January 3, 2016

St.George trip Giveaway

After spending a few weeks giving away some of my favorite things, I want to add one more thing to the list . . . but first I want to tell you all the reasons why it has become one of my favorites.

This past week has been unforgettable. We took off early one morning, and—despite being stuck on a snowy freeway that was closed for over two hours —continued on the long journey to St. George. Driving towards warmer weather was our motivation, but also to get away as a family.

All of our road trips, up to this point, have been to visit extended family or speaking engagements and interviews. So this time, we had no schedule—nobody waiting for us to arrive—just the eight of us.

It was so relaxing. Some days we just hung out by the pools all day, other days we got dressed up and went to a nice dinner. We literally had no itinerary, and no expectations.

And the location, and the view, could not be beat. The resort was about five minutes outside of St. George, but felt like we were in the most beautiful oasis of desert views with plateaus, red rock, and behind those were majestic Utah Mountains that seemed to touch the sky.

Yet, five minutes away we could buy an In and Out burger or Chick-fil-A. (Burger for Shawn, nuggets for me)

We had a three-bedroom suite. The four girls had a room with double queen bunk beds, and a big queen bed room for the boys. The master bedroom had it’s own jetted tub, and king size bed, and a closet bigger than mine at home.

The fireplace in the living room was cozy, and the TV was fully loaded with Net Flix, and cable, and all the shows anyone would want to watch.  The kitchen was elegant, and equipped with all the kitchen appliances and cookware we needed.

All around, it was like being at home on vacation. Shawn was happy our car was parked in a covered garage, and I was happy that the patio overlooked the mountains and it had a laundry room to get caught up every day. The kids were happy that the outdoor pool was heated. They played marco polo while bouncing back and forth between the indoor pool and the fresh air outside.

Today I am excited to partner with Coral Springs Resort for another favorite things giveaway. Coral Springs Resort would love to provide a two-day luxury get away for one of the special readers of The Moments We Stand. A two-night stay for you and your family—or friends—or who ever you decide to take with you!!

***Here is how it works.***
 I want to hear your resolutions. What do you want to accomplish this year. How are you going to make yourself better for your family, your friends, your employment, and yourself. What are you going to contribute this year to make our world a better place? Who is the person you want to become in 2016, and what goals are going to get you there?

Leave me your name and your goals in the comments section of this post. I can only pick one winner, but I am excited to be inspired by your comments. Happy 2016. Lets make this year the best one yet. I will chose a winner next Saturday! 

Here is the video highlight of our trip!! Once again, I can’t thank Coral Springs Resort enough for their generosity—amazing service, top notch amenities, beautiful location and overall cleanliness and beauty. I am excited to be able to share this opportunity for one of you to enjoy the serene beauty and leisure this resort has to offer.




Anyone who signs up for this giveaway, please email your friends or tag them on facebook and Instagram so we can share the opportunity!!

377 comments:

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Unknown said...

First of all THANK YOU for inspiring me to be already a better human being full of compassion and love. For this coming year my goals are to be a better mom, be more patient with them But specially more patient with myself!! I need to stop comparing myself with other moms whom seem to have their house always spotless and have it all together I need to remember this year that It is OK if my house is messy once in a while and that is OK if the toys are disorganized... Another thing that I need to work on is in loving more myself! I want to exercise more and be more loving with my body (with 4+ kids is not always easy, as you know).
My biggest goal for this year is to do more service, everyday a small act of kindness.
Also attend the temple once a month.
And my last goal is to read the whole Book of Mormon from cover to cover before the end of this year.

Melissa and Jason said...

In 2016 my goal is to get in better shape....I had surgery a year ago and it is time to get my life back! I also want to be more present in life and not get caught up in social media!

Forever said...

I want to get healthy so that I can be more active for my kids. To do this I will need to lose weight and I have plans to wake up early and walk to get started. I already have a diet plan worked out and hopefully I can just stay on top of it!

Amander N said...

My name is Amanda Nelsen.
My goals/hopes for the coming year:
To get stronger and healthier.
To be able to go on dates with my husband regularly.
To get a clean MRI after my brain surgery last year.
To be a more peaceful and joyful mother to my 18 month old.
To continue to appreciate life, trials and all.

Unknown said...

My name is Kaley Porter! This year I want to come to know myself better and become a better version of me! I want to strive to be more patient and involved with my children... Playing with them instead of worrying about the house being a mess or dinner needing to be cooked!

Unknown said...

Life has been crazy for me and my littles these past few years. The stress of being a single mom and trying to pull the weight of what 2 should do has taken its toll!! I was able to make a vision board on New Years Eve and I felt so inspired!!! My goals this year are to become a fearless me!! I want to be able to feel healed and take in every moment! My goal is to look for the positive in everyone and every situation! Haha I want to shape up like a celeb and be healthy and happy!! Organize my time and stress less!!! Love and have some family fun!! This year I want to be my best self for me and my children!!!! Here's to an amazing 2016!!!

Jess said...

My name is Jessica. After being strong on his own for too long, my husband started having panic attacks the week before Christmas. He was very stressed at work but didn't want to burden me or our family (I'm a stay at home mom to our 5 kids, ages 10 and under). We've never been great at making resolutions or goals but this experience has given us the opportunity to evaluate our lives and what is truly important to us. ...our family and our faith. So 2016 is dedicated to daily scripture and prayer, monthly fasting, better nutrition, family fitness, learning to manage stress and communicate better. It's a lot of goals but we're talking it one day at a time and learning to include the Lord in our lives to make up the difference where we fall short. Our journey to overcome the panic attacks and anxiety is just beginning but by doing the best we know how we have already seen tremendous blessings. 2016 is going to be a great year!

Jess said...

My name is Jessica. After being strong on his own for too long, my husband started having panic attacks the week before Christmas. He was very stressed at work but didn't want to burden me or our family (I'm a stay at home mom to our 5 kids, ages 10 and under). We've never been great at making resolutions or goals but this experience has given us the opportunity to evaluate our lives and what is truly important to us. ...our family and our faith. So 2016 is dedicated to daily scripture and prayer, monthly fasting, better nutrition, family fitness, learning to manage stress and communicate better. It's a lot of goals but we're talking it one day at a time and learning to include the Lord in our lives to make up the difference where we fall short. Our journey to overcome the panic attacks and anxiety is just beginning but by doing the best we know how we have already seen tremendous blessings. 2016 is going to be a great year!

Debbie Thompson said...

My One Little Word and goal for 2016 is CULTIVATE!!! I first of all want to cultivate my relationship with my Heavenly Father and Savior... That's first and foremost!!! But I also want to cultivate deeper and more meaningful relationships. Nurture and grow the ones I already have. Plant new ones. Make the soil of friendships in my life rich and fertile... I want to cultivate my dreams and passions!!! Cultivate my talents and gifts... I want to cultivate healthier habits regarding my time, the things I put into my body, etc.... I want to cultivate healthier mind sets and attitude... Cultivate faith, gratitude, kindness and joy!!! In my journey of becoming more me, I need to cultivate the areas of my life that are neglected!!! Cultivate and nurture the areas that have been fruitful to become more productive!!! Look for ways to grow and thrive❤️

Anonymous said...

Hi Ashlee my name is Danielle Dow. I am super excited for 2016 and what this year will hold. I just had a baby in November and I want to be a better mom to my baby this year. It was a rough start but I feel like I can start getting in the swing of things now and devoting as much time as possible to her. I'd also like to do better and loving others and being less selfish. I want to be kind to those who have wronged me and forgive them. I want to work to let go of grudges and see the good in people... No matter how difficult it might be. I'd also like to graduate college and finally receive the degree that I've been working on for 10 years now :)

Taunya said...

Thanks for doing this! A get away is needed! I want to work on better quality play time with my kids, and teaching them about the gospel more. I want to help a lady who I visit teach to come back to church. I also want to run a half marathon and eat more healthy. thanks ashlee!

Emily Lawrence said...

This year I am working on my relationship with the Savior so that I can be a better wife and mother.

Hailey said...

My 2016 focus is to simplify and focus on my relationships with my family members. Hopefully really center myself in what's most important.

Kevin and Natali McKee said...

My name is Natali McKee. I am going to try going to bed at 10 and waking up at 6:30 this year. I am going to get to a healthy weight by watching what I eat and exercising. I am going to read the scriptures in the morning instead of at night. I am getting my laundry room in order this year. I have 6 kids as well and this needs loads of help. I also want to play more board games with the kids. Oh and we are saving up for a dream trip to Ireland.

Jamie said...

My name is Jamie Walton and i have been following your blog for about 5 months now, i just want to tell you how much i have learned from you and your blog this past year. My goals for this year are to strengthen my testimony and for my husband and i to attend the temple at least once a month. We have also set the goal as a family to read the Book of Mormon together this year as we are not good at family scripture study. We had a rough year last year my husband was involved in a bad accident which put us in a real financial bind but we have worked through it through Faith, prayer and the help of our friends and family. I want to thank you for doing this wonderful giveaway. You are a very special spirit! Thank you.

