So now what?

One of my favorite classes I took during BYU Education Week was given by Merilee Boyack, "Doing the best you can...a little bit better"

She brought up a great point that, honestly, I've never thought of before. So now what? What's next after you're done (fill in the blank) having children, raising children, retiring... 

I have NO answer to this simple question. I've always wanted to be a mom. I don't know what life will be like after I'm done having children, raising children. Of course, I'm still a mother and then a grandmother, but what am I going to be doing? What's my plan? 

Have you thought of this? Do you know? It doesn't matter where you are in life, your age, married or not; we all need a goal to look forward to. I mean, really, most of us still have 30, 40 or even 50 years left of our lives! 

Merilee wanted us to focus on our dreams, our goals, what's in our hearts that are unfinished. She stated, "Live your life by making deliberate choices rather than responding to whatever life throws your way." She went on to say, "Don't run out of living before you run out of life."

Such great advice. I'm still in the thick of having and raising children, but I know the day will come quickly where they'll all be in school and then all out of my house. Then what? 

We need to develop our own personal road map by focusing on three main points:

1- Write: write your personal essay. What do you want to do/be in 10 years/20 years. We should write our Eulogy and obituary. Write 5 words that express who we are. Make a list of goal, dreams and ideas.

2- Note unfinished business: Finish these sentences, "I always wanted to..." and "what were the dreams of your youth?"

3- Dream BIG dreams: If you could do anything, and I mean anything, what would it be? Besides writing up a Bucket List write up a "Lori's 100 Lifetime Dreams" (I've worked on this for over an hour and only have 37!! It's hard!)

Focus on you. What is YOUR dream life? In all areas, marriage, spiritual, family, fitness, community, financial, home, friendship, personal, fun, professional...
If you knew you could NOT fail, what would you try? Be brave and bold in deciding. 

Most importantly, ask Heavenly Father to guide you. Write down promptings that will come. Open your eyes, mind and heart. Fearlessly explore. 

Our Father in Heaven has blessed each of us with different attributes and talents. He has sent us here for a reason, what are some of those great reasons?

I am still struggling to figure out what's next for me. I am working on my 100 dream list and other ideas posted earlier. I want to start now, before I get to the point where it could be too late. Good luck on figuring out what's next for you! 

2014 Goals

Almost completed the first month of the new year and I realized that I haven't shared my new goals for the year. I am a tad behind!!

I am changing things up a bit and doing things a little differently. I chose a few different areas I wanted to work on and then devised a plan in order to help facilitate my goal. Really, this is a must! You cannot just make a lofty goal of exercising, or completing something, or stopping something major without devising a proper plan of HOW you will accomplish that goal... regardless of how simple or complex!

Goal #1 Run a Half Marathon. Just typing that makes me a little nervous. I've ran in a dozen 5K's over the years and even a couple of triathlons, but nothing as lofty as this. Actually, I've never run longer than 4 miles at one time. So there's my goal. It's HUGE. Now here are all my mini goals to help accomplish that big goal. 
1. I signed up for a marathon with several friends. 
2. I added an app called Gipis (which I will blog about later. It's AWESOME!!!!) 
3. I run, according to my plan on Gipis, 3-4 times a week. 
4. Scott bought me a Fitbit for Christmas that I wear religiously. It helps track water, food intake, weight, steps a day and my sleep habits. 
5. I'm trying to eat LESS carbs. It'll help make running easier if I lose a little weight. 
6. I have signed up for a running series that happens at the Great Saltair. Last Saturday was a 5k, in 2 weeks is a 10k and 2 weeks after that is a 15k. 

Goal #2 A sentence a day. I made these cute index cards with the date on each of them (365). Every day, I write a single sentence about that day on the note card. Some of the past few weeks have been, "Snowmobiling, sledding and tubing in Star Valley with cousin!", "Great video in R.S. today, 'Earthly Father, Heavenly Father' LDS.ORG", "Went for a deep tissue massage today, felt great." You get the point. I keep these cards close to my computer so I can be reminded of them each and every day. I plan on doing this goal for several years to come. It's like a daily journal for yourself, short and simple. So simply to write down a quick memory on the date and move the card to the back. Could take years to fill and takes very little time. Several different ideas on how to make one on Pinterest. Search : Index card journal

Goal #3 Read the Book of Mormon every day and have it completed by the end of the year. This is pretty easy. It comes out to reading about 10-15 verses a day, which means it only takes a few minutes. It's remembering that is the hard part! I added @BofM365 to my Instagram account. I look at Instragram 4-5 times a day. Every morning they have already posted what verses I need to read and what I should either be pondering, looking for and asking myself as I read. I love it. It helps tremendously. I also will "like" it after I've completed my reading. I also will read comments and usually add one of my own. A little mini lesson. Scott, Will and I are all doing this together. We remind each other to read. I also have several friends reading the Book of Mormon as well. 

