February Goals

 

February is a new month to focus on new goals despite not getting nearly as far as I thought I would in January.  It gives me a chance to revisit what I thought would work  . .. . and then figure out what didn't work and make it better. You may notice (if you actually read my goals - which I understand why you wouldn't - they aren't yours!) that there are quite a few on this list from January because they did not get completed.  

Speaking of mindfulness - I am continuing with the goal of enjoying my teenagers to the fullest (which I feel I did in January - they are really great guys).  I also picked up a tear-away calendar for the year that sits in my kitchen window.  It has some reminders and quotes to think on each day.  Another mindful goal is to continue with the goal to unplug a little more.  I've been trying to just set my phone down and do other things intentionally.  I guess it is more the idea of not just mindlessly doing nothing but to actually get some things done (and THEN scroll mindlessly LOL)  I also picked up a devotional book - I'm just starting it out so maybe I'll share about it a little more once I've completed a few weeks of the daily readings.  I think it will be encouraging based on what I've seen so far - short reads but with great daily reminders and a focus on Jesus. 

Here are my goals for February:

1. Stage 2 of the basement - Spend 20-30 minutes 2-3 days a week sorting, emptying, organizing and deep cleaning.  

2. Scrapbooking A) Scrapbook 28 pages (at least) in February. B) Make up for pages in January that I did not complete.  C) Reserve February 6-8 for my scrapbooking weekend.  D) Finally I'd like to actually accomplish the following - Finish 3 months in 2011, Finish 3 months in 2025 and finish one month of memorabilia.  Oh, and order January 2026 photos. 

3. Get my oven looked at (and hopefully it can be repaired)

4. Monthly Habit - Keep the kitchen counters cleared.  The kitchen is also our main entrance so things get sit on the counter all the time (we are all guilty!).  My goal this month is to take time each day and put everything away that doesn't belong and wipe the counters down.  

5. Deep Cleaning Goals - I was super over-zealous with plans in January and kind of all over the place.  I'm keeping it a little more focused on one area - I did not finish the master in January like planned (lots of sickness derailed lots of plans!) so I will continue in the master until it is completely done.  IF that happens before the end of February I plan to move on to the bathroom. 

6. Declutter challenge - I found this video online and the lady gets rid of three things a day.  She's pretty random - like just opening a drawer and finding three things to donate or toss.  I like to be a little more streamlined but am returning to my "roots" which is the concept of decluttering/cleaning one small space a day.  A drawer, one shelf in a cupboard, a bin on a table top - just one.  It takes anywhere from 5-15 minutes (or even less!)  But, it doesn't take long until every space has been touched.  

7. Josh's room - the never ending room updates LOL  The goal is to still get everything up on his walls.  Maybe when Nate is at winter retreat the first weekend in February this will get done. 

8. Host Darryl's birthday :-)  

9. Complete projects in Nate's room

10. Purchase a flash drive and move Solid Rock Documents to the drive

11. Memorize my verses toward my 101-1001 goals. 

12. Practice my piano songs (that are now all nice in my binder) 

13. Chose our next 25th Anniversary Adventure for March and plan it. 

14. Read!  Towards my goal of 130 books! 

15. Read non-fiction books toward my 101-1001 plan. 

16. Find ways to unplug again this month.  

17.  My white paint project - Find my painting supplies and then purchase what I need. 

18. Figure out how to shorten the blinds. 

19. Write my resume. 

20. Write out my scripture verses each day. And do daily devotions/Bible Reading

21. Plan March Events before March 1st - St. Patrick's Day and Nate's birthday Party (rescheduled from January), Schedule Dash's vet visit, Reschedule my foot doctor appointment (I had to cancel it due to the weather) 

22. Plan a date with Darryl. 

23. Pick out some flower seeds to order and plant (easy things like sunflowers!) 

24. Clean and decorate the Laundry Room. 

25. Turn off cable this month (and then find ways to watch the few things we want to watch) 

26. Go out to dinner with my friend, Julie.  We talk about it a lot - but we never seem to put it on the calendar!  

27. Pick out a song to maybe sing for Easter (I'm so committed - notice the "Maybe" HA!) 

28. Prepare as much of my "Joyful" video for Presentation night as I can be the end of February.  (Nate has to help me with this project!) 

Phil Wickham, Crowder - It Really Is Amazing Grace (Official Lyric Video)

A new release of an old hymn.  Amazing Grace is such a well known hymn; I enjoyed the additions to the song (especially since I really enjoy Crowder!) 

Our weekly snapshot

 Here’s a look back at our week: 

Nate attended a birthday gathering with friends on Saturday. 

We had dinner with my mom on Saturday and played a game.  These three were acting like toddlers most of the night 🤣

Nate was finally able to make it to Centershot on Tuesday after missing the first two weeks due to bad weather! 

Nate headed off to winter retreat with a great group of guys!  (Don’t worry - he knew he was getting a hoodie when he got to his friends house so he didn’t have one on when we left!  And his winter coat is in his suitcase!) 

Weekly Menu

 February is a busy month - Winter Retreats (Nate has 2 and Josh has 1), My brother Ken is coming for a visit, Superbowl Sunday, Darryl's birthday and Valentine's Day! As I plan my menu this month, I imagine that meals - and plans - will evolve some.  It should be a great month though! 

The plan for this week is: 

Friday -Nate is heading to his second weekend of winter retreat with friends.  He loves camp.  Josh, Darryl and I will enjoy dinner at home.  French Toast, Bacon/Sausage, and maybe some eggs.  Josh always likes eggs when I make breakfast for dinner! 

