The Hollemans: 2013

It's that time of year again, folks...time to write your New Year's resolutions!

Here are my resolutions from last year. I can honestly say, most of these were accomplished! A big goal of mine was to join a moms' Bible study group. God came through in a big way on that one, because, through a friend, I found TWO groups to join! I have made lots of new mom friends and feel so blessed by them.

Anyway, aspirations for 2013 (revised from last year's list, plus a few additions):

*Be the best wife, mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend I can be.
This past year, God has allowed many of my family relationships and friendships to really blossom. I am so thankful for this, and continue to pray that I can serve my family and friends to the very best of my abilities.

*Have devotions every day.
For the most part, I have stuck to this. I STILL have lots of room to grow and learn. I am really searching for a daily devotional that delves deep into the Scriptures...if you have any suggestions, please share!

*Exercise 5-6 days a week.
Aside from vacations, I have also done pretty well with this, but would like to keep it up in 2013.

*Just enjoy my husband and children, even if that means letting some things go around the house sometimes.
Keeping a clean house with two little guys underfoot is ~~difficult~~ ~~challenging~~ impossible 99% of the time. God has definitely done some work on me with this one over the past year. I am much more comfortable spending more time with my kiddos and less time cleaning than I used to be. Mike is a HUGE help and if the two of us pitch in, we can get the house pretty clean in no time! So, during the day, if Joshua asks me to read him book after book, I try to put my housework aside and simply enjoy holding my little boy and doing something that makes him so happy. Or, if there's a day when Luke is teething and won't let me put him down for even 2 minutes, I try to just go with it. It won't be long before he no longer wants me to hold him, so I have to take advantage while I can!

*Redo the downstairs bathroom.
The wallpaper is peeling and I desperately want a new mirror in there. A new paint job, mirror and a few wall hangings should spruce that bathroom up a lot! I'm a little scared about starting this project, though, because of my recent experience with wallpaper removal. Mom, you ready for this one?! ;-)

*Create a makeshift play room for the boys in the basement.
Once Luke is walking and can do stairs on his own, I plan on creating a nice space in the basement where some of the boys' bigger toys and trucks can go. We have a TV with a VHS player and all kinds of VHS tapes they could watch down there, plus a few other fun ideas for their "play room." All you crafty mommas, I might need your help with this one!

Well, there you have it! Everything I hope to accomplish in 2013 (I am sure I will think of lots more!). And now, for your viewing pleasure, a few photos from the last few days...enjoy!