Just Do It!

Rain, Rain go away, come again another day! That is what rain makes me feel like. Tired, dark, droopey.

Most of my family has plans tonight which leaves me and the little guy home. I am thinking that I am going to wander to the basement to my studio and actually see what that great room has to offer! I have not been using it and it haunts me.
Tomorrow is National Scrapbook Day. It would be wonderful if I could actually scrapbook. I really love to document things but I have just been overwhelmed by life for a few years. I also realize that I use that as an excuse. I blog --a silly waste of time, I could probably use my time more wisely and do other things. I believe that often times we do what we want to---I have been making time to go to the gym, some people use the computer, plant gardens etc. Why don't I MAKE time to scrapbook? I like it, I have a special room, I have neat products to use. I have great pictures? What is the problem?

I am an "all or nothing"gal. I don't mean to be but I am. When I clean, I usually want to clean everything. All 4 bathrooms, all floors vacuumed, mopped, all bedrooms done, etc. etc. etc. etc. I think that I am this way with scrapbooking.
Years ago I was fortunate enough to go visit my Mom a few times a year and basically do nothing but scrapbook for 4-5 days. I started with one and then two little ones. They were little enough that they were either sleeping or content to play around Grandma and I. Once #3 came along #1 was seven years old. She was not content to just sit and play. She wanted to GO and PLAY. She had to be supervised, there ended my easy time of scrapbooking. #3 is now seven years old. She has very very few pages that are actually about her. I feel badly about this.

Instead of complaining I should be doing. What are some ways that I could actually get more scrapbooking done?

1. Stop wasting time on the computer. (it is a mindless time sucker)
2. Make a small plan.
*find a picture
*jot notes about it
*JUST DO IT!
3. Stop waiting until everything else is "caught up". That is a dream. It doesn't exist. There will always be laundry, dishes, vacuuming, dusting and dirty toilets. I run around doing the same things every day. I have to decide to do something different or I will continue as I have been doing for years! Today is the day for change!

What is holding you back? Do you have something that you have always wanted to do but you just think about it and never do it? I hate this part of my personality. I have ideas, ideas but no follow through. It is something that affects many of us. Let's all decide we are going to do something-----and actually JUST DO IT!

My Mom mentioned that she had always wanted to go parasailing---so, we went!!!

I am going to go and explore my studio!!!

Pantry---Again!!

Do any of you remember this picture? Well, I am ready to finish this project! It has been almost finished since before my trip. I have needed to label the baskets. I am still not sure how to go about doing this. I know that I am overthinking this process! My big girl said just get some big sticky labels and stick them on! However, I want it to look cute!

The baskets are already helping! Labels are needed however, because I am the only one that seems to realize that things go in certain places! Actually, the family is starting to "get" the placing of things. I have a few more little tweaks to do, not liking the looks of a few boxes but not sure what would work better! When it is finished I will take pictures and have the pantry's big debut!!!

What projects are you working on? I have a pantry to finish and a desk to build!

Progress!

Wow, it is so nice to be able to see my floors! Also to not see too many sticky messes that I knew had been there for much too long!


I worked hard all day. We stopped and read books to the little one, made meals, kissed boo boos, etc. but all in all it was a very productive day! Each of the three older kids came home to their very own lists with their chores on them. Interestingly, the 7 year old was the very best at just doing her jobs, she asked for more windows to clean! The big girl wasn't thrilled but she had a friend that wouldn't let her go outside until it was finished. Now, the 10 year old boy---he still has work to do! He is in the avoidance phase. So, his list today will have todays and what didn't get done yesterday! I am really going to try and stay on top of this method.


We discussed these chores before I went to Germany but it hadn't been ingrained yet. So, a new day--a new job. We all live in the house, we can all work together to keep it clean!


I actually kept a list of all that I did--you know that each one of those things crossed off actually had six steps inside of it to be completed!

Totally different subject---How to keep from snacking? I want to eat junk, all day, everyday! I went to spin class, had a great workout---now to stay motivated! How do you stay motivated to healthy living?

Little Blessings

I ask Angel baby "where are you from?" Angel baby says,"Jesus"

and then grabs his Momma's face, turns her head, moves her hair and kisses her cheek.

Now that is a good day!

Get it done!

Today is "suck it up and get it done day." My house is a wreck and I can't stand it any more! I can tell that nice weather has hit(yeah) because my children are outside so much that the "enter and drop" syndrome has come again! We enter the house and drop whatever we have---never to be thought about again!

I am going to refrain from posting pictures about my filth, it is just too embarassing. So, I am taking a day off from any errands or the gym to get this house liveable!

I did go to spin yesterday and used my new bike shoes. This was "power spin", it kicked my butt! I was wiped out! That is good, tomorrow I will hit aerobic spin and hopefully, I will get a run in this afternoon.

Wish me luck, I may be offline for awhile---life happens in my home not on the computer!!!

I want chocolate!

Today all my thoughts revolved around--CHOCOLATE! I wanted it so badly! I actually have some good German chocolate hiding in my house. I know this!

This is what I had instead!

A blackberry smoothie. Some milk, ice, a few frozen blackberries and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. Not calorie free, but I think that it was a better choice!!!

Tired

Do you ever look around and realize that you are outnumbered? Well, today has been one of those days for me. It has been a long weekend, no school on Friday. We worked ALL day Saturday in the yard. My flower beds were in desperate need of some love. I have a before picture--too tired to load it!

So, here is hoping that a new week brings much needed energy. I am trying to not enter the woa is me syndrome. It is so easy to enter but difficult to get out of.

What do you have planned?

I am going to go to spin class! I got some new bike shoes. Ones with clips in the bottom. Real bikers wear them, hopefully they will improve my form, who knows, perhaps I will get on the real bike hanging in my garage!!

