Fear not; only believe.

Happy 2014!

We've been sick over here for the last week...each taking our turn.  My turn was all day yesterday.  But all-in-all, we've had a really wonderful two weeks together away from school and work and the cares of the world (mostly.)

We've been all about goals and blessings and planning together as a family for the new year today.  And the kids decided they want to do chores again and get little passes for special activities like we did last summer.  This time, they decided to make up their own passes.

Instead of media passes, their passes make allowances for things like "20 minutes to snuggle" with mom or dad, an opportunity to cook with mom, make crafts, wrestle, blow bubbles, have family time, get "the special treatment," have dessert, or special time alone with Dad, etc.

I am glad to see that these are the things that my kids want in their lives.  I am thankful that we have a home that we all share together (even when we are sharing germs!), and that we all have a say in making it a special place where the gospel is taught, priesthood power is present, and love is felt.

Tonight as I was tucking Scarlett in bed, she said, "Mommy, I miss our old house!"  I could see she was starting to cry, and I said, "Oh now, don't you start to cry."  I said, "Look, if there's any home you should miss, it's heaven, because that's where you're from."  

I could see she was thinking, "Is that right?"  I said, "And we'll go back there some day, and we'll be there all together.  So, if you're going to miss a home, miss heaven, because heaven is your real home. Every house here is only temporary."  

"Can I have my [special stuffed animal] in heaven?" she asked.  "Yes, you can have anything you want there, but you have to keep the commandments here and follow God.  So just work on that, and don't worry about anything else."

And I guess that's sort of my goal for 2014, to keep the commandments and keep my eye on the prize...to fear not, only believe.

What will be the focus of your goals this year?