January Journaling
(It was fun to find this month’s goal/journal booklet several years later and read through each page. It took me right back to what was going on, what I was thinking, what my schedule was, and what goals were important to me. So fun to read. I thought I’d record it here!)
Sunday, January 1
Accomplishments: Personal Prayer, AM skincare, Work out, PM skin care, To bed by 10:30
Weight: 127
Notes from the day:
Last night - New Year’s Eve: Dad worked moonlighting until 7:30. We ate dinner in the dining room and then watched STAR TREK movie with Ryan and Katie. They stayed up to bang pots and pans and were so excited!
Smoothies for breakfast
Talked to Mom and Dad. Got a present in the mail from Mike (photography book). Played Rummycub with Emily and Megan. They loved it. Emmy was so excited she could do it be herself.
Cleaned and vacuumed my room. Kids played outside and then watched High School Musical 3
I exercised and the kids joined in.
Port roast for dinner.
Legos all over the kitchen table still.
Took the tree down.
Lights out: 10:36 good night!
Saturday, January 2
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 126.5
Notes from the day:
Chris worked but got home early @1:30
Kids went to Starbucks to play. I went to Target.
Chris stayed home and worked on the Mac and took a nap
I talked to my parents
I booked my flights for our girls trip
We ate dinner in the dining room
I blogged
Chris and I went to Sherlock Homes and took Matthew
Ryan/Katie stayed home to babysit for the first time
Skincare? My skin is very dry - I added more moisturizer - hop that helps!
11:00 church in the morning! Yahoo!!!
Lights out: 12:49am
Sunday, January 3
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 125.5
Notes from the day:
Church at 11:00! First time in 5 years!! Hallelujah!
I introduced our new mini-theme in Young Women’s - DOTS: Depend on The Savior We have colorful DOTS all over the Young Women room.
Lukey is such a rascal in church!
Spaghetti for Dinner
Girls Night with my cute girls:
Dressing American Girls dolls and doing their hair
Making Popcorn
Watching Anne of Green Gables
Journal Test!! lots of laughing and being silly
Favorite food: Curry chicken with rice, mashed potatoes and gravy, waffles
Favorite drink: diet Mt. Dew, Grape Pop, Chocolate Milkshake, Chocolate Milk, strawberry Julius
3 Girl Names: Malea, hailey, Julie
3 Boy Names: Will, Drew (or Andrew) Jack
Lights out: 12:50am
Monday, January 4
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 125.5
Notes from the day:
Last day of kids home from Christmas break
Watched the rest of Anne of Green Gables, cleaned, Christmas stuff away, organized family room shelves, made new family goals chart,
Made Kabobs with Katie for dinner
Girls gymnastics.
FHE (so frustrated with Luke)
Cute conversation with Megan in the van:
“What does No Empty Chairs mean?’ — We want to all get to heaven and if we are all there and we’re looking around and Emily is not there then we’ll be sad. — How do we get to heaven? — Well, we have to die. — If we want to die then we just have to go to Crocodile Lake. — Well, we don’t want to die but what things should we do on earth so we can get to live with Heavenly Father — [Pause] We should be nice and smile at the people that we don’t know.
Lights out: 11:54pm
Tuesday, January 5
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 125
Notes from the day:
Kids back to school today! Feels great to get back into a schedule but I was still tired.
Talked to my mom for awhile this morning. Getting excited for the Olympics in Vancouver!
Worked on YW stuff, downloaded pictures, did a blog post about trains.
Lights out: 11:30pm
Wednesday, January 6
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 125.5
Notes from the day:
woke up at 6:00am to work out with Chris
Scrambled eggs for breakfast
Read scriptures with Katie and Ryan
Cleaners came! LOVE it!
Took a picture of Luke in his bed “No, play choo choo! Funny picture.
Talked to Marisa - so fun.
Got babysitting lined up with Starbucks and Witbecks. Yeah!
I want a new blog header… spend some time looking at creative blogs and feel oddly sad like how do so many ladies have time for so much. It’s crazy.
I want to be better about taking a picture a day again.
Maybe I’ll purchase Project Life from Becky Higgins?
I want to be better at so many things… all in time. Try to ENJOY LIFE! Focus on a few things — not too many so that it gets overwhelming.
Lights out: 11:35pm
Thursday, January 7
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 124.5 : )
Notes from the day:
Chris had the day off today. We read scriptures, ate oatmeal, he drove the girls to school and then we worked out together.
Then we got ready and spent the afternoon getting errands done… returns, lunch at Panera Bread, Tyler’s b-day present, new chair for Matthew, skin car purchase, NEW KEY REMOTE FOR THE VAN. So exciting!
