2026 Word of the Year

My word of the year for 2026 is . . . . . Mindfulness.   

Why do I pick a word of the year?  The simple answer is just because I want to!  The more in-depth answer is because it helps me focus on something to try and improve my daily walk.  I have been doing "theme words" or choosing a word for my year for more than ten years.  You can find a recap of some of those by clicking here - which will take you through some older blog posts from years past.  (I'm not sure why they don't all show up other than I either forgot to tag them or tagged them differently) 

Why "Mindfulness"?  Last year I picked the word "Worship" because I wanted to focus more on the heart.  Finding ways to worship and draw closer to God.  I did not accomplish nearly what I had hoped to but I did work towards finding ways to worship and to focus my mind on worshiping.  I increased my daily devotional time and started a small prayer journal.  These are things I want to build on this year while expanding it into more areas of my life and to me, the idea of "mindfulness" tied into that concept. 

I have some goals on my 101 in 1001 goal list that tie into this which include scripture memory and reading non-fiction books.  I am setting some stronger goals relating to Bible Study and prayer.  Then there is the idea of "mindfulness" with our home as I continue to work on better organizing, decluttering things we truly don't use or enjoy.  Along with that is reducing what we have stored away in the basement.  I did a big cleanout/organization last year, which I just finished up recently, but it was surface level.  This year I plan to dig deeper and clean out more. Part of this whole concept is looking at my time, my spiritual walk, each room in our home and taking time to mindfully consider what is truly important and valuable.  Filling my mind, heart, and home with those things that are uplifting and bring joy.  

There is an underlying goal in all that I am currently working on and that is to be to a place of "comfort and ease" as we get closer to our teens graduating which will mean a shift; especially for me.  That shift mostly will include at the very least a part time job but most likely something full time.  I would like to be to the point when I reach that milestone that my heart and home are comfortable and at ease.  The spaces will be relaxing and organized; my heart will be full of joy and Jesus.  I am working now, before we reach that point, to be ready WHEN we reach that point.  

So, as I enjoy the last few weeks of this year and focus on enjoy family, friends, and being mindful of the true reason for Christmas -- I am also looking forward to 2026 and am excited to see what God does. 

Word of the Year

 Every year for the past several (I don't remember how many) I have picked a word or phrase of the year.  The idea behind this is to find a focus (the word) and then try to shape goals, reading, etc. around that word.  I've picked words in the past such as simplify, discipline, and expectations.  Some years I really struggle with picking a word and other years it just pops into my brain.  This years word did just that - it was mid-November and it just hit me that my word for 2025 should be: 

It's such a simple word yet it has such incredible meaning. To worship something is to prize it above everything else; an expression of reverence or adoration of God. That is where I want my focus to be this coming year.  I want to learn more about the act of Worship; learn about ways I can worship; make the time to worship God through what I read, prayer, and even what I watch.  Basically, I want my main focus to be on God and His word; to grow in my walk with God.  Why?  Simply because it brings peace and joy to my life and it sets an example to my teens.  Hopefully it will also be something that my guys learn from as well and have a desire to increase in their own life. 

I spent some time in December finding some things to help me in this journey.  I have done some searching for books on Worship and have a whole wish list full of options.  The first book I plan to read is by Ruth Chou Simons called "Beholding and Becoming; The Act of Everyday Worship".  (The second one on the list is called "How Great is Our God; Living a Worship Led Life in a Me-Driven World).  I'm excited about both of these books!  I also have several devotional books already lined up because I picked up this past year and barely started them - which is part of my Worship Goal - to spend more time studying God's word.  I have some Bible reading goals.  

