May Goals toward being Intentional

April was productive with lots of fun spent enjoying Ansley's birthday, first baseball games for Garyn and of course Tyler's baseball games. It felt somewhat hectic, really, trying to do everything and keep some sort of schedule. Plus, both kids were sick for a few days two separate weeks in April making for some unexpected rest/play days without getting out. I had to be intentional about when we would spend time at home compared to a day full of running around. Sometimes, I create an errand just to get out of the house. I guess I like being busy at times versus having to entertain two children everyday. However, I also found those days that we couldn't leave very relaxing and productive. So my new mantra for May is to have days intentionally spent at home while having days for errands.

Speaking of May.......
I plan to be more focused in May on some specific goals. It is my last month with the kids in preschool and more importantly Tyler in school. (I seem to get nothing done during the summer!)

- Continue daily bible study time and try not to get behind.
- Change over both kids closets for summer clothes
- Go to storage to take things and find more baby items
- Be positive about Tyler's busy schedule this month
- Keep coupons up to date (I got them all cut and organized in April!)
- Focus on Garyn's book reading
- Try to limit Ansley's pacifier use.....and be patient about this!
- Work with Ansley in potty training (she asks to go all the time!)
- Work on finding items needed for Layne
-Try to get Garyn to bed by 10:30 and not procrastinate
- Finish Circle Maker ! I am over half way, just need to keep it up!
- Be more intentional about eating veggies and cooking them!

Ok, so there it is....my May goals. I feel more accomplished already and just flat out can't believe May is already here! SO gotta make the most of every minute. Off to get Garyn in bed and start reading!

Being intentional in April

Well, its 12 days into the month and I had intended on writing this a lot sooner.

I have lost some focus on my overall 2013 goal of being more intentional, obviously. I still think on it from time to time but have moments were just getting through the day is best I can do!

Baseball season is in full swing for Tyler and just starting for Garyn. We are spending most of our nights at the fields. I enjoy it mostly. I get tired of not knowing what to do for dinner, though. We have eaten out and eaten fast food a lot more than I like. But I do think one of my goals for March was to enjoy baseball season! And we are doing that still! Ansley sees the school and says "Bay-ball game!" Garyn has some buddies he has been playing with well, too.

For April, I want to be more intentional about setting aside my time for the Lord. I have gotten into a nice pattern of doing my bible reading/ study while Ansley naps. But it isn't always quiet and focused. Garyn is usually in the room watching TV or playing on the computer. I would like to do a better job of finding a quiet spot to focus more. Our new bible study led me to that conviction. We just started "Discerning the Voice of God" by Priscilla Shirer. She talks a lot about being quiet before the Lord and focusing on worshipping him. I really want to know God's will for my life, especially with our house decisions we are making. Besides that,  I feel it is another step on my walk with Christ to be closer and in tune with Him for every decision I face.

Other areas I need to intentionally put my mind to are:

-preparing for Ansley's 2nd birthday party!
-staying on top of budget with groceries
-above means I need to work on organizing coupons
-spending time with both kids on a one-on-one level
-praying often for others and prayer requests
-reading "Circle Maker" more consistently
-staying in touch with family members, especially sick ones
-and last, watching my attitude with my family

I really want each activity/ task I do with and for my family to have purpose. I feel I get caught up in what I want to do or feel should be done. Later, I wonder why I worried about that particular thing when I could have enjoyed something else. I would love to intentionally prioritize and not waste my time. I know I will never be perfect and will have down time that is meaningless. However, when I know more about facebook status rather than having Garyn read a book to me, I feel I have failed for the day!

So, even though half of the month's gone already, I am jumping back on track and getting intentional about my day! I hope I haven't bored you with my ramblings and that you'll wonder what next month has in store!

February to March: Intentional Recap

February is such a short month, isn't it! Those three days we miss out on seem like a week. However, I feel it was a great start towards my goal to being more Intentional in 2013. I felt more accomplished at the end of the day and that's a great feeling!

Of course, not everyday was peachy. I still had my lazy, unmotivated and unfocused days. However, most of the days I felt par for the course. Not because I accomplished so much but because I kept my priorities in line. I loved feeling good about playing with the kids; being positive and attentive while with Tyler; reading/ studying the bible; taking the time to call a few family members randomly to check in; hanging out with friends; and stretching every dollar. I was intentional to be in the moment and enjoy the task at hand.

(Ansley's new bow holder I made)

March should be just as successful!

