What's Cooking

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg

    There have been a lot of extra activities going on the past couple weeks as we prepare for the upcoming Christmas Holiday.  Last week a couple of the nights had to be re-arranged due to after school activities, work travel, robotics competition, and other items that came up.  This week is the kids last full week before Holiday break and they have a lot of items that they are wrapping up with school as well as after school activities.  The evenings will be full this week so we are going to try and make the week go smoothly by planning our meals in advance.  Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Top Sirloin Fajitas, Fresh Salad
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  French Bread Pizza, Fruit Salad
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Enchiladas, Fresh Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Seasoned Salmon, Steamed Vegetables
    • 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

    It was a whirlwind of a week, but I managed to get some projects completed during the week.  The kids had a lot of homework, school activities, work travel, robotic competition, and so much more all squeezed into last week! This is the kids final week of school for 2014 so I have several projects that need to be completed this week.  I want to make sure once they are out of school that I have more time to relax and spend with them enjoying the Holidays.

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Wonder’s First Race by Joanna Campbell to the kids
    2. Plan one special activity with the familytook the kids to see the Easley Baptist Hospital display of Christmas Trees, Lights, and Gingerbread Houses
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Winter Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items – this is going to have to be put on hold until after the Holidays since other items are taking priority at this time
    9. Dr. Appointments for Kids
    10. Finish Decorating for Christmas
    11. Send out Christmas Cards – hoping to get it done this week
    12. Complete Our Christmas Shopping – I bought my first gift (does that count!)  I actually started this week now that I am feeling better and moving more! 
    13. Start Wrapping Gifts

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – had a couple busy days that I didn’t do well with, but need to keep it up because I don’t want to be sick for the Holidays!
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)hard to believe I am almost done with my year of Bible Reading!
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it took only 2 days this week, getting closer still cannot carry the laundry baskets so have to wait for assistance
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later) – with the extra evening activities this did not get done
    4. Clean House (Focus – House Decorated & Christmas Bins Back Up in the Attic)
    5. Organize Chaos (Focus – Clean Out the Pantry) – got pulled into other activities
    6. Yard Cleanup (Focus – Blow Leaves Off Deck)my amazing husband did this for me!  Thanks Handsome!!!
    7. Pet Care (Focus – Skipper a Bath) – with it being cold and wet she managed to escape the bath this week

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – couple of business contacts I need to work through some exciting opportunities with this week
    3. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    4. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

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

    Financial Goals

    1. Payoff the Car – working on it
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – working on it
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork
    4. Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book The Cat Who Came For Christmas by Cleveland Amory to the kids
    2. Plan one special activity with the family
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Holiday Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Take the Kids to the Library to pick out books to read over the Holidays
    9. Send out Christmas Cards
    10. Complete Our Christmas Shopping
    11. Finish Wrapping Gifts
    12. Ship Out Grandparents Gifts
    13. Deliver Neighbor Gifts

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) 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. Clean House (Focus –  At least 15 minute daily “pick up” to keep the house clean as we prepped for the Holidays)
    4. Organize Chaos (Focus – Get Gifts Wrapped, Mailed, or Ready to put under Christmas Tree)
    5. Yard Cleanup (Focus – Leaves)
    6. Pet Care (Focus – Skipper a Bath)

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
    3. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    4. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

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

    Financial Goals

    1. Payoff the Car
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork
    4. Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within 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.

    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.

  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg

    I have a lot going on this week so it is important to stick to the menu.  There are a lot of extra activities and Holiday projects that need to get done this week.  Hopefully, having the menu will help us stay on track and use our time efficiently.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Spaghetti & Meatballs, Garlic Bread
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Hamburgers, Green Beans
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Quesadillas, Fresh Salad
    • Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Baked Tilapia, Steamed Vegetables
    • 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 flew by so quickly I barely had time to blink.  December is flying by too fast.  Although I was able to get a lot accomplished this past week I need to put-it-in-gear and prep for the upcoming Holidays, including finish decorating and getting gifts for those on my list this year.  Not to mention Christmas cards, wrapping, and more….   With everything that has been going on these past few months I feel like I am falling behind.  It’s time to catch up and get some Holiday and year end activities done this week!

