United

I cannot tell you the number of times I heard my parents say, "Your friends will come and go, but you will have your family forever."  This was always in an effort to help us get along and not fight--an effort to help us realize that we should try just as hard to be respectful to each other as we were to our friends.

Somehow my parents were successful.  All 8 of the siblings are good friends and this started from a very early age.  Yes, the usual fighting was there, but somehow we learned to "enjoy" each other.  What was it?  How did they help us to see friendships rather than foes?

I mention this because I really want this to be a reality in my family too.  My kids generally get along with each other, but they also generally don't.  The bickering and annoyances, the "I hates," the "she's bugging me," the "he's looking at me," the irritability, and let's be honest, the selfishness, it is driving me crazy.  At one point during the break, Christian even asked if we could drop-off one of my other kids at an orphanage.  Help.

I really want to help them see that there is power in being united.  Hopefully I will be able to help them realize that there is not a lot that can be done with a broken chain.

So, although my one word to help me focus and make the most of 2011 is "Embrace,"  I think the one word that I will use as a 2011 focus for my little family is: "United."

How funny that I am now the one saying, "Your friends will come and go, but you have your family forever."

Embrace

I am a big believer that there is power in a hug.  Sometimes when Romney gets home, I tell him that I just need his hug.  Feeling his strong arms around me for just a second completely re-energizes me and gives me the ability to refocus.  There is something so strengthening about being pulled in and embraced.

I have thought a lot about the coming year and what the future holds.  I have decided that if there is one word that will help me get the most out of whatever is in store, that word would be "Embrace."

Sometimes I find that my execution in all aspects of life is done with straight arms.  I can execute, but how often do I embrace the tasks I am given?

I want this year to be different.  I want to embrace my role as a mom.  I want my kids to feel that I am available and eager to be there for them.

I want to embrace the ages of my kids.  I am shocked how quickly their childhood is beginning to fade.  How many times did I complain when they were younger and being obnoxious and pooping and crying and whining and making messes?  My heart pangs a little as I realize that those days also represented a time when they were dependent, believing, needy and mine.  There was joy in that journey too.

I want to embrace my callings and responsibilities in my church.  So many times I find that my ability to give is also with arms out straight.  I give just enough to do my job, but without embracing those callings, I fear that I am robbing myself of the joy that comes from giving with my whole heart.

Lastly, I want to embrace the relationships in my life.  I am fortunate to have great and inspiring people who surround me.  I am determined to embrace and cherish those relationships better.

2011 Blank Canvas...Embrace Life

I need to remember that to embrace requires more...  

Here's to 2011 and the chance to start anew.