Saturday - Dinner at my mom's :-)  

Sunday - Guess what?  It is Superbowl Sunday!  Nate will return from camp early afternoon; Josh is actually going to his best friends house to watch the game.  I'm going to make a pot of chili for after church.  We usually have superbowl snacks but I think Nate will head to his normal Sunday Night youth group leaving just Darryl and I so I'm not really sure what we will do - have cereal? LOL  

Monday - Either leftover Chili or Spaghetti (I have sauce in the freezer from last week) 

Tuesday - Biscuits and Gravy, Eggs, and Fried Potatoes

Wednesday - Youth Group.  My brother Ken arrives today so, that may shift what and when we eat.  

Thursday - Spaghetti Carbenara and Bread

January Goal Recap

Sometimes I consider not doing these recaps because, really, it's not that big of a deal.  But, when I look back at past years it is kind of nice to see what I've done.  I have considered not doing a separate post but just linking back to the original post and may do that eventually but for now, here's a look back at what did (and did not) get done.  

I've mentioned in other posts that we dealt with sickness and weather in January which derailed a lot of plans including some of my goal planning and that's ok.  I'll try to give some insight as I go through the list.   

1. Stage 2 of the basement - A) Count all of the bins and then write down what my goal # is by the end of Stage 2. I have a total of about 60 bins/boxes so I'd like to cut it down to 45  B) Spend 20-30 minutes 2-3 days a week sorting, emptying, organizing, and deep cleaning.  It was cold.  Trying to spend excess time in the basement was not really that enticing!  What I did do was put all of the Christmas bins back where they belong because, guess what, there was space for every single one! 

2. Scrapbooking - A) Scrapbook 31 pages (at least) in January (one a day). I even have a cute little chart to fill out for each month of the year. B) Reserve January 9-11 as my "scrapbooking weekend" with the goal to scrapbook as many hours as I can.  C) Actual accomplish goals are -- Finish 3 months in 2011, Finish 3 months in 2025 and finish one month of memorabilia I am kind of disappointed in myself that I didn't get any scrapbooking completed.  My "Scrapbooking weekend" was filled with taking care of Darryl and Nate who both had the stomach flu.  Plus I ended up just feeling "off" (Thankfully I never got the flu like the guys did but I think I had the bug just enough to make me want to do nothing).  

3. Get my oven looked at (and hopefully it can be repaired!) This took a back seat to 1) Needing to get our well bladder looked at after a power outage (it was making terrible noises but in the end was fine) and 2) A part on my washer went bad and needed replaced.  I decided I'd rather have a working washer and continue to use crock pots HA!  

4. Monthly Habits - I find a photo recently that I'll post below:  

Yes, boring habits but good habits to build on.  Each month the focus is on one of them - starting it, getting back to it, or just continuing it. So, January's focus is the beds.  Last year I made it a habit to make my bed every day and I never missed a day.  I also want to add in a better routine of washing blankets and changing sheets as a habit (so a certain day each week).  Other habits I am working to continue from last year are "swish and swipe", taking out all trash on Wednesdays, doing a Monday Morning Reset, and Home Blessings Friday.  For the most part this is a "done" item.  Laundry plans were interrupted by sickness, waiting on the well to be checked and the washer being down for a few days.  

5. Deep Cleaning Goals - Recently I downloaded a cleaning checklist to use to help me better plan for cleaning/deep cleaning each room.  I like visuals and this printable is just that - a visual.  Part of the plan if to list the top 5 cleaning goals of the month.  I'm not sure I really have five.  What I do have is what follows: A) Using the new pintable's, do the daily cleaning (For example, on Monday - clean the kitchen, Tuesday- the bathroom, etc.) B) Do my "pick a room" for decluttering/deep cleaning - January's room is the master bedroom.  The goal is to get into every nook and cranny and deep clean it all.  I think that means I only have 2 top cleaning goals HA! Nope and nope.  HA!  I've already stated all the reasons for other things and they are the same for why I didn't even start on this yet. 

6. 30 day decluttering challenge - this is part of the aforementioned pintable's.  I'd like to tackle the list this month to help eliminate some of those "hot spots" that are always catching clutter.  So I liked this idea when I wrote it but it didn't have a good flow for me so I didn't end up completing it.  I have a different idea for February. 

7. Josh' room - Get everything hung up on his walls.  This will help clean out some baskets in his room too. Sickness.  Enough said. 

8.  Host Nate's 16th birthday party. You would this this is a sure thing, right?? Nope.  Due to the horribly cold temps (like a feels like of -28) forecasted for the morning of his party, we postponed it to March. 

9. Complete projects in Nate's room. Sickness

10. Purchase a flash drive and move Solid Rock Documents to the drive. Honesty -- I forgot about even doing this. 

11. Clean out the Joyful bins in the basement and use things I have on hand for the coming semester. Done

12.  Plan my lesson plans for both of my classes. Done

13. Put together my music binder with songs to play and sing throughout this year. Done

14. Memorize my verses toward my 101-1001 goal.  The camp the boys attend with out church is posted verses every two weeks so I plan to use their program to get my verses in! I printed them but didn't study them. 

15. Chose an adventure to do with Darryl as part of our 25th year celebration - to complete in either January or February. I have something planned for February that ties in with his birthday.

16. Read!  My goal is 130 books this year.  Maybe last year was a fluke and I won't read that many but since I read 128 last year I figured I would try again.  Reading on Libby helps alot - I don't have to purchase books, I just borrow them, read them, and return them.  I find I read more because of this since I'm not spending money. Done - I got a lot of reading done in January since I wasn't feeling up to doing much else. 

