2016- a selfish year

I really wanted to kick of  with a word to focus on to better myself, but I couldn't narrow it down to just one word. I feel like there are so many areas in my life I need to improve on and it became incredibly overwhelming to just pick one word to cover everything. That's when I realized that I am letting myself be pulled in too many directions and it's time to simplify. Ever since James was born I've let my never ending to do list overwhelm me to the point that nothing gets done because I don't know where to start. I've let it rob me of the joy of enjoying my babies... they are only this little for so long! I'm learning to let go of the expectations and to do lists and just work on being a better me for me and my family. I have faith that as I focus on what's most important, my family, everything else will fall into place in due time as I learn to ground myself, get a handle of this mom of 2 gig, and not let myself get stretched too thin, if that makes sense? In doing so, I pray that I become a better example, a better friend, kinder, more giving and all around a better daughter of God with little effort as I let go of the things that don't matter. It may be selfish, but 2016 is my year to be a better me, a better wife and a better mom.

For my kids: "Children only get one childhood. Make it memorable."
I'm really good at getting us out of the house and making amazing memories in the process. But it's time for me to make our moments at home just as special and memorable. I'll be saying "yes" a lot more to Mia instead of, "in a minute, just let me finish...."  and then getting too busy with something else to ever follow through. There's so much more to this quote than I could ever explain, so I'll just leave it at that :) My mantra for being a better mom to my kids!

For my husband: "The first to apologize if the bravest. The first to forgive is the strongest. The first to forget is the happiest."
I want to be a braver, stronger and happier wife. This mantra couldn't be more perfect to help me be a better wife to my husband!

For myself: I actually don't have a quote/mantra to go off of for the year. But I do have the goal to ponderize a new scripture weekly (Eric and I are doing this together!). I want to develop a deeper testimony and relationship with God but sometimes I get overwhelmed with all the studying I should be doing, and not being able to find the time to do it. I'm starting small and know that my love for the scriptures will grow as I find more time to more intently study as time goes on.
And because I can't just sit back and let my house be a mess while I try to soak up my babies (literally, I don't enjoy my time because I'm busy thinking about all that needs to be done), I think I've discovered a way to help me manage my to do list easier instead of letting it overwhelm me and never taking time to just play with my kids because I'm always cleaning (or trying to)! Aside from the normal daily chores of laundry, dishes, making the bed, etc. I will set aside 15 solid minutes dedicated to cleaning (I've discovered that I can bust out a whole lotta cleaning in just 15 minutes!) After that 15 minutes is up, I let go of my to do list. If I'm able to fit in more throughout the day- great! If not- tomorrow is another day! And suddenly I find myself with a lot more time in my day to just soak up my babies without my house being in shambles ;)

There is so much more I'd like to accomplish this year, but these are the main points I will continue to fall back on to become a better me, wife and mom! This might be the one time that choosing the selfish route, is actually the best route!