Good night! Tomorrow is a big day. I hope that I can post something that means something, at least to me!!

Long Ride

How was the field trip? you ask. Well, imagine a busload of fourth graders driving for four hours. We did have a short bathroom break and a look see at the mud swallows. It really wasn't as awful as it sounds, however, it was a very long day. The main reason for the field trip was environmental awareness. We went to a bird refuge. Luckily, the kids really were very interested in the many, many birds flying around. After lunch at a park we went to the landfill and the burn plant. I actually found this very interesting. It made me want to learn more about recycling. We throw too much away---where is away? It doesn't just disappear!

For those of you that haven't known me forever, you might not realize that in a former life I was a teacher. I have an elementary education and special education degree. However, it has been 14 years since I was blessed with my first baby(wow, that sounds old). I am now out of practice. I was sitting in a seat with a boy that just really wanted to be friends with me. I struggled because I felt like the rude girl, I didn't want to be friends with him, I wanted to look out the window and not guess which restraunt he was thinking of! Later, there was another little boy who just talked too much. He wanted my ipod, my gum, my binoculars and my space!(and he was not my own child!) I actually had to finally find a new place to sit because he was directly behind me and he kept hitting me in the head. Not on purpose, he just has severe adhd and can't hold still. I just couldn't take it and had to move myself!

Remember how my boy WANTED me to go on this field trip? He could have cared less! He didn't sit by me, on the bus or at lunch! No holding Mommy's hand, no having Mom sit by you for lunch.

Oh, well! Mommy is not so cool!

Bus time!

What am I doing today? Fourth grade field trip, that's what! It is most likely the last time my big boy will really WANT his Mom to go-so, I get to ride the bus, eat a sack lunch and learn about birds!

Did you discover something that inspires you?

Inspire

What inspires you? Flowers, paintings, graphics, color? Since I am struggling with my messy house(just can't get "caught up" whatever that means!) I decided that I have to find a few things BEYOND my messes to inspire me.
I saw a beautiful sunset sky last night-all pink and dreamy.
My tulips are out in full glory.
Sun is bright and beautiful
Baby is talking to himself in his crib(instead of sleeping!)

Just a few! Better go attack the messies!
Go and find something beautiful!

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST DADDY AND GUY IN THE WORLD! Too bad everyone isn't as lucky as we are!

A New Week!

It's over! It's gone! All the icky ickyness is gone! Daddy was still sick last night. He didn't get any time to rest because he had to go to church all day. He feels his responsibility so strongly. He came home at 6:00 and was asleep by 7:00pm. He was still fevering when I went to bed at 9:00pm. He awoke this morning like nothing had happened. Let's hope that it is totally gone and it doesn't return!

Now, back to reality! My house is a wreck, Grandma is so glad that she isn't here! I have to start attacking the list, it is a long, long list. It needs to be ammended because now it has outside things to add to it!

So, here is to a good week! The sun is suppose to shine all week!

Enough is Enough!

This bug has officially affected every member of this family. All six of us. We were hoping that the Daddy would be spared. No such luck. He started about 4 hours ago. Hopefully, it will finish up during the night, he will be spared some of the misery and will be great by morning!

The girls both felt pretty rough today but both managed to dance and do well! Poor little one had her face in the bowl minutes before they went on stage. We actually missed the dance, they were early, the coach talked to the judges and they let them dance again==they even announced that a sick little girl was here to dance-they did so well!

Hopefully, by tomorrow evening the news coming from this corner of the world will be much nicer than it has been since Wednesday! This is the first time EVER that something has gone through ALL SIX members of this family. I hope that it is the last!

Saga continues!

Four down--two to go! The little missy started early this morning. Big sister says her stomach hurts-we will see. I hope that the Daddy doesn't get it, it was awful for me.

We are going to a dance competition, hopefully we are all alright! Taking the motorhome to help!

Barf Saga (part 2)

The pukes have spread. I now officially have them. Angel boy still has them, projectile style! Gross, I know.

I need my Mommy!

Just a few more pictures from my trip. I know that you don't have a clue what they are about but, they were eye candy for me. Every scene was so amazing that we couldn't get enough. Between the two of us we took about 700 pictures!

We saw castles, cathedrals, medival castles, darling little villages, large villages, gated cities, secret gardens, weapons, gates, window, goats, little German men and women, nuns, etc. etc. etc.!!!

Barf Saga

How you know when you have crossed that line. That line in motherhood when the barf just hardly fases you. You see your darling little angel baby throwing up and you just grab a rag. Not a mad dash reaction, more like, oh here we go, more laundry kind of movement.
Poor little guy has the pukes. Big brother had it two days ago. It didn't last too long, but he was sure miserable. Nothing was able to stay in. I hope that the rest of the family doesn't get it. The girls have a dance competition on Saturday. That wouldn't be good if they were sick. The hand sanitizer is out and being used--at least by this Mommy!

Daddy has been in Florida, it has been warm and sunny. I am jealous. I am here, in the snow with barf.

I am Moving!

I am needing to move! I awoke this morning to EIGHT INCHES OF SNOW! It looks like a Christmas storm! My beautiful tulips are totally covered up. It is still coming down, a total blizzzard!

Tragedy

I know that we have all been traumatized by this tragedy at Virginia Tech. Every day we send our babies out into the world, without us. Hopeing that they will come home to us at the end of the day. Senseless acts of violence, innocent victims.
I remember on Sept. 11, the shock waves. I also remember thinking that we can not live in fear. If we cower and never leave our homes, never allow our children to experience the wonders of life that the evil wins.

Do not allow yourself to think that everyone in this world is bad. There is beauty to behold. We must look to the light to see the sunshine, even when there is a terrible shadow hovering above us.

Jet Lag!

The jet lag has hit! We were so lucky that we really didn't experience any at the other end--there was no time. There were sites to behold.

