Loving Life

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week was a whirlwind of school, work, and activities!  We got a lot done, some unexpected items that became higher priorities, but overall it was a good week.  Thankful for being able to do so much and the time we have together as a family.  Very grateful for a husband who willingly steps in to help and encourages me in areas that I need to work on and improve as well.

    This upcoming week will be another busy one with school projects to tackle, work items that need to be done, house to be maintained, relationships to be built, and a multitude of other activities that call our attention.  Praying for wisdom to remember and focus on the right priorities as I attempt to balance everything that is planned as well as the extra activities that tend to come up throughout the 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 – still reading it, but getting closer, if it was up to the kids I would read the book cover to cover (they love their reading time with the family – I enjoy it too!)
    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 – have some fun stuff in the works
    6. Play a Game with the Kids – we tried to spend more time outside when we could this week to soak up the sunshine and get fresh air
    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 – after school & work most days this week the girls and I spent a little bit of time with the pets, picking up sticks in the yard, soaking up the sun since people at work and school have been getting sick, and enjoying the fresh air as well as exercise
    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 – Pediatric Eye Doctor Re-check

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water
    2. Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – went over a couple days! 🙂
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – so close, did 4 days!
    4. Sign up for Women’s Ministry Bible Study Class
    5. Date and Couples Massage with Jake! XOXO
    6. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Hang Up Girls Souvenir Necklaces
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Storage Room
    4. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes – have more to write and do
    2. Get caught up on blog posts – at the end of work, homework, family activities, dinner, etc….my body is tired so this unfortunately has not been done but I have made some progress in the right direction
    3. Work on a few special projects – got a start on a couple
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile – did a little but need to wrap it up
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog – wasn’t able to get to it this week
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team – working on it
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options – some good ones coming up

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – need to narrow done times on our schedules of when both Jake & I would be available to meet with them
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track – working on it
    3. Pay down debt we owe – made a small extra payment this week
    4. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – did decent, but still missed the goal

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book The Land of Stories – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer 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

    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)
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
    4. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Organize my Paperwork, Folders, and Projects Stack
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Storage 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

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was great having Labor Day off of work and school so got an extra day together.  Thankful for our time to celebrate, relax, and have fun.  We are blessed, look around you and think about the good and positive blessings all around you.

    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 we were able to spend the extra day together on Labor Day

    Tuesday – Thankful for an extra day off with the girls since they did not have school today due to Professional Teachers Work Day – the girls and I got some stuff done, but had a fun day together

    Wednesday – Thankful the girls had another day off from Professional Teachers Work Day again even though I was not able to spend the day with them they had a good day

    Thursday – Thankful that Jake is willing to take the girls to school so I can head into work in the mornings and only have to pick them up after school each afternoon

    Friday – Thankful that Jake split the errands with me to help out – he went to one store with its list and I did the other store with its list and we got home at almost the same time

    Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to work in the yard – Jake mowed while the girls and I picked up sticks, did a bonfire, refilled Skipper’s bin, filled the goats water, and many other outside activities

    Sunday – Thankful for a chance to go to church as well as spend some time Hiking on the Appalachian trail 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

    We had a nice long weekend this past weekend.  It was great having Labor Day off for the whole family.  We packed in a lot of fun family events as well as tackled a few projects around home too.  The girls had off Tuesday and Wednesday too because it was Professional Work Days for their teachers so they enjoyed more time with Jake and I.  I was able to take off Tuesday from work and hung out with the girls.  We rode bikes, played games, and many other good activities together!!!

    Over the long weekend we started another fun adventure as a family.  We took a hike along the Appalachian trail and was able to get though a little chunk of it only 2,000 plus miles to go before we can say we did the whole trail, ha!  The girls (and their parents) were wondering if we would make it the first mile since it was a steep climb, but we pushed through and the trail was much easier once we got higher and could feel the breeze.  Thankful for the extra time with my family.

    Looking forward to another great week.  We have a handful of new events coming up, the girls with some more of their school clubs and activities beginning as well as more learning and growing activities for me as well.  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 –we are reading through the book together (maybe halfway now)
    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 – went for a family day hiking trip along the Appalachian trail
    6. Play a Game with the Kids – the longer weekend gave us more time to play  Yahtzee, Pet Detective, and Travel USA
    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 – we went for a hike together along the the Appalachian Trial
    10. Spend extra time with the family over the Holiday Weekend

    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 – friday night I crashed on the couch before the kids went to bed and when I woke up they were already asleep

    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 – did it some, but not quite 5 times

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Hang Up Girls Souvenir Necklaces – got the necklaces and labels on the necklace holders, but need Jake’s assistance to get them hung on the girls walls
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Work on yard projects – Picked up sticks, b0nfire, mowed lawn, and got some work done outside this weekend
    4. Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night – a couple of nights we didn’t get a chance to do it this week

    Business Goals

    1. Update Work Notes – working on them
    2. Get caught up on blog posts – getting some of the summer trip adventures done
    3. Work on a few special projects – need to work on them more
    4. Update my LinkedIn Profile – working on getting the items together to update it
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog – hoping to get more done this week
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team – work in progress
    7. Pick from a couple of the “extra” activity and/or product options – narrowing down my choices

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – putting together a list
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track – doing better
    3. Pay down debt we owe – made an extra payment
    4. Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – went a little bit over budget

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book The Land of Stories – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer 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

    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 – Pediatric Eye Doctor Re-check

    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. Sign up for Women’s Ministry Bible Study Class
    5. Date and Couples Massage with Jake! XOXO
    6. Appointments

