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2021 Goals

 Christmas break was nice.  I mean, really nice. The girls visited. We didn't have workers at our house every day. All of us enjoyed a break from online school, work, and routines.


Even though our only decoration was the Christmas tree, we still enjoyed the important traditions like reenacting the story of Jesus Christ’s birth, Christmas pajamas, Christmas movies, a little baking, and just enjoying each other’s company.












We did use a lot of our break to finalize house preparations like replacing all of our black-lined can lights with white cans (thank you, Emily and Rick), clearing more clutter, organizing our bookshelves, tidying our pantry, and cleaning windows and floors. By the end of the break, we were ready for pictures.




And now we're into a new year.I like to start a new year with goals in mind. I like the kids to think about things they might want to do to improve. We revisit our goals periodically throughout the year. We're not super crazy about setting "do or die" expectations, but the beginning of a new year is a natural time to reflect and recommit to improving.

This year, though, pandemic restrictions and getting our house ready to sell have dampened my ability to plan events or set certain goals. There are just too many unknowns  I’m afraid that if I set goals, I’ll just become frustrated when life circumstances make them nearly impossible.

Besides, I already have some good habits that I have worked into my every day life—exercising, scripture study, maintaining an orderly house, etc. I can deepen my commitment to these goals and look for unique ways to challenge myself, but I think getting our house sold and helping my family transition to a new place with new jobs, friends, and schools will be a worthy enough challenge. If I keep up with the little healthy habits I already have while also accomplishing this big move, I will count 2021 a success.

The house will be officially on the market starting tomorrow  I’m nervous about how fast (or slow) it will sell, finding the right home in State College, and helping the kids to transition well by keeping the things I can control as stable as possible.Through this entire move—from the glimmer of an idea to full on execution, I have felt guided and comforted. It has been a lot of work and I have crashed for a few days at a time with migraines, but I feel confident that we are doing the right things and everything will work out. 

Also, it helps to laugh at silly things once in a while.








And to treasure peaceful moments.








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