1. Follow my Bible reading plan for March.
2. Continue reading Circle Maker- Can't wait!
3. Hang above bow holder
4. Meet with more friends for play dates/ lunch
5. Try to keep evenings for family time and not doing chores
6. Do Bible devotions with Garyn
7. Enjoy baseball season
8. Stop worrying about our next move, pray about it and let God reveal the answer
9. Focus on my scripture memory I have started
10. Listen to prayer needs and pray for them often

These may seem haphazardly listed, but I really am trying to focus on the small things. Being intentional about my everyday activities results in being more available for the unexpected and not feeling over run. I feel God is helping me to set my priorities straight and not busy my brain with all the unimportant thoughts or worries. Like I said, I don't go to bed wondering what happened that day. Yet, I feel more accomplished that I gave each task my all and don't regret wasted time. I just define wasted time differently when I am intentional about my goals! I guess I am trying to say that at times I feel if I can't say I have mopped, folded all the clothes, fixed so many meals and paid those bills then I haven't accomplished squat! Now, if I play Trouble with Garyn, sing songs with Ansley and check in on my Granny, I have done some meaningful yet intentional tasks that will resonate with all of us a lot longer then how many loads of laundry got done. I used to consider those wasted time, too. It's nice to be intentional about relationships rather than chores!

Hopefully, in 31 days I will feel just as good about intentional living!

Intentional in 2013

A very creative friend of mine has taken last year and now this year to focus on being a better person. She has used a word to symbolize what area she wants to work on most. I am jumping on board this year mainly because when I write it on the blog, I tend to stick to it!

I have always done well with my goal setting posts in the past and was already feeling an itch to start them again. When Meghan posted about her 2013 goal to Connect, I thought it might be a good way for me to change up my goal making while still focusing on things I want to get done in order to grow in areas I feel I'm lacking in.

I want to be more intentional with all my actions and time in 2013. I have always thought of this word to describe how I want to be focused and deliberate in every way. I feel this word puts action to thoughts and words. If I am intentional to do what I say and think about throughout the day, I might actually feel more successful and better about how I spent my time at the end of the day.

I want to be intentional about my relationships with God, my husband, my children, extended family and friends! We are also really working on our budget and I need to keep on top of it! Guilt tends to loom over me every time I fail to give my all to those I love; doing selfish desires instead.

With God:

•  intentional to have devotional and prayer time be a priority.
• want to truly focus on Him and His will in my life

With Tyler:

• focus on being positive each day; not giving him the laundry list of complaints
• watch my words, as well, to let him know I love him and am not burned out

With the kids:

• Want to be intentional about our time together
• focus on them and their words rather than try to multitask all the time

With other family and friends:

• Simply to make time for them and follow through with plans made
• want to intentionally pray for them when I say I will

Financially:

• Intentionally watch every penny I spend
• Be creative in ways to stretch the dollar
• Stay on top of my coupons, but know when enough is enough

Sadly, all of these areas are things I have meant to work on in the past. I know they will always need attention, but I have not really changed a bit from where I feel I started. So this is the year! I want God to be a priority, and not just go through the motions. I want my family to see a more positive side of me. I know I am not perfect but this year I want my words to match my actions.

This particular month my goals are to:

1. Continue daily bible study and prayer time
2. Write prayer concerns for others down and take time to pray for them
3. As well, I want to check in on my family and friends to encourage them when needed
4. Have at least one play date/lunch with a friend
5. Work on my attitude towards Tyler when I want to be negative or feel I deserve to be grouchy
6. Play games with Garyn and do bible study time with him
7. Read to Ansley daily and work on her flash cards
8. Work on cutting coupons instead of checking facebook status numerous times a day (AMEN!)
9. Do Ansley's hair bow holder from pinterest and stop procrastinating! 
10. Try to spend less on groceries/ meals and save for those miscellaneous needs that come up

I look forward to setting goals in order to reach my overall goal of being intentional with my time. I so often get into bed at night and think over my day wondering what I really accomplished that was worth anything. I know cleaning, blog reading, facebook and laundry are all going to continue but sometimes I feel those took up the most time of my day. Alas, the next morning, I repeat the same actions and feel guilty again by the end of the day. Ready to change that!
2013 seems like a great time to be INTENTIONAL!

April Goals

I know its the 9th day of April and I am just starting but we have been a little busy. We had an unexpected beach trip last week and then I have work 3 of the 9 days of April already (which is a major portion for me). After taking the month off in March from goal setting I didn't want to skip April!

This week (9th-14th)
-work on laundry
-mop and clean bathrooms
-finish putting away trip stuff
-clean desk and toy room
-catch up on James Bible Study
-send out Ansley's bday invites
-put away Easter

Next week (15th-21st)
-work on picture frames/hang
-organize closets
-move furniture in Ansley's room
-mop and clean bathrooms
-put away jackets
-declutter Garyn's room

Last week (22nd-28th)
-work on party plans
-dust and straighten tables
-clean/straighten kitchen shelf and counters
-mop and clean bathrooms
-clean up downstairs

Short and sweet list for me! I will be busy though as always. AND most important is Ansley's birthday! Excited but sad at the same time....

