After a long winter slumber

I noticed my lovely daffodil tips showing the other day.  Next to our driveway we have a not very sunny, not very grassy, forgotten strip of property.  But I planted bulbs in there many years ago.  Every March now, for about 3 weeks' time, it's a pretty cheery yellow path.  We usually get enough for me to cut some for the kitchen table as well. 

It doesn't look like much in this photo above, but...

...here you can see what I noticed this year for the first time.  Each clump of bulbs makes a mound as it grows.  The plants literally move the earth as they make their way up to the light. 

You see the turf lifted right up?  Amazing.  I never thought of a few daffodil shoots as being so strong, did you?

I'm not sure what I thought happened to spring bulbs  Did I think there was a ready made hole in the dirt for them to tunnel through?  Surely they wouldn't have to pave a new course every single year, right?  Or wrong?

I am going through a few life changes at the moment.  (No, not that change)  All at once I am

choosing to be educated and choosing to be healthier 

all the while being "on the front lines" (as my friend once described this very busy stage of life with kids).

You know my path to going back to school.  Hardest decision ever.  Still hard, even though I've begun.

A few things prompting my healthy-ish decision.

 

First of all, my sister's mother-in-law made similar changes.  I admire and respect her, and I started to wonder if I could do it. 

Second, my son Bugs started doing the Wii Fit daily and I was so proud of him that I wondered if I should join in. 

Third, my post-gall-bladder-removal body was starting to have more annoying degestion side effects than normal (not fun).  I thought making a few changes could only help.

Now please don't think I'm going all crazy fitness or anything.  I don't want to mislead anybody.  I'm merely being more careful and moving my body every day. 

Some of it has been harder than expected. 

*When I sit down to read or study, everyone needs me.  Simultaneously.

*I got 4/5 on my first quiz in Anthropology.  I expected 5/5.

*I still don't drink enough water.

*I hate exercising.  Does that part ever get better?  But I'm afraid if I miss a day then I will find it easy to miss another.  And another.

*I never knew how much mental energy it took to make better food choices.  I feel like I spend half my day thinking about food.

*I love to bake.  Sadly, I don't want too much stuff around here so I haven't made any goodies for 2 weeks.  My family isn't thrilled.

*What was I thinking trying to do all this at once in the middle of kids in lots of sports and hubby coaching two teams and church duties and all?  Not to mention, I just bought girl scout cookies!

Did I think there was already an easy path to the light?  Do I have to make my own tunnels?  Yes!  Pushing up through the soil is TOUGH!

Some of it has been better than I could imagine.

*I feel the spirit strongly when I study.

*I am always getting encouraging comments from my sisters to keep me going.

*I look forward to time with my books.

*I am more confident.

*Most of my cravings were only tough for the first week; the second week I could actually take a couple bites of a dessert and not want more.

*I can tell when my body is actually hungry.

*Food tastes SO much better when your taste buds aren't all messed up.

*I feel physically strong - and it's only been 2 weeks.

*My endurance has already increased.

*My back pain is gone.

*I sleep more soundly.

*My digestion issues have settled down.

*I still had a Shamrock Shake last week (and it was worth it).

And most importantly to me at this time, my mind is clearer.  I can focus more easily.  After a long winter slumber I am beginning to feel the warmth of the blessings of living the Word of Wisdom more fully. 

I'm beginning to understand what I have read many times in the Doctrine and Covenants:

“All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

”And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

“And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

President Ezra Taft Benson helps us see an even bigger picture.

"The temporal promise for obedience is: They “shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones; … [they] shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.” (D&C 89:18, 20.)

I have always felt, however, that the greater blessing of obedience to the Word of Wisdom and all other commandments is spiritual.

Listen to the spiritual promise: “All saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, … shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” (D&C 89:18, 19; italics added.)

Some have thought this promise was contingent on just keeping the provisions of the Word of Wisdom. But you will notice we must walk in obedience to all the commandments. Then we shall receive specific spiritual promises. This means we must obey the law of tithing, keep the Sabbath day holy, keep morally clean and chaste, and obey all other commandments.

When we do all this, the promise is: They “shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures.” (D&C 89:19.)

What father and mother would not want the inspiration of the Lord in rearing their children? I testify these blessings can be yours. Surely parents would not want, through disobedience, to prevent their children from receiving the Lord’s blessings. All fathers and mothers in Israel should qualify themselves for this promise.