A few other things I plan to start the year with is less TV and more WCSG (our local Christian Radio Station).  We actually already listen to WCSG throughout the school day but I am the main TV watcher in our house.  I'm finding that even shows I enjoy on HGTV and Food Network are including more things I don't enjoy or agree with.  We've talked as a family of possibly turning off the cable after the super bowl (we do love our football) and then using the time between Football and Baseball season to figure out a less expensive way to watch TV.  By doing this I hope to have more time for reading and Bible study but also for listening to worship music. Another thing on my list is to work on taking sermon notes so I can review the truths from the message.  I used to take notes on every message but lost that when I had kids who I had to keep busy too.  I found a neat planner that includes a place for sermon notes that I plan to check out.  (I love a multi-use planner!) I plan to start a prayer log/journal.  I want to be able to look back at the end of the year and see the evidence of how God has answered prayers. Finally, I have a short list of Podcasts I am interested in listening too.  I have never gotten into Podcasts but I just feel like it will be another way to learn and to worship.  

Some years I try to build my yearly goals and plans around my word of the year but this word doesn't necessarily lead that direction with a few exceptions.  I would like create a place for my worship - Bible Study and reading - a corner or nook where I can have my things set up and ready to use.  In a small house, those places are hard to find so I might have to get creative!  Another part of this is to attend concerts when we can - we love the free summer concerts.  Beyond that, it is hard to go due to the expense but I'm hoping that maybe we (or Nate and I as we love them most) can attend one or two.  

So how will I measure "success"?  There are tangible ways such as counting the books I read or tracking how many Bible Studies I finish.  Beyond that though I think it will be more looking at growth and what becomes important to me throughout this next year.  I plan to share my journey throughout the year when I can (I don't have as much time to blog as I used to - homeschooling two high schoolers takes a lot of brain power HA!).  

I'll share more in another post but I'm also hoping to get more into my goal planning this year.  I'd like to get back to sharing more of that as well.  

2021 Word of the Year

 Each year, like many, I pick a "word" for the year.  It's a way to focus on something and try to weave throughout my goals and plans for the coming year.  I've had words like "peace", "joy", "simplify" and more.  This year I happened to read a blog post and it struck a chord with me.  So my word for the coming year is "Purposeful".  The author of the post was taking specifically about decluttering - finding a purpose for the space and all things in the space.  If it doesn't have a purpose, it needs to go.  Well, I think applying that principle to many areas is a good thing.  Looking for purpose in all areas of my life and my home is what I am aiming for in the coming year.  

Ironically, my word for 2020 was "Peace" - in a year that ended up anything but peaceful yet in reality, I did find peace.  Everything slowed down, I had plenty of time to read and even accomplished things that had been put off for awhile.  Holidays and family time were more peaceful and I enjoyed peaceful moments at home.  I will continue on with my goal of a peaceful and joyful home even as I move on to being "Purposeful" in the coming year.  

My Word of the Year

For quite a few years I've picked a word or phrase that I want to focus on for the coming year.  Some (that I can remember) from past years included Joy (I've used that one a few years), Discipline, and Living with Purpose.   As much as I love the whole idea of Joy, and the reason I've used it several times, I wanted to pick something new this year.  I was drawing a total blank; total lack of inspiration until a Camp and Conference Center I follow on Facebook shared their word of the year.  I even took a few moments to do a little research of their choice and it challenged me so I decided that it was my "word" too.

Perfect Peace

I want to focus this coming year on Perfect Peace.  I want to possibly do a study on peace as it is shared in the Bible.  I'm also thinking about ways to make my life and the lives of my family full of peace.  I'm not even 100% sure how that will look yet other then to try and take away things that cause stress both individually and as a family  I do believe that Peace and Joy go hand in hand so this is a natural progression.  I also want to find ways to keep our home peaceful - simple things like playing music throughout the day, helping each family member achieve the things they need to get done during the day (really thinking about school and not getting overwhelmed with projects!), and other simple things like that.    I might even look for a piece of artwork for our home that will incorporate my theme word/phrase and that verse.  (I still want to find one related to "Joy"!) 

Do you pick a theme each year?  I know that people either seem to love the idea or think it's crazy!  Either way is fine because we are all different people and have different ideas for things like goals and themes!  

