The Morgan Family's 101 in 1001

In the past, I've seen so many lists of goals floating around in blog world.

I've seen Top Tens, Top Twentys, Top Twenty-fives. etc etc etc.

One of the most popular lists is a 101 in 1001. Matt and I talked about doing this for a while and then we decided to do a 20+12 in 2012. In other words, 32 goals in the year of 2012. After discussing further, we ultimately decided that a 101 in 1001 days was the best option. Why? Well, 1001 days gives you a span of 2+ years to accomplish goals. Because of that you can add some longer term goals that you will have time to accomplish. You get the picture I'm sure.

Our list will span from 1/1/12 (our first anniversary) to 9/28/14 (1001 days later). Our list is in completely random order. We chose to do 51 goals together and 25 each separately. It's more fun that way (we think) :)

Enough said about that, here is our list.

Our Goals

1. Add a member to our family :)
2. Pay off all student loans.
3. Visit NYC.
4. Take a long road trip.
5. Sell something on Etsy
6. Have Dad's Crawfish in Louisiana.
7. Take a trip to Louisiana at least once a year.
8. Host a holiday in our home.
9. Go camping.
10. Build a real fire.
11. Rent or buy a house.
12. Decorate the outside of a house for Christmas.
13. Stay at the Biltmore.
14. Serve in a soup kitchen.
15. Grow our own tomatoes.
16. ******* ;)
17. Give an item away each time we buy something new (clothing, housewares, etc).
18. Go on dates at least every other week.
19. Complete a blog series together.
20. For one month, don't buy anything extra.
21. Contact our family members at least once a week.
22. Go to a shooting range.
23. Go sailing.
24. Get involved in a community service group.
25. Go on a mission trip.
26. Read at least one book a month for a year.
27. Start a small business.
28. Fast once a year.
29. Buy a new Christmas ornament each year.
30. Get a massage.
31. Send a card to a friend or family member just for fun.
32. Begin a photography business (big or small).
33. Eat at a local/non-chain restaurant every time we travel.
34. Visit a new place once a year.
35. Ride in a hot air balloon.
36. Attend at least one festival a year in the state where we live.
37. Stay at a B&B.
38. Floss more- at least once a week. (WE HATE FLOSSING)
39. Give a 100% tip.
40. Go see a musical.
41. Eat a new type of foods (Korean, African, etc)
42. Repurpose a piece of furniture.
43. Watch a sunrise and photograph it.
44. Explore secret paths.
45. Do something nice for someone anonymously.
46. Pick fruit at an orchard.
47. Ge a library card.
48. Go to a garage sale together.
49. Celebrate our Golden Birthdays in style!
50. Make homemade ice cream.
51. Learn a new hobby together.

Leslie's Goals

52. Lose my desired amount of weight.
53. Continue to utilize this blog to document our lives especially once we start having children.
54. Get a Skype account and use it.
55. Paint something worth looking at (not just a wall) :)
56. Add at least one cross to my cross collection.
57. Learn to make the best sweet tea my husband has ever tasted.
58. Make homemade marshmallows.
59. Sell/Give away at least one cake that I've decorated for a party/gathering/birthday/etc.
60. Plan a scavenger hunt for Matt.
61. Bake and decorate each of Matt's birthday cakes.
62. Rake someone's leaves.
63. Meet up with at least one other blogger whose blog I read.
64. Complete a blog series or post about our wedding, including the planning. Just for my own sake :)
65. Continue mailing out birthday and anniversary cards to our friends and family.
66. Invite someone to stay with us for a weekend or longer at least once a year.
67. Complete a vlog.
68. Go fishing.
69. Make a point to call my closest friends as often as possible, not just texting.
70. Take a continuing education class related to Autism or other childhood disorders-even though I don't currently work with children.
71. Find a yummy Low Country Boil recipe and cook it.
72. Take at least one picture of Matt and I every time we travel. (We have not been good at this since we got married)
73. When we take a long trip (5+ hours one way), drive so that Matt doesn't have to.
74. Take a trip to visit a few special friends (we know who they are).
75. Take a cake decorating class.
76. Read a book, write a blog post about it, and link up with a book club blog.

