In with the new

As the year is quickly drawing to a close, it's always interesting to ponder on the events of the past year and look ahead to what lies ahead. 2008 has been a pretty crazy year with so much going on - an uncertain but very positive pregnancy, a new baby who is ridiculously adorable, a little boy who keeps growing up way too fast, new employment and employment opportunities, a new address with new friends to meet, new experiences, new traditions, and on and on. I think over all, it has been a very good year!

At the rate we're going, I am certain that next year will bring with it its own set of challenges and trials, but we're going to also have many wonderful memories and experiences. With the kids' birthdays right around the corner, I can just feel the clock speeding up.

But with all the things over which I will have no control, one thing that I can control is FOOD. I am making a public declaration of a goal of mine for 2009 along with a preliminary list of my rules that I will be sticking to and am asking you, dear blog reader, to support me and encourage me in my upcoming quest. So, without further ado, here is my official 2009 set of rules for myself and my family:

• Family meals in 2009 will be homecooked (mostly by me, unless it involves the grill, then Jarom will be assisting)
• Once a month we will be allowed to get a Costco pizza.
• Once a month we can gorge ourselves on tacos from Del Taco if it's Taco Tuesday night.
• We can go out to eat if we are invited (especially if someone else is buying!) or to celebrate a family member's birthday, but not just because I don't feel like cooking.
• My weekly food budget is not to exceed $60.

I have started going a softer version of this since we've moved and no longer have fast food nearby, and I think it's been a good change for our family. Isaac was getting way too familiar with chicken nuggets, "swench swies" and Sprite. So I am going to make a plan and stick with it and will no doubt make mention of it in my postings. Wish me luck!