Realistic New Years Resolutions

I looked back at my resolutions from last year and laughed. I believe I was FAR too specific and unrealistic. So this year I have a different approach. Call me crazy, but these are my resolutions.

1. I will lose 5 pounds. Once I have lost 5 pounds I will reevaluate and likely resolve to lose another 5 pounds. Or I might get excited that I reached my goal, celebrate by baking a cake, gain back the 5 pounds lost, and vow again to lose 5 pounds. Either way, I will lose 5 pounds.

2. I will exclusively breastfeed Kaleb until he is 3 months old. This one is fairly safe because he is almost 7 weeks old now and we are on track to succeed. On the other hand, the Dr might want me to supplement if he is not gaining enough weight, but that is beyond my control and therefore would nix this resolution through no fault of my own. At 3 months I will reevaluate our situation and whether or not EBF is working for us and either run screaming for the hills (leaving Larabee no choice but to give him formula) or I will resolve to EBF until he starts getting teeth. At that point, it will likely be a day-to-day decision to continue or not. Hey, I am just being honest.

3. I will pass all of my classes. 6 classes. All 2oo level and up. All college courses. 18 credits. While keeping Kyle from drinking the dog water and keeping Kaleb fed and happy. While having dinner on the table every night and keeping the clothes washed and the house relatively clean. Yep, passing will do. IF by chance I am keeping up on everything fairly well, I will shoot for A's and B's. I got all A's last semester fairly easily but that could have been a fluke. I don't want the pressure people!

4. Larabee and I will still be married in 2011. That is a given- we cannot afford to get divorced. Besides, we sorta love each other and our family, so the big D is not really an option.

5. I will tell my children at least once a day that I love them. I will kiss them unapologetically and hug them until they are thinking "Oooooookkkkkkk Mom!" It is my God-given right to hug and kiss to my hearts content, so get used to it boys!

Yep, I think 2010 will be a pretty good year.

Take the time to be thankful

I just watched Oprah, you know, the one about Jaycee Dugard and all of those poor families who have had their children kidnapped from right beneath their noses. Could you imagine? My whole body goes into panic mode simply thinking about one of my children being taken from me. I pray every night and every day that my children are kept safe and away from any and all harm that may come to them, and while I know that I cannot protect them from everything I also know that I will try my darnedest to keep them as safe as I can. Today I am sending out extra prayers for those Mothers, Fathers, Grandmothers, Grandfathers, Brothers, Sisters, Cousins, Aunts, Uncles, and friends who have had a child they know and love go missing. I selfishly pray that neither I nor anyone I know and love EVER has to find out what it feels like to have a child go missing.

So, the next time your children are driving you insane and you want to drop them off at the local animal shelter because those wild animals are surely not YOUR children, look into their tiny faces and be thankful that you have them and you know they are safe. Moments of frustration and exasperation will pass, but I am sure that the moment you realize your child is truly missing lasts a lot longer and is far more disheartening. I know that as soon as my kids can understand 'stranger danger' I will try my best to teach them to be careful. That will be hard with Kyle because he is so friendly and has never known a 'mean' person. I pray extensively that his common sense will keep him safe. As for Kaleb, only time will tell. I love my kids, and I know you love your kids. May we always be able to love them and hug them and kiss them.