*Sydney* said...

Since we will be adding baby girl #2 shortly into the New Year, I have decided to slow down this year and focus on the mommy moments that really matter.

My 2 main goals this year are - reading the Book of Mormon cover to cover for the first time. Having children has put that into a new perspective for me. I've always had a strong testimony, but know now that I've got to expand on my knowledge to be able to raise a family in righteousness.

My second goal is to attend the temple regularly with my husband. I love those date nights and know how important it is to keep the temple and the Lord in our marriage!

This get away would be PERFECT for our new family of 4. Thank you!

Ms. Ellipsis... said...

I am resolving to be okay with making mistakes and remembering my worth regardless! Thanks!

Ms. Ellipsis... said...

My goal for this year is to honor my worth. I want to lean to love mistakes and the growth that comes with them. Thanks!

Kari said...

My HOPES FOR THE NEW YEAR....
I want a new, better life in 2016. But I don't want just any better life; I want a Happy life. "I want one with new eyes to see that my life is already staggeringly beautiful.
I want to be a better mom in 2016. "A Mom with new eyes to see that the miracle is not good, better, best — the miracle is that these people, my children, are mine and I am theirs." (From Momastery)
I also want to be a BETTER ME in 2016. A better me, whose striving to become better while I accept myself for where I'm at, and for Whose I am. I want to submit myself humbly to whatever growth He has in store for me. I want to choose Happy, knowing that choosing happy also means also choosing hard. We have to know the bitter in order to know the sweet. And when that "hard" comes, I want to remember where to turn (to Him), and how to do it. Because with Christ, that is always, not only the Happy Way, but it is THE Happiest way!!

Kayley said...

My goal is to lose 40 lb this year. I've lost 10 lb since November, so I feel confident I can finally accomplish it this time!

Angela said...

My grandpa just died last week, so I've been thinking a lot about him and the kind of person he was. As I've thought of his many great attributes, the one that I would like to emulate the most was his ability to slow down, and never be in a hurry. It didn't matter who he was with; if he was with you, you were all that mattered. He made everyone feel like they were the most important person. So my resolution for this year is to try and be more like him...unplug and engage.

Sharron said...

My New Years goal is to wake up EVERY morning with a positive attitude no matter what life hands me.

s t said...

Would love such a fun trip! What a great way to start a great year!
Sheryl

Lara said...

This year I will strive to be more present in the moment. I will also strive to progress spiritually, physically and mentally.

Stacy Kay said...

My focus this year is to gain a close relationship with my Heavenly Father and Jesus. I also want to love myself and all that entails.

s t said...

Sorry, I guess I should read the directions before I post. My goals for this year are to increase in faith, hope, and charity. I have broken it down into baby steps like noticing progress of all increments in myself and others, improving my scripture study, . . . . I want to make the world a better place by sharing a smile and a kind word more often and more when possible. Sheryl Tolman

Jenn said...

My goal for 2016 is to make our family stronger. As we continue to adjust to a new home, new state, new schools, lost loved ones, and later in the year a new baby-it is going to be full of challenges-but we will do it! Goals are to read/pray daily, enjoy our Sundays together (we took a huge paycut and moved states so my husband wouldn't have to work Sundays anymore), and spend more time together building memories!

Krysta said...

There are many things that I want to work on in 2016 but the most important one is that I want to be closer to my father in heaven and by doing this I feel it will make me a better person, mother, and wife.

Unknown said...

I want to start and keep a journal. Also I want to take more pictures!

Anonymous said...

I will learn to like or maybe even love 'me' again. I am NOT to blame for a cheating husband, a broken family (and broken heart), and a negative feeling about my life. I will be strong, confident, helpful, caring, live with integrity and with a mended heart. I can, I must, and I will!

Alicia said...

My word of the year is Healthy, because 2015 was crappy for our health. So I want to become physically, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally healthy this year along with helping my family become and stay healthy this year. I will do this by reading my scriptures and preparing for my lessons in advance, learning about and using my essential oils more, working out and eating healthy, and cleaning out all the clutter and junk in our house and lives. Can't wait to leave the unhealthiness of 2015 behind and start 2016 strong!

crozyb said...

Your video just made my day!! Family is everything! Ok so for 2016, I am “letting it go”. There are too many things that keep me from being the best me. Satan knows me, and he knows that my habit of holding onto things is the most effective way to keep me from being the BEST me. I am going to let the hurt and the pain go. I am going to substitute it with more service to others around me. I am going to forget about myself and go to work! -Karalee :)

skinnyminnyme80 (Mary) said...
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skinnyminnyme80 (Mary) said...

Hi Ashlee! My goals for 2016 have a lot to do with what I learned back in October, at your Reason To Stand conference. I have struggled for years with my feelings of inadequacy and unhappiness. I was so touched by all I learned at your conference and I walked away with some pretty amazing tools. I learned that I AM WORTH IT, I MATTER, I AM WORTHY of good things. Because of all I learned, in 2016 I am taking a leap of faith and moving on with my life. I am leaving negativity, abuse and unhappiness behind and I am daring to make a better life for two little children and myself! Thank you for your amazing example of strength, faith and love. You have helped me in more ways then you will ever know.

Jes said...

My hubby and I don't allow our kids more screen time. Unfortunately, I don't do the same for myself. My goal this year is to disconnect more. Be more present! To find the patience I always seem to be lacking. And to stop looking for all the negative!! Oh and don't forget to lose 20 pounds. haha

Sarah said...

Sarah Kelley. This getaway would be so amazing for my family! My resolution is more patience. Patience with the kids, my husband, and myself. Patience in the Lord's timing. Patience though the trials in life.

Jessica said...

My two primary goals are speak kindly and don't let myself get angry.

with Mari van Ormer said...

My name is Mari van Ormer. My husband passed away almost 2 years ago. I am a widow with 4 children. One of my big goals this year is to run the Utah Valley Marathon. I have never run a marathon in my life, and it will be tough! (I am no lightweight, so I will have to train intensely to make it!) My training will involve running almost daily, with the added challenge of pushing my toddler son in the jogger stroller. It has been a challenging few years to be sure, facing the world as a widow, but I do my best to keep my head up and keep my eyes on the future rather than the past. I am running this marathon to be an overcomer. My sister, who has run many marathons, will be staying by my side the whole way. I just pray I will make it! Your blog has been an inspiration to me from before my husband passed away, and at some points has been a lifeline after he died. One of the first things I did after he died was run to your blog, and search it for hope and help, and I found it. I thank you for that. I would love to plan a trip to getaway for a while, I could really use a relaxing vacation, especially after all the intense running, and just the intensity of life. It sounds like it would be a wonderful place to visit. Maybe I could take my sister there after we cross the finish line together. That would be amazing. :)

Mandy said...

My goals for 2016? To strive every day to become a better wife and to finally become a mommy. My husband and I had the "final" word from doctors last week, babies not possible without expensive treatment and then our chances might not be good. We serve a God that specializes in miracles and I continue to believe His word and His will are far more

Unknown said...

Your Vacation Video is adorable! I watched the whole thing and loved it! My Goals for the New Year are Simple... so far..
I went to the Gym 68 times this last year... pretty good that I didn't quit after January, this year I am going to go 136 times (double what I did last year) and incorporate healthier eating and trying to find some ways to stop emotional eating when I am stressed.
Second goal is to be Kinder to others. By nature I am a kind person but sometimes when I feel frustrated or people do things that upset me, I am not so kind. I want to gain the Charity of Christ even when people are not being great to me.
I am going to date my husband more! We have raised 3 children who are gone and have just one at home! I am going to promise that he and I will plan some creative dates together without our last remaining daughter in tow! I want to make sure that when our last little bird leaves the nest we are still In Love and know who each other is. Those are my resolutions!

Unknown said...

Your Vacation Video is adorable! I watched the whole thing and loved it! My Goals for the New Year are Simple... so far..
I went to the Gym 68 times this last year... pretty good that I didn't quit after January, this year I am going to go 136 times (double what I did last year) and incorporate healthier eating and trying to find some ways to stop emotional eating when I am stressed.
Second goal is to be Kinder to others. By nature I am a kind person but sometimes when I feel frustrated or people do things that upset me, I am not so kind. I want to gain the Charity of Christ even when people are not being great to me.
I am going to date my husband more! We have raised 3 children who are gone and have just one at home! I am going to promise that he and I will plan some creative dates together without our last remaining daughter in tow! I want to make sure that when our last little bird leaves the nest we are still In Love and know who each other is. Those are my resolutions!

Unknown said...

