Planning and More

I have taken a few days to gather my thoughts but preparations for possible power outages kind of took place of my ultimate 'plan'. We were socked with several inches of ice and sleet before it turned to 8 inches of snow. We have had two snow days off of work and school as well. My husband helped out tremendously in getting us prepared in case we were to lose power. I pray for those in the SW part of our state that are currently without power. We were spared in our town from losing power and for that I am deeply grateful.

This whole event reminded me that while I try to have a fully stocked pantry I also need to have a better emergency plan instead of the one that rolls around in my brain.

I am getting a late start in the goal planning for 2010 but instead of just blowing it off because it is January 30th, I am going to forge ahead and set some goals. This year is a big one in our family! Actually the next three years we will have three children graduate from high school and one prayerfully from college. Lots of stress, excitement, and planning!

I have decided in February to set a few goals that will help faciliate the coming months leading up to Seth's graduation from high school.

February Goals
1. Create mail merge list for Seth's graduation announcements.
2. Begin to gather pictures and print off for scrapbook retreat in April.
3. Strive to exercise each day.
4. Taxes done
5. Declutter, organize, and decorate our laundry room.
6. Gather materials needed to paint buffet in breakfast room.
7. Blog more than once a week!

That is all I am going to add to my list. I have a tendency to make a huge list and then get so down on myself when I do not mark everything off. I have had one item on my 'to do' list now for three years....I want to paint a built in buffet in my breakfast room. I am going to do this at some point but have decided not to add it to a list. If I can have the supplies at hand I feel I will be one step closer to tackling this project that I keep putting off.

Long Range Goals for 2010
1. Research and price the refacing and/or painting of our kitchen cabinets.
2. Exercise at least four days per week.
3. Clean eating every day but one free day.
4. Save 2000.00
a. Do not eat out at lunch
b. Cook at home more.
c. Get back into Once a Month Cooking
d. Become more organized in my coupons and saving strategies
5. Read Beth Moore's new book and study So Long, Insecurity!
6. Plan a sweet sixteen party for Hannah
7. Plan a graduation party for Seth
8. Prepare items for Seth to take to college
9. Plan a time to get away with my husband.
10.Organize each room in my home. Declutter and store items effectively.

So that is what I can think of currently. I have more for the 2010's list but will update as necessary.

Beginning Again

Life has a way of snagging you and pulling you into a whirlwind when you least expect it especially if you have three teenagers living under your roof as well as a college student three hours away! Much has taken place since I last posted in March. We had one son severely injured in his last home football game on Senior night and who only this week went back to school after being out for more than eleven weeks! We had another son injure his ankle in a farming accident that only by a miracle of the Lord did he not lost his foot or worse his life! Our baby girl started driver's education and now has her permit! One son acquired his first job! So many other things I could have documented and did not. I had written only sporadically before March and mainly focused on great sales that I had found or books that I was reviewing. I will still do some of those same things but this year feels different.

I really want to re-focus and begin to journal again. It is in those times of quiet repose that I can hear the Lord speak to me ever so softly amongst this chaos called life.

This year...2010...is going to be a huge one in our home. Our second son will be graduating from high school in May and heading off to college in August. I will turn an age that I even hate to write down or utter for fear that I realize it is really happening...I am arriving at middle age! EGADS! I will turn 50 in June! How can it be? I mean in my heart I feel young, vibrant, full of life and yet in reality I am at a crossroads...mid-life. Soon we will have an empty nest and while I am very excited to see my children growing into young adults I find myself worrying if I have raised them right, given them the tools to make it in this life that is so full of uncertainty and strife. Have I pointed them to Jesus enough and His Word?

It feels good tonight to be up late pounding on this keyboard. The thoughts that are rolling around in my mind have taken up my precious sleep at night so perhaps the best way to solve those quiet conversations in my head late at night when everyone is asleep is to write them all down.

I first started this blog because I wanted to pursue a simpler life in all areas. My blog tag line says "A Christian Mom in pursuit of a more simplified life in all areas body, mind, spirit, finances, and health." I don't feel that I have pursued much of a simplified life in the last year. In my heart I long to but in reality I have felt like I have been on a bullet train speeding along praying I can keep all the various events of my life in balance. I have not done a great job of that at all. So begins the journey anew. That is one thing about our Father that I love....He can refresh and renew our hearts, minds, and lives. I am ready to get my plan of action going but the plan will have to wait until tomorrow. Until then...