new year's resolution

I don't usually make New Year's resolutions, but after being unable to stick to a devotional plan and continually hearing about a bunch of free Kindle books, I decided that this year, I want to do three things:

1) get a million times better at doing my daily devotions
2) read more for fun
3) use my Kindle more

1 - Unfortunately, I consistently fail at the spiritual discipline of reading my Bible.  I start, I stop, I try something else, I get behind.  So I really want to work a daily time into my schedule that I will stick to.

2 - I love to read.  It's always been my #1 hobby (nerd alert).  Each year it seems that I read less and less.  Feeling like I'm putting my English degree to shame, I want to read more overall and more for fun.  I have so many book lists to use (Rory Gilmore reading list, my senior seminar lifelong reading list, every single book by my favorite authors, lit anthologies from college).  I gotta get going!

3 - A year or so ago, I was blessed with a Kindle from my awesome coworker who had upgraded to a newer one.  While I have used it, I have not used it to its full potential.  I would hear about free e-books and save the info to download them, but then I'd never get around to it and the free window would close.  This happened again a week ago with a book my pastor recommended that sounded really interesting, and so I vowed to dust off my Kindle and get to work!  No more missing free books that I want to read.  And in helping with goal #1, I quickly downloaded all the free e-books by Beth Moore before I lost the chance.

What about you guys?  Any late decisions on making a resolution?

Any tips on staying consistent with your devotions?  Please share! :)

2013 reflections

As I sit here, thinking back on this year, what a ride it has been.  Exciting, nerve-wracking, full of changes, heartbreaking, and wonderful.  A few highlights:

January

: bought and moved into our first house

February

: adopted our cherished dog, Mendon

March
: our second niece Aubrey was born

: started our adoption process

April

: celebrated 2 years of marriage with a weekend trip planned by Col to Saratoga Springs

: our roommates/good friends from college's baby Jeremiah was born

May

: Col's 26th birthday

: open house and adoption announcement

June
: paperwork and classes done, ready for home study visits with social worker

: first home study visit

July

: second home study visit
: became a waiting family for our adoption

: offered promotion at work

: Lake Placid Leathersich family vacation

August
: paid off all student loans

: our good friends Katie and Aaron got married 

: annual college friends weekend at Katie's camp

: bridesmaid dress shopping for Rach's wedding

: mom and dad moved back to Batavia

September

: met a bunch of awesome new people at our new community group for church

October

: community group and work baby showers

November
: family baby shower

: began promotion offered in July

: spent time with Deanna home from Nashville

December

: my 27th birthday

: birthday surprise day trip to Skaneateles planned by Col

: Christmas with Zack home

Overall it's been a great year, even though it contained some of the toughest months of our lives.  I am so thankful for all that we experienced in 2013 and the many big moments we were able to enjoy.  Tonight, we will celebrate quietly at home in good company (and of course with good food!).  Here's to 2014, a year full of hope as we continue our adoption journey and whatever else life brings our way!