• What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Thankful that the kids get an extra day on their weekend.  It is always nice to have them around a little bit more.  They worked on some of their school projects over the weekend so they would be prepared for the week.  They have a busy week during and after school with their clubs as well as extra volunteer activities.  Somehow they have packed their schedules pretty full, but they are enjoying meeting a variety of people and participating the activities.  Jake and I have a busy week at work.  Jake has a bunch of extra co-workers in Greenville office with Hurricane Matthew coming through Charleston this past weekend.  Thankful it wasn’t any worse than it was.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Pasta Twists & Beef Casserole
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  3 Bean Chili & Wild Rice
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Cheddar Applewood Chicken & Lo Mein
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Mesquite Pork & Stoneground Wheat Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    The girls don’t have to go to school on Monday, but both Jake and I have to work.  Thankfully Jake can work from home.  Glad that the girls get a little extra break from school.  Hopefully they will have a fun, relaxing, and productive day.  It was a lot of fun playing games, reading, and getting projects done over the weekend with the family.  As we prep for the upcoming week we realize that we will do our best day-to-day, but the days do not always work out exactly as planned so we need to be willing to be flexible.  Praying it is a productive, healthy, and fun week.  Here are my goals for this week:

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids – still reading it with the kids
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family
    6. Play a Game with the Kidsplayed Trouble, Pit, and Hand & Foot card game
    7. Create Memories with the Family
    8. Spend Quality time with each family member
    9. Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week – planning something fun for a future adventure
    10. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities
    11. Jake – Haircut

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics Club and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments
    6. Pick up Karlie’s New Glasses

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – didn’t hit my goals everyday this week
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week –I made it 4 days, but not 5 🙁
    4. Appointments
    5. Schedule our annual physical
    6. Haircut

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization  – Plan Out Organizational Goals for last quarter of 2016 – got a good start on them, need to wrap it up
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Outside Project – Tree Service Quote –
    4. Update Project List
    5. Input all contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendar
    6. Confirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)
    7. Follow up on calls and items that need my attention –most of them done
    8. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes
    2. Get caught up on blog posts – working on it
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    5. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team – getting closer
    6. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study
    4. Read next chapter in Biblical Femininity by Chrystie Cole

    Financial Goals

    1. Pay all our bills that have arrived this week
    2. Sign up for our Open Enrollment regarding our 2017 Benefits
    3. Start gathering information on last quarter 2016 finances and 1st quarter 2017 taxes – realign goals where needed
    4. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – getting our schedules figured out
    5. Get our finances and budget back on track – getting our budget and accounting software updated
    6. Pay down debt we owe – made an extra payment this week, hopefully getting this wrapped up within the next few weeks
    7. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family
    6. Play a Game with the Kids
    7. Spend Quality time with each family member
    8. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities
    9. Figure out the Remaining 2016 PTO & Holiday Schedules (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc….)

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics, Diggers, and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments
    6. Schedule time for Jake & I to have 1-on-1 Discussion time with each kid (discuss week, what’s going well, what needs improvement, and focus on each kid as an individual without the sibling being in the room)
    7. Pick a Date Night for the Kids

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
    4. Appointment(s)- Massage, Annual physical

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization  – Plan Out Organizational Goals for last quarter of 2016
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Outside Project – Tree Service Quote
    4. Update Project List
    5. Add any new contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendar
    6. Confirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)
    7. Follow up on calls and items that need my attention
    8. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes
    2. Get caught up on blog posts
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    5. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study
    4. Read next chapter in Biblical Femininity by Chrystie Cole

    Financial Goals

    1. Pay all our bills that have arrived this week
    2. Follow up with the Bank regarding a couple of incorrect charges
    3. Start gathering information on last quarter 2016 finances and 1st quarter 2017 taxes – realign goals where needed
    4. Update Quicken Accounts
    5. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
    6. Get our finances and budget back on track
    7. Pay down debt we owe
    8. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Relationships: Lifelong Friends

    A special friend is a rare find….

    • Someone who shares your joy and happiness,
    • Someone who cares enough to show love and kindness,
    • Someone who is a comfort is a comfort to spend time with,
    • Someone who is honest and thoughtful.

    A special friend is a wonderful gift….

    • Someone who offers understanding when life is difficult,
    • Someone whose smile is enough to brighten any day,
    • Someone who accepts you and is glad that you are you,
    • Someone who forgets mistakes and is gentle and trusting.

