Perfecting Imperfection

My kids and I were hanging outside in the snow today . . . I was hanging a little differently than they were, thanks to a few too many "adult" gummy bears and Chocolate Cokes made with Chocolate Vodka and Coke.

They wanted to go outside.  We finally had enough snow that they could actually play in it.

They begged and I took an Advil.

They pleaded and I drank a glass of water.

They cried and I gave in,  put layers of clothes on them and boots, and went out with my camera.

I'm glad we went out for the hour or so we were out there.  I am glad that they had fun and I got some good pictures (and some much needed fresh air).  I'm especially glad that I wasn't "mean, hungover mama" and I got my butt moving...

Now they are back to playing Xbox and watching Nick Jr.  I am back to hydrating, although I'm feeling pretty good now...must've been the fresh air!

You may remember that I was REALLY excited last year about stumbling across and ordering my Project Life kit.  I can't find the post . . . but trust me, I was EXCITED!!!  I did awesome the first 3 months.  I took pictures, printed pictures and wrote out little journal entries for 3 months!  Then . . . I got busy and I got overwhelmed because I got behind and I kept putting it off and putting it off.

As of right now, my 2011 Project Life is a pretty cool album/scrapbook that is about 1/2 done.  I have a lot of pictures filled in (thanks to Snapfish for having their penny prints!) but not a lot of the journal cards done and I still have to fill some pictures in here and there.  I will finish it when I have time but I have a feeling that isn't going to be anytime soon.

I decided to go a different route for 2012.  I'm doing the Digital Project Life over at Shutterfly.  I'm thinking it will be a better fit for me because I can do it on the computer and don't have to drag a bunch of stuff out and then put a bunch of stuff back to get any work done on it.

Personally, I would much rather have a more tactile, unique album that is filled with ticket stubs, programs, receipts and such . . . but being practical, this is the easiest and best fit for me RIGHT NOW and I would rather have my memories preserved and the stories remembered than an unfinished product and a box of misc. memorabilia piling up.  I think I may just opt for taking pictures of those special things and then *gasp* throw them away!!!

I picked the Turquoise Edition . . . because I like brown and green.  I have the first week and a half done - and we aren't even a week and a half into January yet!!!!

Just thought I'd share - and here are some of the pictures that found their way into the first few pages:

I'm planning on having a FABULOUS New Year.  I'm not setting my expectations too high but I am hoping that we will have some big changes this year.  What I'd REALLY like to do this year is move out of this house. It's too small.  We've just outgrown it.  I'm praying hardcore about that one.

Speaking of praying, my only New Year's resolution is that I'm going to go back to church.  I am going to make it a regular thing (like it SHOULD be for us Catholics) and I'm going to make sure that my kids know it is a priority.  We made a lot of excuses the past 2 years about why we couldn't make it to church on Sundays.  The twins were the biggest excuse.  Now, I've talked to my MIL and she agreed to come and watch the boys for us Sunday mornings so that we can take Nate and Danika to church.  We went on Christmas and made it last weekend (we went Saturday night because we knew that Sunday morning would be a stretch).  I have to admit that it felt good.  I'm excited about it . . . for all of the reasons I should be but also because it means that I will be able to sit in peace and not have to worry about why a baby is crying for at least an hour.  I know that sounds a little selfish and probably not the reason I should want to go to church but hey . . . I'm being honest.  :)

I also started reading my In One Year Bible. . . don't worry, I'm not going to break into a sermon or start preaching on my blog.  It's just something that I want to be able to say that I did.  I want to be able to say that I read the bible...the whole thing.  We'll see if I can do it.  I've actually had the bible for about 2 years but happened to think of it on New Year's Day and thought that I would break it out and give it a shot.

Other than that . . . I don't really have any big plans for this year.

Moving is a priority.  So, that will be something that I really work towards.

I'm not dieting.  Not that I couldn't use a kick in the butt when it comes to my food choices but I don't have the time to put the amount of energy into it that needs to be put into it to do it right.

I'm planning on still doing my once a month cooking this year, though.  So, you can expect to hear things about that.  I'm also thinking I would like to be a little more creative in the kitchen.  Now that I have my immersion blender and Kitchen Aid mixer!

I'm also planning on trying to be a little bit more positive and focusing on what I have and not what I want.  I have a feeling if I can pull that one off I will be one of the happiest people in the world!