Goals 2019

I have started compiling a list of goals for each year, thanks to my amazing lifelong mom friend, Evan.  She is exceptional at crafting goals and making them work for her!  I have been following her example with goal setting, now I just need to follow her example in goal completing....

So, here's my list for 2019.  I want to focus more on taking care of myself and my health so that I can take care of my family and enjoy my life.

1. Read a book to the kids, with the kids at least 3 times a week.  Often, bedtime is so rushed and that time to connect needs to happen.  I need it and they need it too!
   
2. Exercise 4 times a week.  I'm going to make this a top priority because it will help with my physical, mental, and social health.  It makes me a better wife, mom, and teacher when I feel good.  And we all know what Elle Woods said about exercise and endorphins...
   
3. Plan trips, not gifts.  I want to put a plan in motion to go DO THINGS with my people.  I would like to cut back on the things and make a point to go to places with them.  See another later goal that ties into this...
   
4. Simplify things.  Clean out closets, storage containers, and cabinets.  Donate or sell items that can be useful and clean out garbage that is no longer useful.
   
5. Read 2 books a month.  One to help me and one for fun.
   
6. Track macro nutrients every day to maximize health and weight loss.  I plan to focus on my health this year and establish better habit with my diet and my fitness. 
   
7. Run 5 5 ks this year.  Health y'all.  It is so important and I plan to maximize mine this year.
   
8. Well checks and doctor visits for my children need to be a priority.  We rarely do those as recommended, because they are pretty healthy.  We need to schedule them as they should be done and follow through.  I will make that happen.
   
9. Have a friend night once a month.  With my new neighbors, with old friends, with women I love.  I love having a community and I know that I need to make connections regularly.
   
10. Join a small group at church and find a place to serve.  I love my church and our church family.  I have been out of the loop with service for a while, and I miss it.  I would like to find a place for that again!
    
11. I am going to prepare one new recipe weekly this year!  I love the kitchen and I love being able to cook new things, so I feel like this will be fun!
    
12. Host a family lunch once a month. 
    
13. Finish things.  The book shelves, the hanging of the decorations, printing of the pictures, projects I begin...
    

I am straight copying a few goals from people I follow via social media, but they fit me perfectly!  I cannot wait to journey through 2019 and improve myself as I go.  Thanks for following along and being a blog friend!

My Tangible Goals

Create 10 goals that can be TRACKED and checked. As in, tangible numbers with multiple check points. So I have a numerical goal. Or something of the like...

I'm working on a few personal development goals that I will track this year.  I'll post those later on!  

Tangible Goals as follows...  I feel like these are NOT a work in progress kinda deal.  These are pretty cut and dry as far as done or not done are concerned.  My goal this year is to create a goal for each month that I can successfully check OFF my list!  This is my goal list for the first 6 months of the year.

1. Organize family photos and prints from 2010-forward.  Place in boxes as needed.
   
2. Print and hang portraits for our home.
   
3. Paperwork for family secured in safe (purchase safe).
   
4. Prepare home for foster care/adoption process.
   
5. Track expenses closer than usual and put aside additional 401k savings.
   
6. Find a family service project to complete.
   
7. Research furniture renovations and complete the pine furniture first.
   
8. Buy a new dining table for our kitchen.
   
9. Buy a new mattress!

Goal Summary 2017

You can view my 2017 goal list HERE.

1. Started several books.  Didn't finish one.  ...sigh...
   
2. No crops.  Zero.  I did grow some awesome flowers though!  Does that count?
   
3. There was lots of purging and ridding of uneccesary things.  Not in an orderly fashion, but the effort counts, right?
   
4. I did sell some antiques.  I did buy new furniture on December 22nd, for our new house... but it got done y'all!
   
5. Home repairs done.  We sold that house and the repairs were required for the sale! 
   
6. Nada on the exercise.  Next....
   
7. Nope on the MK sales director and nope on the quit teaching.  I have actually found a renewed passion for that one lately.  The MK is still fun, but less passion is present!
   
8. Still working on the debt payoff plan.  We sold our Mason Falls Drive house and we will be able to use our profits to pay off most debt.  We are still waiting on the closing of our new house to do that. 
   