I am exhausted! I am fortunate, my wonderful Mom stayed at my house while I was gone and she had it in great shape when I got home. So lucky for me, there isn't a messy house or tons of laundry that needs done. It is also a good thing because I feel like my brain has been disconnected from my body!

My Sweetie had to leave early this morning(5:00) for a business trip to Florida. He and I were up at 4:00 AM!!! That is much too early for any human to be awake!

So, I am not terribly interesting--just tired! Hopefully, this will wear off after one really good night's sleep!

P.S. I did make it to the gym! I did spin class! I loved it last spring, and just haven't been able to get myself there early enough since school started last fall--It felt great! I am feeling terribly flabby and soft. I am having to recommit myself to my exercise. It has been so hit or miss since before we went on our cruise!

Home Sweet Home!

Wow, what a trip! We went and went for 10 solid days! We saw more churches and castles than I can count! It was a "life trip". I will remember it always!

I will give more details later! I am exhausted! However, I missed all of my babies and my sweet hubby so much--I am glad to be home!

I'm off to Germany!

I am off to GERMANY in thirty minutes! It has taken an act of Congress(at least help from the congressional office and lots of prayers) to get my friends passport. It has been a nightmare. One minute she isn't going, I'm not going, I'm flying alone, she will be there in a day, etc. etc. etc. I haven't flown by myself for many years, I was terribly nervous!

So, here is hoping that she will be at the airport today before 12:00!

Have a great time--I know I will!!!!

T

Love Notes!

Sweet. Theynk's hunny, Mommy needed that!

Eggs!

HOW FUN! and messy! Little Man and Missy had a great time decorating Easter eggs after conference on Sunday.

Don't they just scream out SPRING?

Smart Habit Saturday!

This has been an interesting week. I have been so busy-with what you ask? Well, cleaning the dreadful pantry! I worked on this mess for most of the entire week! It was a monumental task. It is almost finished! I am not going to post pictures until it is totally complete, however, the floor is empty! I also have some empty containers and totes!

Because I am going on my big trip this week I am not going to add a new habit.
I have a huge list that has to be accomplished.
These are the things that will be on my list , they have to be done before my trip!

I have thought about my Smart Habit Saturday goals. I really looked at my huge entry from last week. (it was long!) I really managed three of my habits well.
* I did amazingly well at keeping my counter clean. It makes a difference in my day!
* I finished listening to conference on my ipod. I need to read the Priesthood session(not available on audio), before tomorrow night.
* The big kids did so well practicing the piano this week. Boy has been trying to do it in the morning. That works alright, we struggle with getting up. I hope that this is a sign that we are doing better!

My other two(exercise and scripture study) habits did not fair well. I will try again! Obviously they are not habits yet!
I am planning on taking my ipod with me and I have 1/2 of the Book of Mormon on it. Hopefully, I will start to get better about actually listening to it!
Reading as a family has always been a struggle for us. We were doing really well a few weeks ago. Must recommit and go for it!

I am in the beginnng thought processes of designing a "division of labor" chart! While cleaning the FOUR bathrooms of my house today I decided that each of the three bigger kids are going to be in charge of a bathroom. They all live in this house, we all work together to keep it clean! I am going to really make it official--like we are a business. I am the CEO and they all have responsibilities. I am doing more work than I should--that is my fault. Hopefully, I can get this to help them take responsibility.

This motherhood stuff is hard. We were having one of those money conversations in the car. The Boy said that "it's Dad's money". I said that it is my money too, he and I work together to help take care of our family. Little Missy said "Mom's job is to take care of us!" At least one of the children understands that I do have a job, a job that is 24/7, with no sick leave, vacation pay or health plan! I get no pay raises and usually no one notices what I do!

I am taking all the "baby kisses" I can get. I think that those little sweetnesses must be what is to hold me over until the grandchildren come! I am also keeping many a little love note--to remind me that someone does notice me occasionally!

A cleaning first!

This was a first for me. I vacuumed my jetted tub! I know that sounds crazy but we have been having an infestation of boxelder bugs. Our window faces south so the bugs loved the heat. It hasn't been very long since I had to clean the windows, sills, blinds, etc. because of these disgusting things. Well, once again it looked awful! However, there were tons of dead ones in the tub! I actually got the vacuum to suck them up. It is all shiny and clean, perfect for a good long soak. Hopefully, now that the weather has changed the little icky things will stay outside!

He was here!

Here is the proof that a little boy lives in this house!

Doing what?

I am going on a big trip--to Germany--in one week. What am I doing to prepare for this trip? Cleaning my pantry! I think that must be about the wierdest thing to want to have done before I go. However, it is almost done! I have made huge strides. It has been a massive project. I have been working like a crazy woman. I stayed up much too late last night trying to actually find my counter again. I did it. Today, I decided to finally tackle the two big craft/junk boxes. I went through every plastic grocery sack. I condensed two large totes into one smaller tote! I put every type of goodie in a clear ziploc bag so we know what is in it. I need a few more baskets and need to label every basket, in hopes that if they are marked things will be kept in better order!

What is on your list?
These are the things that will be on my list next, they have to be done before my trip!
*Clean fridge(Looks so nice, icky sticky gone)
*Clean garage/coat mess (This was yuck! We could hardly walk)
*Take piles to DI(like goodwill)
*Clean bathrooms (4) (contemplating how to turn this responsibility over to someone else)
*laundry-this is never ending! (did 6 loads) (laundry up to speed! All folded and put away!)
*vacuum (for today at least!)
*dust (one down! Hopefully, will get it again before I leave!)
*mop
*grocery shopping
*clean guest bedroom/scrapbook studio so Grandma can have a place to sleep! (this is a huge job that really will take more time after I get back--however, she deserves to be able to walk to the bed without killing herself)
*Go shopping for some shirts and shoes.
*Buy camera batteries
*put up Easter decorations! (Spring,spring-now I need some daisies!)
*Buy some new underthings
*clean-up basement
*Easter shopping(I will be in Germany)

Happy Thursday! My pantry is getting better!

