Life... Resolutions and Goals

I always loved playing the Game of "life" when I was little. 

We LOVE games in our family... and this is a game that we do not currently own.. so Christmas was a good excuse to buy it.

Over Christmas break.. we opened it up to play -- and I was amazed at how much it had changed!

This game that I played when I was little-- now took us 3 hours to play -- trying to understand all of the new ways and rules.  Crazy! -- But now that we had the hang of it... we decided to play it again last night for Family Home Evening.

We all had a good time... and it surprisingly taught my kids a little more about money and expenses.

In the games we have played... I always have a poor paying job... and hardly any money.. but yet I still want the Victorian house for $500.000.

Sounds like me  eh?

After the game... we talked as a family about how the game is similar to real life... and how it's also not so similar to real life.

The kids were quite amazed to hear what our house cost ( compared to those on the board ) and even to hear what Dad's Salary was per month.

It's amazing how some things become "teaching tools" even when you don't plan it.

The kids were filled with questions.

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As I got ready for bed last night...I started thinking about how grateful I was that my life doesn't consist of what I roll or spin.  I am SUCH an unlucky girl... I would be in trouble.

One reason I won't ever gamble.

I am grateful that I can choose my own career... and car... and goals.

And like the board game... I move along and sometimes "luck" is not on my side...and I have to "pay out" with money or time.... but I can get through it.

As Chad and I were in bed talking about Life and the New Year...I asked him what his New Years Goals would be.

Almost everything on his list would be the same as mine.

Not so surprising.

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I reviewed last years goals I had posted on my blog --and was pleasantly surprised that I had accomplished all but one.

It made me happy.

I can do this again.  I can!!

So what are my main goals for 2012?

1- Get out of Debt

Chad and I used to follow Dave Ramsey so well.

And then we lost our job 3 times.. and we are still trying to catch up.

2- Read  the Book of Mormon as a Family

This may sound easy for some of you...

 but it is hard to stay on task with this -- for us all together daily.

This year... we are determined to do it.

3- Exercise 6 days a week

I NEED TO DO THIS.

At the beginning of last year... I was eating healthy.. exercising.. and doing physical therapy for my back.. and I felt FABULOUS.  I lost 30 pounds.

Then... Dad got sick.. and I had to forget myself.

I haven't exercised much since Dad's death.

Kinda makes me ill.. and my body feels like an old Woman's.

I HAVE to do this.  HAVE to for my Spine.

4- Eat less Meat

I have a husband that LOVES his Meat and potatoes.. but this year I am striving to feed my family well -- by eating more grains and beans and Vegetables and to eat meat more sparingly.

 We are going to strive for Meat only 2-3 times a 7 day week.

This may sound like a lot.. but it's a huge cut back after our usual  7 days of Meat.

5- Be more Charitable

In December.. I tried to do some kind of Service each day.

It felt so good.

So... I am going to go bigger -- and try for this daily this year.

I hope to be closer to the spirit.. as others have for me.

I can do this!

I can! I can! I can!

* If you have a favorite meatless dish recipe .... please send it my way!*

 Thanks!!!

Today I am Grateful for:

Organizing Season!  Makes me happy!

Candy Cane Hot Cocoa = Love

Dinner with Mom & Grandpa and Grandma Tenney

Genuine Hugs

Monica and her family stopping by yesterday