2021 Goals

 The church has moved away from the previous achievement programs for the children/youth.  Scouts, Young Women in Excellence, "Faith in God" programs are now all changed to working on individual goals in the 4 areas: spiritual, physical, social, intellectual.

I love goals so I made a chart to post goals on.  There are so many great things that we did this year.  These are just a few of the things we wanted to do, made a plan for, and achieved in 2021.  I hope the children are gaining an appreciation of what can be accomplished and how planning makes a difference!

The chart had areas for "Planning", "In Progress" and "Completed" with stars, now occluded by all the accomplished goals.

Recently while M and I were on our kayak adventure, we texted dad to make sure the goal was on the chart so we could accomplish it for reals!

Spiritual Goals of 2021
Read the Book of Mormon for Lent (40 days): E
Read the Book of Mormon in 90 days (1% challenge from October conference):lP, E
Sing all the Hymns:  all the family
Play all the Hymns: M
Memorize the articles of faith: B
Memorize the 13th Article of Faith: lP
Memorize Section 4 of the Doctrine and Covenants: M, lP, B
No stealing for a long time: L
Missionary Discussions: B
Baptism: B
Pray for a deaf branch: L
Deaf branch organized: all the family

Social Goals for 2021
NC trip:  all the family
RV trip:  all the family
Pressure wash Grandma's driveway: all the family
Become clan leader in book club: lP
Minigolf: all the family
Return to in person school: G, M
Alligator farm Counselor in Training: M
Band camp: M
Teach piano lessons: M

Physical Goals for 2021
Palmetto roof for playset: all the family
200 days no sugar: E (it took 3 tries!)
80 mile bike ride: P and M
Ride a bike without training wheels: L
Kayak from PC bridge to shores: E, M
Catch a cold snake in our backyard: M
Learn 10 drops on the aerial silks: M
Raise the deck: P
Ride bike around whole neighborhood: B
Make Felt Cat: lP
Student day level 5: M

Intellectual Goals for 2021
Kayak Trailier: P
Tie knots: B
20 points or 1st place in Scatagories: lP
Buy a kayak using mom and dad's money: G, M
Learn to read so he could sell candy: L
Get AC working better: P, E
Read the Constitution: all the family
Make it to semifinals of the nationals: G
Make it to top 4 for trivia cup: G
re-read all the warriors books: lP
Many kerbal creations: G
FPSA: M
Certification in Physics: P

Tangible Goals for 2021
Get a new kindle: lP
Get a buzz lightyear: L
Get a Woody: L
Get mom to make a shoe cake: L
Iphone SE(their older phones were going to be dropped by the carriers soon): G, M
Basketball hoop: P, E

These are not all the things that we accomplished this year!  Many piano pieces were learned.  Many meals were planned.  Many stories were created, and books read.  These are just a few of the things that took planning and continued attention.  It has been difficult year but these were some good moments.

Bucket list Kayak Trip

 I had a goal to kayak from our neighborhood bridge out to the boat ramp near the inter coastal we have launched from as a family.  I didn't know if this was possible or how long it would take.  I used my vast kayaking knowledge to estimate 3 hours and that's about what it took.  We planned to embark on a day of Christmas break so we would have plenty of time.  We also planned to ride the tide out, because the creek flows out with the tide. 

High tide was 8am and we were on the water at 9:30. 

We began in woods with the morning light streaming through the trees.  We were barely able to navigate through some passages, and got lots of cypress needles, spiders, and other debris dumped on us.

The scenery slowly changed to marsh and it was gorgeous.

P brought the kids to the bridge to wave at us.  He has an uncanny knack for meeting us at this bridge.  I love his delight in timing these surprise sightings.

P took the boys home and came to the rendezvous point.  M took a dip in the water.  We survived!

Take a walk

 I've been walking for 4 years now.  Walking in the morning, walking in the evening, walking recreationally.  I love my body's ability to go miles with no pain.  I have learned to buy really good shoes, Altra forever.  

Last week I got the booster on Monday.  Tuesday I was sensitive and sore.  Wednesday I was tired and sore.  Thursday I was feeling better but I think the toll of feeling bad was still lingering.  Something happened and I was so offended and upset.  I saw the situation unfold and each time I came up with a healthy response, something else kicked the ant hill. 

I took the littles on a walk in the dark, wearing reflective vests. This helped me get away from the situation and move toward a healthier response.  The situation never resolved in a way that I would call happy.  As it kept coming up the next day, I did have a better ability to just ignore it. 