Goal #4 Buying/Selling a house. This may seem a little strange as a goal, but it's A LOT of work. Scheduling times to visit other homes, searching the web and driving neighborhoods takes a lot of time. We DID buy a house, in a neighborhood that we love. We are thrilled!!! Now is the paperwork... lots and lots of paperwork. In order to sell our home, there is a lot of deep cleaning, organizing and packing that needs to take place. We rented a storage unit and packed up most unused items in the kids bedrooms and other rooms around the house. Daily there is something I am deep cleaning or rearranging. We already have had people come to look at the house. Managing 7 sons AND keeping a clean house is a huge chore in itself. They help out a ton, which is nice. 

Goal #5 Saving Money.  Scott and both try to be thrifty but there is just nothing I can do when 7 kids "need stuff". I use coupons while shopping at the grocery store. I'm not one of those crazy couponers, but I do order two Sunday newspapers and I have a binder I put all my coupons into, by category. Okay, maybe I'm a little crazy. I have purchased 6, 8, or 10 of the same sale items with coupons, BUT I actually use those items. I'll either move them directly into the cold storage (food storage area) or into my pantry. I love sales and will only buy food/clothing/whatever if it is on sale. And, I usually have a coupon. 

I've been doing that for a while, so to add to that, I write down EVERYTHING I spend my money on. It doesn't matter if it's for a $0.99 cent refill of coke, or a $89.00 gas bill. I have it all written down on a piece of paper in my wallet. At the end of the month, I will look over it and see where I can make the necessary changes.

Also, I made 6 small sticky notes for my calendar. 3 are for lunches out with the kids and 3 are for dinners out. When we use one I'll move the small decorated sticky to that date on the calendar showing that it's been "used". Hopefully going out to lunch only 3x a month and dinner out 3x a month, it will help cut down on expenses. (This does not count date night with the hub's!)  


After we move and after the half marathon I will add some other goals for the remainder of the year. I also add mini (weekly) goals here and there to keep me on my toes. I enjoy trying new things. Challenging myself. Making improvements... wherever and whenever possible.  

What are YOUR goals? What have you  been working on these past few weeks? Successes?

Planning and Setting Goals with Faith and Purpose

I had the opportunity to give the following talk today during Sacrament Meeting.  Just wanted to share it with all of you!!

Good afternoon, Brothers and Sisters. When people learn that I am the mother of 7 sons, I am constantly asked the following question “How do you get ANYTHING done during the day?”. And then once they get to know me and understand the many things that I try to accomplish on a daily basis, they then ask me “How do you get SO MUCH done in a day?”. Well, I am finally going to tell you my secret. I have found that the secret to getting the things done that we want out of life is not some magic energy drink. Instead the secret is in the wise counsel that we have received over the years from our Apostles and Prophets. It is to LIVE our lives with faith and purpose, and before we try to live our lives in this way, we need to PLAN our lives with faith and purpose. This is the focus of my talk today. How can we plan our lives with purpose in a way that allows us to act, rather than be acted upon? In other words, how can we not simply accept the life we are given, but instead, obtain a life that we have planned for with faith and purpose?

President Thomas S. Monson said the following during a 2005 BYU devotional address:     “Eternal life in the kingdom of our Father is [our] goal. Such a goal is not achieved in one glorious attempt but rather is the result of a lifetime of righteousness, an accumulation of wise choices, even a constancy of purpose.” [“Decisions Determine Destiny,” BYU devotional address, 6 November 2005]

So from President Monson's counsel we see that we must strive with a purpose, and work towards our goals with a “constancy of purpose”. That doesn't mean that we have to stick with one specific direction and not deter from it. That is not the constancy that he is speaking of. Instead, he is talking about the consistent grounding of our goals and “wise choices” within a purpose; whatever that purpose is.

