January's Goal list

This year, a month by month goal list is the plan.There is a page on the tabs which will have all the links to each individual month's goals, and follow-up posts. 

Even though the list looks long, I think all of these for January are quite achievable. Many work together (like menu-planning, new recipes, whole30 and reading It starts with Food for me, Alex's 3 belt loops help him earn his activity badges, and finally the boys' choi goals will help them reach their push-up/sit-up goal and vice-versa). 

The family goals are set to help us retake family time, as well as unplug some more. It can be hard to get away from screens when we live in cold Michigan and it's wintertime, especially right after Christmas when the boys all got new electronics and/or games. And let's face it, we - as in our family -  ALL enjoy playing video games, watching TV, and being on our phones/kindles/computers entirely too much. I know my phone is in my hand and I'm on Facebook or Instagram way too often, mostly because it is so accessible and then it's even easier to just let the boys play video games or watch cartoons/tv. Christmas break has been not only a break from school, but our normal routine, and we've been spending even more time staring at screens. With school starting back on Monday, I welcome the routine and schedule so we can get back on track. Normally, during the school year (minus vacation time), we limit video game time to Friday nights and weekends. However, Ethan and Alex are doing wonderful in school and choi, so if all their responsibilities like homework and chores are done, and after working towards goals, we may ease up the restrictions some during the week. If it starts to cause attitude problems or slacking off though, we can always stop.

JANUARY 

Crystal:

• Read (finish) 5 books:   

1. The Dark Unwinding
2. Hearts Awakening
3. Maze Runner
4. Scream-free Parenting
   
5. It starts with Food

• Follow the Whole30 plan from Jan 2nd-31st, *edit: Make a conscious effort to make better choices and eat healthy, including paleo for most meals 1/7* and use Stef's FB support group daily. Used for support, followed along.
• Share menu plan each week starting Jan 5th and link-up to Menu Plan Monday.
• Make 4 new recipes that are paleo/whole30 compliant.
• Do Yoga 3-5 days a week using my new DVDs. *edit: yoga OR exercise 3-5 times a week*
• Start working towards weight-loss goals, by losing 10 lbs.
• Declutter: 31 boxes or bags of trash/donate/storage - one each day (minimum) *edit: not necessarily one a day, but just 31 total 1/7*
• Continue 365 Happy Days Growing photos on Instagram. 
• Write 4 original blog posts - not goal, menu plan or 365 Happy Days Growing related. 
• Go to the dentist.

Ethan: 

• Read 4 books. *edited to add his book choices 1/7*
1. Middle School Ultimate Showdown by James Patterson
2. Minecraft Hacks Combat Edition
3. The Outsiders
4. Children of the dustbowl
• Meet Choi Kwan Do goals:
• Attend 3 classes a week.
• Attend 4 more private lessons. *edit: cost-prohibitive at this time*
• Practice highest pattern and speed drills 2 days a week outside of classes.
• Achieve testing status and test for orange belt.*not able to right now*
• Do 20 push-ups and 20 sit-ups.
• Write pen pal 4 times.
• Write a short story with illustrations.
• Go to the dentist.

Alex:

• Read 4 books. *edited to add his book choices 1/7*
1. The Savage Fortress (technically only half the book, as he started in December but it's for his report)
2. Spirit Animals Book 2: Hunted
3. Spirit Animals Book 3: Blood Ties
4. Divergent
• Meet Choi Kwan Do goals:
• Attend 3 classes a week.
• Attend 4 more private lessons. *edit: cost-prohibitive at this time*
• Practice highest pattern and speed drills 2 days a week outside of classes.
• Achieve testing status and test for orange belt.*not able to right now*
• Do 20 push-ups and sit-ups.
• Write pen pal 4 times.
• Meet Cub Scout goals:
• Work on Parvuli Dei religious emblem book for 1 hour a week.
• Earn/work towards 3 activity badges (traveler, family member, citizen).
• Earn 3 belt loops (citizenship, geography, maps and compass).
• Go to the dentist.

Jackson:

• Potty training: Using the potty several times a day, every day.
• Meet Little Dragons Choi Kwan Do goals:
• Attend 2 classes a week.
• Practice kicks and punches 3 days a week outside classes.
• Go to the dentist.
• Go to the doctor for yearly physical. *scheduled for first week of February*

Family:

• 4 Winter-y crafts. *edit: not necessarily Winter-y, but some type of fun craft*
• Go for a 30 minute walk once a week.
• Play one board game a week.
• One family movie night a week.
• 2 family outings, including water park. 

Here's to a great start to a new year! Happy New Year! 

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