Kudos!

Maybe I am not such a bad Mom after all!

Is This Progress?

Have any of you ever had a project that you put off for much too long because you haven't wanted to deal with the mess? That is the story of my pantry. It is a catch-all in our house. I am the worst offender! It has been bothering me for a long time. I really went through it a year ago, and tried some new ways to organize things. Some of those have really worked great, are still working. Others didn't work. So, I started a few weeks ago. Yesterday, I hit it with a vengence.

The PROBLEM? Now this is the mess that is now in my kitchen! I am now committed! I have to actually deal with this mess! I am going to have this straightened up by tomorrow(I hope today but I have scouts at the library and tumbling so I might need more time!)

Shopping or Torture?

This is my story and I am sticking to it! I need long pants-desperately! It will still be cool in Germany so I don't want to freeze to death in capri's. So---I made arrangements for the little guy and went on a shopping trip. This is how it went.
I went to the pants section of my size(or there abouts). I went through and grabbed 15 pair in each of the two sizes that I range in. I then grabbed a few tops, skirts, and sweat/yoga pants for the airplane. All in all I had about fifty items. Well, where I was shopping you can only take in 8 items. So, I started the torture! I tried on 30 pairs of pants and came home with 2 pairs of jean's in two different sizes and a pair of sweat pants that are capri's but on my short legs they are more like floods. Two hours and 45 minutes later I left the store. I had planned on doing more shopping, for some tops, perhaps some Easter--I was exhausted after trying on that much clothing.

Do you all now understand why I never have enough pants?

How Small?

Do you ever wonder if you should pray about something? What if it is a simple thing? Something that only matters to you. Perhaps a simple item that is lost, do you ever feel silly praying about it? I know that I do. However, I am learning that my Heavenly Father is aware of me and my life. I am learning to trust Him, even if it is a simple, stupid thing that is lost.

Smart Habit Saturday(updated)

*Updated* My friend suggested that I look at my habits and really see where I am. Those small habits that when used effectively make a big difference in your life. So, I thought about these;
*Clean off my counter before going to bed---I am actually doing quite well with this. I would say that I am probably doing this 5 out of 7 nights. I think that it is a habit that will always need a bit of motivation. However, my morning is so much nicer when I walk into a clean kitchen. It also seems that the messes don't add up as quickly throughout the day if I don't start out messy!
*Read my Church magazine-I have been listening to these talks on my ipod-I was trying to listen to at least one talk a day. I have not done as well this past week, however, I am almost through!! That is appoximately 48 talks! I will finish these talks this week because we get a new set this next weekend--I am excited for our General Conference!
*Exercise--this is a habit that has to always, always be thought about! I had a week that had me quite busy so I honestly didn't make it to the gym one time. I can feel it in many ways--my pants, my gi track, and my mental health.--So, I am trying to have a less hectic week, I am hoping to go at least 3 times to the gym and then try and run at home the others. The weather is so nice!
*Read scriptures-personally and as a family-we have always struggled with this. My little Missy is a big helper on this. I am going to try and read my own(or listen) every day. I am also going to try and read as a family at least five days. I think that if I have Missy make a chart and have her be in charge of it, we might do better!
*Have big kids practice piano enough-we struggle with this, they don't want to do it so they won't if I don't remind them. I am thinking about some type of chart for this also. Not sure-any ideas-these are big kids-stickers don't help!



Here we are at Saturday again! The weeks go too quickly for me! I have really been focusing on my Lifestyle goals this week. I have made progress for Smart Habit Saturday! It may be a tiny, tiny improvement but it is still significant!
I have purchased more baskets for my pantry declutter project.
I have purchased the materials for the built in desk in the big girls bedroom!
I have gone through one large rubbermaid bin full of old coloring books and gotten rid of most of them!
I have gotten rid of three years worth of scrapbooking magazines!
My house still looks like a train wreck but it is getting better!

My friend Lara had a quote on her blog today that I really liked. I have often felt these sentiments but I struggle daily with the day to day. I feel so behind that I don't do some of the "other" things that I would like to do, for myself or the kids. Here is the quote.

“Waiting for the chores to end before I take time to teach, mentor, plan, prepare, inspire, and study is like standing at the banks of a mighty river waiting for the water to finish going by so that I can cross to the other side!” Diann Jeppson

Here are Lara's thoughts on this;
Are you waiting for the river to pass before you cross over to become the brilliant, inspiring, competent person you were meant to become? No!!! We know you are building a bridge and already on your way to the other side because you are participating in Smart Habit Saturday. We are all working together here, pulling each other along, to make simple and often mundane daily tasks a little easier by creating life changing habits. This will give us more time to find our greatness within. Whether you want to become a great mother, wife, teacher, or leader, thank you for taking the time to inspire me!

So here is my list! It is not in any order-of importance or of need. It is just a random list that I worked on all week. I had a paper by my phone and I would write the thoughts down. This is by no means a complete list. This list also has nothing to do with personal improvement goals. These are things that need done around my home to make me feel less fragmented so that I can enjoy my life and be a better person!
I hope that by doing this list it will help me to actually start accomplishing some of these things. This will be an ever evolving list because I know already that I didn't include any of my outside needs on this list!!!

