2012!

New year's resolutions. The very words often strike fear into the heart of a delinquent resoluter from years past. This year, I considered not making any at all. What's the point? Life gets in the way, and by February 1, there you are, feeling sorry for yourself, wishing you were more diligent.

But giving them up altogether seems pointless too. At this end of the spectrum, you have the non-committal, purposeless crazy woman, running through 2012 at full speed, with no direction, life slipping through her fingers. So what's a momma to do?

I've been sick these first few days of 2012, and while it stinks, it also has given me some time to come up with a fun way to do my resolutions this year. It may sound crazy, but it perfectly suits my personality. (The old, go big or go home mentality). This year, I'm making it huge and fun and crazy. And I'm calling it:

12 x 12 for 2012.

That's right. 12 groups of 12 for the year 2012. Now, hear me out. I may have just caused heart attacks in several states. But really, when I started rolling around some ideas, I got excited. A lot of these things are parts of my routine anyway. But this gives me a measurable way to see purpose throughout the year and to (yippeee!!) check them off! How fun!

So, without further ado. My 12 x 12 for 2012. Having 12 months in the year is so convenient!!

1. 12 months of purpose and peace. These are my two big character goals this year, because I have seen them lacking in years past. First, purpose. Because I tend to start running without taking the time to plan, and it usually comes back to haunt me. And second, peace. I find that even when I appear to have it all together, I often struggle with a lack of the peace of Christ which definitely should be pervasive in my heart and life. I know these two goals will only happen as I draw near to Jesus- may this always remain my first and highest priority.

2. 12 new scriptures to memorize- one per month.

3. 12 dates with my awesome husband.

4. 12 completed craft projects- of course, these can be small!

5. 12 books finished. This is by far my most ambitious goal, because I have never been a great reader. I am kind of slow and don't at all love it. But I have started so many books, and I am hoping this will encourage me to finish them!!

6. 12 handwritten letters sent to friends and family in the mail. I adore snail mail and would like to see it not die altogether :)

7. 12 monthly mommy breaks. A long bubble bath, coffee with a friend, a fun shopping excursion. This helps everyone in my house!

8. 12 family journal entries- 1 per month. This may show up as a blog post.

9. Try 12 new recipes which meet these criteria: easy, repeatable, healthy, and delicious.

10. 12 special, fun activities with the kids- shoot for one per month.

11. Organize / purge 12 cluttery spots in our house: Boys closet. Office. Kitchen cupboards. Craft armoire and supplies. My dresser. Hall/linen closet. Office closet. Our closet. Holman's room. Mail sorting system. Ryan's dresser.

12. 12 "days of Christmas" (December). I started this over Christmas this year and plan to do it each Christmas season. I gave Ryan 12 little days of gifts leading up to Christmas day- a super fun way to bless him and remind him that he is still my main man ;)

It looks like a lot, but I feel encouraged by the organization~ it feels very doable. I hope to report in about my progress and enjoy checking things off the list!! And don't even think that I am planning to continue adding more in years to come. One year at a time- one adventure at a time- grace for the moment!