HI Ashey. I love your blog:) My new years resolution this year is to "FIND ME, MYSELF". I want to find what will make me happy, not anyone else, just me. I think this will help myself, my 3 kids, my work family as well as everyone else:) I have been thru a broken life, and am ready to find light again! I am also excited as I have just purchased tickets to your Boise Conference. I can't wait to hear from you. I can relate to you in so many ways and you inspire me! J Kent

Unknown said...



Hi my name is BJ and I'll start off by telling a little about my back story which makes me have the goals I have today. On June 25th 2013 I became a single parent. Not the single parent where one parent just doesn't live in the home anymore, but a single parent where one physically doesn't reside here on earth anymore. I got the horrible phone call nobody wants to get, but the worst pain was sitting and looking at my little girl then 8 years old and telling her she no longer has a daddy that he now lives with God. That day our lives changed, not only our lives but everyone's who loved and cared about him. We had no say in it, no warning, no goodbyes, lives changed by the hands of someone else who decided to play God. So many questions that will never be answered, something you just never really get over or feel at peace with. I would hear all the time "you're not the same since Avery's dad passed" and I never put much thought into it I would just reply and say "yes I am" because I didn't see things differently until I started losing the ones around me, pushing everyone away, wanting to be alone to the point I couldn't even look at my little girl. I stopped being the mom I wanted to be I couldn't handle seeing her face seeing her so broken knowing I couldn't do or say anything to help ease her pain. Then it hit me of course I'm not the same, my daughter no longer has a daddy the one person who she should be able to rely on for the remainder of her life, she doesn't have the one person who should be there for school dances, to teach her to drive, graduation, careers, boyfriends, to walk her down the aisle and be a grandfather to her kids one day, I realized I died inside that day as well. Whether parents remain together or apart the love you have for the person who gave you a child never dies. It was like living in a fog like, I was watching life happen from the outside and we would all wake up and life would go back to what we considered "normal". I wanted to be happy again but most importantly I want to see my daughter enjoy life again and be the happy little girl she once was. That is why my goal and new mindset is to not be so uptight and let things bother me because the things that bother you today you'll miss tomorrow if that person is taken from you. I would love to be able to take my little girl on this vacation to start off a new way of life to watch her laugh and just enjoy the peaceful scenery around us but also share a memory we know her dad would of loved as he loved the outdoors. I not only want to enjoy this for my family but I would love to be able to take my little girl's grandma if she would go. She hasn't celebrated a birthday since his passing because her birthday is on June 24th and she says all she can think about is him suffering on her birthday and her not being there to help him. She is a woman of Christ, she puts all her faith into God and helps so many people stay strong even though she is so broken. I would do anything to see her not only put on a brave face for my little girl but actually enjoy life herself. So I guess I don't have a ton of goals but to me it's the most important goal in my life right now to get our life back and enjoy it one day at a time. To help others around me see how important it is to enjoy your life and stop focusing on the gossip and negative things in the world and focus on the ones who matter most because time truly is precious. My goal is to live life and show my daughter how to live life not just exist!! Thank you to all those who took the time to read this lengthy post.

Lisa said...

My name is Lisa. I teach elementary school and my professional goal this year is to slow down and remember test scores and federal mandates pale in comparison to how I make my sixth grade students feel. I want to connect with them and always help them understand they are cared for and thought about!

Shane Ganir said...

My goal this year is to be more present and patient with my children. It is so easy to forget what it was like to be their age, and how they view things. Including what is important to them and what hurts their feelings. Balancing can be difficult, being a graduate student and full time wife and mommy. I find you so inspiring for not just what you have been through but your amazing ability to vocalize it to inspire others and to see things through spiritual eyes. I hope to be more like that- even when it's hard!

Larissa said...

This trip would be so amazing to win! My name is Larissa Rees and I feel like all my resolutions are totally cliche...get out of debt, have better scriptures study, exercise more, finish school, etc. etc. But more specifically, I want to serve others more, be more patient with my kids, and less judgment.

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

My personal goal for this year is to see Truth. I will pray and hope and search for it in every aspect of my life. I pray to see truth in my worth, in the divine nature of my children and those around me, truth in the gospel, truth in other's comments and truth in my own.
-Chersten Wright

Unknown said...
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Unknown said...
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Unknown said...

2016 is a year of focus for this girl. I'm going to become closer to the Lord. Clear my plate for my 3 guys and live a good life. The last few years have been rough... looking forward to better days ahead in 2016. Faith, Family and Future that is what I'm doing in 2016....

Katelyn said...

My resolution is to do a triathlon with my husband, go to the temple more often and be supportive, patient and loving while my husband is in PT school.

MicheleBryant said...

For thirty years, I have been diagnosed with clinical depression. 2016 is the year I'm going to address it head-on, with gusto! Each day, in addition to my usual treatment, I'm going to be more aware of the self-defeating thoughts that enter my mind, and will make a concerted effort to push them away and not entertain them. I'm going to find better ways to understand the needs,of my children and my husband. I will do better to help them understand me and the love I have for them. I will increase my efforts to reach out to others; to work to make my own neighborhood a more friendly place. I will try harder to live the principles of the Gospel I so easily preach to others.

Jill said...

My goal for this year is to thoroughly de-junk my house so we won't have the burden of so much clutter. I know that will help us to have more peace and calm in our home so we can feel the Spirit more readily.

Liz G said...

My goal this year is to open my eyes. I want to watch my kids play, instead of always working on my to do list while they play. I want to look into my husband's eyes and really see him and listen to him when he tells me about his day. I want to see my friends for how they're really doing instead of the happy face they put on.

Ruth said...

My name is Ruth Munoz and my goals for this year as a blended family is to give my husband and each of the kids some special attention to make sure they know they are loved and very much apart of our family

Our family said...

My goal is to fall in love with the scriptures. I'm sure I could do that pool-side!

Laura said...

I want to follow on the heels of last year and learn to fully trust in Our Father. I have a hard time letting things go. I give it to Him and then take it back. I need to learn to leave it at the cross. I want to not be so hard on myself when I make mistakes. I think if I can learn these 2 simple things in 2016, I will be a much better wife and mom.

Tara said...

As a mother with 5 teenagers and a toddler (I have a blended family too), I am going to stress less and enjoy them more.

RATCH said...

My word, "theme", goal etc. is "speak gently". There is a beautiful poem by David Bates called "speak gently" http://m.poemhunter.com/poem/speak-gently/ which perfectly describes what I'd like to focus on this year. I want to speak more gently to those I love and in every interaction. As a mom with young children I tend to get snappy and my voice tends to get harsher than I'd like more often than I'd like. I believe speaking and soft kind times especially in my home will create an environment of peace and safety for my children.

Unknown said...

I remember reading your blog from the beginning when someone posted a link on their Facebook page. I was shocked and saddened at the trials you had been through, but I was also amazed and awed at the strength you had to endure your trials and move on. Little did I know at the time I read your blog that part of what happened to you would end up being my fate as well. My husband had an affair and decided to end our marriage and stay with the woman he had the affair with. This change has rocked my world and deeply affected our two daughters. Last year was an extremely dark period for us and this year, I pray that we can continue to heal as we adjust to our new "normal". I hope this year, I can be a better parent to my girls and to be more aware of the blessings in my life.
Heather Ursulich

Liz Mason said...

Be kinder. Be present. Share more of myself. Those are my goals.

Word Whipped said...

Thanks Ashlee for this great giveaway! I have followed you since day one. You are such an inspiration to me!
I've thought a lot about what I want to work on this year. A few years ago my grandpa passed away and at his funeral so many friends and family talked about what a wonderful man he was and the kind of life he lived. I catch myself pondering what is the person I'm becoming...what is the kind of impact im having on my loved ones, neighbors, or friends lives? Is it good, positive?
This last week in church a friend made the comment that our life here on Earth is such a small moment (one tiny sand grain on a beach) compared to eternity. What are our prioroties? What are we working on? Are they things that we can take with us in the next life? If they aren't we should re evaluate. I've decided this year that I will put those things that are most important (family, scripture study, serving, praying, church) first. Life gets busy and we get distracted and sometimes forget to keep an eternal perspective. So that is my goal this year. :)

Anonymous said...

Last year was hard for my 6 kids and I. I let a lot slide and was not as present in my children's lives as I should have been. So my goal for 2016 is to focus on my children and be a better mother. I also want to be happy being single and independent!
Krystal

Peter and Tina Palick said...

My husband and I went through all of our goals last night. We have many different areas in our life that we want to improve on, but for me personally I was to be a better me. I had a rough year with my youngest and this year is going to be better. I'm going to take care of myself, be more motivated, be more involved with my children and husband and just improve myself over all.

Vanessa said...

My goal is to become a better version of myself which is all encompassing. I am eating healthier and exercising. I am strengthening my spirituality and working on family relationships. All in all just trying to be a happier healthier person. Vanessa Peterson

Nikole said...

My goal is to make sure I pray and read the scriptures every day . It's important to make sure my bucket is full so I can give to my family !