*Move washer and dryer downstairs
-call for cement cutter
-get long exhaust hose
*Put all decorations away in furnace room. Christmas/February/Easter etc.
Make sure they are all marked well.
*Move both freezers
*Build Desks in bedrooms(one almost finished!)
*Completely go through pantry-everything put where it goes. (This was major-I worked on it for an entire week)
-containers-label all baskets
*Studio/Scrapbook room-go through all the piles, dejunk, put everything in working order.(this is a huge project) (can see floor-a start)
*Clean garage-
-Winter stuff put away
-shoes-throw away old
-snowboards/skis up on brackets
*Re-organize hall closet
*Coat closet
*Clean fridge (looks so nice, icky-sticky gone!)
*sort toys-parts with parts(donate many)
*Go through each child(4) bedroom and sort all clothes and toys
*Hang up shelves in kids bedrooms
*Hang up name plaques and letters
*Sort books
*Clean off bulletin board (This has to be done ALL the time, it is the catch all and art gallery)
*Back up photos
-burn cd’s
*pictures into albums
*print digital photos
*go through lazy susan
*sort/discard old scrapbook magazines (my friend was thrilled to have them!)
*go through craft boxes in pantry (I went through every sack-reduced from 2 totes to 1)

If you are still reading you deserve a medal! Stay tuned and hopefully together we can make progess!!

70's Child!!

You know that you were a child in the 70's when you come across things like these! These coloring books were in the huge pile that I went through for my pantry declutter. They make me laugh! I remember all of them!

Bell-Ringers of Spring!

Look at what I found in my flower garden!!! Happy little crocus flowers! They are the earliest thing that blooms around here. I was so thrilled to see these little bell-ringers of spring!

Tuesday-already?

It is Tuesday-does it ever seem that the week goes so quickly that it has passed before you have caught up to it? I do all the time! So, because of my SHS lifestyle goals I am trying to overcome my procrastination habit. Just do it! Well, my friend Lara came by yesterday and we discussed how to do a built in desk, measured etc. I am hoping to go and get some of the supplies soon. I would like to have it finished before I go on my trip-if I just DO it instead of waiting until I get back I will have made progress!
I have also made a tiny bit of progress in the messy pantry. I bought some larger baskets that hold more, so that they can stay a bit more organized(I hope). I need to go and get some more, I bought all they had-baby steps!

What projects are you working on? I am going to write one of those longs lists--then perhaps it will make me want to finish them!!!!

I posted another picture of my awful pantry so that when it looks better I will have proof!

Sick Wee One!

Today was a strange Sunday. I got up and showered quickly, got kids moving, etc. We were on schedule until I went and got Little Boy blue out of his crib. He had bright red cheeks and was feverish. So, that changed all of my plans. I did manage to get the other three out the door to Grandma's so she could drive them to church. Little one and I just held each other all morning. I hope that he will be doing better soon. He was warm again tonight, he has been doing the motrin rollercoaster. Poor little baby! I miss church when I don't go. I also really enjoy going to the singles ward. It is a different feeling where they are not so family oriented yet.

My big sweetie came home from church today wiped out. It was a rough day as Bishop(congregation leader-LDS church). I wish that there was something that I could do to help him but there isn't really. So, I keep praying, and making sandwiches. He is such a good man. I am often reminded about how lucky I am to have him in my life. Now, don't get me wrong, he isn't a saint or anything. He has a few faults, but all in all I got one of the really good guys out there.

I am going to Germany very soon! I have many things that need to be accomplished before I go. I am not really worried about clothes or that type of thing(although I need some pants badly). I am more worried about getting this house so that it isn't so difficult for my Mom. Also, Easter will be while I am gone- So, there are just a lot of things that we Mom's just do.
I have thought about writing one of those lists--you know, the ones that list every project you want to accomplish. I have done these lists before and I don't think that they really help. I am such a procrastinator! However, I have plans to make some progress! Lara is coming over tomorrow to help me figure out a desk in the big girls bedroom. Lara is so handy with tools and she won't procrastinate if it is at my house! So, tomorrow it is!

What plans do you have? A paint project, a pantry declutter(oh, yeah, that is mine also). My garage is also in desperate need of some attention. I have 7 chairs that need painted(Shh, don't tell Lara) and the list goes on and on and on!

One step at a time!

Beautiful Saturday!

Saturday already! It is hard to believe that we have been home from our fabulous vacation 2 weeks already!

A few weeks ago I wrote about Saturday and how I needed to use it to prepare for Sunday. Well, here goes again! I hope that I can get better at this--you would think after almost 14 years of parenthood that I would feel better equipped!

Smart Habit Saturday has rolled around again. What to do, what to do? I am still working at all the habits that I have set up to this point! Perhaps the things that I have selected as habits are not truly habits but a lifestyle. So in light of that, what lifestyle do I want?
*Peaceful
*Healthy
*Happy
*Orderly
What do I need to do to maintain or achieve these four things?
Peaceful-Invite the Spirit of our Heavenly Father into our home. Try to maintain that Spirit. Sometimes that is the hardest thing of all.
Healthy-exercise,exercise,exercise and eat healthy. I also need to help my children learn about healthy eating-that needs work!
Happy-this goes along with peaceful. "If Momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!" that old saying is so true! I have to be the guide to my own happiness--my entire family almost always follows suit(the teenagers do not follow these rules!)
Orderly- this is my weakest link. I feel that all the others are affected by my lack of orderly skills. Almost all of my habits thus far have been based on this aspect. I read a thought once,
"If my outsides(house) are a mess my insides are a mess" That is how I feel. When my house is more orderly and neat all the other aspect of my life seem to flow more smoothly.

So, by looking at those things---the messy house is still my weakness! So off to work again! Smart Habit Saturday---work on those four things with an emphasis on getting more orderly.

Anyone have any suggestions about really getting children to want to help---they know how!!

For more ideas check out the Lazy Organizer.

Bits of JOY!

What brings you joy?
(in no real order)
1. Little Boy blue! He is sweet and yummy and is becoming a tease.
2. Sunshine
3. Clean clothes(put away is even better)
4. My sweetie(he just smells good)
5. All my angels tucked into bed at night.
6. Budding plants
7. Puppy greetings
8. Giggles
9. New Crayons
10. New scrapbooking tools that I hope to someday use!!!

