Dear Kids,
I was telling your dad about an accountability system that I have used with clients through the years. Basically a weekly accountability of goals and accomplishments and such, and then a month end review of everything that happened and everything that was accomplished toward the end goal. It really helped me through the years keep on track with the overall vision of my clients and make sure we were on the right track and forward progression... and especially that everyone was on the same page.
Well, when I was talking to him about this, suggesting this for one of his clients right now, he mentioned to me that I need to keep this system up, just with you. I am the CEO of our home afterall, and it would be a great thing for me to look over the last month and see everything that has happened and everything that was accomplished, moving toward our end goal.
It was perfect timing to write it down because, afterall, it is October 1st! So perfect timing to have some accountability... my favorite way of saying this is to "return and report" :-).
Here it goes... In the month of September, this is what was accomplished in our home:
- Mom didn't go crazy. THAT is always a huge part of getting to the end goal.
- This month of homeschooling we have gone over the water cycle, did a whole space unit for a week, did a body unit for a couple of days, and now we are into the science experiment unit (which we are still working on currently). We have done a nature walk every week and started a nature journal.
- I have read "Love and Logic", "Thomas Jefferson Education" and now working on "Red Badge of Honor". I have also read the Russian Book of Mormon outloud at least 2-3 times a week.
- Every school day both Gabriel and Talia have done writing time, reading time and Rusty and Rosy time (computer program). Even if it was just for 5 minutes (most days was about 10 minutes each), everyday those things were accomplished. Which freaking ROCKS. Writing time consists of either a writing sheet or doing "spelling with our feet". We have done math this way as well.
- We have filled up our complete scriptural timeline.
- We have done scriptures everyday, either in the morning or at night with the scriptural timeline, reading scriptures or watching scripture videos.
- I have gone to the gym 4-5 times each week. I officially call this "Saving My Sanity Time".
- I taught the pain, headache, chronic pain, muscular pain, etc. class for our family natural medicine call.
- Gabe FINALLY rode his bike without training wheels! This is the latest accomplishment just for the last 2 days! YES.
- We went on a cave adventure with dad to the Lava Tubes in Snow Canyon Park.
- We went to Sandhollow and played on the beach.
- We have practiced swimming every week. Gabe is SO CLOSE to swimming independently - that has just happened in the last two weeks.
- I joined the homeschool group on facebook and yahoo. I have volunteered to organize park days for that group. I got a deal at the trampoline park for the homeschool group once a month.
- I have made it to every mutual activity except one for my calling in the YW Presidency. I have held a presidency meeting with my girl presidency as well and planned the next few months activities.
- We have held 2 official meetings for Basket Brigade with the Family Nominations Committee and the Purchasing Committee. I have contacted several people about articles and/or presentations.
- I am halfway through reading "Charolette's Web" with Gabe.
- Introduced Gabe and Talia to the library and they have loved it.
- I have given a couple massages.
- I have started on Christmas gifts at night that I am making this year.
- Did really well while Brent was out of town on a tour for a week and a half.
- Most nights the dishes are done, the house is vacuumed and things aren't crazy for the next day.
- Journaling privately various experiences in our lives.
- Met several friends for play dates to TRY and keep up relationships!
- We have been outside EVERYDAY. Either at the park, playing with friends, talking a walk, going on some adventure, etc.
- Spent time with my brother and his new wife when they were in town. Able to connect a bit with them and they have been so generous helping us with various needs.
- Incorporated "Gobbley-Goop" into our routine. The kids leave messes, then Gobbley-Goop gets their messes. They have to do a chore to earn things back. It is beautiful.
- Spent girl time with my two best friends going to the women's conference. Helped Shauna with some rides and she spent some time at the house for a few days.
- Soccer practices, soccer games, tumbling classes, dance classes.
- Got a few things painted in our home to change it up a bit. Kept my plants alive out front.
That list is so helpful for me to look at!! I love it. My major focuses for October are:
- Conference! I can't wait.
- More consistent MEANINGFUL personal study - especially from the conference talks.
- No eating after 8pm.
- Keep working on Christmas gifts at night (I want to hand make most of my gifts this year).
- Read 2 new books.
- Meditation. I haven't really done any kind of purposeful meditation for a few months. I can totally accomplish this during gym time - which makes it doable to add to our already really busy lives.
- Basket Brigade.
- Keep the current pace with homeschool (this pace is feeling good) and be very aware of what the kids want to learn about to incorporate into our studies.
- Get to know more homeschooling moms in the area with the moms night.
- Do some planting for the October-December season.
Yes... this was good advice to incorporate this into my CEO mom life.
I love you,
Your Mom
