Good Kids Make Bad Decisions

Raising teenagers is hard work.  Oh, when they're little, I know firsthand that it's physically difficult.  I have a 14-month-old nephew that melts me into a puddle every time I see him, but quickly reminds me of why I'm done having babies.  Yet, the mental and emotional wear and tear of trying to prepare for life someone that is physically as big or bigger than you -- combined with the fact that he or she really doesn't buy into the fact that there's any need for instruction or correction -- is exhausting.

Recently, in my corner of the world, a group of my 17-year-old son's friends made a bad decision.  In fact, they made a series of bad decisions that cost them greatly.  Never you mind on labeling the sin or sins.  They did wrong, and as a result, these "good kids" -- leaders in the school, athletes, scholars, performers -- will suffer the consequences.  They have been "judged and sentenced" according to the proper authorities, and more than that, they are facing and will face continuous judgement from their peers at school and in the community.  They may never live down the proverbial "scarlet letter" which is attached to them because of this situation.

However, suffering right along beside them are their parents.  The boys are somewhat isolated from the whispers and stares presently, but the parents still have to face their peers at concerts, ballgames, meetings and in and around town.  Mind you, no life was taken, and no one was harmed in any way.  Yet, the embarrassment which was caused by their sons' lack of judgement hangs over these parents' heads like a cloud.

No, I don't condone what they did, and I'm not here to measure the degree of their punishment against my plumb line. Yet, what I do know is that one fact remains the same...they're still "good kids."  They are not any better or worse than my own, and my offspring are one bad decision away from the same fate (or worse).  In fact, what really should be the "talk of the town" is not what these boys did or didn't do or what judgement was handed down to them, but rather, how can we learn from this and make things better for those who come after?  After all, we all make bad decisions every day -- what we eat, how we drive, the words we say.  A combination of "little" bad decisions or even the result of not making a decision can change a life or lives forever. None of us are pure, holy and set apart -- and our apples didn't fall far from their trees either.

So, the next time you look down your nose at the toddler having a "come apart" at the grocery store or hear of a teenaged girl expecting a child, just say a little prayer for that child and parent dealing with that crisis.  Ask God to give you the strength to offer encouragement instead of judgement.  Then, take it as a supernatural reminder to pray for those with whom God has entrusted you.  We are all but a breath away from sin.

Top 5 Kids' Activities on a Disney Ship

My friend, Natali Morris, takes you on another ship-wide tour of Disney Cruise Line to show you the Top 5 kids' activities on a Disney ship.  Look closely...you may see several of mine enjoying the youth spaces on board!  What's your kids' favorite places and spaces on a Disney ship?

 

Help Needed for Latest Alabama Tornado Victims

Photo By The Birmingham News, Hal Yeager

In my home state of Alabama, a recent tornado struck Center Point Elementary School. The damage caused to the school is beyond repair.  Therefore, the school is being bulldozed and rebuilt, and the rebuilding effort will likely take 18-24 months.  Center Point’s destruction left over 650 students (Grades K-2) along with the school’s faculty and staff, without a school. Currently, the Jefferson County School District is looking for locations to place the students and faculty in the interim.

Along with the building, the teachers and staff lost all of their supplies and classroom materials in the storm.  A friend of mine is helping to facilitate collecting supplies and is trying to publicize the collection through a grassroots effort.  If you would like to contribute supplies, please e-mail me at simsinbham@aol.com or message me on Facebook or Twitter, and I'll gladly coordinate a way to get them from you.  I absolutely will make sure that any supplies are safely placed into the hands of these school children, and I will tell them from where they were donated.  Thanks so much for thinking of my home town again in the wake of these deadly storms!

Below is a list of general items that will help them get started:

Pencils
Pens
White copy paper
Wide rule loose leaf paper
Construction paper
Crayons
Glue sticks
Scotch tape
Notebooks
Folders
Expo markers
Markers
Scissors
Erasers
Hand sanitizer
Kleenex
Paper towels
Baby wipes

Disney Cruise Line Includes Venice and Greek Isles in 2013

In 2013, Disney Cruise Line will offer new itineraries --  including European cruises with new destinations such as Venice, Italy, and the Greek Isles. In addition, Disney Cruise Line will sail out of a second homeport in Florida, with Caribbean sailings departing from the Port of Miami for the first time.