    You are this special friend to me.

    • Our times together are treasured in my heart.
    • I wish you love, laughter, and all of life’s most beautiful things.
    • I wish you health and cheer, and more of everything that makes you happy.
    • I wish that we will always be friends!

    – Donna Levine

    Thankful for Donna Levine’s words and great reminder of the importance of friendship.  It is nice to find a rare friend that sticks with you in the thick and thin.  Sharing your joy and sorrows.  One of the biggest gifts we can find is that of a friendship.

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    A lot of great blessings this week.  Thankful for family, friends, and a community around us.  Grateful for the safety and my heart goes out to families within our community that experienced some heartbreak at one of the local elementary schools.  Makes me want to hug my kids tighter and treasure the moments we have together because you never know what will happen each day of your life.  Blessed and thankful!

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful that the girls have the opportunity to go Robotics Club and excited to see what they will learn this year.

    Tuesday – Thankful for Jake being willing to split the driving the girls to and from school with me even when he has a busy day at work and traveling as well.

    Wednesday – Thankful and proud of Jake for all he continues to accomplish.  He was excepted into a Leadership class through his work which started today.  He has to drive to Charleston for the classes, but it is a great opportunity for him.

    Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to attend women’s Bible Study through our church.

    Friday – Thankful for a relaxing evening with my family.

    Saturday – Thankful for a chance to go to Saluda Archery as a family and had a blast!

    Sunday – Thankful for time with the family and having some time set aside to plan out our week.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    We have a full schedule this week, but no traveling as far as work so everyone will be together for the evening meals.  Trying to make the menu simple and easy as our evenings together are more limited after work, school, activities and other scheduled events.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree):  Beef Shepherd’s Pie Casserole, Mash Potatoes
    • Tuesday (Seafood, Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Entree):  Shrimp & Stuffed Talapia, Tagliatelle & Mushroom Pasta
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):   Sweet & Sour Chicken, Udon Noodles
    • Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook):  Apple Bourbon Pork Chops, Mult-Grain Bread
    • Friday, Saturday, & Sunday:  Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting

    I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth).  It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned.  I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.

    Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family.  On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home.  As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes.  If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).

    As a family of four our life can get busy.  What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget.  Our family typically eats 6 to 7  dinner meals at home a week.  We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat.  Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family.  Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day.  Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends.  The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety.  We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.

    Photo by Liz

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Thankful for some time with the family this week.  Jake had to travel again for work, but thankfully it was only 2 days.  We had a mix of work, school, and fun activities throughout the week.  Grateful for the opportunities and blessings in my life.

    While it was a busy week and a lot got done at work and around the house not everything was accomplished.  Guess that’s why you set your goals high….it stretches you to get those activities accomplished in your life.  I don’t know if I was in a hurry or what I was doing, but forgot wear fitbit multiple times this week (of course those were my most active days so I missed that goal).  Here are my goals for this week:

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Brina is picking out our next chapter book to read together Brina picked out National Velvet by Enid Bagnold for us to read together
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family – used Jake’s Father’s Day gift this past weekend and went to the Saluda Archery as a fun family activity (we all had a blast)
    6. Play a Game with the Kids
    7. Create Memories with the Family
    8. Spend Quality time with each family member
    9. Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
    10. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics Club and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – forgot to wear my FitBit multiple times
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – almost 5 times
    4. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization  – Work in the Laundry Room – had some other items come up
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Paperwork
    4. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
    5. Remove most of the Spring / Summer items from Closets – work in progress

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes
    2. Get caught up on blog posts – working on it
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – picked out some advisors we want to meet with
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track – getting closer to our goals
    3. Pay down debt we owe – paying it down, made 2 extra payments this week and getting closer to our goal
    4. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – went over our amount for the week

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the chapter book National Velvet by Enid Bagnold to the kids
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family
    6. Play a Game with the Kids
    7. Create Memories with the Family
    8. Spend Quality time with each family member
    9. Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
    10. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities
    11. Jake – Haircut

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics Club and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments
    6. Pick up Karlie’s New Glasses

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
    4. Appointments
    5. Schedule our annual physical
    6. Haircut

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization  – Plan Out Organizational Goals for last quarter of 2016
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Outside Project – Tree Service Quote
    4. Update Project List
    5. Input all contacts, addresses, and special events on the calendar
    6. Confirm October Family and Individual Calendar(s)
    7. Follow up on calls and items that need my attention
    8. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes
    2. Get caught up on blog posts
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study
    4. Read next chapter in Biblical Femininity by Chrystie Cole

