Moving forward to a better me

We have made it through 2012 in a flash.  I am amazed of the different changes and fun things we did over the year.

Our family had some amazing trips to Disneyland, Reno and Spokane. 
Mom came to visit us and we visited Leavenworth
Lexi started soccer with Johnny as her coach, and scored 2 goals
Danielle turned 3and everyone can tell she is definitely a 3yr old
Lexi started Kindergarten
Danielle got potty trained
Lexi learned to ride her bike on two wheels.
Danielle started a preschool group and loves it
Johnny had a surprise promotion in September to a nuclear engineer
Celebrated Christmas in Reno

Now we are facing 2013 with many new adventures ahead. I am not one that likes to make new years resolutions but as I thought about what I wanted to accomplish this year, I couldn't help but to ponder how I personally have grown last year.  As I look back at 2012, our family had lots of fun throughout the year, but we did have some bigger trials.  Without talking of them, here is what I learned:

• Don't be afraid of standing up for yourself.  I really struggle with this because I don't want to cause contention.  But in one trial in particular this year, I could not ignore the spirit guiding me as a mother.  It was a hard thing because it affected so many around me.  I am glad I listened and followed through because I have seen the improvements in my children and myself. I also can feel confident it was the right path for my kid's future too.
• I don't have to be best friends with everyone even if they are family
• I can do hard things, like teach Relief Society
• I have the spirit more with me than I think, I just need to learn to be still and listen better
• When a trial comes, if I can look for the best in it, (sometimes harder than others) it is easier to overcome and seems not so big
• I am more grateful for my daughters and that I was able to endure the pregnancies and births. They were a challenge for sure but could have been a lot worse.
• Not everyone is going to like me and I can't change that
• I enjoy visiting teaching my ward sisters
• Pray with my husband more

I don't really want to make yearly goals but some lifetime goals.  So this is what I hope to work on not only 2013 but forever

• Be a better friend, and show the ones I do have how thankful I am for them
• Working on sins of omissions
• Be a player in things I feel I can't do or am not going to be good at, and stop cheering others from the sidelines
• Enjoy the limited years that I have with my kids by playing more games and coloring more
• Be the person that if someone where to say something bad about them, no one would believe them
• Realize that others will not change sometimes and I don't have to always stick around and keep getting hurt
• Be more healthy, both body and mind

Hopefully I can continue to grow in different ways. I know life isn't going to be easy all the time, but I hope I can have a good attitude through it all. Wish me luck!