Goals
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
The kids have another week State testing, thankfully it is shorter this week though. While Jake has been busy with work I have been trying to get some items completed around the house and yard. Everyone pitched in and helped get some stuff done this weekend. Now we have another big week with a lot to do both during the school / work day and afterwards as well. Hoping to keep the menu simple so we can get a lot accomplished. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Special Event
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): French Bread Pizza, Fresh Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Bacon Wrapped Chicken, Steamed Vegetables
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Tilapia, Garlic Bread
- Friday, Saturday, & Sunday: Leftovers, Family Preference, and Hosting
I have a general pattern I try to follow for my weekly Menu Plan (for example Monday we have a beef or seafood entree and so forth). It is my goal, at least in the beginning, to have at least the main dish and one side planned. I will put together the remaining side dishes (veggies / fruits) based on the food items that need to be used up first and compliment the main entree.
Setting a weekly menu plan helps me utilize my time better, thus freeing up extra time to spend with my family. On the days that I am working longer hours I can prep the meal in advance so it will be easier to pull together once I am home. As I go through the menu planning process I will try to share some of our favorite family recipes. If there is a specific recipe you would like please let me know and I will do my best to accommodate (some recipes are a toss together meal and I do not use any set measurements).
As a family of four our life can get busy. What’s for Dinner is our weekly menu planning series and one of the ways to help keep us organized, on schedule, and within budget. Our family typically eats 6 to 7 dinner meals at home a week. We do try to go out to eat at least once a month as a special treat. Breakfasts are eaten at home before work and school, lunches are eaten at work, school, or home, so dinner is our main meal together as a family. Dinner is our time to reconnect, share, and enjoy being together after a busy day. Our weekly menu plan covers Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday only because the weekend (Friday, Saturday, and Sunday) is our time to spend with family and friends. The weekends tend to be more spontaneous and my husband (who is the better cook) likes pitching in therefore we keep the menu open for variety. We use up the leftovers throughout the week for our lunches and on the nights that we are busy or can’t cook.
Photo by Liz
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was busy, but good. The girls survived their first week of State testing at school and we tried to do some fun activities every day to keep help make the week go more pleasantly with them. They have another round this week though. They played outside a little more to get fresh air and were a huge help in getting some yard work done. They helped me clean up the pool, pick up a bunch of sticks from the trees in the yard, and even a bonfire (which they loved). Thankful for my kids and their willingness to work hard so we can get things done as a family.
Jake and I had a Date Night on Friday which was really nice to get out and how some quiet time together as a couple. Jake got both of the vehicles oil changes complete, mowed the lawn (thanks to my brother letting us borrow his mower), and a whole lot of other tasks done around the house and yard this weekend. We ended Saturday with a delicious meal over the bonfire. Sunday we went to church, relaxed, and had a planning session for the upcoming week. All in all it was a good week and it was the first weekend in weeks that we stayed home for the entire weekend which was really nice! While it was a productive week for me I didn’t necessarily do what was on my “goal” list, I plan to do better about sticking to it this week. Hoping to get a lot accomplished this week as there is a lot I want to do before the kids get out of school. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kidsPlan one special activity with the family- Play a Game with the Kids – we didn’t play a board game this week, but we spent good quality time together
Prepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family Adventure(s)- Prep & Figure out Schedule for upcoming Summer Break – we made some progress on it this weekend, hoping to wrap up some of the other big details within the next week
- Ride Bikes with the Kids – the kids rode bikes, but I didn’t get a chance to ride with them this week
- Mail out Mother’s Day Cards
- Celebrate Mother’s Day
- Go on Date Nights with the Kids
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – it was acting up a few times last week so I am about 2 days behind schedule
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 day – it was two days this week with everything going on
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic) – girls closets are done, but still need to do my and Jake’s clothes.
