Tuesday, January 12, 2010

New Year's Resolutions

I've decided that the key to being successful with New Year's Resolutions is to set really simple, attainable goals for yourself. For example my sister's new year's resolution last year was to floss every day. And even though she didn't accomplish it and I had to remind her that was her goal halfway through the year, it was a simple goal for a mother of 5+ children to have. I overheard another mom of 5 children say her goal this year was to moisturize everyday. Now that is a woman who understands her limits.
So in this spirit I am setting 2 New Year's Resolutions for myself. I allowed myself 2 because I only have 4 children and no one in diapers, so I have a bit more disposable time.
1. Use coupons more. I use to be extremely frugal and very careful about what I spent. I have gotten out of this habit, but I want to start it up again. I'm hoping to finally make back the 20 bucks I spend on Happenings books every single year!
2. Use my kids more. It has come to my attention that I do things for my children that they are perfectly capable of doing for themselves, but continue to allow me to do them because I will. Case in point- Last night I was serving up dinner for my kids and Finn asked me to pour him a glass of milk. I said, "Finn you are almost 11 years old. Back in the olden days, kids your age were traveling for days on horseback by themselves... having to find food for themselves and sleeping alone under the stars. I think you are old enough to pour your own glass of milk." Eric pointed out that also back in the olden days the life span was 30 years old so Finn would practically be middle-aged. True, but if the average life span is now 76 I still think Finn is at the point where he can pour his own milk. I just won't expect him to be traveling by horseback, scavenging for food and sleeping under the stars until at least his mid-thirties.
So my new mantra to ask myself when I am doing something is, "Is this something my kids can do?" If yes, then I will stop doing it and give them the opportunity to do it.
Also I know I haven't posted any new "boyfriend" recipes lately. But I am working on a few. It is my turn to host Cooking Club this month and I've got some good ones.

6 comments:

Stephanie said...

Love your resolutions.

Maybe mine will be to get off the computer at night and go to bed on time. Wait a second....

Um, goodnight.

Stacey said...

Great goals! Both are things I'm trying to improve on too. We are doing a Relief Society activity on using coupons since I guess now there are all sorts of strategies that you can use to save extra money... I'll post any good new tips I hear!

Natalie said...

I can think of a few ways to use your kids more. One way will come at the end of May....

Jennifer Never said...

I'm ready to go to New York now. I have break from school from the 27 of Feb to march 11. How's bout' it? Yes, I'm serious.

And I was going to call you back like 3 months ago, but I wanted to make sure you didn't feel like the "bad" friend. So to ensure I was the "bad" friend, I have yet to call you, but I think I've waited long enough.

Love ya!

Anonymous said...

Isn't it sad that I set such an easy New Year's Resolution and still forgot about it:( Maybe I will try again...

Natalie said...

Well look at you making chinese friends!