February Goals

I’m really glad I started monthly goals instead of New Year resolutions.  January had a few hiccups, but it was a good starting point to the year and I’m ready to make some new goals for February.  First, here’s how I did in January.

SPIRITUAL:
1. Start my Jesus Calling devotional – This devotional is great even the second time around.
2. Listen to more Christian music vs. secular – This had made me conscious of what my kids hear since they’re with me most of the time.  I also started listening to classical music in the car and I’m not kidding, the kids are always quiet.
3. Read The Best Yes by Lysa Terkeurst – I actually completed this book with a  few days to spare and it was a great read.  She explains how our decisions shouldn’t be made so quickly and to ask ourselves if this will strengthen our relationship with Christ or set us back.  I would recommend this book, especially to over-committers.

MARRIAGE:
1. Read The Power of a Woman’s Words – Umm, I ordered this book and when I received it I realized I ordered the study guide.  Yep!  So I did NOT read this book, but will be reading it this month.
2. Go on a date with Ryan – Nope.  I could literally count on one hand how many full days he was home this month.  We did watch lots of TV together at night (which is our thing).  We haven’t done this in a while because I work at night, but my shop was closed majority of the month (more on that later).
3. Do the 7 Day Challenge from Dating Divas – Yea I forgot to do this too.  I’m a loser basically with my marriage goals.  Sorry Ryan!  To my defense, he was gone A LOT.

MOTHERHOOD:
1. Be stern but don’t yell at Beckham – I was MUCH better about this.  I really saw myself from his perspective this month and it has helped me be more patient with him.
2. Continue “breastfeeding” (pumping) – Still going.  I cannot tell you how happy I’ll be once I’m done.  For now, I’ll do anything for my baby!  Even if it means spending 2 hours a day pumping/cleaning parts.  Can’t believe how much time I’ll gain back towards the summer when I stop.
3. Survive 🙂  Well I’m here to say I survived!  It was a MUCH easier month with my little man!

HEALTH:
1. Do “something” at least 2 times a week – We walked a lot more this month due to the (unexpected) beautiful weather.  But I did not do anything formally considered working out.  But hey, I lost 6 pounds this month!
2. Drink 60 ounces of water a day – I didn’t measure, but to be honest, I’m still horrible about this.
3. Get at least 6 hours of sleep at night – Someone help me!  I have a problem and can’t go to bed before 1AM (really 2AM).  On a similar note, I slept in till 11AM yesterday.  11AM!!!!  I got 9 hours of sleep and not once was I tired today.  More on sleep later.

RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Host dinner for friends at our house at least once – We did do this and it was fun!

BUSINESS:
1. Add 10 new signs once I re-open – I had a huge hiccup this month as my computer stopped working 2 days after I re-opened.  I shut it back down, had to complete and refund 4-5 orders, and just yesterday, re-opened.  Needless to say I did not add any signs. 
2. Do my sales tax for Quarter 4, 2014 – Check!
3. Update description on each listing – Didn’t do that either due to the hiccup.

FINANCIAL:
1. Continue saving $250 a month for a new car – Yes!  And we are currently checking out different cars to see what will fit our needs and budget. 
2. Spend $360 on groceries – I haven’t done the final budget but I think we went over about $40 making it $400.  I even used my savings ($31) from Savings Catcher on the last trip.  Guess I just can’t spend less than $400 if I shop normally and don’t rice and beans for every meal.  *We do NOT coupon.    
3. Do not buy clothes/accessories without giving it thought for 24 hours – I actually followed this rule, except for 1 item, but it was 50% on sale and it was ending before 24 hours.  It was a coat for $48!  A great buy, considering I needed a coat.  I only bought 2 items this month, so I think this rule helped (other item was slippers).

PERSONAL:
1. Get a massage – I did this and it was SO worth it.  I had a gift card for one hour.  My parents paid for an extra half hour AND watched my kids!  Are they wonderful or what.  A much needed relaxing event.
2. Less social media – I was okay on this, but I was more aware of how much time I waste scrolling through my feeds. 
3. Donate excess stuff around my house – I got rid of two FULL trash bags of clothes and probably 6-8 pair of shoes/boots.  I can’t wait to get rid of more.

Overall, I’d say I was okay at reaching my goals.  I learned one thing this month…don’t try to set too many goals/high expectations the months Ryan is reffing (and you have a 6 month old…and the world’s busiest no-nap toddler).  My husband works HARD for our family and I have to figure a way to “do it all” by myself for these months that he’s working extra.  One more month!  One.more.  With all that said, here are my FEBRUARY goals.

