Happy New Year!

Can't believe it is really 2011~ although to me 2010 wasn't the greatest year so I am ready for a fresh start.  Making some of the same resolutions for this new year as I did last year.  Life just seemed to get in the way of me attempting most of those things.  And I had a lack of focus on the most important things that I truly hope to change this year.
Warning...very personal.  Sorry if this is not appropriate for my business/personal blog but I feel I want to put it out there so I will hold myself accountable.

**My goals for this year...not necessarily to master all of these but just do the best I can and not let day to day trials get in the way.
1.  praise my kids more - this world is full of negativity.  I want them to be great examples of christian love but I have to remember they are learning.  I want to guide them without squashing who they are and the greatness of themselves! ( I will need lots of help with this Lord)
2. Study my bible more, do devotionals, have quiet time, and have a much stronger personal relationship with God.
3. Help my children learn/know the principles of being a christian.  It is my job, not just the church's. Not just telling them but more importantly SHOWING them every day in my walk.
4. Read more.  I used to love it and now I don't take time to do it.  Just be quiet and listen more to the inner me.  Reading does that for me.  It slows me down, helps me focus, not worry, and be peaceful.
5. Eat dinner at the table as a family.  Jaedyn begs for this and I am always too busy!  (I hate those words "too busy"!)
6. Remember that things will pass.  Take it one day at a time and weigh importance on how much of my life worry should take up over trivial things.  I am not perfect and things don't have to be.  Just doing the best I can will have to be enough.
7.  Stop and play with the kids.  enjoy them and laugh with them.  Just to laugh more.  Life has to be more fun than this!  Last year was much too serious!
8.  Be healthier.  Make myself feel better and enjoy life! Not feel tired all the time and worn out.
9. Have more me time.  Learn more photography skills, continue to offer photography services, be a blessing to others as I go through my day, and scrapbook more to preserve memories for my children.
10. Devote more time to family time and couples time.  More date nights with my husband and more date time with each child. 

I know this seems like a lot but I wasn't productive in many of my relationships last year, especially mine with the Lord, which is a reflection on all others in my life.  I wasn't who I wanted to be and I want to change that.  I can change that and I will.  I know it won't happen overnight or without lots of effort but I want to be better.  There were many things last year that tested me and I may not have responded as well as I should have to them.  But I am committed to being who God wants me to be and with His help I hope I can do better this year. My word for this year is "focus".  Focus on what is important, focus on what matters to me, focus on my family, and focus on the Lord. 

Again, sorry if this was too personal.  I hope you will post your new year's resolutions in the comments  section if you are not afraid of getting too personal.
Best wishes in 2011 for you and your family and may He richly bless you!