9. We did repaint all those rooms listed.  We didn't do any of those other major repairs because we sold that house. 
   
10. Good GRAVY--a  lot can change in 12 months.  Looking back at this list... I see some of the things I wanted to do were a good idea, but I have learned that I have to create TANGIBLE goals with a way to track them.  Be on the lookout for #goalpost2018 soon with measurable goals that I can actually track and achieve! 
    
11. Meanwhile, Merry Christmas!  

January--Goal Update

1. Plan a weekly menu.
   Menu planning is my sweet spot.  I can do this and grocery shop like it is my job.
   
2. Organize all tax paperwork.
   I hate taxes.  I love getting my money back, but I hate taxes.  I have it all piled up in the dining room to work on and one day I will actually work on it.
   
3. Clean out master closet and dressers.
   I started in my closet area and dresser as well.  I still have some work to do since I have a 4-6 size range of clothing to choose from.  I also have a LOT more than I actually need.
   
4. Clean out master bathroom cabinets & organize them.
   This was actually kinda fun and it didn't take me very long.  Expired medicine and cosmetics take up a lot of space in cabinets...  I love having a 'clean cabinet.'
   
5. Begin cleaning out the playroom closets and  storage dormers.
   We lost a pretty expensive Christmas gift this month, so the playroom got searched by default.  I also reorganized all the toys into bins and encouraged my kids to keep it clean that way!  It is so much easier to find the toys when they are in the right place!
   
6. Exercise 20 times this month.
   Nur.  That's a NUR from me.  I didn't even come close to this.
   
7. Start process of ceiling repair in kitchen.  Either hire a contractor OR DIY.
   Nope.  Moving this to February since we have a break from school and I hope to get it done then!
   
8. Clean giant window at front of house.  Caulk it.
   I need a giant ladder that's clean... anyone?  Once I get that ladder I can get this done!
   
9. Print a canvas of the latest family photo session for the living room.
   Printed.  Ordered.  On the way!
   
10. Select a color theme for the MK & dining room.
    I have decided to do a light blue/green and grey theme for both.  I'm excited to get this done in the spring!
    
11. Research cruises for family in 2018...
    Nope.  But I still have a ton of time for that.  I decided I should wait for the wrestling schedule to be released so I can compare times to cruise departures, etc.  

I like the idea of breaking this down monthly.  I need to compare my yearly goals to this monthly list and do the difficult/important things first.  I know the things that take up a lot of time need to be done early too!  

Goals: 2017 edition. Intentional Chapter.

Read a devotional book and complete Bible studies as the year goes along.  I just began 'Draw the Circle:  The 40 Day Prayer Challenge' and it will take me through the end of January.  After that I will be INTENTIONAL about reading The Circle Maker and then the book about praying circles around my children.  I know that prayer for my family will never be done.

Grow crops this summer, well really just tomatoes and possibly cucumbers.  I will be INTENTIONAL and get seedlings started in April so I can have food by summertime!  But don't tell anyone who lives in my neighborhood because they are against the HOA rules...

Clean out/organize one room a month, including the closets in each room.  I will post my list of rooms next week so I can be INTENTIONAL about scheduling time for them in the coming months.  I know that purging items from each room is such an awesome feeling, plus we are able to get rid of SO MUCH tiny baby/kid stuff.

Purchase new furniture via living room.  Sell antiques.  I am beyond ready to have some established pieces in my living room.  I'd like to create/find some functional storage pieces for the space.  It is really small and the seating is awkward, so it makes it challenging.  I am going to have to be INTENTIONAL about shopping for it or finding plans to MAKE it.

Repair ceiling in kitchen, repair the wall in the master bath, major yard renovation to grow actual grass in the front yard.  None of this will take large amounts of time, but it may require large amounts of money.  The yard will be the biggest cost of money AND time.  I will have to plan the yard starting in February so we can be INTENTIONAL about getting good dirt and grass.  

Run/exercise 3 times a week.  I feel like this is the biggest struggle of my life.  I know it will make me feel better and be a positive force in my life.  It will make all things better and I know that, but MAKING time for it is my struggle.  I should alter my goal so that it says MAKE TIME TO EXERCISE 3 times a week, which really just means I have to GET UP EARLY and I hate that.  Get over it Carrie.  Grow up.