Worked on homework and various project tonight… always so much to do.
Christ went and played basketball.
I talked to Ashlyn! Fun.
It “might” snow tonight while we are sleeping. The kids are hoping so. I doubt it.
Lights out: 11:399am
Friday, January 8
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 124
Notes from the day:
Woke up at 6:00 to work out. NO ENERGY - my body was so tired. Matthew woke up twice in the night but the first time I just went and put his soother in and it worked like magic. Why haven’t I been doing that? Still I am SO anxious to be done with the whole waking in the night thing.
I worked on Del’s Destin book for most of the day. It is coming along good but still lots of work to do.
Lots of blogging too
Had chips and salad and avocado for lunch.
Took the kids to piano.
Sandwichs for dinner on new ‘flat round bread’. So good. We are doing so good on our eating.
Chris is trying to figure out the home movies on iMovie.
We watched part of of Anne of Green Gables. Chris looked like he was in torture watching it. I love it though.
Life is good. I really feel great about sticking to my new goals.
Lights out: 12:47
Saturday, January 9
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, PM skin care
Weight: 125
Notes from the day:
It’s Saturday! Slept in until 8:00 and then worked out with Chris. Oatmeal for breakfast. Chris on call.
Went to Ryan’s first basketball game.
Got a few things done in the afternoon. Chris, Matthew and I went to Dicks, Target, and Ann Taylor. Errands are so fun! Then to Thai House where we shared a chicken curry — our favorite — definitely a treat since we’ve been eating/working out so good.
Talked to Mom and Dad. Love our chats.
Lights out: 12:36
Sunday, January 10
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 124.5
Notes from the day:
Church at 11:00 - the kids were particularly naughty in Sacrament Meeting. Frustrating.
I taught YW about Spiritual Gifts … I have the Spiritual gift to Believe… and have faith based on others experiences.
After church we ate chips and guacamole.
Blogged 2 posts at night while Chris and Ryan worked on videos. I stayed up way too late!
Lights out: 12:22am
Monday, January 11
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care, to bed by 10:30
Weight: 123.5
Notes from the day:
Yeah! So glad I am down to 123.5 Really proud of myself. Worked out and then organized Matthew and Luke’s drawers and went through the toys as well. Feels good to clean out!
It felt like a productive day… lots of little things done.
Took a nap. Felt nice!
Great fish dinner.
Helped Megan memorize the 1st Article of Faith
Chris took the girls to gymnastics
FHE and graham crackers an icing for dessert
Worked on top 10 goals
Word of the year: STRONG
Lights out: 10:30
Tuesday, January 12
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 123.5
Notes from the day:
Worked out.
Talked to my parents - they loved the blog
Worked on Del’s Destin book and the Christmas Eve post.
Matthew is getting up on all fours and going from sitting position to all fours — so cute!
Talked to Missy on the phone. Then went in to Chris and told him I think we should move to Germany! I feel we MUST! I feel more sure than I ever have. I have a good feeling about it. Germany would be an amazing experience. Read Chris’ Patriarchal Blessing - Amazing! What a boost! I love us. Love our Life. We can do anything together!
Lights out: 12:22am : (
Friday, January 15
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, couple prayer, PM skin care
Weight: 123
Notes from the day:
Talked to Monae. Told her all about Germany. So great to talk about it.
Cleaning ladies came.
Called Chris to talk about Germany things. He emailed to say that we want Heidelberg. So exciting! Hope we get it and that we find out soon.
Chris came home right after the kids and helped Emily practice riding her bike. She can turn by herself now and is doing great. She’s not so nervous after today.
Took kids on a walk.
Sam’s Club for dinner.
Hair cuts!
Geneva, Carter, Jae came!! Talked till 1:30. So great.
Lights out: 1:42am
Saturday, January 16
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, couple prayer, PM skin care
Weight: 122
Notes from the day:
Got ready. Geneva and I went to the mall. Fun to shop with a friend! Went to gymboree to spend some Gymbucks. Then bought a shirt for m.e Fun.
Came home at 3:00. Chris took Ryan, Carter, Jake, Luke and Matthew to the BB game. Katie, Emily and Megan went to the starbucks to play until 4:00. They came home and performed a song for us.
We went to Red Robin for dinner.
Came home and made cookies and potato chowder (for Ward Conference pot luck on Sunday)
We talked and talked and talked - just moving locations every hour. So fun to have her here.
Ended the night with a BIG headache. I’m already sick with a head cold. Awful.
