Out with the Old and in with the New

I know that many of us are already thinking of what 2010 might have in store with us.

 Reflecting on 2009.

The good. The bad. The unexpected. The Wonderful.

And we're probably all thinking  about things we want to change or do better!

A fresh start. A new beginning.

I loved January's Ensign. It was totally inspiring!

I especially loved Elder Jeffrey R. Hollands talk entitled "The Best is Yet to Be"

In it he talks about the New Year.

Moving forward with Faith.

He says

 "As a new year begins and we try to benefit from a proper view of what has gone before, I plead with you not to dwell on days now gone nor to yearn vainly for yesterdays, however good those yesterdays may have been. The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives."

I loved this! How beautifully put!

We jump started the new year by having a special FHE this week on goals.

We talked about what a goal is. What kind of goals are spiritual and physical.

I will admit that I was apprehensive about Beau's topic. I  thought the kids might be young to understand but I was surprised at their receptiveness and excitement.

We told each of the our children to write down as many goals as their age...or more if they like. I was sure we would have to help them, but only Kennedy needed help.

Savanah took lots of time thinking them through and then not only wrote her goals down but wrote by them steps to help her accomplish them. Caleb new right away what he wanted to do and only needed help spelling "inappropriate" ha!

And Kennedy required lots of help to stay focused.

We typed up these cute papers and laminated them to put up on their bedroom doors.

 ( I wanted to put them  on here so I had them for my blog book.)

These are Savanah's Goals

She got a few cooking things for Christmas and we went out and bought a bin of her own to keep all of her cooking items in. So once a week, or once every other week I am going to help teach her basic cooking. Homemade pancakes, how to boil water, etc. Until we can move on to harder things!

These are Caleb's goals

He has really remembered them so far. He talks about his goals to!

It is so cute to hear!

And Kennedy's

Last year I posted a post on one word that summed up lots of my goals. It was PREPARED.

Of course I have lots of goals this year. I am a "list girl". Every night I sit down and plan out my next day. What I NEED to get done, what I HOPE to get done. What errands I need to run, etc. So I am constantly making and setting goals. But if I had to use only one word that described the majority of my goals for 2010, I think  it would be Focused!

Stay focused on the simple things of life.

Stay focused on what is truly important!

Stay focused on my goals!

Stay focused on my family!

 Focus on the good things of life. The things that will bring me closer to the Lord. Closer to those kinds of people who uplift and are kind.

Focus on my weakness's and make them strong points!

Focus on my talents. Continue to develop them and discover new ones!

And mostly stay Focused on my Savior. The gospel. The things that bring true happiness!

I am looking forward to a new year.

New learning experiences, new growth, new family adventures!

We have been so blessed and have so much to be grateful for!

I love this time of year!