Family Finances
Family Friendly Bowling Alley (Easley, SC)
Over the past few months we have gone to Rock Springs Impact Center Bowling Alley several times. We have gone for part of a date night, when my parents were in town visiting and when the kids were home for Spring Break. The bowling alley is open throughout the week. There are days when it is only $3 per person / game, including rental shoes. If you need some munchies when you are there they have a concession stand that serves a variety of snacks and drinks.
We typically go in the evenings after dinner on a week night because it fits easier into our schedule. It is a nice family activity for a reasonable price. I can’t say that I will win a bowling game any time soon, but I do have fun. If you are looking for a good activity in Easley you should check it out.
Three Ways Your Family can Welcome in a New Year!
With a new year comes a lot of excitement! The feeling of a fresh start in many areas of our lives, planning for future events and adventures, new goals, and more! Everyday is a blessing! While we welcome in the New Year don’t forget to reflect on the many blessings that you have enjoyed over the past year(s). I encourage you to initiate a conversation with your family (it can be during a family dinner, game night, or any good time when everyone is present). During this family time focus on these three things as a family to start off your New Year right. This time together will make a positive impact on the hearts and lives of each individual family member and is worth it:
- Reflect back the fun memories and blessings of 2016! Often the hardest part with this stage is getting the ball rolling. Before the family time create a list of several good family memories to get it started. Mention one and let others input their memories tied into that event as well as start adding their own memories. Give everyone a chance who wants to talk the opportunity. If there is a pause bring up a different memory to keep them going. Before long you’ll be laughing and the kids will be bringing up memories connected to the event or new ones that you forgot about. This is a wonderful way to end a year and begin a new one.
- Take a moment to think about the tough times over the past year! While the harder times are not easy to deal with or will bring back sadness or emotions they still have an impact on our lives. Sometimes during these times of discussion you realize that a family member is still struggling with something. Whether it is grief over a lost pet or loved one, anger, frustration, or something else. This is a good time to gauge how everyone is doing and give you an opportunity to encourage each other or help those family members heal. The love and support you receive from those around you can make an incredible impact on your life as you continue to move forward. Knowing you are not alone, you are loved, and you have a team of people who want to help you can help the family member heal more quickly. (Do not use this time to point out problems with each other, but to talk about harder times and to encourage. Some topics made need to be tabled for a later and more lengthy conversation) It will give you a good insight into your children and some ideas of what to help encourage them with over the next few weeks as they continue to grow and heal.
- Look ahead! As one year wraps up and a new one begins it is a great time to set some goals both personally and as a family. Use this time to set family goals together. There may be some activities that the kids have been wanting to do, but you have been letting it slip not even realizing that it was very important to them. The goals discussed during this family time should be family related, although they most definitely have a personal impact on each family member. Write these goals down and review them weekly or monthly or regularly throughout the year to remind the family members of what is important to the family as a whole. This also provides a lead in for each of the members to think about their personal goals. It allows a great opportunity to have a group of people focused on similar goals and encouraging each other along the way. Some family goal ideas (eat healthier, regular family game night, monthly date night with spouse and each child, daily family devotions, learn a new skill together, plan a family vacation, weekly family night, quarterly family service project, etc…). Make a point to write the ideas down and either make a decision that day or within a few days on the family goals. Type up a list, print it or email it to each family member so that they can be reminded of the ways your family is working together to create stronger bonds, happy memories, and improving lives.
Setting aside a time when everyone is together can be difficult, however it is important. It can be during a family dinner, game night, or another time when the family is together. Make sure it is a convenient time with as little distractions as possible. A time when everyone is more relaxed (not hungry, ready for bed, or trying to multi-task while having this conversation). The reflecting on memories helps create a happy bond, the tough times allow family members to see that they are not alone and have the support of people who love them, and looking ahead gives you the opportunity to improve and grow into a better individuals and family unit. If you do write down the family goals please do your best to follow through as much as possible because these goals are important to the members.