Living the commandments of God is a condition of worthiness for entrance into the House of the Lord. There wisdom and “great treasures of knowledge” are given that relate to our happiness in this life and joy throughout eternity."

So you see, the timing of these changes is the biggest blessing I could have right now - at the moment I need it most.  My Father in Heaven gave me promptings to change and strength to do so just when I need the greater mental capacity.  When I need the increased physical capacity.  When I need the heightened spiritual capacity.

Thanks for listening to my newly exposed vulnerability. I wanted to get my feelings recorded so they will eventually become a source of strength.  I'm thankful for the multitude of blessings I get to enjoy and for my family I get to enjoy them with. 

Day 13

Day 13-Goals

Some goals for me right now:

start back to school
finish the Book of Mormon again by Easter
read the 4 gospels again by year's end
get our vital records in order (I'm going to scan important documents and keep a cd of them in our fire safe)

Enter something? Check.

A goal of mine for several years now has been to enter an item in the Utah State Fair.


Today I did!

Here she is; finished and ready

Princess takes the camera as I check in

I get instructions on where to pick it up after the fair has ended

Rosebud is simply thrilled at the waiting

It's official! Yay.

(The green dot on my tag means amateur, thank goodness)

What an awesome feeling.  Why don't I set more goals?

Family ties

In every conceivable manner, the family is link to our past, bridge to our future.


Alex Haley

Two months ago I was given a new calling (job) at church.  I was to be a Family History consultant.  We actually teach an ongoing class about Genealogy to small groups and it's been really amazing so far.  I have only done the tiniest amount of family pedigree research till now but my desire to do more has gone through the roof.

It's a time consuming hobby, but I feel strongly that I need to find ways to incorporate more family history work into my busy life.  Truthfully I can't think of anything more interesting and rewarding to do in my free time than to find out who has gone before me, who has paved the way, who has contributed to who I am.

My dad had a special meeting in his area last week about family history as well.  He has not participated in any research of the past as of yet, but he opened my way of thinking about this important task.  In his talk he spoke about linking generations together.  He reminded me that every memory and tradition is the making of family histories as well.  When we look at a family group record those aren't just names on a paper.  They are moms and dads, grandkids, aunts.  Those individuals shared a baseball game with a grandparent.  They sacrificed material wants so their kids could have needs met.  They read books to little ones.  They had jobs and bills and lawns and gardens and laundry.

My history isn't just then.  It's now.  And what we do next month.  And in five years.  We are living the legacy that we will leave behind.

I need to be a better journal keeper.  I owe it to myself and my posterity.  I did okay as a kid, and  I also have detailed entries for each child's birth.  But not a whole lot else.

I need to tell stories to my kids that my parents told me.

I need to record my dad reading those books that the kids love.

I need to write my own personal life history.  I can't even imagine the joy if one of my ancestors had left one for me.


I am so thankful for the broader perspective this new calling has given me.  I could kick myself for those things I've neglected to record over the last 10-15 years.  But better late than never.

My Word

I am looking forward to a great year.

I present my 2010 word to you:

EMBRACE


I am coming upon a year with many opportunities and milestones ahead.  But usually when faced with an uncomfortable or new situation I tend to backpedal and retreat. When things don't go the way I planned I sink low.  When I don't understand I give up.  When life is hard I want to rest. 

I am promising to keep this word in my head to help me embrace change, embrace my imperfections, embrace my talents, embrace my trials, embrace my roles, embrace the journey, embrace my children, embrace L-I-F-E more this coming year.  I hope you will join me.

Finished!

Last night I met a big goal of mine. I have now read the entire Bible, finally.

In 2007 I read the New Testment. Then in April 2008 I started the Old Testament. 21 months later I am done. I told myself I would finish this year. I wondered at times if I would get through it. Chronicles, Isaiah, UGH.

I didn't understand 90% of what I read and there are lots of things in there that were eye-opening. In fact, I hope my children are adults before they read much of it. But I know that when those words were written they were to benefit us and the word of God can be found throughout the 1184 pages.

I am thankful for the insight I gain when the scriptures are a habit for me and I am blessed to have them within my reach at all times.

Something struck me when I finished. As you can see in the top picture the final words are "THE END of the PROPHETS". I am so grateful for my testimony that I live in a time when we know it is not the end of the prophets. I know that if God spoke then it makes perfect sense that he'd speak now. I love learning about this gospel that brings me so much happiness when I follow it.