    Financial Goals

    1. Pay all our bills that have arrived this week
    2. Sign up for our Open Enrollment regarding our 2017 Benefits
    3. Start gathering information on last quarter 2016 finances and 1st quarter 2017 taxes – realign goals where needed
    4. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
    5. Get our finances and budget back on track
    6. Pay down debt we owe
    7. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a busy full week of school, work, activities and appointments, but a productive week as well.  Thankful for some many opportunities and the ability to get things done, meet new people, and do activities that help us grow as individuals and as a family.  There are so many blessings to pick from each day this week.  Grateful for all that the Lord has done through me and continues to work in my heart and life.

    I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week.

    Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:

    Monday –Thankful that I had chunk of quality time with Jake early in the morning before he took off on a work trip, the kids went to school, and I went off to work!

    Tuesday – Thankful for the opportunity for the girls to go to homework center and participate in a variety of fun clubs at school.

    Wednesday – Thankful that Jake arrived back home after school and work today.  It was great to have the whole family back together again!

    Thursday – Thankful that we were able to get Karlie into the orthodontist, now her “fun” teeth adventure in the upcoming months.  Also, grateful for a spontaneous at home Date Night with my Handsome Man.  He is thoughtful, fun, and creative.  It was great to put our phones away for awhile and just hang out together at home.  I LOVE my man so much!!! XOXO

    Friday – Thankful that I was able to get off work at a decent time today had lunch with Jake, made homemade cookies before picking the girls up from school, found a box turtle on the road to share with the girls for a couple days, and had a chance to relax with the family.

    Saturday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time working outside with the family.  We got a good amount of yard work done (even though there is more to do) – leaves blown, weeds pulled, sticks picked up and burned, and more fun as well as a few good blisters

    Sunday – Thankful for church, a few moments to rest, eating outside on the deck, playing fetch with Skipper, and fun with the family.

    What are you thankful for today?  I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today.  It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day.

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    It was a busy week!  Thankful for family and that we were all back together.  Jake was traveling with work this week so he was greatly missed.  The girls had a busy week of school and work was full of fun activities too.

    We have another busy week ahead of us and some fun stuff planned.  Thankful for all the opportunities that we’ve been given.  Even though I had a lot on my goals list several other projects came up that required more time and attention than I originally planned so I didn’t get as much as I wanted to on my goals list. Hopefully I will get more done this week.  Here are my goals for this week:

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book The Land of Stories – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer to the kids – the kids enjoyed the book and reserved the next one in the series from the library
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids – still going through the new set of Flash Cards
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids – learning more interesting information going through it with the kids
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family
    6. Play a Game with the Kids we played As You Wish
    7. Create Memories with the Family
    8. Spend Quality time with each family member
    9. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics Club and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments – Orthodontist

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – I didn’t hit my goal every day this week
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – I didn’t do it as consistently
    4. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Organize my Paperwork, Folders, and Projects Stack – started working on it
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Storage Room – got a chunk done
    4. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a nightsome
    5. Remove most of the Spring / Summer items from Closets – still working on it

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes – got some done
    2. Get caught up on blog posts – trying to get there
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team – getting some items transitioned
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study – hostess was out of town

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor  – confirming times on our schedules
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track – catching up
    3. Pay down debt we owe – made another payment
    4. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – close, but went over

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Brina is picking out our next chapter book to read together
    2. Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
    3. Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
    4. Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
    5. Plan one special activity with the family
    6. Play a Game with the Kids
    7. Create Memories with the Family
    8. Spend Quality time with each family member
    9. Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
    10. Coordinate and review schedules at beginning of week to confirm all obligations, appointments, and other activities

    Kid Goals

    1. Do Homework Monday – Friday
    2. Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
    3. Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
    4. Attend Robotics Club and Other After School Activities
    5. Appointments

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
    4. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization  – Work in the Laundry Room
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Paperwork Room
    4. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
    5. Remove most of the Spring / Summer items from Closets

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes
    2. Get caught up on blog posts
    3. Work on a few special projects
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal
    3. Attend Ladies Bible Study

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track
    3. Pay down debt we owe
    4. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)

    I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.  I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true.  When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals.  Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick).  Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.

    Why Share My Goals?

    • To keep me accountable
    • To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
    • To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
    • Create healthy habits in my life
    • To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn

    How did you do this week on your goals?  Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.

    The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results