Events
Merry Christmas!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from our family to yours! May this Christmas Season be a wonderful time packed full of many amazing memories for you and your family. We have so many things to be thankful for during this special Christmas Holiday!
Thankful for My Family and so Much More!
Thankful for sweet girls who made me a “special” breakfast.
There is magic at our house! Every night I lay out all the non-perishable items (cups, plates, bread, english muffins, or bagels, etc…) that I need to make breakfast the next morning, however, this week by the time I get to the kitchen breakfast has been made for the whole family and the kids are already eating! It’s like breakfast has magically appeared every morning (and there’s no mess either)! This morning I must have been extra good because I got more than the normal Tuesday Toast! Thankful for my sweet girls! I saved the sweets that they gave me for breakfast for later so I could share them!
Thankful for kids who love making crafts and expressing their appreciation
Karlie’s turkey from school. She had the most turkey feathers out of all the students in her class, her reason “I have so much to be THANKFUL for in my life!” Not sure if you can read the feathers they say – friends, social studies, love, food, life to live, teacher, pets & animals, family
Thankful for hot chocolate
Made hot chocolate and apple cider for my two chickies since it was a cold and rainy afternoon. They enjoyed their hot treat after school.
Thankful for a husband who plays games with the family
We figured out that Jake has the steadiest hand in our family. Karlie is watching him carefully so she’ll be ready for her next turn.
Thankful for kids who enjoy playing games
We played Kerplunk and Jenga tonight. After a few close calls we did manage to get quite a tall Jenga tower before it came crashing down. Here’s a picture of Brina focusing on her turn. Thankful for some fun with the family tonight!
There is so much to be thankful for today and really every day of my life!
Sweet Celebration
Jake brought me a sweet treat shortly after midnight on my birthday
I had a great birthday. There are so many reasons to celebrate yet another year. All the cards, calls, texts, emails, messages, and more from family and friends made my birthday extra special. Thankful for Jake and the girls, they treated me very well and managed to surprise me several times too!
Cute birthday notes from Brina and her classmates at school!
Brina and Karlie made me breakfast in bed for my birthday, such a neat surprise!
Birthday sign from Karlie
Homemade ice cream cake made by Jake and the girls! Delicious!
Great Work Girls!
Great Work Girls!
The girls completed their extra math work this week and earned pumpkins! The pumpkins were on clearance for two dollars at Walmart so we figured it would be a fun activity to do together with the Halloween Holiday. I don’t know which was more fun for them, scooping the seeds out and dehydrating them so they could eat them or doing the jack-o-lanterns!
Super excited that they continue to go the extra math with their math learning. If you want to read more about why we are doing this activity you can see my post on Going the “Extra” Mile with Math It has been very beneficial for our family!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
I am hoping to get through a bunch of the tasks, but with the girls at home I am not going to stress about it too much if something else fun comes along the our way. My biggest goal for the summer break is to have fun, create memories, be flexible, and enjoy the little moments together!Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read White Fang by Jack London to the girls– read a good chunk of it while walking a sick goat and finished the last couple chapters this past week
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a board or card gamePrepare for Upcoming Summer EventsSpend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooksPrep for a big weekendRide bikes with the kidsTake the kids to Horse Camp– they had a blast and always love going to “Welcome Ranch”!
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – I have gotten a little behind with everything going on this summer but hoping to catch up this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayPay all upcoming bills- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – with all the activities this week I didn’t plan the whole week out in advance, but I did plan out at least the day to day menu so I was prepared before dinner time arrived.
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients– got some projects finished
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – made another payment on the car this past week
- Pay medical bills in full – finished paying off one of the medical bills, now only have the big one left to go
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle to the girls
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a board or card game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks
- Prep our next big adventure
- Ride bikes with the kids
- Take the kids to park
- Go on a picnic with the family
- Play in the pool
- Explore a new place or go on a new adventure with the kids
- Go to the dentist (not my favorite place to visit, but kind of necessary)
- Go on a short “road trip” adventure with the kids
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Our family enjoyed celebrating July 4th and spending some time with long time friends over the weekend which was a wonderful blessing and a lot of fun. We also had to say “goodbye” to one of our sweet pets “Toasted Coconut” last week too which was very difficult. We had the vet out earlier in the week to treat him and then brought him back in late in the week. The vet was really surprised that he made it so long with all the problems he was having. We spent hours last week playing, walking, feeding, watering, and taking care of him the hardest part is there was nothing we could do to help him any more other than to let him know how much we love him. The girls (myself included) had a tough time, but it also opened up many conversations about life, death, and taking the time to enjoy what we have been given if only for a season. One of Karlie’s comments made me both laugh and cry – “I think Jesus has a field of beautiful dandelions up in heaven just for all his pet goats”. Brina’s comment “At least when we get to heaven there will be no pain, death or goodbyes, instead we can celebrate and have fun together.” Although last week didn’t go as planned I am thankful we had time to cherish moments and memories with loved ones, friends, and even our pets. I am hoping to get through a bunch of the tasks, but with the girls at home I am not going to stress about it too much if something else fun comes along the our way. My biggest goal for the summer break is to have fun, create memories, be flexible, and enjoy the little moments together!