One way that I have found substantial success in my personal goal setting is to follow the advice provided by Elder M. Russell Ballard in a conference talk that he gave in April, 1987. He said:    “First, think about your life and set your priorities. Find some quiet time regularly to think deeply about where you are going and what you will need to do to get there. Jesus, our exemplar, often ‘withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed’ (Luke 5:16). We need to do the same thing occasionally to rejuvenate ourselves spiritually as the Savior did. Write down the tasks you would like to accomplish each day. Keep foremost in mind the sacred covenants you have made with the Lord as you write down your daily schedules.    “Second, set short-term goals that you can reach. Set goals that are well balanced—not too many nor too few, and not too high nor too low. Write down your attainable goals and work on them according to their importance. Pray for divine guidance in your goal setting” [Conference Report, April 1987]

When January comes around each year, I think the mistake that we all too often make is in making goals that are going to last the ENTIRE year. What a monstrosity of a goal! We have just given ourselves 365 opportunities to fail at this monstrous goal. Instead, we can break these goals down into MONTHLY, WEEKLY and even DAILY goals. And the great thing about these shorter goals, is that they can change. We don’t have to be stuck on the same goal week after week, or month after month. If a goal was too hard, make it easier. If a goal is too easy, make it harder.

I especially like a comment made by Elder Marvin J. Ashton in a General Conference talk that he gave in October, 1983:
     “The direction in which we are moving is more important than where we are at the moment. Goal setting should cause us to stretch as we make our way” [Conference Report, Oct. 1983]

Some examples of MONTHLY goals that I have set:

• I read the entire Book of Mormon over a 30 day period
• I posted the reading schedule on my computer as the background image
• I put the audiobook version on my phone and kept the scriptures out on my nightstand
• I participated in a Green Smoothie challenge with some family and friends
• We posted our various recipes online to share with each other
• Instagram had recipes posted from others who were doing the same thing

Some examples of WEEKLY goals that I have set:

• I didn't drink any soda for a week
• I carried a water bottle everywhere that I went and even flavored it at times
• I made sure there wasn't’t any in the house to would tempt me
• I tried a new dinner recipe each night for a week
• I searched Pinterest and cookbooks for new ideas
• I asked friends and families ahead of time what their favorite recipes were

Some examples of DAILY goals that I have set:

• I wanted to be on time for each activity scheduled that day
• In the morning, I wrote out my “To-Do List” for the day with the specific times
• I would have items prepared and packed ahead of time, ready to go out the front door with me
• Spent 30 minutes each day in quiet meditation or time by myself
• I made a specific point of PLANNING this into my daily schedule
• I planned the time when the older boys or my husband were home and could attend to the kids

You might not realize it, but a “To-Do List” of items that need to be accomplished that day IS a set of goals. There have been days where I feel like I did not accomplish a single thing, but then I look back on my list of completed tasks and it gives me a different perspective and appreciation for the things I did accomplish.

Another way that I have found success in my personal goal setting is to follow Elder Robert D. Hales’ advice that he gave in a Conference Talk in October, 2001:    “Accomplish personal goals in each of four categories … : spiritual development; physical development; educational, personal, and career development; and citizenship and social development” [Conference Report, Oct. 2001]

I have simplified these four categories as: Spiritual goals, Physical goals, Mental goals and Social goals. These are the same four categories that President Ezra Taft Benson gave when he counseled the church in a First Presidency Message published in the October 1986 Ensign entitled “Do Not Despair”. See if you can hear these four areas mentioned, as well as some reinforcement to the principles that we have already discussed.    “Every accountable child of God needs to set goals, short- and long-range goals. A man who is pressing forward to accomplish worthy goals can soon put despondency under his feet, and once a goal is accomplished, others can be set up. Some will be continuing goals… This encompasses four main areas for goals: spiritual, mental, physical, and social. ‘Therefore, what manner of men ought ye to be?’ asked the Master, and he answered, ‘Verily I say unto you, even as I am.’ (3rd Nephi 27:27.) Now, there is a lifetime goal—to walk in his steps, to perfect ourselves in every virtue as he has done, to seek his face, and to work to make our calling and election sure” (“Do Not Despair,” Ensign, October 1986).

Some examples of PHYSICAL goals that I have set:

• I participated in a triathlon within 9 months after having a baby
• I signed up for it and committed friends to do it with me
• I scheduled workouts several times a week to prepare
• I certified as an aerobics instructor and specialized in spinning classes
• I signed up for an aerobics instructor course
• I attended as many aerobics classes as I could

Some examples of SPIRITUAL goals that I have set:

• I read the Relief Society lesson ahead of time each week
• I would read it the Sunday before and mark it up with a highlighter
• I would then ponder the lesson throughout the week
• I studied “Living Scripture” by marking it up with highlighters and a pencil
• I studied my patriarchal blessing 
• I also studied The Family: A Proclamation to the World and the Ensign magazines

Some examples of MENTAL goals that I have set:

• I read a new book each week for an entire year
• I used a website called GoodReads.com to track the books I read and the ones I wanted to read
• I would put audiobooks on my phone and listen to them as I drove around/attended my sons’ activities
• I attend Time Out for Women and BYU Education Week each year
• I love attending Time Out for Women each year in Salt Lake City
• I also set aside time each year to attend BYU Education week for the whole week

Some examples of SOCIAL goals that I have set:

• I take time each day to spend one on one with a different child
• I find things that each child likes to do and do it with them
• I make sure that this time is scheduled into the day’s busy activities so that we do it
• I go on a date night once a week with my husband
• Schedule it. Make sure that it happens. Doesn't always happen on a Friday night.
• And it doesn't always have to be a financial expense. There are plenty of free things that can be done.

