Is it really the beginning of January again? Goodness, as we get older these years really do fly by… don’t they?
My boys keep getting older and as they do I keep telling them to quit growing, to stay little.
It doesn’t seem to work so I continually try to store every little sweet memory. As much as my heart hurts seeing them turn from toddlers to little boys, I absolutely adore our newfound conversations.
photo by Lisa Cumings Photography
Listening to their thoughts, the way they learn, and especially when Nehemiah say’s, “that’s what I was thinking about mama.”
I’m four months along with my third child and what’s most exciting is seeing how excited the boys are for their new sibling. Nehemiah hugs my belly while Ezekiel gives it a pat.
We’re hoping for a sister but another brother would suit our family just fine. (Certainly Gabe would not mind another boy 😉
Now that I’m into my second trimester and feeling much more like myself, I’m excited to roll into 2012.
With the beginning of each year comes new resolutions and goals.
2012 New Years Resolutions
1. Start and submit my book proposal. This is one of my main resolutions that I completely slacked on last year. I’ve been kind of cautious to share it with anyone but you know what, I’d appreciate it if you would keep me accountable and ask me where I’m at with it. I don’t really wish to go into much detail about what the book will be about just yet but what I can share is that I want it to include my aging family in Spain. My Tita’s are in their late eighties, early nineties. I want to make this project a priority before I don’t have the opportunity to spend that sweet time with them.
2. Create lists and charts to organize my life. I am a completely Type A person. I live life by the swing of my pants. When it comes to getting things done, I work best under pressure so I tend to procrastinate. It’s the artist in me. Hence the book proposal. Without a firm deadline, I put things off. I know I will never be a full on organized junkie, but I do want to create deadlines for myself. I feel if I create charts for my menu planning, cleaning, blog schedule, work schedule and family I can begin to prioritize.
Guess what that means readers, I’ll be offering free downloadable charts soon. I have one in the works, that I think you’ll love!
3. Spend time with the Lord every morning. Since I became pregnant and started experiencing nausea and exhaustion I slacked in my morning devotionals/reading. No Jesus leads to a crappy day, nuff said.
4. Open up an Etsy store. I’ve been wanting to do this for quite some time. I have a few things that I’d like to start selling. I’ll be creating my own screen prints to sell as posters and t-shirts. I just want to start with 2 designs and see how they do. I’ve also recently taken up crochet and love it. I may offer baby booties, hats and things like that. I’m also considering making some candles and salves with essential oils. Timewise, we’ll see how far I get on this resolution 😉
5. To learn more about homeopathy, it’s remedies, and aromatheraphy. Last year was my first year I really started to dig into homeopathy. I’m really enjoying learning about herbs it’s medicinal properties and how to help my children naturally when they fall into different ailments.
6. To cut down on my gardening. What?! I know, sounds crazy… right?! With 3 areas in the city that I garden in, I need to cut back in this area especially that I’ll be having a baby in June. What I will be doing this year is maximizing my space at home. It’s SO much easier to tend to gardens when they’re right outside my window. This year, I’m excited to grow my urban homestead right at home.
7. Restart my Spain in Iowa newsletter. I’ll be planning on sending out a monthly newsletter so sign up below!
So this is my list of resolutions that I’d like to try and accomplish this year. We’ll see how I do 😉
So what’s in store for you this year?
Please feel free to share your resolutions in the comments below. If you haven’t said hello, please do, I’d love to meet you and grow this amazing community of kindred spirits. If you haven’t had a chance to follow the Spain in Iowa page on facebook, please do. It’s there that I can keep in touch with you directly!
I’m wishing you all an amazing 2012 filled with His love!
diana
What a great list of resolutions, Diana. I, too, have a book proposal in the works, and they can be so hard to motivate yourself on. I can’t wait to see yours come to fruition.
May this year bring you continued blessings and joy!
Thanks for stopping by Shaina! Likewise to you as well on the book proposal. Goodness, if it’s written by you, it’s sure to be fantastic! Happy New Year!
eat more veggies!
I think those are absolutely amazing resolutions Diana and much luck with the book and I so understand how important that is. In terms of the gardening I totally hear you as since having my youngest I realize the lack of time I have for myself and gardening. Better have a little but having the time to work on it than too much and leave it unattended. I learnt from my own mistakes.
Thanks Sofia! Yes, with the gardening managing my time was a killer last year. Not doing it again ;D
My goal this year is to simplify. Not sure what that means for me except that I should spend more time enjoying the things that I enjoy, and less with what I don’t.
You have an exciting year ahead of you. Thanks for sharing the journey with us.
Happy New Year!
Velva
Happy New Year to you to Velva!
Joy – Great resolution!
Velva – Happy New Year to you to!!
The conversations help replace the cuteness, no question. Looking good…
Diana, I love all of your resolutions and if you want I WILL keep you on target with the book as I so very well know how important that is.
Sofia, I would love for you to do that! Thank you so much!!
Great resolutions! Mine are: to become organized so that when Little One #3 arrives in March life will continue, and since this is our first year farming our new land and offering our C.S.A. I am resolute to be successful in that journey. I think those two things will keep me busy this year!
I want to write a book proposal this year and I’m cautious about it too. Let’s hold each other accountable.
Sounds good to me Rachel!! I’ll definitely be asking you how you’re coming along 😀
Love the picture
Diana you look amazing! Love your resolutions…some of mine are quite similar 🙂
Thanks Winnie! Huge hugs to you!!
Best wishes to you Kristine! How exciting about your CSA!
Thanks Betsy!
Lovely picture of you and your boys! Off to go spend some time with Jesus, thanks for the reminder. It so true that our days just don’t go right when we don’t make him a priority!
I’m so excited to see your belly! It really makes me want a third:) But I’ve got a 2 year old and a 9 month old so we are a little busy!
I’ve also been intrigued by an etsy shop. Do you know if it’s easy to start one up! And I’d for sure buy those baby booties!!!
I don’t think it’s too difficult Ally but I really don’t know just yet.
Congrats to you on baby 3! How exciting!!
I’m also trying to simplify, reorganize (life and blog), do a better job homeschooling, enjoy my husband more, in general, be a good person. I blogged about a few healthy resolutions I made here: http://www.simplifylivelove.com/2011/12/healthy-new-year%E2%80%99s-resolutions-2012.html
Thanks for stopping by Michelle!
Hey Diana! You look great! I’m excited to hear about your book proposal, please let me know if there is anything I can do to help, like edit, or recipe test. I’m eager to help any way I can. Happy New Year!
Christine, that means the world to me! I definitely will let you know. Have a great New Year my friend!!
Best of luck with your book proposal! I always tell myself I’m not going to make any New Year’s Resolutions, but I’m always thinking of things I need to improve/try etc.!
congratulations for your pregnancy!!! Blessings!!!
congratulations for your pregnancy!!! Blessings!!!
Holy cow-bellz…how did I ever land a beautiful lady like this. Lucky guy right hur.
You are going to have an amazing year!! And get going on that book proposal, because I’m anxious to read that book, and the only way that’s going to happen is if you get goin’ woman! 😉 xoxo
Thanks Rachael! That means the world to me!!
Thanks Margarita!!
Diana, I bet you are growing more beautiful by the day! And your boys are truly handsome!
Happy New Year!