First we had a few Family goals.
- Keep the house cleaner. This one has been going fairly well. I especially wanted to focus on clearing the table after meals and picking up toys when we are done. There is still room for improvement, but it is definitely going better.
- Share with Siblings. This one was specifically geared toward the younger members of the family. I am not sure what to say about this one since I had to pause in writing this to break up a fight over a toy. I guess that is why we have a whole year to work on it.
- Have Family Home Evening This one is also going well so far. We have had a lesson every week but one. We have also sang primary song, which I thought was a lot of fun. We decided that we need another song book. Thomas needs it on the piano and I don't know the words as well as I once did.
- The Relief Society in our ward challenged us to read the Book of Mormon 365 days this year. I thought it would be nice if Thomas and I did it together. We have been reading about a chapter a night, and so far, we haven't missed.
- Another challenge we have been facing lately is finances. The basement cost more than expected, we have been over spending in general, and there have been several large unexpected things. We are trying to rebuild some of our savings by minimizing our expenses, which is a lot harder then it seems. We don't have a lot of frivolous expenses. There isn't much to cut out, which leaves things like going out to dinner and other activities. It isn't much fun, but hopefully it will pay off.
- I don't know if it is really a goal, but I am trying to work through some personal issues. I have not been very happy lately, and I need to change that. Part of the problem is figuring out if it is because I am overstressed, just letting myself get rundown and in a rut, or if there is something physically or chemically wrong with me. Right now I am trying to do two things. Reduce stress and be more positive. I am also trying to monitor when I have my meltdowns. Is there a hormonal component?
- I also need to play more and spend more time with my children. Isabelle will be starting kindergarten next year and it makes you realize how quickly they grow up.
- One last one, I would like to write more. It makes me sad when I read other people's blogs and they have so many more posts than me. Especially when there are things I want to write about. Maybe my sister moving to the other side of the country will help with that.