If it’s not happening, make it smaller. This is my paraphrase of one of the techniques in Jon Acuff’s book Finish, and of course it’s something we talk about constantly at Cultivate (little by little!). Sometimes there’s another reason, but more often than not, if a goal hasn’t happened for more than a month, it’s because it feels too big to get my arms around.
These unfinished goals still matter, though, so as I move into a new month, I’ve bringing them with me – but cutting them in half (or more). Maybe completing a bite-size chunk will motivate me to keep going, or maybe I’ll just complete the one bite. Either way, it’s better than nothing :)
On my calendar this month: — I am finally making good on June’s Christmas present of an American Girl doll! We’re heading to Charlotte overnight to pick her out and I can’t wait. (Sleeping in the hotel bed with mama and swimming in the hotel pool might end up overshadowing the doll, though, ha!) Which one will she choose?! — Picking all the strawberries. We’ve already been twice and made this famous strawberry cake last night. Delicious! — A Bulls game with John’s work!
What I’m loving right now: — As a lover of the “government action/thriller” genre of movies/television (Enemy of the State, Air Force One, Homeland, 24, you get the drill), season one of Reacher was sufficiently adjacent to be right up my alley. I really didn’t enjoy the Jack Ryan series, but I loved this one. — We put this coloring book in Shep’s Easter basket and I think it might be magic?! He basically colored it for six hours straight on the drive to Jekyll Island with nary a peep of complaint. (This is not normal.) Highly recommend for any 3-4 year olds in your company! — As a patriot who loves her country, it’s refreshing to see someone take a nuanced look at what patriotism can be and why it’s important, and that’s what this article (WSJ) did. Still turning it over in my mind several weeks later.
As a reminder, you can find alllll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in April: — The Power of Fun | I was absolutely primed to love this book (recommended by someone I trust, just seems like my jam), but I found it a bit torturous to get through, and I’m not really sure why. I agree with her thesis, her writing is good, the research is interesting, and the suggestions are solid, but maybe it just felt exhausting to dissect fun in such detail? It felt like it could have been half as long… — The Midnight Line | After we finished the Reacher TV season, I was curious to read one of the plethora of Reacher books. It’s been a long time since I read something like this – mass market, thriller, not particularly geared toward women? – and it was fun! The writing took a beat to get into, but I read it on vacation and enjoyed it.
Revisiting my April goals: Cull and sort the first six months of 2021 photos Design and print camping tees for our tenth-anniversary trip Choose format for EFM book and complete years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 (Absolutely not, ha. I decided to use Blurb but haven’t gotten farther than that.) Write down 2-3 weeks of “brainless” meal plans Choose a way to serve at church on Sunday mornings Make a final kitchen contractor decision and get a start date on the books (Made decision and waiting to hear on start date! Thinking it is going to be July or August based on what they told me when we first met.) Clean out kitchen cabinets in advance of our kitchen project (Made progress! Still some to go.) Take our first bike ride as a family of five!
May goals: — Download Blurb software, get familiar with it, and complete 2008 in book — Start to memorize 1 Corinthians 13 with June — Edit Annie in April, Volume 1 — Go on a family bike ride once a week — Add bookshelves to our loft and Shep’s room — Add artwork bulletin boards to the loft — Write out one spring/summer “brainless” meal plan — Cull and sort January 2021 photos
As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2022 goals!
Favorite strawberry recipe? I would love to hear! So far this year we’ve scooped chopped berries on pancakes and brownies in addition to the cake, and next I want to try the shortcake recipe on the back of the Bisquick box :)
I’m not exactly sure how to feel about my goals as we wrap up the first quarter of 2022.
On the one hand, I have objectively made some fantastic progress so far with my 8 goals for the year. And that’s wonderful, because they’re all things that really matter to me! On the other hand, that progress seems to have come, either directly or indirectly, at the expense of two of my very favorite things: writing here and reading. (I’ve read three books so far this year – very slow for me – and am continually overestimating how many blog posts I’ll be able to share in a month.)
