New Year's Resolutions?

Hmm...I don't know what I really think about New Year's Resolutions. I mean, does anyone really stick to them? It's all good in theory and stuff, but does it really happen? Ever? Without calling them "New Year's Resolutions" I have made some promises to myself of things I'd like to change/enhance/pefect in '08. In no particular order, here they are.

1. Read, read, read. I've had to use dictionary.com twice this week because I wasn't sure on a spelling of a word. Made me feel a little dumb really. I always feel much smarter when I read a lot...not sure if that makes sense to you, but it does to me. Plus, I LOVE to read!

2. Less computer time. This will be the most difficult for me, but also something I need to do for my house, husband and family. No, I'm not talking drastic changes here, but I feel some days that it's my top priority and we all know that it shouldn't be.

3. More time with God. Ideally, a specific time each day spent with him for a little time. Anyone have any suggestions for good devotionals or other books to get me going?

4. A cleaner house. A much cleaner house. Possibly a cleaning schedule that I stick to.

5. Less money spent. Specifically at Target. Oh, that one hurts to put on "paper." I may delete that one eventually! :)

I may add to that list as time goes on, but that's where my focus is right now. It's January 1st and I've already worked on a few of those. Today my mom came over and helped me clean the hell out of Abigail's room. 4 1/2 hours later Abigail has the most clean, beautiful room in Holland. I think there were 4+ bags of stuff to donate (and by bags I mean garbage bags) and the same amount of trash filled bags as well. Thank goodness for unlimited trash pick-up this week! We also used the steam cleaner on her carpets which was awesome. It really is beautiful in there. Thanks SO much, mom!

We also took pretty much all the Christmas decorations down tonight. I like to leave my mantel with my Demdaco Nativity up for a little bit longer, but otherwise everything's put away...I do really love that!

I just finished probably one of the best books that I've ever read, at least in a very long time. I read "Nineteen Minutes" by Jodi Picoult and it was amazing. I think everyone should read it and I am SO not quick to suggest books to people. It's simply amazing...I cried and almost got sick at a few parts - not because it's gross, but because it's so sad that my stomach hurt! I linked the title about to the book at Amazon so you could read the synopsis. I got it at the library otherwise I'd loan it to anyone wanting to read it! GO get it!

Another thing to blog about (and related to cleaning my house more) is that I got a Dyson DC-17 Animal for Christmas. It's amazing. Simply amazing. I think like four people that I work with have Dysons, so from their opinions and then reviews and such I decided to ask for one for Christmas. This one is the mack-daddy of Dysons and all vacuums and it's just amazing. My mom is in awe, my sister is jealous (haha, Bec!) and I'm in love. Did I mention this thing is amazing? I really should show you pictures of what it picks up sometime.

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The rest of our week starts to pick up. Tomorrow we are free during the day and may bring the kids to the Aquatic Center or sledding. Colin has to work at night. Thursday Abigail goes back to school and Colin gets to work in her class. She is so freakin' excited about that! Thursday night I think we are going to get dinner here because they sent me a $10 coupon for my Half Birthday! We haven't gone out to eat as a family in a long time, so it should be fun. Friday we don't have plans during the day, but that's okay because I don't like doing much when I have to work at night. Then Saturday Colin and I are working (him during the day, me at night). Then Sunday School teaching on Sunday, lunch at my parents' house (celebrating my dad's birthday) and dinner at Mulders. Then, Monday it's all over...my days of no running around are done! :)

Have a great rest of the week everyone. Happy 2008!