Life has a way of staying busy. Taking the time to spending reflecting on good memories as a way has a way of bringing everyone together. It may cause some laughter, tears, and healing. It is good to be reminded of the many blessings in our life and to realize that we are journeying through this life together. Yes, we make mistakes along the way, but we can can make the best of it and have a lot of fun too. Many blessings to you and your family this 2017 New Year!!!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was wonderful starting last week off with a Holiday! We were able to get some extra items done around the house and spend some time together as a family. Having the holiday on a Monday did through off our week a little bit, but we adjusted just fine! We had a spontaneous dinner and gathering midweek with extended family which was a lot of fun too! The girls had fun at bike camp while Jake and I tackled projects at work. We’ve been busy working through a lot of items and project around the house as well. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids.– finished reading it, the girls loved it!
Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.Plan one special activity with the family- Play a Game with the Kids
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Attend After Work Activities Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer BreakWork on family projects togetherDaily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
Have kids do work in their Summer Workbook(s)Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a dayHave kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skillsEach kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blogSpend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skillsAt least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayKeep up with my FitBit Goals- Do yoga at least 5 times a week – not so great on this one, got out of my regular routine
Go to my Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries dailyTackle some lingering projects on my “to do” listRead over the kids blog posts
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – it took more than 1 day with everything going on this week
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Clean Living Room)Organize Chaos (Focus – Label & Hang Up Kids Necklaces)Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Pick up Sticks found in the yard from the past couple of storms)Pet Care (Focus – Work of the Goat & Dog Fences)- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received) – haven’t been able to do this one yet
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – need to wrap up one more
- Notes typed for work – need to update with new information
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed – update and review
- Folders Labeled for work – working on it
- Training on new projects – making progress
- Desk drawers organized – getting it there
Do at least 5 blog posts this weekCatch up on Hootesuite- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update – have more of them completed
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchOne-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor – narrowing down the schedules
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget – went more than once with the impromptu family dinner with 17 people on Thursday night! 🙂
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use – making good progress, but still have a ways to go
Take items to the recycling distributorMake meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading The Forgotten Filly by Karle Dickerson to the kids.
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Attend After Work Activities
- Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Work on family projects together
- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
- Have kids do work in their Summer Workbook(s)
- Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a day
- Have kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)
- Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills
- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog
- Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skills
- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
- Read over the kids blog posts
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Family Room)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Laundry Room)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Blow off deck, sidewalk, & driveway)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat & Dog Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Notes typed for work
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed
- Folders Labeled for work
- Training on new projects
- Desk drawers organized
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week
- Catch up on Hootesuite
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- One-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use
- Take items to the recycling distributor
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
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
Be Prepared & Avoid The Oops! Walmart & SheSpeaks #AvoidtheOops
Have you ever been in the middle of hosting an event at your house and realized you are out of napkins? Gone to brush your teeth only to discover you are out of toothpaste? Went to start the laundry only to find out that you are out of laundry soap? All of these are possible scenarios and can be quite frustrating. I speak from experience! It is not cool to run out of essential items when you really need them!
At the time it is not funny when you realize you need something and do not have it on hand. It can be a big inconvenience because you may have to stop what you are doing and go to the store to pick up the missing product. You may need to be creative with your available resources because you cannot pick up the missing item (using cloth napkins while your guests are still visiting or napkins). Whatever the resolution in those crazy times it simply would have been easier to just have the item already at the house!
No one likes that sinking feeling when you reach for something only to realize it’s all gone. Avoid those oops moments by stocking up at Walmart.
One of the best ways to “avoid the oops” and running out of staple items is to keep a stock of essentials from Protector & Gamble. Whether it is an impromptu summer event, gathering, or last minute outing. It is always great to keep the daily or regularly used items on your list and small stockpile (one or two spares). The best way that we have helped to “avoid the oops” in our household is to create and use a system.
