Intentional Living: Weekly Goals
Last week was a busy one, about halfway through the week I started wondering if I was going to finish anything on the list, but slowly some got checked off. The personal goals were the hardest for me to do because everything else kept me busy. This upcoming week I hope to do better on my personal goals so I can keep my life / time and resources in balance as I work towards my goals.
Here is the update on last weeks goals:
Family Goals
Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday- Read a book to the girls everyday – Monday was a super busy day with the Holiday
Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week- Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed) – Didn’t get this done every night with the busy evenings, a couple late nights including our couple Date Night on Saturday.
Schedule a Date Night with Jake– Went on our Date Night on 11/5Schedule a Date Night with each child– Date Night Scheduled for 11/11/11
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week – As hard as I tried this didn’t get done, it was busy and a couple unexpected things came up. I hope to do a lot better next week with this one.
- Finish reading The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman – Made it through a couple more chapters, maybe I will get it done next week.
Listen to The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss- Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday through Thursday – We had a couple late nights with extra projects and activities going on (I think I only made it to bed on time once).
Home Management Goals
Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday– Completed a day early 🙂Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house- Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday) – Dinner was ready but not on the table on Monday because of the Fall Festival Activities
All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day– Completed all the laundry from striping beds, washing, folding, putting away, and remaking the beds on Monday- Summer clothes pulled out of the main part of the closet and put away (it’s getting chilly and we are not wearing them as much now) – about halfway through this task
Pick the fresh vegetables that are ready and start preparing the garden for the first freeze.– big thanks to my sweet husband and girls for doing this for me and we even were able to share some of the goodies with friends!
Business Goals
Spend 10 minutes cleaning and organizing my desk (somehow everyone stacks stuff on my desk, myself included, and within a day I have a pile sometimes piles)Pay all bills that come in the mail this weekWork on ideas for upcoming blog posts- Research ways to create more residual income – didn’t get to this one
Ministry Goals
Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requestsAlms & Legs Ministry – Email upcoming meeting reminder to members, write and print the meeting agendaMeet a friend for Breakfast or LunchPack our Operation Christmas Child boxes
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4 – I went over budget this week. (thankful for the opportunity to stock up and a budget guideline even though I went over it this week.)
- Pay off remaining debt – working on it and I see light at the end of the tunnel
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses – work in progress (we had two vehicle repairs recently which set us back a little bit)
Here are my goals for the upcoming week:
Family Goals
- Spend 1-on-1 time with each child everyday
- Read a book to the girls everyday
- Have the girls read 1 book to me 5 days this week
- Do devotions with the girls every night (sometimes it gets late and we rush to get them into bed)
- Start the process of getting the girls passports
- Go on Mother Daughter Date Night
- File the last several weeks of coupons in my File Folder and Binder
Personal Goals
- Exercise – walk at least 5 days this week
- Finish reading The Five Love Languages of Children by Gary Chapman
- Listen to the next section of Desiring God: Finding Complete Satisfaction and Joy in God by John Piper (I am going through this book with my Community Group)
- Go to bed by 10:30 or earlier on Monday through Thursday
Home Management Goals
- Weekly Dinner Menu planned and written by Monday
- Spend 30 minutes every day picking up / cleaning the house
- Dinner on the table by 5:30 PM (Monday through Thursday)
- All laundry for the week washed, folded, and put away in one day
- Summer clothes pulled out of the main part of the closet and put away (it’s getting chilly and we are not wearing them as much now)
Business Goals
- Spend 10 minutes a day cleaning and organizing my desk
- Pay all bills that come in the mail this week
- Work on ideas for upcoming blog posts
- Research ways to create more residual income
- Upcoming events, activities, and posted to my upcoming calendar
Ministry Goals
- Make at least $25 towards my Creative Cash goal this week so I can give more to others.
- Email our weekly Community Group update including upcoming events on the calendar, praises, and prayer requests
- Alms & Legs Ministry – Email Meeting Notes to the Team
- Meet a friend or family member for Breakfast or Lunch
Financial Goals
- Stay within Budget on Groceries $40 for 4
- Close on our Refinance – Our plan is to go from the 30 year mortgage that we have been paying off to a 10 year mortgage with a lower interest rate.
- Pay off remaining debt
- Emergency Fund – save 6 months worth of living expenses
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
Fresh & Healthy: Fall Harvest – Community Supported Agriculture (Week 5)
We are enjoying our Fall Harvest with our Local Farm with Community Supported Agriculture program. We are now halfway through our fall harvest, we just picked up week number 5. The Fall harvest is 10 weeks long through our farm. We are thrilled to get the produce and fresh eggs. Our family is doing a half share again for this harvest.