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Hang Up Girls Souvenir Necklaces
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Clean & Organize Storage Room
    4. 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

    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

  • Relationships: Friends Like You

    • A friend is someone who listens without judging you right or wrong, good or bad, and gently helps you define your thoughts to regain perspective.
    • When you’re feeling bad about yourself, a friend is there to remind you of all those positive qualities you may have forgotten.
    • When you share with a friend, decision-making becomes easier and problems seem less critical.
    • A friend gives you the priceless gift of time; time to share, to try out new ideas and rethink old ones.  No matter how often you’re together, you discover dimensions of yourself through the bonds and the mirror of friendship.
    • A friend loves you for who you are, not what you do.  Feeling so accepted, you are able to set higher goals, try harder, and achieve more.
    • Through close friendship, you learn the fine art of giving.  You expand, become more selfless, feel more deeply, and help more effectively.  See the happiness you bring to another person gives you a greater sense of well-being and increases your capacity to love.
    • Wherever you go in life, whatever stage or place you reach, a friend who has entered your soul is always with you, gently guiding, faithfully following, and ever walking beside you.

    – Sandra Sturtz Hauss

    Developing the deeper friendships take time energy and commitment.  The first and ultimate relationship we should focus on is with our heavenly father followed by our relationship to our spouse and then trickles down to our kids, extended family members, friends, and others in our lives.

    Sometimes our friends are close enough to our hearts that they are like family.  We feel comfortable around them.  We share laughter as well as dig deeper into the fears and struggles of life.  They are the people you know pray and encourage you no matter what that day brings.  Make sure you are continuing to be the kind of friend who allows your friends to celebrate and grow!

  • Counting My Blessings: Week In Review

    It was a busy day especially with Jake traveling for work, but we got through it safely and thankfully are back together again.  Always happy to have him back home.  Other than one of the girls fighting a cold we have nothing to complain about.  We are blessed, look around you and think about the good and positive blessings all around you.

    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 we were able to talk with Jake on the phone a few minutes on the way to school.  Even though he was away on a work trip it is always great hearing his voice and chatting even if it is for a few moments.

    Tuesday – Thankful for opportunity for the girls to go to an After School program that they really enjoy so I can get in a couple extra hours of work each week.

    Wednesday – Thankful to have Jake back home again! 🙂

    Thursday – Thankful that Jake is willing to not only pitch in around the house, cooking, but also helping the kids with their homework.

    Friday – Thankful that we were able to have a Family Fun Night and a chance to relax a little bit as we head into the weekend!

    Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to catch up on some projects around the house and yard.

    Sunday – Thankful for a chance to spend some time on a family adventure!  Looking forward to working together and having fun “along the way”!

    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

    Last week was a busy week with a lot of activities going on.  Jake  was traveling for part of the week with work, the girls were busy at school, and I was busy at home as well as work.  Grateful for a great  family at home and a good team at work, while it makes for a busy week balancing everything every day I am reminded of how many blessings are in my life.   I am far from perfect, but glad for the opportunities to continuing learning and growing!

    Thankful for the Labor Day weekend and extra time together with my family.  We did some fun activities and also squeezed in some time to work on some projects at home too.    As I gear up for another busy week I am trying to not over committed myself, but want to stay on track.  Here are my goals for this week:

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry (I had this book, an 1954 version, when I was in 6th grade and it takes place near White River Junction, Vermont near where Jake’s grandparents and Mom live so the girls know the area fairly well)
    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

    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

    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 make it to 10,000 steps everyday before crashing
    3. Do Yoga at least 5 times this week – the TV didn’t like working for me while Jake  was traveling for work….need to get back in my routine again

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Pantry de-cluttered and organized
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Give Skipper a bath this week
    4. 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. Update my LinkedIn Profile – started on it
    5. Research a couple of items in regards to the blog – figuring it out
    6. Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team – getting into more of a rhythm still have some details I am working out

    Ministry Goals

    1. Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
    2. Counting my blessings journal

    Financial Goals

    1. Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – my schedule was a little different this week so didn’t get it done
    2. Get our finances and budget back on track – doing better
    3. Pay down debt we owe – made extra payment
    4. 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 book The Land of Stories – The Wishing Spell by Chris Colfer 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. Spend extra time with the family over the Holiday Weekend

    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

    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

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. Household Cleaning / Organization – Hang Up Girls Souvenir Necklaces
    2. Plan out the Menu for the Week
    3. Work on yard projects
    4. 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

    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

  • Work & Family Event at Lake Keowee

    This past weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a Lake event with Bridgette’s co-workers at Lake Keowee!  We had a blast!  A huge thanks to Jeff and Sonya for their hospitality.  They graciously shared their home, boat, kayaks, paddle board, life jackets, floats, and many other fun items with everyone.  The girls had a grand time kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and splashing around off the dock!

    Thankful for an opportunity to relax and have fun with people at work.  It was a great opportunity for Jake and the girls to meet some of the people I work alongside day to day.  The weather was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the company was great too.  Grateful for a chance to hang out at the Lake for a day – perfect way to spend a Saturday!  The kids slept well that night after a fun day at the Lake Keowee with their friends!!!

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    The kids had a blast at Lake Keowee

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    Karlie enjoying the paddle board

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    Karlie and friends going for a ride on the tube!

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    Their expressions crack me up!

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    Go Faster!!!

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    Brina and friends going for a spin on the tube!

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    Cruising along!

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    Look out for that wake!

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    Karlie ready to get back in the water!

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    Beautiful day and gorgeous view of the lake from the house