Revolutionary New Year

You know what they say... the only thing that is constant is change. Sometimes changes can occur rather quickly. For example, take Eli's gummy little grin. I took this photo on our way to Tucson for Christmas and if you enlarge the photo you can see that he only had one little tooth on the top.

I'm King of the World!

This next picture was taken only five days later!

Check out these chompers!

So in less than a week, Eli grew two teeth on the top and is working on another one. Amazing, isn't it?!

In the space of a week many other things have changed. We went from snowy, 30-degree weather to palm trees, cacti and 60 degree weather. I was cycling downstairs in the basement on my trainer; this week I am roaming outdoors, cycling approximately 80 miles with my husband so far. We went from having a car that seemed to function fine; to having a car in the shop needing $1100 worth in repairs. In the space of a week my infant son went from never having met his Auntie Em to flirting shamelessly with her.

It doesn't take long, does it? Just think about how much things can change in one year. Last year we only had one little boy; now we have two. Jonah went from a crib to a big boy bed and learned to use the potty. Eli went from a tiny baby to an active little boy who thinks he wants to walk before he is a year old. My husband and I started cycling for fun, to reconnect, and for our health.

Next year a lot of things may change. My boys will continue to grow up in spite of my best efforts to keep them little forever. After April I may not have my ideal part-time librarian job because of hard times and a budget crisis. These events I can't control, and that's ok. This year I have decided to tackle some things that I can change.

I've never been much of a goal-setter. I tend to try to set too many goals and then give up when they don't all happen. I had mostly given up on New Year's resolutions, however this year I've chosen just three and I am determined to make them happen. I hope that other positive changes result from changing these parts of my life. The first two are personal goals, the last one is a family goal.

1. I will read my scriptures every day. Whether it's a chapter or a verse doesn't matter.
2. I will finally commit to losing a pound a week until I lose the 40 pounds to reach my goal.
3. We will have a family night once a week to discuss gospel topics and teach our children.

That's it.
I have never been really consistent and reading my scriptures. So I hope that the first goal will help me be more spiritually prepared to face the challenges ahead. I hope it leads to more knowledge, more peace, more faith, and more prayer.

I have struggled with weight all my life. I tend to self-handicap and tell myself I can't do it... so I don't. Cycling this year has taught me that I am more capable than I believe. It has also given me a means to accomplish my goal. I think a pound a week is an accomplishable goal and I have plans to get me there... but I won't bore you with all that.

Finally, I want to have a sense of unity in my home. I want my children to know what I believe and I want to share that with them. One night a week we can take time together to learn, grow and share with each other.

Change will happen to us all, but what are you going to do this year to change your life?

I am participating in Wordful Wednesday
(and boy am I word-full today!)