17. Read non-fiction books toward my 101-1001 plan. Done!  I actually got a non-fiction book read this month! 

18. Find ways to unplug once a week.  So, basically I want to find a way to stay off of electronics even just for an afternoon - but that is not completely accurate.  I still need to be able to help with school work which is often on a computer, my books are on a kindle, etc. But I think it is more, just stop the aimless scrolling.  Instead, maybe go for a walk, clean something, scrapbook, play a game with the family, or read a regular book (I have a bookshelf full!).  I feel like it will help reset my brain, help with anxiety, and help me be more present with my guys.  This is hard to measure but I feel like I accomplished this on some level.  I worked on setting my phone down throughout the day and going to do something - even as simple as emptying the dishwasher.  Again, I also read a lot which was good. 

19. My white paint project - First up, find my painting supplies and the white paint; purchase anything I need this month to tackle this project either by the end of the month or in February.  While in my head I want to do this, my motivation does not HA!  

20.  Figure out how to shorten the blinds.  This has been on my list since we bought them HA!  I'll start with the master bedroom - take them down, shorten them (it looks kind of easy) so they fit the window and then wash them.  It was took cold to take down blinds.  For real. 

21.  Write my resume. Not done. 

22. Undecorate Christmas - this will include going through my things (some still in bins) and cleaning out what we don't use/don't love.  . Done

23. Write out my scripture verses each day.  I found a great Facebook group where you journal scripture.  I have found that it helps with my mindfulness if I take time to focus on scripture more. I had great intentions but just never acted on those intentions. 

24.  Focus on Daily Devotions/Bible Reading - I am in an accountability group and we do group devotions 2-3 days a week; I'd also like to work on my own daily Bible Study as well.  I picked up a new daily devotional and am looking forward to getting into that now. 

25. Plan February Events before February 1st - Superbowl Snacks (HA!), Valentine's Day, Darryl's Birthday, and anything they guys need for Camp, 25th Anniversary activities, Date day with Darryl Done

26. Plan at least one date day with Darryl in January and plan a family fun activity to do this quarter (probably March due to winter camps) Done

27. Pick out dates for camping this summer/fall and get things reserved for at least one of them. I have tentative dates in mind but they won't be confirmed until I can actual reserve them as things fill up. 

28. Do final research/planning on my Mediterranean Diet experiment - I'd like to maybe do week 1 the last week of January. While I haven't done "final" research I did order a cookbook (it was free!) and have been looking through that to try and plan some meals. 

29. Write a true "Honey Do" list for Darryl with the extra things on it that I like him to do better than doing it myself :-) LOL  Done

30. Complete taxes and file them by the end of January if possible. This is in progress.  I'm waiting for some final documents so it may not happen but the 31st. 

31. Put together my "wish list" for the bathroom decor update since my room to deep clean in February is the Bathroom. Done

So, despite a kind of tough month, I do like the amount of "blue" (done) that I see throughout the list.  This has allowed me to see that I have gotten more done then I originally thought which is great!  It also shows me that I need to work on conquering a few more things in February.  

Andrew Ripp - I'd Do It Again (Official Lyric Video)

This is a song I heard playing on the radio a few weekends ago and enjoyed it so I thought I would share it here as well. 

Our weekly snapshot

 Here’s a look back at our week: 

This week started cold.  This was Saturday morning at 8:10a.  Brrrrrr! 

Darryl and Nate graciously helped me clean the church so then we got lunch!  

Josh went to a school dance with his girlfriend.  

Most of our week was quiet due to continued cold and snow causing bad road conditions but the guys finally got to attend youth group Wednesday! 

Last week our co-op was canceled due to weather so it was nice to be back together again on Friday. 

Weekly Menu

 January.  My cooking this month has been less than stellar.  We had so many "sick" days where only one or two of us was actually eating that I didn't actually cook a ton of real meals.  We ate a lot of canned chicken noodle soup, fried rice, and chicken.  I would guess that I cooked one "good" meal a week and that's about it!  Not to mention schedule changes and me just not always feeling like cooking.  I'm hoping as we enter into February I can get my groove back!  

 

Here is a look at this weeks menu:

Friday - The guys are heading to a youth activity so Darryl and I will most likely grab something simple to eat after dropping them off. 

Saturday - Dinner at my mom's.  With my teens busy social life (ha!) we don't make it for dinner every week but we make it as often as we can and enjoy it (and a game normally) very much!  So thankful my mom lives so close! 

Sunday - Spaghetti (Homemade Sauce), French Bread, and green beans.  I haven't made a batch of my homemade sauce in awhile so I can make a big batch and then freeze some for an easy meal on a Friday evening. 

Monday - Swedish Meatballs and Noodles 

Tuesday - Tortellini Soup and Bread

Wednesday - Youth Group

Thursday - Spaghetti Carbonara and French Bread

Looking at this menu . .. . apparently it is pasta week HA! 

Joy and Gratitude

 If you have followed this blog for any length of time then you are probably aware that I teach a class at our co-op every semester called Joyful.  It is a class designed to have fun, build relationships, and, well, find Joy in every day things.  Just before this semester started I came across the following post and shared it with the class on the first week.  I thought I would share it here as well. It's a great reminder of the simple fact that Joy comes from Jesus and we can have joy even on the hard days. 

I saw this meme this past week and laughed because it was true.  HA!  

January has been a long year ;-) LOL   Anyway, with things this past month like sickness, weather, cancelling of lots of things, it would be easy to get down in the dumps for sure!  I decided to take some time this past weekend and remind myself of the good - to find gratitude -- to be thankful for the things this month.  Maybe you've struggled too so I thought I'd share some of mine. 

