My Word...

As I have been browsing posts, I have enjoyed reading about people's aspirations and resolutions for 2009 and reflections on 2008.

I have been doing a lot of reflecting and aspiring myself the past few days... Always good practice!

In particular I was inspired by those who choose one word to imprint on their lives for this new year. I have been trying to follow their lead and wrap my own outlook for this year into one word. I should begin by saying I gave up New Years resolutions long ago, deciding that everyday is the opportunity to begin anew and become a better you. This New Year feels so different in my little family. It feels as if we have landed. We've got the basic blueprint (reflecting back on our construction days) in place. The couple broaching ten years of marriage that neither of us would have changed in anyway, the two beautiful, bright, loving, blessings we have the privilege of calling our daughters, the jobs, the dogs, and the house which sits next to our trailer that will take us on many adventures (none of which will ever include permanent residence again). I think it is just a good time to take one big step forward into this year and the future in general.

The word that best describes my wishes for my family this year is... FREEDOM.

~I hope for Tony to have freedom from the stress and often unpleasantness of his job. I aspire for him to have time to wander out into the woods on his snowshoes, feel the ultimate release of clocking hundreds of miles on his bike, to find space in his busy life for quiet moments drawing or writing verses, and to always know that he has three cheerleaders at home.

~I hope for Kyndra to have freedom from her worries or at least those that are beyond what a five (almost six) year old should be concerned with. Her little heart is just so sweet that she panics over the feelings of others and if she has done the right thing. I love that she is conscientious, but I want her to have the freedom of being 'just' a little girl.



~ I hope for Kylee to continue to have the freedom of 'not' being in a box. She is her own person, marching to her own drum. I want to continue to celebrate her spiritedness and help channel all that is Kylee in a positive direction. I aspire for her to continue to use her funny little words to humor us and express her feelings.





~ For myself I desire freedom from these extra pounds that I have been carrying around for way too long. I desire to be a healthy, energetic mom and wife. I desire the freedom to hold my head just a little higher. I have all the tools, but I just keep failing to commit and letting my personal goals take a sideline.

~And last for my family as a whole I hope we can celebrate all the freedoms that we have. I know, being an American, our list of freedoms is endless, but some in particular that I want to celebrate this year are: freedom of religion, I really want to feed our faith this year as my kids are starting to understand this ever so important part of our family... the freedom to play, play, play and just not sweat the small stuff... the freedom to live as we wish and continue to focus on a more simple life to be free from indebtedness... to just be ourselves and live up to our standards, which I think are laden with integrity and perseverance... the freedom to reach out to those who are hurting or in need... the freedom to take deep, healthy breaths everyday and smile at each morning that greets us.


It's going to be a great year!