2019 Word of the Year

Several years ago I read a post on a blog about choosing a word for the year.  I loved the concept and have picked one each year since even if I didn't always share them on my blog for various reasons.  Over the last couple of months I've spent some time thinking about what I would like next year to look like; where I would like to be at the end of the year.  Being that I'm a goal setter, this is a great way to help me focus on specific areas in order to accomplish, well, things.  I find that without goals or a plan I don't accomplish nearly as much!

I actually have two words to focus on for 2019.  The first is a word I've chosen for the past several years because I feel it is that important for me and my life.  That word is :

One of my mantras in my life now is to "not let anyone steal my joy".  It's really easy to allow people and/or circumstances to steal joy but if the initial focus in the mind is to not let that happen, it is harder for that to happen.  Notice I said harder?  Yes, it does still happen but I find if I look for the positive in all things, I am happier.  If I am happier, so is my family.  Last year I started to ask my little family each night at dinner to tell me one good or positive thing from their day.  Do you know what?  That was hard for everyone.  It was easier for my kids and my husband to tell the bad things; the things that went wrong or that they didn't like.  Especially at the beginning of this project.  The more I asked though, the more they were able to say something good - even as small as "I slept in" or "Mom got my cereal".  I also worked with them at finding the good even in difficult situations.  If they had things to, well, complain about, I would listen to their struggle but then ask them if there was anything positive about the situation?  Do you now what?  That's hard.  It's hard for adults and harder for kids but I would help them find something (even if it was "I don't have to see that person for a whole week!" HA!)  It always amazing to me at how much other people try to zap someone's happiness.  Sometimes I don't think it is intentional but sometimes it is and that's sad.  So yes ----

------- not just today, but every single day even when it is hard.

I wanted to add to this though.  To challenge myself to focus on something else too.  So, I picked

Where am I going with this, you wonder?  Allow me to tell you.  I want to add strength in all areas of my life. By the end of 2019 I would like to be stronger in my health, my home, our finances, with my children and my husband.  I'd like to be "stronger" in my goals by accomplishing some key things and to be stronger at completing some projects.  I think by focusing on being stronger gives it a more positive spin  - it make an end product more exciting because basically to gain strength means that you can handle more tomorrow than you  can today because you built on where you are today.  Like running - you don't start by running 10 miles, you have to work up to that point by laying out a plan, practicing, and working hard.  I feel like my unintentional word in 2018 was "flounder" - I feel like I floundered in a lot of areas; I just "got by" instead of really working to accomplish things.  I got lost in my head; in circumstances; in the ugliness that is life sometimes. 

What about you?  Do you have a word that you want to focus on this coming year? 

2016 Theme Word

If you have followed this blog for any length of time, you know that each year I pick a Theme Word.  Something I want to focus on throughout the coming year.  It's a way to steer my monthly goals into something more productive.  After several years of "action" such as "Simplify", I've decided to go more with attitude this year.  Something that will impact the whole family; something we can work on together.

Simple  Joyful Thanksgiving.  It's so easy to get wrapped up into the competitive nature of living in the current day that we (are least I do) lose focus on what is truly good and given to us by God.  It's so easy to take the things we are given for granted instead of offering up thanksgiving for those things or, on the reverse side, to see the trials we deal with as punishment instead of trying to live with joy during all circumstances.

.I have a few ideas I've been tossing around in my head over the past few months on how to incorporate this is our lives and to hopefully change some attitudes in my kids. . .to maybe get them past the normal mindset of entitlement that pretty much all children have to work with (shoot, most adults still struggle with that too!)  I'll make a short list but this will surely grow, morph and change over the coming weeks . .. month . . year.

1. Giving back.  Part of Thanksgiving is giving back to others.  Some areas of service that I see are possibly going to volunteer at Kids Kitchen once or twice; packing Shoeboxes at Christmas time; donating needed items to an animal shelter; saving some money to send to our favorite missionary.
2. Chores.  I'm one of those "it is easier if I do it myself" people so I haven't been really good at following through with the chore idea.  I'm not ever sure if "chore" is the right word - more like doing responsibilities with joy.
3. Bible lessons.  Our normal school day has lost its Bible focus.  I want to pull back into this and teach about Joyfulness and Thanksgiving and help the boys  hide Gods Word in their heart even more.
4. My own study.  Books, scripture study, memorization - all ways to change my mindset daily.
5. Letting Go of Stuff.  More to come on this later.

