January: Update on 2010 GOALS!!

 In case you missed my first post on "My list" for 2010...Here is an excerpt....
First of all, I should start by saying I don't get into making unrealistic life changes. I know that for me my list needs to include things I am committed to changing, thing I have been working on already, and realizing I am a busy wife, mommy, and homeschooler that just can't "Do it all". That doesn't mean that I didn't set some high achieving goals ....just that I kept my list limited.
I decided that dividing goals into categorizes was the way to go for me. As we go through 2010, my hope is to keep you informed in a very transparent way on how God is using those goals to mold me throughout the year. I plan to bring you up to speed on what is happening around the Gaertegang household and how "the list" is panning out......My purpose?
To give God the glory for everything, inspire you to set your own goals, and make myself accountable for the things I put on my list.

Spiritual:
#1 Continue to be consistent in God's Word daily. I am currently reading in Psalms right now, and have been very consistent this past month.
#2 Study my Bible in conjunction with a concordance commentary, so I can a deeper understanding. I got some great advice on some different study options to do with my daily reading. Now I just have to decide which one to go with.
#3 Begin prayer journaling again. I have also been faithful in writing in my prayer journal!
Homeschooling:
#1 More read aloud time together
#2 Continue "NO worksheet Wednesday" & Make Friday our test day
#3 Consider using a Unit Study next year
This month there is a reading program going on at the library and so we have been constantly reading! I am so thankful for the fun we are having..older children reading to the younger ones, having one on one reading time with all of them....so rewarding!
Wednesday's! We are enjoying the mix-up in our week.
Haven't did anything with considering Unit Studies....no in a hurry on that one.
Chores:
#1 Make myself a checklist of my household jobs...so I can better track what needs to be done. DONE

#2 Keep the boys encouraged/disciplined on their chore lists. Failed to keep up with lists this month...gonna hop back on the wagon and keep on keeping on!
#3 Do all things big or small with a servant's heart. This is a daily choice. Failing some days, but trying to keep in the thoughts as I go throughout my day.

Financial:
#1 Continue to faithfully tithe and be generous when led. I feel this is a such a personal issue, and I also feel it is not needed for me to share with you how much we gave or to where we gave....seems to easy for it to be taken as boastful...which is not at all what we represent. We do feel we were faithful this month.
#2 Be very conscious of how we spend God's money and what we spend it on. I wrote out a budget this month (which I do almost every month). I have been tracking every dime we spend and have been keeping running totals in each category. In order to meet our ambitious financial goals this year I feel this step is an absolute need.
#3 PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE!!!! ohhh to be debt free....can't hardly wait!!!
We made incredible progress and paid down the mortgage 12.5%...  

Parenting:
#1 No yelling (Sometimes I feel like that is only way I am heard, not a good excuse though) I am excited to share with that I feel like we have made such giant step in right direction in this area! Let me tell you that is ALL God at work, because I know I can NOT to this without HIM.
#2 More patients...hence the no yelling issue. I also feel the Lord has blessed me with a great peace this past month. He has been gracious in dealing me an abundance of patience. I was just telling someone the other day that normally this time of year I am pulling out my hair for Spring to get here so the kids can get out and play. I have not felt that in the least bit. Yes, we have tense times during some days, but I know that God is blessing our house.
#3 Do all things in LOVE....listen attentively....play more! I have played more, I have taken more time to listen, and taken more time to discipline in love before "the eruption occurs".
Kitchen:
#1 Continue to learn more about cooking from scratch..Don't burn myself out...I have been enjoying my time in the kitchen...but the clean up, not so much! I also wish it would just clean itself after I am done. I have tried several new recipes this past month...liked some...not so much others.
#2 Continue to cook meals ahead whenever possible to help with time issues. I have used all the meals in the freezer now...so I need to plan a day of more freezer cooking!
#3 Keep collecting healthy budget friendly ideas.
Marriage:
#1 Monthly date nights. FAILED! No date night!
#2 Get away at least once a year!
#3 Being a happy helpmate at all times. Need to keep working on it..again a daily choice.
Hobby:

#1 Create a space for my hobbies (somewhere?) DONE!!

#2 Send a stamped card twice a month. I just got my space set up and organized so I now hope to send some soon.
#3 Quilt once a month. I have not quilted yet...again I just got my space again... I did sew Julia a new blanket...which she helped me with!
#4 Blog for fun...to document my family....not feel pressure (from myself) to keep a certain schedule
 

DANIELLE