Reached a goal!

So I realized it is 8 days into March and I have never written March goals....

When it was already 5 days into the month and I still had somethings to catch up on from February, I decided to take March off! I love having my goals and am already missing them. But Ansley is keeping me busy these days leaving me with plenty to do. We have also been sick a lot lately it seems. I was the last week of February; all of us were the first week of March; now this week Garyn has an ear infection. That makes for a lot of cuddling and cleaning unexpectedly! Therefore, I'll attempt again in April, which will be here before I can blink!

However, one goal has been reached by a smart little boy named Garyn! We have been teaching him to count to 100. He gets a prize at preschool when he can for his teacher. After working on it for a couple months here and there along with a lot of whining, I decided it was time to get serious. So, I pulled out the bribery trick. The bribe: when he could count to 100 without help, I would take him to Game Stop to get a Wii game, that was no more than $30. That was a week and a half ago, a long week and a half for Garyn. I was quickly regretting it when he would cry every time I said he didn't count without help. But alas he did it!

Afterwards, we went and got his reward for putting in lots of practice to be able to do it. As you can tell, he had a  hard time remembering the transition to 60, 70, 80, 90. For the longest, he would count to 59 then say "What's next?" then again get to 69 and ask. This happened for months without any progress because he just didn't want to remember. Sonic gave him a reason to remember.....

We are very proud! Now, onto the next learning curve....adding! And learning how to play this new game.

I will have to get busy finishing up my goals and keep up with Ansley....

Finally!

I am so excited to finally have done this! I was forced to do it, too, because yesterday Ansley's one plastic one broke. At the rate I was going, she was going to be done with pacifiers before I got them done. I am also frustrated that I procrastinated when it only took all of 15 minutes to do! So easy, its not even funny!

Quick run down:

1. Buy lettered pins, ribbon, self adhesive Velcro and alligator clips (all from Hobby Lobby)
2. Pop open lettered pin and remove pin (unless you want to use that instead of the clip)
3. Cut ribbon to desired length and hot glue to letter
4. Hot clue alligator clip
5. Place Velcro pieces at bottom of ribbon leaving space in between
6. Cut Velcro if needed (mine were circles and bigger than the ribbon width)

And presto! you have a cute personalized pacifier holder for less than $2 each!
Now, to see how long they stay together will be the kicker!

February & early valentines

Well, it's four days into the second month of the year already! This month is consumed with hearts, red, chocolates, roses, pink and other expensive ploys to display your love to another. Don't get me wrong, I like Valentine's Day. We have holidays for just about every thing else under the sun so why not focus on showing extra attention to your loved ones. Tyler and I used to make a bigger deal out of the day, as do most new couples. Now, it's a great excuse to have a date night where we eat somewhere special and might go to a movie but most especially we have a conversation/dinner/night out with no kids! Remember, how I said Ansley is getting hard to eat out with.....

The point of all this valentines talk is to tell you about how this year we sort of exchanged valentines a little early, by mistake. I was trying to be ahead of the game and save money (sure only a few dollars, but still money) While surfing through one of my couponing blogs, I saw where you could design a free card and mail it to yourself for free, as well. So I made Tyler a valentines card, well I used one of their designs and added a picture of ourselves....

Then a couple weeks went by and I forgot about it. And of course when it came in the mail you know who was the one to get and open the mail that day. He tried to put the stack of mail on the counter and act as if I wouldn't know. I was pretty devastated that my plan didn't work out! But then I thought, "You know, it had the same affect and maybe even seemed more special since it was just an ordinary day." So I got over myself and decided it was just as well I started being a little more spontaneous with my romantic-ness.

Last week, I got my own early valentines, too. Not sure if he was trying to follow suit in reply to mine or if it was just because he got the flowers and heart shaped bowl offered to him to give to me. (Most likely the latter!) But I found this one morning while I was fixing breakfast for myself and the kids.....

I loved it and felt it set the perfect statement for this Valentines of 2012. We don't have to wait for February 14th to express our love for one another through flowers, cards, chocolates and such. Spontaneous little love notes are better anyway!

Now, onto my February goals! I really enjoyed having the list printed to see each day where I should be spending my extra time. It helped me to realistically stay on track of my goals. This is a shorter month and I don't have a lot in mind other than just staying in a cleaning/organizing routine! Which got a little old towards the end of Jan, I must say, so I hope I can stay motivated to get things done!

