Happy 2014

Source: Studio 404

Happy 2014 Y'all!!  How cute is the graphic above from my fellow BLM Girl, Angel, at Studio 404?  Be sure to check out her blog and show her some love.  She has some incredible freebies and an Etsy shop.  Anyways, I mentioned yesterday that I would be sharing the progress I made with my 2013 resolutions and goals.  Last year was a bit bumpy and rough, but I still managed to accomplish a few things.

In 2013, my resolutions were to:

-Get stronger in my faith and read my Bible daily: I'm happy to say that I accomplished this goal with my Bible 365 Challenge.  I also became a member of the Bible Gateway Blogger Grid!

-Workout 3 times a week minimum:  I started off good on this until the end of May.  I was working out almost everyday.

-Cook healthier (sorry fried foods): I did really good on this one. I think fried maybe 20 times last year.  That's really considering I was usually frying something once to three times a week in 2012.

-Travel more and experience new places with the kiddies and Mr:  Sadly, due to the Mr's work schedule, he wasn't able to travel with us.  However, the kiddies and I enjoyed trips to New Orleans, Lake Junaluska and Myrtle Beach last year!

-Secure my dream blog sponsors:  Dealing with JJ's speech issues and the whole move crisis, I dropped the ball on this.  However, I still had some lovely sponsors.

-Attend at least 2 blog conferences: This was a no go too.  The blog conference I was going to attend here in the QC was the same weekend as my sister's wedding and I didn't get a major sponsor to help cover the cost of BlogHer.

-Build up my savings account and family emergency fund:  I was say that this was a little bit of a success.  I definitely started off 2014 with more money in my savings than last year.  But it's hardly enough to be considered an emergency fund.

-Become more present and here in the time I spend with my kids and husband: Again, I think I was present with the kids, but not the Mr.  1 out of 2 isn't bad.

-Publish this novel I've been talking about and do a mini book tour/signing: Still working on the novel.  If wasn't self editing the process would run a lot smoother and faster.  Pretty much I needed to get out of my own head and just write.  I have met some pretty cool independent writers and they have been a wealth of knowledge and help.

-Find an illustrator for my kids book series:  I researched and found that I just didn't have the funds to afford any of the illustrators I wanted.  And I didn't want to just settle anything crappy.  I'm toying with the idea of launching a Kickstarter or GoFundMe campaign to help.

-Buy a new car (I'm not about this one car life anymore):  We got a new car, but sadly we're still living the one car life thanks to those pesky deer.

-Move to a bigger place (We've been cramped long enough):  Sadly, we ended up moving to a smaller place. :(  No worries, another move is coming up.

-Increase my giving back and community service:  I definitely did this.  I volunteered at a charity in my hometown and we gave away a lot to charity when we moved in addition to me giving away JJ's baby furniture to moms from our playgroup.

-Grow YUMMommy:  I've seen growth in the pageviews and seen new faces in the comments.  I've also grown on Twitter, Facebook and Google+.

-Start an online magazine:  Sketched a layout, found a platform and decided on themes, but again with everything this just seemed like it would be a bit much to handle at that moment.

-Revamp my wardrobe: I added a new pieces and gave away some pieces. 

-Stay Team Natural:  Definitely accomplished this.  There were times I wanted to throw in the towel, but I didn't. 

-Do more for myself: Not a complete fail.  I treated myself to nail polish and a new camera this year.

-Build and nourish new friendships:  I can check this off the list with certainty.  Thanks to my new Facebook groups I joined last year, I've met some awesome ladies and am  looking forward to continuing to build a relationship with each of them.

So, there you have it folks.  I didn't do too shabby.  I know it was pretty ambitious trying to accomplish a list this size, but I'm an ambitious person.  And honestly speaking, if we hadn't had all the issues with the move and then the emotional trauma of JJ's delayed speech, I probably would have accomplished more.  But what didn't kill me has made me stronger.

Lessons have been learned.  Connections have been made and I'm ready to make 2014 a knockout year.  I'll be back tomorrow with  my goals, resolution and vision board for this year.  Hope you all a great time ringing in the New Year!