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read Superfudge by Judy Blume to the girls
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a board gamePrepare for Upcoming Summer EventsSpend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooksPrepare for a big weekend- Ride bikes with the kids – it rained every day last week and every time we could ride it was raining, but we did run and splash in the puddles for a couple hours one day (the kids loved it)!
Celebrate July 4th with Family & FriendsGet upcoming plane tickets
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day – it was a stressful week and I spent a lot of extra time outside with the furry critter who was sick so although I didn’t track my water amount I know by how I was feeling it wasn’t enough
Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayPay all upcoming bills- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – last week didn’t go quite as planned
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – several items got put on hold last week
Keep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – made another payment (with a little extra) on the van last week.
- Pay medical bills in full – paid off one bill now have to get the bigger one paid down
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read White Fang by Jack London to the girls
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a board or card game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks
- Prep for a big weekend
- Ride bikes with the kids
- Take the kids to Horse Camp
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Jake is home from his month long work trip to India!!! YAY!!! I am “over the moon” excited to have him back home again. Last week I accomplished a lot, but I did take some time off from blogging since it was so busy with my man being back in town. There are many fun activities as well as long list of projects on the agenda this week, so I am hoping to get through a bunch of them while having fun along the way!
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Read Imagination Station: Secret of the Prince’s Tomb by Marianne Hering and Paul McCusker (Book 7)
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a board gamePrepare for Upcoming Summer EventsSpend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooksGo to Science Camp– the girls LOVED WeDo Lego’s robotics camp at Roper Mountain Science CampPrepare for a big weekendRide bikes with the kidsTake the kids to VBS
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one dayPay all upcoming bills- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week – this week was a little crazy with Jake getting home from India and VBS in the evening
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog postsKeep up with the day to day items that need my attentionWork completed for clients
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles – made payments
- Pay medical bills in full – making payments
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read Superfudge by Judy Blume to the girls
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a board game
- Prepare for Upcoming Summer Events
- Spend some time Monday – Friday having the girls read & do workbooks
- Prepare for a big weekend
- Ride bikes with the kids
- Celebrate July 4th with Family & Friends
- Get upcoming plane
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water each day
- Continue my YouVersion plan(s)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Pay all upcoming bills
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention
- Work completed for clients
Ministry Goals
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Vehicles
- Pay medical bills in full
I think it is important to share and encourage each other as we seek to improve our lives and the lives of those around us. I want to live intentionally not just hope all my dreams and goals come true. When I focus on small steps of improvement I am able to see results as I get closer to my goals. Some weeks I get closer to the goals I have in my life and other weeks a take a few steps back (life happens, emergencies occur, people get sick). Once the goals are written down and shared it provides a guideline for what I aim to accomplish this week.
Why Share My Goals?
- To keep me accountable
- To share a piece of my life with you as I strive to be a better Child of God, Wife, Mom, Friend, Homemaker, Entrepreneur and the many other roles I have each week
- To have my goals consistently written down so I can gauge progress more accurately
- Create healthy habits in my life
- To encourage you to share your goals with me as you continue to grown and learn
How did you do this week on your goals? Feel free to share or link to your list of weekly goals.
The picture above is one that I created for my own purposes, however, The “SMART” acronym was originally coined 30 years ago by Peter Drucker in his classic work, Management by Results.
Life on the Farm: Pigs, Cows, & Planting Tomatoes….Oh My!
The girls had to go check out the pigs. Thankfully they were really tame because they were pretty big!
