This will be the last post of the year – I am going to be taking the next week and a half to spend time with the family as well as get ready for next year. I know – it’s sad – I’ll miss you too (so be sure to connect with me on Twitter), but I’ve got some pretty exciting things in the works! What are we going to be up to (in addition to all the great homeschool stuff, of course), you ask? Well, there are always lots of goals at the beginning of each new year, so I’m joining up with some online friends to really make progress in these areas that are normally a challenge for me.
One of my goals for this year is to have a more inviting, homey – more comfortable – home. To help me get there, I’m going to be using 31 Days to Clean starting on January 1st. I’ll be sharing about my experiences on my Facebook page, and I hope that you’ll join me there and share your experiences as well. Don’t forget to buy your copy (only $5!) and we’ll do it together!
Because I need accountability in order to stay on task and focused on my goals, I’m joining the 3 in 30 Challenge next year. The challenge was started last year to help others just like me (and you) to support each other and help us reach our goals – 3 at a time.
And, because Ashley is brilliant (or probably as she would tell you – very, very blessed), she has started a new challenge for this year. In January, the 31 Days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge begins, and I’ve already signed up. She also has an e-book available called 31 Days to Build a Better Spouse ($5). I don’t think you need to buy the book to participate in the challenge(although I’m sure that it would be a wonderful resource!) Won’t you join me in committing 5 minutes a day to pray for your spouse?
Well, that’s quite a lot to work on to start off the year, don’t you think? To help me accomplish these goals as well as squeeze every drop out of each day, I’ve joined Hello Mornings. Anyone who knows me would tell you in a heartbeat that they can not ever imagine me getting up before the kids – at least not on a regular basis. As a matter of fact, I recently told Kat that I would probably be their toughest case ever – to which she replied, “It’s a good thing that God is our case worker.” To which I can only say, AMEN! They have 2 fantastic (FREE) e-books, Maximize Your Mornings and Mission Statements for Moms, to help get you started on the right foot.
And, lastly – I am planning on attending the 2:1 Conference in April. I’m looking for a sponsor to help with the travel and lodging expenses, so if you like what you’ve read and are looking for someone that would be a dedicated spokesperson for your company, I’d love to talk to you!
While I’m away, I hope you will visit some of my favorite blogs
and get to know some great new people.
Holy Mama – This is quite possibly the first blog I ever read and definitely one of the first blogs I ever started reading on a regular basis (several years ago.) I also think this may have been the beginning of when I started thinking about blogging myself, so if you like what you see – you have to thank Kelsey for inspiring me to start. 
Kelsey is hilarious and keeps me in stitches. However, I have to admit that I’m not sure how to accept that she’s not on Twitter. *smile*
Kelsey is hilarious and keeps me in stitches. However, I have to admit that I’m not sure how to accept that she’s not on Twitter. *smile*Adventurez in Childrearing –Kelli shares her day to day adventures with her three adorable boys. She especially has some great outdoor activities. But, you should definitely start at Bringing Home Baby and then go to The Greatest Gift – A True Story. Kelli always warms my heart with her true stories.
Get Along Home – Cindy shares her opinions on everything from Coupons to the Duggars. Pregnant with her fifth child, Cindy tells it like it is – no holds barred. I love how she is able to cut through all the extraneous noise and focus in on what really matters.
A Slob Comes Clean – are you domestically challenged like I am? Then you definitely want to get to know Nony! She offers such a common sense approach to housekeeping while being absolutely real about her own struggles. Every new article I read, has be nodding my head and thinking “Yes! Yes!”
Money Saving Mom – If you’re like me, you are always looking for ways to save money. I recently discovered Crystal through Cindy at Get Along Home, actually. *smile* I have been devouring her site over the last few days.
Raising Arrows – Amy has such a wonderful way of sharing how she nurtures her large family, and I LOVE her quote “A gentle voice. A firm resolve. An abundant homeschool life. I suggest starting with her series 10 Days to a Peaceful Home, and then follow the rabbit trails – I promise that you will be blessed. Amy also happens to be a speaker at the 2:1 Conference I mentioned above.
Savvy Blogging – As a somewhat new blogger, I’m always on the lookout to learn new things. This has been my go to site to learn about everything blogging.
There are so many other sites that I love and go to on a regular basis, but I felt like this list gives a nice variation of topics to discover. And to be honest, I’m afraid that if I start listing more and then I forget one, I’ll feel so bad…..so, for some more great people to get to know, you can check out my Twitter list: Kindred Spirits. These are all people that I feel a special connection to.
And last, but most definitely NOT least, come get to know the other authors at the HSBA Post. I am so thrilled to be part of their team, and if you are not familiar with the Post already, you will be amazed at how much useful information is packed into one site. (You’ll even find a few posts from me there as we close out this year.)
I want to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
See you back here on the First!
Note: Some links are affiliate links – Thank you for your support!
You may also like -
3 in 30: January GoalsSo, you know that I'm participating in the 3 in 30 Challenge for this year, but the big question is what will those goals ... 
100 Days of PrayerCan you imagine what 100 days of prayer - the same prayer - looks like? I know that I couldn't several months ago - ... 
Review: 31 Days to Build a Better SpouseI recently posted that one of the challenges I am participating in for January is the 31 Days to Pray for Your Spouse Challenge. ... 
Thanks for the links. I'm looking into 'Hello Mornings' … I NEED those tips on how to make getting out of a cozy bed easier!
Have a lovely break
Thanks for the mention!
Well, I'm keeping some good company in that list! Except for Holy Mama, those are some of my favorite bloggers, too! Thanks so much for including me. Merry Christmas, my friend. If I had a dollar or two, I'd sponsor you. :0)
Butterfly, you are VERY welcome – enjoy discovering them
Nony – ABSOLUTELY, you are part of the reason I got back to blogging regularly!
Cindy, you're welcome – and definitely check out Holy Mama, and let me know what you think
and, if I had a dollar or two, I would sponsor you 
You are too sweet! I just can't wait to get my hands on you & ya know what? we'll be hooking up
at 3 in 30 and 31 days to pray for your spouse on a regular basis- If I had a dime I'd sponsor you too! I'm working on my own sponsorship to get to Blissdom this year! fingers crossed & Thank you Jesus- I am going to Apologia Live!!! Yay- you list some of my faves here too!!! I'll have to check out holy mama- hugs my sweet friend & Merry Christmas!!!!! glad you shared my story with your girl – and that she'll be checking out the Diva Girls
Hi! How fun that you are joining in on so many wonderful things in the New Year
I am in the 3in30 Challenge {since last Jan!!}, and also am doing the 31 Days to a Better Spouse! I've just signed up for my 3rd round of MYM – and it really has helped me to get up before my girls!!
I'll also see you at the 2to1 Conference in April! I'm going to follow along
Merry Christmas!!