A Fresh Start

I still have posts and photos to share to wrap up 2010, but today my mind is on what I hope to do in 2011. This year I'm not making any resolutions, and I'm not trying to trick myself by making resolutions and calling them goals. No, this year I am simply wanting to change some things about my life that I think will help make me a happier wife, mommy and person in general. (Okay, that still sounds a little like "goals", whatever, just go with me on this.)

1. Simplify, Streamline and Organize

I've actually already gotten a good head start on this one. I have been in extreme nesting mode lately and it's made me want to clean out every drawer, closet and nook and cranny of our house! We tackled the garage this past weekend with the help of some good friends, and I still feel giddy every time that door goes up and I can actually see the floor! I've finished the laundry room (although I've thought of a few more tweaks) and Bailey's room is almost complete. With the lack of wall space for a dresser, we're going to be adding some wire shelving to her closet to store her folded clothes and shoes. I also cleaned out our pantry...it was amazing what all I found in there! I think the biggest thing I have left to do is our bedroom and closet. While cleaning out all the other areas, the homeless items have taken up residence here until I can figure out their permanent destination. Since I've made such good head way in this area, my focus will be on trying to keep these areas organized and tidy. It's amazing how much better I feel when everything has a home.

2. More Date Nights

Bailey is in bed every night by 8:00, leaving Nick and I time to spend together relaxing before we retire to bed. While I love this time, it seems to always get taken up by laundry, dishes, homework (for him), grading papers, cleaning or one of the other million things that need to be done on a daily basis. We do go on dates, but usually when it's a special occasion or when one of the grandparents has asked to keep Bailey. It's not really something we've tried to fit into our schedules. This year I want to make more time for us. Our goal is to try and have a date night once a month. It doesn't have to be something spectacular. Just a night out to dinner, or maybe even dinner at home just the two of us. Ignoring the mounting laundry and all other things household related. I know this will be a little tricky for a bit, what with me giving birth some time in March and all! But I also know with two kids it's going to be even more important for us to make time for one another.

3. Girls Night Out

Okay, I'm not sure if this is a universal mommy thing or not...but I always feel so guilty doing anything by myself. I don't feel guilty when Nick and I do have a date night, because I know how important that is for our relationship, which is in turn important for our family. But ask me to take time away from Bailey to go hang out with my friends? I'm a guilt-ridden mama for almost a week before the actual outing and then try to think of a way to get out of it when it's time to leave. Why is this?! I know it's important for me to have time with my friends to just unwind, and I always feel so much better after I do. It's just making myself do it that's the hard part. This year I want to try and tackle these guilty feelings and allow myself some girl time. Again, I would like to try and do this once a month. And maybe it's just grabbing some breakfast or lunch with a friend and chatting, but I know I need more of this in my life. It's amazing what a little girl talk can do for your soul!

4. Find a Way to be at Peace with Being a Working Mom.

This is something I struggle with daily. I would have thought over 3 years it would have gotten easier, but instead it just continues to get worse. And now with baby #2 on the way (by the way, I think I'll be announcing her name next week!) I'm dealing with the thought of having to leave two princesses every day. I honestly feel like my place is at home with them. My mom worked when I was little, and I never resented her (I don't really remember it) and today she's my best friend, so I know they'll be okay. I know millions of moms kiss their kids goodbye every day and head off to work. Whether it's because they have to or because they're the type of mom that needs that time outside of the home, they do it, and they survive. I sit at work every day and think about how much happier I would be if I could stay home. Am I seeing the stay at home mom gig through rose colored glasses? Maybe. I just feel like I miss so much. But I know financially, we don't have a choice. So this is something I really need to try and come to terms with, for my own sanity...and probably that of those that have to hear me complain about it.

5. Be Content

This year I really want to focus on being content in my life. It's so easy to get bogged down in what I don't have. Why do we so easily get caught up in the material things? Yes, I do want a larger house, and I want to be able to go shopping whenever I want, and I want, want, want! Notice a pattern here? I'm really going to try and make an effort to be content with what I have and truly appreciate all the wonderful people I have in my life. After all, that's what's really important in the end.

I hope all of you have bright things in store for 2011!