A New Year

Since Dave and I are big fans of accountability we're sharing our New Year's resolutions on ye olde blog once again.  Just as a reminder, we each pick a one word goal to work towards.  Then we report back at the end of the year to discuss how we did.

Cooper's goal for the new year is to learn how to speak.  It's a simple, yet necessary life skill we know he'll master.

I've been thinking about simplifying for a while.  I even read Peter Walsh's book Lighten Up in hopes of getting more ideas for organizing and simplifying our house (Peter is an organizational expert who was on TLC's Clean Sweep and is Oprah's organizational go-to guy).  While much of the book didn't really apply to our situation it did have several commonsense-ical, but oft forgot lessons.  The more stuff you have the more you have to maintain, clean, and worry about.  Consequently, the less stuff you have the less you have to take care of, keep tidy, and stress over.  Basically, less IS more.  More time with your family. More energy to do the things you really enjoy.  More awareness of service opportunities.

This year I want to live a simple, happy life.  I want to keep a simple, clutter-free house.  I want to prepare simple, healthy meals for my family. I want to simplify wherever possible so that I might find even greater joy in the blessings around me.

Dave's decided to join the millions of other health conscious American's and resolve to muscle up this year.  After losing over 20 ponds last year he'd like to add a little bulk in 2012.  Note: This goal was decided upon while walking through the fitness section of Wal-Mart.  One wonders what his resolution might have been if we'd been walking through the home improvement or grocery aisles.    

While I have you, I have some exciting news to share.  I was just invited to be a guest blogger on the Wood Connection blog.  If you have any projects that you're dying to see let me know and I'll see what I can do!