P.S. I think I just set a record for using the word "I" as much as humanly possible in one post.

Resolution Revolution

I admit it; I love to make resolutions. Unfortunately I am also a perfectionist. So while the process of making "the list" is satisfying, the subsequent veering off the path is damaging to my soul and my self image.

Enter in the "One Word" concept.

It was developed here (I think) and used here and here and here.

Basically it takes a look at your goals from the end rather than the beginning and it sounds intriguing enough for me to give it a whirl.

It is also suggested to mull it over for a bit to see what your heart is really telling you to focus on. So I am posting this today in the hopes that in the next 2.5 days I can get a better idea of where to put my energy for 2010.


words currently in the running:

balance
aware
appreciate
engage
live
cherish
purpose
anchor
love
focus
connect
presence


If you embark on this journey as well please tell me, or leave a link to your post in the comments.

Contentment and balance

Anybody out there also on a roller coaster? I feel like a teenager sometimes with how quickly my emotions and demeanor flip flop all over the place.

Some days I go from being happy to frustrated to laughing to overwhelmed about a thousand times a day. My poor family. I crave the even-keel, the steadiness I observe (falsely?) in others.



My good friend loaned me this book for the month of August. It was very insightful and I needed to hear those words. Helped me realize that I need to gain perspective and that the power to see purpose in my everyday actions is mine. It is up to me to realize how much nurturing my family can bring peace. It is my job to show the family I serve each day the joy I feel in doing so. We were not put here for drudgery. My loads of laundry, helping with endless homework, giving pointers on handling the bully in class - these are my service and what brings fulfillment to life. I don't want it any other way, nor would I do it differently. It's all my life and part of the plan.
Fast forward to General Conference this weekend. What did I learn? That I need to begin looking elsewhere more. Seek out more selfless acts. My service at home is priority. But when things are "too much" I will feel the "UGH, why are they calling me MOM again" feeling subside more easily as I serve my fellow sisters. My weariness at home can be occasionally cured out of the home.
I have felt strongly lately the purposes of sisterhood and the bonds formed through visiting teaching will only be fully realized when we give of ourselves from the heart. Not only when we feel we have nothing left to give others, but sometimes especially then. I know when I have tested this that it is the case.
When I am sure that I am too busy or too depleted, nothing recharges my spirit more than visiting someone or showing my love to them. Sometimes at home with the fighting and chores and bah bah bah I don't get that. It is wonderful there but I am only complete when I give my all in AND out of the home. My patriarchal blessing says that others will need to lean on me. I need to do more to have my shoulder ready.
I am now striving for balance so that I can feel true contentment. I have many roles in life, and while I can't be everything to everyone all the time, I can spend a lot more of my time being something to someone.

Time to take stock again

Now that the snow is melted and the birds are making their nests, January seems like a LONG time ago. Remember those goals?

How are your resolutions?

Here are the goals I have kept going or started so far this year:


2008

drink more water

eat breakfast

exercise three times a week

read the Book of Mormon every day

read Bible daily (as much as possible)

pray morning and night on my knees

read BOM one time before Stake Conference

finish at least one book every month (averaging about three)

back into scrapbooking (LOVING it!)

established daily duties expected from the kids - going quite well

teach children responsibility through consistency and natural consequences

trying to love and enjoy my children conciously every day

being a better visiting teacher and more timely with appointments

NEXT on tap...

Read Ensign and Relief Society lessons more

Get back into daily and weekly homemaking schedules that work

Keeping the sink clean

Use new-found hobbies as more of a reward for tasks completed (A.K.A willpower)

Tell me what you've accomplished so far this year. Or what you're working toward!



Visit Lara to make some Smart Habits!

Resolutions, anyone?

He-lloooooo? Echo echo echo echo

How are we doing, folks? I have totally done well where I didn't much expect, and struggle with a few that I thought would be easy.

2008 Goals

Here's a few updates...

drink water before meals - I have been drinking a lot more, but not really before I eat

no eating after 9pm- UGH; not doing well here. I like to munch with Strider before bed. Need to cut that out.

walk to kindergarten once a week- well, mostly 20 degrees and snow every day. BUT, even better, I do the treadmill or workout tape every other day! YAY

read the Book of Mormon every day-fantastic! and I'm loving it

be a better VT by setting the meeting time early in month- we have a time set up on Sunday, so we'll see...

finish at least one book every month- starting book #3 today :)

establish a budget and track spending- totally struggling with this and I was so excited for this one, too. Any motivation?

establish daily and weekly schedules that work- I set it all up but have slowly declined. I am pledging to do better this week, as today is bathroom day and it needs it!