Our girls love animals and always enjoy spending time with ANY animal they come in contact with…yup including the pigs, ha! During our recent trip to the Midwest to see family the girls spent some extra time on the farm. The guys happened to be working cattle so they got to watch some of that process as well as hand feed the pigs. The girls quickly discovered that there was only one barn cat (out of the 15) that would even let them get close enough to pet it!
My cousin Renelle was in town from Colorado so in between hand feeding the farm animals and exploring with the kids we planted tomatoes for Grandpa Verlyn and Grandma Doris to enjoy later this Summer. I am thankful that the girls got an opportunity to spend time on the farm as well as some time getting to know their grandparents and great grandparents a little better. We have a lot of great memories of our time in Kansas!
To Brina hand feeding the pigs and petting at the same time.
This pig’s got it made….lounging in the shade being hand fed grass from Karlie! What a life!
Hand feeding the pigs
Giving the cows a special snack!
They couldn’t feed the cattle fast enough as soon as they brought a handful the cows pulled it through and were munching away on it.
Travel & Vacation: Spending Time with Family in Kansas
The plane was delayed due to rain, but now we are ready to go. Two little chickies all buckled in….one snacking and the other one with her nose already in a book. Thankful that the girls travel well.
The girls and I recently flew out to Kansas to spend some time with my family. We stayed at my parents house, but thankfully we were able to catch up with quite a few people while we were out there visiting. While we were in Kansas Jake was traveling with work so he was managing to stay busy too.
The girls even got in on the last part of my parents church’s VBS, which included getting wet with water balloons. I think the highest temperature I saw during out week and half in Kansas was 113 while it was hot the wind helped make it more tolerable.
A cooler full of mammoth water balloons for VBS game time the next day!
Lots of little water balloons too! I think by the end the count was somewhere around 300 water balloons. The kids loved it!
Karlie picked a variety of flowers from Grandma Penny’s gardens and displayed the flowers in a pie dish. They actually lasted almost the entire time we were out there!
Brina made a blue cat while Brandon is working on some blueberry cookies!
Karlie is busy socializing and creating play dough goodies too! Grandma Penny made some homemade play dough for the kids. They loved it (and were asking me to make some a couple days ago)!
Beautiful purple flower along the road in Harlan, Kansas
Some of my Great Grandma Viola’s rose bushes were blooming near the Kelly’s Store and the Post Office in Harlan, Kansas where she used work. She planted the roses many years ago and yet they continue to bloom every year! Grandma Vi had an amazing green thumb (something I did not inherit, by the way)! She loved flowers and I thought it would be appropriate to stop to snap a quick picture of one of her pretty roses while I was in the area!
Brina and Brandon hanging out in their giant tent they built downstairs in Grandpa Russell and Grandma Penny’s basement!
Three silly kiddos hanging out in their fort tent while chomping on some “spicy” candy Aunt Renelle brought for them to try!
One of the girls favorite places to visit when in Kansas! A view of my parents house from the top of Windy Point.
Celebrating Father’s Day
Happy Father’s Day! We love you! XOXOXO
Happy Father’s Day to my Dad and my Grandpa’s for being there for me throughout my life and for continuing to make a positive impact in the lives of our kids. Happy Father’s Day to my amazing husband Jake Hayes who is a loving husband and a kind, caring, generous, considerate, and awesome Dad to our girls! Thanks for everything you do for us, all your hard work, the laughter, and fun memories you bring into our lives. I love you bunches and am grateful that God has allowed me to share this incredible journey with you! XOXO Happy Fathers Day!
Sending a Happy Father’s Day message!
The girls and I were able to spend the week before Father’s Day with my parents and extended family in Kansas. It was great getting to spend some time with my Dad right before Father’s Day since I don’t get to do that very often anymore with us being so far away. Thankful that my parents let us invade their house for about 10 days and the great memories we made while in Kansas.
We were not able to be with Jake for Father’s Day so the girls and I decided to send him a Father’s Day picture. They helped orchestrate and plan this “chalk message surprise” for Jake. They were bubbling over with so much excitement that I was afraid they would bust out with the secret before we got it done since we talked to him earlier in the day….they didn’t though.
He enjoyed his Father’s Day message from the kids (and the one furry critter that had to be in the picture too). While Father’s Day is a specific time to “thank” our Dads we are grateful that we can celebrate any time of the year. I am also, thankful that my brother and sister-in-law invited us hang out with them for a few hours on Father’s Day and for the delicious Low Country Broil they made for lunch!