1. I'm thankful that we are all feeling better.  (Nate got sick January 6th with a head cold and then it just went from there - colds, coughs, stomach flu!  As of 1.25.26 I do believe we are all feeling nearly 100%) 

2. I am thankful that Darryl has been kept safe on the roads throughout some very treacherous driving this month.  (And it is still treacherous!) 

3. I am thankful that Nate had an amazing time at winter retreat!  He just plain loves camp. 

4. I am thankful for a very warm house. 

5. I am thankful that our furnace runs faithfully. 

6. I am thankful Josh decided to move his xbox to the living room - we've enjoyed lots of family time together in the evenings just all being in the same room. (Why? After being sick and stuck in his room he said he just needed to be in the living room where it was brighter) 

7. I'm thankful Josh was able to go to my mom's when Darryl and Nate when down with the stomach flu.  It's nice she lives so close. 

8. I'm thankful for Zoom calls with my mom and brothers - we always laugh about something. 

9. I am thankful Nate was able to earn his 2nd black belt!  

10. I am thankful that Darryl, Nate and I "happened" to clean the church on a Saturday and discovered frozen pipes; they were repaired before any damage was done! (I normally clean on Thursday - but due to the bad roads, went in on a Saturday and my guys helped out!)  

11.  I am thankful we did not have frozen pipes at home. 

It helps - it really does!  When I first started writing things done it was slow going but the more I wrote, the more I thought of.  So, if you are struggling take time to think of even small things you can be thankful for and remember to say thank you to God for those things!  (A lot of times I say, "Thank you God for . .. ." and then list that item.)

Point of Grace "Stand" (Official Lyric Video)

I've always been a fan of Point of Grace and the seem to be releasing some new music.  I hope you enjoy this fairly new release this week! 

Our weekly snapshot

 Here’s a look back at our week! 

These four guys are great friends.  

With leaders they had about 50 people head out to winter retreat!  Yes, they have matching orange hats - the youth leaders wanted to be able to easily spot their teens so matching beanies for the win! 

Nate and his friends this time with Sophia added in!  Nate and Sophie have been friends since they were about 4 years old.  

Nate left for winter retreat on Saturday.  He had a fantastic time.  They left camp on Monday afternoon in blizzard conditions and made a three hour drive in just over five hours. 😬🙄. So thankful for a great weekend and safety!! 

Darryl and I went out to breakfast for our January “25th year of us” activity 

Then our weekend took a turn. 🤣 we had dinner with my mom at Pizza Hut (which was great!).  A few hours after we got home Josh went down with the stomach flu.  Needless to say we stayed home the rest of the weekend!  Here’s to crossing our fingers 🤞that maybe we are past sickness!  2026 has started out a little rough! 

Not to mention weather!  Snow Storms to start the week and bitter cold will round out this week.  My guys tackled the driveway on Wednesday-the warmest day of the week (27 degrees/feels like 11). 

Things have either been cancelled this week or we have chosen not to make the drive on some pretty dicey roads!  

Yes, it’s that cold.  

Lots of this happening this week - everyone hanging out in the living room.  I don’t take these days for granted!!  

Weekly Menu

I've had to rewrite this whole post on Thursday night because our plans have changed due to crazy winter weather! This was supposed to be a birthday party weekend for Nate but we have rescheduled that for March and will be home for the most part.  It has been snowing here for a week; the roads are terrible; and now we are in line for wind chills of up to -30.  (That's not a typo!)  Everything has been cancelled this week -- or we made the decision to not go due to the road conditions.  It's been kind of nice actually - except my husband still has gone to work.  (Well, except Monday when it was an actual Snow Storm Warning!!!).  Anyway, the goal this weekend is to stay warm and safe! We still have to eat though so I had to rework my menu plan; I also tend to "snow storm" buy when I place my grocery order just in case we are hungry for anything LOL  It's ok though because anything I planned can be put into the menu plan either this week or next week!   

This weeks menu:

Friday - Pork Roast in the crock pot with cheesy potatoes and green beans.  A great "cold weather" kind of meal! 

Saturday -  There is still a question mark on today's plans but - we will either have dinner with my mom OR stay home and have leftover pulled pork.  

Sunday - We are not sure if we will make it out to church; if so, they are having a potluck and I plan to take a taco salad to take since that is easy to put together kind of at the last minute.  If we don't go, then I plan to make breakfast - probably eggs, toast, bacon/sausage, and fried potatoes.     

Monday - Scalloped Potatoes and Ham in the crock pot.  (Yes - the recipe I made a few weeks ago).  This will use up the ham from Christmas.  

Tuesday - Homemade chicken noodles soup.  Last week I froze the leftover chicken and dumplings (minus the dumplings!) and will use that as a base for the soup.  I like to add corn and noodles for a great soup!  I will make some biscuits to enjoy with it. 

Wednesday - Youth Group

Thursday - Roast, Noodles, and Corn 

January Goals

 

As can be expected, January goals are most exciting to write because it is a fresh new year and it is easy to plan!  January is also a month of reflection, slowing down, and trying to put new habits into place.  Years ago, one of my favorite things was putting together my new Franklin planner.  Writing in all of the activities, birthdays and more.  I still love my calendar (paper version!) but have moved on from my Franklin.  It still brings me joy, though, to write in a fresh calendar and watch as the year unfolds.  One of my mindful goals is to enjoy my teenagers to the fullest.  Spending time with them, helping them make their future plans, doing fun activities together - all of it intentional and mindful.  Even our school days - I do not take for granted that God has made it possible for me to be home with them through all of these years.  To teach them, laugh with them, enjoy them.  I want to make sure that I continue to enjoy the moments while they are in high school to continue to build a lasting relationship with each of my guys. 

