Monday Meanderings - Dec. 1

Bible Study... still  praying thru the Psalms with the A.C.T.S. format. Just starting a group study on contentment. And another group study on Colossians.

Memory Verse...  Ephesians 4:29

"Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs."

Husband Encouragement...

♥ Just trying to keep the house tidy and need to get our bedroom dressers decluttered and dusted. 

♥ Need to catch up on housework today, and weekend things and Christmas things put away. 

Train Them Up...

* Continue being consistent with my nightly dinner helper routine. This is not only a good opportunity for quality 1x1 time with each child, but they are learning how to cook! AND learning to appreciate all the details involved in preparing a meal!

* Carter--he's our most strong-willed child and that's become very apparent and difficult lately. trying something new in handling these episodes (usually about once a week). >>WE HAD A GOOD WEEK LAST WEEK! No issues!

* Eli--trying to be a little more laid back and flexible with his homework these days. Really just want him to enjoy being home and getting to play as much as possible.

* Hannah--Been intentionally wearing the jewelry she's made for me, NOT just when she wants me to but just because sometimes too. Started a back-n-forth journal with her since she LOVES writing so much, she's so sweet!

* Need to get back to bedtime stories--not sure what happened to that!? Update: 2 chapters left in our chapter book we started in the fall! 

* Christmas traditions and activities start today! So excited and the kids are too!  =)  =)  

* Trying yet another thing with churchtime notes

Personal Goals...

>> I'm gonna be starting the "1 mile a day from Thanksgiving to New Year's" challenge. Feeling so flubby these days... Struggling to get through the busy Thanksgiving weekend but hoping to get on a groove this week. 

New Habit of the Month...  {december}

intentional time with the kids. use my time WISELY.

MUST Do... 

* Put Christmas bins away. 

* Put away any remaining fall decor.

* Put weekend bags away and wash laundry.

* Bake cookies for Christmas program dress rehearsal.

* Draw pattern for doll clothes.

* Prep for any of this week's Christmas activities. (thank goodness we just do super simple ones)

Zone(s)... living room.

Menu - 

M - crab stew

T -  chicken, roasted potatoes

W - sandwiches

Th - cream cheese chicken chili

F - cocktail sausages

S - french dip

FUN THINGS!

* The first week of Christmas season! love it so much! the decorations, traditions, quality time together, memory making, and the anticipation of the coming of our Savior and how exciting that was and is!

* Monday's Bible study was cancelled so I have a coffee date instead. Yippee.

* Bible study Wednesday. We finished our book but decided to continue meeting with our own informal read of Colossians. 

* Volleyball Thursday--can't wait! now that we have new players, it's awesome!

* The kids' Christmas musical at church this weekend. It's the first program our church has done since we've been here, and it's going to be great!

3 things I'm thankful for today...
1. Our church family! I spent almost 10 straight hours at the church yesterday, with early morning music rehearsal, sunday school, church, christmas decorating, and then musical practice. but it didn't feel long at all because every part was great and surrounded by people I cherish!

2. Good friends. Love them.

3. Music. It lifts any moment.