Hopes for the New Year

I’m not one to make ambitious resolutions for the New Year, especially with young kids and all the unpredictability they bring. But I do love what the New Year signals: a clean start, a fresh slate, endless possibilities, awaiting adventures, anticipated milestones.

My house has been a tad crazy during the past two weeks, and I’m hoping the New Year will bring us back to a somewhat normal routine, from which the boys and I all thrive.

I’ve been thinking about the New Year quite often this past week: considering my goals and aspirations for 2015 and contemplating how to make my life (and my family’s) more streamlined and efficient, more healthy and wholesome, more fulfilled and joyous.

This year, I’m hoping I slow down and savor the sweet time I have with little ones.
I’m hoping I learn to discipline my boys with patience and perseverance, while still allowing love to shine through.
I’m hoping that I continue to connect with other women at my church, and we can grow in Christ and share our experiences and lean on each other when needed.
I’m hoping I keep a tighter leash on our finances, and spend more out of need and less out of want and whim.
I’m hoping I make small moments each day for me, to rest and recharge, to learn and grow, so that I can be the best possible version of myself for my family.
I’m hoping I lean on Him during the hard days and remember how much He has blessed me with this calling of motherhood.

So I’ll say goodbye to 2014, which was a busy but fulfilling year in which God taught me a lot about motherhood and myself. It was the year that James Michael transitioned from toddler to little boy and Beau changed from baby to toddler. It was the year that my boys learned to be playmates, and subsequently, fighting mates. It was the year that brought us the surprise and addition of Scarlett Grace.

And though my New Year’s Eves have changed quite drastically over the last decade, I did manage to get out of the house with two of my boys for nearly two hours (even if it was only to a neighbor’s home). I call putting on makeup and normal clothes with a two week old baby a huge success.

I enjoyed a tasty dinner with fresh seafood (thanks to my MIL) and savored every sip of my red wine. Then, I rang in the New Year nursing my sweet newborn and praying the firecrackers wouldn’t wake up my soundly sleeping Rowdy boys. Quite honestly, there’s no other place I would have rather been than home.