Week 1.5 (since the first week is already gone)
Sun & Mon-

• work on laundry
• tidy up toys and tables
• work Sunday night
• plan dinner both nights
• finish taxes

Tues & Wed-

• mop floors (didn't do them last week)
• put away Christmas cards in album
• clean out car
• work on coupons
• Go to Ga for hair cut (didn't do last month)

 Thurs & Fri-

• clean bathrooms
• work on laundry
• place items on eBay
• make pacifier holders! (didn't do again!)
• work Friday night
• plan dinner for both nights

Sat-Mon-

• straighten up tables and mail
• re pot plants
• clean up kitchen counters
• work on coupons
• Valentine's date night
• work Sunday night
• plan dinner for 2 of these nights

Week 2:
Tues & Wednesday-

• work on laundry
• work on sale items (eBay/Craigslist)
• clean up dressers
• clean floors
• put frames on mantle
• grocery store
• dinners

Thursday & Friday-

• clean up bathrooms
• small freezer cooking day
• get Tyler ready for trip to Honduras
• give dogs a bath (weather permitting)
• work on blog some more

Sat -Mon-

• tidy up toys and tables
• clean up kitchen
• work on Garyn's valentines
• work Sunday night

Week 3:
Tues & Wed-

• work on laundry
• take things to donate
• clean up magazines
• work on Ansley's album
• clean floors

Thurs & Fri-

• clean bathrooms
• go to Creative Discovery Museum
• clean up Ansley & Garyn's room
• work on Garyn's chore chart

Sat & Mon-

• pick up Tyler
• enjoy the weekend
• tidy up house
• work Sunday night

Week 4:
Tues & Wed

• work on bills
• clean floors
• plan dinners
• look at MOPS cards
• list items to sell

Thurs & Fri-

• finish any undone goals
• post March goals!

January Goals

2012 is here! and I am already 6 days into January without any goals! Well, I know it isn't that big a deal, however, they have been floating around in my head a lot already!

One thing I want to change about my goal posts are to do them by weeks instead of category. That way I can visualize it a little better. Couldn't hurt, right?

Week 1:
Fri thru Sun
-finish organizing Ansley's drawers and closet (As always she is quickly moving through those clothes!)
-put away work uniforms (Still working, but went to 1 single color uniform so don't need all my old ones)
-finish putting away Christmas
-post Christmas pics
-work Sunday night

Week 2:
Monday & Tuesday
-make baby food with new food processor (Christmas gift!)
-work on coupons
-work on laundry
-MOPS card list
-sort through mail and bills for the week

Wed & Thursday
-organize Toy room
-fix a new crock pot meal
-clean floors & bathroom
-post Ansley's 8 months
-work on picture frames

Friday,Saturday & Sunday

-work on laundry
-straighten tables
-plan dinner
-cleaning up kitchen
-work Saturday night

Week 3:
Monday
-laundry
-sort through mail and bills
-work on coupons
-work Monday night

Tuesday & Wednesday
-put up jackets in hall closet
-switch out scarves and robe racks
-find things downstairs to sell/donate
-grocery store
-work on dinner for this week

Thursday & Friday
-clean floors and bathrooms
-laundry
-Ansley's paci holders
-work on blog background

Saturday & Sunday
-straighten tables
-clean up kitchen
-hang pictures
-work Sunday night

Week 4:
Monday & Tuesday
-clean up desk
-work on coupons
-sort bills and mail
-find things to sell/donate
-freezer dinner ?

Wed & Thursday
-Ansley's doc appt
-find dentist for Tyler & I
-visit Georgia and hair appt
-work on laundry
-clean floors & bathroom
-grocery store
-plan dinner for both nights

Friday & Saturday
-help Tyler with a house project
-straighten tables and clean up kitchen
-dust

Sunday-Tuesday
-work Sunday night
-sort bills and mail
-plan dinner each night
-finish up any loose goals!


I think I am going to like this way of dividing up the goals. It seems more realistic when I can see what days I have open compared to when I'm working. Although, I wanted to leave it vague by putting some days together so that I didn't feel to scheduled! I also wanted to mention that a lot of my old goals of learning time and Bible story with Garyn have become more routine. I didn't add them for that reason. I do need to work on my own Bible time, though. I have been reading a great book (it is a Christian one....like that's even a good excuse) and it has caused me to slack. I hope to get some more book reading done this year but don't want to plan on it yet!

Starting out fresh in 2012 feels good!

November Ends; December Begins

Its that time again. Goal time that is!

November went well, I feel.............

Fun:
We had a good birthday dinner at Provino's for the first time. It will definitely be a new birthday meal for us.
I also went to the pottery day on my birthday.....fun thing to do!
Then Thanksgiving was great and started off with a family girl's night here at my house.

