2012 To Do's

I have decided not to make a resolution list this year, because I always fall short... way short. Instead I compiled a list of "to do's" that I would like to try to accomplish this year. Here is my list!

-Be better at documenting our daily lives with photography. 2011 I was learning to balance a career and motherhood and it isn't such an easy task. I missed a lot of great photo opportunities that I already regret. I have struggled with this decision, but I have decided to give up my little photography venture until I feel that there is enough free time to go around. While it is nice to have the extra funds, I don't have the time. With a growing family and working, I want to be able to devote all of my spare time to my children. (children... wow that's weird to type)

- Read more books. In 2011 I wanted to read 10 books. I'm embarassed to say that I only read two. They were great books (The Help and Heaven is For Real), but this year I want to read more. I am starting to debate if I would read more off of my book list with a kindle. Do you have one? What is your opinion? I am thinking it would be super handy to read without page turning during maternity leave.

-Bake Bread This may seem like a random to do, but I came across the book Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day and I have been dying to try this. Bread is always seen as the enemy... but I love fresh baked bread, and what better to have it baking in your own house. I also like knowing exactly what is in it. I'm not a super health freak, (in case you haven't noticed) but a little flour and yeast sounds much better for you than the store bought ingredients that you can't even pronounce. The authors of the book also have a healthy bread book and a pizza dough book. Can't wait to try it out.

-Sending Cards A friend of my mom's is amazing at sending out thoughtful cards, just because. We got one this year for our 3 year anniversary! How nice is it to get a card and know that someone is thinking of you? I have decided that I want to be just like her when I grow up! =) So here is to being faster at sending out thank you notes, and actually sending a just thinking of you note, instead of putting it off.

- Drink more bubbly No, I'm not planning on becoming an alcoholic. I just think life is worth celebrating! Toasting to a special occasion or even a random Thursday makes the day to day grind more festive.

Be a better blogger - Not too long ago I went back to the olden days of my blog, and I couldn't believe that I posted nearly every day. I'm not promising that I will blog every day, but I'm going to try to get a few more posts in a week. I know my MawMaw will appreciate this!

Be a better wife/ mom I need to be more present. I pay far too much attention to my iphone. I have tried to be better about putting it away when I get home, but the allure of twitter, pinterest or blog reading is always there. I have to constantly remind myself that these things have their perks, but they are taking away precious time from those I love. Also under this to do is to devote more time to planning family meals, even if they are made in a crock pot. I think using some sort of meal planning system would give back a lot of time wasted during the week when we are trying to figure out what to eat. It would also give us a little variety in the dinner department. Any suggestions?

I want to be a more thoughtful wife and a more fun mom. I used to send Brad text messages of bible verses or leave him little notes here and there, I want to get back to doing nice gestures like that. Last but not least, I want to make sure that the time that Keating and I get to spend together is special. Maybe plan more trips to the park, taking walks together, or have him help me bake... even if he makes twice the mess. With our new arrival expected in April, I want Keating to continue to feel special and loved.

I am sure that I could keep going with this list, but then it probably wouldn't get finished and next year I would be in the same unresoluted situation. CHEERS to 2012!!! What are your resolutions or non-resolutions?