First, we try to keep at least 1 extra of the essential items that we use regularly in our house. Whenever, any member uses or opens up the last of an item they automatically add it to our shopping list. It doesn’t matter if I use the last item, my husband or kids, everyone has the freedom to update the list. It helps us keep what we need in stock. Until recently I would pick up any items on our shopping list around town, however, using WalMart’s “avoid the oops” program would save me the time and energy of running errands. Plus, I get the opportunity to order great products and have them delivered directly to our house (extra bonus)!
Save Time and Money:
Who doesn’t want to have a little extra time at the end of the day or extra money left in the budget at the end of the month! Some weeks it takes everything you have to balance schedules and all the activities (school, work, family, extra curricular, and more). If you could have something already in place that would allow you to quickly and easily order quality staple products online for a reasonable price and have them delivered to your home it may reduce some of the unnecessary stress in your already busy schedule. Most shoppers don’t realize they have the option of shopping for the same great household essentials at Walmart’s everyday low prices on Walmart. And by doing so, they’ll also save time so they can enjoy more of that summer sunshine.
Share Your “Oops” Moment:
Have you ever had an “oops” moment? Please share! We are all human and have had those moments at various times throughout our lives. We can laugh or cry together about them!
I was thrilled to hear that SheSpeaks teamed up with Walmart to showcase their “Avoid the Oops” program. Practical products are awesome! I love it when my house is stocked with the basic necessities and the house looks as well as smells fresh! Thank you Walmart and SheSpeaks for helping me tackle my shopping list and clean my house! It is always great to find products that are useful and easy to get.
AMAZING Household, Cleaning, and Health & Beauty Items from Walmart that we Received:
- 2 – Pampers Baby Fresh Baby Wipe Tubs (72 count each)
- 6 – Bounty Basic Big Roll Paper Towels (95 sheets per roll)
- 9 – Charmin Basic Toilet Paper Bulk Rolls (319 sheets per roll)
- 1 Box – Gain Powder Laundry Detergent Original
- 1 Pack – Gillette Simply Venus Disposable Razors (4 count)
- 3 – Crest Cavity Protection Toothpaste 6.4 oz each
- 10 – Ivory Original Soap Bars
- 2 – Mr. Clean Magic Kitchen Scrubbers
- 4 – Puffs Ultra Soft Strong Non-Lotion Boxes of Facial Tissues (56 sheets per box)
- 4 – Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original
- 2 – Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Extra Power House Cleaning Pads
- 1 – Dawn Ultra Dishwashing Liquid Original Scent
- 1 – Mr. Clean Hawaiian Aloha Multi-Purpose Liquid Cleaner (40 fl oz)
- Sample goodies to try too!!!!
I received ALL these products shipped directly to my house for under $60! They were super easy to order online at Walmart and arrived quickly. It was a big time savings for our family! Head on over and try out avoid the oops today so you will be stocked up on your products for tomorrow!
You can shop in all of the following categories: Kitchen, Laundry, Cleaning, Health & Beauty, Baby, Bathroom and More!!!
Additional Information Can be Found About This AWESOME Program at:
As a member of the SheSpeaks Blogger Society, I was given samples of these products and program to write an informed review. The opinions expressed in this post are my own. A special thanks to SheSpeaks and Walmart for providing the products to review.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
It was really nice having an extra day tacked onto our weekend this past week with Memorial Day, but felt like we were playing catch up at work and in other areas the rest of the week. Thankful for the extra time with my family. We (mostly Jake really) got a lot done on the laundry room. It is looking good. We still have some more work to get it finished up, but at least it is usable and the washer and dryer are hooked back up.
The girls wrapped up their last couple of days of school. No more elementary school drop offs for our family. They are enjoying the start of their summer break. Late on Friday afternoon they joined me at work and helped get some items organized at the office. Thankful for their willingness to pitch in and help! They were excited to spend time with me at work. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids. – over halfway through the book, the chapters are short, however, sometimes we only have time to read 1 chapter a day with everything going on.
