Goodbye 2015! Hello 2016!!

2015 is coming to a close, and can I just say...what a relief!? I have to admit, 2015 has not been the kindest year to my family.

Much of the year was spent adjusting to life as a civilian family...and we found that that was a life that just wasn't for us. In August, we became a military family once again when my husband joined the National Guard as a recruiter, bringing along its own adjustments. In the midst of these big life changes we found ourselves dealing with setbacks with our oldest child, and a stream of bad luck all around.

Still, despite the negatives the year brought, I am hopeful that 2016 will be a much greater year for us. And like most of us, I have many plans and goals that I hope to focus on in the new year. I don't like to think of them as resolutions so much- that word puts a lot of pressure on us to keep them, doesn't it? When we fall short as we so often to, we get disappointed and frustrating and often feel as though we should just give up completely. Instead, I like to set more attainable goals for myself. Rather than saying 'I will stop', I tell myself 'I will do better'. For me, I've found that this makes keeping those 'resolutions' much easier.

So, what AM I looking forward to in 2016? Here is a brief look:

Adjust to Our New Normal. My husband only officially started as a full time soldier in November, so needless to say this is all still very new again for us. In 2016, I hope to continue that transition and get back in the groove of being a military family yet again, and finding out what that means now for us as not a Marine Corps family, but a National Guard one.

Find Ways to Stress Less. I'll admit, I'm a worry-er...I worry about just about everything! The last few months of 2015 have been prime examples of that for me. I don't believe I will ever stop being a worry-er completely, but I do hope to find even more ways to help lessen my stress levels in the new year- whether that means through stress relieving activities like coloring or lightening my load where I can, I'm not yet sure, but we will see where the year leads us!

Help My Children Grow. Isn't that a goal we all have for ourselves as mothers? As I said, for my oldest we have dealt with many setbacks this year- all part of life with autism I suppose. In the new year, I hope to continue to find ways to reach him and help him through his struggles. I cannot set any definitive goals for him, as I don't even know what our day to day might bring, let alone the whole year. I can only hope to continue to find ways to do the best I can to be there however he needs me most.

Be a Better Homemaker. With two kids running around making messes, I must confess at times my house seems a little out of control. I've cleaned up one mess and they've made three more. (Anyone else?) Now, I'm not going to stress those messes TOO much- after all, the kids are only little one- but I would like to find a routine that helps me keep it under a bit better control!

Improve this Blog. This has been a goal of mine for the past few years, and it's one that I must say I think I've done pretty well with. I may not have the huge numbers that some other bloggers I admire have, but I'm okay with that! I have created some wonderful content that I can feel proud of, which is the most important thing anyway and something I hope to continue in 2016.

Take Better Care of Me. Yes, I'll admit that I am one of those moms that tend to put everyone else before myself... and that's not always the best thing! Now, as my daughter is getting a bit older, I have to remember to take that time. Whether it's a long shower by myself, an occasional shopping spree just for me or sleeping in without guilt, this is something I definitely need to improve upon.

Do you set New Year's Resolutions/Goals? I would love to hear what you are working on this year!