This last year was such a great year. I have been reflecting on all the amazing things we did as a family. It was so fun to watch the boys accomplish goals, go on vacation, and come closer as a family. I want to do all those things this year AND clear things out of my life that no longer bring me joy.
At the start of this year, I have decided to do the great purge of 2019! At least that's what I am calling it. I have been going through closets one day at a time to clear out the clutter. I am, in general, not a keeper of things, so this should be simple, right? I started with my own personal closet. I go through my close once every 3-4 months. I try to get rid of things I haven't worn or no longer have a use for in my personal closet. Well, I went through all of my clothes and found I had a lot of things hiding in the nooks and cranny's of my closet. I did a thorough de-junking of my closet.
I gave away shoes that I loved but never wore. I gave away all my "show" clothes. That included things like tights, leotards, and spanx! I don't know when I'll go back to performing, but when I do, I am sure I'll update my wardrobe to accommodate my body type at the time. I have been hanging on to these show clothes for years and haven't been through them in at least 4 years! WHAT? So it was time to purge.
The next closet I chose was the coat closet. What a mess? We tend to just shove things in that closet because it is right by the kitchen and throwing things on the ground is much simpler than finding a place for it. We have a lot of jackets. I got rid of a bunch of jackets that I no longer wear. I have been keeping these jackets because I thought I would need them one day. Well, I don't use them and haven't used them in years. So good-bye jackets!
I went through our linen closet and was shocked at what was in there. So many sheet sets that we hate. Too scratchy, too big, too ugly to name a few of the reasons why they are not used. Also, one sheet set had holes! I am ashamed to admit it! At any rate, I feel much better about the clutter in our home. I have a LONG way to go, but this was a good start.
I have also started to clean up the clutter in my real life. A few years ago, I started a photography business to help pay off Nolen's autism debt. I love photography. I have been studying photography since college. It is a true passion of mine. After sitting at my desk and editing thousands of photos, I learned that my passion has an end point. The brutal side of owning your own business combined with the many hours spent sitting at my computer became far too much for me. I closed my business at the end of 2018.
I am always up for a good trade if you would still like your photos taken by me in the future!
I also love to reminisce about the trips we took last year. Sometimes, I look at other people's lives and think, "they are so lucky! They get to travel, a lot!" Well, as part of my new years resolution, I am going to remind myself that I am blessed with travel in a different way. I may not get to go out of the country, but I still take a lot of little trips that bring my family closer together.
I'll start backward:
1. Reno, Nevada for Nationals
2. Palm Springs, California for Ironman 70.3
3. Hot Air Balloon ride
4. Phoenix, AZ for Regionals
5. Yellowstone, Idaho, Utah, Jackson Hole for 2018 Family vacation
6. Sipapu for Cross county high altitude training
7. Phoenix for Resort fun vacation
8. White Horse Lake, Arizona for the Independence Day
9. Ojo Caliente for Stephen's birthday
10.Santa Rosa for Camping and the wibit, TWICE!
11. Roswell for the Milkman triathlon
12. Four Corners for a triathlon
13. Vegas for our yearly anniversary trip
When I really look back on the year, I can see we have gone on some amazing trips. I am so excited for what we have planned this year. Up first is a trip to Great Wolf Lodge for Edward's 10th birthday. Then Vegas, then Colorado for our yearly family vacation, and then Los Angeles for a fun couples get away. I am also trying to plan a girls weekend with my friend Melanie. We are going to run a half marathon together.
As for my goals/new year resolutions I plan to really clean up my house. Not just the dirt and dust, that's easy, I want to de-clutter every inch of my house. Including the garage and Stephens man cave!
I want to run a half marathon and pick a few smaller triathlons with the possibility of another 70.3.
I want to become a better music teacher at home and at church. This is a big one for me. I try to be a good teacher and come up with new ideas each year, so this has been on going.
I want to foster better relationships with the people who really matter in my life and say "no" more to the people whom I allow to take over my life. This is also a big one for me. I have been working on saying no for a long time, but it is tough to change who I am. I like helping people but it is always at the cost of my family. I can no longer do that. At all. I have a zero tolerance for doing things for others at the expense of my family. IF I have met my family's needs then I can entertain the thought of helping others outside of my family. For now, I'm sorry, I have to say no.
Lastly, I want to really study the scriptures with my boys. I am so glad the Church came out with the "Come follow me" curriculum for home study. I am going to make this a huge priority. I plan to read the Book of Mormon with the boys as we already do daily, but I am going to add the New Testament to our reading each Saturday night before church so we can be prepared for the lessons.
I am so excited for this year and to see what it brings. I am sure we will face many challenges, however; I am ready for them!