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from Atlanta trip) – almost done, hopefully this week
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Re-Stain the Deck – weather permitting) – we scrapped doing this activity instead cleaned up the pool, mowed, picked up & burned sticks, changed oil in both vehicles
- Pet Care (Focus – Give Skipper a Bath) – she still needs her bath, but all the animals did get a good brushing from the kids which they loved with all their fur shedding now that it is getting a lot warmer
- Repairs – (Focus – Replace our HVAC Unit – it died a few weeks ago the joys of owning an older home) – working on it, should be done this week
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – need to get a couple more completed
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – got a little behind this week
- Work completed for clients – have one more to complete soon
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – made another payment this week, slowly and surely we’re getting there
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, HVAC unit, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Boxcar Children’s Blue Bay Mystery (Boxcar Children Series #6) by Gertrude Chandler Warner to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- 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 special projects with the kids
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 – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from Atlanta trip)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Re-Stain the Deck – weather permitting)
- Pet Care (Focus – Pick up Dog and Goat Food)
- Repairs – (Focus – Replace our HVAC Unit – it died a few weeks ago the joys of owning an older home)
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
- Prep, plan, and organize content for upcoming summer months with kids 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.
What’s for Dinner: Our Weekly Menu Plan
The kids have State testing almost all week so I am sure they will be tired by the end of their school days. Plus we have several after school activities planned too. Jake has a full work schedule so there may be some later evenings. It will most likely be another busy week, but hopefully we’ll be able to pack in some fun stuff as well. I want to get the menu planned out so we have more time to do the activities that we need or want to accomplish throughout the week. Here is our menu plan for the upcoming week:
Our Weekly Menu Plan
- Monday (Beef or Pork Entree): Crockpot Roast, Mash Potatoes
- Tuesday (Kid’s Night to Cook): Hamburgers, Fresh Salad
- Wednesday (Chicken or Vegetarian Entree): Chicken Stir Fry, Vegetables & Rice
- Thursday (Pasta or Seafood Entree): Pork Chops, Bacon Wrapped Asparagus
- 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
We flew through last week with all the school, work, and other activities going on. The girls finished and turned in their Science Fair journals and display boards on Friday! WooHoo! It was so nice to get them done. They hand wrote over 100 pages in their journals and spent countless hours on the project. They don’t actually present the project until the middle of May, but the majority of the work is complete and turned in for the teacher to grade. This past weekend we were able to get away for a little bit to Georgia and have some fun! We went to the Georgia Renaissance Festival which was very entertaining; I will share more about that in a later post. This week the girls have a bunch of their year end State tests so hoping there is not a lot of homework so we can do some stuff around the house, yard, and have some extra fun in the evenings too. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids – we actually got to get a good start on this book, hoping to wrap it up this week
Plan one special activity with the family– we had fun in Georgia over the weekend and went to the Georgia Renaissance FestivalPlay a Game with the Kids– we played Destination USA and a couple other ones togetherPrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family AdventureFinish and turn in the kids Science Fair ProjectsPrep for upcoming Summer Break
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – it was acting up last week, hoping to get caught up soon
- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – I blew it away on a couple of days and missed my target on a day or two, so probably if I average the week I hit close to my goal
Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily – it doesn’t get written down every day, need to do better
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – took 2 days with the altered schedule this past week
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic) – it was cool and one of my daughters wanted to wear long sleeves last week so hoping to get it put up this week
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from Atlanta trip) – almost done!
Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Off the Deck)– the kids actually helped get this donePet Care (Focus – Get Another Water Bucket set Out for the Goats)
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – have a couple more to do
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 Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it (finished another one, now if we can just not go to the Dr again for a few months, ha)
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- 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
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 – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from Atlanta trip)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Re-Stain the Deck – weather permitting)
- Pet Care (Focus – Give Skipper a Bath)
- Repairs – (Focus – Replace our HVAC Unit – it died a few weeks ago the joys of owning an older home)
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
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, 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.
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Last week was crazy busy with everything going on with school. Extra projects, Science Fair, teachers trying to get the kids ready for all the state testing we have this year (which seems like it’s a lot). Not to mention Jake was traveling and a mirad of appointments that I had to go to throughout the week. I am thankful for some time we got to spend together over the weekend even if it was still pretty packed full. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for a library that waives late fees periodically. I needed this grace extended on my account. One of the kids books got misplaced and I hadn’t checked my account for awhile so a small amount accumulated on my account during that week.