Become a Mary Kay sales director.  I will work my business 3 times a week for the entire months of January thru March.  If I am INTENTIONAL about working the business then my goal will be a reality.

Quit teaching... must complete the sales director goal first...

Pay off all credit cards.  We have been INTENTIONAL about this for the last few months, but I need to be more disciplined about the process.  The Dave Ramsey plan is moving us in that direction and I've been planning that for us for months!  

The following lists are just things we have on the agenda at no particular time or in no particular order.  We had some of them on the agenda for 2016 but ended up repairing the chimney instead.  Just the 'wish list' if you will...

Home Updates 2017

Trees beside driveway and in back yard need to come down...

Concrete driveway must be repaired

Deck built?

Paint my room--my office

Paint dining room--green and grey

Paint entry way--same grey as dining room

New blinds--Hayes, kids bathroom, playroom, my room/office

BONUS MONEY 2017

Gun

Glass door for front porch

Built ins in living room

Paint shutters, front door, and awning

Desktop computer

Head board master bedroom

Planning Ahead

So, I've been blogging since 2009.

I've made a few lists of things to do since then.

Some of my things have gotten done and some of them are still on the to-do list.

The next calendar year has a few new goals.

I've removed some of the ambiguity of the goal list.

I am proud to say that I am working really hard to get myself ready to work.

I've never really felt like LIFE is work, but I realized that I want to work.

I like ME better when I work.

I like my life better when it is planned.

So my 2017 to-do list will be posted soon!

I try to put a lot of thought into what I want to make better each year.

I love my life, but I know I can do a better job of being ME.

Big DREAMS loading y'all....

Big Dreams!

Goals: October Update

1. Grow produce this summer.  Start a plan in March and proceed forward with tomatoes and peppers for the summer.  I think I can handle two things.
   
   Things that didn't happen...
2. Clean out and organize one room each month.  It will break my little hoarder/sentimental heart to trash some of the things, but it needs to happen.  Starting in the girls' room tomorrow morning.  Closet and drawers need attention.  Hayes' room is in February.  Bathrooms upstairs in March... that's my first quarter done...
   
   I have removed a lot of clutter from our home, but we still have a LONG way to go!
3. Paint the rooms... living room, office, dining room... and patch the ceiling kitchen.  While you're at it, let's just go ahead and fix the wires in the living room too., okay?  And purchase new furniture for the living room.  I decided all house updates had to go in the same goal, so I'll have to also repair the master bath wall/ceiling as well.
   
   Kitchen ceiling patch coming up.  Dining room will be done at Thanksgiving.  Possibly my office too!  The front entry way will get done with the cheer judging money!
4. Exercise for 30 minutes at least 3 times a week.  Dance parties in the living room count as cardio.  Running counts.  Weighted toddler carry time does not count.
   
   Yeah, no.
   Still a no.  A hard no.
5. Become a Mary Kay sales director.  I desperately want to work a job with some flexibility for my family.  I also really like Mary Kay and the company.  Products are good, company philosophy is good, and the atmosphere is positive.
   
   Still a legitimate goal.  Still thinking about it a lot, but rarely do the WORK required for it.  I need to work on that.
6. Plan a trip to Disney for 2016.  Purchase a $100 Disney gift card each month to start piling money away for it.  Kroger fuel points AND a Disney trip.  Two birds;  one stone.
   
   We went in June with my parents!  It was super fun and super hot.  I am working towards a Disney trip in 2017.  I get to travel with my club kids in November!
7. Complete a Bible reading plan.  I'm looking at a few, but I'm open to ideas and suggestions people!
   
   I'm a spotty reader at best.  I still love Jesus Calling and I read it sporadically... at best.
8. Schedule a fun date with Daryk each month.  I'd really like to call it my Groupon event... I would love to buy a Groupon/Living Social/Scout Mob date and go do something different each month!  January and February are so difficult because of wrestling, but we can figure something out!
   
