my happiness project.

I have hesitated posting about this sooo much, because, well, by actually putting this out there, that means I have to stick to it, which scares me. So, I don't know exactly why I am sharing this little project of mine. But, for whatever reason, a moment of insanity has lead me to share some goals I've outlined for the next year.

The idea for my own happiness project came from the book The Happiness Project (who would have ever guessed?!)  I took this book with me everywhere this summer as a fun read --- I actually didn't even finish it, but that Gretchen Rubin inspired me to take on my own Happiness Project in just the first half of the book.  (Maybe one of my goals should be to finish the second half?) In the book, the author focuses on ONE THING every month to work on. Just one thing. And she works on it all month. I think this approach makes goals much more achievable, while giving you time to see the fruits of your work.

Disclaimer: We are happy! I am happy! Actually I am the happiest I have ever been in my whole life. No contest. Tanner has blessed my life beyond comprehension --- I wish life could just be as it is, right now, here in this moment, forever.

But with that said, I KNOW  there are some things that I could be better at, some things that I believe if I were to focus on, there would be greater peace in our home & in our hearts. I hope that by focusing on these monthly goals that we will be able to live life more fully, and gratefully. I want us to be savoring this time.  Every last moment.

So, here we go!!! Gretchen did hers for a whole year, but I'm sort of terrified that I won't last a year (seriously though), but there are lots of things I want to work on so I still made goals for mostly the whole year, even if some will change as I go!

January :  Cleanliness and Organization

February :Bettering our Marriage

March : Budgeting

April : Take Risks + Try NEW things

May : Serve Others

June : Outdoors. Everything outdoors.

July: Be Creative

August : Healthy Living  (No eating out?!) 

September : Kindness & Patience

October : Strengthen Relationships (friends + fam) 

November :  ????

December: ????

There they are. Let's do this!

welcome 2013

This past year was a good good year. There were so many moments this past year where I felt so amazed by how blessed we have been. It was a happy, healthy year full of beginnings and ends, each of which brought us much joy & at times, sorrow. 

In January, Tanner started a new job. He has worked so hard, and has so much to be proud of. He amazes me. If I do say so myself...

We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary, and our 3rd Christmas season together.

We traveled to.... oh wait no where. Let's hope that changes in 2013! But, really, we did go to St. George a couple of times, Vegas, and Palm Springs for a day. Next year, I really really hope New York City, and Redfish can be added to that list! 

I started and finished a job that I loved at the Credit Union, and now I "get" to focus on school in the coming year. It totally is a blessing, but I am going to miss my job.


And best of all this year? We bought our first house! 

>>------------------------>>> here are a couple pictures 
                                      (i'll post more when I have 'em)

This picture is super pixely but I love how our new comforter goes with my chair//dresser//mirror. We also hung some new pretty gray curtains in here. 

Our yard! We don't even know what to do with it. Maybe we'll build a snowman when it's not 6 degrees outside!? 

Bring it on 2013!! Something tells us this year is going to be the best yet... :)