a new year...

I know everyone is saying it, but I cannot believe it is 2010! This past decade has been the most eventful of my life - traveling, marriage, two children, lots of school, lots of moving, the start of a new career - and it has been very fulfilling. I have discovered a lot about myself and what makes me happy. I {think, hope, pray} that I have bettered myself by trying to be a good mother and wife (hopefully Caton will agree) and enriching my life with reading and learning as much as I can. I have learned many lessons about faith and trust in the Lord and am constantly discovering how much He knows me and is aware of my needs. I don't think I quite imagined my life to be what it is now, but I am pleasantly surprised and I can honestly say that I love it and wouldn't change a thing. It has been a good decade.

To start off the new year, we spent a family home evening making goals. My personal list is about three pages long. I think it may be a little over ambitious, but I just couldn't take anything off. With the craziness of a new baby looming in the near future, my resolution list feels like a firm grip on organization and order in my life. I think I will need it.

The kids' lists are sweet and funny. Layla is very serious about her new year resolutions - very determined to do each thing everyday. It probably helps that we have started an allowance system to help the kids understand money and tithing. She is all about the money...

Jack is all about the money as well, but I don't think he quite gets the whole daily chores and goals thing. (He still thinks chores are optional: "Jack, go make your bed!" "Um, no thanks Mom!") He did make a good list even though he was very insistent that we add "hold my sword" to his 2010 goals. He loves his pirate sword so I think he will be able to keep that one.

As for our family resolutions, aside from better scripture reading and family prayer, the number one goal is to BUY A HOUSE! It will happen this year. It better happen this year...

I hope everyone has had a great start to their new year. This year is going to be an eventful one for the Hanson family and I am very anxious to experience it.