This is just a little glimpse of where I'm heading with this topic this year. 

2015 Theme Word

Seriously, 2015?  I was kinda stunned when I typed that title . . .it seems like just yesterday everyone was freaking out because we were going from 1999 to 2000!  Fifteen years later  . . .here we are!

For the past several years I have picked a theme word for the year and have tried to focus on that word throughout the year.  I will fully admit that last year . . . I don't even remember what my word was nor did I even try to focus on much of anything.  I'm regrouping for this year and have been thinking for about two months on what I want my word to be  . . .what I really wanted to focus on in my life, my family and my home.  I've decided to go back to my "roots" . . .well my cleaning roots at least . . .and my theme word is:

Fly

That's right.  I've followed the concepts of the Flylady on and off for years but over the last few years I've gotten away from it.  I was talking to Darryl recently about that fact and looked back over the last 6 years to figure out why.  Very simply.  Kids.  Once I stayed home after Nate was born, it was still easy to "Fly" because both boys took naps at the same time for at least 2 hours a day which gave me plenty of time to get "my" stuff done.  Then I started babysitting and Josh stopped napping . .. then Nate stopped napping . . .than the Munchkin stopped napping as much.  It wasn't long before the "free" time I had was taken up with 3 and than 4 little kids.  I've finally reached a point where the youngest still takes a good 2-3 hour nap in the afternoon, one is in preschool and my two are very independent which means I actually have some time to do things I want to do during the day.  I feel like that gives me more freedom to "Fly" once again.  

The whole idea of "Flying" is to have a routine set up to keep your home clean and running smoothly with just bursts of 15 minutes a day.  Throw in a morning, afternoon and evening routine and the home really does run like clockwork.  So this is where I plan to focus my "Flying" energy over the coming year. 

Our Home
I work on loving my home.  I hear comments about my house being too small or my kids having toys "everywhere" or that I don't need more "stuff" if I happen to say I want something which sometimes makes it easy to be discontented and let other peoples views get in the way.  Really, we have a pretty nice home and I"m very grateful for what we do have and work hard to make sure it is clean, comfortable and as uncluttered as possible.  So with that in mind - here is where I'll be focusing thorughout this year. 
1) Decluttering and "Deep" Organization.  I've worked on this over the past several years and am really at the finally process.  
      A.  The basement - my nemesis.   First of all, the basement looks about 80% perfect.  I worked this past year to organize and clean everything.  Now that I am done with that I'm moving on to the "Second" part.  I will be starting in one corner and going through everything - there are so many little things stuck up in the ceiling - some things from the previous owners - that were just easier to leave than clean out.  While cleaning I will also take stock in spider spray (HA!) and spray the basement to help eliminate the spiders.  Don't get me wrong, a few are good or so they say but when I walk through spider webs sometimes to get to the washer, well, I think we have too many!  As I wrap up the total clean out and organization, I plan to finally replace the old curtains I took down years ago, and add a fresh coat of paint to the floor.  This is more to help with moisture than for looks and I won't have to do the whole floor - just the areas where the paint has chipped off through the years.  There is a "Third" to this plan and that is a few more pricey items - we had to rip out insulations several years ago due to mold and, because of that missing insulation, our house stays colder in the winter so I'd like to replace that as well as have a door put in the Laundry room that goes to the water softener - we cut the space years ago, need to have our electrician move a wire, and then get the door put in - that will also help keep the house warmer as well.  
     B.  The Downstairs play room/laundry room.  This is technically part of the basement but, well, separate.  In the playroom area, I just need to declutter some more.  Books, school supplies and well, stuff that gets stuffed there.  The boys do like to play there - especially with playdough - so I want it to be a workable space.  The laundry room just needs a normal cleaning and both areas need some touchup on the floor paint.  I would like to add some shelves to one laundry room wall for storage as well.  
    C.  The Upstairs.  Yes, it just gets its own letter.  I just need to once again go through every room and clean out every nook and cranny.  I tend to be a "stuffer" and things that I can't find a home for get stuffed in a corner :-)  There are some specifics for several of the rooms that will be determined by finances so I'm not going to list them here - I have my list, in order of importance, and will slowly chip away on that list. 
     D.  The Garage/Outside.  In the spring, the garage is a huge focus.  We didn't do our normal spring OR fall cleanout last year and it shows.  I'd like to incorporate a few organizational ideas to help keep things neater - especially with toys and bikes.  The outside - I'm already saving for mulch and plants so that I can accomplish what I want to get done in the spring.  Throw in the fact that my parents have already offered their services to help me get a better (but small) garden in this coming year.  

