My New Year's Resolutions

Every year I make them, and every year I break them. Sad. I know. But, maybe this year will be different. I am making huge changes in my life this year, so maybe I can actually keep my resolutions, which would also be a change. So, here they are. Honestly, they are usually the same every year, and it is frustrating that I can't keep them. We'll see.

1. FHE every week
2. Scriptures with family every night
3. Temple once a month
4. Never get behind by more than two weeks on tithing
5. Regular exercise every week
6. Healthy eating with treats only once in a while
7. Less phone, more sleep
8. Good grades (shouldn't be TOO hard to keep this one!)
9. Don't yell at my kids as much, if at all
10. More compliments to and dates with Mikey; think about his needs more before my own

I know this seems like a lot, but I am pretty good at keeping all of these, just not on a regular basis. So, my main goal is to just do better on them. I don't need to be perfect, but next year on New Year's Eve, I'd like to look back and feel like I did a lot better this year. That's my number one resolution--just do my best.

My Daughter's Awesome Self Esteem

When I was eleven years old, I was so self-conscious, it was painful! I was constantly worried about what other people thought of me and whether or not I was pretty or thin or good enough. It was an awful way for a beautiful, talented little girl to live. I have tried really hard to tell my daughters that they are wonderful and beautiful and smart and talented and important. I'd like to think that they are getting the picture and I really think that Audrey is, and that makes me happy. Recently, she decided that she wanted to express herself through her hair. I pondered this request for a while and I decided that I would let her. I don't want to be one of those moms who never let their kids do anything and then eventually the kids do a major backfire and do everything against their parents will. So, I gave in to this little thing. Hair grows back, or at least that's what I keep telling myself. I don't particularly like the new hairdo, but Audrey does, and it makes her feel powerful. So, that's what I DO like about it. I truly hope with all my heart that as Audrey gets older and enters middle school that this self-esteem of hers will continue to be so strong.

My Frustrations (Are a Result of My Expectations)

Yes, Dad. My frustrations are a result of my expectations. I know. But, I can't help it. When it comes to school, my expectations of myself are very high. They always have been. So, it only seems natural that when I score badly on a test, I berate myself to no end and then vow to do better next time. Well, that's what I have been doing, but it's not working. I have been getting bad score after bad score and it's really starting to get to me. Okay, it actually got to me a long time ago. Why is this happening? I don't understand! I got 100% on an accounting quiz a few weeks ago and on my last one I got exactly 80%. Some people might not be appalled at this, but I am. That's 20% less than what I should be getting, especially in accounting. Or, how about the 76% I got on one of my Geography midterms? Then there was the 64% I got on my last Biology midterm. I took another one last night and I haven't found out the results yet. If it's as abysmal as the last few, I am in big trouble. I have already resigned myself to the fact that I am not getting a 4.0 this semester. Okay. But, could I at least get some Bs out of the classes rather than Cs or, heaven forbid, a D? Ugh. I need a break. Stress sucks.