Read 7 Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.- Do devotions, reflecting on our blessings, and prayer time with kids every night. – prayer time and blessings (yes), but did not do kids devotions every night – they were crashing on us a couple of nights at bed time.
- Plan one special activity with the family – planned a SUPER AWESOME activity, but cannot share yet – they may read it here…..I will reveal our fun activity once we’ve had a chance to tell the kids the surprise first! 🙂
Play a Game with the Kids– played a Horse board game with the girls (cannot remember the exact name of it, but you collect ranch and wild horses as you go around the game board). Neat game the girls got from my parents a year or two ago.Attend After Work ActivitiesLunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)– yes, we prepped for our upcoming trip and was able to get some items completed – still have a little more planning to get done over the next few days / weeks!Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break– getting everything figured out- Ride Bikes with the Kids – was not able to get this done this weekend, we had fun, got things done, but couldn’t do everything! 🙁
Work on family projects together –moving forward in the right direction on our projects (wish we had more time to get more items accomplished)Start packing suitcase for next family adventure- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control – we did this several times, but not consistently every day. It did work well when we did do it!
Kid Goals
- Have kids do 1st week in Summer Workbook(s) – since it was a partial school week / summer vacation week they did not get this done, hopefully we’ll get it done soon.
Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a day– they read daily on their non-school days when they were on summer break- Sign up kids for the Easley, Anderson, & Greenville County Summer Library Reading Programs – was only able to make a quick trip to the library to return books, wasn’t able to get them signed up for all the programs yet
- Sign up kids for Barnes & Noble and other similar reading programs – hoping to do it this week
Have kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog – one finished 2 blogs another did not get 2 completely done
Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skillsKids start packing suitcases for next family adventureAt least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – hit a bunch of my goals, but missed a few!
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week – missed one day….so close!
Go to my Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries dailyTackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – Laundry Room Remodeling Work Completed) – was able to get a lot of items completed, but the entire laundry room is not done quite yet. Will need to put it on hold as we tackle some other activities the next couple of weeks, it is still on our priority list though!
Organize Chaos (Focus – Refill Kids Snack Bins – hope to focus again on the laundry room in the future once further along)Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Plant Lilly Flower and Blueberry Bush – weather permitting)- Pet Care (Focus – Replant grass in Goat pen) – Jake was able to get their collars working again, but we weren’t able to replant the grass yet
- Repairs – (Focus – Refinishing our Laundry room, painting and laying new flooring) – flooring is completely laid – thanks Babe! Still need to add the molding, fix the door frame, paint the doors, add the closet door, put up 1 more wall, ceiling, and add the last sections of shelving.
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients- Notes typed for work – was able to get some of them completed
- Folders Labeled for work – made good progress
- Desk drawers organized – was able to move forward, still more to do
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week – close but not quite there this week
- Catch up on Hootesuite – almost caught up
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update – was able to get a start but have more to catch up!
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or LunchOne-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor – still trying to get it on the schedule
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – made one extra payment this week
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork – paid and filed most of them
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget – very close
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use – work in progress
- Take items to the recycling distributor – was not able to get this done this week.
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending – got home late one evening and didn’t have dinner already prepped
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids.