School
I feel like I have our basic school routine down but want to make it better.  I realized around Thanksgiving that I wasn't really thinking ahead to holidays or special events that the boys need to learn about.  As K-4 and K5 kids they don't need all the details but just a basic understanding.  As they get older, we'll add more details but in order for that to happen I have to plan ahead.  There are HUNDREDS of great resources out there in cyber space that I can access for free or next to free to supplement not only their daily work but also special studies as well. 

     A.  Next years curriculum - I wanted a little too long last year to get our curriculum and ran into difficulty getting some of our books.  I'd like to have our curriculum picked by April so I can budget for it and pick everything up by the end of June.  Nate is pretty much set already but I will have to get all of Josh's 1st grade curriculum.  I can "fly" by having the curriculum in hand by June so I can use July to play and do lesson plans.  That gives me August to truly prep everything so we can start strong. 
     B.  Monthly Studies - In order to "Fly" with extra things I have to plan a month in advance.  This includes special holiday things as well as science/social studies things.  Pinterest is perfect since I generally only look for 4-6 activities on a topic.  
     C.  Paper Organization - I'm behind the 8 ball on this one and have just shoved things into a drawer.  I need to figure out what to save and than put together the filing system for it.  

Daily Routines
Daily Routines, Weekly Routines and even Monthly routines are a huge part of "Flying".  I used to have them down to a tee but not any more!  I will be creating new ones that work for me and my current stage in life (ie.e with lots of little kids HA).  The Weekly Routine will include basic cleaning as well as time for me to work on my projects.  The Monthly routine will focus more on deep cleaning each room in the house over the course of 3 months (each room will be "deep cleaned" 4 times a year).  


Family
Yes, "Flying" also applies to family.  Darryl and I have already talked about our weekends  We would like to take two weekends a month and do things as a family - specifically things away from the home.  For me, this is a great way to incorporate field trips verses doing them all during the week with all of the kids.  We are planning to purchase a membership to the Children's Museum and would like to use that frequently.  I have a whole list of "field" trips I want to do with the kids - then throw in other things like Monster Trucks and special exhibits I am sure we will find plenty to do!  

I'd also like to build traditions like family game night and movie night (if my kids will EVER like movies!!) 

Holidays
1. Birthdays - Prepping and planning for our birthday celebrations is big on my list. I did actually start some things this past year but I waited too long and than didn't have the time or funds to do everything I wanted.  I want to "fly" and plan before the birthdays (especially the boys) desend upon us so that there is no pressure -just fun! 
2.  Christmas - Several years ago I "flew" during the Christmas season and it took all of the stress off.  Last year and this year, I felt slightly overwhelmed and under planned.  Shoot, we went to put up the tree and discovered that we had no lights.  Not that they didn't work but that I had thrown out the last few strands last year because I KNEW I would buy nice new lights this year except, well, I forgot.  So again, I want to plan and prep and be done before December begins.  Things like picking up 1 or 2 little fun things for our Christmas countdown each month instead of trying to buy it all two weeks before we start (or the day before YIKES!) OR making sure I remember to pick a day for putting up our own tree - we had to squeeze that in this year because, well, I forgot.  
3. Other Holidays - I love planning things for St Patrick's Day, Easter, and other holidays.  My goal is to just plan ahead - a month ahead - on all holidays so I can enjoy the days instead of feeling like I didn't do anything!  

