This year, I resolve to...

Happy New Year!

What? Okay, so I'm a couple of, er, weeks late. I've been busy. We've been busy. It's been a busy time.

But here we are in 2012. So far this year, we've had a trip to the doctor, two sick days and a snow day. Actually, that was just since Wednesday. Yeah, we've been busy.

My brother even came into town for a night, which felt like no time at all. But I did at least snap a good photo of him with the boys while he was here. This may not seem monumental to you, but let me assure you that it is. All three of them are looking at the camera and smiling. At the same time. Miracle of miracles.



















So anyway. Y'all know that I'm not much of one for New Year's Resolutions. Some years, I half-heartedly make a few. Some years I don't bother. I'm a little cynical about them. I tend to think of New Year's Resolutions as well-intentioned promises that are nearly impossible to keep. At least for me, that is.

Last year, I said I wanted to get some of my articles published in national publications--and I did! Granted, it was on the websites of national publications, but if you ask me, I still think that should count. But I didn't really consider that a New Year's Resolution. It was more of a professional goal made at a time at which it was natural to outline some new professional goals. Let's not argue semantics, though.

Just for fun, I asked William if he knew what a New Year's Resolution was. He mulled it over for a minute and then admitted that he didn't. I explained what they were. And he said he wanted to make one for himself. And he did! His resolution for 2012 is to be able to read chapter books. (Not necessarily the big long hard chapter books, but perhaps some simple chapter books). I said that I thought that sounded like a great idea.

And he's already working toward that goal. Right after William returned to school, his teacher decided to put him in the Accelerated Reader program. He's not overly impressed with himself for this accomplishment but he is looking forward to getting to answer questions on the computer about the books he reads. The computer part is what sold him on the advantage to working hard enough to qualify for Accelerated Reader. It's all about technology with kids these days. In MY day, we had to answer questions about books we read with a PENCIL and a PIECE OF WIDE-RULED PAPER. In the SNOW. BAREFOOT. Who remembers having to write out book reports on loose-leaf paper? Raise your hands, kids, if you ever sweated over a term paper that you wrote out with your Bic pen and your trusty bottle of Wite-Out by your side. (Okay, no, I didn't have to do that in kindergarten. It wasn't until fourth or fifth grade. But I still have flashbacks about it.)

So reading chapter books is William's goal for 2012. And my goal for him is to learn how to swim. For real this time. No floaties. No pool noodles. No doggie paddle. If I have to call it a New Year's resolution to make it happen, I will. It just needs to happen. The summer seems like eons away now, but it will be here soon, and the boys will be clamoring to go to the pool. William has got to be able to swim without me. Andrew is shaping up to be our daredevil, and I'm going to need both hands and both feet to keep up with him.

If you're wondering if Andrew has any New Year's Resolutions, the answer is, "I don't know." I know that David is eager to make him get rid of his pacifier. But Andrew himself isn't so hot on that idea. We'll see who has the stronger will.