Schedule

  • Travel & Vacation: One Last Trip Around the Ship

    Karlie and Brina hanging out by the dolphin

    On the last day after eating breakfast our family took one more trip around the ship to soak in all the memories before getting off the boat and heading to the airport.  We had a great time on our cruise with the kids.  It was hard to believe Saturday was here and it was time to start heading home again.  So many memories were made during this fun week.  Thankful for a great time with our family.

    Last stop by the Adventure Ocean club before heading to the airport.  Karlie’s giggling at Brina displaying the sign for the picture.

    Karlie snapping a picture

    Karlie is mesmerized by the view

    Brina shivering while Karlie takes another picture

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    Last week I did not get our menu planned posted because our evenings were packed full.  Jake was in Charleston part of the week, we had appointments, events, and even had some time with that we were able to spend with family and friends.  We have several busy nights this week again so the menu is going to be pretty simple.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Seafood Entree):  Tuna Fish, Fresh Fruit
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Special Event
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Salad, Fresh Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Pork Entree):  Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic 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 seafood 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

    Last week was busy with Jake being out of town part of the week in Charleston and special events I think we were only home together one night the whole week.  Hoping this week is more productive for me.

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls – finished and they are ready to start the next one!
    2. Read Imagination Station: Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering – read most of this book while in the doctors office with the girls and finished the rest later that evening
    3. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    4. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    7. Prepare for the Girls Birthday

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – didn’t do 5 days
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Start with my new YouVersion plan(s)
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – paused reading this book because another took priority, hoping to read more this week
    5. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan- going through this book with a group of friends

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – Jake was in Charleston or had other events in most of the evenings, we had a special event with the girls one night too so the menu just didn’t get done
    3. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Email a meeting notes for Alms & Legs Ministry Team meeting

    Financial Goals

    1. For my February Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry. – I finished up over 7 weeks of No Grocery shopping, we are starting to low on a few items so I will need to make a grocery run soon
    2. Payoff the Van – made a payment this week
    3. Pay medical bills in full – paying on them
    4. Complete 2012 Taxes – working on it

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls (Book 6)
    2. Read Imagination Station: Attack at the Arena by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 2)
    3. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    4. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    7. Celebrate at Girls Birthday Party
    8. Volunteer One Day at Girls School

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
    5. Finish reading Overcoming Dyslexia by M.D. Sally Shaywitz (someone gave me this to read)

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email

    Financial Goals

    1. Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Pay medical bills in full
    4. Complete 2012 Taxes

    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

    Well last week we were back home from our cruise vacation but the week didn’t go quite as smoothly as we were hoping it would.  We ended up going through the nasty sickness crud that’s been going around.  One of the girls had a double ear infection and the rest of us had sinus infections.  Before the week was up all of us had made a trip to the doctor.  The good news is we are all starting to feel better again, just in time for the next adventure, ha.  It is hard to believe we will be celebrating the Valentine’s Holiday this week and the girls birthday next week!  Time flies by when your having fun.  I didn’t get everything I hoped accomplish last week so hoping this week is more productive.

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls – I started reading Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume to the girls on the trip so we have been going through that one more this week
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family – we decided with all the sickness it would be better to have time for everyone to recover
    6. Unpack & put everything away from Cruise Vacation

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – with the fever, aches, and sickness this didn’t get done, hoping to get back into the swing of things this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – it was more gatorade this week but I keep up with drinking fluids
    3. Start with my new YouVersion plan(s) – I was able to catch up from being gone last week! Yay!
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – got through more of this great book but didn’t have as much reading time this week
    5. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan- going through this book with a group of friends

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – I had soooo much laundry, it was scary, it took me two days to get through everything (and yes I went over my 4 loads a week average too)
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry.
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Pay medical bills in full – started making payment