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Wonder’s First Race by Joanna Campbell to the kids – getting closer, we’ve had a lot of after school activities and homework last week
    2. Plan one special activity with the familywe met our cousins and went through the Journey to Bethlehem which was amazing!
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Winter Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items – I made a little progress, but not enough to cross it off the list
    9. Dr. Appointments for Kids

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it is still taking me more than one day
    2. Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
    3. Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later) – did not do it this week
    4. Clean House (Focus – Suitcases Unpacked & Put Away from Wedding / Thanksgiving Trip)
    5. Organize Chaos (Focus – Snack Bins Refilled) – got about half of it done before getting pulled away to other activities
    6. Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool and Leaves) – it rained again so we were not able to get this done
    7. Pet Care (Focus – Hay Feeder Filled)

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
    3. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    4. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

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

    Financial Goals

    1. Payoff the Car – working on it
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – working on it
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork
    4. Earn some Creative Cashworking on it
    5. Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – had to go to more than one store due to specific dietary items that were needed and I went over budget because I haven’t went grocery shopping for a couple weeks

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Wonder’s First Race by Joanna Campbell to the kids
    2. Plan one special activity with the family
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Winter Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
    9. Dr. Appointments for Kids
    10. Finish Decorating for Christmas
    11. Send out Christmas Cards
    12. Complete Our Christmas Shopping
    13. Start Wrapping Gifts

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) 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. Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)
    4. Clean House (Focus – House Decorated & Christmas Bins Back Up in the Attic)
    5. Organize Chaos (Focus – Clean Out the Pantry)
    6. Yard Cleanup (Focus – Blow Leaves Off Deck)
    7. Pet Care (Focus – Skipper a Bath)

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
    3. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    4. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

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

    Financial Goals

    1. Payoff the Car
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork
    4. Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within 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.

    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.

  • Free Ebooks: Jingle All the Way, Mrs. Claus’ Christmas Cookies, Easy Recipes for Christmas Cooking, Hearty Soups, and more!

    The price to download these books is currently $0.00 (although the price may change at any time, please confirm prior to downloading).  The ebooks are specifically for Kindles, however, you can click here and download the free application that allows you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.

    Download a free copy of Jingle All the Way by Tom Shay-Zapien

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  • Recipes: Apple Bacon Bread

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    One of our family members is a big fan of Breakfast Breads.  I tried a new one recently that was a big hit.  It contains a couple popular ingredients, apples and bacon. Apples and bacon have been on sale in a couple of the local stores so that’s what was included in the new breakfast bread.

    Apple Bacon Breakfast Bread:

    • 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
    • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
    • 1/2 cup Butter (softened)
    • 2/3 cup White Sugar
    • 2 teaspoons Vanilla
    • 2 Eggs
    • 1 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
    • 1 1/2 teaspoon Baking Powder
    • 1/2 cup Milk
    • 1/2 cup Bacon, small pieces
    • 1 large Apple, peeled and cubed

    Grease a 9 x 5 inch loaf pan or 5 mini loaf pans.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix the cinnamon and brown sugar in a bowl and set aside.  In mixer blend together butter and white sugar until smooth.  Add vanilla and eggs; blend until combined.  Add flour and baking powder and mix until blended.  Mix in milk.

    Pour half the batter in the greased loaf pan.  Sprinkle half the apples, bacon pieces, and cinnamon sugar mixture over the batter.  Pour remaining batter over the apple and bacon layer.  Top with remaining apples, bacon, and cinnamon sugar mixture.  Bake for 45 minutes or until cooked through.

    Breakfast Bread and Egg Casserole

     First layer with the apples and bacon sprinkled over the top.

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    Sprinkled with a little cinnamon and sugar on top!

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    Hot and delicious!

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    Whose ready for some Apple Bacon Bread!

  • Recipes: Homemade Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits

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    Homemade Dog Biscuits

    The dog at our house is super spoiled, even though she doesn’t realize it.  And at times she probably doesn’t deserve to be spoiled, like when she shreds our Wall Street Journal.  Guess she is no different than humans, we are spoiled and blessed with so much yet we tend to act out.  Overall she’s a wonderful dog, well behaved, and is super great with the kids even if she does get herself into trouble at times.

    There is a certain child in our family that especially has a soft spot for animals.  She has been BEGGING me to make dog biscuit treats with her for our black, furry, four-legged, mischievous family member!  Our family had a roasted chicken a few days ago so I decided it was time to experiment with Homemade Dog Biscuits.  The biscuits turned out really well and Skipper, our black lab, now has a giant baggie of homemade dog biscuits.  She seems to think they are AMAZING, but she is not a picky eater.  The girls love giving her the homemade treats too so everyone’s happy (or at least should be).