To conclude, I want to share a scripture from the Book of Mormon. In his address to the people of Mosiah, King Benjamin gave them some very wise counsel found in Mosiah 4:27:     “And see that all these things are done in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that a man should run faster than he has strength. And again, it is expedient that he should be diligent, that thereby he might win the prize; therefore, all things must be done in order”

I think that King Benjamin is giving us permission to slip up at times, and make mistakes in our goal setting. He tells us that we do not need to run faster than we have strength. So, if we mess up in our goal setting that day, this is a great opportunity for us to revisit our goals and make some changes. We shouldn't give up on a goal simply because we were not successful. Instead, we should change the goal to something that we can accomplish, and that still drives us in the direction of our ultimate goal. Besides, isn't this why we have the Atonement of Jesus Christ in our lives; to make up for our imperfections and give us the opportunity to begin each new day with a fresh start?

I ended by baring my testimony, and I will take the time to do it again. 

I know this church is true. I am thankful for the wise counsel of many apostles and prophets that have improved my life for the better. I know by setting short or long term goals they will help you be a better person. I am a better wife and mother because of it. I am thankful for a living prophet today that guides our church. I am thankful for each of my boys and my awesome husband. And I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Goals

I have set New Years resolutions in the past, and have been pretty successful at it. A few years ago I started doing mini goals, and I've done well with them. Last year, I chose another avenue to follow and it went well, just not as fun nor successful as the mini goals.

Here is what I do:
I make mini goals in different aspects of my life; spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically. Then I make mini goals for each of those. Some goals can be done in a day others in a month. Just depends on what I am wanting to accomplish. 

I am getting a slight late start on these, but it's been vacation and I've been busy playing with boys! 

My new addition this year is this:

I found this fun idea here. 

I write down my mini goals on cute sticky paper so they are easy to take off or move around. I plan on making a mini monthly, weekly and daily goals. Depending on what they are.

Here are some ideas of what I am planning on working on and will add to my Goal List board. I'll tell you a few, others are more personal.

Spiritually: I would like to read the Relief Society lesson BEFORE Sunday. Hold family prayer more regularly. Have personal prayer more than once a day. (and I'm not talking about the several prayers I make in my head throughout the day, but actually getting on my knees!) 

Mentally: Continue on reading. My goal is to read two books a month. I am also (finally) writing my novel. I hope to have that written by the end of the year. I also want to craft and sew more. Learn new tricks and complete a project every other month.

Emotionally: To plan and make more time for ME, as in alone time. Just taking 5-10 minutes alone in silence to meditate and breath would be wonderful. I am also wanting to not yell at the boys as often, which will in turn not get me so riled up at them. 

Physically: I want to participate in a few races. I've already signed up for a 5k with some girlfriends in Arizona, but I want to run another triathlon. My new passion is skiing, I just love it. I want to ski at least once a week until the season ends. I also want to start subbing and teaching more aerobics classes. 

I am excited for a new year. A new start. We're on page 3 of 365! Good luck with your goals, however you plan on doing them! 

February Updates...

This year is going so well! I am thrilled! I kept looking at my February goals all month long and did pretty good with it.

I attended TOFW conference with my cousin and it was so spiritually uplifting and entertaining! (Which reminds Me I need to post more about the conference!!)

Gavin and I had fun birthday's and parties while Nana and papa were visiting. It went by too quickly but it's always fun having them here.

I printed out all the pictures from birth to 1 year for Nathan's baby book. Now, I need to scrapbook in March and check that off my list.

I read 3 books, all spiritual ones, and now just started reading a Stephanie Plum book. I love the Good Reads site!! If you like to read and read a lot go there, check it out and add me as one of your friends!!

I was hired on at the Holladay Lions Fitness Center teaching aerobic classes. I've taught a few Spin classes and I have 11 more classes to sub in March! Spin, Circuit, Spin and Weights, and a Senior class. If you're a member, see you there! If you're not a member, I have a few passes you can have!! Let me know!

