Fun
Travel & Vacation: Spending Time with Family in Kansas
The plane was delayed due to rain, but now we are ready to go. Two little chickies all buckled in….one snacking and the other one with her nose already in a book. Thankful that the girls travel well.
The girls and I recently flew out to Kansas to spend some time with my family. We stayed at my parents house, but thankfully we were able to catch up with quite a few people while we were out there visiting. While we were in Kansas Jake was traveling with work so he was managing to stay busy too.
The girls even got in on the last part of my parents church’s VBS, which included getting wet with water balloons. I think the highest temperature I saw during out week and half in Kansas was 113 while it was hot the wind helped make it more tolerable.
A cooler full of mammoth water balloons for VBS game time the next day!
Lots of little water balloons too! I think by the end the count was somewhere around 300 water balloons. The kids loved it!
Karlie picked a variety of flowers from Grandma Penny’s gardens and displayed the flowers in a pie dish. They actually lasted almost the entire time we were out there!
Brina made a blue cat while Brandon is working on some blueberry cookies!
Karlie is busy socializing and creating play dough goodies too! Grandma Penny made some homemade play dough for the kids. They loved it (and were asking me to make some a couple days ago)!
Beautiful purple flower along the road in Harlan, Kansas
Some of my Great Grandma Viola’s rose bushes were blooming near the Kelly’s Store and the Post Office in Harlan, Kansas where she used work. She planted the roses many years ago and yet they continue to bloom every year! Grandma Vi had an amazing green thumb (something I did not inherit, by the way)! She loved flowers and I thought it would be appropriate to stop to snap a quick picture of one of her pretty roses while I was in the area!
Brina and Brandon hanging out in their giant tent they built downstairs in Grandpa Russell and Grandma Penny’s basement!
Three silly kiddos hanging out in their fort tent while chomping on some “spicy” candy Aunt Renelle brought for them to try!
One of the girls favorite places to visit when in Kansas! A view of my parents house from the top of Windy Point.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
The girls and I were able to spend some extra time with my extended family in Kansas last week. The time went by too fast and now that we are back home (and mostly unpacked). I hit the ground running this past weekend when we landed in South Carolina and don’t think I’ll be stopping any time soon. There are many fun activities as well as long list of projects on the agenda this week, so I am hoping to get through a bunch of them while having fun along the way!
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6)
Plan one special Activity with the FamilyPlay a board gamePrepare for Upcoming Summer Events- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks – we had a travel day in there but otherwise we did pretty well (and we even did some while traveling too)
Spend time with extended familyGo to nephews baseball game
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp– thankful for some down time on the airplane so I could finish this book!
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayPay all upcoming bills– had a stack of them when we got home
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – took time off last week since I was visiting family
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – working on it
- Pay medical bills in full – making payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Secret of the Prince’s Tomb by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 7)
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a board game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks
- Go to Science Camp
- Prepare for a big weekend
- Ride bikes with the kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was better even if I am running a couple days late with my weekly goal updates. The girls and I traveled a little last week so we could spend time with extended family. It has been nice catching up with Great Grandparents, Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, Nieces, Nephews, Cousins and more! This week I have a lot I want to do, but the schedule will be a little different from the normal routine.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6) – we’ve been busy and a little off schedule with the traveling last week
Plan one special Activity with the FamilyPlay a board gamePrepare for Upcoming Summer EventsCelebrate the Girls Last Day of SchoolSpend time with extended family
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t get any official exercise done, but I was really active
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – on the day the girls & I traveled I did not stay up on my water
Continue my YouVersion plan(s)Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz– finished and returned it, now need to type out all my notes!
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – traveled part of the week so didn’t plan out those days
Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – made another payment
- Pay medical bills in full – making payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6)
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Play a board game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks
- Spend time with extended family
- Go to nephews baseball game
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6) – we’ve been busy and a little off schedule with the traveling last week
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It has been an emotional and exhausting week. There was one day I was running on an hour of sleep and other days I felt like I was running on fumes. I was able to tackle some items on my list and hoping to get a little more done before the schedule switches again soon.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6)
Plan one special Activity with the FamilyPlay a board gameLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesPrepare for Upcoming Summer EventsField Day at the girls school
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t get this one done but it was busy!
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz – almost done!
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekPay all upcoming bills- Reseal Jungle Gym & Swing – put on hold
- Give Skipper a bath – she escaped bath time due to the rain this weekend
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – made another payment on the van
- Pay medical bills in full – making payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6)
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Play a board game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Celebrate’s the Girls Last Day of School
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Pay all upcoming bills
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
- Read Imagination Station: Problems in Plymouthby Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 6)
Teaching Our Children: The Number Crunch Game
A few years ago I came up with a fun game for the girls to learn their numbers. It was a super simple, easy, and fun way to teach them the written words for the numbers they had already learned. I came across it the other day when I was re-organizing their educational cabinet and thought I would share it since there may be other parents looking for a fun and simple way to get their kids to learn the written numbers. Even though our kids have pretty much out grown the game since they now know their numerical words it is still fun to pull out every once in awhile for a fun reminder. Here’s how I put it together:
- Wrote out the Numerical Words in a Word Document (1 to 20 then 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 1000, 1000000)
- Made the words big and bold
- Printed the words onto colorful paper (can find for a couple dollars at Walmart)
- Laminated the words
I used these for a variety of different games!
Number Crunch Games (a few options):
- Line up all the numbers from least to greatest while being timed
- Line up all the numbers from greatest to least while being timed
- Pick out all the odd number while being timed
- Pick out all the even numbers
- Sort out all the numbers before 10
- Sort out numbers in the “teens”
- Find all the numbers above 100
- Locate any number ending in “O”
There just a few ideas to get you started. You can get creative and come up with so many more variations on ways to make learning the written numerical number learning process fun for your little ones. The reason why I laminated the cards is because I wanted to make sure I could use them for many activities over several years (and they have have held up really nicely of the past couple of years).