DIY/Craft:
not much got done....
We did paint the hallway and Tyler was able to put crown molding in Ansley's room
And he also got to work in the back yard....I on the other hand did no crafty things

Cleaning:
All of this got done except for the laundry room

Cooking:
About the same on eating out...maybe a little better since football is over

Teaching:
Garyn is counting well, he counted to 50 for a prize at school. He can do some addition, need to work on it more though...
Bible time is sweet, I love hearing what he remembers or feels is important with each story

Other:
Coupons are mostly cut for the month of November
I have done ok with my own devotional time, just finished Revelation study by Beth Moore which was wonderful. Need to always improve though.

December is a busy crazy month so my only goals are basic......

Fun:
-SS Christmas Party
-Red Bank Parade
-Nashville trip

DIY/Craft:
-Decorating for Christmas
-Tyler to work on house projects

Cleaning:
-Keeping floor clean since Ansley is everywhere!
-Clean up laundry room more
-keep car clean

Cooking:
-you know the goal!

Teaching:
-Bible time daily amongst craziness still
-Keep Christmas focus on birth of Christ!

Other:
-bathe dogs

November goals

Fun:

-my birthday! date night

-Thanksgiving!

-possibly girls night with family

-pottery day with SS girls


DIY/Craft:

just really don't know what I might be able to do....

-hang Christmas decorations...usually right after Thanksgiving
  (although Tyler already said, Halloween is over and its time for Christmas!)

-maybe do Ansley's pacifier holder....lol

-work on pictures some more


Cleaning:

-usual weekly cleaning

-work on switching Garyn's clothes out, winter items are still in cabinet of his room

-finish cleaning off dresser

-clean up in laundry room


Cooking:

-try for less eating out!

-have some ideas for the week decided on to make it easier


Teaching:

-work in Garyn's adding/math workbook

-continue our daily bible story and working on how he can apply them


Other:

-work on coupons, I have been organizing them better lately!

-stay up on my own daily bible study and prayer time


These are what all I can think of now, I am excited the fall holidays have started! But sad too, that it means Ansley is getting that much older! I know that probably sounds weird, but you moms know what I mean. Christmas is just around the corner and she will be 8 months Christmas day! I feel like she was just born like a month ago!

October Goals: accomplishments

So I am way behind on blogging! It seems like when I try to play catch up with other things something else falls to the way side. I was talking to Tyler about this the other day and just summed it up with "such is life with two kids!" He responded with "just enjoy it". I liked that response.

I do have a heart for keeping the blog current and preserving these memories for future enjoyment! I have several events I want to blog on from the last couple weeks so get ready!


 October ended ok, goal wise......

Fun:


-SS park night

-Wilderness weekend!

-Disney on Ice~ yay!

-Tyler B/day date with just us  P.F. Changs & Real Steel! love dates :)

-Trunk or treat/Halloween
We also went to the pumpkin patch. Fun month!


DIY/Craft:
(same as last month...)

-make Ansley's pacifier holder couldn't find the glue gun :(
-work on Ansley's first year photo album

-hang some pictures I got some in frames, but need to get some more frames to hang them together

-put up Halloween decorations


Cooking:

-have another small freezer day

-continue cooking at home 3 days if not more, did terrible this month on eating out


Cleaning:

-bathroom, floors, kitchen and tables once a week

-clean up dressers in bedroom halfway completed


Teaching:

-work on Garyn writing his last name

-continue Bible story and prayer time with him

-almost able to get to 50, keep working on that


Other:

-bathe those dogs!

-get Halloween outfits ready  This was a challenge since Garyn had specifics on what he wanted

-get items ready for the JBF sale

All together I am pleased, I got almost everyone done!

OcTobER GoAlS

Here goes another month of goals! Hoping to get them all done!

Well at least most of them done.....

Fun:
-SS park night

-Wilderness weekend!

-Disney on Ice~ yay!

-Tyler B/day date with just us

-Trunk or treat/Halloween

DIY/Craft:
(same as last month...)

-make Ansley's pacifier holder


-work on Ansley's first year photo album


-hang some pictures

-put up Halloween decorations

Cooking:
-have another small freezer day

-continue cooking at home 3 days if not more

Cleaning:
-bathroom, floors, kitchen and tables once a week

-clean up dressers in bedroom

Teaching:
-work on Garyn writing his last name

-continue Bible story and prayer time with him

-almost able to get to 50, keep working on that

Other:
-bathe those dogs!

-get Halloween outfits ready

-get items ready for the JBF sale

September goals, tallied up

Tallied?- Is that a word....?
It sounds good to me, just not sure if it is actually a word or spelled like that!

So September flew by as always!

I did ok I guess on completing my goals. I have decided to be happy with anything I get accomplished because there a lot more important things in my life right now.....these two especially are....

(reminds me that I am behind on posting Anlsey's 5 month update!)
Fun:
The kids and I enjoyed the family reunion, as always.
We are having the SS dinner this week
I didn't make it to the craft night
and I did have an awesome jewelry party!

