February "35 List" update

I thought I would post an update on how I am doing on my "35 List". I love that we have done some things we wouldn't have otherwise done without the list. I do need to pick up the pace if I want to complete the list!

Marriage-
1.Go on an overnight getaway.
2.Do "The Love Dare".
3.Go golfing together.
4.Go to a marriage retreat.

Mothering-
5.Go to see Ruben graduate basic training.
6.Take Ethan golfing.
7.Take girls for a coffee date.  This was so much fun! One of my favorite moments from this morning was when my 4 year old daughter looked at me, totally serious and asked, "When can I have my boyfriend sleep over?" I almost spit out my coffee! Not sure if I was more disturbed that she thought she had a boyfriend or that she wanted him to sleep over! 
8.Take Ruben to PF Changs.
9.Teach kids to play tennis.
10.Create and use prayer journals for each child. I love the process of journaling my prayers. I feel like I am more attentive to making sure I pray for the things I really desire for my children.

Personal-
11.Run a 5K. I am plugging away at this! Running is so difficult for me. Am I doing something wrong??
12.Learn basic photoshop.
13.Finish my version of Project Life.
14.Take a ClickinMom Breakout Session.
15.Create a wardrobe that I love.
16.Have a "give back" birthday. (Celebrate my 35th birthday by thanking those in my life that are important to me.)

Home-
17.Create a beautiful desk area for myself.
18.Redo the girls room and get Aubrey a big girl bed.
19.Redo boys room for Ethan.
20.Plant white hydrangeas in the front of the house.

Financial-
21.Fund a trip to see Ruben graduate basic training.
22.Fund next year's tuition for the children's schooling.
23.Sell 50 things we no longer use or love. I have sold 4 things.

Activities-
24.Go to the zoo.
25.Take kids to the Rivoli Theater.
26.Go to Betty Brinn's Children's Museum.
27.Go to Milwaukee Public Museum.
28.Go rollerskating.
29.Go sledding.   I was so glad I added this to my list. We went so I could check it off the list and had a blast!
30.Go to a beach at a state park.
31.Have a game night with Grandparents.
32.Host a Thirty One Party. 
33.Have a cook out with friends.
34.Take a retreat day for myself.
35.Go to dinner at Riverside Brewery with family.

Not Pinterest Ready, But Good Enough!

Aubrey and I spent time this morning creating a decoration for Valentine's Day.

I have been thinking a lot lately about what I am teaching my kids with my actions.

You see, I almost never do things like create heart garland for Valentines Day. 

I see the beautiful projects so many bloggers whip together and I know mine won't compare.

So I do nothing.

Today, I chose to stop worrying about perfection and start thinking about adding my own touch to my family's lives. 

My offering might not be quite as beautiful as some others, but it will add a little fun to our Valentine's Day dinner.

Not Pinterest ready, but good enough!

My Version of 40 Bags In 40 Days

Have you ever done a 40 bags in 40 days?

I have decided to do something a bit different. We had our house for sale this past summer and we got rid of a lot of stuff. I don't think we could find 40 bags of stuff to get rid of...Maybe I will be surprised??

I am going to give 40 areas of my home a good cleaning/decluttering over the next 40 days.

Things like nightstands, bookshelves, end tables, cupboards, etc...So many parts of my home need some extra attention. 

I made a list of the 40 areas I will work on. (this is page one)

I want to make this a period of quieting my heart and restoring order, both to my house and my heart.

I started today on our junk drawer.

Before= Embarrassing!

So much better!

This drawer has been driving me crazy for months and it probably took me 20 minutes to clean it. Silly!

Do you let little projects build up or just take care of them when they bug you? I wish I was like that...Maybe one day!

Linking up to -

Five Songs I Love Right Now

1. Speak O Lord- Kristyn Getty

We sing this at our church and I just love it. One line in the hymn says, "Speak, O Lord, and renew our minds; Help us grasp the heights of Your plans for us."

I am trying to discern what God's plan for the next phase of my life will be and this reminds me that His plans are great!

2. Catch My Breath- Kelly Clarkson

I am trying to run and it is not working! I have worked up to five minutes but it is pure torture. This song is one that I listen to while running. It motivates me. (slightly) 

If you are a runner, does it ever get easier? Please say yes!!

3. Lead Me To the Cross-Hillsong

My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last week and just had surgery on Friday. This song reminds me of where my focus needs to be. Not on the fear, not on the journey ahead, but on THE CROSS. 

