12 12s in 2012

My 6 year old when she was itty-bitty modeling the first scarf I knit

I'm totally stealing this from my good friend Amanda over at HippieMommy. :) It's a list of 12 sets of 12 to accomplish in 2012. I loved the idea because I thought it would be easy to break down my list into monthly chunks and then it wouldn't feel so overwhelming. I was also hoping it would keep me on track with a few goals for myself in the New Year. So without further ado...

1. Start and finish 12 knitting projects.
I love to knit. I started knitting a few years ago (after much eye-rolling and scoffing at other knitters over the years) and fell in love with the craft. I'm a very slow knitter and get bogged down when I face something new. I end up putting off projects and not doing as much as I'd like. So start and finish 12 projects. Maybe my kids will finally get the hats they've been begging me for. 

2. Use 12 skeins of yarn from my stash.
I don't buy a ton of yarn, but I'm starting to accumulate a bit of a stash. Sometimes I forget to check my stash before buying something new. 12 skeins used up would make room for lots of new yarn for sure!

3. Work on 12 crochet projects.
I just started learning to crochet. I'm pretty sure I'll always be a knitter who knows a little crochet. But, I think the best way to get better is to practice. And judging from my first dishcloth that is unintentionally not square, I need a lot of practice.

4. Complete 12 sewing projects.
I also love to sew. Actually, I'm kind of an ADD crafter. LOL I like to do lots of different things. But, I'd love to see 12 sewing projects started and finished. Maybe I'll finally tackle making myself a new purse. It's been on my to-do list for quite awhile.

5. Read 12 classics.
I need to get back into the habit of reading more than just Facebook status updates.

6. Read 12 non-fiction books.
Again, back in the habit of reading...

7. Get rid of 12 garbage bags full of stuff.
We have way too much stuff in our house (and shed and garage) right now. I've embraced the ideals of simple living but am having a hard time putting them into practice. I think the biggest obstacle right now is our clutter. We are planning on moving in the next couple of months, so this really needs to happen quickly. But, I'm hoping to keep up the decluttering after we move as well.

8. 12 Green Smoothies a month.
After the gluttony of the last month, I'm ready to turn things around again. The kids and I love green smoothies. I use baby spinach, a banana, some frozen fruit and a little water. It's about the only way to get greens into my kids. The problem is that usually they drink it all and I don't get any. So, for the new year I will drink them with the kids.

9. 12 Vegan Dinners.
I'm not planning on going vegan anytime soon. There is so much conflicting evidence on the benefits (or not) of eating different diets. I'm pretty happy with where we are headed as a family - more whole foods, less junk, less sugar (well, except for the last month). However, I love the idea of the almighty vegetable taking center stage for a meal. I think limiting myself to an only vegan dinner at least once a month will help me think try a few new things.

10. 12 hikes with the kids and maybe even the obnoxious pup.
I've always wanted to be the kind of family that hikes together. It just hasn't happened as of yet. So, at least one hike a month and I don't care if it's super easy. We just need to get outside!

11. Help the kids with 12 art or craft projects.
They seriously bug me ALL THE TIME to do crafts. Well, not the oldest so much anymore, but definitely my 6 year old and 8 year old. And although I hate to admit it, I don't often facilitate it for them. So, at least one new craft or art project a month.

12. 12 fun mail packages just because.
I saw over on the GiversLog the fun packages she has put together all under 13 oz. If they are under 13 oz., they can be mailed first class postage which makes it really inexpensive. And who doesn't love to get stuff in the mail? I think this will be a super fun project and hopefully cheer up some friends and family. (I'm also thinking of using several of GiversLog's ideas as gifts for my nieces' and nephews' birthdays.)

Yay! I love this. I really love that I can break it down monthly to keep on track. So that's 1 knitting project, 1 skein of yarn, 1 crochet project, 1 sewing project, 1 classic, 1 non-fiction book, 1 bag of stuff donated, 12 green smoothies, 1 vegan dinner, 1 hike, 1 kid's craft project and 1 fun mail package a month. Totally doable. Happy 2012!

Happy New Year!

I've been reading quite a few blog posts on the New Year - reflections on 2008 and goals or resolutions for 2009. It's been inspiring to read. I feel kind of cemented in place with Brad's unemployment. I'm having a hard time focusing on anything beyond this gigantic challenge we have facing us. It's hard to say that we want to focus on something like "giving" if we don't know for sure where we'll be in a month. But, then I stopped myself. There are things, good things, to reflect on in 2008 and goals I have for 2009.

First my reflections. 2008 was actually a really good year for us. The kids and I deepened friendships, made new friends, experienced new things, read great books. It's just been the last 2 weeks that have tainted the year. I refuse to focus on those last two weeks. Instead I'm going to focus on the rest of the year. Here's a list of a few favorite things in 2008:


Favorite new activity for the kids - We've gotten to do so many wonderful things this year that it makes it hard to choose! I think it was meeting the folks at Galloping Grace Youth Ranch and watching the kids learn to ride horses. This was not something I would have ever sought out on my own. I think that makes it even more special. The kids have learned about hard work, gently communicating with animals many times their size and the exciting self-confidence that comes with accomplishment.

Favorite book I read - Another tough one for me to narrow down. I don't read as much as I used to. Since having kids, I have a much shorter attention span. Plus I don't have the luxury of immersing myself in a book like I like to do, especially with fiction. I mostly have been reading non-fiction lately. Hmmm, I loved The Omnivore's Dilemma by Michael Pollan and Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver. We've been trying to be more mindful of our eating choices and how they affect our bodies and the planet, so these were two great reads. The other book that I recently posted about, Jesus for President, was definitely a favorite this year too.



Favorite project completed - I didn't do as much crafting in 2008 as I did in the previous year. Some soap, my Christmas projects, some unfinished sewing projects. But, I think my favorite completed project was my Cari-sized hula hoop. I love it! I haven't used it in the last two months so I'm definitely going to get it back out now! The one A is using is her own that we haven't decorated yet. I can't believe I don't have a picture of mine - mine is white, yellow and orange.

Now on to 2009. Several of my favorite bloggers have chosen a word to focus on for the coming year. I love that idea but have struggled to come up with one as I've thought about it over the last 2 days. Because of our current situation, I keep coming back to things like hope, perseverance, survival. I just don't like those words at all. Then today I thought "sustenance." This seems like a good fit. Here's why. Even without the layoff, my husband and I were hoping to move towards a simpler way of life. With the layoff, instead of a gentle stroll in that direction, we're having a major shove. We have had to reduce our expenses, something we had wanted to do anyway. We've had to cut all the meals out. Again, something we had wanted anyway. And this brings me back to the word "sustenance." Focusing on the simple requirements of living. Whole foods, growing some of my own food, reducing clutter, focusing on more handmade things and depending on God for His provision.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread.

Matthew 6:9-11 (King James Version)

Give us this day our bread. Our sustenance. Focusing on this day, I hope, will automatically reduce our waste. And hopefully, after we figure out our finances, can help us look beyond ourselves to other's daily bread. Maybe we can remember what it feels like to wonder about our daily bread and give in a way we haven't given before. That's my hope for 2009