Laura said...

I'm going to work on forgiveness and self-compassion. I think they're connected, in a chicken-and-the-egg sort of way. I think it will do a lot for my happiness which will help in all aspects of my life and any other goals I may have. After all, the greatest motivator is love. How could I ever hope to change myself if I don't love myself. You are a great example, thank you.

Jessica said...

Thank you for this opportunity! I love reading your blog and book.
My personal goal for the year is to listen to the Book of Mormon every day. I have really let my personal study time slack this past year adjusting to adding another baby to the family the and day to day distractions of life.
Our goal as a married couple is teach our kids how to work, earn money, and how to save and spend their money. We have struggled during our marriage with debt and last year we paid off all of our debt and it is so freeing! We would love to teach our kids to be smart with money and have good financial sense.
Our goal as a family is to be more generous. We are setting aside money and praying each day to be guided in our giving. Hopefully we can be a blessing in the lives of others.
Have a blessed and happy 2016!

Laura said...

I'm going to work on forgiveness and self-compassion. I think they're connected, in a chicken-and-the-egg sort of way. I think it will do a lot for my happiness which will help in all aspects of my life and any other goals I may have. After all, the greatest motivator is love. How could I ever hope to change myself if I don't love myself. You are a great example, thank you.

sts2000 said...

My name is Karyn A. Resoulutions are many - too many to list - one is to write everyday - journal, listing, etc. Thanks for the opportunity.

Brett and Tiffany said...

Each year for the past 4 years I have chosen a word to center my goals on. This has made accomplishing my goals a lot easier and I remember them better throughout the year. This year I wanted to incorporate the "WORD" into our family. The tough part each year is picking the word that really sticks out. A couple of months ago I was getting my hair cut and in the salon I noticed the word "SHINE". My mind just kept going back to that word the next week.
I began studying the word "SHINE" and wondered if that was going to be my word for 2016. I worried about this word because I didn't want to present it to my family in a proud way. I wanted it to be used to help us improve but not be proud or boastful. That is when I stumbled upon the scripture Matthew 5:16 "Let your light so SHINE before men that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven." I knew I had found my answer. The word SHINE was just what I wanted to teach my family about, but to SHINE so others can glorify our Heavenly Father, not us.
We talked about the light within each of us and as we follow the commandments that light becomes brighter for others to see. We also talked about how living the gospel is where true happiness lies and when we are doing that our light will SHINE brighter.
So as a family, in 2016, our goals all center around the word SHINE...and no matter what our goals are, our main goal is to do our best and SHINE for others as an example of true happiness. We want to be living examples of joy and let our light SHINE as "an ensign to the nations" in a world full of turmoil.
My mom passed away suddenly a little over a year ago and we are all still learning to adjust to that. She was very close to my kids as their grandma. She always had a huge smile on her face and loved life. Part of our word SHINE also represents what our mom/grandma stood for. We want to SHINE like she did and make every day count so we can some day be with her again. It's the little day to day things that matter most. We miss her dearly!
As my kids grow and my oldest son will graduate and leave on a mission next year, I want to continue to instill in their minds that our most important goals center around our Savior and our family. Our ultimate goal is to return to live as families in heaven so our smaller yearly goals should center around our ultimate goal.
My goals this year include:
1. Attending the temple 3 times a week (once with my husband as one of our weekly dates and 2 times during the school week while my kids are at school.)
2. Track 1000 miles on my Fitbit this year and eat more fruits and veggies
3. Make a scrapbook about my mom.
4. Finish my kids' quilts with their help (quilts that we made using my moms clothes)
5. Learn more about the atonement and it's healing power.
6. Continue doing weekly dates with my husband and take my kids on lunch dates with their mom
7: enjoy each day and find happiness each day and not fear!
Each of us is in a different stage of life and have different goals in mind. I love having a word to help me do my best at my goals. We each get to determine how night our light will SHINE for others to see! We choose each day and I want to make a difference by SHINING and being the daughter of God our Heavenly Father intended me to be!
Thanks for doing this giveaway. You are an amazing lady! You SHINE through this blog and I love reading it! You have made a difference in many lives, but the ones that matter most are those sweet kids you have! Have a great year!

Gardiner said...

How fun! I have been following your blog for a long time, and you have inspired me to take things in stride and to rely upon my Father in Heaven. Every year I make a huge long, somewhat important, list of resolutions, things I think I need to do to make myself a better wife, mom, student, employee, coworker, and person. And, every year I fail to complete the list and become a better person, although I work so hard at my goals. I have found that in the past I am so busy trying to be a "pinterest" mom that I am not a mom at all, same with being a wife. So this year, my resolution is to live in the day, and do the best I can that day at being the mom and wife that my family needs. The laundry, homework, lesson prep, dishes, and other chores can wait until I have kissed my babies goodnight, really talked with my husband, played a game, or just been in the moment.

Thanks! Jessica Gardiner

james2267 said...

Hello! everyone out here,I am James William from Portland Oregon United state.It has been my desire to help people out with their problems no matter how little my contribution may be.

As regards to the promise i made to BABA ARUOSA if he could help me get back my girlfriend,i'm using this means to fulfill my promise and also let everybody know there's solution to your problem no matter how difficult you think it is okay.

I loved a girl for more than 2 years and she told me she was going to marry me.But she would change her mind and tell me she didn't love me anymore and was seeing a guy,which i found out.I begged her to accept me and also tried every means possible to make her know i can't live without her because i really love her but she would pay deaf ears to me.

We were working in the same company and each time i see her,i wish all this weren't happening.This pain continued till a friend of mine led me to BABA ARUOSA whom he told me was very extremely powerful and has helped with a problem.

Soon as i contacted him,i knew he was the exact answer to my solution because i felt his powers from his carefully selected words and calmness.I explain all that happened to me and he told me what to do.I did as i was instructed and never doubted him.To my greatest surprise what i felt was almost impossible within the twinkle of an eyes was over.

She called me pleading for my forgiveness for how she has treated me and that she loves me so much and will never cheat on me again and will marry me.And from that moment till now all we've been experiencing is happiness in our relationship.We'll be getting married soon........lol

I would advice anyone with problem to contact him via email : templeofsupernaturalcontact@gmail.com for his help.

Tara said...

I am a mother of 5 small kids and my husband just graduated law school and is starting his career. It has been a long 10 years of school while staring and raising a family. My New Years resolution is to try and enjoy the small blessings and moments each day with each child and not get so focused on getting my to do list competed that I miss those moments. My babies are growing up and I want to look back with fond memories and happiness and not regret being so stressed.

Mama Oak said...

Refinement. That is my what my 2016 will embody. I spent New Year's Day and the subsequent week in the hospital with my medically fragile son with special needs. I had just spent a previous week there 6 weeks prior. I had spent the past New Year's Day there too. . . in addition to every other holiday - from Easter to Christmas. What happens in the hospital is a cake walk compared to the care he requires at home. He is 8, in a wheelchair and doesn't walk or stand, seizes, g-tube fed, visually impaired, limited communication and medically fragile to name a few of his challenges. He has already mastered refinement. He has taken all of these challenges and been left as someone who makes you feel God's love just by being in his presence. I need to be just as refined -- for him, and for my other four children at home, that they may feel the joy of this journey and not the strain. You have your great strength in the moments you stand. I find my strength in the moments we sit -- sitting in a wheelchair and knowing that all of what is happening and the collective year of life I have spent in the hospital with him and all of the sleepless nights and changing oversized diapers and lifting his body gently into his bed and dressing his limp arms can create the greatest refinement possible. The continuous choice for me is exhaustion and bitterness, or refinement which breeds energy. I want to allow these experiences to continue to refine me as much as they have for him, that people can feel God's love through being in my presence as well - that they can feel that there can be joy in doing what is hard. If selected, I would invite two other mothers who have children with the same rare genetic diagnosis and share these same extreme daily challenges (one of the mothers even does it for 2 children with this diagnosis) from across the US to come with me on our second getaway together - to laugh and cry together, and to refine ourselves together.

vicky said...

Hi my name is Vicky and my main goal this year is to draw closer to the Lord and listen to the promptings of the spirit! Along with being more organized! I would love this trip to take my new blended family to bond and make new memories.

D Perez said...

This year of course the common resolutions came to mind, be healthier, exercise more, be kinder, etc. The past few years have been really traumatic for our family & we are still in the process of moving forward, trying to heal and have hope. When I started to think about this year it became overwhelmingly to think of a whole new year alone raising my 5 girls & trying to help them heal from our situation. I decided to look at it in a new light and I realized that this year I need to focus on me. As most women I always put everyone else first & never think about my needs or what I want my life to be, I am too focused on surviving and trying to raise my kids good in this crazy world. I started reading a book that talks about leading a successful or significant life. Leading a significant life is what Ashlee is doing, she is making the world a better place for others and she will leave a legacy for others when she leaves this world. I want to live a significant life & leave the world better. Focusing on me is going to be hard since I have never really done that before, but I hope to teach my girls a valuable lesson for when they become wives & mothers. I don't know how successful I will be, but I am going to try to focus on making decisions on what will be best for me this year instead of what is best for others, I think it will honestly improve my life and my girls lives. Thank you Ashlee for leading a significant life and choosing to follow the path God had for you, I know it isn't easy and you get a lot of negativity, but you will never know how many lives you have touched for good. You have changed my life for the better & you are an inspiration to me.