Personal
1. Quiet Time/Devotions - I'm continuing on with some Bible study groups I've been in for a few years but I want to be more devoted to them and do some more learning on my own.  I also want to include writing journals to my boys during this time.  
2. Finances - I won't go into details because, well, money is a private matter, but I have some personal goals related to our finances, how we save, how we (I) spend, and how we can not feel the "crunch" on the lean months.  I'm the first one ot admit that I'm a spender . .I tend to think that I 'need' things and want I really NEED to do is wait before I spend! 
3. Physical - Again, for me, physical goals are more personal.  Whether it be exercise (which is not my strong point!), healthy eating, weight loss - it's all about discipline and taking small "bites" to accomplish a goal - a total Flylady concept! 
 

Topical Study and What I'm Reading

I posted (HERE) about my Topical Study for the year - "Raising Conscientious kids".  I went on a search for books to read to help with my Topical Study.  Really, ultimately, this will make me be a better mom.  As I become a better mom, my kids will also become "better" and grow in ways I want them to grow.  Isn't it funny that when we want others to change we actually have to change ourselves and learn how to become the person who can HELP those we want to help.  This is really a long list of books I want to read this year.  I tend to read these in "paper form" instead of on my Kindle because, honestly, I will always pick the "fun" book I'm reading on my Kindle verses the "educational" book.

This list is in no particular order.

I know what you are thinking - there is no way I will get all of these read this year and guess what?  You are probably right but I wanted to plug all of these into this one post for easy reference.  I promise to share what I read; truths that I learn; how we implement new ideas and what works (and what doesn't!)  

I may come back and add more to this list throughout the year if I find some more new titles I'd like to check out so I will always try to remember to link back to this original post anytime I'm referencing the Topical Study or one of the books.

2013 Theme Word and Topical Study

Starting a couple of years ago, I have tried to pick a theme word that I could focus on each year.  In the past, I've chosen Declutter, Simplify, and Celebrate.  Last year (Celebrate) I kinda fizzled.  I knew what my goal was at the beginning but ran into some road blocks such as lack of funds and the incredible heat this summer that pretty much left me doing very little all summer. As fall progressed, I started to think about what I wanted my Theme to be in 2013 and came across a few different ideas such as "home", "kids", "marriage" but all of those seemed to specific.  The more I thought about it the more I realized that I wanted my Theme in 2013 to be:

Family

 I think that my focus, as my kids are reaching the age where they love to do things, needs to be in creating both traditions and just "routine" for our family.  Everything from special things for birthdays to special meals around holidays to going geocaching as a family and lots of camping.  Part of this family concept also involves being intentional with both my kids and my husband.  (Maybe my theme should be "Be Intentional!!" By this I mean planning things for them; daily with my kids.  We have preschool starting and I want to be Intentional each day with my plans for both learning and fun activities.  I want to be intentional with my husband and making sure he gets little things to make his day better - maybe a gift card to Starbucks so he can stop and get a good coffee while he is working all day or keeping his favorite candy in the house to keep his sweet tooth happy.  Also included in this "Family" concept is dates - kid dates and adult dates.  We want to take our kids out individually on dates and spend time with them and Darryl and I need to go out a little more, if we can, or at least have more dates in with movies and maybe even a game or two.  It all takes planning or, honestly, it will never happen.  It's easier to sit around and do nothing than it is to get up and do something, isn't it?  My kids are just starting to get into games and movies so I want to plan a movie night once a month and also play games at least once a week :-)  I believe that by focusing on all of this during this one year, we'll build a firm foundation that we can build on in years to come. 

