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The year of 2009 is fast approaching, and I must say I haven't spent a lot of time thinking about New Years resolutions or anything (like that) for that matter. I know for me, every year it is the same old song and dance, "I need to lose weight, or workout more often", but I need to face the facts, and be realistic. I have a list probably at least a mile long of things I need to improve upon in my life, or things that I need to "do". I'm not superhuman, or perfect, so I am going to work on a few things at a time and not set such unrealistic goals for myself this year. Besides, when I pressure myself to accomplish insurmountable tasks, then I totally set myself up for failure. Here are a few of my ideas on becoming the "new me" in 2009.

• Become more organized, and this includes in my home, my schedule, with my children, and all aspects of my life in general. First and foremost I will start each morning with quiet time with my Lord by reading the Bible, and then spending some prayer time to lead my day in the right path and direction. I will then start by following the advice from FlyLady, who offers decluttering techniques for keeping your home organized and spic and span. I will also utilize my new day planner (yes, old fashioned pen and paper) for a daily schedule, and to remind myself of upcoming appointments and whatnot. I will also use a chore chart for my children, somewhat like this free printable one to help them stay on task. To round out my organizational plans, I will continue my Menu Plan Monday, with Org Junkie, to stay on target with our meals for the week.
• Another area of concern to me is my physical health and activity. I believe I can accomplish more physical activity by committing to at least five days a week of cardio and three days of toning exercises. I'm not talking boot camp here, but I do need to get my booty in gear. I will also commit to including at least three fruits and/or green veggies in my diet daily. I have noticed recently that I can go days at a time on carbs and sugar, with no fruit in sight. This isn't healthy or balanced at all, and could cause me to feel more sluggish and run down. I will also increase my water consumption to eight glasses daily.( I can start with a nice cold 12 ounce bottle from the fridge in the morning, and refill it throughout the day.) I have joined some other ladies on MomLogic here, for a group that is to promote and encourage healthy living and a change of lifestyle.
• One thing I would like to include in the year 2009 is more"paying it forward" on my part. I have participated in our family March of Dimes team for the past four years, (and plan to continue) and contributed significantly to this charity that is very near and dear to my heart. I regularly contribute clothing, toys, etc. to our local Salvation Army, which is something that isn't that difficult to do. My hubby and I also regularly give time, money and anything else necessary to our church. But I still feel the need to be more giving, even in times when cash is tight. I spend a lot of time focused on things I don't have, (materialistically at least,) that I don't think of those that really don't have food to eat, clothes to wear, or a roof over their head. I would like to contribute to Loaves and Fishes, which is a church-run food pantry in our community. On a monthly basis I will donate the needed food items on the list provided by this organization to help feed those in need. I am also considering volunteering at the Crisis Pregnancy Resource Center in our area. I have felt led to do this for some time now, and believe it is a service I can feasibly offer at least one day a month. If I come across other organizations, or situations that I feel I can help, then I will "pay it forward". I have truly been inspired by Jessica's blog and all of her fifteen days of resolutions, so I must give her some credit for motivating me to write this post.

The day after Christmas is always kind of weird for me. It is a cluttered mess of toys, clothes, wrapping paper, gift cards, and in our house, naked barbies strewn about (thanks to my 3 year old daughter) leaving a scene of utter chaos in almost every nook and cranny of our "small" home. It is overwhelming to say the least, but it is also a feeling of a sort of let-down, so to speak. Christmas is such an exciting, fun time, a time of celebration for Jesus' birth, and a time to come together with our family and spend in a joyful accord. But after the huge buildup of emotions and even after that warm and fuzzy feeling you get inside dwindles slowly away, it is kind of a bittersweet time of finality. It is as if you have been working on gifts, sending cards, decorating, cooking, and singing carols to just end in one long day of undoing. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and all of the hustle and bustle that comes with this time of year. I love watching my children's' faces after they open that gift they have been pining for, just as much as I enjoy seeing that initial look of *disappointment* when they find underwear or socks in their package. I love singing Christmas specials at church, and the after service fellowships with high calorie treats that everyone indulges in, even those on "diets". I love the adrenaline pumping "high" of opening that unknown gift that could or could not be what you hope for. I truly relish in thinking of Mary's moments holding sweet baby Jesus so many years ago, in such a humble place as a stable. I know that life will get back to "normal" and that things will get back to the same fast-paced flow, but right now I just sit and ponder how to keep Jesus in every part of this hectic, frazzled life. So the aftermath of Christmas isn't all bad, just different and something to appreciate like every other season in life.
I shall bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1

Happy Birthday Jesus!

I entered a Blog Radio Show Naming contest for two gals who have a new show. They both have really successful blogs, Monica's is Mommy Brain Reports, and Christine's is From Dates to Diapers and Beyond. Make sure you check out both of their blogs, as they have tons of great ideas and information about being a Mommy! Also, listen to their past shows here. Well, back to the contest, I am one of four finalists in the radio show naming contest and there is a vote set-up here, to pick the name for the show. The winner of the contest wins something, although I am not really sure what yet. But that doesn't matter, I just think it would be awesome to have a part in this project. My name for the show is Mom2Mom, so go vote if you want, and spread the word for me please. They will be accepting votes for the next week before they announce the new name. Thanks so much for your support. :-)
(Just click here, and here, and vote for Mom2Mom on both sites please.)

Just to let you know, I'm really not trying to turn my blog into an advertisement for giveaways, but hey, I am on a roll for giveaways (I've won 4 in the past month or so) so I figure why not continue the winning streak!

Fast Fixin’ and Walmart want to serve you and your family a Holiday Break-Feast. In the interest of saving time and money here are the 7 ways to save!
Sign up for Fanatics to print $5 in Savings coupons
Purchase the January “All You” magazine for $1.50 Savings (Magazine contains $50 in manufacturer’s coupons)
Purchase the Fast Fixin’ Breakfast items and send in the Try Me Free for up to $5 in savings.
Cut out the UPC’s from the products and collect 10 to earn a free product coupon. = $7.99 Savings
Use the coupon inside the box of Fast Fixin’ Breakfast items for a $1 savings.
Use the Coupon in the Breakfast Burrito box for a Savings of $1.50
Use the Coupon in the Fast Classics Country Fried Steak for $2 off any 2 Fast Fixin’ Breakfast Items= $2 Savings.
Total Savings: Up to $24.00

**Fast Fixin’ Breakfast products are only available at certain Walmart Locations.
Coupons listed are on a limited availability basis.
**AND THAT’S NOT ALL**
You have the chance to win 1 of 15 Years Supply of Breakfast from Fast Fixin’ and Fast Classics.
Prizes will be awarded as: 24 Free Product Coupons good on any Fast Fixin’ or Fast Classics item up to $7.99 for each family.
15 Family’s Will Win!
So head over to Consumer Queen to win this for your family!