Are you familiar with the idea of equilibrium and disequilibrium in child development? Kids’ abilities often develop at different rates – they might experience a surge in their physical abilities, but lag in their ability to express themselves. When their various abilities are out of sync, they’re in disequilibrium and more easily frustrated; when their abilities even out, they’re in equilibrium and generally happier and at ease.
I think I might be in a little bit of the grown-up version of disequilibrium right now. That feels like a good way to describe the work of balancing competing priorities – with some surging ahead and some lagging behind – as other factors (growing kids, our social schedule and activities) shift underneath. I know we all experience this at different times – sending a hug if it’s hitting you in this season, too! This, too, shall pass.
Our St. Patrick’s Day after school snack
On my calendar this month: — Opening night of our high school’s spring musical! One of our beloved babysitters is the lead and June is excited to bring her flowers. — Jekyll Island for spring break! Yes, we’re headed back… this time with another family member in tow! — A trip to the WRAL Azalea Gardens when everything’s in bloom.
What I’m loving right now: — I know it’s old news, but John and I watched Only Murders in the Building a few weeks ago and it was an absolute delight. I am predisposed to love anything Steve Martin and Martin Short do together, Selena Gomez rounded out the trio perfectly, and the sets were gorgeous. It’s one of those shows that I wish I could experience watching for the first time a second time. — I have tried MANY kinds of natural deodorant over the years (Schmidt’s, Acure, Native…). Most were good-enough initially, but all seemed to lose their efficacy over time. My newest find is a little less flashy but, several months in, doing a superlative job. Summer will be the real test, but so far I highly recommend! — I listened to this episode of Honestly right after I read “Your Bubble is not the Culture,” and I thought they intersected in interesting ways. Made me think of a pairing we’d dig into for Articles Club!
As a reminder, you can find alllll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in March: — Gentle and Lowly: I loved this book, which was unlike anything I’d read before. Based on Matthew 11:28-29, one of the only places in the Bible where Jesus describes himself (“I am gentle and humble in heart”), it’s a quiet, ponderous read that invites you to take it in slowly: it examines one small piece of scripture per chapter, and leans on a lot of writing from the Puritans (yes, really). My biggest takeaway was that rather than drawing away from or merely tolerating his people in their sin, that is when Jesus loves us the MOST – because he loves us so much, and hates sin so much, his love for us is most “activated” when he sees us hurt by it. (Kind of similar to seeing a loved one suffer from a cancer.) As humans, we constantly underestimate the overwhelming love of Jesus and God the Father, but this book helped to illuminate it for me.
Revisiting my March goals: Cull and sort the first six months of 2021 photos (No real progress here – other things took priority!) Lay out 2013 in family album Lay out 2014 in family album and send it to print! (Waiting on a 40% off sale – which happens every other month or so – to pull the trigger, but it is in the cart and ready to go! HOORAY!!!) Finish the Best of EFM page (Ditto to photo sorting) Complete the third month of our fam Peloton challenge (Done! This was a much-needed and enjoyable kick start to our “comeback tour,” as John and I like to call it.) Do PT exercises daily (Almost daily!) Visit two community groups (One didn’t end up working out with our schedule, but we visited the other and it was lovely! Will continue!) Follow the Matthew reading plan Memorize another piece of scripture with June Buy a small freezer for our garage (Not yet… marital conversations continuing…) Refresh mantel for spring (with the help of this cutie garland from my friend) Prep for Easter baskets Book camping trip (Done! We’ll be glamping for our tenth-anniversary trip!!)
April goals: — Cull and sort the second six months of 2021 photos (hope springs eternal?) — Design and print camping tees for our tenth-anniversary trip — Choose format for EFM book and complete years 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 (this feels like a MASSIVE goal) — Write down 2-3 weeks of “brainless” meal plans — Choose a way to serve at church on Sunday mornings — Make a final kitchen contractor decision and get a start date on the books (we’re so close!) — Clean out kitchen cabinets in advance of our kitchen project — Take our first bike ride as a family of five!
