Summer Bucket List 2014

I love a good list.   I have lists for everything!  A "To-Do" list.  A shopping list.  A project list.  A wish list.  A Christmas list.  A "things I'll never get to but why not dream" list.  You get the idea.  If I see goals on paper, I will work to accomplish them.  Otherwise, I tend to either forget about them or get overwhelmed with ideas and nothing gets done.  

Seasonal to-do lists are no different.  If I don't write down all the ideas I have for our family, summer will come and go and we will have done nothing "fun".  They also motivate me to get up and out of the house!  I can be bit of a hermit sometimes.  

We started the Summer Bucket List tradition last year as a way to spend quality time together as a family and stay on a very tight budget.  We didn't accomplish many of last year's ideas, but that's okay because that just meant those ideas made a reappearance on this year's bucket.  

Kyran helped put our clothespin ideas on the bucket.
They were all backwards, but he had a blast nonetheless!

Some of this year's summer plans include: 

• Visiting a splash park in the area.  
• Going on a family hike and picnic.
• Having a quick beach getaway.  
• Checking out Dinosaur World.  (K is obsessed with Dinosaurs right now!)
• Flying a kite.  I picked up a Superman kite months ago on a random Walmart trip and have just been waiting for a nice breezy break from our hot, humid 102 degree weather.  No luck yet!
• Having a BBQ with friends. 
• Making S'mores for the first time with K.  (This kid doesn't turn down anything chocolate).  

You can follow our summer adventures on Instagram @michellerae1 #summer2014

What plans do your families have for the summer?  If you need some more ideas, be sure to check out this great list of one-day trips from a fellow Tampa Bay Moms Blog contributor.  We might add a few of these places to the bucket!

Happy Summer!

Hello 2014!

Hello 2014! I welcome you with eagerness! 

This blog started as a chronicle to our 2013 monthly "improvement" challenges.  This year you can expect to see much of the same as I continue to work to become a better parent, wife, employee, Christian, friend... {I have lots to improve upon}

 

So, what's on the agenda this year? 

 

For starters, and as a way to give back, be on the lookout for a monthly "project" from Creating a Happy Life.  Keeping details under wraps for now but this particular endeavor is near to my heart and I hope that it provides some inspiration to its recipients.  I've been incredibly blessed in my life and it's always important to me to give back.  This is my simple way of paying it forward and I hope you all enjoy it.  Follow #happyproject2014 and @michellerae1 on Instagram for more clues.

 

From a personal perspective, I have some big changes in store for 2014.  I've been presented with an opportunity that is proving to be life-changing for my family.  That might be a strong assumption, but I am really hopeful.  I cannot wait to see how things unfold. 

 

As for monthly challenges in 2014, here are some we have in mind:

 

 ~ Eliminate outside influences and distractions

 ~ Set aside time as a couple

 ~ Get back to what we enjoy

 ~ Give back

 ~ Complain less!

 

I came across this Declaration of Intention that could not be more perfect. 

 

This year, I will _____. 

I will let go of __________ & embrace ______.

I will honor my ____ and love my ______. 

 I will stand up & share my ____ with the world. 

This year, I will remember that I am loved and I am ENOUGH!

 

Here's how I completed my declaration:

 

This year, I will be happy.  I will let go of guilt, anger and anxiety and embrace change.  I will honor my husband and love my life.  I will stand up & share my gifts with the world.  This year, I will remember that I am loved and I am ENOUGH!

 

What are your intentions for the new year?