New Year's Reflections

I don’t believe in New Year’s resolutions. They are just too temporary. Here are a few sad truths about most people’s ability to be successful with their New Years’ Resolutions:

80% of American’s quit their New Years’ Resolution by the end of week 1
98% of American’s quit their New Years’ Resolution by the end of week 4

Despite all of that, I do believe in making changes in our actions and constantly reevaluating our goals. I often resist doing that at this time of the year out of some crazy desire not to be lumped in with all “those people”. You know the type - “I’m going to lose 15 lbs” and you see them at the gym on January 2nd. But by February, the gym is empty and those people are sitting in front of the tv, eating takeout.

But I can’t resist the urge to reevaluate my goals at this point. We’ve had a new baby, bought a house, gotten through the holidays, and hopefully soon we’ll buy our new car. So I’m at a point where things are calming down in my life and even more importantly, I have NO EXCUSES to put it off anymore. What is it I’m putting off? Losing weight and making healthy lifestyle changes. So I’m about to take a huge leap in my life and meet with a trainer/dietitian/weight loss coach TOMORROW. I’m jumping off with no reserve–both feet. Even if I land on my butt, like my two-year-old Elijah here. I’ll let you know how it goes…

I also realized I’ve been hiding out in my new house for the last few months. I’ve been stressed about money, overwhelmed with things to do, anxious about the future and embarrassed by the messiness of my appearance and my home.

I love that this box reminds me that “Life’s Good” and Elijah reminds me to break out of my box. He shows me how to be happy and have fun. So that is my next resolution. I need to simplify my life and enjoy what truly matters - my life, my family and my friends. This means working a little less and valuing my time, so that I have more to give. I need to make time for simple routines of fixing healthy meals, exercising, spending time with my boys and keeping my house in order. I also know that when I put my priorities in order and rely on the Lord through prayer and scripture study that everything else will fall into place. Here’s to a New Year, with a new attitude. What are your New Year’s resolutions?

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! Our boys have had a fun, present-filled day. They are on toy and sugar overload. But it was so cool to see them opening their presents.

Eli "helped" Levi open his presents.

And play with them. :)

The favorite present was definitely this huge train set that santa brought for both boys. Elijah didn't want to stop playing for ANYTHING, even opening presents.

We thought Elijah was old enough to give presents to us and learn that it's about giving as well as receiving. So Grammy took him to the store and let him pick out a couple of presents for us. He gave me some fuzzy slippers. But the best was what Eli gave Daddy--this HUMONGOUS remote control! Guess that's what Eli thinks daddy would like. ;P

To see our little Levi as baby Jesus, check out my photography blog: www.amberkatrina.com/blog Sooooo cute - you don't want to miss it!