Matt's Goals

77. Run a 5k.
78. Take a photography class.
79. Take Leslie to an air show.
80. Make a picture frame out of an old or hand made window frame.
81. Go to a college football game.
82. Get a dog.
83. Get a new camera lens.
84. Make my wife cry in a good/romantic/sweet/you get the idea way.
85. Give Leslie a love letter at least once a month.
86. Visit Chimney Rock N.C.
87. Wear a suit, and look good doing it. ;)
88. Visit a new, to me, zoo.
89. Watch the Flyers destroy the Hurricanes in Charlotte (hopefully with Leslie).
90. Fix something for someone.
91. Cook something new and exciting.
92. Swim in both the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.
93. Make something from scratch.
94. Do something with Granddad.
95. Journal more often.
96. Learn all the words to or learn how to play one of Leslie's "high school days" favorite rap songs.
97. Teach something to someone.
98. Ride a horse.
99. Surprise Leslie with surprises.
100. Spend an entire day, literally the entire day, in bed. Hopefully not while sick.
101. Figure out how we will finish all 101 things on this list.

The plan is to update monthly on the goal list. The goals that are met will be stricken through with a line and hopefully a little blurb/blog post will accompany them. We cannot wait to share this adventure with you.

Til then-
Did YOU hear about the Morgans?

Kate, you were right

I read some awesome blogs (more on that some other time).

One of the ones I've started reading in the last 3 months is http://www.thesmallthingsblog.com/. The blogger is Kate

 and she's pretty awesome. Yesterday she posted this post about bobby pins and I was floored. I couldn't believe it could possibly be true but I tried it and Y'ALL it is so much better! Go read her post. You will be inspired :)

Til Then-
Did You Hear About the Morgans?

P.S. Upcoming posts on new Christmas ornaments, our apartment Christmas decorations, the Morgan Family Challenge starting next year, my new job etc

Not ME! Monday

I thought I'd give this a try again this week :)

NEVER would I go to my computer to do something and completely forget what it was approximately 50% of the time. That would never happen to me on a Sunday afternoon. I remember everything well!

My husband and I didn't buy a Buick this week and we certainly haven't been cracking jokes all week about driving an "old person" car. Nope, not us.

I absolutely didn't wrap every single solitary gift I got for my husband including stocking stuffers just because I wanted him to have a lot of gifts under the tree. No, that is ridiculous.

This past Wednesday night, my husband and I definitely didn't dance in the living room for 20 minutes practicing our "dips" and then wake up the next morning sore. No, that's absurd.

And I surely didn't cry when I was looking at an album of some people I barely know depicting the events of when they got engaged. NO! that would have been a complete waste of time.

There are tons more but I'll save them for another time so I DO NOT embarrass myself too much. :)


Til Then-
Did YOU Hear about the Morgans?

Who Are you?? WHO? WHO??

(That's my CSI themed title in case you were wondering :))

Today, I was reading some blogs as I do on most typical days and I started thinking about how awesome the blogging community is. I mean, really, it gives you the opportunity to learn about and from some of the most amazing people alive. It allows you to connect with people just like you whether you are single, a newlywed, a new mom, middle-aged etc. It's just awesome.

Recently, I've expanded my blog reading because I've found some new blogs that are heavily followed and do several link-ups etc. Because of this, I have had more people reading my blog. I know some of these people are now following me via Blogger, others through Google Connect possibly and maybe there are others too.

So, I was wanting to ask you a favor. If you are reading this blog and you are not a family member of mine, will you comment on this post or send me at e-mail at slpleslieanne(at)yahoo(dot)com? It would mean a lot to me. I'd love to know who all is reading on a regular basis.

Thank you ahead of time. :)

Oh and before I go, I'll leave you with a fun/funny picture. This past week, my husband and I bought a used car. A Buick in fact :). Here's the proof. I love him.