So, now, here are my goals for January. 

1. Stage 2 of the basement - A) Count all of the bins and then write down what my goal # is by the end of Stage 2. I have a total of about 60 bins/boxes so I'd like to cut it down to 45  B) Spend 20-30 minutes 2-3 days a week sorting, emptying, organizing, and deep cleaning.  

2. Scrapbooking - A) Scrapbook 31 pages (at least) in January (one a day). I even have a cute little chart to fill out for each month of the year. B) Reserve January 9-11 as my "scrapbooking weekend" with the goal to scrapbook as many hours as I can.  C) Actual accomplish goals are -- Finish 3 months in 2011, Finish 3 months in 2025 and finish one month of memorabilia 

3. Get my oven looked at (and hopefully it can be repaired!) 

4. Monthly Habits - I find a photo recently that I'll post below:  

Yes, boring habits but good habits to build on.  Each month the focus is on one of them - starting it, getting back to it, or just continuing it. So, January's focus is the beds.  Last year I made it a habit to make my bed every day and I never missed a day.  I also want to add in a better routine of washing blankets and changing sheets as a habit (so a certain day each week).  Other habits I am working to continue from last year are "swish and swipe", taking out all trash on Wednesdays, doing a Monday Morning Reset, and Home Blessings Friday.  

5. Deep Cleaning Goals - Recently I downloaded a cleaning checklist to use to help me better plan for cleaning/deep cleaning each room.  I like visuals and this printable is just that - a visual.  Part of the plan if to list the top 5 cleaning goals of the month.  I'm not sure I really have five.  What I do have is what follows: A) Using the new pintable's, do the daily cleaning (For example, on Monday - clean the kitchen, Tuesday- the bathroom, etc.) B) Do my "pick a room" for decluttering/deep cleaning - January's room is the master bedroom.  The goal is to get into every knook and cranny and deep clean it all.  I think that means I only have 2 top cleaning goals HA! 

6. 30 day decluttering challenge - this is part of the aforementioned pintable's.  I'd like to tackle the list this month to help eliminate some of those "hot spots" that are always catching clutter.  

7. Josh' room - Get everything hung up on his walls.  This will help clean out some baskets in his room too. 

8.  Host Nate's 16th birthday party. 

9. Complete projects in Nate's room. 

10. Purchase a flash drive and move Solid Rock Documents to the drive. 

11. Clean out the Joyfil bins in the basement and use things I have on hand for the coming semester. Done

12.  Plan my lesson plans for both of my classes. Done

13. Put together my music binder with songs to play and sing throughout this year. Done

14. Memorize my verses toward my 101-1001 goal.  The camp the boys attend with out church is posted verses every two weeks so I plan to use their program to get my verses in! 

15. Chose an adventure to do with Darryl as part of our 25th year celebration - to complete in either January or February. 

16. Read!  My goal is 130 books this year.  Maybe last year was a fluke and I won't read that many but since I read 128 last year I figured I would try again.  Reading on Libby helps alot - I don't have to purchase books, I just borrow them, read them, and return them.  I find I read more because of this since I'm not spending money. 

17. Read non-fiction books toward my 101-1001 plan. 

18. Find ways to unplug once a week.  So, basically I want to find a way to stay off of electronics even just for an afternoon - but that is not completely accurate.  I still need to be able to help with school work which is often on a computer, my books are on a kindle, etc. But I think it is more, just stop the aimless scrolling.  Instead, maybe go for a walk, clean something, scrapbook, play a game with the family, or read a regular book (I have a bookshelf full!).  I feel like it will help reset my brain, help with anxiety, and help me be more present with my guys.  

19. My white paint project - First up, find my painting supplies and the white paint; purchase anything I need this month to tackle this project either by the end of the month or in February.  

20.  Figure out how to shorten the blinds.  This has been on my list since we bought them HA!  I'll start with the master bedroom - take them down, shorten them (it looks kind of easy) so they fit the window and then wash them.  

21.  Write my resume. 

22. Undecorate Christmas - this will include going through my things (some still in bins) and cleaning out what we don't use/don't love.  . Done

23. Write out my scripture verses each day.  I found a great Facebook group where you journal scripture.  I have found that it helps with my mindfulness if I take time to focus on scripture more. 

24.  Focus on Daily Devotions/Bible Reading - I am in an accountability group and we do group devotions 2-3 days a week; I'd also like to work on my own daily Bible Study as well.  

25. Plan February Events before February 1st - Superbowl Snacks (HA!), Valentine's Day, Darryl's Birthday, and anything they guys need for Camp, 25th Anniversary activities, Date day with Darryl 

26. Plan at least one date day with Darryl in January and plan a family fun activity to do this quarter (probably March due to winter camps) Done

27. Pick out dates for camping this summer/fall and get things reserved for at least one of them. 

28. Do final research/planning on my Mediterranean Diet experiment - I'd like to maybe do week 1 the last week of January. 

29. Write a true "Honey Do" list for Darryl with the extra things on it that I like him to do better than doing it myself :-) LOL  

30. Complete taxes and file them by the end of January if possible.

31. Put together my "wish list" for the bathroom decor update since my room to deep clean in February is the Bathroom. Done

So much for trying to keep my monthly lists to 26 or less.  January has a lot.  Many of the ideas are "planning" which is what January is all about so that's ok!  