Tuesday – Thankful for a husband who works hard to provide for our family.
Wednesday – Thankful for an orthodontist who is helping with kids teeth.
Thursday – Thankful to have Jake back home again. When he travels we all miss him very much.
Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to make some progress on the girls Science Fair Projects and especially thankful that Jake is willing to pitch in and help too. With two kids doing completely different projects it can get quite crazy at times with everything spread out!
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
This past week went by in a whirlwind. Jake was traveling for work, the girls have been working diligently every day on their Science Fair Project which is due pretty soon, and there were a lot of extra activities and appointments going on. We made it through the week in one piece, but hoping it slows down soon. I was not aware of how time consuming the Science Fair projects would be. Not sure if this week is much quieter, but I am hoping to make some more progress in the right direction. Due to the many activities going on this week several items are going to be the same again because I was unable to get to them. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids – we haven’t had as much time to read for fun with all the extra work on the Science Fair Projects, hoping to get to this more soon
Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a Game with the Kids– Played the Destination USA Board Game with themPrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night before- Prep for upcoming Family Adventure – are brainstorming and trying to work out the details (and scheduling)
- Finish the kids Science Fair Projects – almost done!!!!!!!
- Prep for upcoming Summer Break – starting to fill in the schedule
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Continue my YouVersion plan(s) – I am about 3 days behind, need to catch up this week
Keep up with my FitBit Goals– I did it!!!!Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily – this one didn’t get updated daily with everything going on
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 – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic) – other items took priority and with the cold rainy days one of my daughters wore her jeans and long shirts all week!
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from FL, STEM, and Atlanta trips) – got all the Florida and STEM ones completed, just need to tackle the Atlanta trip
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Off the Deck) – it rained the entire week here in SC
- Pet Care (Focus – Get Another Water Bucket set Out for the Goats) – have one that will be repositioning soon
Business Goals
Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – need to catch up
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – I did the high priority or hot items
- Work completed for clients – have a few projects to complete soon
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills- working on it (paid off a couple this week, YAY!)
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, and other debt)- working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- 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
- Finish and turn in the kids Science Fair Projects
- Prep for upcoming Summer Break
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 – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from Atlanta trip)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Off the Deck)
- Pet Care (Focus – Get Another Water Bucket set Out for the Goats)
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
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, 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.
Travel & Vacation: Disney Epcot at Night (Orlando, FL)
Hanging out at Epcot
Walt Disney World’s Epcot looks beautiful during the day, however, at night with all the lights it looks amazing! Thankful for a full and fun day exploring Epcot with the family. We were there when they opened and stayed until they closed the gates. The second day we left about 30 minutes early since we were driving home that night and wanted to get ahead of the crowds and traffic. Even with leaving early it still took us almost an hour to get from the hotel parking lot to the interstate. The kids were out cold and snoozing before we even left the hotel parking lot.
Our little Minnie and Mickey at Epcot
The Epcot ball and water fountain looked super cool.
Epcot’s World Showcase lit up from across the water
Epcot’s huge globe during the fireworks. The kids loved seeing this globe and watching it move as well as open up!
It was hard to get a clear picture of the moving Earth in the dark during the fireworks, but here is the North and South America side of the globe!
IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot!
Fireworks are always a hit with our kids!
They had a lot of different fireworks and music during their firework show!
So neat!
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
Last week was a whirlwind of activities as we got back into the regular school and work routine! It was a busy week, but I am thankful for time together with the family too. There was so much to be thankful for last week.
I want to be accountable to you so the following are snip-its of some of the things I am thankful for this past week. Counting My Blessings – Week In Review:
Monday – Thankful for my Mom and the opportunity to celebrate her birthday! Wish I could be there to celebrate with her. Also, grateful for the nurses and Doctors looking after my Grandma in the hospital. We had a scare today, but thankfully everything is okay.
Tuesday – Thankful for two kids who work hard at school even when it isn’t always easy. We received their report cards today and I am very proud of them.
Wednesday – Thankful for those people who help keep me accountable.
