2014 Goals - June Recap

Better late than never, here is my update for my 2014 through June.

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strengthen my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

I need to work on this in the upcoming months, summer should not be an excuse to take a break!

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

My husband and I did a golf date on a Sunday afternoon.  It is so nice to be back into a sport I love and able to spend some one on one time with my husband!

 

I'm so excited (and nervous about the kids), our anniversary weekend trip is booked for August!

3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We took the kids to Niagara Falls for a long weekend.

We went to Orlando over Spring Break. 

 

We have another weekend getaway planned over Labor Day!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took my middle son and daughter to the library this month.

 

I took all three kids to the playground one evening while my husband was working.

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold $28 worth of items in June 

6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Debt #1 is paid. We are back making progress again on Debt #2, I do not think we are going to make our year end goal, but we will make significant progress this year!

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" to donating items for an end of the year school party. I had donated a lot this school year and it always seems like last minute to me.

 

Sounds odd, but I had to take a work trip and I was able to spend a few hours on the beach by myself (heaven)!

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

No fines this month again!  I have succeeded in zero fines for 2014!  The bad news?  The library is changing its loan period from 3 weeks to 2 weeks, I wonder how that is going to affect me!

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

I did an excellent job of staying off my computer in the evening and weekends.  I think this is due to the fact that we have been so busy that I just do not have time.

10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

This is the only goal I do not seem to make time for? Maybe its not that important to me? I need to reflect on what I truly want to do!

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

 

An InLinkz Link-up

2014 Goals - May Recap

Its June 1st, the weather has been gorgeous by my house, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I had a really good May sticking to my goals for the year. 

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

My son made his first communion on May 2.  I attended the practice session with him as well as the ceremony the following day.  I am so proud of him.

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We had 2 nights out this month, we had dinner and drinks with 2 sets of out friends on separate nights.  We are so blessed to have wonderful parents always willing to watch our kids so that we can enjoy some adult time!

 3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

 

We celebrated Memorial Day as a family at my sister's house with a picnic

 

We went to Orlando over Spring Break. 

 

Long weekend is booked for June!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took both my boys to Toys R Us as a reward for good report cards!

I took my middle son and daughter to a birthday party at a splash pad.  We also did 2 library trips this month.

 

My oldest son and I went furniture shopping together.  He thought it was pretty cool that we would make the decision.

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I was having a really slow month so one day I was home from work since my daughter was sick and during her nap I went through all the boys clothes and posted them on FB garage sale sites.  This month I ended up selling 11 items (lots of items) for a total of  $63!  I also compiled two garbage bags of clothes for my cousin!

 6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

 

Debt #1 is paid.   We made very little progress on Debt #2 this month.  We started a much needed home remodel project so the extra cash went to the completion of our new home office.  This project is now complete, so we are back on the "debt paying machine track" in June!

 

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" to donating items for an end of the year school party.  I had donated a lot this school year and it always seems like last minute to me.

 

I was able to get my hair cut and high-lighted this month.  I also did a "cousins night out" with a bunch of my girl cousins!

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

No fines this month again!  I had to arrange an evening trip to return some book that would of went past due the next day, but I made it in time!

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

I okay on this for May.  I had to leave work at 3 pm on couple of days to get home so my husband could leave to go teach.  My parents are on vacation and normally help us.  On those days, I had to come home and get back on my laptop.  Otherwise, I was "unplugged" on the weekends!

 10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

This is the only goal I do not seem to make time for?  Maybe its not that important to me?  I need to reflect on what I truly want to do!

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

An InLinkz Link-up

 

2014 Goals - April Recap

WOW - Its May 1st already, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I am quite proud of my progress so far.

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

Attended a First Communion education session with my son and learned about the parts of the mass for his upcoming communion!

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We did dinner out and our Saturday night bowling league which is the last one for the season!

3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We went to Orlando over Spring Break.  We had a wonderful time and went to Magic Kingdom and Sea World and spent the week as a family, perfect!

Long weekend is booked for June!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took both my boys to their karate belt tests this month.  I know have a blue belt and a yellow stripe belt in my house!

I took my middle son and daughter on a play date to the playground with some preschool friends.

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold a lot of 12-18 month clothes and a pair of kids pjs for a total of $27 this month!

6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Debt #1 is paid and reduced Debt #2 by 15%.  We did not make progress on Debt #2 this month.  We started a much needed home remodel project so the extra cash went to the completion of our new home office.

 

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" top helping out on a Friday in my son's classroom. I was able to sneak a pedicure in before our vacation.

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

YEAH! I am so excited, 4 months and no library fines! My process of checking my account online first thing Monday morning is really working for me!

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

I did much better on turning "off" work in the evening and weekends this month.  I also did not take my laptop on vacation and did not answer any e-mails while on vacation, a major first for me.

10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

I did not make any additional progress in April.

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

An InLinkz Link-up

2014 Goals - March Recap

Its April 1st, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I am quite proud of my progress so far.

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

I wrote a letter to my oldest son regarding his relationship with God and how proud his Dad and I are of him in preparation of his First Communion.  He will open the letter during an upcoming preparation day at church.

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We did dinner out and our Saturday night bowling league and we had a lunch date one day during the week.

3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We did a family bowling day in celebration of my oldest son's great report card!