Just a few totally random thoughts on this beautiful day.

What are some things that bring you joy? Write them down.

SUNSHINE!

I have flung open almost every window in my house! SPRING-GLORIOUS SPRING! I need spring. Every ounce of my being needs spring! I need to sweep out the cobwebs, out of my house and out of my soul! Every surface, closet, drawer, etc. needs some spring cleaning.

What are you doing for your spring cleaning? I am also feeling much more motivated to do some personal spring cleaning. You know-those things that we want to do, need to do to improve us but we wait. Why do we wait?

So, one of my Smart Habit Saturday goals for this week was to keep my house tidier, be more motivated and finish things. There are others but I will save that for another post. So I have been going through rooms of my house with a garbage sack and a laundry basket. All sheets have been stripped from beds, the washer is running and my house is a mess! I purchased some baskets for my pantry so I am working on that mess also. It is a happy, motivated mess! I feel progress!(that is a good thing)

What are some ways that you teach your children to work? I have often(daily) felt that I have not taught my children how to work. Well, that isn't true. They know how they just don't want to. So, my question and quest is this--How to get the ability to work to move to the desire to help because it needs done, not because Mom told them to do it.

Okay, off to the mound of laundry! We all need clean sheets to put back onto the beds tonight!!!

Miracles

I looked out my kitchen window and saw this. It is no small miracle.

These two fight, a lot. The big one is too big for the little one and the little one just wants to belong-no matter how loud she gets.

I had to go and get my camera to remember that occasionally, they do get along.

Dentist Woes!

My poor little Missy had to go to the dentist. She had FOUR baby teeth pulled out. The dentist had to really numb her up. She was so brave but she still screamed because it tasted yucky! She is in bed with a very numb, fat mouth. She tried to drink some chocolate milk and it ran down her face. Poor little toad!

THE FAT CAME BACK!

My pants have turned against me! I attempted to put on my smaller jeans today. I have been wearing these jeans for six months. They are a smaller size than I have had in years. Well, today, they just didn't fit! THE FAT CAME BACK! (yes, Mom I can imagine the roadshow of that song years ago!)
This is the first time since I started really exercising over a year ago that I have had a real big set back. I have vascillated up and down a pound or two but it was usually on the down, even if only by an ounce. I really haven't lost much weight in the last year but I dropped 3 pants sizes. Muscle weighs more than fat I guess!
Well, my body rebelled! I feel like a fat blob!

How do you get remotivated after a huge setback? I need suggestions! Yes the first one would be to STEP AWAY FROM THE TABLE!

Now that spring is here it should be easier, the dark, dreary months of Jan, Feb. are behind us. The overwhelming craving for carbohydrates(the more refined the better) is hopefully on the downswing with more sunlight.(did you know that men produce twice as much seratonin as women and that is why women crave sweets/chocolate-to increase the same feelings as serotonin-which sunlight also creates.)

Well, I better go and drink some water!

Reality bites!

Reality hit at the gym today! I got on the scale(first mistake!) I have gained at least a solid five pounds. The cruise did it to me this time! I told my sweetie and he didn't feel sorry for me at all. He told me (truthfully) that I didn't do anything! Well, I did do something, I SLEPT IN every single morning! On our previous cruises I did go walking on the upper deck a lot and last year I even used the ship's gym. Well, not this year!
So, instead of beating myself up I am hoping that I can drop this load quickly and not let it make permanent residence on my butt! I will also have to actually exercise! Two weeks + without exercising is murder on someone who has been exercising almost daily. It does prove that those calories burned while exercising DO add up---quickly!

On to a more positive note. SPRING HAS SPRUNG! There is just a change in the smell of the air! The sky is a beautiful blue and things are melting. I looked out my kitchen window at my flower bed and was anxious to go and cut down the old growth. I haven't seen any little tulip head yet but I am sure that they will be out soon. I need to go out front and see if my little crocus have popped yet, they are always the very first.

So, go and find some proof of Spring-it will certainly brighten your day!

Smart Habit Saturday!

Habits, Habits, Habits! I am often feeling that mine are all bad-that I don't actually have any good habits. So--to get back into gear for Smart Habit Saturday(a bit early) I am going to review my positive habits.
*going to the gym--a pretty solid habit(sick baby this week-so feeling flabby)
*brushing my teeth-(okay I know but I am trying to be positive with myself)
*making my bed-I am actually really good-it is almost always done. Suprise to my mother, I never did it until the day I went away to college!
I am sure that there are others, just can't really think of them! What are some that I want to work on?
*exercise harder
*eat healthier
*have kinder thoughts
*be more generous
*notice the positive
*read my scriptures
*play more
*keep my house tidier
*finish things
*be motivated
That is just a few-so what to start with?
* I have been trying to keep my counter clean--that is a never ending job. It gets dirty pretty quickly, but I am trying to look at that as a blessing-we have food to eat and a place to gather!
*I have been working on the bathroom-it is NOT a habit yet.

*I can't even think of all the things-so I will just start again with baby steps!! This week I am going to renew my exercise, reduce the sugar intake, try to be motivated, and actually pick up my own stuff(hoping that someday my family will realize that they have arms and they can pick up their own dirty socks).
I am also going to try and listen to one talk a day from General Conference(The Church of Jesus Christ of Later Day Saints , LDS or Mormons) I have them on my ipod and want to get through Sept. conference before April conference!

What are you doing to improve your life? If we just keep doing what we have always done we will have what we have always had. We have to make concious decisions to change.

Write it down!

For more ideas about Smart Habit Saturday check out my friend Lara's site.
(for those of you new to blogging, when you look at a post and it has a word that is highlighted, if you click on it, it will link you to another post-just a little info!)