I want to model healthy boundaries for the children.  What other people do, is up to them.  I can only control my response.  I learned about the Four Agreements: 
    -Be impeccable with the word. 
    -Take Nothing Personally. 
    -Assume Nothing. 
    -Do Your Best.

If I had been impeccable with the word, I would have spared my children my tantrums.  If I had taken nothing personally, I would have just accepted that it wasn't about me, and would have not been upset.  Had I assumed nothing, I could have asked questions 2 days prior to the event, and known details in advance instead of letting them unfold.

I think walking is incredible.  I'm very grateful that I have the ability and love of walking.

party party party

 Our ward had a breakfast yesterday morning.  The tables were set up outisde and it was a glorious day.  I was not helpful but did take the tablecloths home.  lP had a birthday party right after.  She got to mini-golf, arcade play, and go-cart drive for 3 hours!  I came home and made food for dinner and Sunday events. Our neighborhood had a go-cart/bike parade at 6 followed by appetizers.  Luckily I had made 2 batches of brownies.  

Today we'll be singing "Angels we have heard on high" with bells in Sacrament meeting.  The deaf branch is having a linger longer and baptism afterward.  I'm preparing the hams for the branch.  For my family I'm bringing brownies, rolls, mashed potatoes and broccoli.  

Monday or Tuesday I think I'll put in with a kayak and try to go south to moultrie point.

impulse := prompting

 Today I thought of doing something small.  That impulse turned out to be a prompting to send a specific message to someone.  I love being reminded that we are all God's children and that he loves us. 

I got my covid booster and have been feeling sensitive in bad ways.  I'm glad I was sensitive in a good way too.

Tonight as we studied "The Family: a proclamation to the world" we got into a lengthy discussion about personal revelation and who is allowed to have revelation for you.  We forewarned the children that nobody who says they got a revelation to marry them, is a person they should marry.

L cut his hair very unfortunately yesterday.  It's so close in places that I haven't even bothered shaving it yet.  Skin.  Tonight during our discussion he looked up lovingly at me and said "I want your hair to look like mine."  Love.

We've registered L for school because his needs are different than the other kids.  We aren't in a co-op with classes so he doesn't have structure and peers.  We're so busy getting the big kids to school and following up on lP and B's school work, that L maybe gets 30 minutes of focused attention each day + an awesome nap with mom.  

We got the paperwork started in the fall for him to start kindergarten.  Delta was going crazy and 5+ kids still couldn't get vaccinated.  He's fully vaccinated now so hopefully this is a good time for him to go.

Reviews

 "My family went on a week-long trip in a RV this Thanksgiving week. It was a great experience and I would recommend any trip like it.

We stayed at several parks, like Anastasia State Park, OLeno State Park, and Gold Head State Park. We also went to some of the springs around our campsites, like Rock Springs, Silver Springs, and Gilchrist Blue Springs.

If you want to ride a natural lazy river, Rock Springs is a great experience. It has a long river to ride down in a float and several places to swim without the current and fish that you can see.

At Silver Springs, riding the glass bottom boat is a great use of 30 minutes." lP

 

"Me and my family just got back from a week trip aboard the “People Of
Abinadom”(https://www.outdoorsy.com/rv-rental/st-augustine_fl/2016_thor-motor-coach_
four-winds_62985-listing) RV That we rented through Outdoorsy. It sleeps 8, and has 7
seatbelts. My family was able to spend the week comfortably without having to convert
the table into a bed.The master bedroom slept 2, the bunk beds each slept 1, the couch
slept 1, and the cabover slept 2. The kitchen was equipped with a stove, oven,
microwave, sink, fridge, freezer, and many cabinets. We were able to cook food easily
while stopped. The electronic jacks were easy to use. The Slideout allowed for more
space when we were stopped. Overall, this was the absolute best RV experience I have
had." M

 

"Savannah Sweets: 

            This was a great candy place, we originally were planning to go to Whetstone chocolates, but found this place, and this one’s better than Whetstone’s. Not only was the service actually personal, but the candy was really good. Would absolutely visit again.

 

Mix & Match Candy Shoppe:

            This was a really great place, with a great variety of candies, I do wish that pricing was a little more clear, as I couldn’t figure out the price until checkout, of which it was lower than I expected, still a good thing, but I do not wish to give myself an aneurysm on how much I might be paying.

 

Anastasia State Park:

            I’ve been here multiple times, and the service is always fantastic. It was a little different in an RV, but most of the experience was the same, which was great. Can’t wait to have more memories of this place later on.

 

Gilchrist Blue Springs:

            We drove here, saw there was a place to swim, getting ready to swim, and 2 hours disappeared without realizing it. Great place.