With the addition of the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy (debuting in March), Disney can take more families to more destinations around the world. Disney Cruise Line has always uniquely catered to the vacation needs of families, and next year will be enhancing options for guests — whether it’s sun and sand in the Caribbean, outdoor adventures in Alaska or experiencing the wonders of Europe.

Highlights of the Disney Cruise Line 2013 schedule (which can be booked beginning Jan. 26, 2012) include:

Mediterranean from Barcelona

Beginning June 1, 2013, the Disney Magic returns to Europe with new twists to the Mediterranean itineraries, including a 4-night option and special 12-night sailings in addition to 7-night itineraries that treat guests to the best of Europe during the three-month season.

The new 12-night sailings visit destinations such as Venice, Italy, and Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast on one itinerary and Ephesus, Turkey and the Greek Isles including Athens, on another. Each itinerary will offer a sailing departing in June and another departing in July.

All itineraries depart from Barcelona, Spain, as the Disney Magic takes guests on an exciting journey of richly diverse cities, cultures and people.Rates start at $796 per person for four-night cruises, $1,015 per person for seven-night cruises and $2,244 for 12-night cruises departing from Barcelona for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Bahamas and Western Caribbean from Miami

Disney Cruise Line will sail from Miami for the first time on Dec. 23, 2012. One six- and one seven-night Caribbean sailing aboard the Disney Wonder will set the stage for a schedule of four- and five-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas and Western Caribbean between Jan. 5, 2013, and May 2, 2013. The four- and five-night cruises have a variety of itineraries. Ports of call may include Cozumel, Mexico; Grand Cayman; Key West; Nassau, Bahamas, and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Rates for four- and five-night cruises departing from Miami start at $440 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Western Caribbean from Galveston

The Disney Magic, which will begin sailing from Texas in 2012, will continue to sail from the Port of Galveston through May 2013, to the Western Caribbean.

Rates start at $750 per person for six-night cruises and $920 per person for eight-night cruises departing from Galveston for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Alaska from Vancouver

Beginning May 27, 2013, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. These cruises will combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney Cruise Line ship. Disney Cruise Line worked closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to best experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history. Rates for seven-night Alaska cruises departing from Vancouver start at $1,015 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Caribbean and Bahamas from Port Canaveral

The Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream will continue to sail a variety of Caribbean and Bahamian itineraries departing from Port Canaveral. The Disney Fantasy will sail out of Port Canaveral on seven-night Caribbean itineraries – alternating eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel). Special Eastern Caribbean sailings, January through April 2013, stop at San Juan, Puerto Rico. All Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. Rates for seven-night Caribbean cruises on the Disney Fantasy start at $1,085 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy. The Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Rates for three- and four-night Bahamian cruises on the Disney Dream start at $450 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.

Adventures By Disney

Disney Cruise Line and Adventures by Disney will offer families unique land and sea experiences in the Mediterranean. Available on select departures, guests can maximize the magic with three-night or four-night pre-cruise Adventures by Disney vacation itineraries in Barcelona and Madrid. These immersive add-ons allow families to envelop themselves in the culture of the region with VIP access in the most-sought-after tourist destinations – such as the Sagrada Familia Cathedral in Barcelona and the El Prado museum in Madrid – as well as hands-on lessons in archeology, flamenco dancing, local cuisine and stained glass crafting. 

Each Adventures by Disney departure is led by knowledgeable Adventure Guides who handle all the planning logistics so parents can relax and enjoy quality time with their family.

Families can also enhance seven-night and 12-night Mediterranean sailings with Adventures by Disney Onboard Experience packages. Throughout the voyage, guests will have access to exclusive Adventures by Disney activities and concierge service from dedicated Adventure Guides. Specific itinerary and pricing information for the 2013 Adventures by Disney experiences will be available in March 2012.

All Disney Cruise Line pricing reflects a category 11C standard inside stateroom, Government Taxes and Fees not included. Bookings for the 2013 schedule open Jan. 26, 2012.