   We have been more intentional about spending time together!  We need to work on going out and doing grown up things!
9. Plan and HOLD 5 Mary Kay Skincare and Glamour classes each month.  Who wants to come over and play makeup with me!?
   
   Still working towards this as well.  I need to up my MK game.
10. Develop a family routine/plan and follow through with it.  Weekly plans in progress now...
    
    Daily checklist charts have been implemented.  Everyone likes stickers!

2015 Re-cap Goals. Update. Laugh.

Goals for 2015.

1. Lose the last bit of baby weight and keep it off this year, possibly forever.
   My body has been in a constant up and down lbs. battle since mid 2009.  Pregnancy, baby, pregnancy, baby, weight loss, baby, better weight.... to be continued.
   
   This did not happen.
     
2. Declutter the house, one room at a time.
   Now that we have reached the 'last baby' stage I feel like we will be able to gradually remove things that are no longer being saved for 'later.'  I will also be able to remove my 5-6 size range wardrobe and focus on a smaller selection of clothing.  Advocare and exercise will help.
   
   We are working on this, but have made major progress this year!  Onto the last phase soon!
    
3. Finish decorating the living room, buy new couches/chairs, and paint that room.
   Finally.  We have lived there for almost 3 years.... long enough to have painted the rooms.
   
   Yeah, no.  Put that on the new list of 'honey-dos'...
   
4. Become a Mary Kay sales director by April.
   This will require multiple steps, but it is a goal... with a deadline.  And that deadline opens up so many other doors that I can barely stand it.
   
   Not that one either. but MAN, I'm ready for it.  This year.  Is.  My.  Year.
   
5. Organize my home office and my 'room' at the house.
   The craft room/office/crap room needs a face lift.
   
   Done.  Next, paint.
   
6. PLANT FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.
   
   I planted flowers.  Half done.
   
7. I want to unplug myself once a month for a whole weekend and just be Carrie the mom, the wife, the cook, the cleaner, the house keeper.... and not respond to calls or texts or emails or any social networks. I feel like doing that in spurts makes me rely on that a lot less to entertain myself.  I look forward to it.
   
   I think this needs re-evaluation.  I did spend more intentional time in 2015, but I don't think I'm satisfied with the things that happened
   
8. Disney fund growth.
   Deposit a consistent amount monthly into the account for our 2016 trip.  :)  I'm hoping for a February or Spring Break trip!
   
   I depleted the fund for our LAST minute trip at Thanksgiving.  Give me a minute and I'll load those pictures..
   
9. Establish a fitness routine that I can maintain with my mommy lifestyle.
   I am 100% certain this will mean me buying a treadmill or something before it happens because I'm not going to the gym.  I am also 100% sure this means I will be exercising in the early morning hours because that is the best time for me.
   
   This did not happen.  At all.  I actually QUIT the gym.  I have GOT to work on that.
   
10. Actually complete tasks I start.
    
    This is going to be a LIFE LONG GOAL and nothing I will accomplish in 2016 either...

Overall, I need to work on setting attainable goals and creating a plan to achieve them.  I have great goals in mind, I just need to work on my plans to make them happen.

Goal Update: Halfway Done

I feel like I should preface this by saying that I've never in my life been much of a goal setter or achiever.  I mean, if you don't SET goals you will likely not achieve them.  Duh.  I was inspired by a dear friend of mine to set goals and achieve the a few years back.  I have also been disciplined with my Mary Kay training to set goals and dreams for myself.  Goals are dreams with a deadline... and dreams, are just that, dreams.

Goals for 2015.

1. Lose the last bit of baby weight and keep it off this year, possibly forever.
   My body has been in a constant up and down lbs. battle since mid 2009.  Pregnancy, baby, pregnancy, baby, weight loss, baby, better weight.... to be continued.
   
   I am slowly but surely working on this one.  I do technically have about 10 lbs to go to get to my 'prebaby/husband' weight.  I am about 99% sure that if I actually made time to exercise regularly, I would lose those last few lbs.  Summer schedule includes early workouts so that I can do that.
   
2. Declutter the house, one room at a time.
   Now that we have reached the 'last baby' stage I feel like we will be able to gradually remove things that are no longer being saved for 'later.'  I will also be able to remove my 5-6 size range wardrobe and focus on a smaller selection of clothing.  Advocare and exercise will help.
   