Lights out: 1:20am
Sunday, January 17
Accomplishments:
?
Weight: 121.5
Notes from the day:
Talked to Mike about moving to Germany. He’s SO thrilled about the idea!
Lights out: ?
Monday, January 18
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 121.5
Notes from the day:
Talked to Dan about Germany. He said SHUT UP and then ‘I’m going to hate looking at your blog” and then “I’m totally coming to visit AT LEAST once.
Watched 24 with Chris until 1:00
Lights out: 1:15am
Tuesday, January 19
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 121.5
Notes from the day:
Chris was off today. He worked on the Europe Trip DVD and it’s looking great.
I worked out and then blogged about Christmas Day (finally) and got my hair colored. Yea! and Talked to my parents.
We had Steak and salad for dinner.
I got the kids reading books, Megan practiced reading 3 letter words.
Chris and I watched ‘Modern Family’ and ate some fat free chocolate ice cream.
Lights out: 12:27am
Wednesday, January 20
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, (couldn’t work out - I was too excited!) couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, (no PM skin care - too tired)
Weight: 121 Yay!
Notes from the day:
Chris called at 9:00 to say that he got an email from Col. Breitweizer saying that we have the Heidelberg spot. I spent most of the day feeling nervous, anxious and excited. I could hardly concentrate on anything! I called Geneva, then my parents. Then Amy. Then Mary Seaquist called. Then Chris called to have my check something. Then Mary called back and we talked for another 1.5 hours. Wow! What a month! We are so excited !
We had tacos for dinner and then told the kids by giving then a letter that said, “We’re moving to Germany!”
We told people at church tonight and they were shocked. Starbucks are so sad.
We decorated the YW room with DOTS. Looks so cute. Making plans for New Beginnings.
I’m so happy to be 121!! I feel great.
Ate chips and salsa, talked to Scott and watched Modern Family with Chris.
Lights out: 12:25am
Thursday, January 21
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 120.5!
Notes from the day:
Talked to Chris who got dates for us to report to Germany: June 18th.
Talked to my parents. Talked to Amy.
Lots of Cleaning. Lots of folding laundry.
Chris stayed late to work a double shift.
Called real estate agents… coming tomorrow.
Fasted 1/2 day for Stephen Coates.
Jordan came over to play with Ryan.
Cleaned more.
Helped Katie with homework (she’s feeling kind of sick)
Read scriptures with kids. Doing it in the morning is getting hard. We go to bed too late!!!!!
Lights out: 11:56pm
Friday, January 22
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 120
Notes from the day:
Chris home today. Paula came to walk through the house. Hope we can sell no problem!! and break even.
Went to lunch at the Thai House after shopping at Target. Bought luggage and DVD cases.
Make brownies. Went to piano lessons. Went to the Clark’s house for dinner and talked about Germany. WE ARE SO EXCITED! We can’t believe that we weren’t more actively trying for this and that we almost missed out on such a neat opportunity. Yeah! Can’t wait! : )
Lights out: 1:01am
Saturday, January 23
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 121.5 Been eating too much!
Notes from the day:
Saturday - slept in.
Took kids to a primary activity, then Ryan to Basketball, then took the girls to Toys R Us and Bath & Body.
Home for lunch all together.
Family project to clean out attics. One for ‘Storage” and one for ‘Germany” Exciting and fun!
Then Chris and I and 4 youngest up to Newnan to get last 3 pieces of new luggage and eat at Five Guys Burgers an Fries
Making plans for a Smokey Mountains Spring Break trip with Del & Shelley. Yay!
So much to do: Blog about Emily’s birthday, Card for Brian’s B-day, New Beginnings stuff.
Lights out: 12:38am
Sunday, January 24
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 121.5
Notes from the day:
Church - told more people I’m moving… like Deirdre. We ended up talking the whole time of Sunday School. I am going to miss those girls! Monae is so sad. (Brianna cried and cried last Wednesday when she heard) Ryan is so sad to leave now and wants to be ordained here in Georgia but we’ll be in Germany by his birthday. He doesn’t want to leave Brianna and Austin too. It’s going to be hard! We talked the whole way home from church and he and Katie LOVED it. They say, ‘Mom, Keep talking!” Ryan said, “I have the best family in the whole world.” They just love positive happy conversation and desire so much LOVE and attention.
For Dinner we had yummy sweet and sour chicken and California Brown Rice.
We went to Emmy’s 8 is Great Fireside. She’s such a big girl!
Home to straighten up, read scriptures and blog a little.
Brownies with Chris while watching Austin Collie and the COLTS.
