New Project: 101 in 1001

I have my list completed! What list? You may ask. Well my list of 101 goals that I want to achieve in 1001 days! I am going to share my list in the next couple of days but day 1 will not be until October 1st (10/1). It seemed like an appropriate day (10/1 - 101 get it?) I want all of my readers to consider doing this with me. Make your own list and play along! We can encourage each other to keep going.

The Mission: Complete 101 preset tasks in a period of 1001 days.

The Criteria: Tasks must be specific (ie. no ambiguity in the wording) with a result that is either measurable or clearly defined. Tasks must also be realistic and stretching (ie. represent some amount of work on my part). Why 1001 Days? Many people have created lists in the past - frequently simple goals such as New Year's resolutions. The key to beating procrastination is to set a deadline that is realistic. 1001 Days (about 2.75 years) is a better period of time than a year, because it allows you several seasons to complete the tasks, which is better for organising and timing some tasks such as overseas trips or outdoor activities.

Some common goal setting tips:
1. Be decisive. Know exactly what you want, why you want it, and how you plan to achieve it.

2. Stay Focussed. Any goal requires sustained focus from beginning to end. Constantly evaluate your progress.

3. Welcome Failure. Frequently, very little is learned from a venture that did not experience failure in some form. Failure presents the opportunity to learn and makes the success more worthy.

4. Write down your goals. It clarifies your thinking and reinforces your commitment.

5. Keep your goals in sight. Review them frequently, and ensure that they are always at the forefront of your thinking.Once you have created your site, you can add it to the master list here at Day Zero.Calculating the End Date
You can easily find out when your project will end by using this handy tool at timeanddate.com.
1,001 days from October 1st 2009 is Thursday, June 28, 2012

Get more information on Day Zero. you can even look at other people's lists for ideas!

Nine Eleven

Today is 9/11, Nine one one, Nine Eleven, Patriots Day.I don't feel like there is anything I can write that would be worthy of this day. I just want to say I hope that we all remember this day. Remember the innocent people who lost their lives and remember how blessed we are that we continue to live in freedom and liberty. Remember the Men and Women in our Armed Forces who have protected us since 9/11/01 from any more terrorist attacks.

Treasure Hunt!

Here is a short video of the treasure hunt ending with singing Happy Birthday. After the video are the clues that I wrote out. We had a chest that had a lock on it so before the treasure hunt I put the key on a string and tied it around the birthday boy's neck to hold for safe keeping. I think that added a nice touch to it.

Here are the clues I used for the treasure hunt, these were for 3 and 4 year olds (and one 6 year old) if the kids are older at your party you may want to make them a little more challenging.

The front door is where ye greet yer hearties
Sometimes we call 'em friends
Welcome to the pirate party
This is where the hunt begins!


This is where you get your mail, packages and bills
Go there fast and get your clue or else the scallywags will



Go to the place that ye watch tv, movies and other shows
This is where ye find yer next clue that is where ye should go.


This is where you find your snacks salty, sweet or fuity
You’ll also find your next clue to lead you to the booty



Avast me hardies listen up! you’re almost there you see.
Go to where you swing up high underneath a tree.


This is where you walk the plank and take a swim for pleasure

It’s also where you should look if you want to find your treasure!

I got lazy with the you / ye's toward the end but you get the picture!

I found this website that had a lot of pirate verbiage that can help you with your clues.

I have the best family!

Yesterday was Henry's Birthday Party and it was a lot of fun. We all got together at my Mom and Dad's house for Labor day and I threw in a couple pirate decorations and games for the kids. We had a treasure hunt. I wrote out clues to lead them to the treasure. I will post the clues in another post if you are interested in doing a pirate treasure hunt sometime.

Let me just tell you, I have the best family that anyone could ask for!

My mom made a great cake with sharks and a pirate ship. My sisters, Becky and Katie helped me fill up water balloons. It took them about 30 minutes to fill them up and they were all destroyed within 3 minutes. Kelly brought some yummy food and half of Henry's guests. :)Henry got a lot of shark / pirate themed presents from everyone that he loves! He also got some new play-doh which I know he will have me shape into sharks for him. Thank you to everyone who came, thank you for Henry's gifts. Thanks to my Mom and Dad for letting me crash their Labor Day cookout! Thanks to everyone for all the yummy food and especially thanks to my mom for the beautiful cake!

I will post pictures and a video of the party later.

Henry is Three! Happy Birthday Henry

Henry Patrick Hawkins was born 3 years ago today. I love him more than I ever knew I could love something or someone. I thank God for him every day. Here is a video montage I made for him. He loves watching it over and over again. I hope you will enjoy it too!

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

A perfect party

Henry's birthday party is Saturday and I am still without a present for him and I have yet to figure out what I am going to serve our guests for dinner. At Henry's 1st birthday Matt smoked a pork butt (sounds weird, right?!) last year at his 2nd birthday I served pick up type things instead of a meal. I am thinking of doing Hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill but haven't decided yet.



Last year we got Henry a fishtank which needs some serious attention, it looks more like a breeding ground for algae than a fishtank.