I have lost 12 lbs. and 10 inches from all over my body. YEAH! I am excited to continue to workout and accomplish some other of my physical goals. (Did you read the post about running?? So interesting and helpful. Yesterday Scott and I went running for about 45 minutes and we were not that tired. And we weren't sore the next morning either!) I will keep up the hard wok and open my "Skinny Clothes" box soon!

I have found some great blogs about saving $$ and couponing that has really helped me with keeping my monthly grocery bill down to about $100.00 a month. Not bad for a family of 8!! (And no we're not eating Top Roman and Mac n' Cheese every night!) I plan on sharing more information on saving and using coupons a little later.

So many plans and dreams to accomplish in 2011...and so far, so good!!

2011 Plans and Goals

"So many plans and dreams to

accomplish in 2011"

is my theme and motto for this year!! Isn't it a great one?

I've been doing a lot of thinking lately and I wanted to make 2011 the best year ever. Also, I want to make 2011 all about me. (May sound a little selfish at first, but hear me out!) I want to make more time for myself to do what I want to do. I want to "find" myself. (I use that term very loosely because I defiantly know who I am. I just want to do more physical/spiritual/emotional things for ME!!)

Each month I want to do something BIG! Either physically, spiritually of emotionally. (some months will have 2, 3 or even 4 BIG things) I also want to include plans and goals for the family to do all together.

So, here is the year's lay out, so far. (some things I'll add later or change, but this is the first draft!)

January:
5 day cleanse
Start workout schedule (make chart of weight and inches)
Start the Book of Mormon (complete in 6 months)
Register for a triathlon (or major bike race)
Complete Brigham's Baby Book (birth to 1 year)

and ps...I've completed everything in January already!!

February:
Attend TOFW
complete Nathan's Baby Book (birth to 1 year)
Plan a extra fun 4-day Birthday weekend
Gavin's 5 yr BD

March:
Plan all Summer camps for boys
Complete Family Book
Brigham's 3 yr BD

April:
Family vacation (Jackson Hole WY and Yellowstone)

May:
Woman's triathlon

June:
Summer family vacation (possibly Magic Mountain)
Shark Attack Triathlon

July:


Aug:
Attend Education Week at BYU (who wants to join me??)

September:
Alaska cruise with Scott (and his parents and Bill and my mom)
Will's 12th BD (Priesthood!!)
Jackson's 10th BD
Nathan's 2nd BD

October:
Tyler's BD (Baptism!!)

November:
New York City with Scott
Thanksgiving

December:
Christmas

I need to add a few more plans and goals here and there, but it's looking to be a great year!

Mini Goals week 26

What a great week...really. Everyday is wonderful, every week is great. I am so blessed. I am so lucky. I have an amazing husband who is hard-working, funny and so kind to me. I have great kids who keep me on my toes and make me laugh. We live in a awesome area in a beautiful home. This has been the BEST DECISION we have ever made. (Besides hookin' up and having all those babies!!) I wish we would of moved here sooner. I love the area. I love the ward. I love the school. I love being close to so many friends and family. I love the mountains, trees, gardens, flowers, weather....I am so blessed.
Which brings me to this weeks mini goal. I will tell someone something new I am thankful for. Not what I've already stated earlier. Something new. It won't be a hard goal, there is so many to choose from!

What is YOUR goal? Working out...reading the scriptures....not drinking soda...??

Mini Goals 23 and 24

Last week my mini goal was to start working out again. I went everyday, and I feel great! I would speed walk and then jog. The boys would take turns and come along with me on their scooters or bikes. After, we would head to the side yard and do push-ups and sit-ups. It was fun to be together exercising.
This week's mini goal is to craft. I have been so busy planning fun outings and organizing the house that I haven't crafted for way too long. I have a list of fun crafts to do or complete. They are:
Finish sowing my table runner, finish the silhouette portraits of the boys and hang them, make the birthday wreath, build a ramp for my boys and build a cool bench for my porch. Sounds ambitious I know, but it also sounds like FUN!!
What are your goals this week? It can be anything from not drinking soda to reading a book.
GOOD LUCK!!

Mini Goals

I've been slackin' on my mini goals. I've been working on a few different ones, just not posting about them. Sorry. The more people I tell, the harder I work at it because I was to succeed and not fail. So, I really need to get back into the habit of posting about them. Here are some I've been working on and completed with flying colors...

I stopped drinking soda for the week, and then stuck with it. I have been soda free for 3 weeks now. (I still want it so bad. Just a small sip. Hmmm, sounds so good!!!)

Take photos of my boys and me everyday for an entire week. Wasn't too hard I feel like my camera is with me almost 24-7, but I made a conscious effort to take one of each of my boys and me together everyday. Turned out great. So many lasting memories.