** Even though this didn't post until today, I actually wrote this list back on January 1st. **

** Since it's already half way through the month I decided to note the things that are already completed**

Matthew West - Good (Lyric Video)

Pretty much anytime that Matthew West releases a new song I will share it because he is one of my favorite singer/song writers!  So enjoy this new release! 

Our Weekly Snapshot

 We kind of had a quiet week.  Darryl and Nate both went down sick. Josh “escaped” to my moms to avoid germs and I bathed in Lysol and hand sanitizer to stay healthy ha!!  

Josh finally came home on Wednesday (but keeps attacking everyone either Lysol! ). Youth group was canceled due to snow.  

We did take our tree down (yes, finally - the plaque in the house over the weekend derailed my plans) 

Then this is the first week back to our co op! (We shall see if I remember to add photos!) 

Weekly Menu

 One of my personal favorite "winter comfort foods" is Scalloped Potatoes and Ham.  Last week, with leftover ham from Christmas I decided to try a Slow Cooker version.  Now, let me preface this by saying that I have a tried and true oven baked recipe that I have made for years.  Well, THIS recipe is far superior and my whole family agreed!  It was super easy to throw together and cooked perfectly. Cook it on high like the recipe says and your potatoes will be perfect.  I added larger pieces of ham on top for the last hour and, next time, I would add more cheese.  Also, I added an additional 1/2 cup of milk or so after mixing everything together - it just didn't seem like there was enough liquid. (And I'm glad I did!)  

Moving on to the menu for the coming week. 

Friday - Guess what today is?  The first day of our Co-Op!  I've been doing this long enough that I know the last thing I will want to do is cook dinner after a full day!  So, I am budgeting to get Little Ceasars Pizza for dinner. 

Saturday - Nate heads off for his first weekend of Winter Retreat.  My tentative plans are for Darryl and I to have a date but that is not set in stone as of yet.  

Sunday - Slow Cooker Sloppy Joes, Chips and Dip, and Fruit and Dip

Monday - Meatball Soup and French Bread

Tuesday - crock pot Salisbury steak and mashed potatoes   

Wednesday - Youth Group

Thursday - Olive Garden (Copycat) Chicken Alfredo with Fettuccini and Garlic Biscuits

2026 Goals - a few more than 26-2026

 

Over the past few years, as I’ve written goals, I’ve written them more broadly but I have found that it is hard to see progress with those goals because they are not specific.  So, this year, I’m writing more specific and, for the most part, measurable goals.  That means I will have more than “26 for 2026” when it comes to goals.  I am incorporating line items from my 101-1001 day goal list as well as just general goals.

So, here's my plan - I'll include some explanations as needed.  There will also be some personal goals that aren't included.  

1. Stage 2 of Decluttering the Basement - in 2025 I finally tackled the crazy cluttered basement by doing a "quick sort".  I tossed, organized and donated things that were quick, easy decisions by spending 15-30 minutes in the basement 2-3 days a week.  I made sure that things had a home and that the basement was useable.  In 2026 I will tackle what I am calling stage 2 - First I plan to count the number of bins I currently have (all sizes) and then work to downsize by at least 1/4 of that number.  I also have to go through the "bins of hard decisions" HA!  The things that tug at your heart strings or are "special".  Ultimately everything needs a home or it can't stay. Stage 2.5 is the cleaning of the basement - it is an old basement so it will always be dusty and such but I do plan to get rid of cobwebs and dust bunnies.  

2. My list of scrapbook goals is always long.  Here are my top goals: A) Put all memorabilia in albums that are completed.  B) Completed 2011 (the oldest book not done). C) Complete 2025 (Because Nate has specifically asked me to get it done so he can look at it) D) Complete 2017 E) Stay current on 2026.  F) Complete 2018.  Then I also have goals on HOW to complete this:  A) Scrapbook a page-a-day every month  B) Reserve one weekend a month to be my own "scrapbooking crop".  (That doesn't mean every second - but just being able to sit down and enjoy my hobby) 

3. Learn to make Macaroons - I bought a kit back in 2020 and have yet to make them - this is my year! 

4. Get my oven fixed.  :-) 

5. Eat a Mediterranean Diet - my 101-1001 goals is a month but my first goals is a week HA!  I did actually research this in 2025 and came up with a weeks plan, now I need to actually do it.  There is no reason behind this other than I saw the idea on a friends list and added it to mine.  I should add that Josh has told me he wants to plan a week of meals for the family and do the shopping - I should have him do that as well. 

6. Move my FIL's piano to Josh's room 

7. Complete all the projects in Josh's room 

8. Complete a few projects in Nate's room. 

9. Figure out a make-up routine that is better for my skin and for me!  

10. Host Nate's 16th birthday party. 

11. Since I can't seem to get Google workspace to work for me, I need to updated and upload Solid Rock documents onto a flash drive so they are saved somewhere other than my computer. 

12. Write out the job description for my job as secretary. 

13.  Clean the outside of the windows

14. Clean and either use or sell the pop-up

15. Watch a Lake Michigan Sunset

16. Visit the church I grew up in on a Sunday Morning.  This is just on my list of 101-1001 items.  

17. Teach Piano Lessons

18. Paint trim and doors white in the house (a freshening up of all things white) 

19. Do touch up of paint in all the rooms as needed. 

20.  Deep clean and update the bathroom - wipe down walls, paint the ceiling (Josh has said he will help!), replace lights and mirror and get new decor

21. Put together a music binder with piano songs I want to master in 2026

22. Memorize my verses for 101-1001

23. Camp 1-2 times this year. 

24. Purchase and hang curtains in my living room

25. Visit Metro Beach for our 25th year

26. Plan our 25th year getaway

27. Recreate several of our dates for our 25th year.

28. Repair our front deck ( a deer ran into it and broke a railing and posts)

29. Power wash the house

30. Take down our swing set (Makes me sad) 

31.  Improve the backyard - look at each section and clean it out, do anything to update it if needed and just make it enjoyable

32. Plan a small container garden or a small garden.  I'd like to try to grow our own pumpkins

33. Repair the garage door opener. 

34.  There are some big ticket items that are on the radar - obviously these depend on finances but those include replacing boards on the garage, replacing the side door and replacing our slider. 