 

Rock Springs:

            Water was fantastic, you have to get used to how cold the water is, in November, but once you do, you never want to get out of the water as everything is freezing. The head of the spring is a lot of fun to explore. I would like to explore the caves, though."  G

Thanksgiving 2021

 This was epic.

Monday
Pick up RV______

Arrive  and load ______

Downtown fun on St. George Street

Arrive at Anastasia State Park _______pm

 

Pick up M from School

 

Tuesday

Depart Anastasia State Park ____________pm.

Chocolate T

Spring Park

Arrive at Gold Head State Park _____________PM

 

Wednesday

 

Depart Gold Head State Park __________AM

Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

Arrive at Oleno State Park __________PM

 

 Thursday

Depart Oleno State Park ____________am.

Arrive at Gainesville _____________PM

 

Friday

Krispy Kreme

Depart Gainesville__________AM

Silver Springs (very close to Ocala)

 

Arrive at Horse Park __________PM

Ladie's Campout

Saturday

 

Depart Horse Park__________AM

Rock Springs

Arrive at home and unload __________PM

 

Return RV________PM

Everyone has some vaccine

 Today I got B and L vaccinated at the CVS.  LP got her first shot last week.  I waited on the boys because they had both been sick with fever the week prior.  Everyone agrees that the flu shot was worse.  They are looking forward to the day that the whole family can get Vaccine Doughnuts! 

Last week there was a power struggle over G's writing a paper for his dual enrollment English class.  We have learned a lot.  G rode his bike to school rather than stay home and write it.  He did then write it at school.  He's showing his independence and that is a good thing.

The Maze adventure

 I've taken the kids to the corn maze for several years and never risked getting lost in the maze.  The farm has a kiddie maze that is pretty easy and self contained.  This year I decided after our adventures in NC that I could handle navigating in the maze since we had found our way through mountain trails that were not always clear.

We found a day we could all attend, that we weren't busy with band or hurricane clean up.  We put it on the calendar and kept it clear.  Of course G needs to have an academic crisis and didn't go in the maze or work on his assignment, oh bummer. 

After visiting a few of the usual fun activities, bounce pads, duck races, irrigation tube slide, mini tractors, and portapotties, we were ready to enter the maze.  I had planned that we would just keep turning right and get out of the maze like a roomba.  We took a picture of the map for good measure.   The correct trail was hard to distinguish from the places people had trampled a new path into the crop.  Sometimes it was obvious to see the dirt under the downed stems, versus the masses of trampled down stems.  But other times it was really not certain. 

Things were going OK until I reached the place of the first marker and there was no first marker.  It did not occur to me that the marker was missing.  We were lost.  We wandered around hoping to find the marker and I was hoping we would ever get out.  Eventually we found the 9 marker.  We got oriented on the map and were then able to navigate to the #10 marker.  P called out the turns as though there was never any fear of never getting out.  He navigated us to the 1-5 spots and out the first half of the maze.  

I thought of how like life this is.  Even with instructions it can be hard to know if you are on the right path.  You see choices others have made and for all you know, if you go that way, things will go OK.  You don't actually see their bodies lying around to show the consequence of their actions.  I do wonder if the organizers of the maze have to occasionally bring in a search team or if people just pick a direction and keep going until they punch out the side of the maze.

So we conquered the maze, or at least as much of it as I hope to have experienced.

one box at a time, or not

 I am doing Noom and sometimes the course asks me to do something like journal or non-food rewards, goals...  It's a lot like Personal Progress, but about healthful growth.  So I made it a goal to consolidate the fabric bins.  I made sure to wait a good 2 days and do other tasks before taking this on.  I dumped the contents of the bins on the office floor (more open since I moved the furniture) and got a trash can.  I made piles to keep, donate, and the trash can.  The things I kept, I rolled into remnants and bound with tape.  What I kept fits easily into the tote I wanted to use.  I threw out a lot of part way done masks and straps for masks.  We have plenty of cloth masks and are using N95s these days anyway.  

I did not get my Young Women in Excellence Award back in 1997.  I don't know if it was my own idea or from a leader, but I thought I had to do something extra for each project.  I couldn't just use my achievements from Track, Drama, Band, Tae Kwon Do, Seminary, or school in general.  Those useful skills would be "cheating".  I had to create some art piece rather than a band performance.  I had to learn something, something new, rather than all the good and new things I was learning... in school!  I try to teach my kids to give themselves credit for the good they are already doing.  If they were trying to use videogame levels for goals, I would be worried.  But if their goal is to learn the cell parts for their biology class, awesome!  If their goal is to learn their piano pieces for their next recital, great!  If their goal is to go on walks with their mom at night wearing reflective vests, OK!  These are the good things we are already doing and I think they are great goals.

moving furniture

 I like to move furniture around.  I get tired of things in the same space and moving them is a way to deep clean and feel like a space is new without spending money.  It's also a good workout.  