To make and bake either a homemade meal or dessert everyday for the week. All I can say about that is YUMMY!

Hmmm....I don't remember the others....But I have been a little busy with packing, vacationing, and moving in to my new home in Utah!

Another great activity I started with the boys is memorizing a scripture every Sunday. It's not really a weekly goal, but it's been a great experience so far. We started with the Article of Faith. Before church we talk about what the Article of Faith means and recite it a few times together and individually. We review after church and all through the day until everyone can say it (Will, Jackson, Tyler, Gavin mom and dad). Cute Brigs will mumble a few sentences when it's his turn. It's helped to sing the songs during the week and on Sunday to review with the boys. After the Articles of Faith we're moving on to scripture mastery's. How cool is that?

Ok so this weeks goal...This may sound lame, but I really, really, really need to unpack and organize my office. That's what I'll focus on and do this week!

What are YOU working on??

Mini Goals Week 21

Another great, great week. The power of prayer is amazing and I felt so connected to the spirit. Why don't I always do this? Why does it have to be a mini goal? Well, I will be better at praying. Like I said before I am always saying silent prayers randomly throughout the day, but the mid-day prayer is what I have loved and will be better at. Going somewhere quiet, kneeling in prayer. Just the thought of it is so wonderful!
I have, another, crazy busy week. I am off to Santa Barbara for 6 long, relaxing, fun days! YES! I can't wait! I am taking the babies with me and Gavin is already there. So, I am choosing not to have a mini goal this week. I plan on finishing up the summer camp plans for the boys during my visit. I also plan on crafting a bit. I also plan on lounging in the warmth of the sun in the backyard reading a book while the boys play. Who wants to join me? Aww, I can't wait! So I guess that's my mini goal. TO do nothing bur relax and have a fun vacation! Ok you talked me into it. That's what I'll do! :)

Mini Goals Week 20

That was amazing! I was perfect for the first part of the week, and it felt wonderful. (Remember my mini goal last week was praying morning, noon, and night) Then, my mom came to town and we made jammed packed days full of fun things and I got too busy. I know what you're thinking...too busy to pray? What the? Well, I was still 100% on the evening prayers, 80% on the morning and about 50% on the afternoon ones. So, I'm going to try it again. I know, I don't usually do the same mini goal 2 weeks in a row, but this is a good one and I wanna do it better.
What is YOUR mini goal on the week? Working out? Spending more time reading? No soda?
Good luck to YOU!!!

Mini Goals Week 18, 19

Holy Crumb! It's been WAY too long since I've posted anything...but it's been a little crazy around here! Last Friday Scott gave his 2 week notice at work. A little earlier than we planned, but Ive been packing since January so I've been prepared! :) 5 days went by and Housing offered him a nice severance package to stay until June (the original plan). So here we are in a clean, painted, bare house with boxes all over. Well, I had Scott move the boxes out of my way and into the storage unit. It feels so good to have so little. We don't need all that junk!
So, last week NO MINI GOAL! Too busy planning and preparing! But this week I have a GREAT one!
At church today in Relief Society there was a lesson on prayer. I was impressed with so many different parts of this great lesson. The thing that stood out the most was how often you (should) pray. Morning, mid-day and night. Man, sad to say I haven't prayed mid-day since my mission! Now, I'm not talking those silent prayers randomly throughout the day. I'm speaking of those prayers on your knees, alone in a room. I remember I had calluses on my knees from praying so much, on my mission. Why don't have that now? I do pray for my children but am I doing it enough? Hmm...So I will pray morning, mid-day and night...on my knees in prayer.
I challenge YOU to do it too! It's just for a week, come on!!

Mini Goals Week 17

Yea baby! I did it and I'm glad it's over! It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be going without sugar for the week. On the 4th day we received a huge box from my mom filled with Easter packages, candy, toys, DVD's, clothes...There was this small package of sour jelly beans. I popped one in my mouth and not a half a second a spit it out into my hand! Wow! That was a close one! On the 5th day I attuned the Blue and Gold banquet and had a nice dinner. I noticed they were bringing out cobbler. Yummy I thought, considering it's been forever since I had any. I walked over to the table picked up a plate and remembered I couldn't have it. Oh man! Then, on Sunday evening I slowly unwrapped a Cadbury egg from one of the boy's Easter baskets. As I was doing this Tyler, Gavin and Jack ran over and were staring at me. I took a small bite, that was heaven by the way! Tyler shouted out at me that I wasn't suppose to eat any candy! I smiled and reminded ALL the boys that the mini goal of no sugar was over and a whole new one begins!
My new goal for the week, which I an NOT excited about as all...But it will be a challenge to see IF I can actually do this, is NO CARBS!
Cry with me if you'd like! No breads, pasta, potatoes, rice....I have tears streaming down my face, do you? :)
Please wish me luck, I'm going to need it!