Til then-
Did YOU hear about the Morgans?

Favorite Holiday Recipe

Linking up with Kelly at Kellyskornerblog.com for SUYL Friday!!

I have a ton of recipes that I love to cook but recently Matt and I came across a recipe for Sopapilla Cheesecake. Yes, it's ALL OVER PINTEREST but honestly, that's not where I got it. My mom sent me the recipe after her office party. We made it for Thanksgiving and I'm pretty sure it's a new tradition. YUM O

Here it is!

Sopapilla Cheesecake

Ingredients:
-2 cans pillsbury butter crescent rolls
-2-3(8oz) packages cream cheese (softened) This is your preference if you want more or less filling
-1 cup sugar
-1 teaspoon vanilla
-1 cup butter (melted)
-Cinnamon & sugar

Instructions:
Unrolled and spread 1 can crescent rolls on bottom of un-greased 9x13 pan or pyrex dish. 
Combine softened cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla. 
Spread mixture over crescent rolls.
Unroll and spread remaining crescent roll over mixture.
Pour melted butter over the top and sprinkle with cinnamon.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Keep an eye on it because it may cook faster depending on your oven. 


*If making for a holiday gathering, prepare ahead and bake while you are eating dinner so it will be 
ready when you are done eating. So yummy hot but just as good cold!


Til then-
Did YOU hear about the Morgans? 

Christmas Q&A

Time for some Christmas fun! :)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?  Hot Chocolate
2. Colored or white lights on the tree and house?  White, always
3. Do you hang mistletoe?  I haven't before but I'm considering it this year. 
4. When do you put up your decorations?  ASAP. This year, My husband and I put them on on November 23rd. .
5. What is your favorite holiday dish?  I love anything sweet. I also love ham at Christmas.
6. Favorite holiday memory as a child?  Every year, Mom would let me open one gift on Christmas Eve and I loved that part. I also loved going to bed thinking about all of the magic Christmas brings.
7. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?  Hmmm... I think I was in 3rd grade
8. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve?  See above. :) I love the idea of giving the gift of Christmas PJ's on Christmas Eve!
9. How do you decorate your Christmas tree? White lights and a wide variety of ornaments. All are special. Each year for the last 7-10 years, my Mom has given me ornaments so that when I was married, I'd be able to decorate my tree. This year, Matt and I did just that. It was fun showing him all of the special ornaments as well as adding to it. We hope to buy a Morgan Family ornament each year. 
10. Snow!  Love it or dread it?  Like. This is our first year living in a place where snow is likely. I'll update you after winter is over. :)
11. Can you ice skate?  Uh, big negative there. I've been once and after a bruise the size of Texas on my hip, I decided I may never attempt again. 
12. Do you remember your favorite gift?  I have had so many great gifts that it's hard to name just one. 
13. What's the most important thing about the holidays for you? Time with family and remembering Jesus.
14. What is your favorite holiday dessert?  Red Velvet Cake
15. What is your favorite holiday tradition?  So many that I love. This year, Matt and I are starting our own. Reading Christmas books each night. We also plan to bake a cake on Christmas Day for Jesus' Birthday. 
16. What tops your tree?  An angel.
17. Which do you prefer, giving or receiving gifts?  Both. Gifts is definitely my love language so I love to receive even the simplest gift. I LOVE LOVE LOVE to give. 
18. Candy canes ... yuck or yum?  Ehh..they are okay. I'm indifferent. 
19. Favorite Christmas show?  So many! I would have to say The Santa Clause. I can literally quote the whole movie and I laugh non-stop while it's on!
20. Saddest Christmas song?  The Christmas Shoes. 
21. What is your favorite Christmas song? Oh Come all Ye Faithful and Grandma Got Run over by a Reindeer :)
    
    
    Til Then-
    Did You Hear About the Morgans? 
    
    

Witty Wednesday

It is Wednesday, right?

My mom sent me an e-mail with these funnies in it so I had to share!