Unknown said...

My resolution is to be more balanced this year. I am a full time chemistry teacher, mom to two boys, and wife. I coach the Odyssey of the Mind team at my high school and sponsor science fair students for our county. My plate is full. I have resolved to not bring home school with me this year, but devote that time to my family. Separation of school and home, so to speak. :)

Sara said...

I got married for the second time in 2015 and we are trying for our first child together. I have wanted to be a mother for as long as I can remember and it was NOT in my plans to be 34 years old and still not a mother. I tried for three years with my first husband before the isolation and loneliness of infertility helped to drive us apart. My goal this year is to make sure that doesn't happen in my second marriage no matter how badly I want to be a mother. This time around, I want to focus on enjoying our life just as it is and not dwelling on what our life isn't. My life is good, baby or no baby.

Unknown said...

My husband and I don't get to see each other very often. We both work full time, him during the day, and then me at night. We each work multiple jobs but have our schedules worked out so that we see each other for about 5 minutes in passing as we pass of our kids to each other. It is really hard to not have time to just sit and talk or time to spend together as a family instead of mom time while dad works and dad time while mom works. This year I really want to figure out a way to create more time for our family and more time for us (my husband and I). I want to build a solid foundation that will last for the rest of all our lives so that my kids will always make good choices and know how loved they are and learn about partnership and love from my husband and I.

To make myself better for family and friends I am going to follow through on the thoughts that I have. If I feel like I need to send a card or make a phone call, I am going to do it. In all areas of my life, I want to be there and be devoted. I want everyone around me to know that I care. I will follow through.

Daralyn said...

My New Years Resolutions include getting a new (better) job (mine is being sent overseas!).

It was going to be to quit drinking diet coke, but I love it!

Also to have more balance--with time, eating, working, money, play, etc.

Jenny said...

I have only two words: scripture study. I can tell a distinct difference when I am reading--really reading--and when I am not. Sometimes I am so tired at night and will read just a verse (haha) and count that as my scripture study for the day. I know it is better than nothing; however, I know I can do better. If I have time to view my social media feed, then surely I have time to read the words that have the power to uplift, inspire, and guide me. I am kinder person, more patient, more confident, more loving when I immerse myself in the holy scriptures each day. It's amazing the difference that it can make! I have the spirit with me more fully, and I receive promptings that I know the Lord wants me to hear. I am a more present mom when I have spent that time with the Lord each day.

I am not perfect, but oh how this giveaway would immensely bless my family!! I won't go into details, but it would be a miracle. :) The scriptures are a blessing and a gift -- I love the guidance that they provide. They have the power to lift and guide us -- why would we ever let a day pass without feasting on this beautiful treasure?

You are an inspiration. Thank you! :)

Unknown said...

This year I will focus on letting myself heal....mentally and physically! 💗

Anonymous said...

Somewhere between “I do” and the 5 o'clock wake-up alarm that sounded this morning, life lost its luster. The shimmering dreams my wife and I shared when we married in St. George 15 years ago have faded and torn. The rock-solid plans have been ground to sand and our once-sharp enthusiasm worn smooth, casualties of the daily grind and the scars of years.

Sometimes I hardly recognize My Love as the girl I married a decade and a half ago. But she is there, at least pieces of her are. She has been shattered into a thousand tiny pieces by the blunt trauma of carrying a load much too large for any one person to bear: being led to believe that she’s not good enough, not strong enough, not… enough. And sometimes, when life is quiet, I see those pieces like shards of a scattered puzzle urging me to come and put them back together.

So, this year, I want to make my wife whole again. This year I will become the friend and husband she deserves. I will stop being critical and help her stop being critical of herself. I will get on my knees, beg her forgiveness, and help My Love remember the radiant beauty of her spirit and see that she is… enough. And then—together—we will stand.

Happy New Year!
Rob R.

Julianne said...

My goal is to be present. I'm always worried too much about the tomorrow's that I don't fully enjoy today's.

Elise said...

I am going to focus on becoming a better version of me...

Elise said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Unknown said...

My name is Kathy Gonzalez and as I choose to stand this year, I want to become closer to my Heavenly Father through prayer and the priesthood. I am recooperating from surgery to repair a broken back and yet I have never felt so blessed as I have through this challenge. I came across your blog by mere coincidence yet I know higher powers let me to it. You are touching and changing many lives through your words and testimony. May your family continue to strengthen as you strengthen those around you. I know the power of the priesthood is real and temple blessings are too. I am inspired to attend more often and to "talk" by prayer to learn to recognize the hand of the Lord in my life and the blessings I have every day.

Jen J said...

Our little girl was born early and we went through a lot emotionally and spiritually. I felt everything I had prayed for each day during the pregnancy wasn't heard. After serving a mission I knew the more specific the prayer the more specific the answer. It has been a battle ever since and while I recognize the power of prayer and the hand of God in our lives, I am not where I once was spiritually and I really want to get back there. For myself, my family, and my friends. I want to be able to lift them and their spirits and know what I can do for them in their time of need without them asking. I want to get back to feeling the spirit and having spiritual confidence in my life. For the guidance and the knowledge that the gospel offers. I know that prayer and scripture study will be the basis of that this year. the person I want to become in 2016 is just a better version of myself. The person that I know I can be, the person I feel I once was, but stronger than ever before from the things that I have been through. To make the world a better place this year I will smile at strangers daily, I will listen, I will help people laugh, I will teach, and I will be teachable, and I will be submissive to promptings I receive. I am excited to put my whole self into everything I do, 2016 will be a year that wonderful things happen!

Mama Oak said...

Hi again, realized I forgot to leave my name (besides my blogger name) in my comment about becoming more refined in 2016 several comments back. My name is Cindy Larson, nice to meet ya' :)

Laura said...

Not sure if the giveaway is still open, but if it is, my resolution is to have more patience for myself. Having four kids (youngest 1 month old), I am finally coming to terms that in order for me to fully be the mom that I want to be, I need to love myself for who I am!!

sue said...

I have so many goals for 2016 but when it comes down to it they are all centered on my family. I want to spend more time with them and especially be present when I am with them. It's too easy to get caught up with social media and forget about who is in the room with you.

Tanya said...

Love reading all the resolutions! This year my goal is to be a walking representation of treating others like I want to be treated. I want my children to see that taking a few extra seconds to smile, make eye contact and telling someone to have a nice day -- that is REALLY means something. We have no idea what struggles someone is going through that day so show everyone kindness. Treat your cashier, the waitress, the car wash attendant -- with a smile and acknowledge them. I found that I was getting rushed or stressed and hurrying through my daily chores and errands forgetting that I was dealing with people who deserve acknowledgment. So .. don't just say the words, but BE them.

Miquelle Crosland said...

What do you want to accomplish this year?
Write one to two books & be published.

How are you going to make yourself better for your family?
Love more, criticize less!

your friends?
Be a better friend by being more proactive about getting together & creating more memories & oppotunities for growth.

your employment?
Help all my middle school friends know how special they are & how their decisions now, will determine their destiny. (Pres. Thomas S. Monson)

and yourself?
Wake up at 5am to find that thirty minutes to exercise my writing everyday. And my cute husband, who I rarely see, wakes up everyday at that time. I will see him more-bonus!

What are you going to contribute this year to make our world a better place?
Help everyone I see & meet know and feel God's love for them!

Who is the person you want to become in 2016, and what goals are going to get you there?
Slow to judge and quick to love!
Listen, waking up early, use my talents to bring out the most good in my life.

Jen Garbett said...

My name is Jennifer. I've been working for two years on refining myself and my marriage. On being a giver, more positive and having the strongest marriage possible. This year my goal is to see others more authentically. To recognize and understand that pain and heartache and vulnerability is hard. I want to inspire positivity and change, but I want to have patience as I know inner change does not happen at rabbit speeds.

Lastly, I want to learn to look THROUGH my children to see their vulnerability and be their soft place to fall. Give them space, give them grace, and teach them to love more.

I will not be perfect. I will have tough days. I will be gentle with myself through them...grace not perfection...(my favorite quote from Emily Ley).

Thank you for your story, example and the way you are inspiring change. The world needs more people like this!

Unknown said...

