. Stop breaking my split-ends.
9. Have professional family pictures taken.
10. Continue having FHE every week and continue going to the temple frequently.
Next year I would love to include some of the things I couldn't accomplish this year and the things that I want to continue. My goals tend to repeat themselves but I really think that some of the things on my list are what brings balance and happiness into my life. Creating good patterns is important and I want some of these patterns to be so instilled in me that its like eating or breathing. Necessary and natural.
2015 Goals
1. Read New Testament and memorize New Testament scripture masteries.
2. Start my morning with a prayer.
3. Read 15 novels.
4. Get Dual Citizenship for the kids.
5. Go to temple frequently.
6. Do family scripture study.
7.Go on a date monthly.
There were so many highlights to 2014!
1. The birth of the twins was incredible. It was such a spiritual experience that is indescribable. It is an amazing feeling to be able to enjoy being a mother without having the stress of infertility. I love being able to enjoy the tender mercies and the simplicities of life with my three beautiful children. The love in our family is overflowing.
2. Strengthening friendships. I have been able to spend my time helping, learning from, and enjoying the company of so many wonderful women. I have been so focused on my own problems for so long that it has been difficult to truly get to know and love those around me. Now that the storms in our life have taken a little (or hopefully long) break, I could really love my neighbors. There is so much happiness in service.
On top of all of that, we were blessed so much by the giving hearts of the people around us. The girls in my neighborhood put on an amazing baby shower for me. People donated clothes, toys, diapers, formula, and essentially everything else we have for the boys! I think about it on a daily basis as I dress the boys in hand-me-downs, or as I change their diapers on the donated changing table. People are so good.
3. Crossing off "bucket list" items. Ben took me to see Wicked! I think being surprised with the tickets was even more amazing then the play itself. That moment when I saw those 2 tickets I burst into tears. I wanted it for so long and I wasn't prepared for how I would feel when I actually could go. The play was magnificent. It was full of amazing talent, incredible songs, and gorgeous set designs. Ben also took me to the Cheesecake Factory which is something I have been wanting to try for years!
4. Our vacation to Midway, Utah. It was such a short trip but such a memorable one. Swimming in the crater was such a neat experience. I remember staring at the walls and just taking it all in. That will stick with me forever.
5. Reading the Book of Mormon. As the end of the year approached, I wasn't even close to reaching my goal of reading the entire Book of Mormon again. I was only a few books in by the time November rolled around. So I buckled down and read until I finished it on New Year's Eve. It was such an amazing experience to speed-read the scriptures. It helped me understand the plot. I had so many Ah-ha moments and spiritual feelings. I love the Book of Mormon. I love the prophets.
6. Because life was a little calmer this year I was able to focus on myself a little more. I started a hobby! That hobby brought income that allowed me to pamper myself and my family. Simply pampering myself with a few scented candles, or some new lotion really does wonders! I love living a frugal and money-wise lifestyle. But I've also learned that a little pampering can go a long way.
Life is so beautiful!
Here is the Christmas card we emailed to our loved ones:
Dear family and friends,
This year has been very
special to us. We welcomed Jacob Daniel, and Luke Andrew into our family
in February. They are now 10 months old and getting into everything. We
love seeing their personalities develop.
Lucy
is in preschool and gymnastics. She loves being a big sister and is
definitely a great one! She is a confident and friendly girl. She is 4
years old.
Ben is still working as an engineer
for Detroit Diesel in Tooele. He has enjoyed playing softball in the
local league with his undefeated team! He is currently doing hockey
every Saturday evening in Salt Lake City.
I have enjoyed staying home with the kids. I became a Jamberry Nail Wrap consultant back in July and I have enjoyed it so much.
We
love Grantsville. We enjoy our small community and our loving
neighbors. We truly feel at home. It has yet to snow this season and we
are hoping for a little bit of Christmas snow tomorrow!
We
love you all. Thank you for your love and support throughout this past
year. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas! We love this time of year
and the chance we have to remember our Savior and His birth.
Love,
