Travel & Vacation: Touring Beautiful Anchorage, Alaska
We had a blast walking and touring Anchorage, Alaska. Since we were only in Anchorage for a day we packed in as much as we could during our time in town. They have a lot of neat places to see. It was beautiful. During some of our walks we would stop and check out the scenery. The picture above is a restaurant over looking the river. We watched people fishing for salmon and many other cool activities while in the area.
They had a neat park near downtown where a lot of kids and families seemed to like to hang out. We went to the Ulu Factory. The Ulu factory does not do tours on the weekend, but have some demonstration explaining the utensil at the store. We shopped for some neat souvenirs while in the area. Anchorage is a great place to visit with your family with plenty of neat activities to do together.
Hanging out for a few minutes in the park near downtown!
Brina Bee on a roll!
Travel & Vacation: Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center (Anchorage, Alaska)
Our family recently had the opportunity to travel to Alaska for our family vacation. We arrived in Anchorage in the middle of the night, slept a couple hours before getting up and heading out to explore Anchorage. One of the first stops we made was the Anchorage Museum at Ramuson Center, 625 C. Street, Anchorage, AK. The hotel driver dropped us off right outside the entrance of the museum.
The kids loved the opportunity to learn about Alaska – fFrom displays with the culture, life styles, people, and history of Alaska. The kids loved exploring the neat science and technology exhibits as well as watching the animal presentation! They had really cool boulder chairs and places for parents or grandparents to sit and relax in the common area which seemed popular for the adults! The kids loved it and it was entertaining for us as parents too.
If you have some extra time while in Anchorage and you’re traveling with your family you should check it out. If you want you can use a free locker to put your travel items in while going through the museum. Also, it is part of the Science Center Association so if you are a member of your local Science Center check to see if they are part of the Association and you will get into this museum for free! 🙂
We had a blast at this museum! They were not into the “art” gallery as much as the history, science and more kid focused rooms. They had a lot of neat history and culture regarding Alaska. It’s a great place to visit if you have kids and some time while in Anchorage, Alaska!
Karlie giggling as she tries to sneak up on me with her pillow boulder!
That’s a big pebble Brina!!!
Goof ball Karlie!
Brina and Jake checking out what will happen if an earthquake hits near a house….
Brina and Jake in the bubble ring
Now that’s a pretty shoe for you to wear! Brina loved it! Karlie said it didn’t look comfortable at all! It’s beautiful, but not sure I could stay upright in them.
Designer Paula Rasmus-Dede, Not Your Mama’s Mary Janes, 2003 (consists of glass beads, patent leather, and different colors of wire)
“I made this peice because I like Mary Janes. My grandmother made me wear orthopedic shoes when I was a child. I wasn’t allowed to wear black patent leather Mary Janes like all the popular schoolgirls. When I started making shoes I decided to make my own Mary Janes” – Paula Rasmus-Dede
I think Paula’s shoes may be a little bit fancier than just the average Mary Jane.
Brina and Karlie lifting Jake up. Testing the different types of pulleys
Karlie and Jake in a giant bubble!
There’s a bear behind you!
The “Travel and Vacation” series is an insight into our trips together as a family, ways we relax, and tips on how to make trips more enjoyable. 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!
Work & Family Event at Lake Keowee
This past weekend we had the opportunity to enjoy a Lake event with Bridgette’s co-workers at Lake Keowee! We had a blast! A huge thanks to Jeff and Sonya for their hospitality. They graciously shared their home, boat, kayaks, paddle board, life jackets, floats, and many other fun items with everyone. The girls had a grand time kayaking, paddle boarding, tubing, and splashing around off the dock!
Thankful for an opportunity to relax and have fun with people at work. It was a great opportunity for Jake and the girls to meet some of the people I work alongside day to day. The weather was gorgeous, food was delicious, and the company was great too. Grateful for a chance to hang out at the Lake for a day – perfect way to spend a Saturday! The kids slept well that night after a fun day at the Lake Keowee with their friends!!!
