JUNE GOALS :: WHAT I ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED

+ Refinish bookshelf.  Check!  And Jordyn got to help paint it which made her dreams come true. :)

+ Workout 3 days a week.  Check -- 2-3 days a week, but I actually enjoyed the workout I did, so I'm calling it a win.  A friend is leading an outdoor fitness class at the lake Monday, Wednesday, & Friday and I'm loving it!

+ Hair cut/color.  Check!  Plus I got another mani.  Date nights with Adam will almost all at home, but better than nothing!

+ Boat with friends.  Check! 
+ Family photos.  Check! And dare I say it was pleasant?!  


+ Mail money to a friend in need. Well this is what happens when you don't check in on your goals until the month is over.  What a shame, because it's the easiest thing on the list to accomplish! :(

+2013 Photobook.  Ugh!  I have no excuse for this!  Except pure burnout.  But I WILL finish this.

5/7 -- considering how fast this month flew by, it's better than I was expecting!

GOALS :: MARCH 2020

Could this be the month I actually get a photobook done!?

FEBRUARY GOALS -- WHAT I ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED

ACCOMPLISHED
+ I went to the dermatologist {first time ever -- not sure why I waiting so long!}
+ I did really, really good not making online purchases this month.  Not perfect, but the few times I cheated were on true necessities, not wants.
+ I didn't get my nails done at the salon, but I did put these press-ons on -- $5!!
+ We spent a night with our friends, the Joynts.  It was super fun to kick their butts in Monopoly catch up!  We also had dinner with the Sieferts and spent an afternoon on a party bus with lake friends.  Plus burger nights.
+ We took the kids skiing & we're headed back to the slopes today!

DIDN'T ACCOMPLISH
+ Painting of the kitchen cabinets -- again, sigh.  We did add a shelf in the kitchen, paint the AV room, & order wall paper for the elevator.  I'm hopeful that tomorrow we will get the new shelving installed in the AV closet and hang a bunch of stuff in the garage.  ::fingers crossed::
+ The dang photo books!  BUT -- I did start one out 2019 book, so it's progress I guess.  Maybe by 2021 I can be caught up! ;)

GOALS :: FEBRUARY 2020

Share one of your goals for the month below...

JANUARY GOALS -- WHAT I ACTUALLY ACCOMPLISHED

ACCOMPLISHED
+ Photobooks of Oklahoma, South Carolina, & Jamaica!
+ Set 2020 appointments for the family
+ Paid off Christmas
+ Planned 2020 travel & booked the RV
+ Had so much fun with Adam in Las Vegas
+ Created a birthday & address system

DIDN'T ACCOMPLISH
+ Ice skating with the kids -- crossing our fingers it will happen tonight! So technically we will do it in January! :)
+ Dinner with friends in DSM -- we got a snow/ice storm and had to cancel :( We did however have an impromptu afternoon at the marina with the lake friends and we're hanging with friends again this weekend!
+ Painting of the kitchen cabinets -- BUT we did add wallpaper & update the upstairs bathroom, replace the drains in the kitchen sink, add electricity and mount a TV in the workout room, & get the garage door fixed.  Progress.

5 Things We Do In The Car

If you know us in real life, you know I spent a good portion of our limited evening time {4-8p} in the car a few nights a week.  Adam doesn't get home until after the evening activities are done, which leaves me to do 100% of the drop offs/pick ups for piano, taekwondo, gymnastics, 4h, youth group, etc.  Honestly now that I'm using my time more efficiently instead of just wasting it, I don't mind.  Since we live 20+ minutes from several of these activities, we spend a decent amount of time in the car, which I know is not uncommon.  So I thought I would share with you a few of the random things we do in the car.  Some can be done while driving {spelling words} while others are done simply waiting for a child to get out of their activity {reading}

GOALS Check Up | January

Here are my January goals...

HOME | Paint Upstairs Doors White
Progress.  2 of the 6 doors are complete.  In my defense, Adam was gone and I can't lift the doors so I was constantly at the mercy of friends coming over to flip them for me.  A huge pain, but I'm determined to get them done in February.  On the plus side, even with just 2 done, it's looking so much better!

HEALTH | Schedule Annual Appointments
This was a win.  I scheduled dental and eye appointments for the kids and I.  The ENT, pediatrician, and gynecologist aren't booking out that far yet. I will add this to my schedule in 3 months to see if anything else needs booked.

FINANCIAL | Discuss all Amazon Purchases with Adam
Success!  Not only did I consult with Adam before every purchase, I feel like I cut back on spending overall this month.  I'm trying hard to make sure it's a need instead of just a want.

