The Pledge

So I hate New Year's "Resolutions"... I'm not sure what it is about the term Resolution, but I'm just not a fan. I would like to use a different word... Pledge. What is a pledge? Here is the definition: a solemn promise or agreement to do or refrain from doing something. Plain and simple. I feel it is a much stronger word than resolution. 
This time of year is when everyone busts out what they plan to do for the next year... how many people stick to those 'resolutions.' My resolutions from 1999 probably still haven't been resolved! So instead of taking the whole year I am taking it month by month. 
If you are reading this, you are a part of my pledges. How is that you ask? Simple. My pledge is a solemn promise to do or refrain from doing things, and I am pledging not only to myself, but to you also. 

So, before you continue reading, do you want to be part of this? Can you offer prayer or support as I go through this journey? 

Here are my pledges for January 2013: 

Daily:
1. Pray
2. Read my Bible
3. Brush my teeth (yes, some of you may think this is gross... I should already be brushing my teeth daily... but I don't take care of my teeth like I should, and I'd like to avoid dental bills in 2013)
4. Read Paige at least 2 books (too often I get in the habit of letting her just look through the books by herself, I need to spend more time reading to her)
5. Eat at least 1 serving of fruits and vegetables a day (this is such a struggle for me!)
6. Refrain from having a TV show or movie in the background while I'm working. - Yes, it is "allowed" at my job, but I know my productivity decreases when I have something other than music playing... so I'm done with it.

Weekly:
1. Exercise at least 4 days a week.
2. Eating vegetarian at least 5 days a week. This is a big pledge for me and a struggle to say out loud. Jeremy and I had a good talk about this and we both strive to live a healthier lifestyle but we never hold each other up to that. Why only 5 days? We both like meat, but know that we need to cut down on how much we eat.
3. Practice playing guitar for at least 1 hour each week. (This is one I will be increasing each month)
4. Keep the TV off at least 3 weekdays and limiting time on the weekends.

Monthly:
1. No pop for the whole month! This will probably be the hardest one for me. I love a good pop...
2. Sticking to our budget. Oh man... Every month we set our budget and every month we go over it!
3. Eating out at work only 3 times for the whole month!
4. Calling my friends at least 2 times this month. I have three best friends that live too far away and I am horrible at communicating with them. This needs to change. I miss them, and I miss their guidance and love.
5. I will finish at least 3 books this month. The Kill Order by James Dashner, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, and Identity by Ted Dekker


There you have it. It may look like a lot, but I don't feel overwhelmed by any of it. 

3 Months.. really??

Whoa... has it really been 3 months since I've posted anything! Hmmm... what should I write about...

There really isn't much to update anyone on, and I'm not much for just writing about random topics either. So here's the update on the coolest and most beautiful kid on the planet :)

Favorite word: Shoes

Favorite toy(s): Little people and wooden puzzles

Best Friends: Kaylee and Ella (okay, she could have other friends at daycare, but I'm just going to say that Kaylee and Ella are her best friends because they have awesome parents who we are great friends with!)

Favorite food: Anything not nailed down to the table

Funniest thing that shouldn't be funny: Shaking her head 'no'

Favorite time of day (for mommy): Morning snuggles


I'm so ready for this Christmas with her! We recently had some very generous parents from our church who offered free babysitting so other parents could go out and do what they wanted (Christmas shopping, catch a movie, coffee date, brunch date, etc.). Jeremy and I took advantage and went Christmas shopping for Paige! I am so excited for her to open her gifts this year! I'll be interested to see if she is more into the paper, the box, or the toy! She is definitely getting spoiled this year and it's going to be great!

Someone asked me what I'm most looking forward to her opening. Well, we got her a new pair of shoes for Christmas(holy crap they go through shoes fast... 3 months... really... and my kid has some nasty stinky feet!)! So I'm really looking forward to her opening those! I'm also excited for the gift that my mom and dad got her! But you'll have to wait until Christmas to find out what that is :)

If you have kids, what are you looking forward to for Christmas with them this year?? Any presents you are super excited to give them?

Merry Christmas everyone!! (Even though it's still 3 weeks away it feels like next week to me!)