Documenting My Undocumented Year

Well hi there. Has it really been a year already? I honestly didn't think I could do it, but I haven't posted for an entire year. Other than my marriage, that's probably the best I've ever stuck with a commitment. And ya know what? It was wonderful.

There were times I missed this space. But there were many more times I was glad to be away. It took me a solid two months to stop "thinking in blogspeak" once I exited the tab for good. Two months! I continued to formulate posts in my head and think of creative titles for posts about everyday events. But I don't anymore and that's wonderful. I logged on tonight to do a quick recap of 2014 chalked full of pictures of my adorable kids, but of course I was sucked into reading the post I wrote a year ago. I laid out six goals for myself for the year and what I wanted to accomplish in giving up the blog.

Here's my report card:

What I do want to do is to read more with Hannah. Stretch her mind and her attention span by finding more and better books all the time. Make reading a favorite activity that we do throughout the day instead of mostly at bedtime.

A. We read so many freaking books this year. I maxed out our 50 book limit at the library more than once. We listened to endless hours of audiobooks in the car. And I got super addicted to this podcast. We now read in the morning as we snuggle on the couch. I read out loud while they eat breakfast and sometimes lunch. I read to Paul every evening after dinner (his attention span is incredible!) and I read to Hannah as I tuck her into bed. I even squeezed in a few "themes" in our reading this year. Namely, the four seasons and Advent/Christmas. I'm definitely tooting my own horn here. I did good.

I want to focus on disciplining Paul, rather than just carrying him around so he won't get into trouble. I want to make the difficult effort to teach him right from wrong at his adorable young age so that our family can live more peacefully with a baby who is learning to listen.

Hmmm, B+. He's really a pretty good kid and listens as well as any other 22 month old. He most certainly has a naughty little boy streak that I find absolutely heartwarming and endearing and I admit that I smile and giggle a lot when I should be firm and correct him. I'm working on it. He has me twisted around his fat little finger. But he does know that if he whines he goes to his crib. He puts himself to sleep whenever I decide it's nap time. And he's quite good at cleaning up his toys. Now if I could just muster up the energy to get off the couch and stop him from before he flushes things in the damn toilet.....

I want to read. Real books. From real authors. Not 800 words on a blog post that I will forget as quickly as I exit out of the tab.

C. I think I read about five book this year. The best was Perelandra by CS Lewis. My goal for 2015 is to read 15 and I'm starting with Kristin Lavransdatter.

I want to strengthen the friendships I've been fortunate to make here in Florida. I want to make time for more coffee dates and ladies nights instead of stretching myself crazy stupid thin trying to keep up with every friend I've ever had by commenting on pictures of their kids on facebook.

A. When I think back on the last year, I remember quite a few ladies' nights and coffee dates. I'm blessed with great friends and I'm so glad I actually hung out with them this year.

I want to get better at meal planning and budgeting instead of just throwing food on the table because I was too lazy to do anything during the kids' naps except zone out on the internet.

D. When will I learn?? When oh when will I learn????

I want to finally, finally start getting up before the kids in the morning. Sip my coffee in peace and talk to Jesus before I check my email. Rather than roll out of bed bleary eyed and exhausted because I stayed up way too late wasting time on the stupid internet.

B. For the last several months I've been getting up an hour before the kids every morning. I'm dressed and have had my coffee before they come downstairs. Most days I've already eaten breakfast and theirs is waiting on the table. This would be an A, if it weren't for the fact that my mornings are just super productive alone times rather than peaceful prayer times. Getting up early has been great. But putting Jesus last and making breakfast instead has not been. New goal: pray first. Coffee second.

I wasn't nearly as successful at giving up Facebook. And I did join Instagram...... So overall, I was still firmly planted in social media on a regular basis. I posted a lot less on facebook but probably read and commented just as much as before. But I really, really like Instagram. So that can stay. But Facebook and I need to try another hand at breaking up. Dare I say I'll give it up for 2015?? Time will tell.

Ok, that's enough for now. I'll do a picture recap post soon. Or maybe not. I really don't plan to return to blogging so don't be surprised if I disappear for a while again. I DO promise to write up the birth story of baby number three (((what?? You didn't know we were pregnant?!? 35 weeks! Poor neglected third child didn't get his/her own blog post announcement.....))) so hold me to that if I flake out.

Until next time, Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! Happy Feast of Mary, Mother of God!