ME TIME | Go to the Rachel Hollis Movie
Check!  I saw Made for More back in August when it first came out, but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to see it with friends when asked.  What better way to start the new year! :)  Bonus that we got dinner at Flavory Bistro before.

SOCIAL | Dinner w/ Friends
I had the most delicious dinner at RoCA to celebrate Alicia's Birthday!  Sadly, Adam was traveling for work, so I had to go solo, but it was worth it.  Such a fun night, even if I didn't get to bed until 1a!

FAMILY | Minneapolis weekend
I am SO incredibly sad this didn't happen.  I was looking forward to taking the kids back to the ice castles in Minnesota since we went 2 years ago!  Sadly we got a huge snowstorm {over 2 feet of snow!} on the weekend we had tickets.  I'm still hopefully will will get back, but I'm not sure when that will be.  On a positive note, we did go to A Dogs Way Home, spends lots of time outside in the snow, and had an epic Nerf gun fight.

DREAM BIG | Create a Will
Hands down the biggest win of the month!  After 8 years of transferring this from to do list to to do list, we finally completed our will!  It was a 15 minute phone call with the lawyer and a 15 minute meeting.  SO painless and it feels amazing to finally have it done!

I feel like I killed my January goals!  Hopefully February will go just as well! :)

GOALS | January 2019

Last year I made it to March with my monthly goals, so here's to doing better this year...

January's list to push me in the right direction...

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

GOALS | April 2018

I'm keeping this list simple since 

1. we're already a week in and I'm just getting to this 

2. and we're hoping to move this month which is consuming all of our energy at this time 

Get windshield replaced
Read a book | I'm thinking either 7 or Of Mess and Moxie

Individual dates with the kids

Go on a date with Adam
Go on a family date | Bowling?  Rock Climbing?

Finish the kids' travel journals :: MN & NC
Pack both houses!

March Goals Check Up!

Meal plan | Fail!  I guess I aced the plan, but failed to actually stick to it.

Make tax appointment & prep for them! | Check!  Literally, write the check {sigh!}
Get windshield replaced | This one isn't my fault.  I've called the guy multiple times.
Read a book | I read The Secrets of Midwives, When Breath Becomes Air, and Confessions of a Domestic Failure

Make a photo book | I can't believe I didn't order a free book!  In my defense we have been so consumed with all the house stuff! :(

Buy Easter Basket goodies for the kids | Nailed it! :)
Individual dates with the kids | J got to get a mani/pedi with Vanessa {our niece} and C and I went on a few little dates {out for breakfast, .  I'm going to miss having him home on Friday's with me when school starts! :(  Both went to SkyZone for a birthday party that they loved!

Go on a date with Adam | We went to our friend's house for dinner and had a different set of friends over for dinner, but both times included children.  Hopefully once we get moved we'll be able to get a real date night in!
Go on a family date | Lots of family time, but no real date.  We did ask the kids if they wanted to go out one night, but they opted to stay in a watch the Cubs game and make stadium food {which lasted an inning before the neighbor girls came over and they all went outside to play -- haha!}

Order maps for the kids' travel journals | Everything is ordered and I even started cutting them out!

With the current state of our life {I know I owe you an update!} I'm giving myself some grace here.  However, this recap has reminded me of the importance of scheduling.  If I put it in my planner it's much more likely to happen!

GOALS | March 2018 {+ a Free Shutterfly Book Code}

March's list to keep making progress...

Meal plan
Make tax appointment & prep for them!
Get windshield replaced
Read a book | Any suggestions?

Make a photo book | Use code BOOK4SPRING for a free 8x8 photo book!

Buy Easter Basket goodies for the kids
Individual dates with the kids

Go on a date with Adam
Go on a family date | Bowling?  Rock Climbing?

Order maps for the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC 
I need TWO of each map, so I need to go back and order the rest of the maps - sigh!

February Goals Check Up!

February's Check In...

Meal plan :: We made a meal plan, but for a variety of reasons {mainly house showings!} we only stuck to it about 50% of the time.  Still way better than it was in 2017, but I want to do better in March!

Read a book :: Check!  I read this book & this book

Make a photo book :: I actually KILLED this goal!  They had a super deal, so I made 5!  Yes, 5!

Don't buy any clothes! :: Check!  Didn't buy a dang thing!!

Wash my face every day :: Ugh -- I actually think I didn't worse with this than normal, I would say I was about 50%! Yikes!

Individual dates with the kids :: Check!  Jordyn painted pottery with me and went to the Father Daughter Dance with Adam.  I took Cullyn to Backyard Adventures for a morning.

