When I think about August, all I can think about is keeping up with this little girl! Of course now she is much bigger and faster but most days I feel like this picture!

I had July goals that were pretty typical for someone who just moved but I still want to write them down and hopefully I can recap each month.

JULY GOALS

Read

I was able to actually read two books this month. Both were older books stolen borrowed from my sister in law, Whitney

One Mississippi by Mark Childress

It was an easy beach read that I actually started in Hawaii and finished in Boston. The book is set in a fictitious town outside of Jackson, MS in the 60s. It follows a young teenage boy as he moves to the South. It ends with a dark twist. 

http://www.amazon.com/One-Mississippi-Mark-Childress/dp/0316012122

I am sure Whitney had to do a book report on this one. Jordan thought I was crazy when he saw my selection! The Diary of Anne Frank was so fascinating to me. This story was sad but surprisingly also so motivational. These children faced problems no child should ever face and literally fought for their lives. 

So quick and easy to read. I enjoy books that remind me how grateful I am for my life and freedom. 

http://www.amazon.com/Survivors-True-Stories-Children-Holocaust/dp/0439669960

ORGANIZE

We are here for a finite amount of time, so I wanted to make sure we became settled ASAP! 

Jordan's parents, sister and brother helped us get moved in which was awesome!

Then, we organized! 

I wanted to feel settled by the end of the month so we could enjoy the rest of our time here!

BUDGET

We are living on one income this year, and in a very expensive city so keeping a budget is a must!

Jordan handed over the reins to me this month since I am the spender/grocery shopper/clothes shopper/mama/all other things that keep a household running!

We had already formulated a budget over and over again until I was blue in the face before we moved but this month we put it in to practice! 

I added a new budget app to my phone to help and so far I LOVE IT!

It is called HomeBudget. I did pay a small fee for it but I think it is completely worth it!

Basically, you enter ever single expense in the app. You are held accountable...plus it calculates money left in your budget by category. 

Jordan is less stressed because he isn't having to watch the accounts and I love being able to know exactly what we have to spend each month!

AUGUST GOALS 

Mama's Day In?

Stella and I are hanging out together EVERY.DAY so we need activities. My plan is to have fall activities mapped out by the end of this month! 

So far, the plan is probably a dance class and either gym or music!

We are also planning to buy a membership for the children's museum 

The public library here is very nice and has a lot of programs for children. Story-time will be an activity as well!

I would like a happy mix of getting out for activities but also leaving time for Stella to have fun and PLAY! We have a couple of parks that are easy to walk to from our house and most late afternoons and evenings that's where you can find us!

READ

With being at home every day with a toddler, I need an outlet. Do I need to clarify?

BLOG

Must update! I would love to blog in real time instead of sending out get messages daily!

MEAL PLAN

I have somewhat started to plan our meals and it leaves so much anxiety out of the evenings! 

I need to remember to include lunches!