A New Year

Well, we've successfully gotten through 2008. What was the best thing about it? I didn't give birth to any children :)

What does 2009 hold for us...hopefully 2 adorable and healthy baby girls, lots of visits from family and new goals.

Now, some have made fun or suggested that we do not make New Years Resolutions in our family. I am here to prove otherwise. First, let me remind you of 2008 goals (or as some call them Resolutions) which can be read here. In reflecting on those resolutions/goals I find that we did fairly well. Anytime we changed a light bulb it was to a CFL, we attempted to grow a vegetable garden where we had some successes and some failures, we used our own shopping bags at least 50 % of the time or more (every time we remembered to bring them), we started recycling but never started composting, and buying less stuff...well I don't know how I would measure that but we probably failed on that one.

So, what's on the agenda for this year? We are going to make it a priority to read with the kids from the scriptures every night. We are also working towards a family goal that we've set for accomplishment on August 16th.

Some additional goals on my part are:
+ attempt a modest garden again
+ incorporate beans more often into our meal planning
+ start a weekly meal plan
+ stick more closely to a budget

How about you? Any resolutions for this new year?

My First Bag

I know, this is another environment post. Well, this is a journal of our family and the things that matter to us. So as things happen or thoughts hit me I'll share them. There's no preaching here, just sharing. If you don't like it, don't read it!

Last night I went to the grocery store and bought my first canvas bag! I have been tempted on other trips to buy one but haven't had the $ to do so. I decided to just buy one last night with my monthly allowance money so I would be able to pay cash for it.

It was so exhilarating to start one of my New Years goals. It's a really good bag too, it is structured much like a paper bag and holds it's shape well - AND IT WAS ONLY .99 CENTS!!! (1.08 with tax). I am excited to have the goal to buy one bag each time I go to the store. Jason says I should just buy 10 or 15 bags right now, and I know that's what would be best for the environment but, I like the idea of WORKING towards completing my goal and SACRIFICING my allowance money. It makes it more personal. Am I being dumb? Should I just bite the bullet and buy all the bags now? I'd like to know what others think but honestly, I think I'll still stick to my plan of action.

Another thought, I could make it a hodge podge collection! As I see different bags available in different stores I can buy a new bag, that way they aren't all the same - how fun! We'll see how that goes, I don't want to spend a lot of money on this but I do want to make a difference.