The kids had a blast at Lake Keowee
Karlie enjoying the paddle board
Karlie and friends going for a ride on the tube!
Their expressions crack me up!
Go Faster!!!
Brina and friends going for a spin on the tube!
Cruising along!
Look out for that wake!
Karlie ready to get back in the water!
Beautiful day and gorgeous view of the lake from the house
Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
We are off to a great start of the school year! Now if only I can get fully caught up on all the fun projects I have going on at home. Thankful for an opportunity to work, but always enjoy some time to refocus, spend time with family & friends, run errands, and tackle projects around the house. There is always more to do then time allows, but I am super excited about some of the fun stuff in store the remainder of the 2016 year!!!
In case you haven’t already noticed I am a goal oriented, list driven, and more of a type A personality. I LOVE learning new things, but also enjoy the comfort of the normal everyday treasures in each day as well. When I take a moment to soak in what is around me I remember that I take too much for granted and that I am blessed beyond measure (which I don’t deserve).
The time I have with my family is a priority to me. I absolutely LOVE hanging out with my husband, the girls are growing up way too fast and it is always a joy sharing a special moment with them, it is refreshing to catch up with a dear friend, and mentally stimulating to balance a work, school, family, life, and everything else schedule….. I get more wrong then I get right, but thankfully I have a forgiving and gracious Heavenly Father and people who are not afraid to speak truth into my life.
One of my big goals this week is to start sharing with you a “taste” of the adventures our family enjoyed over the summer break. We were able to catch up with people we love and experience some amazing memories together. As I gear up for another busy week I am trying to not over committed myself, but want to stay on track. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
Pick out a new Chapter book to read to the girls and start reading it– It is one I got as a girl when I was in 6th grade and read many times (the girls think it is awesome that I am reading a book to them that I received when I was their age). They love their reading time and I hope to more time reading with them this week!
Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids.All of Alan Zull’s “Bad Pets” short stories books have been a big hit with our kids!- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – working through them
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – continuing to learn along with the girls on this one too!
Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night. – love this one-on-one quiet time with each girl…the only problem this week I was so relaxed talking with that a couple of times I fell asleep at the foot of their beds as I was chatting and either they or Jake had to wake me up, ha! Obviously, I was relaxing a little too much!Plan one special activity with the family– we have planned some super fun day or weekend activities this fall (I can’t share yet….they sometimes read my blog…..shhh…..)Play a Game with the KidsCreate Memories with the FamilySpend Quality time with each family memberDo a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
Do Homework Monday – FridayPack Lunches and Prep for the next daySpend one-on-one time with kids each day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day) – wasn’t the best week I have had….
Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Give Skipper a bath this week – will need to do it next week, other outside items took priority
Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
Update Work Notes- Get caught up on blog posts – hoping to gain more momentum this week!!!
- Work on a few special projects – got a couple gearing up….
Ministry Goals
Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friendCounting my blessings journal
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor – really need to buckle down and get this on our schedule soon
- Get our finances and budget back on track – doing better now that we are in a more set routine
- Pay down debt we owe – made extra payments again this week
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home) – better, but not within our target range
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Read the book Justin Morgan Had a Horse by Marguerite Henry (I had this book, an 1954 version, when I was in 6th grade and it takes place near White River Junction, Vermont near where Jake’s grandparents and Mom live so the girls know the area fairly well)
- 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
- Create Memories with the Family
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
- Do Homework Monday – Friday
- Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water
- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Household Cleaning / Organization – Pantry de-cluttered and organized
- Plan out the Menu for the Week
- Give Skipper a bath this week
- Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
- Update Work Notes
- Get caught up on blog posts
- Work on a few special projects
- Update my LinkedIn Profile
- Research a couple of items in regards to the blog
- Confirm the tasks my plate as I transition to a new team
Ministry Goals
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
- Counting my blessings journal
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
- Get our finances and budget back on track
- Pay down debt we owe
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
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
We are officially on the new school and work schedule starting this week. The girls are now in middle school. It has been a little bit more of an adjustment, but they (and their parents) are doing well. Looking forward to seeing the schedule get into the new normal rhythm. I a positive there will be a lot of fun and exciting events as we fly through these next few weeks.