Not on the list but thoroughly enjoyed: a bonfire at the in-laws complete with smores! Hike around the Sale Creek property. Plus, we had a football post game party at our house this past Friday! So lots of fun stuff!

NONE of the craft items were done! I barely get through cleaning and cooking after spending most of my time playing with the kids! Which is the best craft ever if you ask me!

Cleaning:
I have done fairly well staying on top of daily cleaning tasks, fairly well is to say I may just put dirty dishes in dishwasher then call it quits....but at least the sink is clean!

I have cleaned off desk!! I am so excited to have cleaned it pretty well and got the old desktop off and have my laptop and printer set up on it again! This means an end table in the living room is now clutter free as well!

Another big exciting clean up I did was our closet! Remember, I was putting clothes in a consignment sale?...well they followed the kids consignment with an adult one (this week actually). I was on such a money making/clean up kick that I decided to go through the majority of Tyler and I's clothes. Now my closet is cleaned out and organized! Hoping to make a little $ along the way as well!

Cooking:
I have been cooking again! Tyler helps in this department a lot! I think we have been eating at home 3 times a week at least the last couple weeks! My proudest cooking feat is on Wednesday nights. Garyn & I (and Ansley now, wow, still seems new at times!) go to church and Tyler is not home yet from football practice. So the last 3 weeks (?) I have been making something and leaving it for Tyler when he gets home. Crock pot meals and frozen dinners that are easy to put in oven, cooked then we leave and it stays warm in there! This was one of our areas of weakness, to just grab whatever, whenever.

I honestly did have a small freezer cooking day! I made apple and pear baby food for Ansley. I froze most of it since she is just starting foods. I took advantage of some free pears my friend had in her yard!

Teaching:
I am not sure we work on the last name very much, but he can now write all his numbers pretty well. He surprised me one day actually. I wrote 1-10 on a piece of paper and told him to practice writing those numbers like I had. He brings it to me minutes later and shows me that he had continued my numbers by writing 11-25! I was so proud that he took it a step further and that he was able to write those numbers without any prompting!

( He scribbled all over it but, the top is my numbers then you see his all scrunched together underneath)
We also have been diligently reading the bible story at breakfast. He seems to be remembering more and more understanding better the lesson in each one.

Budgeting:
Still hairy around the edges. Just can't get motivated to sitting down and working it all out which is only making it worse. We have been more conscience though of spending.

Not eating out has improved! I think it will always be a battle for us because we love it so much.

And I have done better with the grocery budget. Not necessarily planning it well but stopping when I reach the limit even though I might have needed meat more than the shampoo I bought instead.

Other:
Consignment items were taken for both a kids sale and the adult, as mentioned earlier.
I did work a little on the coupons.
I didn't get the dogs bathed! That is on the agenda for this week though! Bathing myself and 2 kids is a job most days in itself!

I am also happy that Tyler was able to put a fan in Ansley's room and an exhaust fan in our bathroom. Both had been sitting around waiting on him to do. He also got my pictures off that old desktop mentioned above! Football season leaves him little...and I mean little time to do these types of things!

Well, there you have it. September, tallied up!

September Begins....

So here are the September goals....
  (Don't forget to look at how August ended)

Fun:
-Plan SS girls dinner
-attend Girls Craft night!
-have a Jewelry party!
-go to Family reunion

DIY/Craft:
-make Ansley's pacifier holder
-work on Ansley's first year photo album
-hang some pictures
-work on wreath craft for Girls night

Cleaning:
-continue to do 1 of these cleaning chores daily
   (mopping floors, cleaning bathrooms, straightening tables, cleaning up kitchen, straightening bedrooms)
-clean off desk

Cooking:
-cook one meal at home a week, & eat at home at least twice a week
-small freezer cooking day :)

Teaching:
-continue with Garyn's writing; last name and more #'s
-Bible story, Bible story, Bible story!

Budgeting:
-stick to $60 grocery budget!
-eat out only 3 times a week! (we always go out on Sunday after church, and 1 night with defense coaches, then either on the weekend or Tuesday nights at Chick fil a......and then there is that occasional "oh just meet me at _____ before I have to go to ____. I am failing to mention the Friday nights before the football game! oh, its hard people!)

Other:
-tag and take consignment items
-work on coupon book
-bathe dogs

August ends

Well there goes another month. They just fly by faster and faster!

For August, I did fairly well completing my goals considering I have another little person to tend to now.

(We did go to Coolidge and Garyn rode the carousel for the first time completely by himself)

Fun:


-Help schedule a Sunday school outing to Vandergriff park (We had a date planned then decided it was still too hot so we are postponing it for a little bit)

-Take Garyn back to the "beach" (Didn't get to this)

-Take Garyn to ride his bike at a track/park (Nor this, I think the heat keeps us inside)

-set up the inflatable pool and have a play date Yay!

