April Goals
The 4th month of 2015 is already upon us and it is just speeding by at record speed. We have already packed in so much this year and we have another busy month ahead of us. Before outlining my April goals, here is a look at how March shaped up.
1. Trip alone with Keith
We had so much fun on our trip to California and I knew it would be a March highlight.
2. Take dinner to one family
We can mark this off this list too. I really love dropping off a dinner for another busy mom or a family that just might have their plate a little full. It is such an easy thing to do and means so much. I made pot roast in the crock pot so it didn’t even take time away from our family dinner. I made a quick batch of cornbread and made a quick delivery.
3. Plan something fun that does NOT include a baseball game for Spring Break
This was somewhat successful. Carly & I visited the Fort Worth Zoo and Keith & Dillon enjoyed a day fishing at the river.
4. Read a good book and get back on track with daily devotionals.
I did read the Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty and loved it. It was the perfect combo of love story/suspense to keep me interested. I still have not gotten into a good rhythm with daily devotionals and my heart is feeling it.
5. Workout at least 4 days each week.
Well, I started off the month fairly strong and then I skipped the entire week of spring break! The entire week y’all. I would like to say I was at least active enough to make up for it but that would not be the whole truth.
6. Resume my “night off”.
Big fail here too. I really, really need these 2 hours one night a week and there is just not much space to plug it in right now. The kids have activities every night but Friday and in order to be productive I really need to get away from the house.
So now it’s April and time to refocus once again. Don’t you just love the beginning of a new month? It’s like the slate is wiped clean and I have the chance to start fresh.
1. Taxes
As much as I do not want to this is a number one priority for obvious reasons.
2. Bless Others
I’m praying God will put just the right family in my path and I can deliver a dinner to ease a burden. We are also planning to bake something for new neighbors on our street and later this month it is Girl Scout Troop Leader day so we will find something kind to do for our troop leader.
3. Read a book and log daily devotional
I have two books on my list this month; The Girl on the Train and Nobody’s Cuter Than You. I also think finding a devotional which is a little more structured in addition to my daily Jesus calling might help me so I’m looking for suggestions. What are your favorites?
4. Date night
Last month our trip away took the place of date nights but this is really something I want to continue. Finding the right day to plug this in is a little tricky but I do believe we can figure it out even if we have the date at home after the kids go to sleep.
5. Spring Cleaning
I sadly love this. It’s definitely time to do a reorganization/purge of Dillon and Carly Jo’s rooms and I’m hoping this happens in April. I also would like to see the pantry completely emptied, cleaned and reorganized as I truly think it’s been years.
6. Fitness Challenge
I am participating in a 30 day fitness challenge thru my gym and I’m looking forward to refocusing on eating the right food for my body. I truly can tell a difference in how I feel when I am eating for fuel instead of eating for pleasure and I’ve been slowly going back to my old habits this past year. You can follow along with my Fit for a Queen posts here.
7. Resume my night “off”
For real…I need to find a space for this. Having a 2 hour span of guilt free time away from the house is a huge thing for me. I am much more focused and free to be present with my family every day if I know I have this time set aside to take care of things I just can’t focus on at home. Finding a time slot right now is the tricky part and as much as I would like it to be the same day every week, that is probably not practical right now.
Monthly Goals
Great goals! I'm desperately searching for a new devotional so let me know if you find one!!!
Those are great goals! I am joining a gym today and getting over there at least 4 times a week is a goal of mine. I love that you bless people with a meal. Growing up my family took meals to families who had a baby, had surgery, who had just lost a love one, and at times just take one randomly. It is something I love doing and try to do now. I love seeing that other people do that too! Have a great day!
Thanks Julie! I love taking meals to other people. When I had my last baby I did not cook for almost 6 weeks because so many people organized and brought us meals. One I remember the most was a friend waited until I had my first day back at work….that is such a tough one…and she brought dinner that night and stayed to hold my baby while I ate with my family!
What great goals.After Easter, I need to get back exercising. Right now I am counting running around our church for different exits and entrances for our church's Passion play practice as my exercising :). I did terrible with my daily devotions last year–this year I am blogging them. I don't think anyone reads them, and I don't share them usually on social media. It just makes me accountable–I haven't been perfect, but so much better; and I can tell too!
Tammy that is a really good idea! Thanks for the tip. This is definitely the area that needs the most focus but is quickly set aside and it should not be that way!
I loved The Husband's Secret too. All of her books are great. I just started Girl on the Train and it has already "grabbed" me.
I haven't had enough time to get into Girl on the Train yet….looking forward to it! I am really wanting some more Lian Moriarty books! Have a super Easter!
Wow!! You have a really nice goal list. I miss my Date Day's with hubby. But with him working full time now its kind of hard to schedule. Must do that again. One of my favorite things with my not so smart phone sometimes is my devotionals. They are always there to read. Welcome to our monthly goal links
Sometimes I just have to rethink what a date can be….I love getting away from the house but sometimes we just grab a drink and head onto the backporch for a one on one visit with no distractions.
These are great goals Shelly! I am setting two goals for myself this month…30 day workout challenge that I found on Pinterest and tackle the laundry piles. #keepinitreal
Oh that laundry again! Good luck with your challenge!
Visiting from friends with goals! I've also been working/struggling getting back into the habit of daily journalling and devotions. It used to be a habit that I didn't even think twice about, I started my day reading a quick devotional and ended my day journalling and reading the Bible. My work schedule changed and now I'm working on having the same habits just at different times of day! Good luck! 🙂
Always so glad to hear I'm not alone!! Why do I always reserve my leftovers for Jesus….such a battle for me. Have a super day!
What a great idea to set goals for yourself each month Shelly! Why don't I do that?!? OK, I am now! 🙂 Working out and getting dressed everyday before noon 🙂
Gosh how I envy your work from home life!!
Shelly — you are so admirable! I love that you intentionally seek to serve a family, and a meal is SUCH a great way (coming from a gal who's been on the receiving end lately)! Right now I am going through a devotional/group study called Freeway — we've only had our first study, but I'm enjoying it so far!
What do you enjoy doing for your "night off"?
Thanks so much for linking up your goals with My Monthly Goals link-up! #friendswithgoals
Many blessings on April!
~Andrea || Mitchael Journey
Thanks Andrea! And after catching up on some blogs I find the perfect person to surprise with a meal this month….can't wait to bless them! Thanks for the tip on the devotional. I think I found the perfect one to pair with my healthy living series this month….Made to Crave. I started it a long time ago but never finished and now seems like the perfect time.
And my night off….I really try to get out of the house with my computer and head somewhere with wifi to catch up on my blogposts and just organizing my calendar and thoughts in my head. When I'm at home it seems no matter what someone is needing my attention and it just helps me focus!
Thanks so much for hosting the linkup!