Mini Goals Week 15, 16, and 17

Holy smokes, I am behind on updating you all on my mini goals! Again, I want to give a little shoot out to my friend, Melissa, for giving me this great idea!

Week 15...I set no goals, I did nothing except PACK, Pack, and pack. I mean, that was my goal to pack! :) And I did great!!

Week 16...Again I set no goals while playing and having FUN with friends and family in Utah. But, I was inspired on some things I need to work on and try out.

Week 17...so here it is folks! The next 2 weeks are going to be HARD goals for my but I wanna try them out. My mini goal of the week is not to eat any sugar! One of my cousins in SLC stopped eating sugar and has dropped like 20lbs in a couple months! When she first told me I thought she was crazy! You know how much stuff has sugar in it? No candy, no soda, no desserts, no ketchup! WHAT? This cousin is one of my dear friends and she has always loved candy, chocolate especially. So I am taking this as a challenge and a goal. I want to see IF I can do this! She is a great example to me, and has a much stronger will power than I. I could of never thought of this goal on my own. So, we shall see...It seems like a perfect week to test this one out...No parties, no Bunko, no RS activities, and it's right before Easter! :)
Wish me luck!!

Mini Goals Week 15

Last week went great. I didn't end up making any new recipes, just some yummy ones I hadn't made for a while. There were a few cold wet days so I made Tortilla soup! YUMMY! There was only one day that I didn't complete my mini goal. You know the day, it was FREE Jack in the Box AND pancakes at IHOP! I could not resist FREE food! And it turned out to be a lot of fun. So, THANK YOU Jack in the Box and IHOP for a yummy day!

Back to more important things, like my mini goal! This week's mini goal is short and sweet....drum roll please....NO FRIED FOOD of any kind! Honestly, it'll be easy. I never fry anything at my house, we're not planning on heading to a restaurant this week for dinner, but we usually go to the cafeteria here on campus for lunch. I usually get a sandwich or pizza, but I do order a side of fries. So, I guess the real mini goal is no french fries :) Oh, man just re-reading this is making my mouth water for fries! I CAN DO THIS!!! I CAN DO THIS!!!
What are the mini goals YOU have been working on? What is this weeks mini goal for YOU?
GOOD LUCK! And, if you see me at the cafeteria don't bother coming over to chat if you have fries! :)

Mini Goals Week 12, 13 and 14

I have been keeping up with my mini goals...just too busy to blog about it on Sunday. Two Sunday's ago we had our annual Super Bowl party, then last week we were in Pinetop having a blast with the family in the snow! Now I'm back and ready to report on my progress...
These last couple weeks have flown by with jammed pack activities and celebrations. We had the football party with some crafting, then started a weekly craft night with some of my special moving far-away friends, Valentine's day with cute family crafts, the Olympics started (which I love, love, love!!) Gavin turned 4 years old, we threw a pirate party for him, the boys had science projects and a science fair to attend, the book fair (which I head up for the boys school) was last week, I celebrated my 35th B-day, I've been packing boxes, searching new cute craft blogs, fun with the ladies in my Bunko group.....Breath! :) I did forget 2 doctor appointments! Bummer.
Ok, here it goes...My mini goal this week is....drum roll please....Make a HOME-COOKED MEAL EVERY NIGHT! Already sounds yummy! Here is why. We have been so dang busy these past few weeks we haven't been eating that great. We've only gone out once to a restaurant, but it's more than that. The kids eat 2 bowls of cereal for dinner or we'll make top ramen soup. Easy, cheap and fine every once in a while, but NOT THIS WEEK! I love cooking and baking, I just need to focus on it and make it a priority. Hopefully it'll get me back in the habit of making delicious, warm, homemade meals.

What are YOU working on this week?

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Mini Goals Week 11

I sure am LOVING these mini goals. It really makes me aware of a certain area in my life I'm working on. It's small, so I can work on it and complete it. I am not getting overwhelmed or anything! LOVE IT! Hey, a few of you out there have told me some of your mini goals, great job by the way!! You can do it too this week. It can be anything. Spiritual, physical, financial, mental....the possibilities are endless. I have had 3 in mind these last few days, but will only choose 1 for this week!

