October Goals

I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and start sharing my monthly goals.  Here is my list for October.

Buy Christmas gifts for at least 3 people on my list.

I know we still have a long ways to go until Christmas, but if I can do a little bit each month, it shouldn't be as stressful.  Plus, it sure would be nice to have the bill broken up over a couple months instead of getting one big bill in January. 

Clean out and reorganize my storage room.

Oh, the storage room.  I love and I hate this room in my house.  It holds a little bit of everything with no organizational method whatsoever.  I have totes of miscellaneous things, books, Christmas decor, ...etc.  Put that together with the kids rummaging through it, and me hauling things up and dropping them off.  It's a mess.  Every year I have to go back up and reorganize it. 

Read 3 books.

Lately, I've only been getting to one book a month.  I want to start making time to read a bit more.  3 books is my goal for October.

Walk at least 4 days a week.

I know it's silly that I should even have to put this on here, but I just am not good at making time to exercise.  I honestly don't even think about it, until my day is almost over.  I'm writing it down, so I'll be held more accountable.

Be more consistent on meal planning.

Every once in a while on a Sunday, Dan and I will sit down and write out a list of what we might want to eat for the week, and we plan it according to what we have on our schedules.  Some nights we know we will be busier, or we'll be gone for a chunk of the evening, so we plan leftovers for those nights or easy things I can put together in the crock pot and have ready.  We/I need to do this more.  It helps so much, because then I can make an appropriate grocery list, where we'll spend less and we waste less, verses me just guessing and then letting vegetables go to waste when I don't end up using them.

None of my goals are huge by any means, but they are all things I'd like to accomplish this next month.

What is one of your goals for October?

 

What's Up Wednesday

Is it crazy to anyone else that it's already the end of September?  These months just seem to keep flying by faster and faster.  It's crazy.  Seeing as it's the last Wednesday of the month, I'm linking up with Mel, Shay & Sheaffer to share what's been happening.

What we're eating this week

I'm craving Mexican food this week, so that's what I'm going with.  I'm making Taco's, Cheesy Chicken Enchilada's, Steak Fajita's & Spanish rice.  I'll make enough of everything that we can have a couple nights worth of leftovers, and then I'm sure we'll throw a pizza in there somewhere, because some days I just don't want to think about dinner.  :)

What I'm reminiscing about

Nothing really.  Some seasons in life are just so busy, you don't have a lot of time to sit and reminisce... which is probably good, right?!

What I'm loving

I'm loving all the colors that Fall brings.  Inside and out. 

What we've been up to

Volleyball & soccer pretty much run our lives right now.  They have us booked all through out each week and weekend.

What I'm dreading

I hate not answering questions, but I can't think of anything I'm really dreading.  Guess that's a good thing, right?!  :)

What I'm working on

We are starting Beth Moore's Bible study on Daniel this week.  I've heard it's an intense study that will have us studying each day for about 45 minutes.  I'm a little intimidated, but I know I'm going to love it.  The past study's have only required about 20 minutes a day of studying, so this will be new and challenging.

I'm also working on new blog post ideas.  I feel like my blogging always changes once the kids are back in school.  I know I haven't done a lot of posts lately that aren't link ups... I'm just trying to find my groove again.  So to all of you who have stuck with me, thank you!  :)

What I'm excited about

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I know it's super early, but I'm excited to sit down and start working on Christmas lists.  I found this fun template that I think I might try this year.  I left the link, so you can go and print it off as well.  I like to plan early and shop early.  My husband on the other hand does not enjoy this at all.  If he was in charge, he would order everything off of Amazon the week before Christmas.  Possibly even 2 days before Christmas Eve, so that the UPS man is dropping packages off on Christmas Eve.  Boy do I love that man of mine, but I just can't do it.  ;)

What I'm watching/reading

The only thing that I've been watching lately is Family Feud, and football games.  Speaking of football, my fantasy football team this year is dying a slow death.  It's awful.  Everyone seems to be getting injured.

I've read so many books this month.  Coming down with a doozy of a cold, definitely helps in the reading department.  I haven't read this many books in a long time.

I enjoyed them all, but the ones by Melissa Jagears, were definitely my favorites.

What I'm listening to

A couple weeks ago, Shay told us to check out Michael Buble's new song, Nobody But Me.  Well I did and I loved it.   My Kind Of Girl, and Nobody But Me are two of my favorites right now.

What I'm wearing

It's been cold here in Montana.  Well cold for me anyways, as I think anything below 70 is cold.  So jeans, vests, scarves and boots are all back in rotation around here.  This week, the temps have jumped back up which I love, but it's also kind of weird.  Just because it confuses the heck out of me and then I'm stumped on what to wear.

What I'm doing this weekend

We've got more games this weekend for both Gracie & Jesse.  Plus, I have lists of stuff I want and need to get done around the house.  Does the list ever end?