I am hoping that it's tomorrow, Sunday, that this give away takes place. Thank you for your transparency and the uplifting words. I've been thinking a lot about goals/resolutions. There is so much I hope will happen this year, but amongst those things, I truly want peace. Peace in all areas of my life. So that means to simplify and get back to the basics.

camielle said...

I have recently been sent to your blog, thank you for your inspiration and example. There is so much I would like to discuss with you and talk about as I am in the midst of my own trauma. I will try and quickly take time to answer the questions though, in order to enter the contest! (if it's not too late)
This year I hope to discover who I am and my worth based on how my Heavenly Father values me. I want to increase my faith (through many means) so that I am confident there is a plan for me and my family and replace my fears with this faith. Less heavy goals include - chore charts for my children, putting together a more meaningful church bag for Sacrament Meeting and running a 10K.

Tktubb said...

My resolution is actually more of a lifestyle change....I want to be a better mom to my kids. I want to yell less, have less attitude, be more grateful for the little things, adapt a healthier diet so I can play with my kids more....just be a better person overall!!

krista said...

Like so many comments on here already, I want to be more present in my children's lives (as well as my husband). It was a really really rough 2015, so I am determined to make this year an amazing one. One of my favorite things to do with my family is travel, just with the 6 of us. There is no better bonding time than those few days. And yay for St. George....I have lots of fun memories traveling there with my family when I was young. Such a fun place!

Anonymous said...

To drink a gallon is water a day is my personal goal. To teach my kid to serve more if my family goal.

Monteandbrittany@gmail.com
Brittany Moore

Pinkdaisy22 said...

Hi my name is Kamryn Walker. My New Years resolution this year is to become the person my Heavenly Father can be proud of. My boyfriend and I are talking about marriage but every time the conversation comes up there is something missing, which is a temple marriage. My boyfriend didn't grow up in the church but I did and we have been struggling with it for a while, so we decided to work towards being better and doing something we both know will bring us the most happiness in this life and the life to come.

Travis, Susie; Hunter and Gracie said...

My name is Susie, and some of my goals are organizing, better memory keeping, most of all I want to work on patience and acceptance of myself. I am my own worst critic, especially on my mothering skills. Instead of trying to be perfect I want to focus on making memories with my little ones.

Shannon McMinimee said...

To make deliberate plans to spend time with the family and friends who are not local each month. Not just because life is better when you are with those you love, but because it provides me with more energy for the day to day of work.

Jena said...

This year, my resolutions isn't the same as others. While I want to be healthier, and have exercise etc, this year I wanted to focus on,building my relationship with my heavenly father. The talk "what lack,i yet" has been on replay, and I want to do what I need to to be as close to Him as I can. in turn, my word for the year is 'promptings', I want to be in a place that allows me to receive promptings to serve and help others as he sees fit. To help others!

Libby And Brock said...

We are working on our health and this year my resolution is to eat less sugar and workout more. Also to learn to let some things go that I don't have time for. To dejunk my life and get our house ready to sell and start looking for our new home!

Unknown said...

To be honest, I never really make a New Years resolution. Every year I just drive to be a better mother, wife, and person in general. I want to be able to leave this world knowing that because I was here on earth someone else is a better person for it. I want to leave behind the kindness that everyone deserves to have. I want people to carry on what I try to do. Of course we all fail sometimes. I'm sure to a lot of people I am not the person I strive to be but at least I can saw I always do my best.

Camille said...

So glad we have an extra day to enter! My resolutions are to slow down and also to focus on progress rather than perfection.

Anonymous said...

I've been thinking and while always working on something I want to work on "complaining less". I have a blessed life and I know that I have so much more than so many people in the world. I want to give more and take less just like the Savior.

CPoppy said...

My goal this year is to just slow down, and enjoy the moments. I love the stage that my family is in, but our schedules keep us all very busy. My kids are growing up so quickly .........so, I just want to enjoy every moment. Live*Laugh*Love

Amie Steele said...

My New Years resolution is to focus on the future.. To learn from the past but try not to dwell on it. I want to wake up each morning knowing that it's a brand new day, that I can try to be better, kinder, andmore patient. Focusing on the future and great things to come is my resolution❤️

Unknown said...

What a wonderful opportunity to win. My New Year resolution is to simply take more pictures and to take more pictures that include myself. I am usually the one behind the camera so this year I want more pictures with my family and friends that include me.

CPoppy said...

My goal this year is to just slow down, and enjoy the moments. I love the stage that my family is in, but our schedules keep us all very busy. My kids are growing up so quickly .........so, I just want to enjoy every moment. Live*Laugh*Love

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kayla S said...

I would love to stress less. My caring as a mother manifests itself as stressing that everything be perfect for my kids and then I end up being a little crazy. I would love a vacation!

Unknown said...

My goal for the next 10 months is to get out of debt and for the year it's to become a better mommy and wife!

mommymelb said...

After a divorce I'm engaged to be married this spring and my resolution is to enter my new marriage and to have a happy life with him and to let the trauma from the past affect it as minimally as possible!

I want to live a full rewarding life with my daughters as we embark on our new journey!

Matt and Jamie Langston said...

I want to learn to live with grief this year. I lost my dad unexpectedly 2 months ago at the young age of 62. Everyday is a constant struggle with this major loss in my life. My 3 kids loved their Poppy so much. Right now I feel like it is such a unbearable feeling of grief, I want and need to learn how to live with grief being part of my life not taking over my life. Ashlee you are amazing!

Allison W. said...

My goal is to slow down and focus on what's important. I have three little girls who need me to just be a mom. I so often worry about having a clean house, worrying about Facebook and instagram and being "that perfect mom and wife" (the list goes on and on) when in reality none of that stuff really matters. I hope I can put the electronics down, let the messes pile if needed and sit down and laugh with my kids. Be a mom who helps them create happy memories they can cherish as they get older and help build them up to be amazing women.

Kendra.Gibson on instagram said...

Mine is simple... Except who I am, and love it!

Anne said...

I have to two main goals this year. One is to be healthy. This involves eating less sugar and exercising more. This isn't just for me, but for my son, who needs me to be able to run around with him and have fun. That ties into my second goal. That is to be there more for my family. Time wise, there isn't much I can do when it's work, but when I am home, I can be present and not playing around with my phone or doing needless things. I can spend quality time with my son.

Pam from Over the Big Moon said...

My goal this year to find a better balance, so that I can excel in all areas of my life with the best possible me! Thanks so much for the chance to win!

Katie Kent said...

My goal is to be kinder. In the few weeks of this new year, it has made such a difference in my marriage and home. I lost 55 pounds last year through hard work...exercise and counting calories. I am going to lose the last 25 pounds this year!

Brooke said...

My name is Brooke. My goal this year is to be more grateful. Each day I am going to write down at least three things that I am grateful for and why.

The Russell Family said...

My New Years resolution is to get my house in order. My family is focusing on spiritual, temporal, and physical preparedness. Our spiritual preparedness is to have family scripture and prayer every night and to have our personal scripture and prayer everyday. Temporally we are working on our food storage, 72 hour kits, and other things like tents and supplies. First we are going to get a 3 month supply together and then work on our long term supply. And then physically we are excercising more and getting in shape. This is all to prepare us for whatever my come our way. Happy new year!! ��

Burnham! said...

I would like to be able to forgive my husband for some addictions that have gotten in the way of fully living an eternal happy family! I want to fully understand the miracle of forgivness and the power of the atonement! I'd love to win this trip to be able to reconnect with my husband!!

Ali Brewer said...

I am going to stop looking at the negative in life, I don't do it on purpose but I miss so much joy because of the negative. Whether it be negativity on myself, my situation, or things out of my control. I am also going to let go of things I cannot control, and just love what comes and Enjoy it! I have remarried recently and want to show my family that life is beautiful no matter what happens.

Alisha LeBaron said...

I have a whole list of goals for this new year. They all include bettering myself. I want to be more patient, I want to take time for me, and I want to take time for things that I enjoy. I love being a mom but sometimes I wear myself out and don't have energy left for me. As I'm typing this I sound selfish, but I feel like if I take time for me, I will be better me to help others around me! Here's to a new year!!!! Good luck to everyone with your goals, I hope it's a great year for us All!!!

Unknown said...

My resolution this year is to read The Book of Mormon for the first time in my life.

Chelsea Dawn said...

My New Years resolution is to be more involved with my kids! This year, I will have three kids under three. As a mom of two under two, I have found that I spend a good amount of my day trying to find things ton entertain my children while I get housework and other tasks accomplished. I have realized in these short two years of motherhood that children grow way too fast. My resolution is to try to spend quality time with each of my children and my husband. If my laundry piles up, so be it, because one day I know I would give anything to have my children be as little as they are today!

Burnham! said...

My name is Jess Burnham. My goal for thd year is to learn to forgive. Alot of addictions have gotten in the way of living to be an eternal happy family. I know this addiction can be forgiven of. I wanna learn the power of the atonement and to forgive my husband. I would love to win this trip to be able to reconnect with my husband. I've been in school and with our crazy busy life this getaway would be great!!