Purge all drawers/clutter areas :: I did pretty good on this goal.  The Ankeny house is pretty decluttered.  I'll do the rest when we move.  I also cleaned out the Lakehouse, again just need to do the final yes/no on a few things when we move.  I also sold some stuff that needed to go {Adams old car!} Now I just need to find someone to take the piano!

Celebrate Valentine's with Adam :: Check!  We had a lovely dinner at Simon's for Valentine's.

Go on a family date :: Check!  We went skiing and the kids couldn't have loved it more.  I just wish we would have done it earlier in the winter so we could have gone more than one time this year.  It will be easier as the kids get bigger and we can go after school.  Right now, they just need more attention so we try to go under the 'perfect' conditions.

Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC  Well, I made progress, which is a start I guess.  I did Florida for both kids, and ordered maps for the other states.  Unfortuanly, I forgot I need TWO of each map, so I need to go back and order the rest of the maps - sigh!

GOALS | February 2018

February's list to keep me making progress...

Meal plan
Read a book

Make a photo book

Don't buy any clothes!
Wash my face every day
Individual dates with the kids

Purge all drawers/clutter areas
Celebrate Valentine's with Adam
Go on a family date :: Skiing? Movie? Bowling?

Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

January's Goals Check Up

Let's take a look at January's progress...

Floss daily - I was really good at doing this and tracking it at the beginning of the month, then I started to slack off, so I'm probably at about 70% of the time now which is much higher than it was, so I'm happy about that.

Celebrate 2018! - Check!  We rang in the new year with Friends in Minnesota

Go on a date with Adam - Check!  We got a weekend away over New Years, as well as a dinner out with friends, & a lunch just the two of us!

Blog at least 1x per week - Check!  

Meal plan :: at least Mon - Thurs - Check!  We killed it this month!

Stay out of Target the entire month! - Check!  In full disclosure, the kids and I went into Target to eat dinner one night {Pizza Hut personal pizzas for the win} & I also bought a wedding gift and a birthday gift, but I still call that a win since I didn't just go wander the store!

Take the kids on individual dates again - Check and Check!  Cullyn and I went to Ferdinand and Jordyn and I baked cookies & painted our nails while the boys were at an ISU basketball game. 

Organize the closets :: Pull all of Cullyn's 2t clothes - Check!  So glad to have this done!!

Make a photo book :: In progress, but sadly not done!

Update the kids' travel journals :: WHY is is sooo hard!  Grr!

Go on a family date :: Check!  We went ice skating and I learned that Adam is just not a fan of ice
skating -- haha!  The kids on the other hand LOVED it and can't wait to go back!!

Such a great month for us.  I feel like we got a got of family and it was a good mix of getting stuff done, having fun, and checking things off the to do list.

Any goal ideas for February?  

TO DO | April

March progress...
How is this year already 1/4 over?!

Make 1 photobook
I killed this goal!  I made 3 this month!! Now like 30 to go! ;)
Set an Easter menu
Set!  
Finish planning Cullyn's Birthday Party
For the most part! I have invited done and most of the food decided, so I'm close!
Implement weekly date nights with Adam  
This is been the best decision this year thus far!
Stick to $100 at the grocery store each week
hmm...we've been all over the board this month.  We went WAY over one week, but didn't get groceries the next.  We also spent a weekend in Kansas City which was NOT good for the budget. 
Prepare for Taxes
Check!
Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC
My goodness...why is this task SO hard for me?!  It'll remain until I get it completed!

Next up...April Goals!

Make 1 photo book
Dye Easter eggs with the kids
Read my Lent devotional every day
Stick to $100 at the grocery store each week
Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC {like for real this month!!}

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

January | February | March

TO DO | March 2017

What happened to February?! I blinked and then it was gone!

Read a book
Prepare for Taxes
Make a photo book
Take stuff to the consignment shop
Start planning Cullyn's Birthday Party & Easter
Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC
50% is actually better than I expected for this month.

Next up...March Goals!

Make 1 photobook
Set an Easter menu
Finish planning Cullyn's Birthday Party
Implement weekly date nights with Adam
Stick to $100 at the grocery store each week
Prepare for Taxes {I really have no option at this point!}
Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC {like for real this month!!}

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

January | February 

TO DO | February 2017

Well, January was humbling...

Blog about NYC :: Started...
Go on a date with Adam :: Fail.  Several family dates, but nothing with Just Adam.  Although I get almost a whole week with just him in February, so I'm looking forward to that!
Meal plan :: Half of the time, so better than it was.  We made a menu, we just aren't great at sticking to it. 

Stay out of Target the entire month :: Success!  Well, I went once, but it was just for pull ups, cold medicine, and protein bars, so I feel like was a win!  I spent $60 as opposed to $600!
Take the kids on individual dates again :: Win!  Jordyn got several dates and she took a cooking class and an art class this month.  