"Finding Nemo" Coming Back to Theaters in 3D

Academy Award-winning film and a "go-to" DVD for homes and cars everywhere, Finding Nemo returns to the big screen for the first time ever in Disney Digital 3D. In the underwater adventure, Finding Nemo follows the familiar journey of an overly protective clownfish named Marlin and his son Nemo –– who become separated in the Great Barrier Reef when Nemo is unexpectedly taken far from his ocean home and dumped into a fish tank in a dentist’s office. Accompanied by Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a friendly-but-forgetful Pacific regal blue tang, Marlin embarks on a dangerous trek and finds himself the unlikely hero of an epic effort to rescue his son –– who hatches a few daring plans of his own to return safely home.

Usually, movies which hit theaters on land also will likely be shown in the Buena Vista Theaters on Disney Cruise Line. So, whether you find yourself on land or at sea with Mickey, pop on those 3D glasses and head to see Nemo in theaters this fall -- beginning September 14.  And remember..."just keep swimming!"

Pick Your Bug: Lice or Stomach Virus?

This summer, my family was plagued by a common childhood bug which we never had the pleasure of hosting until I noticed my youngest child incessantly scratching the back of his head.  Oh, we had suspected their appearance before -- with scouting reports from teachers or other parents announcing their debut in a classroom or another home.  Yet, we had dodged the little parasite for 16+ years of parenting...until June.

Now that I've had my experience with the little critters and the required delousing of the house, I've realized the extra laundry and time it took to rid ourselves of the elusive creatures, and I likened it to the family passing along a stomach virus.  So, quirky person that I am and lover of surveys and polls, I started offering up my unscientific question to moms whom I knew well and those I had never met.  Which would YOU rather have to deal with in your house...a case of lice or a bout with a tummy bug and why?

Disney Cruise Packing List

As an alum of the Disney Moms Panel and the former Disney Cruise Line Specialist, I'm often asked about my packing lists...especially for Disney cruises.  I do keep this exhaustive list on my lap top and simply make versions of it depending on the itinerary or the destination.

For a tropical itinerary, a day bag in a foreign port should include your Keys to the World, passports, sunblock, sunglasses, cameras, towels and water bottles.

My best packing tips for a Disney cruise are to:  (1) make a list; (2) pack over a two-week period; (3) try to keep to one suitcase per person; (4) trust your list and don't overpack; (5) pack outfits not items; (6) let your separates do "double duty;" (7) plan on doing laundry if on board more than 5 nights; (8) completely unpack once in your stateroom (even on 3 nights); (9) bring organizers to keep things in reach and off the floor (think vertically); and (10) take advantage of services such as Babies Travel Lite or Cruiseline Formalwear.

Many of my greatest hints and tips for Disney Cruises now appear on TravelingMom.com as "Disney Traveling Mom" and the "Mom Knows Best" section of the Disney Cruise Line Facebook Page.

FAMILY

• cruise documents & airline tickets
• passports/birth certificates
• driver's licenses and insurance cards
• credit cards (call credit card companies to alert them you are traveling)
• ATM card
• pre-paid phone card
• cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)
• 3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage and leave one copy with someone at home
• contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
• emergency numbers at home
• prescription drugs and any other essential medications (carry-on bag)
• small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil)
• crazy glue/duck tape
• bug spray (Alaska)
• sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock
• germicidal hand cleaner
• handi-wipes
• body lotion/after sun care
• sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
• laundry detergent, dryer sheets, stain stick and lint roller



Think compact -- choose things that are inflatable, collapsible and light.

• empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs and extras
• hats/caps/visors
• insulated large coffee mugs and/or refillable water bottles
• small-sized dish detergent
• watch
• glasses, case, extra contacts, contact lens cleaner and case
• sunglasses
• guidebooks, maps and other port of call information
• reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
• journal or notebook and pen/pencil
• business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
• home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts
• extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
• backpacks for daybags (double as kids' carry-ons)
• zip-topped bags, plastic grocery bags and/or garbage bags -- wet swimsuits, for extra garbage or if someone gets sick
• collapsible laundry hamper
• clear, plastic vertical hanging shoe organizer for toiletries in the bathroom
• Mesh (waterproof) hanging pockets to hang from showerhead (use a pants hanger)
• Magnetic hooks (to hang lanyards on the back of the stateroom door)
• Magnetic notes or whiteboard (to hang on outside of stateroom door)
• small flashlight and/or nightlight
• swiss army knife or something similar with screwdriver head (checked luggage)
• scissors (checked luggage)
• small umbrella and/or rain ponchos
• collapsible travel pillow for long airplane flights
• camera (and disposable waterproof camera)
• video camera
• binoculars
• extra film or memory cards
• extra batteries or battery charger (chords)
• iPod, iPhone, iPad, Kindle, Nintendo DS/charger
• laptop
• extension chord/power strip
• guidebooks, maps and other port of call information
• reading material
• journal or notebook and pen/pencil
• business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
• playing cards
• Disney pins and lanyards for trading (choose 10-15 'trade-worthy' ones)
• waterproof wallet
• sand toys (buy them at a discount store and leave them behind)