As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2022 goals!
Do we want to talk about disequilibrium and equilibrium, or does that just make us feel tired, ha?Which are you experiencing right now, if you’d like to share, or what’s a trade off you’re currently wrangling? (Here’s a perennial one of mine.)
What a heavy time, friends. As freedom-loving people – as people, period – John and I have been watching what’s unfolding in Ukraine with horror. We’ve been buoyed by the glimmers of unity and energy in response, but knowing what’s happening halfway around the world has added a hard, sad edge to my days. I’m sure you’ve felt it, too.
Given all that’s happening, it can feel wrong and strange to chip away at my goals or write about them here… but the freedom to do what matters is a freedom that democracy provides. Along with praying and donating, I can celebrate what we have here, and part of what they are fighting for over there, in a small way.
A win that must be celebrated this month: we think we have found a church home, per my first and most important 2022 goal. I am 2/2 for crying on Sunday mornings so far, which we can ascribe to taking communion after two years, worshiping with other believers, and/or the state of the world right now, but mostly, just… feeling like we’re home. It has been a long, tender road to get here and I am so grateful. Thank you, Lord.
On my calendar this month: — The Survivor Season 42 premier! Falling on Wednesdays as it does, this show is such a bright spot in the middle of our weeks. — My very favorite kids consignment sale, returning after a two-year hiatus. — Some St. Patrick’s Day after-school snack fun, like this or this.
What I’m loving right now: — This post is from last year, but since I think God used Val to speak to me about returning to church, it seemed appropriate here. If you’re a believer and are struggling with this decision from any dimension, I think you might appreciate her comprehensive and gracious thoughts on this topic. — Why are non-tee, non-fussy short sleeve shirts so hard to find?! I recently snagged this one and it is GREAT – breezy, easy to wear, pretty. You can see it on me here! — Reader Meghan recommended this episode of Laura Tremaine’s podcast on “time anxiety” on a recent post and I enjoyed it, too. It’s in a similar vein to an EFM reader favorite, but she takes the topic in a few different directions.
As a reminder, you can find alllll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in February: — The Evening and the Morning: This is the prequel to the Ken Follett Kingsbridge trio I’ve read over the last few years, and it did not disappoint. Set in 997 (!), it is as rich, layered, and enjoyable as the books that come after it – and sets them up so beautifully, it makes you want to roll right into re-reading them.
Revisiting my February goals: Finish culling and sorting 2021 photos + print our favorite Instagram photos from 2021 (Went to do this last minute and it seems something is wrong with their software to pull photos from IG?!) Morning time with New Morning Mercies on Mondays and Fridays (Eh. I did this a few days but was reminded why I almost always prefer to go all or nothing on habits – it’s harder for me to make something a habit when I’m trying to remember to do it just a few days a week!) Lay out 2012 in family album (Yes!!! This has been a goal since last spring!) Lay out 2013 in family album (Got the photos loaded!) Complete the second month of our fam Peloton challenge Make and/or approve a kitchen design board Finish the Best of EFM page (More progress, but not done yet.) Make plans for June’s summer (Almost done!) Memorize a first selection of scripture with the kids (Done! June and I memorized four verses from 1 John.)
March goals: — Cull and sort the first six months of 2021 photos — Lay out 2013 in family album — Lay out 2014 in family album and send it to print! — Finish the Best of EFM page — Complete the third month of our fam Peloton challenge — Do PT exercises daily — Visit two community groups — Follow the Matthew reading plan — Memorize another piece of scripture with June — Buy a small freezer for our garage (!)
As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2022 goals! Affiliate links are used in this post.