The neighbors were throwing out a big metal shelf, the kind with sliding covers for each shelf, like the ones in dr's offices.  I was pretty sure we didn't need it until I thought of how it would help us consolidate some smaller shelves and use vertical space instead of floor space. 

After I consolidated those shelves, I wanted to give the office a make over because I was only using half of my desk but it was cluttered.  When I move things around I also get to re-visit whether I want these things to continue in my life.  We're moving in 22 months!  Who knows where or exactly when, but I want to get rid of a lot of things.

I bought a 50 pack of pizza boxes so I could give away pizzas when a food gift is needed.  That is something I'll gladly be getting rid of over the next 2 years. 

I have 3 boxes of fabric clutter and 1 box of leather scraps.  I plan to consolidate the fabric down to 1 box.  Wish me luck!

Men are accountable

 In Texas there is a law that bans abortion after 6 weeks and allows private citizens to enforce this law by suing anyone who facilitates an abortion.  The law also provides a $10,000 bounty for people bringing these lawsuits.  I'm not sure who pays the $10,000 but I want there to be a law that makes it illegal to impregnate a woman that does not want to have a baby.  This new law should also be enforceable by private citizens who can sue men they believe to be guilty of impregnating a woman against her wishes. 

I'm so tired of women holding all the accountability.  Men are accountable for unwanted pregnancies.  Men have to stop it by stopping themselves.

Deep Creek

 M had her first marching competition on Saturday. 

The rest of us drowned our sorrows by going kayaking.

We paddled in for about 40 minutes until we were officially in the boundaries of the preserve.  Then we had lunch! 

lP was creeped out by the many hidden logs.  I liked that we didn't encounter a single motor boat.  The creek was also very winding and you had the distinct feeling that you could get lost.  It was nice to have a phone with Google Maps to show us where we were.  Also, we saw a helicopter presentation just this week where they talked about rescuing kayakers... 

This was a very nice place to kayak and I hope we can go again.

all the snacks

 I was feeling a little awkward that we have so many snacks!  A grocery store went out of business and I did recently buy an entire shopping cart full of snacks.  But I also have tons of snacks that the kids eat regularly.  When I pick up the teenagers, they go for the snack box.  When we drive to visit grandparents, the snacks are already packed.  

I do actually cook every day, and the reason we have so many snack foods is that we never eat out.  I think the last time I remember us eating out was on our trip to NC.  That was almost 4 months ago!  We did order food while with Grandma a few weeks ago, and we had a wonderful Chinese food with aunt E and L last week.  P and G ate out I think on their trips to do hurricane clean up.  

In general, if we're going someplace, I make dub dubs and pack food.  The excessive amounts of food are part of the food planning that keeps us from having to get dinner from a fast food restaurant. 

visits

 We've been visiting GL each weekend while C and S were away.  It was so nice to spend a lot of time with her and to have C and S's home to sleep and have sleepy mornings.  When you are visiting for 5-10 hours a day there is so much more time to relax and chat.  The kids discovered the ceder tree in the back yard again.  That has been such a joy to our family over the years.

We enjoyed conference on the road and with Grandma.  When I was driving I asked the girls to take some notes for me on my phone.  lP even took some notes I didn't tell her to!

I enjoyed
We walk in circles because we don't know what way is straight.
Don't take life out of sequence.
Renlund's talk about unity
Tongan missionaries in the field ever since pandemic!
Temple changes are from the Lord.
One percent improvement.
How hurricanes are made.
If you want to change your life, change today.
I believe, help thou my unbelief.
Look down the road and you will always drive straight.
As long as you can focus on Jesus you can do anything. (Penny)
Rescue might not come immediately, but the Savior is always watching. (Penny)
Increase focus on the things that matter. (Penny)
"The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints" is the name of the church, it is not negotiable (Penny)
Mormon didn't die for my sins or suffer in Gethsemane for us.  Jesus did.  Mormon isn't my savior.
Using the full name of the church can change our lives and the lives of others (Penny)
The Spirit will show you all things you must do (Penny)
President Nelson loves you. (Penny)

G and P are in Louisiana doing hurricane Ida clean up again.