Amy said...

My New Years goal is to give more time and attention to my husband. I get so busy with the kids and sometimes he is neglected. I've started writing him notes, random phone calls, date night, etc...

Unknown said...

My goals this year are simple. I want to be a better wife and mother and I will do this by taking better care of myself spiritually and physically. I would love to win this trip!

Unknown said...

Slow down and enjoy the little things. Kids grow fast and time flies by, I want to cherish every day for what it is.
Katie Jones

Lauren said...

This year I want to SLOW down and enjoy my kids, my husband and our beautiful lives together. I get so easily stressed and often have way too much on my plate. I have been teaching myself how to take it slow and not stress out about all the things I have on my plate. I actually enjoyed teaching relief society this week instead of stressing out all month about it, baby steps!!

Stacy Rayl said...

Hi Ashlee,

I first started following your post shortly after something very tragic happened in my life. Here's my story.
When I was 21 years old I met the love of my life. We were both raised in Michigan but he served in the military and then became a cop in Las Vegas Nevada. While he was home on vacation we met and it was love at first sight. 7 months later he asked me to marry him and I moved from Michigan to Nevada. We had a little girl together and things seemed perfect. Two years after our marriage we decided to go our separate ways, things just weren't good anymore. It was something I didn't want to do but felt needed to happen for many reasons. We maintained a good relationship for our daughter and many times talked about trying again. Then on June 9th 2014, everything changed. I was in my office working and I received the phone call I'll never forget. My ex husband and father of my child had died in his sleep. No phone call, no heads up, just gone. All of a sudden our life changed forever. I can't even explain that kind of pain and that's when I started to follow you. You truly have inspired me to be better. My faith got stronger and that truly helped me become everything my daughter needed and more. So my New Years resolution is to continue to focus on being a better Christian, a better mother, a better friend, etc.
My life has changed and when things like this happen we have two choices, we can choose to let it ruin us or we can use it to make us better. I choose to be better, this year and every year.
Thank You for all you've done for me and every survivor.

Unknown said...

My New Years resolution sounds simple but for me, it's a real challenge. A few years ago, my husband (born and raised in the church, return missionary) up and decided he wanted nothing to do with the church. When I had two children, it was easy to keep going and to manage the two on my own. I now have 4 children. Since this last baby was born I have really struggled to not only make it to church on time but to stay all three hours. Sometimes we don't make it at all. My two year old is high maintenance. He has some sensory processing issues. It's very hard for him to be quiet, sit still, except change. He will not let others help him or really even touch him. My oldest has high anxiety. Some Sunday's we spend all day in the mothers lounge or roaming the halls. I know the church is true. I will keep trying! I know my children and I will be blessed just by being there. I know I can teach my children the gospel and I feel like I have done a pretty good job up until this point. For some reason this 4th baby has maxed me out. I don't want to sound like I am complaining. I know many have it much harder. I recognize my blessings and know I truly have been blessed. So, my goal for this year is to make it to church-with all 4 kids. I am trying to make it on time but I keep telling myself if I can make it 5 minutes earlier then we did last week, we are doing good! It may seem silly to some but it's very important to me to teach my children the gospel. I have no family around but I do have a wonderful ward family. Thank you for sharing your testimony and family experiences with us. I have received lots of strength from reading your posts. You are amazing!! I hope to be able to make it to one of your conferences one day. Hugs to you and your beautiful family!!

Maegan said...

This past year we had to move away from St. George due to work and my family misses it so much, especially our kids. I am a mother of five children. My oldest is 15 and my youngest is 4 months. Life didn't go as expected and therefore we have some larger gaps in our children. Truly I did not realize how hard this would be. To most it may seem ideal because you don't have a lot of babies at once which is true, but in reality it is tough navigating teenagers with a four year old and a newborn. I consider myself a fairly organized person and I can honestly say that this last addition I have felt at most times like I am drowning. As my baby gets older I am adjusting and finding a new groove but I do feel I have a ways to go. I have always been a person that takes resolutions seriously. I usually pick something that is small but manageable. One year I picked to floss daily and I can say I haven't missed many days in the last four years since I've made that. This year I knew my resolution needed to be regarding my oldest child. He is 15 years old and such a good kid. He attends all of his church functions but has made it clear it's because i expect him to. My heart hurts for my son because in ways I feel I haven't done what I can to help him gain his own testimony. He is a teenager so I may worry more then I should but he has told me he doesn't know what he thinks. My only New Years Resolution is to help my son gain a steadfast testimony and love for our Savior. I know he has felt the brut of our past two additions, I was on bedrest with both of them for many months and I feel because he was the oldest that he had to endure added responsibilities. This year I focus on my oldest child.

Unknown said...

For the third year in a row, I am making my resolution to trust God no matter what happens. He is testing my resolution in various ways. I am learning a lot.

Anonymous said...

My focus this year is to have the spirit in my home. I want to show my family an example of forgiveness. This, more than any before, is our defining year. @chris_tagg

Unknown said...

My goal this year is to live in the now and not get so overwhelmed. I find myself constantly stressing about things that haven't and may never happen. I want to focus on my family more, set cut off times for work and enjoy everything happening around me.

Jess Oakes

Unknown said...

To be honest, I never really make a New Years resolution. Every year I just drive to be a better mother, wife, and person in general. I want to be able to leave this world knowing that because I was here on earth someone else is a better person for it. I want to leave behind the kindness that everyone deserves to have. I want people to carry on what I try to do. Of course we all fail sometimes. I'm sure to a lot of people I am not the person I strive to be but at least I can saw I always do my best.

Unknown said...

Right now my goal is to make it through each day realizing that I can't control anything but my happiness where I am right now.
-Janalee Nielson

Megan said...

My resolution is to live a more Christ centered life. I want to do the little things each day to bring Christ into my heart and home. I'm going through the temple in April and I want to make sure I'm completely ready, and that I stay temple worthy for the rest of my life. I know that if I make a habit of doing the small things everyday, I can become the person my father in heaven intended me to be.

Kimberly said...

I lost my 5th child this year in September, when at 20 weeks pregnant we found out his heart had just stopped beating. It's been a very difficult trial, but it's also helped our family grow. This year my resolution (our whole family's resolution) is to have more of an eternal perspective. We really realized what's important and what just does not matter after we lost our little boy. We plan on doing many more things that will help strengthen our family, to help us become a more celestial family. And we'll stop worrying or stressing about the things that may seem important here on earth but actually have no bearing on eternity.

Amber said...

Instead of "goals" I set commitments for myself- it helps Keep me more accountable. So this year I am commiting to serve more (and include my kids in service) and to become a better, gentler mother!

jason & kiley. said...

My goals for this year are to be present more. Be more productive with my time and enjoy spending this time with my little girls because they will only be little for so long. Along with that is to let the little things go and "let them be little" and enjoy discovering things. I want to work on strengthening and maintaining all relationships by reaching out more. I hope I can refine myself and be someone I like so that I can focus more outward than inward.
Kiley Holt

Anonymous said...

My goals include finally getting into a house of our own, learning how to go from one child to two, and being more present when home with my family.

Stdell said...

I am going to be a better ear for friends of mine going through tough experiences. My marriage survived an affair and several addictions and I feel like I have a lot to offer those going through similar struggles. I love having the knowledge that families can be forever and through Christ we can heal.

Jeanette said...

My name is Jeanette. There are some really great resolution ideas on here! I'm not great at keeping specific resolutions, so this year I chose a word to be my word/theme/motto of the year. I chose the word LIVE. I want to live in the moment and live more purposefully. 2015 was a tough year, and I'm glad it's over. I know that what happened last year could very well carry over into this year, but I find comfort in knowing it's a new year with a clean slate, so I'm going to live one moment at a time and take life as it comes! I want to be more aware of others and serve my family and other people around me more instead of spending so much time worrying about my own "problems". I want to be someone that people know they can turn to for help, and I want to be available for that.

Jeanette said...

My name is Jeanette. There are some really great resolution ideas on here! I'm not great at keeping specific resolutions, so this year I chose a word to be my word/theme/motto of the year. I chose the word LIVE. I want to live in the moment and live more purposefully. 2015 was a tough year, and I'm glad it's over. I know that what happened last year could very well carry over into this year, but I find comfort in knowing it's a new year with a clean slate, so I'm going to live one moment at a time and take life as it comes! I want to be more aware of others and serve my family and other people around me more instead of spending so much time worrying about my own "problems". I want to be someone that people know they can turn to for help, and I want to be available for that.

Angie said...

My new year resolution is to LIVE IN THE MOMENT. To not get so caught up in the to-do list that comes with 4 kids that I don't appreciate the moments I can never get back😀

Juliette said...

