Well, here goes...

So, I started this blog a LONG time ago. When I read my old posts, it seems like a lifetime ago. BUT! It's a new year and along with other big changes, I'm going to start blogging again. YAY! After working full time from March 2010 to October 2011, I am home again with Silas. Thankful doesn't even begin to describe how I feel about being a SAHM. I'm determined to use my time and resources wisely and not waste this amazing opportunity. This first post will voice my goals for 2012 and (hopefully!) I'll use this blog to give you updates on my progress. ACCOUNTABILITY! I'm glad you are along for the ride, friends!

1.) First and foremost, I am going to focus on healthier living. I have not been a good steward of my health and that is going to change! I won't lie, I've made this a New Year's Resolution before and not followed through. Not this year, people! It's HAPPENING! How, you ask? Well, we're going to attack this beast from several sides. I'm going to eat healthier. I got an Omega Juicer (singing, "amazing"!) for Christmas and it's going to help us get the nutrients we need from fresh fruits, vegetable and nuts. We also received an XBOX 360 with Kinect for Christmas. We bought a workout "game" that will help me with Cardio workouts and strength training all from the comfort of my living room. Trust me, no gym environment is ready for THIS body! Also, for my birthday/anniversary, I got a new bike with a trailer bike for Silas. We're going to get outside and enjoy the world *while* exercising!

2.) Secondly, I am taking back management reins of our finances. Ashley has done it since Silas was born, but it's my turn again. As adults, Ashley and I haven't been the best stewards of our money (actually, we've failed miserably). That's not the kind people we want to be! So, we've prayed about it and committed to doing it right, no matter how hard we have to bite the bullet. Bear with us, y'all. This could be trying! I'm inspired, though. Excited to do it! I'm looking for ways to make our money go as far as possible and also for ways to save. Ex: making products we have bought at a high price in the past (wet wipes, laundry detergent, peanut butter, etc).

3.) Third, I am going to find ways to be the best ME I can be. I'm going to "BE THE CHANGE" I want to see in my life. I want a better marriage, so I'm going to be a better wife. I want to spend my life with great people, so I'm going to be a better friend and family member. I want my children to have a good life, so I'm going to be a better mother. I'm thankful for my house and everything in it, so I'm going to be a better house keeper. I truly believe in the principle of reaping and sowing. Now is my time to sow.

These are big goals, I know. It may take more than 365 days to complete them. I may work on it for the rest of my life, but I know it'll be good work.

Three verses that inspire me today:

"The diligent find freedom in their work; the lazy are oppressed by work." Proverbs 12:24

"...Give away your life; you'll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity." Luke 6:38

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily from the soul, as something done for the Lord and not for men..." Colossians 3:23