Project 52 - Week 2

This week has not been as productive as last week, but I did still accomplish a few:

Do one load of laundry per day (school nights and weeknight events are excluded)

I actually did this one this week! I couldn’t believe it. Some nights I even did more. Yes, we have that much laundry in our house.

At least 30 minutes of housework per day (not including laundry or dishes)

I also did this. I have got this one down pretty good. It really isn’t helping making my house any cleaner, but it is reducing clutter which is a bonus.

Take the kids for a walk twice a week, weather permitting

I did this one, barely.

Yell at my kids less

I am really proud of this one, as I rarely yell at them anymore J If I feel myself getting too upset, I walk away. I should clarify that when I do yell, I am not degrading them or anything like that.

Watch a movie with Brad at least once a week

This one had been pretty easy, thus far. We will see how it goes once school starts. We watched a couple movies this week, but the only one I remember is “Dinner for Schmucks.” Yeah, don’t bother

Start a journal or blog with cute, funny, sweet things my kids say

I did this! I only have one entry so far. But, I think it will be great!

Take the kids on a hike in Forest Falls

I tried this one, really I did. I even bought our Adventure Pass – but we got up there and there was snow everywhere! What the??? So between my son who hates the cold and my fear of the children slipping – we decided to postpone the trip.

I also did well with my goal number “53”. Although I did not post it, I decided to add another goal of smiling while I drive, unless I am truly upset. I always see people looking upset, it’s a little sad. Hopefully this will help any brewing road rage too.

I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish this week.

Project 52 Update

Since it is MLK day, and I have the day off, I thought I would celebrate by posting something to my blog on the Project 52 thing update. I have actually made some progress (although blogging once a week obviously wasn’t one of them.

So here are a few notables from the last week and a half:

· Laundry is not happening. Although, except when I was sick for 3 days, I have kept up on at least 30 minutes of housework a day.

· I wrote a handwritten letter to my mother-in-law this weekend. January is complete.

· Probably the biggest success this past week is that we were approved to be foster parents! Our background checks cleared, our home is considered safe, and we have a little certificate that says we are approved. Now to just wait for the little one to join us!

· I went for a walk with the kids three times.

· We had a date night. We went to dinner with some friends, and then afterward we went to see The Social Network at the cheap theater. It was a nice night.

· I went out to lunch with Meridyth and Mandy. Yummy Panera Bread! I also went to lunch with Karen before that to Sizzler.

· I did not get the entire garage cleaned, BUT I did make significant strides yesterday. I spent hours and got our side of the storage closet cleaned and one side of the garage cleaned…almost there!

· I have one letter of recommendation.

· I still yelled at the kids…but it was a little less.

· Watched a couple of movies with Brad this week, including The Kids are Alright last night (it was just alright).

· I took the kids to the museum yesterday. In fact, we bought a family annual pass.

· I cleaned up the fish tank and put the stand in the living room. Getting closer to a pet.

I am pretty proud of what I accomplished this week. How did you do?

Project 52

So Karen, and a friend started Project 52, which is basically 52 goals for the year 2011. I thought I would participate. I will start by sharing what my 52 goals are and then update on Mondays.

So, without further delay here are my 52 goals:

1. Do one load of laundry per day (school nights and weeknight events are excluded)
2. At least 30 minutes of housework per day (not including laundry or dishes)
3. Read 6 non-school books (0/6)
4. Travel out of state
5. Write one handwritten letter per month (birthday cards count if I include a letter) (0/12)
6. Finish my thesis
7. Graduate with my masters
8. Get my Site Supervisor permit
9. Be approved to be a foster parent
10. Change pictures in the living room
11. Take the kids for a walk twice a week, weather permitting (0/104)
12. Blog at least once a week (0/52)
13. Eat a piece of fruit, or a veggie, with every meal for a week straight
14. Go without soda one week per month (0/12)
15. Go to the dentist
16. Cook the stud a meal of his choice
17. Have date night once a month
18. Visit grandma pat at least once every other month, not including family gatherings (0/6)
19. Visit mom and dad’s graves at least 3 times (0/3)
20. Organize and attend a “girl’s night out”
21. Have lunch with a friend at least once a month (0/12)
22. Go to the movie with a friend (without kids)
23. Pick up the garage
24. Have a garage sale
25. Clean out and organize my bedroom closet
26. Put up a second closet rod in the kids’ room
27. Create a n updated resume
28. Gather 4 letters of recommendations (0/4)
29. Yell at my kids less
30. Attend one conference/seminar on my own (i.e. without work requiring/paying for it)
31. Go to church at least once a month (0/12)
32. Send in a postsecret
33. Teach a college class (one session)
34. Watch a movie with Brad at least once a week (0/52)
35. Start a journal or blog with cute, funny, sweet things my kids say
36. Take the kids to the museum
37. Make a family medical history
38. Finish watching LOST
39. Take the kids on a hike in Forest Falls
40. Save my change from the entire year. Post total in last blog.
41. Watch at least one documentary per month (0/12)
42. Buy myself new, non-practical, underwear
43. Buy three new pairs of career pants (0/3)
44. Get the children a pet
45. Do something sweet, unexpected or romantic for husband at least once a month (0/12)
46. Go camping
47. Have lunch/dinner with Cassandra’s mom to try to get to know her more
48. Get a mani-pedi
49. Dye or highlight my hair
50. Make cookies with the kids and bring them to the neighbors
51. Get a professional massage
52. Leave 30 Operation Beautiful notes (www.operationbeautiful.com) (0/30)

What do you think? Any questions? Wish me luck...its going to be tough, but rewarding :)

Back in the saddle...

So, I obviously wasn't good at keeping up with the blogging. I will try, but no guarantees.

An update on our life:

Little Miss: She is very 13! Doing well in school, not a whole lot new. For Christmas, we are going to redo her bedroom. She is really looking forward to it.

My Buddy: My sweet boy. His speech is getting so much better. He started preschool in the fall and is doing so well. He knows several letters, all his colors and has calmed down quite a bit. He is our little problem solver!

Baby Banana: She turned 2 in November! Talking so much! Her personality reminds me so much of my mom, it is a little scary.

Stud: Still busy working, working and working. Health seems to be stable. We just celebrated eight years of marriage. How much do I adore this man!

Me: Nothing really new. Still working. I am officially half way through my Master's program and I am looking forward to the Spring semester.

So, that's about it! I am going to try to think of some more fun things to say...but until then, I leave you with a family pic -