Fall Harvest Week 5 of Fresh Goodies from our CSA!

Fresh goodies from our Local CSA Farm Items in our Basket this Week:
- 1 Musquee de Provence Pumpkin
- 1 large bundle Bok Choy
- 2 Tomatoes
- 4 Pumpkin on a Stick Branches
- 4 White Radishes
- 1 Half Dozen Fresh Eggs
I am looking forward to eating these goodies this week! Thanks everyone for the delicious Recipes! The girls are very excited about cooking up this pumpkin and Jake is excited about eating some more Bok Choy (he has an awesome recipe for it). To find out how you can be a part of a local CSA check out this post – Fresh & Healthy: Community Supported FarmsMagazine: “Fun for Kidz”
Our girls love getting magazines and goodies in the mail. My parents ordered the Fun for Kidz magazine for the girls a few months ago and they always look forward to getting it in the mail. The magazine has a variety of stories, puzzles, crafts, recipes, science experiments, and fun stuff for the kids to try.
This week we did a couple of the science experiments / activities that were listed in one of the magazines. We made homemade “telephones” for the girls that they were reading about in the magazine. Another fun activity we did was cut a hole in a piece of 8×11 paper that was big enough that we could fit through (even Daddy could fit through the 8×11 piece of paper once it was cut, pretty funny). They thought it was hilarious and once again they had a blast doing some of the activities in the magazine.
The magazine is great for either boys or girls ages 5 to 13 years old. It becomes even more fun as they learn to read and are able to do some of the activities, puzzles, and silly stories or jokes on their own. The magazine is smaller than a regular magazine although it is more like a pamphlet / book with heavier pages. There isn’t a huge amount of colorful pictures but it is packed full of fun information and activities that the kids will enjoy. A subscription would be a great birthday, Holiday or just for fun gift for kids.
The best price I have found for the Fun for Kidz magazine is through Ebates.
- Login or open an account for Ebates
- Search for ValueMags
- Click on the ValueMags discount link (currently offering 51% back on magazine subscriptions)
- Once you are on ValueMags website search for Fun for Kidz
- Order your subscription and you’ll receive your 51% back Ebates check in the mail
Ebates has always been really good about sending our rebate checks. It is like a traditional rebate but you don’t have to send in a form and it is automatically done online through their website when you order. You can get Ebates on many other online retailers. If you are shopping for Holiday, Birthday, or other gifts check to see if you can get extra money back by shopping through Ebates.
Living on a Budget: Groceries $40 for 4
I am thankful for a weekly grocery budget on weeks like this past one. Not only was it a busy week but I went over on my budget. Looking back over the last several months I am amazed at how many groceries I am able to get for my family for a reasonable amount of money. I used to think that having a $100 grocery bill was pretty good for our family, now if the grocery bill is above $20 or $30 that is a lot. One of the main reason I do the weekly budget and update is to keep me accountable. Like any goal in life some weeks you do well and other weeks…..well they just don’t go as planned. Here is my weekly update on our Groceries $40 for 4.

Groceries from CVS, Ingles, Family Dollar, and Save A Lot CVS Groceries:
- $0.09 at CVS for 1 bag of individual Teddy Grahams snacks (18 count), 2 bags of individual Pretzels snacks (24 count each), 3 bags of individual Rice Krispy Treats. (All the items were on clearance after the Halloween Holiday and will come in handy for school and work lunches. The Extra Care Bucks were a huge savings help and I only had to pay the tax amount.)
Ingles Groceries:
- $14.50 at Ingles for 1 bag Laura Lynn Bread, 2 jugs Lemon Sweet Tea, 5 containers Cherry Chocolate Covered Pretzels, 2 containers Banana Split Mix, 3 containers California Dried Fruit Mix, 1 container Spicy Buffalo Nut Mix, and 1 bag Mini Pumpkins and Paint for Craft / Cooking. (Everything I bought this week at Ingles was on sale, marked down, or on clearance!)
Family Dollar Groceries:
- $0.50 at Family Dollar for 1 bag of individual Pretzel Snacks (8 count). (These individual pretzel bags are perfect for school and work lunches, plus it saves on not having to buy baggies to put chips / pretzels into. I was able to get these on clearance after Halloween.)
Save A Lot Groceries:
- $8.74 at Save A Lot for 1 bag Cinnamon Bagels, 1 bag Plain Bagels, 1 gallon Milk, and 1 family pack Cube Steaks. (All the items I picked up at Save A Lot were on clearance, the milk was marked down to 99 cents.)

