1. Being brave creatively: choose a partially finished craft project and complete it. Did not complete, oops. I chose a really simple cross-stitch project to finish, but it definitely fell to the back burner. When given the option of free-time activities, I tended to reach for a book more. Hopefully I’ll finish up in September.
2. Being brave in the kitchen: have Mark teach me how to grill something on our charcoal grill. Technically, did not complete. Does it count if I sat and just watched him grill our dinner, hah?! He went through and showed me every step, but I was definitely a spectator and not a participant. I’ll have to try to do the steps on my own once I have more energy.
3. Being brave in my giving: send at least one surprise package, just because. Complete! I “met” a sweet mamma of four last year on Instagram and I’ve loved seeing her life through her pictures. She’s been quite honest in her challenges recently so I wanted to bring a little sunshine to her mailbox. It was so much fun to choose a few items to send…I highly recommend you do it too!
4. Month-long challenge: finish the “Walk at least a mile a day everyday for 30 days” challenge I started in July. Complete! This challenge could not have happened at a better time. I needed the extra oomph to push through the “pregnancy laziness” that summer always brings and to take the first steps toward a regular exercise routine. Even though the 30 days are officially over, I am still trying to walk everyday, even if it’s only laps around the house.
5. Read one book. I actually finished two! I’ve been trying to read all of the books on the “to-read” shelf, so this month I knocked out Rome Sweet Home: Our Journey to Catholicism
6. Pay a big chunk on student loan debt. Complete! We’ve still got more work to do, but I feel like the end is near. Can’t wait to have that debt gone!
7. Start checking off the new baby to-do list: buy a new car seat, pack the hospital bag, wash newborn clothing, etc. Complete! Nesting has definitely kicked in. The car seat and stroller have been purchased and all of his itty-bitty clothing has been washed and put away. We brought up the bassinet from the basement and started packing the hospital bag. There are a few odds and ends still left to accomplish, but nothing crucial. We are ready for you, baby boy!
8. Research and make a plan for the second half of 2014 for Big White Farmhouse.
I’m going to consider this one semi-complete. I did a lot of product research for the upcoming holidays, but still feel unprepared. Oh well! So much of retail really can’t be planned anyway…one week at a time.
9. Purchase a few frames to start a gallery wall in Sophia’s bedroom. This one just didn’t get done this month and I’m not sure if I’ll be able to fit in a trip to Ikea before the baby arrives. Thank goodness Sophie doesn’t know the difference. 🙂
10. Make a prayer request book and be faithful in praying daily for others. Complete! I took a little hand-held notebook I’ve had hanging around and wrote down everyone I could remember. Then, throughout the month, if I was asked to pray, I immediately jotted it down before I forgot. It has been a game changer for me. I’m no longer relying on my poor memory!
Overall, I think it was a very successful month. I’m looking forward to September!
How did you do with your monthly goals?
P.S. We’re having a Labor Day sale over at Big White Farmhouse this weekend and I hope you’ll check us out! The entire site is 20% with the coupon code “LABORDAY20”. It’s the perfect time to start your Christmas shopping!
well done Ashley! Inspired about your walk every day goal – I was doing soo good up until this last month! haha! I'm really anxious to get back into it after this baby joins us. sheesh – it's more like waddling for sure at this point!! Also – I LOVE Peace like a River. beautiful writing – enjoy!!