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Do devotions, reflecting on our blessings, and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Attend After Work Activities
- Lunch Boxes packed the night before work & other planned activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on family projects together
- Pack suitcase for next family adventure
- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control
Kid Goals
- Have kids do 1st week in Summer Workbook(s)
- Encourage Kids to read independently at least 30 minutes a day
- Sign up kids for the Easley, Anderson, & Greenville County Summer Library Reading Programs
- Sign up kids for Barnes & Noble and other similar reading programs
- Have kids work on our approved educational websites to encourage growth (at least 2 hours for the week)
- Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills
- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog
- Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grown their skills
- Kids start packing suitcases for next family adventure
- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Normal Maintenance Cleaning)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Start getting the Laundry Room back together and organized so we can clean up the family room downstairs)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Plant Lilly Flower and Blueberry Bush – weather permitting)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Skipper’s Feeder)
- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Notes typed for work
- Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed
- Folders Labeled for work
- Desk drawers organized
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week
- Catch up on Hootesuite
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
- One-on-one quality time with Jake (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
One-on-one quality time with Brina (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)One-on-one quality time with Karlie (talking, date night, or doing an activity together)
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget
- Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use
- Take items to the recycling distributor
- Make meals with items from pantry, refrigerator, and freezer to use up what we have and eliminate any extra spending
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 an incredibly busy week with everything going on, but we made positive progress in the right direction for some of the items on my list. There were a lot of activities and later nights. I am thankful for that the grading part of the school year is done now for all the year end parties, activities, graduations, and other excitement over the next week and half.
I have had a lot of big projects going and have been keeping track of the progress personally, however, I have not been faithful in updating my blog like I used to do. Even though the busy summer days with the kids at home are just around the corner I am going to try and be more consistently with my weekly goals and other postings for you. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids. – got a great start on it, but wasn’t able to finish with all the extra activities this past week
- Read 7 Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids. – only read a couple
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – was only able to get through a few cards
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – got through some, but not very many this week
- Do devotions and prayer time with kids every night. – devotions we were not very consistent on, but we did do prayer time
- Plan one special activity with the family – working on it
- Play a Game with the Kids – spent most of the extra free time on projects that were due soon
Spend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with Homework– Brina finished her “Cupcakes on the Rise” and Karlie finished her “Less = More” Science Fair Projects. Both did really well. Brina won for the 5th grade class and will be going on to the next level of competition this Thursday, 5/26/16.Attend After School Activities– Brina and Karlie finished their last day of swimming lessons, they loved it!Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s) – working on it
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break – have some activities planned, but need to finalize the rest
- Ride Bikes with the Kids – did was a rainy week and spent most of our time working on projects that were due.
- Work on family projects together – started working
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – did better some days than others
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week – did it more than once, but was not consistent
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week – had to re-schedule one due to a conflict, but did everything else
Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list – somehow the list continues to grow ever longer….
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – we were working on the laundry room so the washer and dryer were unavailable a good chunk of this past weekend
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – Laundry Room Remodeling Work (get all of the subflooring cleaned and prep and help Jake with getting at least 1/2 of it completed) – work in progress
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Find Bins / Containers / Baskets to put on shelves in Laundry Room once up) – starting to look but haven’t decided what I want yet
Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Annual Termite Inspection)Pet Care (Focus – Give Skipper a Bath)– Brina and Karlie helped get this one done- Repairs – (Focus – Refinishing our Laundry room, tearing out the old linoleum and sprucing it up) – working on it
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – have some more to go through
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – some days I didn’t have time to get it all done
- Work completed for clients – couple special projects that need to be done still
- Notes typed for work – didn’t get to it
- Folders Labeled for work – got a couple done before getting pulled away
- Desk drawers organized – working on it.
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor – made reached out, waiting to confirm with schedules
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – working on getting it eliminated
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork – paid all bills that came in this past week but need to do some filing
- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget – went to several stores and spent extra money for Brina & Karlie’s graduation celebration.
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library by Chris Grabenstein to the kids.
- Read 7 Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids.
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids.
- Do devotions and prayer time with kids every night.