MOM AND GIRLS

• Curling/Flat Iron/Rollers
• Comb/Brush
• Hair Products (mousse, oil, gel, spray)
• Shampoo/Conditioner (specialty)
• Shower Cap
• Face wash/make-up remover
• Deodorant
• Perfume/cologne
• Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
• Tweezers
• Hand held mirror
• Make-up and Make-up Bag
• Moisturizer
• Nail Polish and Remover
• Nail Clippers and File



Figure in downtime in your schedule...especially for days at sea...and plan accordingly.  You can provide highlighters or sticky notes for the planner in the family to read the daily Personal Navigator, and everyone should bring along something to read.

• Razor and Shaving Cream
• Bras (sports, strapless, regular)
• Undergarments, camisoles, slips
• PJs
• Exercise/walking socks
• Exercise clothes
• Belts
• Scarves
• Trouser Socks or Pantyhose
• Gloves and Stocking Cap (Alaska)
• Walking and Hiking Shoes
• Walking Sandals
• Swim Suit
• Swim Suit Cover-up
• Sandals, Flip Flops
• 4 Dresses/outfits for informal nights on ship
• Shorts
• Tops of All Types (sleeveless, short-sleeved, long-sleeved)
• Capri Pants, slacks, jeans
• Windbreaker Jacket/raincoat with hood
• Sweatshirt
• 2 dresses/outfits for formal/semi-formal nights on ship
• Evening sweater, jacket or wrap
• Evening Bag/PurseEvening Shoes
• Costume Jewelry/Hair Accessories 
• Pirate attire (full costume or accessories)
• Disney princess costumes (for ages 10 and under)

DAD AND BOYS

• Shaving Kit /Shower Bag
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash
• Razor and shaving cream
• Hair brush/comb
• Deodorant
• Nail clippers
• Pajamas/t-shirts and gym shorts
• Underwear, boxers, briefs, undershirts



Little ones appreciate bringing along a few familiar items from home such as stuffed animals or blankets to make them more at ease and comfortable.

• Socks - exercise, walking, evening wear
• Jeans
• Shorts
• Khaki Pants
• Belt
• Casual Shirts and Golf Shirts
• Long-sleeved tees or casual shirts
• Sweat-shirt or Sweater
• Gloves(Alaska)
• Waterproof windbreaker jacket
• T-Shirts
• Exercise/workout clothes
• Comfortable walking shoes, casual shoes, dock siders, dress shoes
• Exercise/running Shoes
• Swimming Trunks
• Baseball cap/hat
• Slacks
• Dress shirts and ties
• Sport/dinner jacket
• Dark Suit or tuxedo
• Pirate Attire (full costumes or just accessories)
• Disney costumes such as Woody, Buzz, Prince Charming, etc. (ages 10 and under)

 BABIES AND TODDLERS

• Diapers, swim diapers, wipes and baggies for soiled diapers 
• Formula, jar food and dry snacks (pre-packaged only)
• Baby/toddler-sized eating utensils
• Breast pump and storage containers
• Pacifiers
• Plastic or disposable bottles, accessories and sippy cups
• A crib (with bedding) and diaper disposal system in your stateroom, booster seat/high chair for dining and strollers are all available upon request.(Just ask your stateroom host/hostess; dining service team; and Guest Services, respectively.)
• Disposable bibs
• Favorite stuffed animals, books, coloring books, crayons and toys
• Inflatable swim aids 
• Infant backpack or front carrier
• Diaper bag
• Diaper rash ointment, PediaSure, teething ointment and other meds unique to babies and toddlers
• Pediatrician's emergency contact info
• Tear-free and allergy-free shampoo, body wash and lotion (sunblock, too)
• Water shoes (for tender feet)

Two New Disney Cruise Line Moms

Since the Walt Disney World Moms Panel began five years ago, the moms and dads have increased in number as well as in their specialties.  The panel has always included a Disney Cruise Line Mom, but this year has added two to keep up with the number of questions that pour in daily from Mickey's sea-faring guests.  Marisol Lopez from Florida was selected from the 2011 panel, and Nancy Walshe from Georgia was chosen from the thousands of applicants who specifically applied for the Disney Cruise Line position this year.