Lights out: 11:45pm
Monday, January 25
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, work out, couple prayer, personal scriptures/Engsign, PM skin care
Weight: 122.5
Notes from the day:
Worked out.
5 batched and laundry washed, folded on the dining room table and put away
Matthew’s Doctor appointment at 2:20.
Pick up kids from school and take to piano class 4:00-6:00
Girls gymnastics 6:00-7:—
Real Estate Agents came over at 7:30. I’m a bit overwhelmed! So much to do!
Conference Call with Adam dn Marilee about Germany!!
Watched 24 and ate ice cream sandwiches with Chris.
Lights out: 11:51pm
Wednesday, January 27
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, couple prayer, PM skin care
Notes from the day:
Wrote an email to Brian to tell him about Germany - he’s on his mission in Arizona.
Paul came at 3:00 to take pictures of the house. I cleaned ALL DAY to get read for her. Then I took pictures for myself from 4:00 - 5:40
Took Katie to gymnastics from 6:00-7:00
Back to get kids, then pick up Katie and go to YW’s
Toilet paper wedding dress activity with the Beehives. Helena and Mandi gave me cute comments about being clever. “Those Clever Johnsons!” They say it will be hard to replace me. : ) Love working with them.
Lights out: 12:50am
Thursday, January 28
Accomplishments:
AM skin care, family morning scriptures,
Weight: 120
Notes from the day:
Had the kids on the bus by 7:30. Chris, the boys and I headed up to Atlanta and did returns at American Girl, Pottery Barn and GAP. So fun! Bought new pillows for my family room. I’m so excited about them. Blue Redish/Salmon colored pillows and a floral one. Then out to lunch at PF Changs. Luke is getting hard ‘out to eat’ because he wants TO DO EVERYTHING HIMSELF. But he’s fun!
Home at 3:30 Painted the bonus room and several halls. Then CLEANED.
Went to RS Meeting about Organization. I presented and everyone loved it. Got several great comments. Boy do I love to organize.
Cleaned some more. The house will be looked at TOMORROW for the first time. Yeah!
Lights out: 12:41am
Friday, January 29
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures (at night thanks to Ryan), PM skin care
Weight: Forgot
Notes from the day:
Cleaned and straightened up the house. It was already really clean so it was fun to just walk around and get stuff done.
People came to look at the house at 2:00. I took the boys to Sam’s Club.
When the kids got home we ran to piano and then to Activity Days ‘IMPROV’. Then home to eat leftovers. The kids were so excited that it’s a friday!
Stayed up way too late cleaning out closets. We are getting rid of so much. Feels great.
Matthew up on all fours and moving backwards. He back up into a cupboard and then gets frustrated. It’s so cute. He’s getting really giggly especially if I say, “I’m going to get you…” and creep towards him. He loves it.
Lights out: ?
Saturday, January 30 - Del’s Birthday and Brian’s Birthday
Accomplishments:
Personal Prayer, AM skin care, family morning scriptures, couple prayer, PM skin care
Weight: 119.5
Notes from the day:
Chris moonlighting from 7:00 - 4:00
Cleaned the house and out the door by 10:45 for Ryan’s basketball game. People came to look at the house at 12:15 (same couple as yesterday) and a new couple at 2:00.
We stayed away all day - Chick-fil-A play place, Target to check out shoes and skinny jeans. Then over to Petsmart to see the puppies.
Second couple loved the house and want to measure furniture and perhaps come back with an offer. Holy cow! Agent said, “You have such a beautiful and organized home!” I cried telling the kids in the car.
Chris and I went to Adult Session of Stake Conference.
Brian Reed - Report on his Mission. I can’t even imagine hearing my son’s mission report. I know it’s coming faster than I think.
Sister Brown - The Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever we go as long as we live like Joshua - strong and courageous.
President Eiland: Grateful for nudges and shoves from the Spirit. Find ‘courage’ deep down inside us and feed it and help it grow. It you prepare, you will have great courage. When the Lord is with you… you dan do anything. Have the courage to do something that may be a little bit hard and guess what… you’ll have fun. TOTALLY APPLIES TO GERMANY!! Fresh Courage Take.
President Brown - Wardrobe furniture analogy. We view ourselves like a big piece of ugly. We need to STRIP ourselves so that Christ can refinish us. Satan wants us to think we still have those layers. “If you do what you’ve always done; you’ll be what you’ve always been.”
President Stewart - Throw sand over ink and the sand absorbs the ink — “blotted out” Our sins aren’t erased they are ‘absorbed’ by the Savior. THE ATONEMENT.
Lights out: 12:54am