A New Year!

The holidays have come and gone and the new year is upon us and full of promise, right?  I think so.  I think that as cliche as that sounds- there is something to be said for re-starting the calendar.  Its seems like it means there are new opportunities, new adventures and new experiences to be had.  I'm not sure why it doesn't seem that way from a random Tuesday to Wednesday, but it doesn't.  You have to get a new calendar to feel that way... or at least I do.  2012 was a good year for the Clark's.  Nobody was hospitalized.  Not once.  Easton was discharged for the last time on 12/31/11 and we intend to keep it that way.  Matt didn't have to play the single parenting even though my wife lives in the house but isn't allowed to stand up role one time.  It felt a little magical:)  Even though our original plan of four children turned into three after Easton scared the daylights out of us- its all good.  It actually feels awesome to know that we are moving on.  The baby making years are fun and exciting and there really is no feeling like the one of pushing a baby out, I mean welcoming a new baby into your house, but it also feels good to move on.  We have lived it.  We have had someone in diapers since 2007 and it is pretty awesome that within this year, we are done-zo!  Not that I really mind changing a diaper but ya know, its not that fun.  I realize as your kids grow older, their issues can be more complicated and have struggles of their own but there is no denying the day to day life gets easier.  When everyone dresses themselves, brushes their own teeth, fastens their own seat belts, gets their own drinks and wipes their own booties, it has to make life a little easier on the parents.  This year, I have so many things on my list that I want to accomplish.  I think 2012 was about getting back on our feet after a rough ride but now its time to get down to business and start making things happen!

2012 was also the year that our family and friends rallied around us and helped us give back.  The Team Easton Gives Back benefit was a night we will never forget.  Raising over $27,000 was an incredible feeling and I know it was appreciated.

First off, I want to focus on health in all areas.  I want to celebrate the fact that my family is healthy.  Easton obviously doesn't have a clean bill of health just yet but I have faith that those lungs are going to decide to get their act together.  Soon.  I'd like to get him into a position where he doesn't require daily drugs but I can't complain about where we are from where we were.  Slow and steady, my little turtle.  He will get there.  I'd also like to mention that for having sucky lungs and the most horrific immune system I have ever seen- he sure is fast (which is why I love the irony of calling him my turtle:).  And naughty.  And a little on the crazy side. Clearly, nothing will stop this baby so look out world! 

Matthew and I have been really involved in fitness for the last year and it feels so good.  Its really not about wanting to look a certain way but its incredible to see what your body is capable of.  Many know that I have not had an easy road in this department but I feel stronger and healthier than ever.  I'm looking to see just what this body is made of and be ready to kick some serious a*s if I ever need to!  Not really.  Well, kinda.  I joined Matt in the crazy world of Cross Fit and as scary and intimidating as it was at first, its necessary.  My favorite thing about it is that I really think its as much a mental challenge as it is physical.  Its scary.  I mean we run around, climb ropes, jump on boxes, lift heavy barbells over our head and jump under them, jump rope, play on rings,  sit up, pull up, stand on our heads and so much more.  Who wouldn't want to do that?  Your body may look and feel like a war zone but its so much fun.  YOU should go do it!  If we can, so can you.  Its good for the soul to step outside your comfort zone and you'll never feel better than you do when class is over.  Its a high... without the drugs and hangover.  "Take care of your body, its the one place you have to live."  Jim Robin.

Next thing I want to focus on is creating more traditions with our kids.  We have certain things we do at Christmas and different times of the year but I want to create more traditions that my kids can pass on to their own.   I like the idea of an expectation that a family will have something to look forward to each and every year at different times.  I like no excuses.  I want to take time to realize  how young and impressionable my kids are and teach them to roll with the punches.  Life is certainly not always easy but Matt and I do a pretty good job of forging ahead and I want make sure my kids have the same attitude.  Lessons are taught by example and with a little less chaos in our lives, I'm hoping to have the time to express valuable life lessons within our everyday life.  Three little kids overwhelms me at times but I'm going to give it my best shot to slow down and enjoy them while they are little and begging for my attention before they are older and ignoring me.  

I also want to have more date nights with my husband, I want to get rid of my Mommy-Crisis Mini Van, I want more girl time with friends, I want to do less laundry and buy more furniture, I'd love to go to Florida 5 times and spend less time worrying about things I can't control.  I'd like to find the perfect haircut and have more patience than God.  See, its all about balance and I'm looking for the perfect one!

We have family pictures this weekend.  This is always an adventure.  To make things even more interesting, I've decided to do them in the snow.  Like I said, I'm up for the challenge.  I'll share the finished products soon!

I hope that all that read this start the year out with a bang.  I'm starting  mine out with strep throat but look at me, I'm still living the dream.  Take the good with the bad, roll with the punches, love your family and friends and take care of your kids.  There you have it.  Your 2013 advice from yours truly.

Happy New Year!