Nancy, Me and Marisol

For 2012, there are 15 new moms dads added to the ranks, including specialists in the areas of Disneyland, Disney Vacation Club, Adventures by Disney, runDisney, and of course, Disney Cruise Line. Plus, guests will be able to ask questions and receive answers in Spanish, too.  (Marisol is one of the panelists who will be able to provide answers in Spanish.)

I am very proud of my two "sea sisters" as the new Disney Cruise Moms.  They join a great little sorority of Disney Cruise Mom Alums -- including Kimberly LaPaglia of Tennessee, Karen Prince of New Hampshire and yours truly from the great state of Alabama.  So, stay tuned to DisneyCruise.com and DisneyWorldMoms.com to see the new cruise moms and their answers.  And...what are you waiting for?  Go ask them a Disney cruise question.  You know you have one!

Disney Cruise Line Top 5 in Juneau, Alaska with Natali

 When my family and I traveled to Alaska aboard the Disney Wonder last June, we were accompanied by another family filming videos, too.  We became fast friends with Natali Morris, her husband and little boy, and we can't wait to find out who will be joining their ranks very soon. You may even recognize a few of my own "little" ones who made their way into Natali's video.

My Alabama Crimson Tide -- National Champs!

If you know me in the least, you know that I'm a girly-girl.  For goodness sakes, I'm a ballet teacher who paid for my way through college by competing in pageants. Yet, I know football.  Specifically, I know college football.  In fact, I would rather watch a game on a fall Saturday than go shopping.  (I know...I just might get my "girly girl card" pulled for that comment.)

Therefore, I would be grossly overlooking a huge event in my life this week if I didn't make you keenly aware that my Alabama Crimson Tide won their 14th National Championship last night by completely dominating the LSU Tigers in a rematch which many thought would be redundant.  Congratulations to Nick Saban, the Alabama Crimson Tide and the family of Alabama football fans everywhere...including Sela Ward and Courtney Cox!  I happen to be in good "girly girl" company.

Alabama Crimson Tide Fan Spotted at Disney Fantasy Shipyard

Even in Papenburg, Germany at the Meyer Werft Shipyard where the Disney Fantasy is currently awaiting a float out tomorrow -- an Alabama Crimson Tide fan gives a big thumb's up to the National Championship contenders for Monday night's game.  Well, actually it's my friend, Jason Lasecki (Public Relations Director for Disney Cruise Line) who happens to be a Michigan (Go Big Blue!) fan -- the 2012 Sugar Bowl Champs!

When we were working on a project together in November (during the first Alabama vs. LSU match up), we were in Los Angeles, and I brought Jason and other members of the team Alabama sweatshirts.  He was such a good sport that he donned the shirt during that game and brought it with him to Germany while promoting the Disney Fantasy's float out on January 8.  Of course, another from the team also is there but forgot his Alabama sweatshirt.  Yet, don't be too harsh on Jonathan Frontado -- he thought the "A" on the chest stood for "Andi."  (That still wins big points with me!)

Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog, the Disney Cruise Line Facebook Page and the Disney Cruise Line News' YouTube Channel for all the latest information about the new Disney ship -- plus, Jason's and Jonathon's travels.  They're fun to follow!  And you can watch Alabama WIN the national championship game on Monday, January 9 at 7:30 p.m. (CST) on ESPN.

I'm not sure how "folksy" Jason and I will be next September when Michigan and Alabama face off at Cowboy Stadium in Dallas.  I hope to be reporting from there and provide you with first-hand knowledge of what happens when Crimson clashes with Blue.  (I have a feeling it won't be a nice shade of lavendar.)

 Roll Tide Roll!

Morning Routine?

As the name of my blog suggests, I still feel like an undergraduate in my career being a wife and mother.  After more than 20 years as a wife and 17+ of being a mom, I fail at my job quite regularly.  Take this morning for example, because we were up late the night before and didn't prepare for the next day, our morning routine went terribly. In fact, I'm not so sure that you can label our mornings as having a routine.

