How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

Well, I have missed writing in my blog…My sister from Utah came to visit, with her kids, and with Christmas my life got real hectic!! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year!!! Mine was great but very busy!! I am excited to get back to my normal schedule, even if I do have to wake up at 5 am again!!

I remember every year in grade school, the first day back, all of my teachers would make us write our New Year’s resolutions down…WELL IT IS that time of year again to set some goals and make New Year’s resolutions.

Here are the 1st 2 tips on making New Year’s resolutions…

1. Aim low. It goes without saying that most New Year's resolutions are easier announced (or written) than done-but if you set the bar too high, you're doomed from the start. Instead of saying I am going to write in my blog daily, say I will at least write in it 2 times a week. That way you are not setting yourself up for failure!!!

2. Don't overload yourself. It's difficult enough for the average person to follow through on one New Year's resolution; why would you make a long list of 20!!! Pick 2 or 3 and really concentrate on those.

Come back on Friday for the last 2 tips!!!!

The Three Gifts of Christmas

YES!!!! It is almost here. We all long for this special day not only to spend with family and friend, but to also reflect on the Savior, and the many gifts in our lives.

Back in October my Mom called me and said she had just been to this great class, about what to do for your children at Christmas time. She said that it kind of makes Christmas a little easier, meaningful and MORE ORGANIZED…Okay I was sold!!! Here is the idea; I hope you love it as much as I did!!!!


The idea of giving three gifts reminiscent of the gift of the three wise men.

Gold: "The Gift of Wonders" (Gold)These are gifts that tickle and delight. They are the gifts that are really wanted or desired-- the gift the receiver just can't go without! A wanted toy, a planned outing, a season pass... something they just HAVE to have.

Frankincense: "The Gift of Meaning" (Red)These are gifts that have meaning and express affection. These might include: A scrapbook, A quilt, A special doll, an heirloom, a childhood memento, a ctr ring or piece of jewelry, new temple clothes, a treasure box, a framed photograph, or letters from the heart. This gift could be spiritual, meaningful or both.

Myrrh: "The Gift of Usefulness" (Green)These are gifts that are truly needed. Look at your loved ones needs and choose a gift that would be truly useful. These might include a new coat, a down comforter, or a new pair of shoes and socks. Use this gift for something practical yet worthwhile.

We also make sure Santa does come because the tradition of Santa needs to be preserved.

Homework: Have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Do you need more than 24 hours in a DAY!!!

One of the greatest challenges many people face in their personal lives is that there never seems to be enough time to accomplish everything they need to do, let alone finding time for things they want to do, especially around Christmas time.

I have always envied those who are able to successfully fit work, family, personal, and other activities into their lives, with no problems... (Though it seems.) In reality we all have the same 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. But it’s how we choose to spend that time that makes all the difference.

To develop a time management system that will work for you, it’s helpful to write down a plan to help you compare the way you are currently living your life with the way you would like it to be.

Find the obstacles that are preventing you from managing your time wisely.

Here are 8 great suggestions by Janet Barclay…

1.-Organize your space and paper so you don’t waste time looking for what you need.
2.-Eliminate interruptions by closing your office door and letting telephone calls go to voice mail.
3.-Be prepared with reading material or small tasks you can complete while waiting for people or in line.
4.-Get tasks you find distasteful or overwhelming out of the way first. Better yet, consider delegating them to someone else.
5.-Set personal and professional goals to help you identify your priorities.
6.-Learn to say “no” and to focus on what’s important to achieving your goals.
7.-Find a calendar system you’re comfortable with, and use it for all your activities.
8.-Build flexibility into your schedule to accommodate the unexpected.

Don’t try to do all of these things at once! Changes to the way you manage your time should be implemented one at a time. Just like any other life changes, if you try to make too many at one time, you’re apt to get overwhelmed and discouraged..

Effective time management doesn’t happen overnight, but by determining what changes are needed and incorporating them into your lifestyle, you can take control of your time, instead of letting it control you.

Homework: Organize your stack of papers that are sitting on your counter (I know you all have one,) and find a home for them.

Is your Christmas tree organized???

Okay most of you said NO…because your GREAT PARENTS and let your kids do all the DECORATING!!!

My kids have their own 6 foot tree up stairs with all of there ornaments on it. Since our little ducklings were born we give them an ornament a year. So by the time they leave the nest they will have a box full of there own ornaments to put on there very own tree!!

However MOM has her very own tree that she gets to do what she wants with. (Okay mom is a little selfish.)

I still have 2 little ducks wanting and pleading to help me…so this year I gave them the very important task of organizing all of the decorations. So Mama Duck can put them on in an organized fashion. Here are some great tips on decorating your Christmas tree, and in doing so teaching your kids a little about organizing!!!!

1. Put the tree up where you want it in the room.
2. Put the lights on, and make sure they all work.
3. Place all the bows together, bulbs, berries, sparkly ornaments, and fruit filler together. In other words organize all ornaments into sections on the floor. (This is how kids can help!)
4. Place all the big ornaments on first, like bows or big bulbs. Then medium ornaments, last small ornaments. Make sure they are all spaced throughout the tree evenly.
5. Put any filler in like berries or sparkly sticks.
6. Last but not least place the TOPPER on!

Oh and don’t forget the Christmas music…that is a MUST!!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness Part #3

Last and final step…

3. Use your calendar to make appointments for your future check-ups, weigh-ins etc. If it even helps write your exercise schedule on your calendar, and stick to these appointments. Make sure you get a full body physical every year. The month of your birthday, might be a good idea, so you never forget.

You owe it to your future to get this part of your life on track. Enjoy it.

Homework: go for a brisk walk or run, and have a healthy and ORGANIZED weekend!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness Part #2

Okay here is the next tip for a new and healthier YOU!!!

2. Write down specific actions you need to do to achieve your goals. If your goal is to exercise 3 times per week. Write down and schedule which 3 days you will be working out, what time you will work out on those days, how long the workouts will be and exactly what you plan on doing during that time. I always make appointments around my workout schedule. STICK TO YOUR SCHEDULE!!!

Will see you on Friday for the last TIP!!!

Organizing your Health and Fitness

Do you make time to take care of your most valuable asset? Because without it, you have nothing. There are some illnesses that you cannot control, but there are things that you can do to prevent a lot of the illnesses that are in your control.

Those of you, who know me, know that I have a passion for fitness!! Twelve years ago I knew I wanted to help others learn to love to exercise like I do…so I went and got my fitness instructor certification. Since then I hope I have at least touched one life for the better.

Here is the 1st tip to get you on the right track with health and fitness.

1. GET A CHECK UP!!! Determine your current state of health. Check your weight, blood pressure, vision, dental health and full body. It’s important to know where you are and where you should be and know what your body can handle for your future workouts!! Set achievable goals based on where you should be. If your doctor tells you that you are 20lbs over weight, the goal is fairly clear, lose 20lbs. Break it down into smaller goals that you can track and achieve. Write all your goals down and be as specific as possible.

Come back on Wednesday for the next tip!!!