December was a hard month around here. Lots of sick bugs mixed in with a ton of other stuff that just made some of the stresses of living here (like finding a doctor that doesn't have a massive waiting list..) magnified. How grateful I was that we made the decision back at the beginning of November to simplify Christmas and New Years. I think it was the first year we did not have guests. It felt a little strange. But I wonder if the strangeness wasn't due more to the fact of being in a new country than it had to do with the factor of not having guests over. Hm. Enough about Christmas for the moment though, as I will post more on that later.
Right now, I really just want to take a minute to say a big "hello!" to 2014. We sat down together as a family on our last Family Home Evening of 2013 and each decided on some goals that we wanted to tackle this year. Living in a city that has so many resources Jason and I kind of wanted to capitalize on that a bit by ensuring our goals used those resources (like first aid courses in our first language). In any case, here is what we came up with.
Jason: First aid certification. Wilderness survival course. More time to practicing piano. Get a bed (You read that right...we still don't have one. This pull-out sofa thing is getting pretty madly uncomfortable. Unfortunately, this one is really far down the list of financial priorities. Moving is expensive and so is this city.)
Laura: Learn to play guitar (hahahaha... I know our neighbours are going to love this one. Thankfully for them this one is kind of on the back burner because I need a guitar before I can learn to play one.). First aid certification (I really think all parents should have this!). Carve out some time to start French. Find more fun (and creative!) ways to introduce music to the kids.
Atticus: Learn basic swimming. Learn to tie shoes. Create and build an airplane out of lego. Create and build a boat out of lego.
Milayla: Take swim classes. Use the toilet all by herself.
We're excited to get to work. I'm also working on my 'one word' for the year (last year's word can be found here) and which principles I want to work on with the kids along with my individual role goals (like being a mom :) ). Which means that I better go and get started on that lovely thing called planning.
Hope you all have a wonderful New Year filled with many opportunities to strengthen families, friendships, and faith.
1 comment:
Your new header is beautiful, and I hope you get a bed soon. :) Man, it IS so expensive moving, but I'm always so impressed with your attitude. I'm excited to hear your new word for the year.
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