for this year...

oh, how cute it is to make a resolution...

1. only eat pizza one time a month --  we eat pizza so often because it is the quickest and cheapest way to feed a large family...but i rarely enjoy the stuff anymore.  i resolve to make pizza more enjoyable by limiting the number of times we partake of it.
2. be more accessible to friends and family-- i have worked harder this year at being present with family and friends but i want to continue to strive to be a presence in the lives of the people in our life.  my granny was always there for everything and i would like for people to know that they can count on me like i knew that i could count on her.  i may have to say no sometimes and i may come with four children in tow but i want my children to know that it is important to be invest in the lives dearest to them.
3. be financially disciplined-- kyle and i have always been disciplined when we have had to be disciplined when it comes to finances.  however, in the moments that we had more room to wiggle we rarely show the same amount of financial fortitude.  my goal this year is to strive to live on 70%, save 20%, and tithe 10%.  it makes me nervous to even type such a goal because we have always just done what needed to be done and never really had a long term financial plan...so this is a first...and i am not sure what type of success rate i expect, but i feel like this is a step in a positive direction.
4. establish a home school for my children--  in august i plan to start homeschooling my children full force, but before that can happen there is so much to be done.  i need to get legal, gather and develop a curriculum, get kyle to finish the home school room, prep the kids for what our days will look like, and purchase and stock a liquor cabinet (for me, not the kids).  with all that it will take to make this goal a reality i feel that it merits its on spot on the resolution list.
5. sew more for my home and children--  i have gained so much experience over the past year and i am excited to take that experience and develop more projects for the new year.  some goals for 2012 include making curtains for my kitchen and dining room, making cushions for seating, and make countless dresses for my girls. 

this year has been a wonderful one.  i am thankful for our new home and for the memories that we have made here.  i have already marked four heights on the door of the bonus room and painted their hand prints on the wall.  i have cleaned many, many, many hand prints from less desirable locations and washed hundreds of loads of laundry.  we have snuggled in every room.  we have shared countless meals over the tables in this house and some on a blanket on the floor.  we have lived half of the year in plenty and half of the year in not so plenty.  we have thanked God for our family and His provision.  we have learned more what it means to be a family.  this year has been a gift...and through all that we have learned and gained and struggled with and laughed about i am excited to see what this new year has in store for our little family.