3 in 30 Goals for May

After taking the month of April off from 3 in 30, I am ready to participate again in the 3 in 30 challenge during the month of May.

1.  HOMESCHOOL - My first goal for this month is to finalize all curriculum decisions and purchase all needed curriculum for my five children for the 2011-2012 school year.  I will have a 1st, 3rd, 5th, 7th, and 8th grader this fall. It seems like just yesterday that I started PreK with my oldest!

2.  HOME - I plan to remove clutter and thoroughly clean my Master Bedroom this month. I also plan to go through all of my clothes and get rid of those that are too big! I may need to shop for some new clothes when I am done!

3.  SELF-EDUCATION - I want to finish reading the book One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp.

Easter 2011

I know, I know, it is a total shock to some of you to see that I have actually posted pictures! Hopefully you recover okay!

We enjoyed spending Easter weekend with Mom, Heidi (my sister) and her husband Mike.  Heidi and I bought new outfits for Easter at separate times and places, and we ended up with matching outfits!

Heidi, Mom, and I

Heidi and I

Jeff and I

My Family

Our Kids!

Menu Plan Monday

Monday - Chef Salad using leftover Teriyaki Grilled Chicken from Sunday

Tuesday - Macaroni and Cheese, Chili Dogs, and Cottage Cheese

Wednesday - Greek Style Skillet Supper

Thursday - Chicken Tortilla Soup

Friday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico De Gallo

Saturday - Lunch - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches and Tomato Soup

                 Supper -

Sunday - Ham, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Green Beans, Fruit Salad, Rolls

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.


Monday - Mexican Chow Mein

Tuesday - Chef Salad w/ Grilled Chicken

Wednesday - Barbecue Sandwiches, Potato Chips, Vegetables

Thursday - Chipotle

Friday - Mall Food Court

Saturday - Pizza Hut and/or Panera Bread

Sunday - Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad
                Supper - Taco Soup

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Four Check-In

Wow! The month of March is about over.  It has been a busy month, but a good month.  


Earlier Bedtime 

I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime.  I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

I feel like I have developed a good habit this month in regards to an earlier bedtime.  I have been to bed around 11 p.m. every night this past week except for last night. We had a youth activity night after our church service and didn't get home until 12:45 a.m.  But I was definitely knowing it when 11 p.m. rolled around.  

Square Foot Gardening

The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year.  So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month.  Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us.  I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

I did not get any further this week with my closet or the gardening.  Instead, I spent my week catching up on laundry after being without my washer for 11 days.  And we also had nightly revival services this week.  So with extra laundry, homeschooling, extra church services, cooking, cleaning, a day with a migraine, grocery shopping, and a funeral, I didn't have the time nor the energy to tackle more on the gardening or the closet organization.  It doesn't really look too hopeful that I will tackle it this coming week either, but I definitely plan to get these finished in the coming weeks.

I have enjoyed doing 3 in 30 again this month and plan to participate again in April.

Taco Soup

Taco Soup

1 to 1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 pkg Taco Seasoning
2 cans Whole Kernel Corn, undrained
2 cans Ranch Style Beans, undrained
1 can Black Beans, Rinsed and Drained
2 cans Diced Tomatoes with Jalapeños, undrained

Corn Chips
Shredded Cheese
Diced Onion
Sour Cream

Brown beef over medium heat until no longer pink; drain. Stir in the taco seasoning, corn, beans, and tomatoes.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.  Place corn chips in soup bowls; ladle soup over top.  Top with shredded cheese, diced onion, and sour cream if desired.

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.


Monday - Crunchy Garlic Chicken, Baked Potatoes/Baked Sweet Potatoes, California Blend Veggies

Tuesday - Beef Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Brown Rice, Peas, Fruit Salad

Wednesday - Breakfast Burritos

Thursday - Subway

Friday - Chili and Cinnamon Rolls

Saturday - Greek-Style Skillet Supper

Sunday - Barbecue, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Three Check-In

Updated progress is written below each goal.

Earlier Bedtime 

I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime.  I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

I am a night owl and am used to going to bed around 1:00 or 1:30 a.m.  So I feel like I have come quite far when my latest bedtime this past week was 11:20 p.m.  I feel like this is developing into a good habit!

Square Foot Gardening

The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year.  So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month.  Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us.  I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

I am still waiting on the book and DVD from the library.  I think at this point I am just going to go ahead and order them from Amazon.  Last Saturday we purchased two Raised Bed Garden Kits from Sam's Club.  I think we are going to purchase a third kit before we are finished.  I don't feel like I have made enough progress in this area, but plan to keep plugging away at it.

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

I have not done a single thing in my closet this week.  I had planned to spend a good part of Saturday finishing it, but it did not happen.  Hopefully next week I will get it finished.


Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded.  II Chronicles 15:7

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Orange Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry with Rice

Tuesday - Southwest Pasta Salad (Ladies of Grace Meeting)

Wednesday - Calico Beans with Corn Bread

Thursday - Corned Beef with Cabbage, Red Potatoes, and Carrots, Irish Soda Bread, Lime Ice Box Cake

Friday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico de Gallo

Saturday - Leftovers for Lunch
                 Corned Beef Hash and Scrambled Eggs for Supper

Sunday - Round Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Brown Rice, Peas, and Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - March Goals - Week Two Check-In

I am pleased with the progress I have made so far this month. I have updated my progress in purple below each of my goals.

Earlier Bedtime 

I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime.  I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

(I made it to bed by 11 pm four (almost five) out of the last seven nights! Two of the nights we were away and didn't get home till  11 pm or after. Then last night I decided to stay up with my husband for awhile!)

Square Foot Gardening

The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year.  So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month.  Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us.  I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

(I went to the library last Saturday and found that the All New Square Foot Gardening book and DVD were checked out.  I placed a hold on the items and I am still waiting for them to come in.  Today I plan to go and price the squares.)

Master Bedroom Closet

Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

(I have worked in my closet almost everyday this week and I have gotten quite a bit done!)

I hope things are going well for all of you that are participating in 3 in 30!

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.

Monday - Chipotle Chicken Taco Salad using the leftover Mexican Fiesta Grilled Chicken from Sunday

Tuesday - Italian Sausage, Peppers, and Onions served with Scrambled Eggs and Hash Browns

Wednesday - Spaghetti, Corn, Toast

Thursday - Tex-Mex Pork Chops, Mexican Rice and Quick and Easy Black Beans

Friday - Loaded Baked Potato Soup, Crusty French Bread

Saturday - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers (Lunch) Leftovers and/or Cereal for Supper

Sunday - Sauerkraut, Kielbasa, Mashed Potatoes, Lima Beans, Corn, Fruit Salad

March 3 in 30 Goals With End of Week Check-In

I feel that setting three goals in February was very beneficial to me, so I am choosing to participate again during the month of March.

Earlier Bedtime 
I am going to aim for an 11:00 p.m. bedtime.  I am a night owl, so this is going to be a difficult goal for me. In order to accomplish this goal, I am going to have to move up my children's bedtime, so that I can still have that needed downtime before I go to bed.

(I made it to bed by 11 p.m. Tuesday through Friday!)

Square Foot Gardening
The kids and I are wanting to do some gardening this year.  So I decided that planning a garden would be a great goal for this month.  Because of the limited space that we have, I feel that square foot gardening is the best option for us.  I plan to utilize the library and online websites to help me meet this goal.

(I have started reading online and plan to go to the library today)


Master Bedroom Closet
Do a purge and reorganization of closet!

(This is a definite work in progress!)

Menu Plan Monday

This week I am participating in Menu Plan Monday at I'm an Organizing Junkie.


Monday - Oven Baked Chicken, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Spinach or Broccoli with Cheese Sauce

Tuesday - Beef in Mushroom Gravy (This is the original recipe, but we have changed it greatly over time), Peas, Strawberry Fresca

Wednesday - Slow Cooker Chicken Burritos (Next time Jeff wants this with Quick and Easy Black Beans and a Rice dish.)

Thursday - Chipotle and/or Panera Bread

Friday - Mushroom Pepper Steak and Brown Basmati Rice (excellent)

Saturday - Spaghetti, Corn, Breadsticks

Sunday -  Baked Potatoes, Grilled Chicken, Mixed Vegetables, Fruit Salad

3 in 30 - February Goals - Week Four Check-In

February has certainly flown by, but I feel like I have developed some good habits this month.

Weight Loss
I am more than pleased with my weight loss this month.  I have lost an additional 2.5 pounds this week which makes my total loss for the month 8 pounds.  I am very happy to have exceeded my goal by 3 pounds.  I feel like I have developed some good habits in regards to eating healthier and getting more exercise. :)

Recipe Organization
Undertaking the organization of my recipes has been no easy feat.  I have not completed all I want to do, but I have made good progress.  So far this month, I have placed all my recipe printouts in sheet protectors and in binders. I still need to file recipes from  my recipe box, a small photo album, and a small tote in my closet.  In order to finish this task, I need to get at least one more binder, some sheet protectors that will hold 4 x 6 recipe cards, and dividers that will extend beyond the edge of a sheet protector.   I do not plan to make the completion of this task a goal for March, for I feel that I have progressed enough this month that I will complete this task March without the needed push of making it a goal for another month.

Purposeful Reading
I have read more books to my girls this month than in previous months, but I am still not where I would like to be.  I think there are some other areas in our life that really need to change before this will become a habit.

Conclusion
I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in 3 in 30 in the month of February, and I am looking forward to participating again in the month of March.  I will list my goals for March in another post.

