Happy New Year to everyone reading my blog!! I'm sure we all have resolutions. I know I do. But, I'm trying to set goals rather than make resolutions. We all know that resolutions are usually broken within a week, with a few lasting a month, maybe. But, by setting goals for myself, I hope I will be motivated to work harder and meet those goals and then set new ones. One goal I have is to exercise on a regular basis and lose weight. I've already been working on those, even before 2007 was here. By setting a weight-loss goal, I have something to work toward and then set a new goal when I reach my current one. Regular exercise (in addition to cutting out foods/sweets that I don't need) is the way I'm going to make it to that goal. I also have other things I'm working on -- improving my attitude and trying to not let the little things get to me so easily. Those are daily goals and I've been working on them for a while. I like to think that I've made a lot of progress. Of course, I have setbacks and days that every little thing the boys do bother me. But, I'm working on not letting that happen. I'm praying about it and trying to pay attention to the tone of voice that I use and the words that I say when there is something bothering me. If I have to be negative, I try to do it in a less harsh tone. I also have other things that need to be worked on -- not letting my laundry pile up so badly before getting it folded and put away, making sure we do a nightly "pick up" through the house and the such. We are also trying to help the boys get more involved in this by enacting chore charts for them and starting an allowance. We haven't decided exactly how much allowance they'll be paid each week, I think it will be dependent upon how much they do through the week. Their charts will chores such as cleaning up their room daily, picking up their toys from the playroom daily, wiping the bathroom counter clean daily, etc. Notice the keyword in each item -- daily. So, we all have goals and things that we're working on to make ourselves better. I'll try to keep you updated on how we are doing.
For most people, one New Year's tradition is fireworks. We usually shoot a few fireworks on New Year's Eve and let the boys have sparklers. Unfortunately, Adam was not feeling well last night so we didn't do anything with the fireworks. They made up for it today, though. They actually got started on Saturday evening with a few sparklers and Adam set off a few small fireworks. Tonight, they did a lot more. Here are a few pics of them enjoying themselves tonight. Trent is staying with us tonight and he was able to enjoy the festivities as well.
Pictures from Saturday's sparklers:
And pictures from tonight:
The boys running through the yard with their sparklers and watching one of the fireworks that Adam set up. They were completely lit up by the fireworks. Can you tell that Michael doesn't like the smell of the fireworks?
And, last but not least. Riese played hard with Adam and the boys today and was ready for one of his many daily naps. I can't believe he left his sweater on all afternoon. Maybe he's finally realizing that it helps him stay warm when he has to go outside.