   Declutter Cochran Casa has begun.  We are gradually working through each room.  This summer the focus will be the kids rooms and closets!  Also, my closet.  Yikes.
   
3. Finish decorating the living room, buy new couches/chairs, and paint that room.
   Finally.  We have lived there for almost 3 years.... long enough to have painted the rooms.
   
   Painted the front entry and bathroom.  Done with the girls' room.  Working on living room completion as well.  Planning to paint the rest of the front entry and living room this summer.  I cannot WAIT to brighten up that room!  
   
4. Become a Mary Kay sales director by April.
   This will require multiple steps, but it is a goal... with a deadline.  And that deadline opens up so many other doors that I can barely stand it.
   
   Not in a director suit, but actively recruiting and building my team.  I will be seeing an aubergine suit this fall.  I am CERTAIN of it.
   
5. Organize my home office and my 'room' at the house.
   The craft room/office/crap room needs a face lift.
   
   Yeah, still working on this goal.  I plan to do some summer cleaning and move things to the basement so that my office can move out of my dining room into the craft/crap room.
   
6. PLANT FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.
7. I want to unplug myself once a month for a whole weekend and just be Carrie the mom, the wife, the cook, the cleaner, the house keeper.... and not respond to calls or texts or emails or any social networks.
   I feel like doing that in spurts makes me rely on that a lot less to entertain myself.  I look forward to it.
   
   Planted a LOT of flowers and bulbs this spring.  I have so much fun planting things.  Truly love that part of being a homeowner.
   
8. Disney fund growth.
   Deposit a consistent amount monthly into the account for our 2016 trip.  :)  I'm hoping for a February or Spring Break trip!
   
   Disney fund hasn't grown at all.  But debt payoff has been fierce.  I know that Disney will come easier once debt is gone.  Shooting for a Christmas with Mickey trip in December!
   
9. Establish a fitness routine that I can maintain with my mommy lifestyle.
   I am 100% certain this will mean me buying a treadmill or something before it happens because I'm not going to the gym.  I am also 100% sure this means I will be exercising in the early morning hours because that is the best time for me.
   
   Summer 2k15 will be the first time the exercise has happened regularly.
   
10. Actually complete tasks I start.
    
    Done.  Starting to be more diligent about completing things.  Life skills people.  Life skills.

2015 Goals, just for Evan...

I feel like I should preface this by saying that I've never in my life been much of a goal setter or achiever.  I mean, if you don't SET goals you will likely not achieve them.  Duh.  I was inspired by a dear friend of mine to set goals and achieve the a few years back.  I have also been disciplined with my Mary Kay training to set goals and dreams for myself.  Goals are dreams with a deadline... and dreams, are just that, dreams.

Goals for 2015.

1. Lose the last bit of baby weight and keep it off this year, possibly forever.
   My body has been in a constant up and down lbs. battle since mid 2009.  Pregnancy, baby, pregnancy, baby, weight loss, baby, better weight.... to be continued.
2. Declutter the house, one room at a time.
   Now that we have reached the 'last baby' stage I feel like we will be able to gradually remove things that are no longer being saved for 'later.'  I will also be able to remove my 5-6 size range wardrobe and focus on a smaller selection of clothing.  Advocare and exercise will help.   
3. Finish decorating the living room, buy new couches/chairs, and paint that room.
   Finally.  We have lived there for almost 3 years.... long enough to have painted the rooms.
4. Become a Mary Kay sales director by April.
   This will require multiple steps, but it is a goal... with a deadline.  And that deadline opens up so many other doors that I can barely stand it.
5. Organize my home office and my 'room' at the house.
   The craft room/office/crap room needs a face lift.
6. PLANT FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.
7. I want to unplug myself once a month for a whole weekend and just be Carrie the mom, the wife, the cook, the cleaner, the house keeper.... and not respond to calls or texts or emails or any social networks.
   I feel like doing that in spurts makes me rely on that a lot less to entertain myself.  I look forward to it.
8. Disney fund growth.
   Deposit a consistent amount monthly into the account for our 2016 trip.  :)  I'm hoping for a February or Spring Break trip!
9. Establish a fitness routine that I can maintain with my mommy lifestyle.
   I am 100% certain this will mean me buying a treadmill or something before it happens because I'm not going to the gym.  I am also 100% sure this means I will be exercising in the early morning hours because that is the best time for me.
10. Actually complete tasks I start.  