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls
    2. Read Tales of the Fourth Grade Nothing by Judy Blume to the girls
    3. Read Imagination Station: Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering
    4. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    5. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    6. Attend After School Activities
    7. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    8. Girls Dentist Checkup
    9. Pick up Brina’s Glasses
    10. Celebrate the Valentine’s Day Holiday
    11. Prepare for the Girls Birthday
    12. Spend Extra Time with Extended Family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Start with my new YouVersion plan(s)
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
    5. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan- going through this book with a group of friends

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry.
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Pay medical bills in full
    4. Complete 2012 Taxes

    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 crazy busy with doctor appointments, activities, and everything else.  Jake was out of town again for a couple days so packing and unpacking for him done as well.  Thankfully this week we’ll be spending extra time together since he doesn’t need to travel for work.  Hopefully, we’ll get in some extra quality family time too!  This week will be different than normal because our schedule is switched up a little bit, but I still plan to set some goals and have fun with it!  We’ll be spending some extra time with extended family members too this week! 🙂

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls – we got started but were not able to finish it this week, it may take us a little longer because it is a bigger book.  The girls are loving it!
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Finish going over our 2013 goals
    7. Doctor Appointments

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Start with my new YouVersion plan(s)
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp – made a little progress
    5. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan- going through this book with a group of friends so not quite down yet

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Email a meeting notes from Alms & Legs Ministry Team meeting

    Financial Goals

    1. For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry. – wrapped up week 3 of this goal (WooHoo!!!) 🙂
    2. Payoff the Van – made another payment
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses – didn’t make any headway this week but at least we’re holding steady

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read On the Banks of Plum Creek by Laura Ingalls Wilder to the girls
    2. Read the first book of the Imagination Station set Voyage with the Vikings by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker to the girls
    3. Spend quality time with my family and extended family
    4. Take extra pictures so we can remember our time together
    5. Plan a special activity
    6. Play at least one game

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Continue reading my YouVersion plan(s)
    4. Finish reading One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp
    5. Finish reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch

    Financial Goals

    1. For my January Grocery Budget I am replacing my typical Groceries $40 for 4 with my Life Simplified: No Grocery Shopping in order to use up some extra items in my fridge, freezer, and pantry.
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses

    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

    Okay, so last week wasn’t one of my best ones.  Had to make my first trip in years to the doctor because I was sick. I went in the doctor on Monday and got some medicine.  On Thursday I still wasn’t better so went back in and got a shot along with different medicine.  Jake even had to take the girls to school and pick them up one day I felt so bad.  Thankfully, I am starting to get back to normal, however, my to do list didn’t get completely done (at least I made some progress).  With this week being Thanksgiving I am hoping to catch up on some items and spend the extra time with family so my list isn’t as big this week.

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily – I was sick last week so this didn’t get done every day
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before – not quite sure what I put in them but it got done and they weren’t complaining
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed – have a couple things to fill out for the girls
    4. Attend After School Activities – missed one day with Momma being sick
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family – had a celebration on Friday night! 🙂

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – with being sick I didn’t exercise last week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – I drank a ton, trying to get better!!!
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – brought this to the doctor to read but felt so miserable I couldn’t concentrate on the words
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion – staying up to date and have past 60 days!

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – took me 2 days to get it all done this week
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Office / Garage) – not much extra stuff got done with me being sick
    4. Pay all upcoming bills
    5. Winterize the Garden – hoping to finish it this week
    6. Put any new printed pictures that we receive this week in the photo album

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – barely got through the day to day tasks
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email – didn’t get this out
    3. Send out the Alms & Legs Food Meeting Reminder to the Team Members – got it out late, but did send it

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – only got a couple items, but didn’t take pictures or keep track this week
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – slowly getting there
    4. Stay within Christmas Budget – so far so good, it’ll probably get harder the closer it gets to Christmas!

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Celebrate Thanksgiving
    7. Start Decorating for Christmas
    8. Family & Friends Game Night to kick off the Holiday Season
    9. Work on Christmas List

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    4. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Thanksgiving Meal – Menu, Prep, and Enjoy
    4. Tackle Fall Cleaning & Organization Projects (Focus – Cleaning for Thanksgiving Celebration)
    5. Pay all upcoming bills
    6. Winterize the Garden
    7. Put any new printed pictures that we receive this week in the photo album

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Send out the Alms & Legs Food Team Meeting Notes

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)
    4. Stay within Christmas Budget

    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.

