A New Year.

I have a long to-do list for the new year and it’s difficult to get started when the list is so comprehensive. Now that Joshua and I made the decision to stay put in State College for almost three more years (at minimum), we need to set some roots.

First, we miss having a church family, and rectifying that absence is on top of our list. If you’ve heard about our almost comical search for a home church when we first arrived in State College, you understand our apprehension to begin a search again. But we need the spiritual fellowship.

Joshua and I also want to begin more healthful eating habits. Isn’t this on everybody’s list? You few who have an easy time with food discipline can just hush. Joshua recently lost a lot of weight, and we want to set a regime before that is reversed. Plus, I think I’ve had this pregnancy weight long enough. I don’t think I can call it pregnancy weight anymore. It’s just my weight. And I’d like to disown it.

We also have some milestones we want to help the boys through. Most importantly, we want to get Nolan started with some potty training. I say ‘we,’ but it’s really going to be ‘my’ responsibility. Shouldn’t Daddies train the boys? After all, they share the same equipment. Sigh. We are also working with Nolan with his emotion regulation - a struggle for a 2.5 year old.

Jacob has his own transition to go through as he discontinues nursing. He turns one in a week, and we are looking at going from formula to milk. I’m nervous because of his struggles with dairy, but looking forward to putting away bottles.

I also plan on delving into some art. I have one year (or so) to prepare for my Penn State audition for an MFA in Acting. I’m not optimistic, but I’m determined to enjoy a theater-filled year as I give it my all. If I do get accepted, the 3-year program begins in the Fall of 2011, which means an extended stay in State College. But I think intense theater studies would help me find my way through.

Beyond theater, I am enjoying scrapbooking, puzzles, cooking (I’m obsessed with Julia Child at the moment), and painting. Joshua is great at encouraging me to get out and about. Amazing man!

Finally, we’re trying to organize the townhouse to feel more like home. We aren’t allowed to paint, but we’re trying to hang pictures and go through items still in boxes (from when we first moved!). I am making Nolan’s room more welcoming to him, so he feels like playing in there sometime. I will then move on to Jacob’s room. And there’s the basement full of books and boxes and crafts and more.

As I said, much to do. As soon as I stop feeling overwhelmed by it all, I’m sure I’ll be excited for all the potential.

Hope your new years are as promising. Blessings to all!