On to my Topical Study - a friend of mine posted on facebook looking for ideas on what to study in the coming year such as marriage, family, discipline, etc.  I realized that it is a great idea.  So I thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year and I've decided to focus on . .. . "Growing Conscientious and Obedient Kids" I think it is so easy for kids to say "please", "thank you", "I'm sorry" and so on but do they mean it?  I see a need in my own kids to teach them to think first and react second; to stop and pick a toy someone dropped instead of running by it.  I also want my kids to react to my requests and do what they are told (isn't that a novel idea??)  I feel like I'm lacking in how to get them to do this so I figured I would focus on this concept this year - reading books, looking up great ideas, instituting chore ideas and more.  I'm looking forward to learning how to parent my children better in order to help them be better children. :-)

So that is what I'm focusing on this next year.  Watch for my monthly goal posts (hahaha that is like football and I love football!!) so you can see what my goals are each month and what I accomplish as well.  

February Goal Recap

At the beginning of February, I posted my Goals and now, I want to recap what I did and did not accomplish.  Right up front, I totally lost focus this month - I did not even remember to look at my goal list after the first week of the month.  So, many of these will carry over into March - I'll post that list later this week.

1. The mantel: Here's a photo of the top of the fridge - part of what I consider my "mantel"

I also had decor on my dining room table - the rest of my "mantel". 

2. Holiday Celebrations: We did not make it to Playworld but we did go to a roller derby instead.  I did get birthday cards mailed on time but did not complete anything on the birthday board.

3. Date Night: Check :-)  We went out for Darryl's birthday :-)

4. Daily Something Special: Fail :-( LOL  Where did February go?  That is all I have to say.

5. Pinterest goals:  Ummm . . I have no idea what I even posted but considering the fact that I haven't done a Pinterest Challenge post in two weeks I don't think I accomplished much :-)

6. Too Cute Ideas:  Blah. :-)  Same as above!!

7. Quiet Book:  Nothing, Nada, Not a thing happening.

8. Celebrate Me: I did practice piano once this month, does that count?

9. Misc Items: I have the stuff to make my March Mantel items - they will get done this week

10. House Items: The Kitchen is painted WHOO WHOO!!

11. Scrapbooking: The boys books are updated, the family album is updated and January 2012 is completed as well!!!  So happy to be working on current stuff!

That's it :-)  I plan to do better in March!!!



My Theme Word for 2012

It is hard to believe that it was a year ago that set my Theme Word for 2011 - Simplify.  You can feel free to check out my progress throughout the year by reading through all of the posts related to accomplishing that goal.  I feel like I did pretty well.  I made a lot of great changes throughout the year, completed some projects and have our home running pretty smoothly due to established routines for each day.  I've found more time to play with my kids, planned dates with my husband and kept my home company ready most days.  Personally, I found that by having a goal word for the year, it really helped me focus on one area instead of starting something and never finishing.  Sure, I ran into road blocks such as financial means to complete a few items and simply, life getting in the way sometimes.  We ended up having to do extensive work in our basement that was not planned which meant work in my kitchen took a big hit and got put on the back burner.  

If you follow my blog at all, you are well aware of the Too Cute Not To Toot that I started not long after starting my blog in August 2010.  Very quickly I discovered that tyring to do DIY projects was going to mess with my simplify goal so I had to stop trying to do and just save those ideas for the future.  Sometime around April and May I picked my goal for 2012. Yes, I know, crazy right?  What it did for me was allow me to let go of trying to make crafts, or decorate for holidays or plan all of the fun holiday things that my kids are too young to appreciate yet (i.e. I had TIME to work on those things before they would appreciate them!).  What is my Theme Word for 2012?  Here it is:

Celebrate

Now that our lives have been "simplified" I feel like I can plan ways to celebrate things with my family therefore I want to focus on those ideas this coming year.  This idea drives itself because most months have a holiday and/or birthday to work towards.  Here is a basic overview of what I hope to accomplish this year, many will be traditions that I hope we can carry on for years to come.