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Spend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with Homework
- Attend After School Activities
- Lunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on family projects together
- Brina & Karlie’s Graduation Ceremony
- Brina & Karlie’s Award Ceremony
- Prep & decorate for Graduation party (Meet with people Mon / Wed) after school
- Take Brina to the Science Fair Competition
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Do yoga at least 5 times a week
- Go to my Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
- Tackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Laundry Room Remodeling Work (get all of the subflooring cleaned and help Jake with getting at least 1/2 of it completed)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Find Bins / Containers / Baskets to put on shelves in Laundry Room once up)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Plant Lilly Flower and Blueberry Bush – weather permitting)
- Pet Care (Focus – Give Skipper her vitamins)
- Repairs – (Focus – Refinishing our Laundry room, tearing out the old linoleum and sprucing it up)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Notes typed for work
- Folders Labeled for work
- Desk drawers organized
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the Financial Advisor
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- Go grocery shopping one time 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
SURPRISE!!! I’M BACK!!! Yes, I am still alive and kicking (in case you were wondering)! 🙂 The past few weeks (umm….months really) it has been a little wild around our house. All good stuff, but a lot of transitions, adjustments, work, school, travel, and everything else. Also, was experiencing some technical difficulties with my blog and my IT person was super busy so I didn’t want to bug the daylights out of him. Now that everything seems to be back up and running smoothly again, it is my desire to get everything back up and moving along for you. A big shout out to those who have commented, emailed, called, texted, and checked in with me to make sure I was still alive during this little blogging siesta. A huge THANK YOU for being patient and hanging in here with me as my family made some adjustments. Will have to share more about what has been going on these past few weeks….lots of good stuff and a very full calendar! It gets easier and quieter as the kids get older, right!?
It is my goal to stay on top of our dinner menu once again. We have found a good rhythm for the most part (now that school is wrapping up for the year, ha). We are finalizing several details regarding our summer schedule, but overall I hope to be available and more up to date in the blogging world.
It is nice to have people who help keep me accountable and organized throughout my week. It is encouraging to know that other Moms have to work through all the balancing fun of family, work, home, and a multitude of other activities that I seem to experience. If you have it all figured out, let me know because I would love to be able to get my ducks in order, have a positively balance life in every area plus a happy family and clean house (at least longer than 5 minutes). If you haven’t reached that level yet, no worries, I am there with you. We can do our best and I am going to give it my best shot to stay on top of everything and organized so here we go!!!! Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes & Brown Gravy
- Tuesday (Seafood or Soup Entree): Tilapia Fillets, Italian Herb Bread
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Sweet & Sour Chicken, Steamed Rice
- Thursday (Pork Entree or Kid‘s Night to Cook): Mesquite BBQ Pork Tenderloin, Green Beans
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or pasta entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
- Monday (Beef or Pasta Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes & Brown Gravy
Recipes: Cooking Ground Beef Using a Crockpot
Crockpot full of fresh ground beef
My favorite way to save time with cooking is to do some of the time consuming and messier tasks all at one time. One of the ways you can do this is by cooking up your ground beef in advance and freezing it in measured out portions. When you need cooked beef for a recipe you pull it out, thaw it a little bit, and you are ready for the next step. I started doing this several years ago and just this one activity saves our entire family a lot of time throughout the month.
Once we are down to our last bag or two of cooked ground beef in the freezer it’s time to do another big batch a crockpot ground beef. I can fit several pounds of ground beef into our crockpot at one time. One crockpot of cooked ground beef will usually last our family at least a month or more (it has lasted up to 3 months for us on more than 1 occasion). Typically we have about one ground beef based meal per week whether on the week days or weekend. My husband was a little skeptical about this at first, but after a few months he has come to enjoy being able to pull out a bag of cooked ground beef and proceed forward to the next step of cooking the meal.
This works really well if you want to cook up a larger batch of ground beef at one time. It would not be as useful if you are wanting to cook 1 pound of ground beef for a meal later that day (doable, yes, just not as efficient). I always try to keep an eye out for ground beef deals whenever I am at the grocery store. If I find a good deal I stick it in the deep freezer and when it is time to cook up the next big batch of ground beef I always have plenty to fill up the crockpot. This helps you save money in the long run too because you don’t have to pay full price for ground beef (which has gone way up in the last couple of years). It is a good idea to be home while the ground beef is in the crockpot because it typically only takes 3 to 5 hours and you want to break up the ground beef throughout the cooking process.
