February 2021 goals

Here is a goal success story! And it’s not even one I highlighted on my January list! Actually, you might call it a habit success story. As part of my number one goal for 2021 (making room for God’s presence), I committed to a discipline of “Word before words” – reading something from the Bible before I tuck into my current book at night. Reading before bed is a deeply-ingrained habit and something I look forward to, and when you’re looking for something to tie a developing habit to, this is exactly what you’re looking for. I didn’t fudge a single day!

Consequently, in just a month, I read through the whole book of Mark!! (You may recall it took all last year for John and I to read through Matthew together.) Did I have any major revelations? No. But I believe deposits of scripture like this can and will be used by God, and I am grateful for that. On to Acts!

On my calendar:
— Making valentines with June! She has decided we’re going with a bunny theme this year, so I think I’ll add bunny grahams as the treat.
— Our Valentine’s Day fun.
— Celebrating Chinese New Year! Charnaie has some great book recommendations and we will 100% be eating dumplings.
— 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 feels funny to recommend a podcast I routinely fast forward through 50% of, but here we are! Brooke and T.J.’s casual banter can get a little long-winded (hence the fast forwarding), but I appreciate their takes on topics that matter to me (family life, faith, generosity, marriage, intentional living). They cover topics that many others don’t touch in a way that feels personal and helpful.
— I hesitate to recommend skincare because it’s so individual, but this toner is too good to keep to myself! I’ve long struggled with dry, flaky skin on my forehead, and this is the first product that’s ever made a difference. The flakiness is gone, overall my skin is smoother, and I do think my pores look a bit smaller, too! (Fun fact: I discovered this via an online order sample. I don’t try 90% of the samples I receive, and I’m not sure what made me pick this one up, but I’m VERY glad I did!)
— After being eh on June’s balance bike, we picked up a different model for Shep, and are loving the Kazam so far! He’s already coasting after just a few weeks!

What I read in January:
— Such a Fun Age: Ooooh, y’all, for the most-recommended book, I expected a little more! It did hold my attention, but ultimately left me feeling empty. The snarls of modern life often feel icky and complicated enough in real time, without reading about made-up complications in my leisure time. Plus, Alix was just weird. Am I missing something??
— Oh Crap! Potty Training: I maintain that potty training has so far been the roughest developmental stage because I did not read a book on the subject beforehand. Skimmed this to remedy that before we dive in for a second time…
— Essentialism: About halfway through! Will review next month once I’m finished.

My reading list for 2021, if you’d like to follow along!

Revisiting my January goals:
Research all school options for June.
Watch the Theolaby bonus materials with John
Print our favorite Instagram photos from 2020
Finish culling and sorting 2020 photos (January-June done!)
Write our sweet girl a note for her fifth birthday (continuing a tradition)
Complete her birthday interview
Prep for Valentine’s Day fun
Focus on small tweaks and refreshes in our foyer (Magic Eraser-ing made SUCH a difference! I also picked out a pretty linen light fixture but am holding out for a President’s Day sale :))

February goals:
— Book our annual camping trip (going in the spring this year – hopefully we’ll avoid the cold weather!)
— Book our mountains trip for this fall (places book up SO early!)
— Watch the Theolaby bonus materials with John
— Focus on small tweaks and refreshes in our bedroom, including a new paint color (!), new curtains, and a new grid of photos. Maybe not so small :)
— Finish submitting June’s kindergarten paperwork
— Finish culling and sorting the second half of 2020 photos

As a reminder, many of these are drawn from my 2021 goals!

Making travel plans last month for spring break left John and I so jazzed (reminding me that a big portion of the enjoyment from travel is in the planning and anticipation!). In that spirit, I’d love to hear something you’re looking forward to this year, whether travel or otherwise!

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