  • CONGRATULATIONS to Our “21 Days to a More Discipline Life” Winners!

    The 5 names have been drawn for the giveaway!

    CONGRATULATIONS to

    Kim Fritz

    Renelle

    Lynette

    Gina Badalaty

    Tracy

    for winning Crystal Paine’s new ebook

    “21 Ways to a More Disciplined Life”!

    Thanks for making a comment in honor of our Giveaway!

    An email has been sent to you with more information*

    I hope this ebook is a wonderful blessing in your life!

    If you didn’t win you can still get a copy of the  21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine which will be available for $0.99 for 2 more days ONLY (Wednesday, October 24 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.  You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!

    Don’t forget to enter our Toys R Us Gift Card Giveaway (which will be ending next week on Wednesday, October 31, 2012)!

    *Giveaway must be claimed within 5 business days of the prize being announced.  Failure to claim the prize within the allotted time frame means you forfeit the prize.

  • Giveaway & Review: “21 Days to a More Disciplined Life” ebook by Crystal Paine (5 WINNERS – Today Only)

    21-days-3d1-200x308

    Do you have ideas, hopes, goals, and dreams for what you want to accomplish in your life, but you feel like you’re being held back by a lack of personal discipline?  I am excited to introduce you to Crystal Paine’s new ebook 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life!   Crystal is the author of the popular Money Saving Mom blog.  This is a positive, practical, and motivating ebook that will encourage you to make progress, in the right direction, on those areas of your life that need extra attention! 

    TODAY ONLY 5 lucky readers will win a FREE copy of the 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!  ENTER NOW for a chance to win a copy of this great ebook (it only takes a couple seconds to leave a comment and be entered into the giveaway, please see all the giveaway details below)! 

    You can get started reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine or through Amazon for only $0.99 for the next 3 days only (October 23-25, 2012)!

    Who is This Book For?

    21 Days to a More Disciplined Life (or through Amazon) is for you if:

    • You have trouble following through.
    • You get overwhelmed by huge projects.
    • You start strong, but your passion fizzles out.
    • You are super-disciplined in a few areas of your life, but you have one or two pet areas that you just can’t get under control.
    • You check out 10 different books on discipline and organization from the library, but return all of them late.

    Why I love this book:

    There are specific areas in my life (physically, spiritually, and more) that I need to focus on because I haven’t given them the extra attention they need and it is mainly due to a lack of discipline on my part.  I am looking forward to implementing several of the great ideas Crystal shared in this book.  She has help inspire me to get “back on track” and tackle those many goals / projects that I keep putting on the back burner for several weeks, months, and yes (although it’s embarrassing to admit) even some goals that I have been delaying for several years now. 

    After reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life I think it will help inspire you to make positive steps in the right direction as well.  I know many of you will enjoy this ebook and find it to be a wonderful resource!  It is a great time of year to re-evaluate our lives, goals, and priorities.

    • Are you easily overwhelmed by your big ideas or projects, and you just don’t know where to start and how to make real progress?
    • Do you find yourself making “all-or-nothing” plans for transforming your life, and then three days later you crash and burn under the weight of your plan?

    Giveaway Details

    As a way to say thank you to my readers and to share Crystal Paine’s ebook I am hosting a giveaway!  5 WINNERS will receive a free copy of 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine!

    How to Enter:

    1. Sign up to follow my blog (if you haven’t done so already) and leave a comment below telling us how you follow Blessings Multiplied.  You can sign up to receive Blessings Multiplied via email or like on Facebook.
    2. You can get a bonus entry into the drawing if you leave a separate comment below sharing your best tip that helps you stay on track with your projects and goals!

    All comments must be made by Tuesday, October 23, 2012 11:00 PM EST to be entered into the drawing.