    Homemade Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits:

    • 1 cup Hot Water
    • 2 tablespoons Milk
    • 2 Chicken Bouillon Cubes
    • 3/4 cup Vegetable or Canola Oil
    • 2 Eggs
    • 1 cup of diced Chicken pieces (we used the heart, liver, gizzard, and pieces of chicken)
    • 5 cups Flour

    Preheat the oven to 300 degrees.  Grease a cookie sheet and set aside.  Stir all ingredients together to make a thick dough.  Knead the dough on a floured surface for 3 minutes.  Roll the dough out to 1/4 inch thickness.  Use cookie cutters to cut out the shapes (we used a dog bone and bear).  Place the cookies on the baking sheet and cook for 35 minutes, turn off oven and leave in the oven for additional 20 minutes.  The edges should be slightly brown.  Remove from oven and cool.  Store in a Ziplock bag or air tight container in the fridge.

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    Tray full of Homemade Chicken Flavored Dog Biscuits!

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    The puppy in our family is very happy to get her special homemade treats.

  • Free Ebooks: I Wish I Were A Panda, 40 Top Paleo Recipes, Treasure Island, Christmas Without Stress, Your Family Legacy, and more!

    The price to download these books is currently $0.00 (although the price may change at any time, please confirm prior to downloading).  The ebooks are specifically for Kindles, however, you can click here and download the free application that allows you to read Kindle ebooks on your PC.

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  • What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan

    https://blessingsmultiplied.com//wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4088699532_ae44f04b7dc.jpg

    Now that we are back from my brothers wedding I need to get the menu planned for this week.    It is a busy week so it is a pretty basic menu.   Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:

    Our Weekly Menu Plan

    • Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Pulled Pork, Green Beans
    • Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook):  Pizza, Fresh Fruit
    • Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree):  Chicken Casserole, Vegetables
    • Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree):  Poor Man’s Pasta, Steamed Vegetables
    • 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

    Our family had a great time in the Midwest celebrating my little brother’s wedding.  It was wonderful seeing my family over the Thanksgiving Holiday.  The wedding was beautiful, successful, and hopefully they are now relaxing on their honeymoon!  I was happy to welcome another sister into our family, WOOHOO!!!  Happy for my brother and his new wife.

    Now I am back home and need to make some progress with upcoming projects.  Here’s what happened this past week and what is going on this week.

    Last week’s goals

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Wonder’s First Race by Joanna Campbell to read to the kids – about halfway through the book
    2. Plan one special activity with the family
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Fall Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Tuesday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Watch a movie with the Kids
    9. Listen to an Audiobook with the Kids
    10. Thanksgiving Holiday – So Many Reasons to be Thankful
    11. Celebrating Josh & Megan’s Wedding & Activities

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day – didn’t drink enough when traveling
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals

    1. All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – took 2 days
    2. Clean House (Basic Speed Clean before the Holiday Activities)

    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. Payoff the Car – working on it
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt) – working on it
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork

    My goals for the upcoming week

    Family Goals

    1. Read the book Wonder’s First Race by Joanna Campbell to the kids
    2. Plan one special activity with the family
    3. Prepare for Upcoming Winter Events
    4. Spend time Monday – Friday helping the kids with Homework
    5. Attend After School Activities
    6. Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
    7. Play a Game with the Kids
    8. Start Organizing the Kids Scrapbook Items
    9. Dr. Appointments for Kids

    Personal Goals

    1. Drink 8 glasses of water each day
    2. Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
    3. Go to my  Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week

    Home (Yard & Pets) 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. Do at least one “Make 1 & Freeze 1″ Meal Prep (make a main dish to eat that day and one to freeze for later)
    4. Clean House (Focus – Suitcases Unpacked & Put Away from Wedding / Thanksgiving Trip)
    5. Organize Chaos (Focus – Snack Bins Refilled)
    6. Yard Cleanup (Focus – Pool and Leaves)
    7. Pet Care (Focus – Hay Feeder Filled)

    Business Goals

    1. Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
    2. Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
    3. Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
    4. Work completed for clients

    Ministry Goals

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

    Financial Goals

    1. Payoff the Car
    2. Payoff Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, and other debt)
    3. Pay Bills & File Paperwork
    4. Earn some Creative Cash
    5. Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within 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.

    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.