Day 4 - 40 Days of Blogging

Exercise.

Now here is a post for ya...2014 seems to be the year that I might actually consistently exercise for the ENTIRE year. Well, maybe I shouldn't get that excited about it, but so far so good this year! It's only been about, ummm, maybe...4 years or so since I can say I've worked out consistently. That might be an exaggeration, but not by much. ;)

For some reason, it takes me a while...a LONG while to get back into the whole exercise thing after I have babies. It's probably something to do with a little thing called sleep. I need it. And when I don't get it...well the idea of doing anything beyond the necessary daily tasks is a bit overwhelming.

Zay didn't consistently sleep through the night for TWO years...(he had many health problems that didn't help this cause), and Ellie was a bit better, as she started sleeping all night around 4 months, and was doing it consistently by 6 months. Yay!

So...now that I get to sleep, I feel like I can wake up and get a workout in...most days! I don't think I would be nearly as excited about this if it weren't for my extremely dedicated husband! I call him "trainer Shane", because if I need to know anything about working out - he's my guy. He researches a lot about fitness and then practices what he preaches! Good motivation!

Here are a few of my favorite workouts...I really like body weight workouts. Something to get my heart going, give me variety, and maybe even make me feel a bit sore the next day to prove I did work hard! ;) I'm not really competitive...as in, not at all, I just want to feel accomplished with my workouts. And these workouts are just modified ideas from blogs, instagram feeds and facebook pages I follow. I am NOT a trainer, so these workouts could be horrible, but they seem to work for me. And I do try to switch things up every so often, too! :)

2011...2012

I did this last year, and thought I'd take a moment to reflect and look forward to this coming year as well! Happy New Year! :)

11 Words to describe 2011...

1. God-filled

2. Amazing

3. Challenging

4. Bittersweet

5. Changing

6. Persevering

7. Rewarding

8. Grateful

9. Cherished

10. Blessed

11. Perfect

11 Things Learned in 2011...

1. God can and will make things happen! Philippians 4:6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

2. Be grateful for friends...moving away from friends helps you discern the difference between good friends and mere acquaintances. And that's ok.

3. You won't and can't agree with everyone. Realize that sometimes people will rationalize and justify anything just to be right...let them. The important thing is that you do what is right for you and your family.

4. Shane and I still are an incredible team, when I'm with him, there is nothing we can't conquer!

5. Enjoy this "never to be returned to you" season of life. These memories are priceless - write them down!

6. My new job rocks! It may be 24/7 with no pay and no vacation time, but all the other benefits are out of this world! It's sad, but I rarely think about or miss my old job...I only miss the people.

7. I've found a new level of respect for my husband, as the sole provider of our family, he works hard. I appreciate all he does for us!

8. My son is incredible! He is simply the best. Spending my days with him and seeing him grow and flourish lights up my life. I am so grateful that I am able to see him learn and discover everyday. And so proud when he obeys and his personality shines bright!

9. Finding time to spend with God is important! It's how I get filled up, recharged and focused on what is important.

10. It doesn't have to be well with your circumstances to be well with your soul!

11. All burdens and blessings come from God. And his grace is sufficient for me to carry each burden and blessing. Praise him always!

12 Hopes for 2012...

1. Intentionally be more prayerful and in the Word...continuously growing towards God. (This seems to remain at the top each year)

2. Look for ways to express more love and serve my husband.

3. Love on my son as much as humanly possible...I want to seize these fleeting moments of his toddlerhood.

4. I want to learn more ways to cook for Zay and our family. New recipes, new foods and new ideas for making food for our entire family.

5. Carve out time for more exercise.

6. Read, read, read. I did better in 2011, but I would like to still make time for more.

7. Tune into where God is leading our family. Find a church home and become involved. Possibly find a permanent home and town this year? And hopefully find a small group and/or friends to 'live life with'.

8. Achieve patience and consistency in parenting our toddler. Along with learning how to teach him everything from the ABC's to important character qualities.

9. Enjoy family and friendships...and hopefully make some new friends in our new community...wherever that ends up being!