1.  Find a "mantel" area in our home where I can decorate for each holiday (even the little ones)  We don't have fireplace or even a true entry way to decorate for holidays but I want an area where we always see what we are celebrating.  

2. Holiday Celebrations - I want to come up with simple ideas for each Holiday that we can look forward to each year.  Last year I did a few things for Valentines and St Patricks Day and it was so much fun.  There are so many ideas in Too Cute not to Toot posts to choose from plus I know I will find new ideas.

3.  Date Nights - I want to continue to plan several date nights a month with my husband and, now that the boys are getting bigger, I would like to plan some specific things to do with the boys individually too.  One on One time is always good. I also want to plan one family activity a month - I'm already working on a list of ideas to do - the boys are old enough to really enjoy doing things now.  And, if I can swing it, I want to plan one "field" trip each month to do during the week with all three boys.  I tried this last year and we only did one or two.  The munchkin was still pretty little so it made it a little difficult but he's 6 months older, and enjoys doing more things now!!  We'll see what I can plan :-)

4. Family Celebrations - Birthdays and Anniversaries need to be celebrated in style.  We have a few things in place already but I want to add to those and have things that we put out each year.  There is a balloon idea I saw last year where you put a $1.00 in each balloon for the child's age and they get to pop the balloons to get the money - I just love that fun tradition! Tied in with this, I want to get back to sending cards to my family and friends for special days.  I used to be soooo good at this but then, I got married HA!  I'm going to go back to my original system, which I'll share more about later, and really work on getting cards out and out on time!

5. Crafts - This is where my wonderful Too Cute Not To Toot ideas come in.  I am SOOO looking forward to making time for crafts.  I don't know how I'll choose HA!  My hope is that I can start right off in January and pick one specific craft item separate from of the celebrations crafts that I can make.  Necklaces, rings, bags - just something fun.  I will also be making things for our Holiday and Family Celebrations along the way too.  I learned last year to only buy the items for the craft I'm working on and buy nothing else until I'm done.  :-) 
6. Daily something Special - not sure what else to call this but I want to put together monthly binders that have ideas, worksheets, games, crafts and all sorts of things to do with my kids.  My goal is to do one thing specifically each day with my boys.  It can reading a special story, having a special snack or making a craft.  A friend of mine created this idea/system when her girls were little and I really like it alot
7. Celebrating "ME" - I'm not going to really list anything here yet other then to say, over the course of the next year, I need to find time to do things for myself.  I will be no good for my family if I'm not around to enjoy life with them :-) 

In case you are curious, here is the look at the celebrations I'm hoping to focus on this year:

January - Winter - snow cream, Ice Sculptures and sledding are some ideas I have

February - Valentine's Day, Darryl's Birthday, SUPERBOWL!!!

March - St Patricks Day, Easter (depending on when it falls)

April - Easter (again, depending on when it falls), Jackie's Birthday

May - Spring - plant flowers/garden, Memorial day

June - Fourth of July (yes, I know it is June but since the 4th is at the beginning of July, we'll focus more on it this month)

July - Summer Fun - Beach, Splash Park, and more

August - Back to School Fun ideas - even though we aren't really in school yet, I think some of the ideas are fun and it will be a good trial run of what works and what doesn't. 

September - Labor Day, Start of Fall Ideas and Football!!!

October - Josh's Birthday and Halloween

November - Thanksgiving

December - Nate's Birthday, Christmas, and New Year's Eve

Doesn't that sound like fun?  As I complete each celebration, I will keep a rubbermaid tote along with a tickler file of some sort with recipes, plans, and even additional ideas so that as December 2012 comes to an end, I can pull out the January bucket and already have all of the plans, decorations, recipes ect that we used. 

One key thought with this - I'm still focused on staying "simplified" so even as I plan, I am working to not go overboard with anything.  A lot of what I listed above overlaps so I just have to stay focused!

For me, family is fun and the only way to have fun is to plan it.  There are certain meals and ideas that I hope my kids remember and think of as great family fun!!