My goal setting goal...

I have never been one to set new years resolutions. I don’t know why, but for some reason it seems too cliché to do. But then again, I have never been good at goal setting. I just plan and do things. If I do set a goal, I don’t beat myself up if I don’t do it (I am hard on myself about enough things already, so I guess I let something slide by!) But this year is going to be different. I want to set goals and accomplish them, even with two little boys under foot. So, for 2009, I am going to set nine goals.

1. The first, of course, must be the most important. I am setting a goal to set and accomplish goals. I will accomplish the goals that I make here, and you all will be my witnesses to whom I will be accountable!

2. I want to be more productive with my down time, which is when the boys are in bed. Usually by the end of the day I am exhausted…those boys run me ragged all day! So, I don’t accomplish as much as I would like. Anyway, I know that this is more of a qualitative goal, which is hard to measure. So, to make it more quantitative, I will clean or create one thing each night.

3. Each weekend, I want to sit down with my planner and plan the week ahead. I will write down meals for each day so I know what I need to prepare for (a lot of times when I am planning a crock pot meal, I don’t remember until it is too late!) I will also make a list of everything that needs to be done that week so I can check them off when I get chances to do one.

4. Both of our boys need to be weaned from pacifiers. Jordan still sleeps with his, so we need to take it away in January. And, we want to take Evan’s away this month too, except for sleeping. Wish us luck on this one!

5. Jordan will be potty trained. Oh, how I am scared about this one! I don’t even know where to begin. But it will be done…soon!

6. I will consistently read my scriptures every day.

7. I will read at least one book a month. I am excited to do this because I have really enjoyed reading lately. I am starting with the Chronicles of Narnia series!

8. I want to blog more often. I really want to be able to write down my feelings about life here on this blog… and hey, it is easier than writing in a journal!

9. I want to read at least two books to the boys every day. I do read to them, but not as consistently as I would like. So, I will do better!

Well, there they are. You are my witnesses now. I know that changes don’t happen over night, but these are my goals for 2009. Happy New Year everyone!

Home sweet Home

On Sunday I left home to come home. We went to Utah for Thanksgiving with my family and had a wonderful time. Not only is Utah home because my family is there, but because I absolutely adore Utah. I love so many things about it. I cannot wait for the day when we can settle there and be home when we are at home.
I love the feeling I get when I am in Utah. I feel like I belong, like I fit in, like I am safe, and I feel extremely happy. I love the mountains, the seasons, the people, the memories, the canyons, all the activities to do, the zoo, Salt Lake City, Utah county, the country, being at the center of the Church and so much more. And I love being surrounded by so many LDS people. I know there are people who think that is awful, but I just don't understand it. It is wonderful to be around so many people that share your beliefs and values and way of life. I didn't grow up in Utah and I had many great friends and experiences, but I want to raise my family in Utah. I know it isn't perfect, but it is great, and it is home.