2014 Goals: October Update

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.
   I didn't grow one thing.  Unless you count that bean that sprouted on the front porch by accident.  
   
2. Run races.  As in, plural.
   I've got one in November.  Fail.
    
3. Buy the dang minivan.
   I love Melly the Minivan.
   
4. Build my business.
   I love my Mary Kay.  I am having so much success with sales this month.  I am so excited to see my MK career take off!  I cannot WAIT to quit teaching and help women change their life!
   
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.
   Rooms are done.  Been done.  Still have things to hang....
   
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   I am working on a bulb collection now.  I also have pansies on the back porch to plant!
   
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.
   My first luxury goal with my MK money!
   
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...  Ditto this for months...
   
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   Diligently working on this one room at a time.  It helps to know we are done having children.  I can free up lots of clothes, toys, etc.
   
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    I am not a morning person.  I fail at this daily.  I am better about getting up in time to get all my stuff done, but I still have work to do in this area!

My 2014 Goal List: 5 months done...

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
   
   Working on tomatoes and cucumbers.  I think that's all I got.  
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
   
    Signed up for 2 races this fall and planning to do the Thanksgiving HALF in ATL.  I need a babysitter that day?  Who's coming over?
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
   
   DONE AND DONE!  Best purchase ever.  I love it.  
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day. Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
   
   Started working more often with Mary Kay and I'm planning my official 'debut' party next week.  I need to work on that one and get some pink sales.  I love my Mary Kay!
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
   
   Both kids rooms were painted and moved prior to Spencer's arrival.  Write that down.  They have pictures on the walls, working on decor and such also.   
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   
   Flowers have not happened yet.  Perhaps I can adjust this goal to 'plant bulbs this fall for Spring 2015'...
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
   
   Trip officially booked for September with FREE dining.  Thanks for saving us that money Disney!  I am working on our 2015 dates now.  Hoping for yearly passes soon...
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...  Ditto this for months...
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   
   Cleaning out all areas of the house as part of my random 'nesting' occurs.  So far I've found a ton of things to donate and decorate with.  Worked on the maternity clothes and some of the kids clothes as well.  Summer plans are to clean out the garage... AGAIN.
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    
    I continue to fail at this.  I'm going to blame my newborn for the lack of sleep for now.  She's a great sleeper, but I can't manage to get up and be motivated to do anything.  Hoping that since summer break is coming I can get up, exercise, and then make breakfast for the family.  

She's photogenic, what can I say?

I cannot handle the squishy baby face.  I have to laugh at her multiple chins, her chubby cheeks, and her leg rolls.  She is the perfect example of baby perfection.  Third time is the charm, right?

Baby yawns are enough to make you swoon.

Y'all, the hospital they make these hats with bows.  As in, my nurses made it for her one night while I was asleep.  She rocks that bow like a true lady.  The bigger the bow... the closer to Jesus.  

I just can't even.

I just love her.

I never thought I'd say things like, 'I'm done having children'...

But I do believe I'm done.

For a multitude of reasons, which I'll explain in a later post.

For now, I'm going to soak up some baby snuggles and neck sugars 

...before she turns two and says NO all the time.

12 days until Spencer arrives

Today I went to the doctor.  I am officially 38 weeks and 1 day pregnant as of today.  I am tired and hot and cranky and ready to be able to roll over in bed without cramping or hurting or falling out of the bed.  I am beyond ready to have a belly that sorta looks normal-ish.

38 weeks:  baby is measuring about 18 inches long (the size of a leek, in case you operate in weird vegetable language), her organs are fully mature and ready for life outside the womb, and she's huge.  No, seriously.... she is.  My doctor asked me today how big the last 2 were and I reminded him (he's not my regular doctor, so I won't hold it against him) that they were both rather large.  He said her head was about 1-2 inches smaller than my hips actually spread.  He informed me that I should be thankful I wasn't born in the olden days or I would have died in childbirth.  So thankful for modern medicine, it has allowed me to have 3 children and I love them.  The doctor today really wanted to 'check' to see if I was dilated any, and I just laughed at him, but I let him check.  Anddddddddddddd nothing.  Nada.