By doing this you make the mess of cooking ground beef once a month (or every couple months) and your done. No more weekly cooking of your ground beef will also save you more time and clean up mess than you realize! Seriously!!! This especially works well if you have an upcoming busy season that you want to prepare for or having a baby soon or summer break or just trying to utilize your time more efficiently.
Cooking Ground Beef Using a Crockpot Recipe:
- Several Pounds of Ground Beef (I usually do between 5 to 10 pounds at a time). You can use traditional beef, grass fed beef, or whatever combination you want. You can also use whatever percentage of fat you want as well. Although, the fattier the meat the less actual meat you will have at the end because the fat will be drained off. We like to buy 93% lean or higher, but at times we do pick up a lower one if it is at a great price (we always stick to 85% or higher).
1. Fill your crockpot up to the top with ground beef (every crockpot holds a different amount, but try to fit in as much as possible). I have put in frozen ground beef (pulled directly from the freezer) as well as thawed ground beef (either way will work fine), but you will be able to fit more of the thawed ground beef into your crockpot therefore creating more meals out of your finished product.
2. Put your crockpot on the low heat setting and cook for 3 to 5 hours. The time will vary depending on how much meat you put into your crockpot and whether or not it was thawed or frozen. Place the lid on the crockpot and let it cook for an hour.
3. After the first hour of cooking add your spices (whatever you typically use to season your ground beef). We like to keep it simple by adding minced onions and Grill Mates Montreal Steak Seasoning. Other good seasonings that compliment the ground beef are salt, pepper, garlic seasoning, etc… After adding the seasonings take a straight edged spatula or wooden spoon and break up the meat so it starts forming the ground beef crumbles. Place the lid back on the crockpot and allow it to cook for another hour.
4. After the 2nd hour remove the lid and break up the meat again. This will help it form the nice uniform ground beef crumbles that work well in recipes. If you do not stir it regularly than the ground beef will form larger clumps of meat which do not work as well in many of the recipes that call for ground beef. You can still break up the larger clumps at the end, but it will take longer and they will not be as evenly seasoned or as uniform.
5. Repeat step #4 every additional hour until your ground beef is cooked thoroughly. You should have a nice brown color and your meat crumbled into fairly even size pieces.
6. Once the hamburger is cooked turn off the crockpot. Place a small holed strainer on top of a large metal bowl and pour your cooked ground beef into the strainer. The strainer will keep your cooked meat in it while the oils will drain into the large bowl underneath. Allow the hamburger to drain for 10 minutes. Blot with a paper towel to get rid of any access fat.
7. Allow the meat to cool completely. Once it is cool divide the meat up into individual bags or containers by measuring out 2 cups of meat per container (this is approximately 1 pound of ground beef per bag or container). If you get to the end and you don’t have enough for an additional 2 cups divide the remaining meat equally between the individual containers already fill. Typically, I have between 2 to 2 1/2 cups of cooked meat per bag or container. Every time you have a recipe that calls for 1 pound of hamburger all you have to do is pull out 1 of these bags or containers and use it. Each one of these is used in a family meal. If you have 6 bags or containers this should get you through your next 6 meals that use cooked ground hamburger. Say you do 1 meal like this a week this should last you 6 weeks before you have to cook ground hamburger again!
This allows you to pull the meat out prior to dinner, make your meal, and eliminates a lot of time and mess. Which means you can spend more time with your family or doing something you enjoy!
Cooke ground beef is now ready to be drained and divided up into individual bags for later consumption.
Travel & Vacation: Isle of Palms Beach (Charleston, SC)
Isle of Palms Beach
Our family enjoys going to the Isle of Palms Beach while we are in the Charleston, SC area. We don’t always get a chance to go to the beach, but when we do go we typically go to the Isle of Palms. It is a big beach, has public parking, restrooms nearby, a life guard near the entrance, and outside showers to rinse off the sand before heading back to the vehicle. Even with the showers somehow we always manage to bring home some sand with us, but we are getting better.
