2017 goals so far

It’s July, and what a lovely month it is. Fireworks, festivals, family, and of course MY HALF BIRTHDAY.

When I was a kid my Grandma always celebrated my half birthday. Maybe it’s because she felt bad for me that my birthday was so close to Christmas or maybe it’s because she’s the most awesome Grandma ever. Either way, she’d come over with presents and cake and we’d have a mini birthday party. It made me feel so special. (If you’re a grandparent, I highly recommend this!)

This year my half birthday prompted me to reflect on the year so far. First, ahhhhhhhh the year is half way over. How can it be? Then I got a little excited autumn is within reach. Finally I reviewed how I’m doing on my yearly goals. This post is a little update on some of them.

Goal: Read more, watch TV less.

I have been reading more, about one book every 2 weeks. It’s not where I used to be, but it is an improvement on 2016. But I haven’t cut back on tv much. Definitely something to keep on the list for the rest of the year.

Goal: Plan more family gatherings.

We see our families a lot compared to some, but I wanted to be more intentional about it because our time together is so so precious to us.

Happy to report I’ve made some real progress here. Hosted a brunch for some lovely ladies in our family. Visited my side of the family several times. Went to brunch with my Dad. Visited with my grandparents. Spent time with our sweet nephews over the holiday weekend. + too much more to list. Bottom line: I’m nailing this one.

Goal: Learn to knit and make something wear.

So far I have 8-ish rows of nothing in particular. It’s been taken apart and put back together more than once. I’m still trying to get the stitches down. I anticipate more time to work on it once the weather gets cooler and I’m stuck indoors.

Goal: Finish kitchen project.

We purchased a new garbage disposal and it is installed. I originally also planned to replace the counter tops and backsplash and maybe even the floors, but have since decided not to move forward with the rest of the project. Property values are going up around us and they seem to be selling very quickly without upgrades, so we’re not convinced it’s the smartest way to spend money.

Goal: Go on a romantic vacation.

I have to admit, I cheated here. When I added this goal to my vision board (in the header image), I already knew my husband was taking me to Hawaii for our 10 year wedding anniversary. He surprised me by telling me about the trip on my birthday. You can read about our trip here. Goal achieved! Haha. (This is me writing something on a list for the satisfaction of crossing it off. #listmaker)

Goal: Maintain hope for growing our family.

It’s easy to lose hope in the face of infertility and to wonder if we’ll always be a family of two. After hearing “no” so many times, it starts to feel unreasonable to expect a “yes.”

But I’m happy to share that today (and yes, it can change daily), I have a renewed sense of hope and feel that God is leading is us right where He wants us. I’ve had a few sweet ladies tell me they’ve been praying for us in a special way recently, and it’s given me such peace in the waiting. I’ve also been reading and listening to everything I can get my hands on about adoption. God’s will be done!

Goal: Get out of bed when the alarm goes off.

Nope.

Goal: Think of heaven more.

This might seem like an odd goal. I read a quote once (and can’t for the life of me remember who said it) about how we would all be well served to think of our own deaths more. That doing so would influence the way we live in a positive way. So I try to think about heaven more, and I have to admit, it really helps put things into perspective. I could do this more, but I think I’m off to a decent start here.

So that’s where things stand with some of my annual goals so far. I still have a lot of work ahead of me, but also 6 more months. How are you doing on your 2017 goals?