January expectations vs reality

January has been crazy! I haven't been posting since we moved into our new home because I haven't had the Internet for three weeks. You never realize how much you depend on technology until you don't have it lol.

Let me say right off that so far, my idea of the formal family meeting has failed miserably. My husband kinda thinks its silly and has a hard time keeping a straight face the whole time. I'm brainstorming on how to reinvent this meeting into mini meetings every night at dinner time. Only this time I won't tell the man of the house .. And maybe he won't read this lol!

Our schedules are working out great, the girls even woke me up for school one morning completely ready to go! I've made myself a loose schedule (mostly for cleaning) so that I am more productive during the day. I have planned out meals so that everyone knows what to expect every afternoon, and have an app on my phone that organizes my grocery list by aisle. All of these things have made my household more efficient, and I'm much more relaxed because of it.

One of my personal resolutions was to buy less prepackaged snacks for the kids lunch. I've developed a couple of great cookie recipes and have two rolls if yummy dough rolls in my fridge to make baking them more convenient. Ill be posting those recipes if you're interested. :)

I'm still gradually unpacking and organizing, but I'm limited by money. I've made it a habit to spend a few minutes looking at the free section of Craigslist, and pinteresting frugal repurposing projects. So far I've acquired an old ladder, and one wooden pallet. Updates and maybe even a tutorial soon :)

Lastly, for those who know us personally, you know we are animal people. In our efforts to serve as a family in some way, we have decided animal related service will fit us well. We've taken care of anything from snakes to horses, guinea pigs to rats. We found our new pup at the Humane Society and he's fitting in quite nicely. Once he settled into our routine we found another dog to foster and train until he is ready for his forever home. So far so good! We're really enjoying having animals in our home again, from protection to affection, they bring great things into a family.

Happiness project: More lists!

So a few days ago I was able to pinpoint some very specific things that affected the way I feel. Realizing I had control over most of these items was very liberating. I can change these things, in turn changing how I feel! Obviously, there will always be ups and downs, tragedy and joy, but even in the darkness we have the ability to create our own little light. I condensed my four lists down into one simplified version of things I wanted to make sure to include.

I will make sure to include: music, outdoor activity, less tv, less words, more action, and use my abilities to help others.

I think many of the tasks that I focus on will include one it more of these simplified items. Next, I get to actually plan out my goals for each month!!

Happiness project: Step one

So this whole journey begins with a few lists. For those of you who know me well, you know this has already spiked my happiness meter. I am a lover of lists. So here we go.

First, a list of things that make me feel good, energized, or joyful:

• Anything to do with music (singing, dancing, playing, listening to my husband play guitar or piano.)
• Anything to do with water (pool, beach, watermark, sprinkler, shower)
• Soccer, or other running games with the kids
• Rough housing in most formats from pillow fights to kickboxing.
• Reading, writing, or watching a good story.
• Naps.
• Chocolate.

Secondly, I tried to list things that made me feel bad, angry, or bored. Surprisingly it was harder for me to pinpoint these things.

• Wasting good weather by staying inside.
• More than a movies worth of tv or video games.
• Constant picking up of toys.
• Arguing.
• Listening to the girls argue.

Next I made a list of things that feel "right" emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually. A list of things that aligned with my own values, morals, or lessons that I want for my family.

• Helping the less fortunate by donating time, money, or supplies.
• Giving, cooking, or entertaining for friends.
• Supporting Creation with "green" choices.
• Giving thanks.
• Helping animals.
• Spending quality time with friends and family.
• Modeling the type of person I would hope my children can respect and aspire to.

Lastly, I thought about ways to build an atmosphere of growth in my home. How can I improve on some of the things I mentioned above. In what ways can we learn, explore, teach, and help?

• Listen to my children. Delve into the questions they have about the world around us.
• Plan trips with or without an agenda.
• Family meetings .
• Expose ourselves to new situations and people.
• Travel to new places, or look at old places in a new way.
• Look closely at things, or look at the big picture.
• Take notes, make observations.
• Share experiences.
• Read.

NEXT STEP: Whatever this is.