Wow, 2013 flew by!! Zak and I had an incredible year and we are very much looking forward to the year ahead. We both hope each of you had an amazing year and continue to have another one just as amazing. There is something so fresh about starting a new year; a new attitude, starting new things, and cleaning out the junk in our lives. It's kind of like the diet mentality (you know, you can only start a diet on a Monday, the other days of the week just don't feel right). There have been things weighing on my heart and mind that I just haven't had the right timing to give attention to, and now with a brand new year I feel like I can address those thoughts and really get down to business with tackling them. I hope the new year brings you the right timing to do things you've been putting aside as well.

There's a tradition that comes with this time of year, making resolutions. For the past few years mine have always been the same as 95% of America...get in shape, lose weight, visit the gym more, blah blah. Zak basically lives in his gym, and I am enjoying prenatal stretching and yoga, so this year we decided to resolute to something more appropriate that really fit our lifestyles. My darling husband wants to pursue butchering skills this year, how cool?!?! He is doing some research and planning on talking to local meat markets to see about shadowing their butchers. I know he would make the best butcher, and learning about it now would give us a head start on the small farm we dream of having one day. I'm not sure how he's going to feel about using a hair net around his pride and joy (the beard), but I reckon we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Oh, he also made the resolution to be more aware of picking up his dirty clothes, this one is definitely my favorite! I have all the confidence in the world that he will reach this goal one day soon.

As far as my resolution, I decided I am going to make an effort to stress less. I have gone through a long journey of getting rid of past anger and bitterness, but I still get so stressed about the smallest things. I know I'm on hormone overload and way sensitive right now, but I get too upset over the small stuff that just really doesn't matter in the grand scheme of things. Stress is such a dangerous poison that has the ability to tear apart how we think, how we function, and basically rip apart who we are. It's just not a safe thing to have emotional, spiritually, physically. With this pregnancy I have learned many breathing and relaxation techniques that I plan on using to help me de-stress. Between those different practices, talking it out with my husband, and thinking about Zaylen, I know I will overcome this! So this year I will not let the small things bother me, I will rid my life of the toxicity, and I will be the most calm, patient, loving wife and mother I can be. 

Resolutions are a great way to start the new year, but many people don't keep them past a month or two. Zak and I are holding each other accountable for ours (I'm sure I will write them down and post them in the house somewhere for a daily reminder) and I challenge each of you to make a meaningful resolution and really stick with it this year. Who knows what we can accomplish by just a little effort every day. We both hope you have a blessed start to a wonderful year ahead!!