Wow! What a darling family you have! And it looks like you guys made some amazing memories on your fun little vacation! My goal for 2016 is to simply slow down and enjoy ever moment. The day to day moments are the hardest for me to enjoy especially the moments that get my blood boiling (like when that darn baby won't nap). My family of 6 has never been able to go on a family vacation. We have only been able to afford stay-cations. My goal is to teach my kids that even though we don't do anything extravagant, just being together is enough. We can still make amazing memories that will last. To simply enjoy life and each other. And we all know that sometimes that's hard :) My sweet family would LOVE to have something like this to look forward too. Thanks so much for being you and for offering such a fun giveaway to one lucky family! You have blessed so many :)

Nick & Alex Judson said...

Great giveaway! How fun! My husband and I have decided on two goals this year: Better habits & being in the moment.

We feel like we're you're average every day person who, with small simple "better" habits could be extraordinary. Habits take 21 days to break or create, so we're doing something new each month. Our best selves one month at a time. Healthier habits (less sugar this month) and more financially fit habits (less eating out this month) are this month! The less sugar is killing me, but I'm finding it I'm stronger and more capable than I give myself credit for!

Being in the moment is our second goal. The end of 2014 thru 2015 was very (publicly) hard for our family. At the end of 2015 my husband and I realized we tend to try and think and hurry through the next trial or to the next fun thing. Instead, this year we want to try and enjoy the journey. Life's going to be hard. Might as well find the joy/fun WHILE experiencing the adventure!

Anna said...

Be kind and love more! Seek out the good everyday! Linda SLC

Anonymous said...

My goal is to exercise more and get in shape and lose weight. The hopes which will give me more energy and more patience and the ability to be more present!

Anonymous said...

My goal is to exercise more and get in shape and lose weight. The hopes which will give me more energy and more patience and the ability to be more present!

Ludlows said...

My resolution or commitments, as I heard someone say span many different areas, health, finances, time management, motherhood, being a wife, etc but I think I can combine most of them into one phrase, love more. That is my commitment for this year,show more love to myself, my husband, family, Savior, Father in Heaven and those around me. I really feel if I show more love and have more love in my heart for myself and others I can meet my goals of becoming healthier, being more patient, serving more and supporting my husband in school. I will start by posting my commitment so I see it every day and record how I have shown more love to others and myself. That you for this giveaway. It would be s nice to escape the cold and recharge with my hubby and family before things up again.

Unknown said...

Mikailei Kershaw.
Totally cliche-- but I'm working on exercising and living a healthier lifestyle. I've been struggling with infertility for the last 2 and 1/2 years and have gained a lot of weight because of it. As a result of that weight gained I've lost all self confidence and my anxiety has skyrocketed to the point where I don't enjoy being out in public. I'm hoping that exercising and being healthier in general can help me to be more confident and be a better wife to my husband, and a better person in general.

Unknown said...

Mikailei Kershaw.
Totally cliche-- but I'm working on exercising and living a healthier lifestyle. I've been struggling with infertility for the last 2 and 1/2 years and have gained a lot of weight because of it. As a result of that weight gained I've lost all self confidence and my anxiety has skyrocketed to the point where I don't enjoy being out in public. I'm hoping that exercising and being healthier in general can help me to be more confident and be a better wife to my husband, and a better person in general.

Unknown said...

I want to be a more soft spoken mama.

Unknown said...

I want to be a more soft spoken mama.

Sharie OwYoung said...

What a fun giveaway. I have a few resolutions. First is to try more fruits/veggies. Ones I have f had, haven't liked or ways to prepare them. Second is to get moving. Even if it's 10 minutes of exercise a day at least moving. Life gets busy and exercise gets put to the side. Last but not least is to prioritize.... Be an instrument in the Lord's hands. Give my time to him through sharing my talents, serving and following promptings.

Natalie said...

This looks so great! I love st. George! I have a lot that I'm trying to implement in my life. My main resolution is being more present with me kids and more aware of what simple things they need from me. Spending more time with them.

Natalie said...

This looks so great! I love st. George! I have a lot that I'm trying to implement in my life. My main resolution is being more present with me kids and more aware of what simple things they need from me. Spending more time with them.

Taelor Day Lewis said...

Hi Ashlee, I have followed your story and blog for a few years now and have found it so uplifting and helpful in my everyday struggles as a wife, mother and child of god. I feel lucky to have known you in our earlier days and be inspired by you today. I am a mother of 3 wonderful children and have been for the last 7 years, since then I have had to work full time to help support our family. I really enjoy what I do for work, but working full time has put a strain on our family and made full time mothering difficult to keep up with. Recently we were blessed with new jobs allowing me to stay home more and focus on my family and mothering. This is something I have longed for and now that I am finally able to I want to take full advantage of it... therefore I resolve this year to put more focus on my family and being the mother my children want to remember! I want to create lasting memories by not just being together but creating quality family time and traditions to bring us closer to our heavenly father and each other!

Lora said...

My name is Lora and I am looking forward to changing the way we all eat in 2016. My 9 year old is facing a scary diagnosis of an autoimmune disease. My husband and I have used Whole30 a few times in the past two years to clean up our diet, but always fall back in to old routines. I know that this year, health and clean eating will finally have to take priority for our entire family not just a few times year but all year round!! My resolution is to eliminate the highly processed foods from our kitchen cupboard, and enjoy exploring healthy new foods with our kids! We have already made a bunch of great new dinners since January started and the kids are LOVING IT.

Unknown said...

I want to spend more time with my kids. They are growing up too fast!! Jamiej

Tiffany said...

I want to be more "present" in my kids life. I just started working this year after 14 years of being a stay at home mom and it's been an adjustment. I want to make Sure they know how important they are and I want to be a better friend and all around better person.

Tiffany said...

I want to be more "present" in my kids life. I just started working this year after 14 years of being a stay at home mom and it's been an adjustment. I want to make Sure they know how important they are and I want to be a better friend and all around better person.

Laura said...

I'm going to work on forgiveness and self-compassion. I think most everything else will fall into place when I work on those.

Mark and Janelle said...

I want to be more present in my kids lives. Sometimes i feel like life overwhelms me and i forget to take the time to enjoy the little things. I also want to not yell as much, and tell my kids i love them more! Janelle Topik

Unknown said...

How i got my boyfriend back.My name is Stacey Bruno.I never believed in love spells or magic until I met this spell caster once when i went to see my friend in Indian this year on a business summit. I meant a man who's name is Dr ATILA he is really powerful and could help cast spells to bring back one's gone, lost, misbehaving lover and magic money spell or spell for a good job or luck spell .I'm now happy %26 a living testimony cos the man i had wanted to marry left me 5 weeks before our wedding and my life was upside down cos our relationship has been on for 3years. I really loved him, but his mother was against us and he had no good paying job. So when i met this spell caster, i told him what happened and explained the situation of things to him. At first i was undecided,skeptical and doubtful, but i just gave it a try. And in 7 days when i returned to Canada, my boyfriend (now husband) called me by himself and came to me apologizing that everything had been settled with his mom and family and he got a new job interview so we should get married. I didn't believe it cos the spell caster only asked for my name and my boyfriends name and all i wanted him to do. Well we are happily married now and we are expecting our little kid, and my husband also got the new job and our lives became much better. His email is atilahealinghome@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I love this page! I just watched the story about you on tv the other day. Your an amazingly strong woman!I never enter these, because I normally never win lol, but this year I am going to try my hardest to not be so negative and depressed. It has been such an awful year for our family. My husband was laid off in August, but 2 days before he was laid off my landlord sold our house, without giving us notice. So we packed the family (me, hubby, 3 boys and 2 dogs) and loaded the house up and moved to my dads vacant property in PA from TX. The house was so filthy my boys got boils and warts. We spent every last dime we had cleaning and redoing the house just to get it livable. If we had the money I would of just came back to TX but we just couldn't afford to.live there with no job. Long story short, my husband finally found a job in OCT and barely is making any money. We can barely even afford our bills or let alone food. It has been such a trying year for us and I endedup allowing myself to become so negative about everything. I mean every time we thought we had it together or figured out something else would fall apart on us. So this year my goal is to be positive, even if its not what I had planned or thought it would work for out family. I have decided to let the negative go and leave it to God to decide what works for our family! This trip would be so amazing for me and my husband to just go away with no kids (out oldest is 12 and we have never gone away with just the 2 of us) and just have alone time to focus on us!

Hilary said...

This year, I want to be a better mom.

Jen said...

I want to be a kinder mom and get silly with my kids. Live in the moment and create good memories!

Rachael said...

I had so many goals last year. Drink more water, lose weight, run a half marathon, have my sixth baby. I accomplished all of them but then miscarried that baby at the end of the year and it threw me for a loop. This year I'm not setting any big resolutions, instead I'm going to focus on loving my husband and enjoying my five children and knowing that I'm good enough. I am so inspired by you and your life. Thank you for sharing it with all of us.

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