Thankful for a great summer. We had a lot of great opportunities to catch up with family and friends across the county. We were able to cover a lot of territory over the past couple of months. Last week we had close friends staying with us for a few days which was awesome. Grateful for friends who check in on our house and pets while we were traveling and that work was flexible with the slightly insane schedule.
I am hoping to get back up, running, and staying on top of things more regularly with the house, blog, and personal goals. You should be seeing some of our fun adventures over the summer break. Hoping to ease back into some of these items so I am not over committed as I gear up for a busy week. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
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 – these are fun, short stories that make the kids giggle. We actually saw one of the locations where one of the stories took place when we were traveling through Alaska! Very exciting!!!
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – somehow this set got placed in a random spot and didn’t go through it until later in the week
Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids– these have been a fun learning tool for me tooReflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night– always love hearing the neat things they are thankful for in their daysPlan one special activity with the family– spent time with our friends that were visiting from MainePlay a Game with the Kids– we did a Nerf war with friends while they are visiting all adults and most of the kids participated (Savannah slept through the whole Nerf game)Create Memories with the Family– thankful for great memories and special times together – I took off the girls last day of summer to hang out with them and our friends from Maine- Spend Quality time with each family member – the girls did a slumber party with Bradley this week so we did not do one-on-one time with everyone this week
Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week– craft time and science experiment fun over the weekend
Kid Goals
Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grow their skills– lots of fun learning and being creative as well as attending the first few days of school- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day – didn’t get this on a couple of the school nights
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water, wear FitBit, and do yoga (or at least stretch out) each day – I didn’t get all these goals accomplished this week. Had some technical issues with the TV for yoga while Jake was out of town with work. Did well on the water and decent on the FitBit though.
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Business Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Ministry Goals
- Quality time with my family
Financial Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
My goals for the upcoming week
Family Goals
- Pick out a new Chapter book to read to the girls and start reading 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
- Create Memories with the Family
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
- Do Homework Monday – Friday
- Pack Lunches and Prep for the next day
- Spend one-on-one time with kids each day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water
- Wear FitBit (at least 10,000 steps and 10 sets of stairs every day)
- Do Yoga at least 5 times this week
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Give Skipper a bath this week
- Speed clean & pick up the house 15 minutes a night
Business Goals
- Update Work Notes
- Get caught up on blog posts
- Work on a few special projects
Ministry Goals
- Go to breakfast or lunch with a family member or friend
- Counting my blessings journal
Financial Goals
- Schedule a meeting with the financial advisor
- Get our finances and budget back on track
- Pay down debt we owe
- Limit amount spent on Groceries, Household, and Other Items (use what we already have at home)
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 amazing, refreshing, fun, and fantastic! I LOVED spending the extra time with my family. It was great to focus on spending time together and not worrying or concentrating on all the tasks, goals, and items on my “To Do” list. I needed the break from the “normal” so I could focus on enjoying the people I love dearly in my life. The kids are growing up way too quickly and I treasure the time that I have with them. I want to pack in as many awesome memories with the entire family while they are still growing up. This week will be a mix of focusing on my family and gearing up for the regular routine again. I don’t want to switch too quickly as to shock my system, although I do need to get back on track with my tasks and goals. I figure if I gradually ease into it again I will be good to go soon! The shorter list was nice and much easier to tackle (and enjoy), but I cannot do that every week if I want to stay on top of life, schedules, and everything else going on with the family. I am keeping it pretty close to the same as last week, but will be adding on a few items each day. Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading The Forgotten Filly by Karle Dickerson to the kids – was able to get a good chunk of the book read with the kids
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids. – had some good laughs reading this one
