My Board

Beginnings are exciting!  Fresh, new, and filled with promise in addition to so much hope.

I'm saying farewell to 2013 with this dream board for 2014.  As I went back and forth about putting this out there, I thought maybe by sharing a few of my 2014 dreams, some of you might think more about yours as well.

There is always so much to learn!  While I have a good start with the guitar from last year, when my hands finally stop shaking enough to play  I'd like to learn more. Not only have I enjoyed the process, but actually playing again on a more regular basis brought back something in me I'd misplaced some time ago.

In the meantime, I have a little girl with a new sewing machine, itching to make a long list of projects.  Her enthusiasm is bubbling over like a shaken bottle of champagne and I can't help but feel the same.  Here's to relearning about bobbins and seams this year, but even better, seeing the satisfaction on her face when she finishes the first on her list, a pillow case!

While we have waited for Cole's news and altered our daily existences to all the physicians have advised, we've placed so much on hold.  Obviously it is out of necessity, not to mention the absolute best choice for Cole, but at the same time, there are still memories to be made.  For now, there are many places the girls are dreaming about that are just out of the question, which makes me sad.  However, unlike last year, Nick and I want to get them camping, somewhere with good fishing, lots of new hikes, and beautiful scenery.  This is one thing we know we can do safely out of flu season, and we hope to have either friends or family along for the journey to share some of the adventure with us to help make some of these memories, they are better and will last longer than anything we can buy.

Personally, while not an exact location in mind, I'd like to have a day, somewhere with beautiful scenery, just to sit, reflect, be quiet, and write without interruptions.  Yes, I realize I can write at home, and while I do, I would like an opportunity for a little composition retreat. No place far or crazy, just inspiring.

Oh good deeds.  So many things I dream of here.

First of all is related to our Crohns and Colitis walk.  This will be our third year walking as our team "Cole's Crohnies" to raise awareness for IBD and funds towards a cure for these life-long debilitating conditions.  In the past, Paige and Gwyn have found their own ways to contribute to our team.  This year  Paige wants to make loom bracelets in hues of purple and white, the Crohns and colitis colors, and sell them to raise money to donate.  To help her, I want to plan a loom afternoon for friends who would like to help get an inventory together so she is able to have some to maybe stock at the school book store if she is granted permission or even sell at a school function.  Ironically, the bracelet colors are her school colors, so she is hoping her idea will be a success.

For myself, this year is about giving back and paying forward where I can.  Honestly, from friends just lending an ear as I struggled through accepting permanent changes, to celebrating ups and encouraging me through the downs of Cole's journey, not to mention the sheer outpouring of support during my little hiccup, I am so grateful and fortunate to have such abundances of friendship and love blessing our corner of the world.  It is the little things that are truly the big things, and if I can do one thing to brighten someone else's day a bit when they need it, I would like to.  I know the difference these gestures have meant to me, and while giving back isn't anything new, I'd like to find more instances to do so.

One thing I'd like to try to be better at is staying in touch.  Everyday life gets so busy sometimes and I put off writing that letter or email, or even making the phone call to someone I haven't talked to in a while, but would like to.  Before I know it, so much time has gone by!  I'd like to see more of our friends and family when we are able, catch up by the fire or go on a hike if that is what we can coordinate.  I miss the house full of people, whether it be for a holiday, a football game or just because we made a big dinner.  Even with our limitations, I know there are ways we can connect virtually and safe times of the year to get together with others.  There are so many of you I'd love to catch up with, and in some way, shape or form, I will try my best.

Yes, I have a few other personal dreams are fairly basic.

The first is to do what I need to get stronger, recover, fall into and maintain remission.  Ok, so it sounds much easier than it may be, but it is purely a matter of doing what is necessary one day at a time, one activity or meal at a time.  While I've had my diagnosis for years, even had some nasty flares, I have never taken it as seriously as I do now.  This summer I want to be able to keep up with the kids no matter what we are doing, which means I need to take little steps every day to get there.  I know I can do this, and I know the end result is worth it.

The second is to get rid of the clutter.  Boxes in the basement I haven't touched since we moved need to go.   Pre-pregnancy, out of fashion clothes I might wear someday need to go.  So many other things I do not need, just need to go.

Lastly, I plan to excel in what I'm working on from home.  For now, that's my Tastefully Simple endeavor.  Hopefully in the near future I'll have another new set of tasks to accomplish.  Work challenges and goals have always driven me, having them again will not only benefit me but the household as well.

My family goals are simple.  I want to be in the moment more.  I want to listen more carefully, more intently.  Every once in a while, I'd like to stop for a one on one with each of the kids, again, to talk, connect with their hopes and dreams.  I'd like to build new memories: fun ones, silly ones, happy ones.  Besides one on one time with the kids, I hope to steal some time for a date or two with Nick, something we always say we will do, but rarely fit into the mix.

It looks like my 2014 will be rather full at this rate!  I'll take it and run. I'm ready for it all,  even the surprises that I know are lurking around the corner, after all, they make good stories later on.  :)