10. Organize and continue to simplify our home and life!

11. Document more...pictures, stories, memories! I want to remember everything from this season of our life!

12. Embrace all of life's blessings and be thankful.

2010...2011

10 Words to describe 2010...

1. Intense

2. Fun

3. Love-Filled

4. Transitional

5. Transforming

6. Educational

7. Unforgettable

8. Unpredictable

9. Fleeting

10. Perfect

10 Things Learned in 2010...

1. God is a BIG God!

2. Life's 'downs' make life's 'ups' all the more spectacular.

3. You really are stronger than you think.

4. Shane and I are an incredible team.

5. Family and friends really are special...it's important to appreciate them.

6. I have a great job, but I was hired for my most important job when I became a mother.

7. My husband is an amazing man and dad...not many people can handle stress with love and gentleness like he can.

8. My son makes me appreciate so many things. His struggles, his energy, his curiosity and his love really have taught me so much.

9. Giving really does feel good.

10. As long as I'm continually seeking God's will, I will be happy.

11 Hopes for 2011...

1. Intentionally be more prayerful and in the Word...continuously growing towards God.

2. Look for ways to express more love and serve my husband.

3. Love on my son as much as humanly possible...I want to seize these fleeting moments of his baby/toddlerhood.

4. I want to learn more ways to cook for Zay. New recipes, new foods and new ideas for making his diet fun!

5. Carve out some time for exercise. I fell off the wagon in the latter part 2010...time to get back at it.

6. Read, read, read. Definitely a passion of mine that I would like to make more time for.

7. Tune into where God is leading me and follow Him, even if I'm not sure where He is taking me.

8. Achieve patience and consistency in parenting my toddler.

9. Enjoy family and friendships...life is always too short not to.

10. Create simplicity and a slower pace in our weeks and months.

11. Embrace all of life's blessings and be thankful.

Happy New Year!

Ok - so I've realized how much I've neglected this blog in 2008. Shane laughs because I was so excited to have this blog, and to have a online documentary of our life, however I have miserably failed at actually utilizing it! I'm usually not one to make "New Year Resolutions" however, I do enjoy setting new goals and dreams throughout the year. I find that I'm usually motivated by by trying new ways to achieve my goals whatever they may be at the time.

So with that being said, one of the things I would like to achieve this year is updating this blog more. Here is a list of some other interests for 2009! I don't want to call these goals or resolutions for the new year, however I find that living intentionally usually helps me stay focused on what really matters!

Jackee's intentions for 2009:

1. Bible Study/Reading: I would really like to find more time to get into the Bible and really let God speak to me through his word. I don't do this nearly enough right now. I absolutely love to read, however usually it involves reading books, magazines, and Internet articles. It's time to dig into some Bible study!

2. Cooking: I'm going to try really hard to learn new recipes and cook better dinners. I've found that just planning ahead really helps me in this area. Even though planning a "menu" for the upcoming week seems a little obsessive, it really helps me have plenty of options in the house when we get home at 5:00 and ask "What's for dinner?" What's even better is that Shane and I enjoy cooking together!

3. Running: I want to get running again. I've never really stopped running for an extended period of time, however I have taken a few weeks off after doing a challenge with some friends this winter. I want to become more consistent in my running and possibly start running in the mornings before work. This would help me with routine and accountability. We will see about doing any races. I don't have much of a desire to do a marathon at this point...I'm not all that competitive when it comes to races.

4. Sewing: I know, I know...a little dorky. I've had a bit of an interest in sewing for a while now, and my parents gave me a sewing machine for Christmas this year! I've started sewing an apron and I'll be excited to finish it finally. I also want to make some pillows and some kind of blanket. We are starting small and see how I do!

5. Debt Reduction: This has been something Shane and I have been working on consistently for a while now. It's something that isn't easy, but will be so worth it when we can be out of debt! Although, I don't see us completing this goal for many years, it's still something that I like to focus on and never forget.

6. Simplify: I love trying to clear the clutter out of my life. Whenever I simplify, it feels like I can focus on everything else better. I'd like to continue to go through our house and get rid of the things we don't need or use.

So I was sharing with Shane the items that I would like to strive to achieve in 2009 and he agreed to let me put his list on here too! It's great to have discussions about what we want to work toward together and there are a few we left off, however we will probably devote some other posts to those! For now, here is Shane's list!

1. Bible Reading: I want to continue to grow my faith and learn more about what God's will is in my life.

2. Serving: I want to find where God would use me and my story to help others.

3. Running/Lifting & Eating Healthier: I'd like to find a balance in working out and life. Spending the right amount of time to stay in shape while not letting it consume my life.

4. Career Promotion: I'd like to find ways to continue to grow in my career and possibly get promoted. And a nice raise to help with everything above! :)

5. Home Projects: Multiple projects around the house that need to be done! ie: lighting in basement, crown molding, new fence, paint porch

Dream big this year - and do something about it! Happy 2009!