{Image by Dani}

It's July 12.  That means it's time for me to take a look at my goals for 2012, and evaluate how I am doing.  I know these may be boring posts, and I'll be honest, I don't always look forward to them, but in the end, they are so good for me.  The accountability of thinking through the things I am working on (or NOT working on, ha!) is so helpful to me.  So, with that being said, here we go...

1. Community Living: Still not much progress with this one.  I don't have much to say, probably because I know some steps I can take, and just need to start working through those steps.  My little goal within this one is to find a group or two to become involved with, starting in September (as many groups take breaks for the summer...).  

2. Physical Activity: I have been working out 4-5 times a week during the past few weeks, as well as taking walks when it isn't terribly hot and humid out.  I am right on track with my weight gain for this pregnancy, so am happy with where I am at.  The one thing I have noticed this last week is that working out in the mornings has been making me SO hungry all day long!  I guess I need to start eating more filling/substantial (read: healthy!) snacks in between meals.

3. Read 15 books: I read Michael Pollan's In Defense of Food a few weeks ago.  It was a good, easy read, and I enjoyed the ideas and facts that he put forward.  It's been making me think more about the food that I put in my body and give to my family.  I also finished the first two books in Janette Oke's Canadian West series, and am currently working on the third one.  I am in the middle of Crazy Love and 1000 Gifts and plan to finish them in the next month, while we are on vacation in AZ!

4. Manual Photography Skills: I don't know if I am getting any better using the manual mode on my camera, but I am feeling much more comfortable using it, and tend to only shoot in manual lately.  I would still really like to find some online tutorials or maybe even take an online class, to help me learn more.

5. Outside walks/playtime: I know I've said it a few times in the last week or so, but I am having a harder time this summer, dealing with the heat and humidity (and know it will only get hotter, oy!), so it's been a struggle to get out for walks in the past few weeks.  Not to mention, that due to Max's infection/wound, he has not been up for walking after dinner.  We are still playing a lot on the screened porch, with our car/trike/chalks - and that provides a great way to be outside without being in the direct sun - and gives us somewhere to escape to when the house starts to feel cramped or "boring".

6. Creative and structured toddler activities: No progress here, not going to lie.  I do a lot to involve the kids with cooking/baking/cleaning/laundry, outside of the other things we do (coloring/toys/play-doh/outside/trips to the park/pool), but I guess I am at a bit of a loss when it comes to other activities.  I would like to start working more on our ABC's and 123's, in a more formal setting - as well as shapes and colors.  L knows some, but I think we could definitely work on them.

7. Journal consistently: Let's just leave it at this: not going well right now.

8. Date night 1x/month: Does being at the hospital together without kids a few weeks ago count?!  We were able to go out with our friends, while we were in Charlotte last week, which was a blast.  And when we are on vacation in AZ the end of July, we are going to have a few opportunities for a few date nights/outings.  I can't wait!

9. Grow a garden: My flowers, herbs and tomatoes are all doing well!  So proud that things are still alive, AND I am getting red tomatoes off our plant - so much fun!

10. 10 minutes/day of "Be still and know" time: The last few weeks have been really good - I have been making a very intentional effort to spend 10-15 minutes reading and just sitting with Jesus in the mornings (as well as following along with the SheReadsTruth reading plans).  And I can tell this has been so good for me, and for my heart. 

11. Craft time: Has not been happening.  I have my little craft space all set up and some projects lined up to work on, but I honestly have not had much motivation or time or energy to sit down and work on them.  

12. Baby #3: Growing and doing well.  Can't believe I am 30 weeks today, and only have a few more months before we get to meet the little one!

I know I have some areas that I would love to keep working on - and it's good for me to keep taking these monthly looks, so I can gain a better idea of where I am at.  I am also proud of myself for the little steps I have been taking with some of my goals.  I might have progress to make, but it makes my heart happy knowing I am in progress and have much room for improvement.