My precious ones looking so sweet and innocent!

Oh, I've read all the books, and I have enjoyed fits and spurts of morning rituals.  In fact, I was on the bandwagon more so when the kids were younger rather than now that they are two teens, a tween and a snaggle-toothed, (almost) 8 year old.  They are big enough to get ready the night before; big enough to go to bed on time; plenty big enough to wake up on time; and certainly big enough to get ready for school in a set amount of time.  Yet, we struggle with all of this basically because I tend to live in a cycle of reaction instead of pro-action.

Most of the charts and lists I've read (and even put into practice) have typically been too complicated for our brood.  So, today -- while the little darlings were tucked safely away from me and my bitterness -- I started plotting and planning of how to make our morning machine not have as many grunts and groans.  I've calculated how long it takes everyone to do certain things in the morning -- including those special children who aren't wired for the early part of the day.  Then, I've carefully figured out when each one will be "required" to wake up and what exactly s/he will be required to prepare the night before.  Each one knows what to do to prepare for the day (showering, dressing, etc.) and what NOT to do (TV, computer, texting, etc.).  So, that's really not the issue.  It's simply giving everyone in the house a better environment to start our day -- instead of, "Hurry, hurry, hurry....come on, let's go, go, go!!!"

We'll have a family meeting at some point after dinner and evening activities when I'll unveil the plan (and probably throw in a revisit to the chore chart, too).  Then, we'll all live happily ever after.  Right?  (Yeah, and my closets stay clean and organized after only one upheaval, too.)  I'll let you know.

New Year's Resolution Reality Check

A clean slate.  The beginning of something new and unknown.  A fresh new day.  I've always loved new beginnings and fresh starts.  Yet, after-Christmas traditions hold that we make something really big out of a new year -- we make a list of how to better ourselves.  Over the years, I've waxed and waned as far as making new year's resolutions.  I've made endless lists and goals, action points and to-do lists based on those resolutions.  And then, I've punted it all...and said, "My new year's resolution is to not make any resolutions."

Starting my new year off right even before it turned 2012 at the Resolution Run at Red Mountain Park

Yet, I think deep down I knew that that was a cop out.  I hope I never lose the optimism and initiative it takes just to resolve to better myself in some small way everyday.  Experts say that you're more likely to keep resolutions if you write them down and you tell someone else.  So, I thought -- what better way to kill those two birds than post my list on my blog for the whole world to see?  (Okay, I'm grounded...my little corner of the world.)

Take a little looksie at what I'm working toward in 2012.  It's by no means exhaustive, and it's not in any particular order.  Yet, it helps me to see what I have in front of me, and I hope it might encourage you to take a pen to paper and figure out how you'd like to improve, too.  What are your 2012 New Year's Resolutions?

• Better my body.  I always want to lose weight.  That comes from being a curvy girl, but I want to go beyond that goal and become stronger, faster and healthier.  I want to eat and drink (especially the "bad" stuff) in moderation and learn to cram more of the "good" stuff in my pie hole instead.
• Better my blog.  This sounds really trivial, but since I'm not answering Disney guests' questions this year, I should have more time to do this -- in theory.  I want to create more and interesting content.  I want to be consistent, and I want to monetize my blog.
• Better my babies.  My oldest child will leave for college (hopefully) in a year and a half, and I'm finally realizing that this parenting thing doesn't last forever.  I'm a slow learner.  Therefore, I want to invest myself into all four of my children to make them better students, Christians, family members, friends and all around better people. I believe that my husband falls under this category, too -- and I want to invest in our marriage so that we actually know each other when all these creatures leave the nest one day.
• Better my bottom line.  Since we do have college for #1 son looming in the very near future and plenty more to plan for, I am looking into ways to help pull the wagon around here.  I've been putting out feelers and will continue to about ways to market my writing, public relations, marketing, on camera and "spokesmom" capabilities.  In addition, I want to spend less but give and save more in 2012.
• Better my breath.  One of my favorite songs of worship refers to a Christian's relationship with God as his/her breath of life, and keeping with my alliteration, it seems most fitting here.  As I feel that everything springs from the condition of my relationship with God, I want to always strive to seek His presence and thus, offer this list (and every list) up as a sacrifice to Him.  If He's not in it, it ain't happening.