Also... I'll be packing my bags and getting things ready for a fun little getaway with my Mom and one of my sisters.  We're headed back down to New Orleans.  My Mom has a big conference that she'll attend down there and Lindy and I will keep her company when she's not in class.  I'm sure my younger sister would love to go as well, but she's got a brand new baby she's staying home to snuggle.

What I'm looking forward to next month

Well, I'm definitely looking forward to New Orleans, and having a couple days to relax.

Besides that, we don't have any big plans.  Sports will continue, and we'll keep running kids around, but I'm looking forward to some cozy evenings at home.  With it getting darker each evening, I'm excited to play cards, work on puzzles, and just hang with my people.

What else is new

The look of my blog.  :)

I thought it was time for a little makeover.  I was just needing a change, but wanted to keep it simple, & clean at the same time.  I told the designer that I thought it would be fun to incorporate barn wood into my header, and I love how it turned out.  If you're needing a new makeover for your blog, I would definitely recommend Shabby Creations.  This is the second time I've worked with Michelle, and she is so easy to work with.   She's not paying me to say this, I just really enjoyed working with her.  :)

Have a great day, friends.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!  I'm linking up again, with Andrea, Erika & Narci to show you my Friday favorites.

~ONE~

When you have two of your best friend's daughters needing senior pictures... how do you say no?  Especially when they are gorgeous and are so easy to photograph!   I may not be in the business of taking pictures anymore, but it's still fun to get my camera out every once in a while.

She's just as sweet as she seems!  So glad she wanted me to take her pictures.

~TWO~

I'm making a few small changes to the look of my blog.  We're just finishing up the last few details, so you should be able to see the new look very soon!  :)

 ~THREE~

While being down this past week with a cold, I've done a LOT of reading.  I found this series by Melissa Jaegers, that I really enjoyed.  I've since scooped up all the books that I can find by her, as I love her style of writing.  

~FOUR~

Our bible study is starting back up this coming week.  I'm excited to get back into it and to start studying Daniel.  I've heard so many good things about this study, that I can't wait.  The gal who I borrowed the study from said, "It will knock your socks off."  Well, who doesn't want their socks knocked off?  So, obviously we had to jump at the chance to do this one, right?!  ;)

~FIVE~

Have you seen this floating around Facebook this week?

I know I probably shouldn't post this, because it's not very nice... but when I saw it I seriously laughed out loud.  Society definitely has had a hard time getting past this trio.  I feel bad for anyone who has a failed marriage, no matter how it started out.  But... I still couldn't help but laugh when I saw this meme.  Tell me I'm not the only one! 

We're hoping to get a bunch of stuff done around the house this weekend since Gracie's game on Saturday got cancelled, and Jesse's game just happens to be in town during the afternoon.  I'm hoping to get flower beds cleaned out and our yard ready for Fall.  Plus after being mostly worthless this week, I'm ready to give the house a good cleaning.

What are your plans?

A Love Transformed

After being forced into a loveless marriage by her mother, Clara is now a widow and she finally has the chance to make her own decisions in life.  She knows exactly what she wants to do, but it's not easy as she has a lot of battles to face.  She has some very wealthy and influential people in her life who won't stop short of anything, to make sure they gain control over her. As if that's not enough, she must also deal with shocking secrets from her husbands past, that could very well put an end to the future she so desperately wants.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.  It held my attention from the beginning to the very last page.  It was an easy read, but also one that made you think about what you'd do in her situation.  I have read the first book in this series but haven't read the second one.  You definitely don't have to read them in order to enjoy them.

I have nothing but good things to say about this book and would definitely recommend A Love Transformed to anyone who enjoys Christian fiction. 

I've been fighting off a cold all weekend and into this week.  Needless to say, I'm getting a lot of time to read.  I'll be sure and post what else I've been reading soon.  In the mean time, I'm always open to recommendations on good books that you're enjoying.  :)

* I received a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publisher, in exchange for an honest review.  All opinions are my own.

XOXO

Friday Favorites

Woohoo!  We've made it to another Friday!  This girl, is ready for a little down time.

Once again I'm linking up with Andrea, Erika & Narci to share my favorites.

~ONE~

Last year at this time, Dan and I were over in Stockholm, Sweden, before heading over to Finland.  It's always crazy how fast time flies.  It was and is still a favorite of mine.

You can read more about it here, or on my travel page here.

~TWO~

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I'm having to remember this more and more it seems.  The older I get, the more people I meet.  It seems somebody always has an opinion of somebody else, before I've even had a chance to form my own opinion of them.  I want to keep remembering that their opinion doesn't need to influence my opinion of someone.  I don't mind being cautious, but beyond that... I'm opinionated enough without help.  ;)

~THREE~

Shoes, shoes, and more shoes.  Last year I picked up a couple pairs of boots.  This year, I was on the hunt for a couple pairs of flats.  I was wanting something I could wear while I transition from Summer into Fall/ Winter or at least until I'm ready to wear boots.  This is what I've found.