35. Attend a Tigers game as a family

36. Plan a family vacation

37. Visit a college with Josh and help him with that process. 

38. Make a cheesecake

39. Visit Canada with the family

40. Decorate the laundry room

41. Get family photos done in the spring and plan for Josh's senior photos as well

42. Visit Henry Ford Museum

43. Visit Belle Isle

44. Power wash/varnish my swing

45. Read 130 books in 2026

46. Read non-fiction books toward my 101-1001 goal

47. Turn off the cable box and find ways to watch TV while saving money

48. Find ways to unplug once a week. 

So, now, I take these goals and write my monthly goals.  Then, once I write the current months goals, I print them and write weekly/daily goals that help me reach towards accomplishing as much as I can each month.  Sometimes I write the weekly/daily goals all at once for the week and print them. Other weeks, I write them daily on my phone and check them off that way.  Both ways work, it just depends on what I feel like doing each week.  

Weekly Song - Make It Well

I love Mercy Me. Plain and simple.  I think he could sing the phone book and I would just sit and listen to him sing.  For real.  This is a fairly new song and I love how it takes the old hymn, "It is well with my soul" and really calls out - "Make it well with my soul".  I mean, really, isn't that more the truth?  When life gets hard I think most of us probably have a hard time claiming that it is really well with our soul when we really just want to ask "why".  Anyway, I just think this is another amazing song put out by a great band!  

Our Weekly Snapshot

 Here’s a look back at our week: 

Nate tested for his second black belt on Saturday. 

My guys met up with friends for breakfast. 

Youth group started back up on Wednesday. 

Weekly Menu

 Welcome to 2026 meal planning! 

This next week we start to get back into our full routine after a wonderfully relaxing holiday season.  Youth groups, piano lessons, Centershot, TKD, and our Co-op!  I’m thankful for such great activities for my guys but it keeps us running sometimes!  

Here’s the plan for the coming week: 

Friday - Broccoli cheese soup, ham, and French bread

Saturday- dinner at my mom’s! 

Sunday - meatballs, baked beans and Mac and cheese 

Monday - tacos 

Tuesday - Meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and green beans

Wednesday - youth groups

Thursday - Shrimp and grits and muffins 

2025 Recap

 I debated doing a recap of 2025 but I will forget things.  But, I figured this was a good way to wrap up touching on my December goals, my 2025 goals, and a look at the progress of my 101-1001 day goals.  In the coming weeks I'll post my 2026 goals and January goals. Trust me, I know, you c.a.n.n.o.t. wait - can you? LOL  

First up is a quick recap of my December Goals: 

1. Have all gifts purchased and wrapped by December 20th.  This was done AND on time.  Well, technically I had a couple gifts arrive after the 20th but that was out of my control.  

2. Plan Nate's birthday party at Chuck-E-Cheese.  It's not that much - really just pick the date and reserve the space.  Almost . . . we have the date picked, I just have to talk to two parents to make sure the date works for their kids then we will invite the others.  I hope to have this reserved by the first week in January. 

3. Take a couple boxes of books to Baker Bookhouse to sell.  This is moving to January at this point - the biggest reason is just because I haven't been into Grand Rapids to drop the boxes off as of yet. 

4. Continue with my current "habits" - Swish and Swipe, Making my Bed, The "resets" (Monday Morning, a quick walk through at night, and a weekly blessing hour), Taking out the trash from all rooms on Wednesday, and finally sticking to the laundry schedule.  Done

5. Organize the garage.  I'm not focusing on a deep clean but rather just organizing what is there for now.  The complete clean-out needs to wait for spring when it is a little warmer! Well, snow hit early and hard so the goal became - clean it up enough to park the car in the garage and THAT happened HA!  so Done! 

6. Read my advent Devotional.  I started strong but then let it slide. 

7. Review my 101-1001 goals - I had some that I was hoping to get done this year; so check my progress and see if I can wrap any other goals up by the end of the year.  Oddly enough, I never did this. 

8. Scrapbook - my goal is to be able to scrapbook every single day over Christmas break.  I haven't decided what my main project will be but I'd really like to finish 2011 and 2025.  Not done.  Our break was kind of busy with gatherings and get togethers.  Plus with the holidays in the middle of the week I never seemed to have a block of time to work.  I know, excuses. 

9. I have 2-3 bins that hold all kinds of Co-op supplies.  I plan to sort through them all, organize it, get rid of what I will never use, and try to use up supplies this next semester without buying new!  Moved to January 

10. Plan the first 2-3 weeks of both of my co-op classes Not Done

11. As I'm writing this at the beginning of December, it makes me a little sad to type this one BUT . . .. undecorate for Christmas inside and outside by December 31st.  The same way I decorated - literally one bin a day.  This did not happen - my teens had a Christmas Party with friends on the 30th so I knew it wouldn't come down until January.  