Groceries from Walmart Walmart Groceries:
- $26.77 at Walmart for 1 bag Pepperoni, 2 Smithfields Ham Steaks, 1 block Borden Cheese, 1 block Cabot Cheese, 1 box Blue Bonnet Margarine, 1 bag Great Value Sugar, 1 bag Splenda Sugar Alternate, 1 box Little Hug Drink Barrels (This trip was taken with my family, we originally went into the store for black tights for the girls which they were sold out of. Even though we did need some of these items it is amazing how quickly the total adds up when the items are not gotten on sale or clearance or with coupons.)
This week I spent $50.60 on groceries. Even though I went over on my budgeted amount for the week I was able to stock up on several items. It is weeks like these that make me even more grateful for the budget I have in place to help guide me. I had a little extra in the wallet to cover the overage, but I really want to get back under the budgeted amount next week. The Halloween Sales were amazing and the items I picked up on will be beneficial for our family for several months so it was worth a few dollars to stock up the pantry. I hope that next week is better week and we can come under budget. Thankful for an opportunity to stock up on several items even though I was over this week!
It is my goal to give you regular updates on this budget section so you can celebrate the good weeks with me and thump me on the bad weeks! As always you are welcomed to join the journey with me. I would love to hear your story and how you are doing too. The purpose of our family doing this it to watch our grocery spending while allowing us to feed our family, enjoy life, share with others, and yet stay on track with our budget.
Living on a Budget is a series of ways our family uses a budget to help keep us accountable with our finances. Life doesn’t always go as planned. We have used some of the ideas I will be sharing for years while others are ones we are just starting to implement as we continue finding ways to be creative and have fun with what we have been given. Having a plan in place allows us the freedom to be smart with what we have been given, get more creative when it is a tight (week, month, year or a season) and when necessary live a much more simplified life. A budget helps us stay on track so we have more opportunities to enjoy the many blessings we have been given as well as share what we have with others. There is so much more to life than having all the stuff. We may not have the newest or greatest items in our house, we drive used cars, and wear hand-me-down clothing…..however, if our family is taken care of and have love for each other and others we have more than all the riches in the world.
Recipe: Sweet Acorn Squash
As a kid we had Acorn Squash during the fall season. My Mom made this easy Sweet Acorn Squash recipe that our family enjoys. The recipe is really easy and tastes delicious. Another great thing about this recipe is it using only two additional ingredients which are typically in your kitchen already. If you are looking at adding an acorn squash to your dinner table soon try this recipe.
Sweet Acorn Squash Recipe:
- 1 Acorn Squash (halved)
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Butter
Cut the acorn squash in half. Empty the seeds out of the acorn squash. Put 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and butter in each cavity. Poke the “meat” of the squash lightly with a fork to make sure the butter / brown sugar soak into it (just make sure not to poke too hard and go all the way through the skin because the mix could drain out). Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until the it is tender. Scoop out the squash as you serve it at the table (it tastes best hot).
Pampers Gifts to Grow – 20 Free Points
Receive another 2 codes for 10 free points from Pampers with the a new Gifts to Grow!These codes are different from the previous codes I have given.
Use Code: CABRANDSVRNOV11
Use Code: FAC1011PR46DYHD
The codes didn’t have an expiration date but they usually expire in a few days so be sure to add it to your account soon!
You can save up the rewards to purchase gifts!
For more information about the Pampers Gift to Grow Program and how you can start earning Pampers “Gifts to Grow” Rewards for your family go to Pampers Gifts to Grow!
Teaching Our Children: How to Roller Blade
A few weeks ago we purchased Roller Blades ($11) for the girls at a store closing sale. They had a handful of roller blades left and actually had the girls sizes. They didn’t get any fancy colors but I was pleased with the two that we found in their size, one blue and one red set. One relaxing family evening we decided to open the roller blade boxes and try them out. It was fun watching them try to learn how to balance and move. We started them on the carpet instead of the tile or sidewalk in case they bit the dust. It would be better to let them get a handle on it before breaking an arm or leg. Here is a few snapshots of them trying out the roller blades:

Daddy getting the roller blade ready for the girls Brina’s waiting for her roller blade to go on…..is it ready yet Daddy? Karlie is busy unpacking and checking out her cool blue roller blades.

Brina figuring out how to roller blade. It was neat seeing the girls get the hang of using the roller blades. Before long I could see lines on the carpet from them going in circles from the kitchen to the hallway to the living and dining room.