    I encourage you to check out more information on 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine if you are interested in finding ways to help you to tackle all those projects and goals you have been putting on hold for days, weeks, months, maybe even years!  This ebook book may give you the just right dose of motivation to get you on the road to a more disciplined life!  What are you waiting for…….get a copy and start reading today!

    More information about  21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine can be found:

    The 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook by Crystal Paine is currently available for $0.99 for the next 3 days ONLY (Tuesday, October 23 to Thursday, October 25, 2012) after that it will go up to $4.99.  You can also order it through Amazon for the same great price!

    I was given this ebook for free to write an informed review.  The ebook, specific product information, and pictures were provided by Crystal Paine, however, the opinions expressed in this post are my own.   I was not paid to write this post.  A special thanks to Crystal Paine for providing me a copy of her 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life ebook to review as well as five to giveaway to my readers!
     

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    Last week my Mom, Grandma, several Aunts, and cousin flew in from Kansas to South Carolina for a visit.  My Mom stayed with us the entire time and Grandma came the last half of their time in South Carolina to stay with us.  So thankful to have some time to catch up, get some projects done around the house, and have fun.  The girls loved having Grandma and Great Grandma stay with us.  A lot of great memories!  Jake was traveling for work for part of the week so it was nice having family to spend some time with me while he was away.  Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Spend extra time with Grandma, Great Grandma, and extended family

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week – only did three days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t count
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – almost done
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – reading through it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a few extra projects done thanks to the help of my Mom and Grandma!
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – had guests so took some time off last week
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items – took time off with my Mom and Grandma here last week

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
    5. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – staying up to date

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van – working on it
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – moving forward

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Attend Parent / Teacher Meetings for the Girls

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading 21 Days to a More Disciplined Life by Crystal Paine
    4. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
    5. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith
    6. Reading / listening through my Bible – doing the 90 day plan through YouVersion

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Write and Send Out Alms & Legs Ministry Team Email
    4. Community Group Camping Adventure

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    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.

  • Intentional Living: Weekly Goals

    I was able to tackle some of my goals for last week.  Although it was busy and a few extra activities were added to my list I made some head way.  Hopefully this week I will be able to tackle more items on my list!

    Last week’s goals:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family – we took some time to rest & recharge as a family
    6. Go on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes – we went Hartwell Dam and a Sailboat Educational Field Trip

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read) – didn’t have as much time to read this week
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith – wasn’t able to finish it

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule – got a little bit done this past week
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items
    4. Complete the Website Blog Update – working out the last few glitches, so thankful for all my husbands hard work on the website! 🙂

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure – made a few calls last week
    4. A Friend Challenged me to read / listen through the entire Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion – been faithful to listen to my chapters everyday

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – stayed within budget this week
    2. Payoff the Van – putting any extra money towards paying it off
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.) – working on it

    My goals for the upcoming week:

    Family Goals

    1. Read to the girls and have them read to me daily
    2. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    3. Daily School Activities & Homework Completed
    4. Attend After School Activities
    5. Plan one special Activity with the Family
    6. Go on a Field Trip with the Girls Classes

    Personal Goals

    1. Exercise at least 5 days this week
    2. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    3. Finish reading Impact Equation by Chris Brogan and Julien Smith (I got a pre-release copy to read)
    4. Finish reading The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life by Hannah Whitall Smith

    Home Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Start tackling my Fall Organizational Schedule
    4. Pay all upcoming bills

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    3. Get caught up on 5 blog items
    4. Complete the Website Blog Update

    Ministry Goals

    1. Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
    2. Write and Send Out Community Group Email
    3. Work out the details of our Community Group Camping Adventure
    4. A Friend Challenged me to read through my Bible – since I am already through the majority of the year I am working on a plan where you can read through the Bible in 90 days by YouVersion

    Financial Goals

    1. Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
    2. Payoff the Van
    3. Emergency Fund – save 3 months worth of living expenses (we are trying to build this back up because we had to take some out for unexpected expenses recently.)

    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.