12. Write my resume (in case the perfect work from home or super simple part time job happened to drop in my lap that would fit perfectly into my schedule with my guys)  Not done - moved to January 

13. Write my 2026 Goals including picking out my 12 piano songs to learn and 6 songs to sing at church.  I would like to copy them and put them all in a binder so instead of having a bunch of books hanging out on the piano I will just have my binder.  My goals are written but I haven't picked out songs yet. 

14. Pick out these three things for January:  1 nonfiction book (I have a bunch saved in my Amazon "book list" to choose from), 1 verse for January - and write it out on an index card to hang in the kitchen and on my bedroom mirror  and the first writing scripture list (I'll explain this more when I write my 2026 goals) I have my book picked out and scripture writing printed.  I need to write out a verse still. 

15. Write a "honey do list" for Darryl :-) LOL  I have a short list of things that are not in my wheelhouse; Darryl is really great at fixing things and putting things together.  I always chalk it up to being left handed - everything is backwards!  (Plus I have no patience for some things ha!) Not done yet 

My last goal?  Simply to enjoy the season.  Enjoy the traditions, listen to Christmas music, enjoy our Grinch Calendar with the teens, find a few Christmas things to do together.  I want to savor December and not get lost in the rush of commercialism.  The lights, the Joy, the true reason for the season - Jesus. THIS I did!  I enjoyed the moments, the laughter, and just being together. 

Now for a quick look back at my 2026 goals: 

1. Combine Flylady with Declutter 365 to declutter and deep clean my house. - I realized about 3 months in that the Flylady website was not being updated daily so I instead created my own lists/plan and monthly goals; I also realized that the Declutter 365 calendar doesn't really match my house. So, I did complete this but just not exactly as stated.

2. Clean, declutter, organize, paint (as needed) the basement. Done! Well, phase one. About 6 months in I realized that this needed to be done in phases. So, phase one, I did a quick clean. I sorted, got rid of the easy things, and put things that I needed to think about/find a home for in bins and set them aside. The basement is so much better and the guys have a music studio now set up AND friends can go down with them to play music. 2026 I'll tack phase 2.

3. Do the twice yearly (spring and fall) cleaning out of the garage – empty it, clean it, fix things, and return only what we need/use. Nope :-)

4. Finish the odds and ends in Joshua’s room (specifically painting his closet and hanging up his things). He is not motivated to do this HA! I'll keep trying in 2026

5. Do a yard clean-up in the spring AND in the fall. Cut back weeds, clean out corners, set up a sitting area, etc. (Make the yard useful and then clean) In the spring I did work on clearing things out; then the hottest summer every happened. Blah.

6. Get the washer fixed and clean out the dryer vent. My washer was fixed in March (i believe) and the dryer vent will go on Darryl's to do list!

7. Replace burned out light bulbs (Kitchen, outside, downstairs) j

8. Cut the cord on cable and then figure out the best ways to watch the few shows/sports we love. (Goal – to save money). We did make some changes to impact our bill but we need to revisit this

9. Attend free concerts this summer – Worship on the Waterfront and at Maranatha. We made it to 2 concerts at Maranatha but none at WOW this year.

10. Prepare a Will of some sort and also find out all of the details about my mom’s things/wishes. I did research and plan to finish this up in 2026; I also need to go over things with my mom still

11. Go on one date a month with just my husband (no teenagers HA!). Yes! It does help that my teens have good social lives so we end up with free nights or go out on Wednesdays during youth group.

12. Plan one family activity a quarter (at least). I know we did at 3 of the 4 quarters.

13. Personal - but I did not accomplish it HA!

14. Read 70 books this year. Yes! I think I finished 128 books that I recorded. I know I read 2 others that I did not due to not feeling comfortable enough with the content to recommend them. I also did not finish 2-3 books because, well, they were boring HA!

15. Do my daily Bible Study, prayer journal and word study (Worship). Touch and go. I did better in the 2nd half of the year.

16. Scrapbook – lots – and lots. (Including finding the completed pages of 2017-2018 that I can’t seem to find). I did not scrapbook nearly enough this year! (I found the pages …. Well the reason i couldn't find them is because i hadn’t done them —- i found all of the photo’s I printed I

17. Completely clean out my filing cabinet and fire box – reorganize all the paperwork. Done!

18. Co-Op things – plan my classes, update documents and then put them somewhere (Google Docs) that anyone can access. (Planning for the future when my kids have graduated) This is really moved to 2026/January.

19. Learn three piano solos. I had good intentions HA!

20. Sing solos 4 times in church. Same as above

21. Update my home seasonally: Add small décor items; find scents that match the seasons; buy flowers periodically just because. I did do this in 2025 but it is not on my 2026 list.

22. Buy and hang curtains in my Living room (it has been like 7 years since I took the old ones down – it is time HA!) they are purchased !!!! I did purchase dome but was not happy with them when I got them so I returned them and never bought more. So this moves to 2026

23. Attend a few fun sporting events with the family: Options include The Whitecaps, The Tigers, Michigan Panthers (UFL), etc. Darryl and Josh went to a Tigers game.

24. Visit at least one Zoo (Joshua specifically has asked to see Penguins). Options include John Ball, Boulder Ridge, etc.We did go to Anderson's and Girls but did not see Penguins)

25. Complete at least half of my 25 goals listed here I didn't count but I think so. HA! Or at least I FEEL like it counts.

Finally, if you would like to see the progress I've made on the 101-1001 goals feel free to click HERE.

My 2026 goals are inspired by my 101-1001 goals with hopes that I can mark many items off my list.

So, I fully understand that setting goals/resolutions is not for everyone but it is something I truly enjoy. :-)