2011 Goals...For My House

I almost didn't write this post. By nature, I tend to shy away from challenges for fear of failure. And shame. And then eating too many brownies.

But The Nester is hosting a link-up for bloggers, asking them to share their goals for their homes in 2011. It struck me when she ended her invitation with a reminder to "be realistic but challenge yourself."

Ooooo...that could be problematic. It would be so super easy for me to list these as my goals: Vacuum once a month, wash the dishes, and lock the front door when I leave. Check, check, aaaand check.

That was easy.

...Except for the part where The Nester asked me to challenge myself. Several blog posts I came across this week shared about being fearless and stepping outside of your comfort zone. I took that as God's teeny tiny hint that maybe it's time to stop worrying about messing up and start trying new things.

So here's what I came up with:

1. Learn to L-O-V-E my house. 

Quit wishing for a basement, a garage, a sound-proof craft room, and start looking for little things to appreciate.

2. Update:

• Take more time to learn what exactly my style is. What do I love?
• Paint--it's supposed to be the easiest (and one of the least expensive) ways to change a room's look. The kitchen and the dining room both need to be painted...I'm leaning towards a light gray. 
• Kitchen hardware--we need to say buh-bye to the brass on the cabinets. That is all.
• Thrifty replacements--start scouring Salvation Army for a new coffee table and end tables for the family room. Explain to T that just because furniture is "solid" and real wood and "perfectly good," doesn't mean we should keep it if it makes my eyes bleed. 

3. Organize

• Girls' Room--we moved them into the same bedroom in September, but the closets have been in limbo ever since. They need an organizational overhaul. I'm hoping a Saturday drive to IKEA can remedy that.
• Donate--continue the naptime toy bin raids and go through my own closet for clothes that I have been delusional about ever fitting into again.

4. Enjoy!

• What fun is a house if you don't take the time to savor a café mocha on the deck while the kids play in the backyard? Stay HOME more often and enjoy the blessings God has gifted us with.

I could go on for ages with the projects I'd love to complete this year, but I'm attempting to be realistic. 

I hope you'll be here to see how we do with these goals!

{Do you have any changes you'd like to implement at home in 2011?}

*Hope you'll come back tomorrow to link your favorite post of the week up to Weekend Bloggy Reading!*