March: Goals for 2010 Update

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 home schooler 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 have not been consistent this past week for some reason. Jumping back on the daily schedule asap!
#2 Study my Bible in conjunction with a concordance commentary, so I can a deeper understanding.  
I have done some looking around and discovered that at this point I feel my Study Bible is sufficient. So I am marking this one off the list.
#3 Begin prayer journaling again. I am also marking this one off the list...been doing it since January...loving it!
Homeschooling:
#1 More read aloud time together. Okay so I am giving myself an F in this department! Since the older ones can read so well on their own...I rarely find myself reading to them....Lazy on my part though. I read to the younger ones OFTEN.....I give myself an A in that department!
#2 Continue "NO worksheet Wednesday" & Make Friday our test day 
I am marking this one off the list also...Our school schedule goals have changed a bit for the end of the year....so I hope to pick this up again next school year because the boys really enjoyed it.
#3 Consider using a Unit Study next year
 I think I must be on a "marking off the list rampage"! I decided to dive into this goal a little early with the Butterfly Unit Study...then we went right into the Green Thumb Unit Study. TWO thumbs up!
 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. We have not been following a "list" per say but the boys have been doing very well at helping out and keeping up on their chores.
#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. I do think I have well in this area this past month...More positives than negatives I think!
Financial:
#1 Continue to faithfully tithe and be generous when led.  Check!
#2 Be very conscious of how we spend God's money and what we spend it on. Did okay I would say...went over budget...I hate when that happens! That is the beauty of another month...you start over with a fresh start...smile.
#3 PAY OFF OUR MORTGAGE!!!! ohhh to be debt free....can't hardly wait!!!
We ended last month with around 65 % payoff...We didn't move at all this month. Lance's ortho appt. made sure of that! We have also been taking care of some small maintenance items around the house as well.....There is always next month!
Parenting: Same as last month

#1 No yelling (Sometimes I feel like that is only way I am heard, not a good excuse though) Doing great with this, still a work in progress though.
#2 More patients...hence the no yelling issue. I feel the Lord has blessed me with a great peace this past month. He has been gracious in dealing me an abundance of patience.
#3 Do all things in LOVE....listen attentively....play more! Doing well in this area. Playing....love it!
Kitchen:
#1 Continue to learn more about cooking from scratch..Don't burn myself out...I have found in the area of my life...as well as others...it's all about being intentional. I have marked on my calendar the days of the week I need to make things. Example: 4/7 make pizza crust.....4/10 make butter rolls 
#2 Continue to cook meals ahead whenever possible to help with time issues. No one Big cooking day happened last month liked I wanted. I did do two smaller cooking days..cooking a week's worth of meals at a time. A HUGE time saver in the end. I am wanting to continue this especially now that we are spending so much more time outside.
#3 Keep collecting healthy budget friendly ideas. No new ideas lately, but I am reading more on organic foods and such. I was blessed with FIVE free coupons from Organic Valley to try any of their Dairy products for FREE!! I have not used any yet...I just finally got them picked up. I will keep you posted on my thoughts about it.

Marriage:
#1 Monthly date nights. We were over achievers this month...TWO date nights! Love when that happens...
#2 Get away at least once a year! Still nothing in the works...focusing on other priorities for now.
#3 Being a happy helpmate at all times. Working on it....

Hobby:

#1 Create a space for my hobbies (somewhere?) DONE!!
#2 Send a stamped card twice a month.I totally "Rocked It" this month with stamping cards...enough that I should have no problem meeting my quota for the rest of the year!! 
#3 Quilt once a month. I quilted little this month...so slow progress on my lap blanket. Plan to kick it in high here this month and make some progress!
#4 Blog for fun...to document my family....not feel pressure (from myself) to keep a certain schedule. Doing great in this area. Had lots of fun with giveaways last month...Have a couple planned for April. I totally enjoy documenting our family fun and adventure on my blog...
 
DANIELLE