So how am I doing?

It's almost March. I thought it was time (more for myself than anyone else) to do a quick update on my list of resolutions for the year.

1. Read 3650 chapters of the Bible in 365 days. I'm about 75 chapters behind. The flu snuck in there, and a weekend in Chicago...but enough excuses, I am fighting to catch up again. I've already read about 40% of the Bible since January 1st. I'm really enjoying the variety of readings each day and the interesting ways they often have similar themes. It's been enriching and challenging so far. 


2.  Pay off debt. Well, you have to have money to do that, so we haven't made any progress. But, I spent a few hours today gathering all of our tax stuff to get to our 'guy' so we can get that fat return check and pay off a few! We're also starting to look into possible jobs for Marc for the summer - if anyone has an idea or a lead, let us know! 


3.  Build a better routine. I think my internal alarm clock is starting to work again. Most mornings I'm waking up at 7:30am and get going pretty much right away before the kids are up. That certainly helps our mornings go a bit more smoothly, but the rest of our days are a bit scattered yet. My work & the kids sitter schedule is different every day of the week - it's really challenging to find a routine in the midst of that. Our nighttime routine is a bit better, however. Marc has been great about helping with that! 


4.  Try a new recipe each week. I think I've missed one or two weeks here, so I'll give myself one thumbs up. I haven't really recorded the new recipes though, so I get a thumbs down for that. 


5.  Use all my lotion. Am I alone, or do other people hate putting lotion on when you haven't shaved your legs? I can't handle touching my prickly legs. And it's winter, people, I don't feel the need to shave all that often. So, I was doing well, and I've probably reduced my stash by a full bottle by Jan 1, but I think spring & summer will help boost this goal. 


6.  Be more crafty with the kids. I'm in a card making rut with Isaac. I find one good craft & stick with it. I did find a cross craft that we'll do closer to Easter, and we're going to gather everything this week for our own resurrection eggs, but I'm no martha stewart. 


7.  Pray more diligently for those who don't know the Lord. Pray more in general. Prayer in general has increased slightly, but it's hardly noteworthy. And I completely fail at praying for those who don't know Jesus. Completely failed. 

8. Focus on healthy habits. Doing so-so on this one. I went and worked out on Saturday for the first time in forever, and hope to continue. I need to work on drinking more water & going to bed earlier this week. Small steps, right? 


9.  Play WITH my kids more. This might be my most successful goal yet! I find myself saying "yes!" to my kids more than I used to. Pretend this hanger is a lightsaber? You bet! I'm Darth Vader and you're Luke Skywalker? Sounds great! Put on our VBS Cd & play pretend drums on the ottomon - AWESOME! I'm kicking my laziness in the butt & getting on the floor much more with my kiddos. What joy it brings! 


10. I need to work on being the wife God has called me to be. Marc and I started our new year with a night away in Saugatuck. We took along a series about marriage and actually did a few lessons together. We prayed together, read scripture together, listened to one another, and really connected on a deeper level than we've been for a while. It was the perfect way to start off the new year. I can't say I've succeeded in this area, but I can say I'm more focused on figuring out what this looks like. I'm trying to deny myself more and take more opportunities to serve. Maybe Marc should be the one to update on this goal...he's probably got a more realistic view of how I'm doing! :)

Okay, there we have it. Almost two full months in. Making progress, but lots of room to continue growing. Time to go read a few more chapters...