Out with the Old and in with the New.

I can't believe that it is 2013 already! Last year was a big year for us but I know this year will be filled with just as many memories and also challenges. Before we bring on the new year lets recap on what happened this past year.

Most important, Walker was born
Casey and I graduated from LDSBC
We moved from Salt Lake City to Escondido
Casey got a job at the San Diego Safari Park
Visited with a lot of family
Played with friends and family
Watched Walker grow daily
Moved into Casey's parents house
turned 21 (me) and 25 (Casey)
Celebrated 2 years of marriage
Enjoyed being by the pool or at the beach during the summer
Walker learned how to crawl, say some words, and much more
Went to Disneyland numerous times
Went to Utah to help my sister move into her new home
Celebrated my brother and Sister-in-law getting baptized
Family reunions
Celebrated the holidays with both of our families - at different times
Enjoyed the journey of becoming new parents and learn everything - still figuring everything out
Prayed for a lot of guidance from our Heavenly Father for what we should do next
and much much more.

To bring in the new year we kept it low key. Casey had to work that day so we didn't want to do anything really big also Walker and I were still getting over a cold that we got around Christmas time. In the morning I met up with on of our friends and their family at the Safari Park. We went on the tram and also walked around a bit.


That night, we invited over one of our friends from our ward over to ring in the new year with us.  As I said we wanted to keep it low key so we decided to have everyone be in their pjs! Staying up until midnight was actually kinda difficult for us since we normally go to bed around 10 so we can get a somewhat descent night of sleep because Walker wakes up around 6.  To keep us up we had some snacks, played games and also worked on a puzzle. In the morning, Walker and I just relaxed and chilled in our pjs while watching the rose parade and working on the puzzle hoping for finish it.

The Lucas family and mine | Spiderman one day, batman the next
Enjoying the Safari Park

This year there are a few things I am trying to focus on. I don't want to give myself 'resolutions' because I will probably not do them. Lets be honest, most resolutions are broken within the next month. So I decided to make a few goals for the year to help me be a better person and also a better mom and wife.

1. Save Money - Casey and I really want to move out of his parents house this year and be on our own again. We have applied for some apartments and are now on the waiting list to get in. Now it is just waiting and also saving to be able to be on our own

2. Workout - After I stopped breastfeeding Walker, I gained some weight that I didn't exactly wanted to gain. So I want to lose that weight and workout to be more active as well. My goal is 2 to 3 times a week to workout. Two other moms in my ward are starting to walk in the morning as well so I am going to be walking with them as well. It will also help with my next goal.

3. Be more active with Walker - Yes, we go to Disneyland at least once a month but I also want to do other things with him. It doesn't have to be big like Disneyland, but more than just staying inside all day would be nice. Being active will help me not just sit on the couch all day and watch television.

4. Cook - I want to cook more. Since we moved to the Schroeder's home I have gotten better at cooking. I try to make dinner at least once a week to help the Schroeder's at not having to worry about what is for dinner and making it. It will also help me know how to cook more than just eggs and pasta.

5. Spend time as a couple - We get a lot of family time with Walker at night after Casey gets home from work but as a married couple you also need to spend some time as just a couple especially since we are living in someone home. I want to go on dates for at least do something once a month with just Casey. It will help strengthen our relationship and also give us time alone.

So let see how this goes. There are so many other things that I would love to improve and work on but I know if I give myself to much to do than I won't do any of it. Hopefully only giving me a few things to work on, I will actually do them. Wish me luck!

I hope you all have enjoyed this past year and hope this next year is a great year for you and also my family.

♥ The Schroeder