June Goals

As we wrap up the school year and head into summer, I'm looking forward to a relaxed schedule, lots of family time, and warmer weather! I've been thinking a lot about how I want to organize my days. Eight month into working from home and, while I do have a routine, it needs constant tweaking and improving. 

On the Calendar This Month:

1. Cam's EOGs and the last two weeks of 3rd grade!
2. Family vacation to the Outer Banks :)
3. Vacation Bible School at church. This always makes for an exhausting - but very fun! - week. I'm always assigned the task of Elementary Bible Study teacher; I don't think anyone else ever wants to volunteer for this role, ha!
4. Our church Life Group's annual summer pool party.
5. Articles Club and Girl's Night Out (These are my two standing items each month where I get to enjoy solo time with my friends. Alternatively could be called "Group Therapy.")

What I Read in May:

1. The Next Conversation: Argue Less, Talk More by Jefferson Fisher. I reserved a copy of this book at the library after watching my very favorite Diary of a CEO Youtube video, which can be found here: Diary of a CEO: The Speaking Coach. I really enjoyed this episode, where the host speaks to author and trial lawyer, Jefferson Fisher, on how we can improve our communication. I found it super helpful!

2. All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker. This was an Editor's Pick on Amazon and comes very highly reviewed. I'm finally getting close to the end, and I have loved it. I have found myself staying up past 11pm on many nights because I can't put it down, which is rare for me! I would categorize it as a dark, suspenseful drama. 

What I'm Loving Lately:

1. This quote from my friend, Emily, on parenting:

"The moment your kids know that whining, crying, or negotiating will get you to change your mind, you're done for: in the future they will only ramp up their efforts because they know it's worked before. You can crawl your way back from this place, but it's not pretty -- it's much easier to hold firm from the start.  For me, it works well to say out loud (but calmly!), "I hear you, but I am not going to change my mind." Reinforce that you will not budge and commit to holding firm."

(source: The Connected Family)

2. This inflatable waterslide I ordered for our kids to use this summer. 

Sadly the pool we normally go to is closed all summer because they are building a new one. Construction took longer than expected, so it's not planning to open at all, which put a wrench in our summer weekend plans. I was really, really bummed about this. Without the pool option, I wanted something to encourage the kids to be outside while also spending time at my parents' house, since we normally get to see them a lot on the weekends in the summer. It's been uncharacteristically cool the past two weekeds, but we blew up the slide on Saturday and it was a hit!

Goals for June:

1. Blog 2x/week 
2. Strength train 3x/week. I paused my Peloton subscription and got a gym membership last week!
3. Order photo prints and finish Cam's baby book (and work on Brooke's baby book!)