A Little Bug In the Lunchbag
What is in their lunches today?
The other day after the girls had made their lunches and after they were in bed I put in a little “bug” note for them to read at lunch. I cannot remember where I picked up this bug note pack (maybe Hallmark?), but the bundle of notes has lasted me a long time. The girls always enjoy getting the bug notes in their lunch box.
Whenever I go through their lunch bags (usually to make sure they packed everything & sometimes to double clean the bags) it is pretty common for me to find a stack of these and other lunch bag notes in their lunch bag. The notes don’t take much time to add to the lunches, but they sure mean a lot to the kids getting them at school the next day. The bug notes are cute, unique, and have neat sayings on them.
Each “bug” note is different
Bug notes for the girls lunches
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was great to have Jake back home again last week! Although, I didn’t get everything done I hoped (do we ever get caught up) I was able to make progress in the right direction. Hoping to make some more progress this week.
Last week’s goals
- Read Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 5)
Plan one special Activity with the FamilyPlay a board gameLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesSchedule dentist appointments for (Jake & Bridgette)– Jake’s already gone to his and mine’s next week- Schedule eye appointment for Bridgette – didn’t get to this one
Personal Goals
Exercise at least 5 days this weekDrink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz (someone gave me this to read) – getting closer to being done!
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekPay all upcoming billsWork on Spring Cleaning- Get paperwork signed for new Home & Auto Insurance Policies – almost completed
- Remove remaining leaves from the lawn – didn’t get to it
- Clean up the sticks and trees that have fallen & had been cut down – other items took priority this weekend
- Reseal Jungle Gym & Swing – it rained
- Give Skipper a bath – decided to wait since it rained
- Treat the lawn – didn’t want to treat it since it was going to rain
Work on the deck– still have more to do but made progress this past week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Groceries $40 for 4 – went over budget
- Payoff the Van – hoping to make an extra payment
- Pay medical bills in full – making payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 5)
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Play a board game
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Bridgette’s dentist appointment
- Schedule eye appointment for Bridgette
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Get paperwork signed for new Home & Auto Insurance Policies
- Remove remaining leaves from the lawn
- Clean up the sticks and trees that have fallen & had been cut down
- Reseal Jungle Gym & Swing
- Give Skipper a bath
- Work on the deck
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
- Read Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 5)
A Sandwich Container & Dry Erase Marker
The best part about packing a lunch for my husband and kids is I get to sneak in a note occasionally. These sandwich containers are great because I can write on them with dry erase markers, put them in the lunch box, and erase them before washing them once they are back home at the end of the day. If you are looking for a super simple way to “send some love” and remind your family members how much you love them try writing in a dry erase marker on their sandwich container and see what they say about it.
Roper Mountain Science Center
Holding a snake
The girls always love going to Roper Mountain Science Center. They have second Saturday themed events that are fun for the whole family with a lot of educational information. The animals are always a great hit with our kids. For more information about Roper Mountain Science Center, the upcoming second Saturday events, or activities please check out Roper Mountain Science Center’s website.
What do you think she is holding? If you guessed baby mouse you are correct!
So soft! Chinchilla!
Karlie trying to play one of the games
Brina and Karlie having fun!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was busier than normal while Jake was out of town the whole week at a conference. I am so glad to have him back home again! It was a rainy weekend, but thankful to have some time together with the family. I was able to get caught up on a few projects last week too.
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read Imagination Station: Revenge of a Red Knight by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 4)
Plan one special Activity with the Family- Play a board game – we didn’t play a board game but we did a contest and game outside together including an obstacle course designed and laid out by the girls
Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforeDaily School Activities & Homework CompletedAttend After School ActivitiesSchedule May Volunteer Dates- Schedule dentist appointments for (Jake & Bridgette)
- Schedule eye appointment for Bridgette
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week – I almost did it (it was 4 days this week)!
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)– caught up and current once again!- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz (someone gave me this to read) – reading through it!
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekPay all upcoming billsWork on Spring CleaningGet insurance quotes & make a decision on Home & Auto Insurance Policies– got the quotes and made the decision just need to sign the paperwork this week- Remove remaining leaves from the lawn – it rained this weekend so we’ll have to wait to do the leaves next week
- Clean up the sticks and trees that have fallen & had been cut down – since it rained we are waiting on this project
- Reseal Jungle Gym & Swing – the rain delayed this weekend project
- Give Skipper a bath – didn’t give Skipper a bath because of the rainy week and mud
- Treat the lawn – waiting until a non-rainy weekend
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clientsSchedule May work dates
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchWrite and Send Out Community Group EmailSend out the Alms & Legs Meeting Time and Place
Financial Goals
- Groceries $40 for 4 – went a little over on the grocery budget this week
- Payoff the Van – made a payment and included a little extra the first part of the week
- Pay medical bills in full – continuing to make payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Imagination Station: Showdown with the Shepherd by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 5)
- Plan one special Activity with the Family
- Play a board game
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
- Attend After School Activities
- Schedule dentist appointments for (Jake & Bridgette)
- Schedule eye appointment for Bridgette
Personal Goals
- Exercise at least 5 days this week
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz (someone gave me this to read)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Work on Spring Cleaning
- Get paperwork signed for new Home & Auto Insurance Policies
- Remove remaining leaves from the lawn
- Clean up the sticks and trees that have fallen & had been cut down
- Reseal Jungle Gym & Swing
- Give Skipper a bath
- Treat the lawn
- Work on the deck
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- Write and Send Out Community Group Email
Financial Goals
- Groceries $40 for 4
- Payoff the Van
- Pay medical bills in full
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.
