Meet 2013

   2013, meet me. Bethany. 29 year old mommy to two adorable girls under two, two amazingly sweet dogs, and one super husband. I grew up in the Midwest, with two older brothers and a fabulous mom and dad. Life has been amazingly good to me. So good, that I often feel like I have no right to complain...no one who has "real problems" wants to listen to me. I'm over weight, out of shape, and struggle everyday to find motivation to care. Enter you, 2013, the year where I take back my health and start living life by example for my girls, husband, family, friends, and for myself. I hope I never need to say... "Do as I say, not as I do" to my own children.

  I am not perfect. I sit writing this while my oldest daughter and I indulge in some off brand macaroni and cheese. My excuse? I need to get it out of the house before 2013 comes to visit. Right...

  I have so many goals for this year:

      1. Beat hubby in our 10% weightless challenge before July 1.

      2. Learn to knit or crochet, so I can donate preemie hats and booties to Mikayla's Grace.

      3. Run a 1/2 marathon in honor of turning 30!!!

      4. Organize three Pinterest activities a week for my girls.

      5. Plan at least two outings a week with the girls.

      6. One date a month with each of the girls and Nate.

      7. Organize meals for whole week before shopping day. 

      8. Keep freezer stocked with healthy staples such as beans, rice, barley, quinoa, etc

      9. Plan at least three vegetarian meals a week.

     10. Stop and enjoy the small moments...put away technology for at least an hour a day. 

I could come up with more, I am sure. I just want to improve myself in every way I can. I want to be a positive role model for my children by having a positive attitude about myself. They already think I'm pretty awesome, and I would like to share that opinion. So, 2013, that is my overall goal for your year. I want to live like the awesome person my children think I am. Sure, I'll make mistakes, take the wrong turn, etc. but hey, that's a form of education as well. As long and I continue to try my best. 

  Why in the form of a blog? I've always had a hard time journaling. Felt silly writing in a book that I never really wanted anyone to read. And also because I'm attempting to shun my Midwest upbringing..and be honest about my thoughts and feelings. Guess what world?! I feed my 23 month old off brand macaroni and cheese from a box for lunch, without veggies!!!! Yup. It's true. And she is sitting next to me eating it while watching Diego!!! The horror. But it's true. Sometimes this Midwest mommy breaks "the rules" when no one is around. 

  I don't judge other mommies. I realize every body has the rules they follow, the passions they care about. This is my world 2013, and I'm ready for you!