1.03.2012

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?

15 comments:

  1. I have a kindle and while I enjoy reading a book far more, a kindle makes reading while nursing a baby or rocking him to sleep much easier. There is something about the feel and smell of a new book that I just cannot resist!
    Your "to-do" list sounds great! I also try to make it a priority to spend one on one time with my older child each day, even if it is just snuggling on the couch while the baby naps. Best of luck in 2012!

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  2. Great goals! Cheers to more bubbly!!!!!! I think i might add that to my list ...heheheh

    and meal planning is a great idea too! I also need to start on that !

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  3. i have a nook...through barnes and noble and i am obsessed! i don't really know what the difference is between a nook and a kindle...but i do know that i LOVE mine!

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  4. I use that bread book. It really is so easy! We love the European loaf with seeds and nuts on the crust. It really does help if you get a pizza peel to let the dough rise and slide it in and out of the oven. They also have a second book called "Healthy Bread in Five Minutes a Day." It uses more whole wheat flour but you have to add wheat gluten. Have fun!

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  5. Great goals! I do not have a kindle, but I'm debating on getting one too. But sometimes I like to read a book by the pool and I'm not sure it would feel the same with the kindle. Being a working mom is hard and there is never enough time to go around.

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  6. If you find a good system for weeknight meals, please do share :)

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  7. Great list! My list is kind of based around the same stuff... blogging, meal planning, better wife/mom, etc. Great minds think alike my friend!

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  8. I have a Kindle Fire and much prefer a book in my hand. The Fire doesn't have that e-ink screen so I have the glare issue as well. Page turning isn't much easier since you still have to touch screen and drag to the next page. Maybe the page down button on the original Kindle is easier?

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  9. I have a kindle and love it! It really does make it easier to read while rocking/nursing the baby!

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  10. Those are all wonderful goals! I've actually resolved this year to be better at menu planning too in hopes to reduce my trips to the grocery store each week. Hopefully I can spend my "found time" doing some other fun things.

    I hope 2012 is wonderful for you and I know you are looking forward to meeting your new little guy.

    Happy New Year!

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  11. i have a nook simple touch, and i am OBSESSED. it weighs nothing at all, you just tap the edge of the screen to turn the page, and with a small book light you totally wouldn't even wake up archer for late night feedings...and with the e-ink, there's no glare in the sun! plus, it has WAYYYY more book options than the kindle does, and you can get tech support at any barnes and noble store!

    and more bubbly is ALWAYS appropriate =)

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  12. I am a new blog follower and enjoyed reading your list! Congrats on baby #2!

    www.themarriedmomma.com

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  13. I just looked at two books that have been sitting on my nightstand for months. Take a WILD GUESS which two they are?! So ironic!

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  14. Hi! I just found your blog! I am still working on my goals for 2012, but one of them is to be more consistent with menu planning. Especially with baby #3 on the way! (I'm due in April too!) I just posted on this the other day and have a great resource I am using if you are interested! You can view it here.

    Good luck with your 2012 goals!!

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