2013, The Year of Doing Something

So, Christmas came and Christmas went. Just like it does every single year. The build up to Christmas was so great, and then it comes in a flash and is gone.
Ellie thinks that because there is snow on the ground, that Christmas is still here. I think from watching movies about Christmas, she associates snow with Christmas. It's snowing, so it must be Christmas. It's a good thing we live in a state where we get snow. I'd hate trying to explain to them that it never snows where we live. Although, I would completely relish living in a state where it never snows. I envy you, whoever you are. :)
--Now that the climactic ending to the year has happened, and New Year's has rolled around; we enter a new year. 2013. Are you superstitious? You know, the 13 and all. I hope not. I, myself am not and am looking forward to a year of the 13.
I've never been one to make resolutions. If I want to set goals for myself, I don't need a new year to tell me that I need to. I figure that you can make a resolution or a goal for yourself at any time. I also don't like being pushed into doing things, and so forcing me to make a resolution just because its a new year, well, that's not my bag. I do have some wishes or thoughts for the new year, however. I have a couple of ideas for my family.

• I would like to get the kids enrolled in swimming lessons this summer. I think its important for them to know how to swim. 
• I would like to get Ellenore more involved in the kitchen with me. She has expressed an interest in helping me cook and do the dishes, and I would like to help her explore that. Georgia, too. 
• I always say I am going to keep a cleaner house *this year* -- but then we have another baby or my husband's work load gets a little greater and so I am left to doing most things on my own; which leads to burn out faster. 
• I want to remain more active in my blog. I guess that means for me to find more "me" time. Whether that means getting to write in my blog, reading a book, doing a craft... etc.. whatever! I want to make sure that I am able to have some time for myself. I need it, frankly. All people do, even if you have children or you don't. It's something that we all require. "Me Party" time. 
• I really want to do more creating this year. I'm not sure what that entails right now. I don't know if that means more crafty ideas or more exploration in the kitchen, or exploring my art degree and putting it to good use. Maybe photography? I took several classes in college and I think I may want to explore that a little further. Painting? Crocheting? Sewing? SOMETHING! All the things I have pinned that I WANT To do?! Imagine all the possibilities! They're endless. 
• I want to get more involved with teaching my kids more things. I bought some anatomy "how my body works" flash cards for Christmas, and I'm thinking I need some in every subject for them. Yes, they are little, but its never too early to start learning. :) 
• I want to be more social this year as well. I admit that I can be a shut-in and avoid human contact sometimes. ( you mean I have to put clothes on and get out of my sweatpants today?!) Yep. Be social, make play dates. Get your kids into social settings. It's good for me and them. 

I'm sure that there are more things I want to accomplish this year. But I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't do them. I am going to make the list again and post it somewhere so that I can see it daily. A reminder as to what I want to do this year. And I need to remind people around me to encourage me.
"Hey Leslie! Did you learn to crochet or knit or sew yet?"
Well... um... no.
"Well keep on that! You're doing great, but think of how you wanted to learn to do that and what you can do once you learn!"
Good point. I'll get right on that. :)