LOOK OUT 2014 - A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON FUN + FAMILY

I am linking up with Blog Hoppin' to help me reflect on where I've been and the places I hope to go this year.  BLARG!  Let me re-phrase that . . . it sounds more like I plan to spend twenty-forteen jettin' all over the globe collecting stamps in my passport.  I was going for a deeper philosophical angle, but it fell a little short :)  So, let me try this again now that I've had a few more sips of my morning blend.  I am linking up with Blog Hoppin' to help jump start little personal reflection on where I would like to take the next 365.  Now, there's no way to know what's really headed my way in 2014.  However, I figure that if I set a few goals and draw a little map or two, I just might be able to keep my ship floating in the right direction ;)

Today's topic in BH's fun 5 day lineup is Fun and Family.  I am diggin' that it's starting off with one that revolves around play - I'm pretty good at that when I actually apply myself :)

My biggest goal in the FUN/FAMILY department is to find that "balance." Teachers everywhere are always chatting about this monumental task and I'm no different.  We all know about the job that is NEVER done.  There is always something more to do, to cut, to create, and to prep when it comes to educating students.  However, with this said, must learn to pick my battles so to speak and "walk away" a bit more.  I was definitely better in 2013 than I have been in the past, but I need to make a few more adjustments.  I just gotta know I am not doing as well as I think I am when the hubs told me yesterday, "I really like it when you're not teaching . . . I actually get to see you."  Yikes.  Epic fail.  So, that was a long winded way of saying that I need to set time limits for myself when I begin a project and schedule in some more time to spend with the man. How do y'all do with this one?  

A little less of this...

A little more of this...

Another goal this year is to figure out that whole "growing family" thing.  We have been struggling for 4 years now and it's been a rough go.  At this point I am not sure what I want any more and I sure as heck don't want to set any sort of preggo goal and back myself into a corner.  Let's be realistic here :) However, I will say that this year I will finally face this issue, make some tough decisions {together}, and strive to come to terms with this final run at having a child of our own.  

Dang . . . that was way too heavy!  Moving on to a more light hearted and much less personal goal, stat :) We have been talking about traveling to Europe for years now.  Well, we've decided to make 2014 the year to get ourselves across the pond.  Trav has traveled there many times, but my sad little passport only contains two Mexico stamps.  Well, it's time to remedy this one!  We are thinking of hitting up either Germany or England the week after school lets out {gotta be back in time for Vegas}.  Decisions . . . decisions . . . I can't wait to start planning!  

It's gonna be such a tough choice :)  

Alright, that's it from little old me today.  2nd Grade Good Morning Work {Math} is up for January.  I am almost finished with the reading set . . . it will be posted later today.  Oh, and my whole store is on sale today to help ring in 2014 right.  Everything is 20% off :)

Oh and on a final note today . . . I have been taking a break from school (I was already practicing my number one goal - who knew??)  However, I will start pluggin' away again tomorrow.  Check back very soon for my weekly plans, winter ideas, and a few fun freebies.  Hugs and Merry New Year :)