Goals of 2012

Each year, as the seemingly majority of America, I reevaluate, restart, and redo my list of goals. This year, rather than making a list of well intentioned goals, set myself up for failure, and throw in the towel January 2nd, I have committed myself to a manageable plan. A plan that allows me to make lists (something I cannot function without), and alter as necessary.

I have organized a list of things I hope to accomplish in the year 2012. The following is not inclusive, but a general overview:


Spiritual Goals:
Bible in a Year (Have been doing this in 6 months, but want to stretch it out)
Memorize 100 Verses this year (2 a week)
Find a church (have been searching for 4 months)
Complete our Personal and Family Mission Statements
Continue our prayerful search for mentors
Pray for ministry opportunities outside of home (ideally through our new church)

Relational:
Date night twice a month
Family/Friend visits once a month minimum

Motherhood/Parenting Goals:
Consistency in Discipline
Continue to add scripture to Bailey's heart training
Patience
Eliminate pacifier
Independent Play
Potty Training----maybe.

Homemaking:
Reevaluate our Menu Plan/Meal Budget
De-clutter: 30 items in 30 days at least twice this year
Evaluate and update Household and Emergency Binder
Compile a 3-5 day survival kit

Personal Growth:
Exercise 4 times a week
Read a minimum of 1 book a month



While the list is very manageable, I cannot succeed by taking it all on January 1st. So each week/month, I will be evaluating the list and chipping away bit by bit. With that said, the objective for January is the following:

8 Verses Memorized
Genesis and Job read (utilizing a chronological reading plan)
2 Date nights
1 Play date
Complete 1 Book
Exercise for 20 minutes 5x's week
Reevaluate food Budget

Date Night

What a wonderful Sunday at the Towne house. :)

This afternoon, Michael and I went on our first of two dates for the month. Thankfully, due to gift cards, we didn't pay a dime for the entire afternoon!! We went out to dinner at Applebee's, browsed Barnes and Noble, and ended the date with my all time favorite Cinnamon Dolce Latte. It is a Valentine's Day Delight! My belly is happy!

While standing in line for our drinks, Michael and I were talking about how both of our favorite Starbucks specialties are seasonal. Sad, I know. After doing some digging, I found that our favorites are made with the same syrup. This has prompted my quest to find, purchase (with another gift card), and perfect our delights. So....stay tuned for some recipes!

Cheap Date

In the spirit of Valentine's Day, I thought I would compile a list of frugal date ideas. Since some of my readers are either newly married, new parents, or parents to be, any other ideas you would like to share would be welcome! Michael and I have learned how important it is to set aside time for just the two of us on a regular basis. It is our goal to do this at least twice a month, so finding cheap dates has become a priority. It is so important to find time to devote to your spouse without the distraction of the children, work, school, and life. I challenge each of you to set a side time for your significant other on a regular basis.

1. Movie and Popcorn. We have rented from Redbox, saved a Netflix movie, or even borrowed from friends. It is nice to just spend time relaxing and not going anywhere.
2. Take a scenic stroll. Find a nice neighborhood or park and just walk.
3. Candlelit dinner for two. I have taken a meal from the freezer, baked it, grabbed a salad from the fridge, add some fresh fruit and wallah......Romantic dinner with minimal fuss.
4. Read a book together and discuss.
5. Attend a sporting event. This might cost a little, but you are helping to fund your local athletic department, so it is worth the cost.
6. Bake or cook together.
7. Game night! Play scrabble, skip-bo, Yahtzee.
8. Mini golf (look for coupons to cut the cost).
9. If you live in a university town, look for free/cheap concerts/plays/athletic events/seminars.
10. Picnic in your area park/living room.
11. Play tennis, go for a bike ride.
12. Make a consecutive date search...for example, finish each date off with a visit to a different ice cream shop in search of the best tasting dessert of your liking.

Happy dating! :)

Date Night


Our Little June Bug is growing faster than we could have ever imagined!! Michael and I have finally settled into a semi-predicable routine, and I think our lives are quite lo-key for the time being. While being parents is an indescribable blessing, it also has made us evaluate our priorities. It has been surprisingly difficult to keep each others needs at the top our our list. Thankfully, given our endless list of babysitters, this evening we are going on a much needed date! We were discussing our plan earlier this week and decided that we would be content dropping Bailey of at Grandma and Grandpa's then sitting in the quiet car for 3 hours. Our conversations have been full of Michael's day at work, and Baileys little antics. (While I love hearing about my husbands work adventures......I just don't think a day in the life of a Farm Bureau Agent is hold on to your seat exciting.)

We are headed to dinner and a movie....and if I play my cards right, maybe a trip to DQ for their seasonal Pumpkin Pie Blizzard! I think the most exciting thing about the evening will be the car ride. I love car trips with Michael. I think some of our most honest and interesting conversations have happened here. We are boxed in this tight and quite space. The daily distractions are eliminated, and our hearts and minds are able to plan, resolve, and dream together. I seriously find myself giddy with excitement about the evening. I think this is just the thing we need to recharge and reconnect!