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 I loved the color of these Sperry's, and they are on sale for $39.99.  I'm still not sure if I'll keep them though.  I really want to, but they feel a bit tight on the top.  I'm not sure if they'll stretch with wear or not.

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And these Steve Maddens, because a girl always needs a black pair of shoes, right?!  These were a bit more at $59.99, but I think they'll be a nice addition. 

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Lastly, I found these Toms, and loved the color.  I think they'll be perfect with a pair of my jeans cuffed, for a relaxed look.  They were $59.00.  Again, a little pricey, but...  :)

I'm not sure yet what I'll end up keeping.  The lady at the check out counter reminded me that all 3 added up together equal 1 pair of boots, so that's good... right?!  ;)

~FOUR~

Flour.  Yes, flour is a favorite of mine right now.

My Dad has been buying Kamut grain.  You can buy the flour, but it comes in such a small bag, so he's been buying the grain instead.  He grinds the grain into flour and has been making Gracie bread.  She loves it, and they like it so much better than Gluten Free flour mix's.  It's an ancient grain, that I guess hasn't been modified or messed with, so it doesn't seem to bother her stomach.  This is definitely a favorite of mine.  I love when we find things that she can eat, or things that make our lives a little better.  And I love my Dad for taking the time to keep trying and looking for new things that work.

~FIVE~

This girl.  She is one of my best friends daughters, and I claim to be her other mother.  I love her dearly, and was excited that she wanted me to take her senior pictures. We went out last weekend, and had so much fun!

She is beautiful, inside and out, and couldn't be any sweeter.

I'm taking more pictures for my other friends daughter this evening.  Jesse has a soccer game tomorrow.  Throw in Church, lots of football, and cleaning the house... we're set for another busy weekend.

What are your plans for the weekend?

XOXO

Ramesh

A couple of weeks ago, I found an envelope from Compassion that I realized I hadn't opened yet.  I went ahead and opened it up to find out that the young man Ramesh, who we've been sponsoring for the last 8 years, has graduated from the program.  They let us know that we could send him one last goodbye letter and a gift if we want, (as there's no way to keep in contact afterwards).

I sent Dan a text letting him know, and he said, "Wow, that's great!"  I sent him one back saying, "Yeah, it is... but I'm going to miss him."  Tears stung my eyes, as I thought of this young man who was once a young boy, entering into this program.  We've never met him, we never had the privilege to hug his neck, but we've written him, we've prayed for him, we've sent family pictures to him, as well as Christmas and birthday gifts.  

This is just a small portion of the letters and drawings we've received from him over the years.

We've been told that he has been baptized and is furthering his education.  I am so happy for him, but gosh... I feel he is partly mine, and I'm not ready to say goodbye.

Compassion has since set us up to sponsor another young boy.  I called them and told them, that we'd be happy to continue being a sponsor, but that I needed just a little bit of time, as I felt I needed some closure first.  They fully understood, but hearing myself say those words, I knew I sounded ridiculous.  I'm having a hard time saying goodbye, but there is another young boy in need of a sponsor, so that he is able to be fed, clothed, attend school and learn about Jesus.  There is no time for me to sit around waiting for closure.  Not when there are children out there waiting for us to move.

We'll start this whole process over again with a new little guy named Cleider, and we'll love on him, and try our best to show him Jesus, while at the same time never forgetting a young man who has forever touched my heart.


*This post was not sponsored by Compassion.  Just one Mama's emotional ramblings.  ;)

  Be Blessed.

Friday Favorites

Today I'm linking back up with Andrea, Erika & Narci to share my favorites from the week.

~ONE~

I love this fall sign.  So simple and elegant all at the same time.  I don't have a lot of fall decorations, but I think this would be a nice piece to add to what I've already got.

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~TWO~

Don't these look good!?   They are on my list to try.  I linked the source so you can head over and check out the recipe.  I'm thinking these would definitely be a crowd pleaser.

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~THREE~

I saw this blank Monopoly board on Pinterest as well, and thought how fun it would be to have my high school Sunday class help design all of the spaces, and the game using biblical names or something.  It would even be fun to come up with your own family game board.  I don't feel like the most creative person, but I think a person could find a few ideas and run with it. 

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~FOUR~

I hate to see Summer go, but at the same time, Fall is one of my favorite seasons because I feel I have a bit more time to read.

I finished reading The Loyal Heart last week and I liked it.  I'm hoping to start another one today, if all goes as planned.  :)

~FIVE~

After 11 years, we officially hired a professional photographer to take our pictures.   I usually just has me set up a tripod or we have a family member snap a couple of pictures.  It was so nice to just show up and not have to think about anything other than smiling.

We have another busy weekend ahead of us, with volleyball games, and then Jesse has his first soccer game.  Gracie and I didn't get to bed last night until midnight because of an away game that she had.  To say we are tired this morning, would be an understatement.  But it's Friday, and we're thankful!  :)

Have a great weekend, friends!

XOXO