Vacation #1 is booked for April!!!

 

Long weekend is booked for June!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I did a school field trip with my oldest son.

I took my middle son on a shopping trip to Target where he got to pick out a stuffed animal.

I took both boys swimming at the recreation center on a cold Sunday.

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold a laundry basket of clothes to a consignment shop for $20 store credit.  I also sold 5 other items this month for a total a $18

6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Debt #1 is paid and reduced Debt #2 by 15%.

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" baking for a school function this month.  I did a "me only" shopping trip and bought items for "me only" for our upcoming vacation.

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

YEAH!  I am so excited, 3 months and no library fines!  My process of checking my account online first thing Monday morning is really working for me!

 

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

Unfortunately, I am on a major integration project for work which has really overloaded me this month.  I had to work on a Saturday and Sunday night one weekend to get caught up on e-mails, however I did this after the kids went to bed!

10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

I did not make any additional progress in March, I had way too much going on at work this month!

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

2014 Goals - February Recap

Its March 1st, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014. I am quite proud of my progress so far.

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them. The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis. Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress.

1. Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

Not happy with my progress here - I always attend Sunday mass, but I want to do something extra.  I need to make a conscience effort in March!

2. Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband. Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We did dinner out and our Saturday night bowling league and we went our for dinner and drinks with another couple!

3. Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month. Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We took the boys to Monster Jam!

Vacation #1 is booked for April!!!

4. Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took the boys to see The Lego Movie

5. Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold 9 items this month for a total a $55

6. Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Made last payment on Debt #1 (yeah - no more car payments!) and reduced Debt #2 by 10%

7. Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month. Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" to a birthday party invite.  I had a night out with 2 dear friends from college as well as had my hair cut and highlighted

8. Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

No library fines this month, I am committed to checking my account online first thing Monday morning

9. Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

Struggling here a bit, I still look at my iPhone too much to see e-mails, however I have not opened my laptop on the weekends

10. Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014. I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

I did not make any additional progress in February.  I am getting sidetracked with working on my blog and now I want to write an eBook.  My mind is so scattered and I need to figure out what I truly want to focus on in March!
 

How are you doing on your goals thus far? Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

 

2014 Goals - January Recap

Its February 1st, so that means it is time to check in on our goals for 2014.  I am quite proud of my progress so far. 

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them.  The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis.  Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress. 

1.  Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).

I attended a weekday mass on January 28th to celebrate my sister's birthday

 2.  Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband.  Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014

We did dinner out and our Saturday night bowling league

 3.  Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month.  Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.

We celebrated our son's 8th birthday and went to The Jump Yard

Vacation #1 is booked for April!!!

4.  Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).

I took each of the 3 kids on a shopping trip alone with only me

5.  Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.

I sold 15 items this month for a total of over $60

6.  Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%

Made a large payment on Debt #1 and reduced Debt #2 by 5%

7.  Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month.  Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.

I said "no" to making my son's 8th birthday cake and ordered the cake.  I had a dinner night out with work colleagues 

 

8.  Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).

No library fines this month, I am committed to checking my account online first thing Monday morning

 

9.  Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).

Struggling here a bit, I still look at my iPhone too much to see e-mails, however I have not opened my laptop on the weekends

 10.  Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014.  I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

I started writing my business plan and have a pretty good outline thus far

How are you doing on your goals thus far?  Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

Good Luck!

One Word

Over the last 2 days, I have seen it floating around Facebook to choose one word as a motto in 2014.  I also stumbled on a post over at Only A Breath, that also discusses this one word motto and she also gives you the ability to make your own button (see mine above?)

The word I chose for 2014 is Cherish...
... Every moment of every day

To me this means...

• My kids are only young once, let the dishes set and play with them.
• Take in all that God has given me and thank Him daily for it.
• Tell my husband on a daily basis how much I love and appreciate him.
• Take time to call my Mom and let her know just how much see means to me.
• Take pictures of my family and look at them and organize them so that I can Cherish the moments later in life.
• Take time for myself and Cherish the quiet and solitude.

Do you have a one word motto for 2014?

2014 Goals

I am making a real, conscious effort to set goals in 2014 and stick to them.  The best way I can think of is to hold myself accountable on a monthly basis.  Be sure to check back in the first of every month to see my progress as well as link up your progress. 

1.  Relationship with God - Do one activity a month to strength my relationship with God (going to mass on Sunday does not count).
2.  Relationship with my Husband - Go on one date night a month with my husband.  Plan an overnight trip of at least 2 nights away to take in 2014
3.  Family Time - Do one activity as a family once a month.  Take one family vacation and one long weekend getaway in 2014.
4.  Relationships with my Kids - Do a one-on-one activity with each child each month (3 a month).
5.  Declutter - sell at least 5 items per month.
6.  Debt - Pay off Debt #1 and reduce Debt #2 by 50%
7.  Me Time - Say "no" to one extra commitment a month.  Do an only me or "girls night" activity once a month.
8.  Budget Buster - Keep library fines to under $5 for the entire year (this is so hard for me).
9.  Work/Life Balance - Friday at 5 pm - until Monday at 8 am - do not check work e-mails (I am off the clock).
10.  Have an online business (this idea has been in my head for over a year) fully functioning by the end of 2014.  I need to take one giant step every month to achieve this goal!

What are your goals in 2014?  Feel free to leave a comment or link up!

Good Luck!