Reflections and Goals for 2010

As I contemplate the new year I have been trying to think about what I want my focus to be for myself and for our family, in the things that I have control over. Things that I can improve in our family situation and the relationships that we have with each other.

These are some quotes I have found that speak to me this year.

"I enjoy doing housework, ironing, washing, cooking, dish washing. Whenever I get one of those questionnaires and they ask what is your profession, I always put down housewife. It's an admirable profession, why apologize for it. You aren't stupid because you're a housewife. When you're stirring the jam you can read Shakespeare."
~ Tasha Tudor

"As I was wandering over the green not knowing where I went, I came upon the sweetest home, the cottage of content."

"Ah! There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort."
~ Jane Austen

"Blessed is the woman who has a smile in her voice, a sparkle in her eyes, a song on her lips; a spring in her step, a warmth in her touch, a depth in her beauty, a purpose for her life, a joy in her faith, a hope in her breast and a love in her heart."
~ William Arthur Ward

"I want my daughters to be beautiful, accomplished, and good; to be admired, loved, and respected; to have a happy youth; to be well and wisely married and to lead useful, pleasant lives with as little care and sorrow to try them as God sees fit to send."
~ Mrs. March
Little Women ( I also want this for myself.)
Some of the things I have been thinking of for self improvement this coming year are:

To get my prayer life back on track as it was before Arwen was born
To make an exercise routine a prioriy
To be very organised in my preparations for each day
To have menu plans for each season that actually work and to be on top of them
To have our School plans worked out before each term and to have School holidays off this year.
To be prepared for the Liturgical feasts etc before the day, having everything prepared.
To read through the entire Bible this year
To read the list of books I have chosen for the year (list to come)
To really look for ways to increase my devotion and care of my family
To have a plan for myself each day so I can participate in these things: Craft, reading, time outside, blogging, online forums and e-mails as well as the time with my family of course and Educating our children
To emulate those role models I admire - taking what I like from their lives and adapting them to my own.
To develop the relationship I have with my Husband and each of our children so I am truly in harmony with them
To pray more specifically for Stephen and the children, writing in my prayer journal specific requests
To be more nurturing and caring , always having a smile on my lips and a song in my heart. Sharing the love I have each day at all times.
To go to First Friday Mass, at least (and maybe every Friday Mass) every month this year

This is my list for now. I may review it and change it. But this is what speaks to my heart at the moment.
Blessings,