Present

2014, here we are!










I always love the feeling of starting a new year and for the past few years, I've chosen a word to focus on rather than setting specific resolutions. I usually start thinking about it in October/November.  For me, the process of discovering a focal point for the new year is just as important as the word itself.

I decided to review the past couple of years as a reminder to myself:

2013 was Kindness
2012 was Forgiveness
2011 was Cherish
2010 was unofficially "Playful"

I think I started out very strong in 2013 but the past couple of months, I feel like I've lost a bit of that focus on kindness, especially related to my immediate family. I am not making excuses but life has felt very stressful and there is nothing like stress to knock me off my A-game.  Time to get it together.

In the spirit of making changes, I was thinking of the word "mindful".  I wondered if that might be my word for this new year.  But it didn't feel quite right so I let it sit and about 2 days ago, the word "present" popped up.  Meaning- to be present in whatever moment of life is happening.  That is a challenge for the worry-wart in me.  I am often thinking of the next thing instead of just being in the moment.

In that same vein, I'd like to try and limit internet distractions during the day and let those things become part of my time when the kids (and Mike!) are sleeping.  I love capturing different moments but we don't have to put everything on Facebook, right?

I am really looking forward to using 2014 to complete working through the difficulties that 2013 presented.  It's been a long road in terms of financial, career and parenting challenges but I think this could be our year to shine.

Because ups and downs are just a part of life... 
and it's time to be present in every moment.

Pictures from our New Year's Day 2014
Longwood Gardens-I wish we got there more often!!

Above: That swirly design is made out of apples!!
(To be donated for animal feed when the Christmas display is taken down.)

The boys helped make the decorations for the tree in the background.
We love our school's Garden Club!