Remember my general rule to keep myself in line:
prayer before computer
scriptures before TV

Resolutions, anyone?

How are we doing, folks? Is all the newness gone? Enthusiasm waning?

Mine are coming along pretty nicely. My daily routines have brought a needed structure to my stay-at-home haze. I actually look forward to those things I have to do in the home. I love that it gives me an "I'm done for the day" feeling, because that's one of my biggest struggles in "working" for my family. I'm never done. The laundry and dishes are never done.


But this way, I can do my daily chores and take time for myself without feeling guilty. Ok, as guilty. But I do like this so far.

Here's what I've accomplished or am currently working on:

2008 Goals

-drink water before meals
-eat breakfast
-get ready every day
-read the Book of Mormon every day
-pray morning and night on my knees
-read BOM one time before Stake Conference (I'm in Jacob 4)
-love my callings no matter what they are
-finish at least one book every month (read -Paradox of Choice)
-show examples of kindness and charity to my family
-stay positive
-establish daily and weekly schedules that work
-treat my home with pride
-invite the spirit by making the living room a haven and a peaceful place
-do the dishes before bed

I feel like my life is back on track and it's a great feeling. And it's about time. I'd like to add in a few more to focus on in Feb; probably scrapbooking. How are you doing with your goals?

How are those resolutions going??

Officially a week into the new goals...how are things going for you?



I am thrilled with the changes I've made. I plan on finishing my first book of the year in the next week. My dishes are done nearly every night. My time is spent picking up one space at a time instead of being overwhelmed at all that needs done. The best thing is my routine. My house is cleaner, my personal study is a priority, so it's done sooner in the day and overall I am very happy.



I need to work on drinking more water and being a little more kind next.



I leave you with a couple birthday pics...

Let's start great in 2008

I read this on a favorite site of mine, and I'll post the whole thing here because it might as well be me talking...

"Now that the craziness is behind us it’s time to to get our homes back into some kind of order and create or re-establish our routines. I find though that I often procrastinate the most when I get overwhelmed and stressed over how much needs to be done. It’s at times like these that I have to stop focusing on the big picture, break the tasks down into small manageable steps and just do the “next thing”. It’s the only way I know how to avoid the negative thoughts that threaten to overtake and consume me causing me to not only get further behind but even more overwhelmed. It’s the “small things” that lead to things getting done one task at a time creating a sense of accomplishment that fuels continuation and fosters self-discipline".

That said, here is my list of goals for the year now before us. I said list for the year, people. This does not mean that I woke up yesterday morning and did all these things. This is a list of things I'd like to continue, things I want to begin, and things I want to be more aware of this year. Hopefully by next December I will be a better person than I am today and this list, if reviewed often, should help me get there.

2008 Goals

Physical
-drink water before meals
-eat breakfast (mostly high fiber cereal)
-no eating after 9pm
-walk to kindergarten once a week
-get ready every day, both to feel better and for my husband

Spiritual
-read the Book of Mormon every day
-pray morning and night on my knees
-read BOM one time before Stake Conference
-read words of the Savior from NT daily
-use Sundays or downtime to read Ensign or RS lessons
-be a better VT by setting the meeting time early in month
-love my callings no matter what they are; serve cheerfully

Social
-have each member of our families over for dinner once
-keep note cards with me so I can contact others easily
-buy stamps and send Christmas cards early

Intellectual
-finish at least one book every month
-balance between fiction and non-fiction
-establish a budget and track spending

Family
-show examples of kindness and charity to my family
-encourage and expect kindness from the children
-curb criticism and stay positive
-stop pretending to be a scrapbooker and BE one
-finish infant scrapbooks for every child
-organize pictures better so that I can scrapbook faster

Homemaking
-establish daily and weekly schedules that work
-use a home management notebook and treat my home with pride
-teach kids to be responsible through chores
-invite the spirit by making the living room a haven and a peaceful place
-do the dishes before bed so my day can begin on a good note
-keep the sink clean

I Did It!

I really read the whole New Testament this year!