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – learning more everyday
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – interesting trivia
Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.Plan one special activity with the familyPlay a Game with the KidsCreate Memories with the FamilySpend Quality time with each family memberDo a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grow their skillsAt least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water, wear FitBit, and do yoga (or at least stretch out) each day
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Business Goals
Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Ministry Goals
Quality time with my family
Financial Goals
Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
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
- Create Memories with the Family
- Spend Quality time with each family member
- Do a new, unique, or different activity with the family this week
Kid Goals
- Spend time Monday –Friday encouraging the kids to find creative ways to learn and grow their skills
- At least 30 minutes of outside play, fresh air, or activity time a day
Personal Goals
- Drink 8 glasses of water, wear FitBit, and do yoga (or at least stretch out) each day
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Business Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
Ministry Goals
- Quality time with my family
Financial Goals
- Focusing on my Family not the “to do” list
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
There was not a lot of extra free time to relax and hang out this week with everything going on, but we still had a good week. This upcoming week will be busy with extra items that we need to get done as we prepare for more family adventures. Thankful for my family and their willingness to work together as a team to tackle some of the items on this list as well as willingness to wait on other projects or activities until the time allows it. I am blessed! Here are my goals for this week:
Last week’s goals
Family Goals
- Finish reading The Forgotten Filly by Karle Dickerson to the kids. – we were not able to read as much as I had hoped with everything going on this week
- Read 7 more Stories from the Bad Pets on the Loose by Alan Zullo book to the kids. – we only got through a couple more stories
- Go through 7 more Brain Quest Flash Cards with the kids. – we were not able to do it
- Read through 7 more pages of History Trivia with the kids. – hoping to do more this week
Reflect on our blessings and prayer time with kids every night.Plan one special activity with the family- Play a Game with the Kids – it was a packed week, but we have some family time planned coming up soon
Attend After Work ActivitiesLunch 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 together- Daily 15 minute “Speed Clean” for entire family to keep the daily clutter under control – we cleaned, but most of the time we were busy and once we had a moment we were ready to hit the bed
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) – we were not home enough to allow for the extra time to do this activity this week
- Have kids work for at least 1 hour on this week on improving their typing skills – had to put it on hold this week
- Each kid finish creating at least 2 blogs posts for their Fun with Sis blog – super busy week, they didn’t have the extra time to do it
Spend 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 dayAttend Summer Camp– They had a blast at Horse camp this week and loved riding as well as taking care of a lot of different farm animals (horses, donkeys, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, lambs, and more fun animals!)
Personal Goals
Drink 8 glasses of water each day- Keep up with my FitBit Goals – so close, almost had it!
Do yoga at least 5 times a weekGo to my Appointments Scheduled this weekUpdate Counting My Blessings and Other journal entries dailyTackle some lingering projects on my “to do” list- Read over the kids blog posts – they have been busy and haven’t had a chance to write this week (I need to catch up on editing still too)
Home (Yard & Pets) Management Goals
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day – with everything going on it took us more than 1 day this week
Weekly Dinner Menu planned out for the week- Clean House (Focus – Family Room) – work in progress
- Organize Chaos (Focus – Laundry Room) – I picked up some bins and hope to get a good chunk organized this week
- Yard / Garage Cleanup (Focus – Blow off deck, sidewalk, & driveway) – did some but not all
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat & Dog Food) – need to do this week
- Repairs – (Focus – Check on Water Heater Recall Notice we received) – hasn’t been on the highest priority list
Business Goals
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts – did some but not as much as I had hoped to get done
- Respond to Inquiry – Business Relation Emails – have a couple more to respond to this week
- Keep up with the day to day items that need my attention – let a couple items slide with everything going on this week
- Work completed for clients – have a handful of small projects to wrap up this week
- Notes typed for work – have not been able to tackle this one yet
Meeting regarding work goals and upcoming tasks completed- Folders Labeled for work – the girls helped me get some of these done, have a few more to go
- Training on new projects – going well and learning
