2014 Goal Time

I don't really like the whole idea of "New Year's Resolutions."
It kinda makes me feel like I am setting myself up to fail.
I do, however, like to make goals.
I wrote about my goals in 2013 and in 2012.
(I never did make that loaf of homeade bread . . . maybe this will be the year.)
And I like to have them written down as a source of accountability.
Some of my goals this year are very measurable, while others can't be measured by anything other than my own feelings.
But I want to have them in one place to look back on and see the things God has done in my life and in my family's.
My first goal in 2014 is going to be to keep up with #thebettellidaily2014 on instagram.
I am loubettelli on the site, and I am going to try to post a picture of our day everyday in 2014. 

I think it will be loads of fun to look back over the year and see our daily goings-ons in one place.
I also want to be better about blogging.
Last year was such a whirlwind of moving and new baby and job changes and starting homeschool that time just slipped away from me.
But I can't ever get enough of looking back over our memories, and this blog is such a special way to keep them in one place and easily accessible.
Now, for the goals that are a little less concrete.
I want to be a part of my kids lives instead of just facilitating them.
I sometimes feel like I am just their teacher, disciplinarian, chef, maid . . . you get the picture.
I want my "mother" role to be the chief job I have in my home and those other things to take a back seat.
I know those jobs can't completely disappear, but I also need to take the time to play and enjoy my kids and their unique personalities and special hearts.

Lastly, I really want to let go.
I am, by nature, a controlling person.
I don't always obsess over the big stuff, but I seem to just always have a plan for all of the little things.
I have definitely learned through the circumstances God has had for my family that I am in no way in control.
Yet I still try to control it all.
Why?
I have no answers, only questions.
One example is the sale of our house.
It has been on the market now for about 2 weeks.
Tim is working an hour away, so we really feel like our family needs to be closer to that place.
He has the type of job that we can really be a part of and enjoy if we were closer.
I just keep trying to manipulate God and tell Him all the reasons we need to sell this house for the price I want, so we can get up there.
Then I start getting anxious about finding the right house once we sell this one.
I go around and around, but I want to just be still.
I know His plan is best.
I want that plan.
So letting go . . . 
I'm working on it.