Life Happens

Once again I have become a hermit in the blogging world. Life seems to keep leading me to forks in the road and I've been forced to make a lot of tough decisions over the past few months. The most recent decision was that, after everything we've been through recently, Love and I decided to work things out. We got remarried about a month ago and have been very happy. I'm finally feeling like life is going to allow me a bit of time to settle into things again. I have been busy working, exercising, spending time with my husband (:D) and my girls and trying to keep up with my goals. I've done fairly well so far. Not sure I'm going to reach my reading goal...trying! I will do some updating in the next few days on goals, put up some pictures and videos, and etc. For now I just wanted to say hello to anyone who still reads this little blog and let you know I'm alive and well and HAPPY!

The Beginning

My boss has us set goals at work all the time and we're constantly reviewing how to set goals and accomplish them. One of the best ways to accomplish a goal is to break it down into smaller goals. You have to figure out what it's going to take to actually reach your goal. Otherwise, it's just a good idea. I do this for work all the time so I thought I would apply the same principles for my personal goals. There are 28 goals so I need to start working on 4 of them every month. I'll have to plan this carefully because some of them will take more time to accomplish. For January I want to start a couple easier ones...to get the ball rolling, one hard one and one that will take the whole year. The first thing I noticed was that #7- 100 books is quite the lofty task with my busy life. The only way to reach it is if I read roughly 9 books a month starting now! I am going to accomplish this by watching less tv, bringing my fabulous kindle that I got for Christmas (thanks Sis and Bro-in-law!) everywhere I go, and not getting behind in reading. A hard goal for me is #3- to exercise regularly. This isn't because I don't want to, it's just hard to fit it in. In my opinion, 3-4 times a week is regularly. I have exercised once this week so I need to fit in at least two more times and I'll be on my way. I am going to do pilates, yoga, and find some way to get in some cardio until it warms up and I can run outside. Also, I have really already started #13- sing full voiced often so I thought I'd add that one into this month. Lastly, I chose an easier goal #8- take more pictures than last year (especially of Paige). I'm going to work towards taking 1 picture everyday of each of my kids and then other things if I choose to. So, that is the beginning...my January. Wish me luck!

28 (Updated)

A friend of mine challenged me to follow in her footsteps and make 28 goals to accomplish in my 28th year. Considering I am staring at a new beginning, I thought it was a fabulous idea. I will share these goals with you now and as I accomplish them I will share it here. Since my birthday is 10 days before the end of the year these goals are going to be my New Year's resolutions in no particular order:

1. Go back to school

2. Decide where to live

3. Exercise Regularly

4. Learn to overcome some of my OCD tendencies

5. Visit home more often

6. Potty train Zoe!!!

7. Read 100 books

8. Take more pictures than last year (especially of Paige)

9. Replace porch light bulb (there is a story here)

10. Get my piano tuned

11. Play piano 2-3 times per week

12. Play flute 2-3 times per week

13. Sing full voiced as often as possible

14. Do one public music performance

15. Take walks regularly

16. Learn the guitar

17. Be happy with myself

18. Read scriptures daily

19. Pray morning and night (at least)

20. Learn to be on time

21. Go to the temple once a month

22. Drink 64 ounces of water daily on a regular basis

23. Start writing poetry again

24. Find a place to go swing dancing and try to go often

25. Look for opportunities to provide service and take them!

26. Go rock climbing

27. Eat at least 1 serving of fruit and vegetables every day

28. Quit my nervous habit

Some of these are goals I have to work up to, some are easy, some are really hard. This should be an interesting year...but no matter what I think I will be better for it!

Change

As this year nears it's end I find myself going through a life change I never thought I would have to experience. I am a judge's signature away from being divorced. Shockingly, I am ok. It was a long road to get to where I am with it, but I'm finding more and more that this is simply life happening. I find myself working back towards my roots and feeling the need to remember who I am. I miss the artistic side of me that has been dormant so long, I miss pressing forward, growing and achieving things in life. I feel like my only accomplishment the last few years is having and raising my kids. While that is an admirable thing, and something I am truly grateful for, I did the one thing I never wanted to do...I lost myself to my kids. It's nobody's fault but mine. This major change has awakened in me a need to be better than I am. I want to leave a larger legacy behind than my kids' achievements. I have a lot of plans...and I am getting excited about them. My girls are doing well. It has been an adjustment, but they both know they are loved by both of their parents- who are working together as much as possible to continue to raise them. Doing things on my own isn't an easy thing. I have a lot of decisions to make, things to figure out, and a new future to plan. It's a lot to take on. At the same time, it's a chance to start fresh...figure out what I want out of my life and go for it. I am setting some goals for myself that I will share here in another post. As far as my marriage...we loved each other, had a lot of good years together, we helped to give life to two beautiful girls, but now our story as a couple is over. Time to move forward, break the silence on this blog, dump all the excuses I've used the last couple years, and start getting on with my life.

(I just realized as I moved this post over, that I posted it on our 7 year anniversary)

Happy Halloween!!

Zoe as Elmo


Close up


Paige the Pumpkinhead

Hope you all have an enjoyable holiday!

Photos taken by Vance Photography

Paige 2 Month

Paige turned two months old a week ago. She is amazingly strong but still tends to be pretty cranky. She is getting a little calmer, though. She is growing like a weed...already in 3-6 month clothing. She is starting to "talk back" on occasion and loves to watch Zoe as long as she's not on top of her. We have been busy with life, enjoying her and Zoe and trying to manage things as a larger family. Sorry such a short post, but here is a video of Paige for your viewing pleasure!

Paige One Month

Dear Paige,

It's hard to believe you turned a month old yesterday. Mommy forgot what life is like with a newborn. You have certainly made a whirlwind of our little family, and yet you're such a little blessing. Zoe adores you, and though she's poked and prodded you more than you might like, I know she just loves to be around you and to help me take care of you...even when she's acting a bit jealous. Mom and Dad are still trying to get used to sleeping less and still trying to figure out your cries, your likes and your dislikes...but we'll get there.






Your entrance into this world was peaceful. The hospital was quiet so early in the morning and besides the doctor and a couple nurses you were welcomed by just your Mom and Dad after only a few pushes. We instantly noticed your chubby cheeks and your very loud cry. After a couple days getting to know you in the hospital, we brought you home where we enjoyed tons of help from family for several weeks. You started out as a very sleepy baby. I didn't even get to see your eyes until the day we brought you home.






You've just begun to wake up more this last week. Unfortunately, more wake time has shown that you have some tummy troubles like your sister. Tomorrow we'll go to the doctor and hopefully find a way to help you with that so you, and Mom, can feel better. I have more to say to you, but you've just awakened to eat so I'd best be off. You are so sweet and snuggly and I'm so happy you are a part of my life forever.




Love,

Mama