You can usually find a good spot to set up your tent, umbrella, or place your cooler. There is a lot of good sand for digging sand castles. You can usually find some nice sea shells. Plus there are usually some nice waves to enjoy a refreshing swim in the Atlantic Ocean. It has always been a really clean beach too. We have been to a couple of the other beaches in the area, but since we are usually on the Isle of Palms side of Charleston and we enjoy going there we usually end up at this beach. If you are looking for a good, family friendly beach this is a great place to go.
Scampering quickly out of our way along the sand.
Waves are rolling in nice. Great day to go swimming.
Relaxing at Isle of Palms
Nice beach and pretty beach houses. There are a variety of stores and restaurants to go to while at Isle of Palms.
Waves continue rolling in peacefully as the day ends.
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family and ways we relax. Life is short and we were thrilled to have the opportunity to build memories with family and explore of of the most amazing places during our time away. Explore with a good attitude, look for fun, and it will be an awesome trip jammed packed with positive memories. It is refreshing having some time away from the regular routine. Make it a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet new people and learn. You just might see or try something new that takes your breath away!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week Jake’s sister family spent the week with us. The week went by quickly and we packed in a lot of activities during their stay. It was fun spending some extra time and catching up with them as well as the rest of the family in the area the last few days. On Friday the girls went to church camp for the weekend. The house was really quiet after everyone left! We celebrated Father’s Day last weekend since the girls were away at camp for a good part of Father’s Day. Jake was super sweet and helped get our large pile of laundry started while the girls were away. He also made the most amazing apricot and salmon recipe that I will be sharing in a few days. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Romona and Her Mother by Beverly Cleary book to the kidsPlan one special activity with the family– went to Otters Creek Water Park with Mirm’s familyPlay a Game with the Family– played several this weekPrepare for Upcoming Spring Events– Spring is done and now we are enjoying summerSpend time working on Summer WorkbooksAttend Evening Activities & EventsSpend Extra Time with Extended FamilyLunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside ActivitiesPrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break – wrapping up some later details
Ride Bikes with the KidsWork on special projects with the kidsHang out at a park with KidsGo to the Library- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids – we went to places we already visited before
Attend an extra-curricular activity or eventGet kids packed and sent off to Church CampCelebrate Father’s Day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – running a little behind
Keep up with my FitBit GoalsGo to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayWeekly Dinner Menu planned out for the weekClean House (Focus – Vacuum & Dust)Organize Chaos (Focus – Refrigerator)- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Treehouse Fort) – working on it
Pet Care (Focus – Treat Yard for Mosquitoes / Flies)- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers) – hoping to get it done soon
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsRespond to Inquiry – Business Relation EmailsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attention- Work completed for clients – another project to be done soon
Research and pursue career goalsPrep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – paid more on a couple this week
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget – went over budget with the grocery budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Lightening’s Last Hope by Joanna Campbell book to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Family
- Spend time working on Summer Workbooks
- Attend Evening Activities & Events
- Lunch Bags Packed for Work & Errand / Outside Activities
- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)
- Prep & Figure out Schedule for Summer Break
- Ride Bikes with the Kids
- Work on special projects with the kids
- Hang out at a park with Kids
- Go to the Library
- Find a new local place to visit or new activity to do with the Kids
- Attend an extra-curricular activity or event
- Pick up Summer Clothes for the girls (Swim suit, shorts, sandals, pjs)
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals
- Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week
- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
- Clean House (Focus – Post Items to Sale and Take Items to Donate)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Girls Scrapbooks)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Seed Goat Pen)
- Pet Care (Focus – New Collar for Snowball, Hay, & Mineral Bucket)
- Repairs – (Focus – Girls Necklace Hangers)
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
- Research and Plan Out Business Goals
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months while the kids are out of school
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car
- Payoff Medical Bills
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt)
- Pay Bills & File Paperwork
- 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.