This belly is heavy and I've gained about 35-40 lbs total, depending on the day.  I'm so pleased with that, considering that I gained about 60 or so with the first two.  I am certain that I could have been more active this pregnancy and that might have helped, but I also have a full time job, 2 small children, and multiple responsibilities outside my home to fulfill.  I'm okay with it.  Not perfect, but better.

I'm tired of wearing maternity clothes.  I'd honestly prefer NOT to wear anything until I deliver, but I'm sure that's illegal and at the very least, scary.  I am just uncomfortable.  It is getting warmer and that is really not fun!  I am thankful that we have had a pretty brutal winter and pretty chilly spring.  I have not been swollen at all, so I'm still able to wear my rings!  Unheard of at 38 weeks for most mommas!  I have been eating pretty much all things that are NOT nailed down for the last 2 weeks but I'm not gaining weight... thank goodness.  I did however, gain 6 lbs in one month and since then I've gained nothing.  Awesome.

I don't sleep great, but I do manage about 6-7 hours most nights.  I obviously spend plenty of time trekking to the potty as well.  Baby girl is also very active 3-4 different times at night.  She loves to wallow between 9-11 pm and 2-4 am.  At this point, she's so large that it literally takes my breath away OR makes me feel like I need to go pee immediately.  My doctor pointed out today that movement is good and that it indicates that she's healthy.  Movement makes me feel like I might be dying or losing other major organs...

Our house is almost ready for her.  Her crib is ready and Libby's big girl bed gets put together this weekend.  She has a new mattress and she's ready for some big girl bed sleep!  I'm in process of washing all the itty bitty baby clothes so that Spencer will have something to wear once she arrives.  Bibs are clean.  Burp cloths are clean.  I think I'll work on packing a bag next week.

A couple of things are still lingering on my to-do list, but they are not all baby necessary...

• clean out Hayes and Libby's drawers and closets
• make a donate pile
• pull up my 'after baby clothes' from the basement
• wash all pack and play sheets/gear
• rearrange car seats so that Spencer is up front and big kids are in the back
• pack our hospital stuff
• clean out bathroom cabinets and discard crap
• wash all bottles (because I'm a compulsive weirdo)
• clean the house well before she arrives
• cook and freeze about 10 meals (again, weirdo)

Thankful that SPRING BREAK is next week.  I have 2 more days at school and then I'm out for a week before SB is born.  12 days and counting people.  12 days.

Goals 2014: March Update

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
   
   Bought some seeds.  Starting seedlings in a few weeks!
   
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
   
   I'm just not sure I might get to an organized race before baby gets here.  I'll let you know.
   
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
   
   DONE AND DONE!  I will post about that adventure this week!
   
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day. Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
   
   Started working more often with Mary Kay and I'm planning to attend a career conference with them end of March!  I cannot WAIT!
   
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
   
   Bunk beds for Libby have been purchased.  The prep for moving and changing rooms has been a popular conversation as well.  Hayes has informed me that he wishes to sleep in the bunk beds with Libby and Spencer.
    
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   
   Flowers will come soon.  I keep thinking I'll wait until mid March in hopes to avoid any more freezing weather...
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
   
   Made 2 payments for Disney this year.  We will go in September and I am pumped.  Created a savings plan for 2015.  I want to take Daryk to Star Wars weekends!
   
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...
   
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   
   Cleaning out all areas of the house as part of my random 'nesting' occurs.  So far I've found a ton of things to donate and decorate with.
   
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    
    Yeah, just no.  Just not happening.  I think I might be a failure at this goal.  Oops.
    Echoes of last month... I just can't make this happen.  I might attempt to work on this one later in the year, but I might just be crazy.

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
   
   Clearly we won't be working on this until March-ish.  I have started buying some bulbs I need to bury ASAP so they will bloom in Spring.  Had I known we would be frozen for 3 days, I would have done it last week.
   