Weekly Menu

Monday - Turkey, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Stuffing, Green Beans, Chocolate Bundt Cake (Julissa's Birthday Meal)

Tuesday - Leftover Barbecue

Wednesday - McDonalds

Thursday - Leftover Turkey

Friday - Pizza, Salad

Saturday - Turkey Sandwiches on Deli Flats

Sunday - Steak and Mushroom Gravy, Rice, Peas, Salad

3 in 30 - February Goals - Third Week Check-In

I see that this week we are to include some bit of encouragement that has helped us this past week.  I have not really had anything in the forefront during the week, but the verse that comes to mind as I am typing is "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." - Philippians 4:13

It is hard to fathom that February is about over.  I am quite pleased with the progress I have made with 2 of my 3 goals this month.  

Weight Loss
I have exceeded my goal for the month.  I am down 3 pounds this week.  That makes it 5.5 pounds that I have lost so far this month.  I have done this by making healthy eating choices and exercising 5 days this week.

Purposeful Reading
I have not done near as well with reading to the girls this week.  This definitely has not become a habit yet.  At this point, I am thinking that I will include this goal as one of my three goals again next month.  This week we read Harvey's Hideout by Russell Hoban , Peppe the Lamplighter by Elisa Bartone, and Donkey, Donkey by Roger Duvosin. My oldest girl also reads a lot on her own and they both listen to stories/books on CD.  So I am not worried about a lack of hearing or reading good books, but there is just something extra special about reading together. It is a great way to spend quality time together, and it is fun to share the experience of a good book with your child(ren).

Recipe Organization
I am not finished with my recipe organization yet, but I am happy with my progress. I have put many more recipes in binders this week. I currently have three large binders with recipes.  I am thinking I may need a fourth binder before I am done.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Weekly Menu

Monday - Pizza for kids

Tuesday - Leftover Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Noodles, Carrots, etc.

Wednesday - Breakfast Burritos

Thursday - Greek Pasta Salad

Friday - Chicken, Rice, Peas, Fruit Salad, Rolls, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies

Saturday - Each for his own.

Sunday - Barbeque, Baked Potatoes, Mixed Vegies, Jello Salad

Weekly Menu

This menu is for the week just ending.

Monday - Traveling (Kids ate at McDonalds for supper)

Tuesday - Beef and Bean Burritos with Pico de Gallo

Wednesday - Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, and Bagels

Thursday - Meatloaf, Scalloped Potatoes, Baked Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

Friday - Chicken Enchiladas with Pico de Gallo and Mexican Rice

Saturday - Mexican Fiesta Chicken Chef Salad

Sunday - Roast, Potatoes, Carrots, Cottage Cheese, Rolls

3 in 30 - February Goals - Second Week Check-In

It is hard to believe that February is about half over.  I have been working on three goals this month.  Two of which I hope to continue in the months ahead.  Below is an update on the progress I have made this week.


Weight Loss
I am so happy with my progress this week in regards to losing 5 pounds this month.  We were gone this past Thursday through late Monday night visiting family and I was still able to lose 1 pound this week. This week I walked 1 mile on Tuesday, 1.5 miles on Wednesday, 1.5 miles on Thursday, and 1 mile on Friday with Leslie Sansone's Walk Off 10 Pounds DVD.  I am down 2.5 pounds for the month with 2.5 pounds to go this month.  :)

Purposeful Reading
This week I have read to the girls Tuesday through Friday and plan to read on Saturday.  I have read The Happy Lion by Louise Fatio, Corduroy by Don Freeman (an old favorite), A Light Kindled (The True Story of Priscilla Mullins) by Tracy M Leininger - Chapter 1 on Thursday, Chapters 2, 3, and 4 on Friday, and plan to read Chapters 5, 6, and 7 on Saturday.

Organization of Recipes
I have sorted through quite a few recipes and put them into sheet protectors.  This is going to take some time, but I am pleased with the progress that I have made thus far.

3 in 30 - February Goals - Week One Check-In

My 3 goals for the month of February are:

Goal #1 - Lose 5 pounds
I used Leslie Sansone's Walk Off 10 Pounds DVD and walked one mile four different days this week. I was down 1.5 pounds by Thursday! Only 3.5 more to go this month!

Goal #2 - Read to my girls 5 days out of the week
On Tuesday, I read three books to the girls.  We read Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day by Judith Viorst, Jamberry by Bruce Degen, and The Ugly Duckling as retold by Lillian Moore

On Thursday, I read two books -Jennie's Hat by Ezra Jack Keats and Have You Seen Louie? by Muriel A. Munro

On Friday, I read one book - The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper

On Saturday, I read one book - The Store-Bought Doll  by Lois Meyer (Little Golden Book)

On Sunday, I read one book - The Shoelace Box  by Elizabeth Winthrop (Little Golden Book)

Goal #3 - Organize my Recipes

Oops! I have not started working on my recipes.