It's going to be a great year!

It's not even noon on January 1st 2014.  It's not even noon on this beautiful start to the year and my bed is made and I'm already wearing a bra (these are huge feats for a teacher on Christmas break).  It's going to be a great year!  2013 was a whirlwind to say the least.  I've come to terms that life, in general, is quite a ride; however, I have not come to terms with the fact that this ride speeds up with each passing day.  Two blinks?  2012.  One blink?  2013.  What's next?  How do we slow. life. down?

2013 proved difficult in my quest to do it all, but I did find some peace in the journey.  I still work full-time.  I'm still a full-time wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, friend... I still give 200% in all I do, but I've learned to enjoy and appreciate every moment - not just the finished product.  I've learned not to beat myself up over the fact that my boys didn't have homemade Christmas stockings or that I only remembered to do half of their advent activities.  It didn't dull their Christmas experience.  Heck!  It didn't dull mine either.

Now, don't get me wrong.  I'm still going to craft and cook and read and do everything else possible to overextend myself, but I'm also going to stop when I've hit my limit.  I'm going to prioritize my tasks.  I'm going to modify plans.  I'm going to give myself credit for trying and not beat myself up for not meeting personal deadlines.  I mean, I love making homemade experiences for my family, but I can't do my regular tasks (i.e. work, raising children, etc.) if I'm extending my days and minimizing my nights.  Yes, the extras are fun, but what my family really needs is me - all of me and that is just what they are going to get!

Here's to another year of God, family, friends, work, play, and all the extras in-between.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go make an overly ambitious task list for January.  Cheers!