Brina and Karlie roller blading in the living room They went slow at first but got more speed as they did it more. Probably one of the hardest things for them to figure out was once they fall down how do you get back up without rolling away, pretty comical to watch.

Karlie concentrating on roller blading Karlie was so focused on roller blading I never got a picture of her actually looking at the camera. I guess it isn’t as easy to turn and face the camera when your wearing “shoes on wheels”!
One observation I had about the roller blades was the girls were a few inches taller. They were investigating stuff on the tops of the cabinets and counter tops that never caught their attention before. Also, I had to make a rule that if Mom or Dad was in the kitchen cooking they could only go on one side of the kitchen with roller blades otherwise I was getting my toes ran over or grabbed as they were passing me in the kitchen while I was making dinner. It was fun to see them try them out and watch them learn how to move. I was thrilled that they enjoyed learning new skills.
Heart Reflections: Is Anyone Cheerful?
A few weeks ago I read a verse that stuck in my head. The verse reminded me of the importance of praying for others and giving thanks not only for what is happening in our immediate families but for the lives of those we touch everyday.
Is anyone among you suffering?
There are people around you everyday that are suffering. Some days you may be suffering as well. When you meet with a friend, family member, or acquaintance that is going through a tough time what do you do? It is wonderful to take time to listen and encourage. What does the Bible say about those who are suffering? The answer “let him pray”. The best thing you can do when you are going through a trial or you know of someone who is suffering is to pray.
Is anyone cheerful?
There is so much negativity that surrounds us every day that it can sometimes be more difficult finding people who are cheerful. Are we focusing on the positive blessings in our life everyday? How are we encouraging those around us? Is cheerfulness seen in your life? The Bible says to “let him sing praise.” When you are cheerful you may find yourself singing praises!
Is anyone among you sick?
It doesn’t take long to hear about someone who is going through an illness or suffering from an unknown sickness. When you have a friend or family member with an illness it is important to pray for them and have others pray as well. You may never know how much of an encouragement your prayers may be to those going through the sickness. God can work miracles and bring healing through your prayers.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. – James 5:13-14
Save A Lot: Deals for the week of November 2 – 8, 2011
The Save A Lot weekly ad deals are listed below for your convenience. You can start stocking up on some great deals for upcoming Holiday cooking. Sign up for the Smart Shopper Club, by doing so you will get a $5.00 off of $25.00 coupon!
Meats and Seafood
Fresh Split Chicken Breast – $0.99 per lb
Fresh Chicken Drumsticks and Thighs – $0.99 per lb
Port Side Cooked Shrimp (60 to 70 count / 10 oz) – $3.99
Half Cut Boneless Pork Loin – $1.99 per lb
Beef Sirloin Tip Roast – $2.99 per lb.
Sugardale Bone-In Shank Portion Ham – $1.19 per lb
Half Cut Beef Eye of Round Roast – $3.99 per lb
Sugardale Center Cut Ham Steak – $2.99 per lb
Pick 5 for $19.99 promo on going: Pick any 5 specially marked packages of your favorite cuts of fresh, frozen or smoked meats and pay just $19.99 (about $2 per pound).
Fridge and Freezer
Banquet Breaded Chicken, Patties, Tenders or Nuggets (24 oz) – $2.99
Home Churned Butter Quarters (Salted or Unsalted) 16 oz – $1.99
Mrs. Smith’s Pies, Pumpkin, Apple or Cherry (27 oz) – $2.50
Meadow Gold Premium Ice Cream, Vanilla or Chocolate (48 oz) – $2.50
Red Barron Classic Pizza, Assorted Varieties (20 to 22 oz) – $3.29
Banquet Brown ‘N Serve Sausage (39 count) – $3.49
Marvella Cheese Loaf (32 oz) – $3.99
Port Side Fish Sticks, Fillets, or Battered Fillets (19 – 24 oz) – $3.29
Coburn Farms Sour Cream (16 oz) – $1.69
Morning Delight Waffles (10 count) – $1.79
Morning Delight Jumbo Biscuits, Butter or Buttermilk (16 oz) – $1.59
Tree Ripe Premium Orange Juice (59 oz) – $2.99
Produce