Thursday – Thankful for Jake and he’s willingness to pitch in and help anywhere I need it from homework to meals and around the house. He is very thoughtful and considerate, I am blessed.
Friday – Thankful for an opportunity to go to the Zoo with the family and for a Date Night with my sweet Brina Bee.
What are you thankful for today? I encourage you to take the time to write down a few blessings that you have in your life today. It will help cheer you up and turn your focus on the amazing blessings you encounter each day!
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was a busy one as we unpacked from our Spring Break Atlanta trip and got back into school and work full time again. We had a lot of activities going on this week which made it fly by quickly. Thankful for the time with my family. Hoping that it is a wonderful week and that we will be able to get a lot accomplished. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids – busy week and we just got started
Plan one special activity with the family– we did a kids date night and trip to the zooPlay a Game with the KidsPrepare for Upcoming Spring EventsSpend time Monday –Friday helping the kids with HomeworkAttend After School ActivitiesLunch Boxes & Book Bags packed the night beforePrep for upcoming Family AdventureWork on the kids Science Fair Projects– we made some good progressPrep for upcoming Summer Break
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each dayContinue my YouVersion plan(s)Keep up with my FitBit Goals– I DID it this week (over 10,000 steps a day, 5 miles, 10 sets of stairs, etc)! Thankful to be excited to be moving more again since my herniated disc!Go to my Doctor Appointments Scheduled this week- Update Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries daily – I didn’t do as well staying on top of it this week
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 – Unpack Suitcase and Items Away from Atlanta Trip this weekend)- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from FL, STEM, and Atlanta trips) – almost done
Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Out Van from Road Trips)Pet Care (Focus – Brush Goats & Dog – starting to shed with warmer weather)
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
Ministry Goals
Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Payoff the Car – working on it
- Payoff Medical Bills – working on it
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – (replacement microwave, refrigerator, hot water heater, bed, and other debt) – working on it
Pay Bills & File PaperworkGo grocery shopping one time to one store this week and stay within budget
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Finish reading Samantha’s Pride (Thoroughbred Series #7) by Joanna Campbell to the kids
- Plan one special activity with the family
- Play a Game with the Kids
- Prepare for Upcoming Spring Events
- 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
- Finish the kids Science Fair Projects
- Prep for upcoming Summer Break
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 – All Winter Clothes Pulled out of Closets & Dressers and Put into the Attic)
- Organize Chaos (Focus – All pictures downloaded & organized from FL, STEM, and Atlanta trips)
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Clean Off the Deck)
- Pet Care (Focus – Get Another Water Bucket set Out for the Goats)
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
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, 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.
Travel & Vacation: Visiting Disney’s Epcot (Orlando, FL)
My sweet princess!
We saved Epcot to explore last since it was one that Jake wanted to go with us. It was so much fun riding all the rides, exploring the various countries, watching the shows and so much more. We had a blast, so much fun in fact that we decided that on our last day we wanted to go back to Epcot for one more day. Thankful for a great time packed full of wonderful memories with my family.
Feeding the manatees some lettuce
Ready for a bright and sunny day at Epcot
You can see this Epcot ball from our hotel
Our picture from the Spaceship Earth adventure together
Playing an energy game, pretty cool
Brina racing her car
We’re ready for the show!
The Space section was a hit especially with Karlie!
Our first Mission Space ride. They generously chose to do the “green” (aka easy level) first since I get sick on some rides. Thankfully we all survived!
Delicious snack at one of the bakeries! We split this heart shaped waffle with tasty jam inside.
Stopping for a minute to rest while we check out the map for the next place we want to go.
We’re ready and thankful for a moment to relax!
The kids did amazing with their camel backs. Not once they complain or get dehydrated or hungry (although we did have more potty breaks).
Biotechnology Lab at Epcot. It looks really neat and you see all kinds of cool produce being grown that will be used in various Disney restaurants. The only odd about this ride is the second time we road it there were animal (dog shape) paw prints in the sand (not sure where those came from).
Turtle Talk with Crush – super cute and very interactive with the audience!
Living Seas Hydrolators and Seacab
Ride 
Looks like the shark at a couple kids!
Karlie is loving her time at Epcot