 

4. I Will Wait- Mumford and Sons

This song makes me want to simultaneously dance a jig and ugly cry. It reminds me of the way I feel about my teenage son. 

These.Are.Hard.Years.

But...

I will wait for him to remember how much I love him.

I will wait for him to embrace his precious place in our family.

I will wait to see the amazing plans God has for his life be fulfilled.

He is so worth waiting for.

5. I Need You More- Jesus Culture

This is the cry of my heart. I need you, Lord!! More than words can say...

What songs are you listening to right now? 

35

This year, I will celebrate my 35th birthday. I want to make it my best year yet. I created a list of 35 things I want to do this year. This list is half goal list/half fun list. I tend to be a homebody so I want to make a point to get out and enjoy life with my family!

Marriage-
1.Go on an overnight getaway.
2.Do "The Love Dare".
3.Go golfing together.
4.Go to a marriage retreat.

Mothering-
5.Go to see Ruben graduate basic training.
6.Take Ethan golfing.
7.Take girls for a coffee date.
8.Take Ruben to PF Changs.
9.Teach kids to play tennis.
10.Create and use prayer journals for each child.

Personal-
11.Run a 5K.
12.Learn basic photoshop.
13.Finish my version of Project Life.
14.Take a ClickinMom Breakout Session.
15.Create a wardrobe that I love.
16.Have a "give back" birthday. (Celebrate my 35th birthday by thanking those in my life that are important to me.)

Home-
17.Create a beautiful desk area for myself.
18.Redo the girls room and get Aubrey a big girl bed.
19.Redo boys room for Ethan.
20.Plant white hydrangeas in the front of the house.

Financial-
21.Fund a trip to see Ruben graduate basic training.
22.Fund next year's tuition for the children's schooling.
23.Sell 50 things we no longer use or love.

Activities-
24.Go to the zoo.
25.Take kids to the Rivoli Theater.
26.Go to Betty Brinn's Children's Museum.
27.Go to Milwaukee Public Museum.
28.Go rollerskating.
29.Go sledding.
30.Go to a beach at a state park.
31.Have a game night with Grandparents.
32.Host a Thirty One Party.
33.Have a cook out with friends.
34.Take a retreat day for myself.
35.Go to dinner at Riverside Brewery with family.

Books To Read in 2013

After the craziness of Christmas winds down, I LOVE to look ahead and start planning my new year. One of my favorite things to do is write a list of the books I want to read.

Here is the list of books I plan to read in 2013-
1. Loving the Little Years- Rachel Jankovic

2. Almost Amish: One Woman's Quest for a Slower, Simpler, More Sustainable Life- Nancy Sleeth

3. Constantly Craving: How to Make Sense of Always Wanting More- Marilyn Meberg

4. The New Strong-Willed Child: Birth through Adolescence- Dr. James Dobson

5. A Woman's Right to Rest: Fourteen Types of Biblical Rest That Can Transform Your Life- Denise George

6. Mended: Pieces of a Life Made Whole- Angie Smith

7. Unglued: Making Wise Choices in the Midst of Raw Emotions- Lysa Terkeurst

8. Let.It.Go: How to Stop Running the Show and Start Walking In Faith- Karen Ehman

9. The Marriage Project: 21 Days to More Love and Laughter- Kathi Lipp

10. Grace Based Parenting- Tim Kimmel

11. She Did What She Could: Five Words of Jesus That Will Change Your Life- Elisa Morgan

12. The Heart of a Woman Who Prays: Drawing Near to the God Who Loves You- Elizabeth George

*Affiliate links used

Our Advent Tradition (25 Books for Christmas)- Books 16-25

I wanted to get this post up on Monday but my week has been crazy!

Here are books 16-25 for our Christmas tradition.

16. The Very Snowy Christmas- Diana Hendry

17. Silent Night

18. One Snowy Night- M. Christina Butler 

19. Mary's Christmas Story-Arch Books

20. Little Porcupine's Christmas- Joseph Slate

21. Merry Christmas, Curious George- H.A. Rey and Margret Rey

22. Merry Christmas Mom and Dad- Mercer Mayer

23. Hurry! Hurry! Have You Heard?- Laura Krauss Melmed

24. A Star So Bright- M. Christina Butler

25. The Small One- Alex Walsh

Do you have a favorite Christmas book? I would love to hear!