And we went to the Wilderness in Pigeon Forge! We liked it so much that we will be returning in October!

(5 boys and 2 baby girls had a play date)

Cooking:

-cook at least one meal each week

-be better about having lunch options at home

I can honestly say those were both done, Tyler has no excuse to eat out for lunch!

(such cuties, Garyn was hiding from the sun)

Cleaning:

-clean something daily during the week...bathrooms, floors, tables, and/or kitchen

-stay on top of laundry (I just finished washing, folding, and putting away 5 laundry baskets!)

-disinfect as much as possible (to keep Ansley from getting a cold again)

-clean out the refrigerator

This category is always at the top of my list. I love when laundry and cleaning go smooth and don't take a whole day to complete because I have procrastinated. Oh and the fridge was awful!

(Garyn is still in the sun, but its better)

Teaching:

-do learning time with Garyn twice a week

-focus on Garyn writing and counting past 30

-get back in the habit of reading a Bible story to Garyn daily

We have done pretty well with learning time, I bought some new workbooks and he can almost count to 40. He is also doing good about being able to write 1,2, & 3. Also, has started counting in Spanish which is something Nick Jr. has taught him! We didn't read a Bible story everyday but have been reading almost every lunch or breakfast we are at home for.

( The one and only Wilderness trip picture I got! But the mini golf is definitely his favorite part)

Budgeting:

-start monthly budgeting again

-work on organizing the bills as they come in

-get back to eating out only 2 or 3 times a week

-work on organizing coupons and sticking to grocery budget


Ok this section is pretty bad. I started to do a budget but then quickly reneged on it. Then the bills are some better but are now piled on the desk rather than filed. (at least they aren't scattered around all the tables though) We won't even talk about the eating out! And the coupons are more organized but not as well as I would like. Grocery budget has improved but not back to $60 yet!

On a mission...

I am ready for some routine......

Ready to not wonder what I did or didn't get done each day....

Ready to be prepared for and remember what I am doing any given day....

Ready to remember what day it is! 

So I'm on a mission to get back into a routine, a different routine nonetheless, but one where I can feel somewhat together and not like a chicken with my head cut off! Tyler started work today...well scheduled work, I should say.....and that is when I really have to get back into a schedule with the kids. (I still feel odd saying that) Its also football season which means Tyler is extremely busy. Week days he is gone from 6:30am-7ish pm then has Friday where he is gone til past bedtime and Sundays he has meetings from 2ish 'til 9ish. I am tired just writing that.....but he loves it and I love going to the games so its worth it. And this year he is the defensive coordinator! We are excited for him to have gotten this position. Along with this comes more responsibility so he is working on football at home a lot, too. Having said this, I need to be on top of things at home!

Annnnd given that its Aug. 1st I thought I would start listing my monthly goals again.

Fun:
-Help schedule a Sunday school outing to Vandergriff park
-Take Garyn back to the "beach"
-Take Garyn to ride his bike at a track/park
-set up the inflatable pool and have a play date

Cooking:
-cook at least one meal each week
-be better about having lunch options at home

Cleaning:
-clean something daily during the week...bathrooms, floors, tables, and/or kitchen
-stay on top of laundry (I just finished washing, folding, and putting away 5 laundry baskets!)
-disinfect as much as possible (to keep Ansley from getting a cold again)
-clean out the refrigerator

Teaching:
-do learning time with Garyn twice a week
-focus on Garyn writing and counting past 30
-get back in the habit of reading a Bible story to Garyn daily

Budgeting:
-start monthly budgeting again
-work on organizing the bills as they come in
-get back to eating out only 2 or 3 times a week
-work on organizing coupons and sticking to grocery budget

I feel a little overwhelmed at this list since I am now caring for an infant as well. The last 3 months have shown me that it doesn't all have to get done in order for life to go on. But I have done little cooking, cleaning, and teaching while doing no budgeting at all. As I stated above, Tyler is not going to be able to help much and I know I can, I just have to put my mind to it! And I am a goal oriented person, feeling defeated when I end the day without doing all I hoped to. Although, thats not always a good thing since I often am doing things with the kids rather than the things I "think" I need to do. I am trying to work on my expectations for the days reminding myself that I would rather spend time with my babies than have the laundry done. In fact, its an ongoing goal I need to have. However, I want to be sane and having a cluttered house makes my mind cluttered.

Now that I have vented and rambled on, I'll get started on these goals!

April goals or more like to dos....

April is an exciting month for the Rich family.....Ansley will be here definitely this month. When- is the question!

Therefore I am doing this months goals a little different.......I am making a list of things I need to do prioritizing it by week.