Organize the closets :: Every closet was organized this month! :)

Make 1 photo book :: 1 done, 100 to go!

Go on a family date :: CHECK!

Update the kids' travel journals :: Ugh!  Didn't even start! :( 

Go to the gym 3 times each week :: I did pretty good.  I averaged 3 times per week.  The end of the month was worse since we all got sick, but I did way better than last year. 

And now February's goals...

Read a book
Prepare for Taxes
Make a photo book
Take stuff to the consignment shop
Start planning Cullyn's Birthday Party & Easter
Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

January 

GOALS | January 2017

I know everyone is making goals this time of year, but annual goals don't work well for me because I tend to lose focus, so in 2017 I'm planning to make monthly goals in an effort to be more accountable.

Overall I would like more family dinners, less eating out, more working out, less money spent, more water drank, less time spent worrying, more time praying and reading, less negotiating with my kids, more dreaming with my husband, less time spent scrolling through social media, more laughing and playing with my family, etc.

January's list to push me in the right direction...

Blog about NYC
Go on a date with Adam
Meal plan :: at least Mon - Thurs

Stay out of Target the entire month!
Take the kids on individual dates again!

Organize the closets :: Move shoes outside?

Make 1 photo book :: I have like 30 to do this year!

Go on a family date :: Skiing? Ice Skating? Movie?

Update the kids' travel journals :: MO, TN, NC & SC

Go to the gym 3 times each week :: Consider it a little 'pre-vaca prep'

What are your goals?  I love new suggestions!

Snippets of the lake...

It's been over 6 months since my last 'lake house updates' post, so I thought it was time so show you what's new.  We've finally moved from renovations to decorations...which is much more fun {for me anyways!} ;)

Let's start from the outside in...

We had a large {dead} tree removed from the back yard.  We hired a company to take the tree down since it was so large and close to the house, plus there were power lines in the way.  We cut all of the wood up ourselves, which I don't think we'll ever do again {wow, that is a lot of work!} The company we hired is supposed to come back and grind up the stump sometime soon.  We don't have a ton of trees on our little lot, so we would like to plant a few more someday. 

We got a new rug for the deck from Fab Habitat.  It currently has the kids wooden picnic table on it, which works perfectly because it's so easy to wipe off {spills don't absorb into this rug, they wipe right up}.

c/o Fab Habitat

Just inside the door, we bought this HOME sign.  The O is an outline of Iowa.  

similar

Under this coat rack, we have got new bench!  Best part? It has a cute little basket underneath to throw stuff  in {summertime?  Sunscreen, boat key, bug spray, etc.  I'm sure this winter it will house hats & gloves for the littles!} Plus it's made of solid wood & metal. 

purchased here {sorry for the crappy photos…it was late!}

We replaced all of the interior doors with new white ones, which look so stinking good!  They seriously brighten the whole house up!  Now, if only we had trim around them, I would show you a photo.  We plan to do the interior trim this winter, so hopefully I'll have photos to show you guys by the next update! :)

purchased at Menards

The biggest purchase this year was our new furniture!  This has been a long time coming!  I really wanted to get white furniture, but it just wasn't practical, so we opted for gray instead and I love it!  We burned the old  tan sectional {true story} and purchased a couch, chase lounger, side table, end table, & metal basket.

We also got a bunch of new throws & lake pillows since all of the old stuff was tan/brown.  

c/o MalloryLynnDecor

c/o BAZZcreations


c/o LoveYouMoreBoutique


c/o OxfordCraftNepal {super soft, lightweight, & versatile!  They come in several colors, too!}

Above the couch is this large piece

Purchased here

End table details...

c/o NapaUncorked

Moving around toward the kitchen...

{finally} new lights!  This one is above the sink, looking out the back window

c/o BootsNGus

This one is over the bar cart

Light

On top of the window sill, I have these adorable little geometric, cement plant holders. 

c/o frauklarer

and succulents which if I'm being honest, didn't last long. I think our lakehouse is too humid. :(

Pots purchased at Earl May & painted with white paint

The succulents are sitting on our new Bar Cart which was my Mother's Day gift!! 

as requested in this post. cart purchased here

above the cart is a wine rack made by my sister & BIL purchased by my in laws for me for Christmas!

I seriously need to up my wine game at the lake!  left to right:: $3 wine from WalMart, kids juice, Malibu {which I don't even like} and more sparkling wine for the kids. #Sad

Top 5 lake house 'to-do' items right now...

finish interior trim

plant hastas out back & around trees

'fix' the driveway

replace deck

replace kitchen cabinets

Advent Calendar | Activities & Books

TONS of other local events going on.  See the list here...
2013 Advent Calendar Activities