One month of 2022 goals in the books, friends! And I am celebrating a major win over here. As you may remember, one of my goals for the year is to make my fitness a priority, and as part of that, we kicked off a Q1 Peloton challenge with our siblings at the beginning of the year. John and I didn’t get the W, but we came roaring back from injury and pregnancy with ferocity. I logged at least one activity every single day, adding up to over 900 minutes of cycling, stretching, yoga, and strength training in January. Y’all, in ALL of 2021 I logged 1,800 minutes (!!). Though we didn’t win this first month, the challenge did exactly what it was supposed to – got our butts back on the bike. I’m not back to my pre-Annie PRs yet, but I’m getting closer with each ride. Plus, the habit of working out daily really started to rewire my brain to crave a ride each day. SUCH good progress here.
Whatever your goals for this year, I hope you have some progress to celebrate, too! :)
On my calendar this month: — Celebrating Chinese New Year! We will 100% be eating dumplings tonight. — Making valentines with June and Shep! We are going with a Thomas theme for Shep (and will be giving these little cuties out) and for June, a rock theme, loosely inspired by these. I’m thinking of putting together a post rounding up some of our valentines from past years, if that sounds helpful! For whatever reason, valentines have turned out to be one of our biggest craft occasions all year – they’re fun! :) — Our Valentine’s Day fun. — My birthday! Hoping we get a sunny day so we can go for our traditional walk in my favorite Raleigh neighborhood.
What I’m loving right now: — It’s been about two years since I set up my recipe binder, and this past weekend, I spent a few minutes cleaning it out. Bliss! I tossed recipes we don’t really make anymore, split out categories for pasta and soup based on the way I meal plan, and made sure I had printed out any recent favorites. If you have a physical recipe binder, I highly recommend this practice! — I’m sure you’ve listened to many-a-podcast-episode on social media in your time. I have, too. But this mini series from Risen Motherhood was just enough different from anything on the topic I’d already listened to that I wanted to pass it along! As someone who creates and consumes social media both personally and professional, the Gospel-centered perspective was refining (especially this episode). — Wordle, man. It’s so good.
As a reminder, you can find alllll the things I’ve loved over the last few years neatly organized right here!
What I read in January: — The Last Story of Mina Lee: This is a debut novel, and unfortunately, I think it shows. The writing was a bit clumsy at times, and the messaging, a bit heavy-handed. But I liked diving into a life experience that’s different than mine, and the plot line and narrative switching did keep me reading until the end.
Revisiting my January goals: Finish culling and sorting 2021 photos + print our favorite Instagram photos from 2021 Prep for Valentine’s Day fun Edit Sheptember (Done! See it here!) Paint prayer sticks with the kids (Done! Has been fun so far!) Morning time with New Morning Mercies on Fridays (Twice! Tripp’s writing is dense and really makes me slow down and think, so I’ve loved having just one page to chew over throughout the day.) Lay out 2012 in family album (No! This one stings a bit. I really want to stay on track with this project, so committing to two months in February – eep.) Choose a DR program or meet with an actual IRL physical therapist (Local eval booked for this coming week!) Complete the first month of our fam Peloton challenge (Done!) Choose a contractor and set a start date for our kitchen refresh (I spent the month chasing down, meeting, and corresponding with various contractors. No start date yet, but getting closer!) Organize the new Best of EFM page (I made progress! More to go, but it’s a start.) Fill out 2021 entry in our Christmas memories book
February goals: — Finish culling and sorting 2021 photos + print our favorite Instagram photos from 2021 — Morning time with New Morning Mercies on Mondays and Fridays — Lay out 2012 in family album — Lay out 2013 in family album — Complete the second month of our fam Peloton challenge — Make and/or approve a kitchen design board — Finish the Best of EFM page — Make plans for June’s summer. This will be our first summer with an elementary-school summer break, and with two working parents, I want to be thoughtful about how we will (and will not) fill her days. We already have a few things in place and I’m excited to do some more brainstorming! — Memorize a first selection of scripture with the kids
As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2022 goals!
I’d love to hear: whether you have goals for the year or not, what win are you celebrating from January?