SPIRITUAL:
1. Continue reading Jesus Calling in the mornings.
2. Read 50 Shades of They by Ed Young.  Ed is our church pastor and is an incredible teacher.  He just wrote a book about having the right “they” in your life.  It’s for EVERYONE.  He’s currently doing a series on it in church and it’s really informative.  It’s already #5 on Amazon’s Best Selling list and it hasn’t even been released (I think it releases mid-Feb).  I got my copy at church on Saturday.  I actually got 2 because they ran a promotional event where you received a FREE copy with your purchase (I pre-ordered mine so they’re shipping me another).  So I’ll be thinking about who to give mine to.
3. Start reading 1 Psalm a day before the year is over – There are 150 Psalms (chapters) so this gives me some grace days if I forget.

MARRIAGE:
1. Read The Power of a Woman’s Words – This would also be considered a Spiritual goal, but I’ll put it under marriage since my hubby is the one I speak to the most (and sometimes have the hardest time speaking nicely to…just being honest).
2. Go on TWO dates with Ryan – It’s my birthday this month (as well as Valentine’s), so we have two dates lined up for the same weekend since my b-day is the 16th.  Ryan took a day off reffing to take me out on the 13th.  I.cannot.wait.
3. Make him lunch at least 3 of the 5 days a week – I’ve been doing this since we married, but since staying home it’s been harder.  I want to make sure to continue this.  He won’t eat (or eats poorly) if I don’t pack one, so I feel so bad when I don’t.  He never expects it, but always appreciates it.

MOTHERHOOD:
1. Constantly see myself through his little eyes.
2. Continue “breastfeeding” (pumping).
3. Plan out the weeks with play dates and activities – Beckham doesn’t do well being home all day long or not having structured activity time, but then there is Maddox who takes two LONG naps during the day and pretty much has to stay with me when out and about.  I just need to plan the best I can with fun activities for Beckham while not sacrificing Maddox’s schedule too much (luckily he’s a good sport when we’re out).  Some different ideas I have other than play dates at friend’s houses (or our’s) are: library time, simple errands, open gyms, the mall, bounce house places, parks if the weather is nice, and a few other places in our town.
4. Find a dentist for Beckham.
5. Make a behavior chart for Beckham – This is not going to be fancy, but I want to try something with him and if it works, I’ll make it “pretty.”

HEALTH:
1. No cokes!  Yikes.  I’m really not an excessive coke drinker (by the way, “coke” is what I say for any soda), but I got in a habit of drinking about 1 a day.  I cannot JUST drink water, so I’ll be drinking tea and lemonade (if I really need a drinky-drink).  I will excuse this rule for when we’re on our date (we always have a coke with popcorn at the movie).
2. Drink a hot cup of lemon water in the mornings – Read about the huge benefits HERE.
3. Get MORE sleep – I’m not going to put a set time on it, but I simply must get more than I do.  Ideally, I’d like to go to bed at 12am and get up at 7:00am so I have about 45 minutes to an hour before the kids wake up.  This is really hard to do since I do dinner, bath, bed, clean up by myself (and then work), but hopefully I can get a good “single mama” schedule this month.  
4. Find a dentist for me.

RELATIONSHIPS:
1. Have friends over for birthday – I have a fun get together planned for my birthday with some close friends!
2. Continue new Connect group at church – We just joined a new Connect group at church so this should be a great way to get to know some of our church family.
3. Take a friend coffee/breakfast to their house.
4. Have coffee with a friend at a local coffee shop.


BUSINESS:
1. JUST fulfill orders – If I add new signs, great.  If I don’t, great.  I’ve got more time next month. 
2. Start making my spreadsheets for taxes due in April.

FINANCIAL:
1. Make a “priority list” for things that need to be done around house so we can set our budget to get these things done. 
2. Use more of our Groupons – We have several we’ve already bought and this is a great way to save on eating out this month.

PERSONAL:
1. Go through dresser and get rid of clothes.
2. Decide to sell swing or store away – Maddox doesn’t use the swing anymore and I don’t think it folds up, so we need to either figure a way to store it (although I don’t think we’ll need it again ) or sell it (it’s in excellent condition).
3. Enjoy my Birthday month – Take it easy and count my blessings!

I will also focus on giving myself grace this month.  I’m super hard on myself and try too often to “get it all done” when that’s near impossible.  I think it’s good to have specific goals and focus on what you can.