Love Notes!

Just a little bit of love! It seems to me in this hustle bustle world that often it is too easy to overlook the tiny little joys that come into our lives. I know that I am often telling my sweetie that I don't "feel the joy". Well, sometimes that is true but others I just need to acknowledge the bits of joy that come my way.

So today-here is some "love notes" from little Missy. I am trying to really love these because they will soon start to get fewer and fewer until the only thing they write is a note that they need money!

Try and find some little bit of joy today. Perhaps a cute mug that your cocoa is in or the blossoms at the grocery store(which I think we should buy ourselves more often). Just be aware of the little love notes around you!!

(I don't want to take the time to re-scan the picture the other way-so, turn your head!)

One big mess!

Oh where to begin? I have been home from our fabulous trip for almost an entire week. One would assume that that would be enough time to get caught up. Well, I keep working but it doesn't ever seem to change! My friend Lara and her family came by last night and got to witness the mess first hand. She looked in my messy pantry to help with organizing it.

Do any of you just wonder how those other people seem to keep everything neat all the time? I do? I keep trying but basically just keep my messes at a dull roar, ready to burst into flames at any moment!

So, with that I am going to go and try and get something accomplished. Anyone have any suggestions as to how to actually keep children(and parents) doing the things that they have been taught? Mine are getting worse, not better!

We Are Back!!

What a great week we had! It was perfect weather--WARM!

We went snorkeling, on two catamarans and PARASAILING!!! That was so fun! I was really scared but it was great! I actually got to go up twice!!!!

So now I am back to real life. I have a very messy house that smells like burnt plastic(easy mac in micro with no water-bad combo!) and a little boy with a gooby nose. He looks like he grew a foot while we were gone!

So, trying to get back to "normal" (whatever that means around here)

Outta Here!

We are on our way to the SUNNY SOUTH! I am excited to sit on a beach, have other people cook and clean for me and to just be with my sweetie!

Be back in a week or so!

The Tree

The tree.

Does this tree look like any of you feel? It actually looks a lot like me lately. This poor tree has been in my basement. Ignored. Neglected. No one has given it any attention for much too long. It has patiently waited for someone to care about it. It held on to it's leaves as long as it could. It then decided that maybe it could lose a few and it would help it. Well, it finally was ignored so much that it started losing lots and lots of leaves.

Yesterday I decided to bring the tree upstairs. I was going to decide if it was going to be able to be saved or if it would have to be thrown out.

Have any of you ever felt like this poor tree? Like you have been ignored, abused and left to fend for yourself?

Well, let's take a good look at this poor tree. It has been ignored and abused. Most of it's leaves are gone, the ones left are bedragled and barely holding on. You must look more closely. This poor tree is trying to repair itself! It is trying so hard to hold on and do what it was put here to do. Grow leaves!

As I brought the tree up I really looked at it to see if I thought it was "worth the effort". Well, that poor little tree with 2/3 of its leaves on the floor has new little tiny leaves trying oh so hard to bud from the dry, dry, dry branches.

Maybe this tree is a reminder to all of us. We need to remember why we were put here. What is our calling, our job, our reason? The tree has inside of it to grow leaves. We were put here to magnify our inner light. To help others find their light. It is deep inside all of us. We need to let it out.

So if any of you are feeling like my poor tree, withered and neglected, remember that we all have that light within us. It is just up to us to let that light out and find ways to help it grow. We can't hang out in the basement waiting for someone else to water us. We must do it by ourselves. No one else has the ability to change us, only we can do that. So get out of that dark basement, find something that waters your soul. Find something that will help you to let your little green leaves grow.

(watering the tree wouldn't be a bad idea either!)

Sunday-Peaceful? Still waiting!

Sunday, a day of peace. A day of worship, a day of feeling the Spirit.

Well, that is the goal of any Christian mother---does it always happen? Not at my house. I want to say that I failed miserably at my Saturday preparations. Well, I actually did average. I did get all clothes ready and children bathed. Packing the bags- no, getting up extra early, no(set alarm and layed there!). We did make it to church on time. However, we had a very tense teenager moment while at church. I won't bore you with details. Not a huge deal but a huge reaction. Mostly from me, probably more than necessary.

To say the least the Spirit was not strong for me or my child. I have no answers as how to touch or reach, I am at a loss. It is a lonely and scary place to be. I am sorry to all parents that have already raised children and to all who are going through it now. Mom, I am sorry that all your children were mean and ugly and that everything was your fault.

Sometimes don't you just want to go and take a long, long nap and wake up when they are pleasant and you are not stupid and the reason for every problem in their lives is not yours? I do. I also want someone to really tell me what to do instead of smurking because they have been there. I want someone to actually have some guidance, true wisdom that actually helps. The smurking just makes me realize that I am part of a club. A club that most have gone through. A club that we join involuntarily. I don't want to just be part of the club, I want to have some guidance to get us to the other end of the club.

Not the best Sunday at my house.

Saturday Is a Special Day

Saturday is a special day, it is the day we get ready for Sunday. We clean our house, and we shop at the store, So we won't have to work until Monday. We brush our clothes, and we shine our shoes, And we call it our get the work done day. Then we trim our nails, and we shampoo our hair, So we can be ready for Sunday!

Do any of you remember this song from when you were little? I do! I sure do wish that I was better at really preparing myself and my life for Sunday. We go to our church meetings early(9:00am) so there isn't a lot of time in the morning to get extra things done-it is difficult enough to get 5 bodies dressed and combed and in the car on time.

What are a few things that would help me prepare for a more peaceful Sunday?