Biggin’s Russet Potatoes (10 lbs) – $2.99
Red and Gold Delicious Apples (5 lbs) – $2.99
Yellow Onions (3 lbs) – $1.49
Roma Tomatoes – $0.99 per lb
Household
Wrightware Foam Plates (100 count) – $2.49
Wrightware Napkins (250 count) – $1.69
Bounty Basic Paper Towels (1 roll) – $0.99
Use $1.00/1 coupon from Ebony Magazine (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $0.25/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Protector & Gamble (Expires 11/30/11)
As low as FREE (or with OVERAGE back if your store allows it) each after couponSolo Plastic Cups (20 count) – $1.29
Chenard Plastic Cutlery – Knife, Fork, Spoon, & Assorted (48 count) – $1.69
Max Force Alkaline Batteries (AA or AAA 6 pack or DC 2 pack) – $1.99
Grocery
Domino Granulated Sugar (4 lb) – $2.39
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 8/28 Red Plum (Expires 11/25/11)
Use $0.50/1 coupon from insert 10/16 Red Plum (Expires 12/31/11)
Use $1.00/2 coupon from October 2011 Woman’s Day Magazine (Expires 11/30/11)
Use $0.75/2 coupon from insert 10/16 Red Plum (Expires 12/31/11)
As low as $1.89 each after couponWesson Pure Vegetable Oil (48 oz) – $2.99
General Mills Cereal (10 to 12 oz) – $1.99
Use $1.00/2 coupon from insert 9/25 Smart Source (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 10/2 General Mills (Expires 11/12/11)
Use $1.00/3 coupon from insert 10/23 Smart Source (Expires 12/3/11)
As low as $1.49 each after couponHills Bros Coffee (33 oz) – $6.99
Use $1.00/1 printable coupon from Smart Source
Use $0.75/1 coupon from insert 10/30 Smart Source (Expires 12/4/11)
As low as $5.99 each after couponTipton Grove Fruit Cocktail – $1.79
Kraft Handi-Snack Pudding Cups – $0.99
Save A Lot Fridge Ready Soda (12 packs) – $2.69
Kaskey’s Broth (32 oz) – $1.39
Wylwood Cut Sweet Potatoes (15 oz) – $0.89
Kaskey’s Cream Soup, Assorted Varieties (10.5 oz) – $0.59
Grissom’s Brown n’ Serve Rolls (12 oz) – $1.19
J. Higgs Buttery Rounds (16 oz) – $1.99
J. Higgs Saltines (16 oz) – $1.19
Marcum Seasoned Salt (12 oz) – $1.49
Marcum Ground Black Pepper (4 oz) – $1.99
Albany Bakery Pecan Shortbread Cookies (16 oz) – $2.49
Portmann’s Seafood Cocktail Sauce – $1.29
Portmann’s Tartar Sauce (11.5 oz) – $1.49
Betty Crocker Potato Buds – $1.69
Use $1.00/3 printable coupon from Betty Crocker
Use $0.50/2 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $0.50/3 coupon peelie found on package (Expires 3/1/12)
As Low As $0.67 each after couponBetty Crocker Hamburger Helper Dinners (4 to 6 oz) – $1.00
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 9/11 General Mill (Expires 11/5/11)
Use $0.75/3 coupon from insert 10/2 General Mill (Expires 11/26/11)
$0.75 each after couponGinger Evans Light Brown Sugar and Powdered Sugar (32 oz) – $1.69
Ginger Evans Deluxe Fudge Brownies (19.8 oz) – $1.59
Ginger Evans Chocolate Chips (12 oz) – $2.29
Gold Leaf 9 inch Pie Shell (10 oz) – $1.79
Bay Mist Splash Tropical or Berry Blend (64 oz) – $1.99
Morning Delight Toaster Pastries (22 oz) – $1.99
McDaniel’s Coffee Creamer (16 oz) – $1.99
Remember you can use the $5/$25 printable coupon to sweeten these deals! Plus you can earn up to 5 additional $5 off $25 coupons for sharing the coupon with your friends.
For more information about Save A Lot’s coupon policies go here. If you find additional deals or savings please let me know and I will add them to the list.
Free Audio Book: “The Heavenly Man” by Brother Yun
For the month of November Christian Audio is offering a free download of their audio book . This month the audio book is The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun.
You’ve seen the headlines – government crackdowns on Chinese house churches; mass arrests and human rights violations…But this intensely dramatic autobiography makes it real! Learn how God took a young half-starved boy from Henan Province and enabled him to stand strong on the front lines for Jesus, braving horrific opposition and impossible odds. (information from Christian Audio)
If you have been wanting to listen to a book from Brother Yun throughout the day or while driving then this is a great opportunity to listen to the book for free when you download it from Christian Audio in November. Make sure to submit your order by November 30, 2011 to get your free audio book. Thanks Christian Audio!





