How was everybody’s Christmas??  I can’t believe it’s the end of 2014. This time of the year we all begin to reflect.  We reflect about the year that has past.  We think about the things we did well & the things we could have done better.  Here are a few things that may or may not be a complete list of how I did not accomplish everything I set out to do in 2014.

1.  We did not go on vacation.  Vacations take money.  Having food, clothing, shelter & transportation takes money.  Can I hear an amen??  Sometimes you have to think about it,

“Shall I eat crumpets on the terrace in a Parisian like setting, sipping tea from a bone china cup, with my pinky up in the air, speaking in a British accent or keep my power on at home?”

 Decisions, decisions.

2.  I did not get a publishing deal for writing the most empowering & inspirational blog articles.  Doesn’t everyone, who has a blog, feel like one day- a major publisher is going to be scanning the blog world for awesome content & stumble upon their blog?  The said publishing company will automatically want to strike a deal & sign the blogger on.  From that point on, all their writing dreams will come true.  You will get paid enough for your writings that you can quit your day job & sit at home in your pajamas all day long, hammering out intriguing content, & eating bonbons.  What?? Am I the only one that thinks about this??

3.  I did not physically assault anyone.  Even though, I have been tempted to flog a few folks.  Not saying that 5^th grade is hard on me, this year.  My Miss Neenee takes it all in stride.  However, I have had thoughts of telling off a few folks for being rude to her, embarrassing her, & humiliating her.  I have exercised my ability to keep my mouth shut & control my emotions.   Mainly because my husband says this is all a part of her growing up & establishing character.  I however do not always see it as such.  People are just hateful sometimes.  And when it’s to one of my kids, I take it SUPER personal.  However, I have done my level best to not become a hater, as well.  And too, I don’t want to be remembered as the crazy mama.  That can have a reflection on your kids, as well.  Also, I am quite convinced, at this point in my life, if I give someone a piece of my mind, before long, I may actually need it back.  I’m not as young as I used to be.  I don’t need to be giving away pieces of my mind. Especially the parts that remember stuff. I have become quite the good forgetter.  Just a thought. ***On a side note, I did not have pounding someone on my to- do list for 2014.  It’s just a mention.

 

4.  I did not do as many 5k races as I normally do.  Something was always happening when the races were scheduled.  I did register for a 10k & got mono that same week.  So, I didn’t get to go with my race companion Jen, to it.  As my daddy says,

”Those who want to find an excuse, can find all kinds.”  And he’s right.

5.  I did not make any major exercise equipment purchases.  I really had planned to.  I really had wanted to exercise more.  I want to be healthier & make my family healthier.  That is something I will put into action this coming year. Right now, I am all about seeing how quickly I can get my pajamas on, when I get home from work.  That is all. No excuses.  Refer to Daddy’s comment on #4.

Now, for the things I did accomplish this year:

1.  I began couponing.  Not extreme couponing, but paying attention to what I buy + finding coupons = saving money.  And who doesn’t want to save money?  I put the Kroger app on my phone.  I can use my Kroger card & you know what?  Kroger gives you free stuff.  You should know every Friday, Kroger has this thing, my favorite Kroger Crazy blog lady calls Kroger Friday Freebie.  You go on the Kroger website, go to coupons, & type free in the search box.  Then, just download the digital coupon. Freebie Friday is a life changer. Realizing that, my old grocery store never wanted to give me anything free.   Or $.10 off per gallon of gas.  Oh & sometimes Kmart does double couponing.  That can get pretty ridiculous.  But, free stuff from Kroger?  That’s the cat’s pajamas or totally cray cray.  Whichever you prefer.

2.  I read the New Testament in the Bible.  I have done this a couple of times.  Every time, I am proud I took the time to do it.  I find something different, I had never considered before, with each reading.   You can actually read the whole New Testament in a month with reading only 9 chapters a day.  Or here is a schedule to read it in 90 days. I usually opt to do this between Memorial Day & Labor Day.  Probably gonna do it again, soon.  It’s so worth it.

3.  I prayed.  A lot.  And you know what?  That’s a bigger life changer than the Kroger Friday Freebie.  I started judging less.  Paying attention to what others were going through more.  Forgave quicker.  And realized more & more that being thankful is where it’s at.  Everything else just kinda falls into place after that.  My One Word for 2014 was Pray.  That was a wonderful focus to have for this year.  I sure did reap the benefits from it.

 

4.  I became a Grand, again.  My sweet granddaughter was born in March.  She is such a blessing.  I have loved being a part of her 1^st year of life.  As chance would have it, Mr. Sweetie Pants, who is now 3, is pretty much o.k. with her being around.  The only time he gets a tad disgruntled is when I keep them at the same time.  He will firmly suggest I put her down.  Other than that, it’s all good.  He just don’t like sharing.  But, that’s ok.  We work it out.  He gets lots of chocolate when she’s around.  Unless his dad is reading this, then, I mean he gets lots of milk & vegetables.

5.  I have been able to serve my family & Lord.  I have been blessed with my earthly family & church family.  My family is just getting bigger & bigger.  I love it.  I have always wanted a big family.  We all get along & take care of each other.  I just can’t imagine it being much better!!  I am so thankful for my church family, too.  I have a Bible Class that I totally adore.  I cannot tell you how much I look forward to being with those kids each week.  They are precious.  I never take these things for granted.  When my mama got sick, one of the things she missed the most was being able to serve others.  For once, she was the one being served.  That was hard for her.  So, I try my best to realize being a servant is a privilege.  I don’t have to do it.  I get to do it.

So, there’s my lists.  I will be working on my goals for 2015.  If you know of anything I need to be doing or need to stop doing, let me know.  I’m always up for suggestions.  I hope you have a wonderful rest of the week.  As for me, I have to be going because I should be washing clothes.

…Forgetting those things which are behind & reaching forward to those things which are ahead. Phil 3:13

photo credits: mymcbooks, myfrenchcountryhome,BlogSpot.com,keepcalm-o-matic, humblepiety.BlogSpot.com,aletheiaagape.BlogSpot.com