Simplicity/12 twelves for '12!

It's that time again: time to put the obligatory lists of crap we won't really do or accomplish out there.  At least that's how I've always secretly felt about it;)  The last several months I have been thinking about a lot of things in my life though, and decided that maybe there is a way to have "resolutions" that actually lead to action.  I've also never had a "word" for any year of my life.  I had no opposition to it, just never applied it to myself before!  Well, there is a first for everything!  So, stick with me on this and hold me accountable;)

SIMPLICITY

"Enjoy the simple, the natural and the plain.  Along with that comes the ability to do things spontaneously and have them work." --Benjamin Hoff

For 2012, simplicity is my "word."  Lately I have been feeling really overwhelmed.  Mainly overwhelmed by things I feel pressure from myself to do or be.  I also feel overwhelmed by all the stuff.  Stuff to do, stuff we have, stuff I want, stuff to change, stuff to be, stuff to get rid off, etc.  And it stinks.  I want simplicity in my life and the only way to get there is by acting on it.  I am a planner, a control-freak, basically a type-A.  I wish that I was spontaneous and could just "go with it" everyday, but I can't.  Or at least haven't been able to yet!  My thinking is that if I simplify my life then there won't be those constant concerns and worries nagging at me.  So, the big thing this year: this is the year I start to say no.  Don't worry, it won't be to everything!  But, I tend to volunteer for everything or agree to help with whatever people need and I just can't do it anymore.  You are officially put on notice that "no" is being put into effect (family included!).  I also want to purge stuff from my house like never before and simplify my life by organizing what's left behind.  Our house is way too small for all the junk we have in it and it is stressing me out.  The other thing I need to do is limit my "schedule."  If I decide in the middle of the day that I feel like doing something I want to be able to just do it.  Example: yesterday instead of imposing self-inflicted and unnecessary stress about random things I sat and built a Harry Potter lego castle with my boys.  And let me tell you: it was a blast!  I told Andrew the other night that I am tired of putting all these stipulations on my time and on things.  If I think it would be fun to take the day off and do something with my kids then I should just do it.  They will never really earn any of the stuff we do for them or give them, but that doesn't mean I can't do it!  There doesn't have to be a reason to do anything.

All this being said, I have also compiled my "list" of crap.  But, I think it is a pretty awesome list and not crappy at all!  In my mind it is a hybrid between a list of resolutions/goals and a bucket list.  If you don't agree you can just keep that opinion to yourself;)  Drum roll please.....

IN 2012:

#1- Read 12 books.  Books that are just for me.  Dr. Suess, Dora, Magic Tree House, etc. DO NOT count!

#2- Complete a 12 mile run/walk.  (Definitely a combo run/walk on this one.  I have no desire to run it straight through!)

#3- Spend at least 12 minutes of everyday on personal study: scriptures, conference reports, etc.  In addition: go to education week with some of my best friends!!!

#4- Actually go on all 12 daytz with my boy toy;)

#5- Blog/journal about life with my sensational family at least 12 posts per month.

#6- Memorize the 12 scripture verses that go along with the primary program this year.  I was recently called as the 2nd counselor in the Primary organization in my ward.  Basically, I help take care and teach of all the 18 month-11 year old kiddos that attend church with me!  I am so excited about this calling and the themes this year are incredible.

#7- Take off on 12 day trips with my family this summer.  Last summer was the summer of going and doing and I loved it.  We are definitely going to repeat and add to this year!

#8- Lose 12 pounds.  Really, I just need to.  I don't care about the "swimsuit body" or anything like that.  I need to do this for me.  Hey, it's not like I don't have 12 pounds to lose!

#9- Bed before 12!  Let's face it.  I am exhausted.  My kids keep me going all day long and my mostly unnecessary stresses keep me going all night and it has to stop.  Most of the time I stay up thinking I am accomplishing all this stuff and really I get almost nothing done.  I really want to be in bed by 11, but 12 is a more reasonable goal;)

#10- Participate in 12 charitable acts.  Giving service is something that I have grown up doing.  I haven't always enjoyed it, but I have grown from each experience.  In keeping with my "word" though I have decided to perform SAKs: simple acts of kindness.  The only rule is that things I already do for others don't count.  You know: laundry, cooking, cleaning, caring for the sick and needy children in my own home;)

#11- At least 12 temple trips.  Adrian turns 12 this year and gets to go to the temple!  I have some plans in the works for our family going with him.  It's going to be awesome!

#12- Complete 12 DIY projects in my home!  I have a laundry list of things about my house that bug me, but I have narrowed my list down to the things that would alleviate the most stress while also stream-lining and simplifying daily life.  Most of them I am soooo excited to do.  All of them I am beyond excited to see finished!  In no particular order here is what we plan to do: turn our random coat closet into a mini-mudroom (done Jan '12), finally finish all the trim (What? It's only been 3 1/2 years...), paint the kitchen and the cupboards, put a built-in triple bunk bed in the boys' room, turn the boys' closet into a mini "office," get an IKEA closet system going on in our master closet, build stands for the washer and dryer, finish last year's semi-decent "landscaping" in the yard, purge junk and organize the garage, build some built-in bookcases in the living room, build a real mantel!, and redo the closet in what will be Reagan's room.

Looking at my list of 12 twelves for '12 makes me think complex instead of simple, but I promise it won't be!  All these things are usually fighting with each other in my head and just putting them down creates simplicity in my mind.  I plan to keep track of my "twelves" although I may not share all of them here.  I leave you with these words:

"I believe we would be happier to have a personal revolution in our individual lives and go back to simpler living and more direct thinking.  It is the simple things of life that make living worthwhile, the sweet fundamental things such as love and duty, work and rest, and living close to nature." --Laura Ingalls Wilder