- Desk drawers organized – almost got it where I want it
- Do at least 5 blog posts this week – close but not quite
- Catch up on Hootesuite – getting it done
- Upload pictures from last few weeks and update – put on hold with everything going on
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 – waiting until back on a more normal schedule, the summer schedule is a little crazier and always changing from week to week and day to day
- Payoff Other Outstanding Debt – made 2 more small payments – little by little
Pay Bills & File Paperwork- Go grocery shopping one time this week and stay within budget – keep the food & regular household items under budget, but the new containers for the laundry room made us go a little over
Sell, giveaway, donate, or through away items no longer use– donated 3 bags of clothes the girls have outgrown to GoodwillTake 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
- One-on-One Meeting with Jake to go over this week and future events on Calendar
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
- Attend Summer Camp
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 – Clean up items under deck – toys, bikes, wood, etc…)
- Pet Care (Focus – Refill Goat & Dog Food Bins / Clean Out Pet Water Buckets & Refill)
- 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
- Folders Labeled for work
- Training on new projects
- 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
- Meet with Jake to go over Finances and Status Update
- Sign up for Work 401K program
- 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
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a great week with my family. We had some good fun together while accomplishing a lot of little, but much needed tasks around the house and yard. The girls have been enjoying their summer adventures too! Love hearing about their days and what they have been learning at camp and the adventures they are enjoying. Thankful for an opportunity to have an extra day with my family over the July 4th Holiday.
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 great July 4th Holiday to celebrate our country, time with my family, and a chance to have an extra day at home to get some items done!
Tuesday – Thankful that Jake took the girls into summer camp so I could get into work earlier. Also, grateful that I was able to get off work at lunch to pick up the girls and spend the afternoon with them. We had a lot of fun hanging out together.
Wednesday – Thankful for Jake and the girls help getting some items done around the house.
Thursday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend extra time with extended family. It wasn’t on the schedule until last night, but my Grandma Willa was in town visiting so we had an impromptu dinner with Grandma, my brother & his family, Aunt Pat, and my cousins and their families. We had a great meal, the kids played well, and a good time of catching up. Grateful for an opportunity to see family.
Friday – Thankful for the girls summer camp and the adventures that they have been able to enjoy this summer. They met a lot of neat people this week and was able to get in a lot of biking time (also the importance of staying hydrated on hot summer days in South Carolina). Both girls were grateful for the camel backs this week.
Saturday – Thankful for some time to catch up on projects around the house and yard. Grateful for Jake and all he does for our family.
Sunday – Thankful for the freedom to worship and fellowship with other believers.
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
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
-
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
Counting My Blessings: Week In Review
It was a busy week, but we had a lot of fun. The girls came into work with me first thing in the morning for a little bit. They helped unlock the doors, turn on lights, and get set up for the day before spending time working on their summer workbooks for some time before I took them into camp. They did a Music & Technology camp in the morning and a Rube Goldberg creative experiments in the afternoon. It was super neat seeing what cool creations they developed over the course of the 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 an opportunity to spend some time chatting with the girls on the way to work and their help getting everything set up for the day.
Tuesday – Thankful to have an chance to see and hear all the neat things the girls are learning and creating in their week at Summer Camp.
Wednesday – Thankful for a dentist near home, that gets me in for an early appointment, and that I didn’t have any cavities or items that need to be done! Yay!
Thursday – Thankful for the girls curious and inquisitive minds. They are not afraid to ask questions so they can learn more from people in various areas.
Friday – Thankful for some quiet one-on-one time with Jake. It was nice to relax, catch up, chat, and spend some time together. Grateful for his thoughts and for being a sounding board regarding my crazy ideas. He brings peace, calm, and great insight to areas that am I trying to figure out.
Saturday – Thankful for an opportunity to spend time my family! We got a lot of accomplished, but also had fun together!
Sunday – Thankful for the freedom to attend church, learn, and grow. Grateful for a refreshing and much needed moments with my family.
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.