                                 AMAZINGLY SIMPLE HOME REMEDIES

    1. If you're choking on an ice cube simply pour a cup of boiling water down your throat. Presto! The blockage will instantly remove itself

    2. Avoid cutting yourself when slicing vegetables by getting someone else to hold while you chop.

    3. Avoid arguments with the Mrs. About lifting the toilet seat by using the sink.

    4. For high blood pressure sufferers: simply cut yourself and bleed for a few minutes, thus reducing the pressure in your veins. Remember to use a timer.

    5. A mouse trap, placed on top of your alarm clock, will prevent you from rolling over and going back to sleep after you hit the snooze button.

    6. If you have a bad cough, take a large dose of laxatives, then you'll be afraid to cough.

    7. You only need two tools in life - WD-40 and Duct Tape. If it doesn't move and should, use the WD-40. If it shouldn't move and does, use the duct tape.

    8. Remember: Everyone seems normal until you get to know them.

Daily Thought: SOME PEOPLE ARE LIKE SLINKIES. NOT REALLY GOOD FOR ANYTHING BUT THEY BRING A SMILE TO YOUR FACE WHEN PUSHED DOWN THE STAIRS

    If you can't fix it with a hammer, you've got an electrical problem.

I know some of these are crude but I couldn't help myself!


Til Then-
Did YOU hear about the Morgans? 

Not Me! Monday

For the last four years, I have enjoyed reading blogs. I started reading them before I even considered writing one myself. It's fun to read and learn about other people's lives as they are willing to share. Recently, it has helped me make connections with new people in the blogging world etc. I enjoy it.

One of the blogs I enjoy reading is McMama's blog. I have always enjoyed her blog. She can be controversial at times but that's the fun in blogging. If you read something you don't like you shrug your shoulders and move on. She and her husband are believers and have 5 children. Anyway, neat and long story to their lives. Check out her blog if you are interested.

Every Monday, she writes a post called "Not Me". It's super fun and I've considered linking up to it several times but never have. Today, I thought I would give it a try.

This morning, I most certainly NOT get so involved in telling a story to my husband in the car that I hit him in the eye. Nope, NOT ME!

Last week, I never even thought about putting various refrigerated items into the pantry instead of the refrigerator because I'm not used to our new apartment yet. No, I would NEVER do that!

Lastly, I did not scream at the computer when I was watching the LSU vs UGA game because the announcers were ANNOYING me. NO! Does that sound like something I would do?! ;-)


I wish I had more of these fun statements or well, maybe I don't :)

Til then-
Did You Hear About the Morgans?

The Morgan Family- 2011 Christmas Ornament

Today, Matt and I went downtown in Spartanburg for a Holiday Handmade Hoopla. It was an awesome exhibition of some local people who have AMAZING talent. We didn't buy much because our budget is tight but we got some business cards and names of Etsy shops so we can purchase things later if we want. We also got a great idea for a birthday gift for our brother-in-law.

We did buy one thing and we are super excited about it! We bought a handmade birdhouse ornament. Here is a photograph of our precious ornament courtesy of my husband. Isn't his photography amazing? I think so!

Happy Saturday and Geaux Tigers!

Til Then-
Did You Hear About the Morgans?

Christmas Traditions

Since this is our first Christmas as a married couple, we have been talking about new traditions we want to start together as well as some that we can start now and carry on with our kids once we have them. Matt read about a family who wraps up 25 books at the start of December and each night, one book is unwrapped and read. I thought this was great since I LOVE children's books and collect them. Matt said "we may not be able to do it this year because we don't have any books". I immediately went to our children's book bookshelf. I found 14 Christmas books! We started last night and I hope we will continue it until Christmas day. We have our eyes out for some inexpensive or even used Christmas books to add to our collection. So excited.

Here is what we read first!

Such a sweet story. You can get it on amazon here. 

It is a board book and pretty short. It will not disappoint. 

Til then-

Did You Hear About the Morgans?