Week # 1 (this week)

- finish hanging things in Ansley's room
-touch up paint in Ansley's room
-pack hospital bag
-get Garyn's Easter basket together and his school egg hunt basket
-possibly wash dogs before their appt next week
-buy lamp shade for Ansley's room
-set out Easter decorations (possibly)
-buy Garyn's Easter outfit
-go to eat with great Sunday School girls on Thursday
-have friends over for dinner
-get a manicure/pedicure (maybe not until the next)
-finish Thank You notes



Week # 2 (the 11th)

-clean floors and bathrooms again
-eat with some great friends
-take Garyn to the zoo
-put away maternity clothes I am not using (winter clothes)
-go to eat with great Sunday School girls on Thursday
-work on cleaning up desk
-clean refridgerator and microwave
-look at preschools some more
-wash sheets/comforters

Week # 3 ( the 18th)

-Enjoy the week, if Ansley isn't here yet!
-Play with Garyn outside and work on planter on porch
-keep house straightened and cleaned
-date night with my hubby

Tally of March Goals

March goals


Fun:

-Enjoy the month with life as I know it now, it is all about to change! No sleep, more responsibilities, more laundry.....but a new little life to love and hold, as well! Feel we have spent some quality time together

-Have one date night- We sort of did this, but Garyn was with us. We took him to see Rango and I felt good about spending time with him since he is about to be fighting for our attention I'm sure

-Do as many things outside with Garyn as weather permits!  We have been to a lot of baseball games where Garyn has played hard with other kiddos outside.



DIY/Craft:

-I have lots of painting to do for Ansley's room...finish baby bed, start changing table, and possibly paint a dresser The bed, dresser, and changing table are all painted and in the room...post of nursery to come

-Help Tyler with deck/french door project as much as possible the project is close to done on the inside, post to come

-Paint Ansley's name sign check!

-Paint Easter door hanger with Garyn that I bought last year on sale Its cute but can't hang on door because of the new residents we have! I have placed it on the door coming from the garage instead



Cooking:

-possibly do a small freezer cooking day- didn't do this but thats ok

-continue to cook/ eat at home all but what we budget for- we have done pretty good at this



Cleaning:

-try to keep cleaning habits up so that I feel the house is basically clean

-finish cleaning out anything that will not stay in Ansley's room

-wash new clothes and bassinet bedding for Ansley had 3 showers this month (smaller ones, but still 3 showers) so I have been washing and going through lots of girly things!



Teaching/Learning:

-keep working with Garyn on writing his name He can write it almost without any help! He just needs some prompting on the G and y

-work on counting to 30 without any glitches- pretty much there, I can stop him if he messes up and he can correct himself without me telling him what he said wrong

-keep looking at preschools did this some...still need to make a descision
 


Budgeting:

-tally up Jan. and Feb. expenses for next years tax deductions- balanced check book but didn't do excel sheet

-stay on top of budget and weekly cash flow

-start saving for beach trip half way started...not as well as I would have liked



Prayer/Devotion:

-Continue morning quiet time- have done it most of the week, I have just had a harder time sleeping so I sometimes hit snooze....wish I could say that is a good excuse but it still isn't

-Keep prioritizing devotion/Bible reading- I have done ok, once again, feel it has been hard to focus on anything but preparing for Ansley especially towards the end of the month



Other:

-wash and take dogs yearly shots!- appt has been made! going next week

-take JBF sale items

-wash and list cups for eBay and anything else I may find  didn't sell but they are listed again
 
feel it was a productive month! April is here already and may be a different story!

March goals

Fun:
-Enjoy the month with life as I know it now, it is all about to change! No sleep, more responsibilities, more laundry.....but a new little life to love and hold, as well!
-Have one date night
-Do as many things outside with Garyn as weather permits!

DIY/Craft:
-I have lots of painting to do for Ansley's room...finish baby bed, start changing table, and possibly paint a dresser
-Help Tyler with deck/french door project as much as possible
-Paint Ansley's name sign
-Paint Easter door hanger with Garyn that I bought last year on sale

Cooking:
-possibly do a small freezer cooking day
-continue to cook/ eat at home all but what we budget for

Cleaning:
-try to keep cleaning habits up so that I feel the house is basically clean
-finish cleaning out anything that will not stay in Ansley's room
-wash new clothes and bassinet bedding for Ansley

Teaching/Learning:
-keep working with Garyn on writing his name
-work on counting to 30 without any glitches
-keep looking at preschools

Budgeting:
-tally up Jan. and Feb. expenses for next years tax deductions
-stay on top of budget and weekly cash flow
-start saving for beach trip

Prayer/Devotion:
-Continue morning quiet time
-Keep prioritizing devotion/Bible reading

Other:
-wash and take dogs yearly shots!
-take JBF sale items
-wash and list cups for eBay and anything else I may find