My mini goal this week is (drum roll please....) to either pack a box or fill a bag everyday!
We're moving in June, and there is a lot of stuff I need to go through. There is a lot of stuff I need to pack. There is a lot of stuff I need to donate. And, there is a lot of stuff I need to clean. I do not want to overwhelm myself, so I'm going to start now! (Actually, I started last week and packed up 5 boxes of just children's books....it was only HALF of their books! Oh my! That's what helped make me see there is A LOT of packing, organizing and going through that needs to be done!)

So, everyday I will work in a closet.
Sunday is Gavin's closet in the play room.
Monday in the boys hall closets (2).
Tuesday is the boys closet in their bedroom.
Wednesday is the other hall closet and utility closet.
Thursday is Scott's closet in the office.
Friday is Brig's closet in his room.
Saturday is my closet in the bedroom.

I have to either pack an entire box OR fill a bag with items I am giving to the Goodwill.

WHat are YOU working on this week? GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!

Mini Goals Week 10

I've been thinking these last few weeks about some of my qualities, you know, what makes me me! Here are my top 3:

1. I'm outgoing. I've always been outgoing, a party planner, spontaneous, lively, always looking (or making) times fun. I can get up in front of a crowd, I don't embarrass easily, and I can go up to strangers and start up a conversation easily.

2. I'm passionate. Whatever I'm doing at the time I do with my whole heart and soul. I give 110%. When I was PTO president for 2 years of my kids school I worked tirelessly on helping benefit the school, the classrooms and the students. When I was the primary chorister for 2 years I spent many hours working on posters, games, and aids to not only help the children learn songs, but to have a good time doing it. Same thing with scrapbooking, blogging, helping the boys in soccer, or scouts.

3. I'm loud. You're lucky to have me on your team because you will be able to hear my cheers from whereever you're at. I'm usually in a leadership role because I can be heard.

These are great, wonderful atributes but at the same measure these 3 things get me in the most trouble.
1. I'm outgoing. People are intimidated by me and think I am pushy or rude.
2. I'm passionate. I don't mind my own business and should stay out of it. There are many other people that can do that same thing better.
3. I'm loud. I'm loud. Annoying.

So, my mini goal of the week is to tame these wonderful attributes that I have been blessed with. I am going to stay more distant from center stage and allow other people to show their talents off. I am going to keep most of my thoughts in my head and remain quiet. It's going to be a little tricky because this week, like most, my plate is full. The Relief Society is meeting at my house for Enrichment. Another evening is the cub scout pack meeting where Will and Jackson are going to be receiving patches, belt loops and pins. I'm in the middle of making plans to host the Superbowl party, and Gavin's 4th Birthday party. I am also heading up the book fair at the boys' school that is coming up in a few weeks.

This may seem easy to you readers, but I assure you it will be hard for me. But, it will be good for me too.

What is YOUR goal this week? What are you going to be working on?

GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!!!!!!!!

Mini Goals Week 9

It was a nice week off and I had a lot of time to think about what I want my next goal to be. I have 2 in mind, but I'm only going to do one! My goal this week is to drink a green drink everyday for either breakfast or lunch. YUMMY! I only have a couple different recipes for green shakes, but I usually just throw a little of this and a little of that into the blender. This afternoon I made Dr. Oz's "Green Fresh" and man was that potent! I think I may have added a little too much ginger...Anyways, if you have a real yummy recipe let me know!

Here is Dr. Oz's recipe for Green Fresh:
2 stalks celery
1 cucumber
1 C. spinach
1 large lemon (juice only)
1 large lime (juice only
1 large apple (I usually choose the green kind, but whatever!)
half inch piece of peeled ginger

What is YOUR mini goal of the week??

GOOD LUCK!

Mini Goals Week 8

Aww! I don't have one yet! I'm such a slacker! I have a few in my head that I know I need to work one, but I have zero enthusiasm this week to actually do it! That sounds terrible, but it's true. I'll take this week off, rest up, and rock and roll again next week! Last week's mini goal was to make a new recipe once a day, I did it and it was not only FUN but YUMMY! I also had a few friends call or email me that also tried a new recipe! I got to sample my good friends Jennies "Death by Chocolate Cake". Oh, man. It was hard to share with the kids on that one. It was good!Most of the new menu items I made turned out pretty good and I added them to my list on the back of the cupboard door of meal and side ideas.
Here are the yummy new names of what I made:
Inside out BLT's
Garlic potato side dish
Chocolate cream cheese
Pieporcupine balls
Orange chickenSpinach and corn salad w/ lime juice
Peach pork chops
Artichoke/spinach dip
Rice krispy treats with peanut butter and chocolate chips
Not all in one day of course! :) I have a few other I will be making and wil lpost about those later!