Goals, goals, goals...

I have been very remiss in posting--things have been busy, plus I'm learning that I'm not a writer.  And that's ok.

My life needs balance.  It needs order.  It needs consistency.  I've been struggling to find these things for a while now--I have a feeling this will be a lifelong struggle.  Slowly, but surely, I think I am making some progress.  It's time, though, for some concrete changes:

My prayer life needs to be given top priority--when I first started this blog, that was going pretty well, or so I thought.  As usual, I tried to do too much too quickly and it has since fizzled out.  My short term goal here is to make all that I do throughout the day an offering to Him.  And to set aside time each day, even if it's only 15 minutes, to talk to Jesus.

My daughter will be 3 next month--I really want and need to have some specific time a couple days each week set aside for "school".  I plan to do "official" preschool next fall and I don't want it to be a complete surprise--I want her to be used to sitting down for an hour or so at a time, learning.

I need to play with my children more--for their sake, just as much as for mine.  So often I find myself caught up in doing, doing, doing; I fail to enjoy my children and the life that we share.  When I take the time to stop and see the world through their eyes, what a marvel it is!

I need to continue tweaking my system for keeping the house clean and orderly.  I do not want this to take the bulk of my time, but neither can it be neglected.

I have got to get a handle on discipline.  I have resorted to punishment far too often--I hate being stuck in this "punishment mentality" and I really want to get (back) to more of a "discipline mentality."  (Parenting with Grace by Dr. Popcak and his wife addresses this difference very well.)  I also need to learn to let go a little more--I am kind of a control freak.  Thankfully, through God's grace, with each child, I seem to have learned to let a little more go.  Who knows, by the time we're finished having children (and only He knows when that will be), I may the most laid back momma evah!  One can hope, right?  My children are such precious gifts, and I have to do right by them.  All I know is that what I'm doing now is not what's best for them--prayers for help in discovering that would be most appreciated!

I think that is a good place to start--not all at once though.  I've learned the hard way that I have a tendency to try to tackle everything at once.  Usually, I get off to a great start, but fizzle out within a few weeks.  So, I'm going to try to be realistic without being too easy on myself--that's a lot harder for me than it sounds.