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
   
   I desperately want to run/walk another race before Spencer Brynne makes her arrival, but the countdown is on and the number of weekends decreases quickly.  Plus, I can't do all of the races with the kids, etc... I'm still looking for the RIGHT one before she gets here.  After she arrives, I'll start racing again in June and register for one every other month after that.
   
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
   
   Yeah, hasn't happened yet.  I know I have about 10 weeks until baby gets here, so obviously that is a major priority.  After this past week's snow/ice drama I want something with 4WD.  We might reconsider that whole minivan thing and buy a tank.
   
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day.  Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
   
   Thankfully, I have been working on the hairbows!  I have had several larger orders and I even made myself a Facebook page for Knot Just Hairbows!  I'm going to market myself to local high school sports teams this spring and keep working towards that.  One thing at a time...
   
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
   
   This month.  Paint colors picked out.  Princess and Superhero murals are in the works.  Bunk beds to come in March.  Rooms will be painted in 3 weeks.  I am very excited about that.
    
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   
   Bulbs bought.  Planters in the works.  Totally acceptable to spray paint the cheap plastic ones?  Yes....
   
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
   
   I have booked us a trip to WDW in September of 2014.  Speaking of, I need to make a payment on that soon.  I also have been working on a savings plan for our 2015 trip.
   
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...
   
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   
   In the great snow storm I managed to clean out 2 closets and organize the kids clothes for the upcoming season.  I need to take 'baby girl clothes' inventory and make a list of what I need for Spencer Brynne's arrival.  I also plan to tackle the garage shelves that I'm responsible for this week.  One room at a time, right?
   
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    
    Yeah, just no.  Just not happening.  I think I might be a failure at this goal.  Oops.

I am going to spend some time working on these and I will likely add to them as I go.  

21 Days.

A few weeks ago our pastor gave us a challenge to complete The Daniel Fast.  The literal context of this fast is dietary based.  I have not ever completed the fast in the premise that it was intended.  I'd be lying if I said that I would complete it for the purposes of focusing on God and prayer.  I am not in a position to be fasting with these restrictions for 21 days.  I also know this would require some planning and I'm not going to do that either.  Lazy, yes.  I admit it.

I did decide to complete a 21 day challenge that does include food.  I made a menu for the entire month of January.  We, as a family, are not going 'out to lunch or dinner' and this includes fast food.  No restaurant receipts for the month of January.  No Starbucks, no Chick fil A, no Bagel Meister, no Taco Bell, and no Wendy's.  I did this last January with Target.  We broke up for a whole month last year and I didn't die.  I am going to do the same with fast food and dining out for 21 days this month.  I plan to do the WHOLE month, which is 31 days and possibly the scariest thing I could even dream of doing.

Who decides to skip fast food and dining out while pregnant with two preschoolers while their husband is coaching and gone from home every weekend?  Me.  I do.

I plan to do this for a few reasons....

1. I have intentions of using this 'fast' to refocus my heart and priorities on God and my family.  21 days will be enough for me to accomplish that.  I have a lot that I need to reorganize in my life, heart, and family.  I have had a lot on my mind and heart lately, but I'll elaborate more on that later this month.
2. It will save my family money.  During the months of December and January we have 6 weeks between paychecks and it gets tight!  I know that choosing to keep dollars in the bank will allow me some breathing room and less stress for the month.
3. It will be a much healthier option for my family.  Cooking at home is easier for me when I properly plan and it is much healthier for us as well.  Plus, we usually have leftovers and we can use those for lunch at work, again saving money!
4. I love a challenge.  I think I'll give that credit to my father.  I don't like to lose.  I'm a fierce competitor and I'm beyond ready to prove to myself that this is possible!  Part of my own accountability is going to be moving money each time I have a craving or just want to stop by for an easy meal.  I plan to move, deposit, transfer, withdraw, something... $5 each time.  I'll be adding that to the Disney fund at the end of the month!  

Bottom line, I'm excited to participate in my challenge.  I've got a few of them brewing for the month of January, with intentions to complete all of them.  

2014... the to-do list grows...

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day.  Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.

I am going to spend some time working on these and I will likely add to them as I go.