Wednesday, January 27, 2010

2010 Goals

I know it's a little late to be making New Year's resolutions, but that actually falls under one of the things I hope to work on this year...procrastination. I tend to put things off, and not just little things like laundry, dishes, and housework that can frankly wait and will always need to be done. But the big things, personal things, things of importance like faith, family, and self improvement. So, my hopes for 2010 are the following:

1. My Faith--something deeply personal and something easily pushed to the side and ignored when I stay too focused on the laundry, the dishes, and the housework. I remember when I first joined the church almost 14 years ago, I was much, much more diligent in my personal scripture study and prayer. I was eager and excited and wanted to know everything. I wasn't married, I didn't have kids or a house to run and when I wanted to read or pray, I did. Now with the demands of motherhood and wifedom I don't prioritize the way I used to, or need to. I don't make the time to cultivate my personal relationship with my faith and with my creator. I do the things that are "required" such as blessing the food at meals, family prayer at night and a Book of Mormon story before bed with the kids, but personally I am stagnant. So, this year I want to set a goal to read at least one chapter of scripture a day and say one personal prayer.

2. Patience--I don't have any. For the kids, for my husband, or for myself. I get easily frustrated and it affects everyone. I have been working on deep breathing and counting to ten and will continue to strive to not yell as much and be kinder and gentler to my family.

3. Weekly Date Night--The more kids we seem to have, the less time Matthew and I seem to spend one on one with each other. By the time all three kids are in bed, we are so exhausted that we seriously just fall into bed and pass out. I miss him. Our conversations, our jokes, our quiet moments of cuddling and watching T.V. We have been pretty good about going and doing something together every couple of weeks--we actually just spent the night in Phoenix this past weekend and it was really nice to get away. But we need to have one night a week that is just about us. My mom typically comes over every Wednesday to see the kids and give me a break so I can run errands, go to appointments, shop, or occasionally take a nap. She has graciously agreed to add evenings to Wednesdays so Matthew and I can go out together--to dinner, a cheap movie, or just to Barnes and Noble to browse (one of our favorite things to do.) I hope after the baby is born we are able to keep it up.

4. Cooking more and not just "heating" up a skillet meal or frying up hot dogs. I am rather obsessed with the food network and always see great recipes I want to try out. I am usually so wiped out by 5 pm that the last thing I want to do is make dinner, but the older my kids get the more I realize the importance of a good meal and time together around the dinner table. That is not to say I will never make hot dogs or kraft mac and cheese again, just not as frequently. I am learning that good food doesn't have to take a lot of time, cost a lot of money, or require tons of skill.

Here's hoping that I can tackle the procrastination so I can accomplish the rest :)

7 comments:

TrishAnderson said...

You can do it!!! These are fabulous goals for this year. I believe in you!!!

Mayhem no longer said...

Pass on any great recipes, I'm always looking! And, I like secrets to calmer, more Christ-centered living too, so pass on your nuggets of wisdom as you get them!

Monica said...

Niki my Grandma gives me a subscription to a Cooking for 2 magazine and all the recipes are really simple and really good! They're all relatively short from prep to cook usually in 45mins or less. I've saved a lot of recipes that look good and aren't too weird. Most of the meals are for between 2-4 people but can easily be made for more or less. Let me know if you're interested!!

Amanda said...

i'm also in the market for good easy recipes. i have fallen into the trap of good food has to be expensive, so cheap would be great too.

ps- what is date night?

Kristen Crandall said...

Hey Niki!!! I am finally catching up on your blog. Congrats on your pregnancy! We are excited for you guys. I am not quite ready to enter the world of 4 children, but I do see it in my future. I was reading scriptures this morning and I came across something in Nephi that I want to share with you. (I thought about putting on a paper by the side of my bed...)

1 Nephi 18:21
...And it came to pass that I prayed unto the Lord; and after I had prayed the winds did cease, and the storm did cease, and there was a great calm.

The winds and the storm being my life as a wife and mother... I hope you enjoy it. Good luck on your goals. I have a few recipes to share with you. I will try calling you in the next few days.

Suzy said...

Okay, so now I found your blog. :) Good goals and good luck. Its so hard when you are pregnant, but I know you can do it. I browsed through some of your older blogs and your family is so cute. Can't believe how much has changed!

Aaron, Vicki Tunell said...

The goals are awesome, and I think you do a great job!!! I loved seeing you on Saturday, and we need to get together. Love you!

Vicki