1. Children bathed(most of them still like to take night time so--if I just remember it is great!)
2. Have church/diaper bag packed.(Books for baby, snacks, scriptures, paper, pencils, manuals etc) When I don't have this done(usually) I am rushing about and it makes us late.
3. Make sure everyone's church clothes are clean and ready---socks and shoes are a nightmare!
This is harder than it sounds. My angels are getting big enough to really do much for themselves and they balk at doing anything early!(wish me luck!)
4. Get myself up earlier than I think is necessary! This is SO hard for me. I struggle with mornings anyway so I just don't get up and moving like I need to.

Do any of you have anymore suggestions that would help me to have a peaceful Sunday? I can use all the help I can get. I am trying to go to my sweeties church after ours so it is a long day. The angels are really very good, so it works out mostly well.

I am going on a cruise next Saturday! So, this week I am not going to add any new habits for Smart Habit Saturday. I am going to try and get ready for our trip--and get my family ready. For those interested check back in--Lara, the Lazy Organizer is going to look at my pantry mess and give some suggestions. Who knows she may start hiring her services out!!! Here is a sample of my messy pantry! (Yes that is a pile of organizing bags from Lara-they are wonderful if you use them!)

HAPPY MAIL!

Do you remember when you were little and lots of letters came in the mail? I do! I remember being in college in Hawaii and going to the post office daily. We would wait with our friends to see who got a letter from home, who got one from a missionary(always the favorite) who got a care package. I was one of the lucky ones. My Mom and my future Mom in law wrote me lots of letters.The missionary--not so much(but I still have every one of them!) I also received care packages. I would receive coloring pictures from my little nieces. They would do leaf drawings, pictures of their family. They were very little. I still have those pieces of art that came in the mail. One time I was really missing the fall leaves so my smart Mom sent me a baggie full of dry leaves. It was the best smell in the world for a homesick girl.

Today snail mail is a thing of the past. Children today do not have the sheer joy of opening a little note from a friend. Email has taken over. Blogs and web pages have replaced handwritten notes.

However, Good Old Fashioned Snail Mail is still the best! I am lucky because occasionally my sweet Momma still sends a little note in the mail. Sometimes she even sends my angels a package.

Yesterday was a HAPPY MAIL day! My sweet niece, Brittany sent us a valentine. It was full of sweet nothings and had No words of any kind! This sweetie has been in a rough place in her life for a few years. She is just not sure of who she is or what she wants to do or should do. She is our little lost girl. She is in many a prayer. This little envelope of goodies from her brought tears to my eyes because it was so sweet, so Brittany. I hope that it is a good sign.

Think about someone you love and actually get out an envelope, a piece of paper and a stamp. It may be the very best $.39 you will ever spend. It could change a life!

Really Yummy Brownies!

If you haven't had enough treats for Valentine's Day here is a yummy recipe that is sure to please! Make it anytime, it is easy and wonderful! (the picture doesn't do it justice!)

Texas Sheet Cake (or-Really Really Yummy Brownies!)
Preheat oven to 375*

Brownies
2 Cups granulated sugar
2 Cups flour
½ tsp.salt

1 Cup butter or margarine(2 sticks)
1 Cup water
3 Tbsp. dark unsweetened cocoa

½ Cup sour cream
2 eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. cayenne pepper (yes-really! It is good!)

In a large bowl combine sugar, flour and salt. Set aside.

In a small saucepan bring water, butter and cocoa to a boil, remove from heat.

Add liquid ingredients with dry ingredients. Blend well.

Mix sour cream, eggs, baking soda and cayenne pepper (mix well)
Add to the cake batter, blend well.

Grease and lightly flour large jelly roll pan.

Bake at 375* for 20-25 minutes—Do not overbake!

While brownies are baking make frosting to put on top while still hot.

Frosting
¼ Cup butter or margarine (1/2 stick)
1/3 Cup cocoa
2 Cups powdered sugar
¼ Cups milk
1 tsp. vanilla

In small saucepan, heat butter, milk and cocoa. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Mix until free of lumps.

Spread frosting on warm/hot cake. (It is a glaze type frosting)
These are really yummy so be prepared to eat too many!

This is why we keep doing it!

Do you ever wander around your house picking up other peoples stuff, mopping the floor, doing dishes, laundry etc. etc. etc. and wonder why? Well, I listened to a song on Lisa Bearsons blog(she is the founder of Creating Keepsakes magazine) and it made me cry. This is why we keep doing it!



Click here to listen to song
Keeping Sheep
I have a little flock of sheep
And they are mine to tend and keep.
And I must guard them every day
For little lambs, when left alone,
Will lose their way.
So many voices say to me,
A sheep fold is no place to be.
Your time in there is dull and slow,
And lambs leave very little room
For you to grow.

Chorus:
So if I ever start to stray,
Deceived by thought of greener pastures,
Remind me, Lord, that keeping sheep
Will lead to happier ever-afters.
Will lead to happier ever-afters.


Oh, surety there will come a day
When all the lambs have left my side,
And I am free to roam about,
And go exploring other meadows,
Green and wide.

Yet something whispers in my heart
That when my sheep have left this pen
I'll long to stroke their little heads,
To draw them close to me
And have them young again.

Repeat Chorus

So while they still are in my care
I pray that I will clearly see
These little lambs within my fold
Are tender gifts the Master Shepherd
Has given me.

You can learn more about the CD here

This little gem is worth a lot!

Little Missy brought this little gem to me--am I a blessed Momma or what?

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

give all your sweeties an extra hug and kiss!

4 1/2 miles!

I am getting stronger! I hope that it lasts!
Today I ran 4 1/2 miles! I am still slow but I did it and didn't die! I hope that I am not sore tomorrow!

Scary thoughts

Thought provoking---I read an entry today that caused me to really stop in my tracks. These blogs are open to anyone. Good and BAD. Is it a good idea to have pictures of my children available to any nut out there? I am considering this seriously.
I have also realized that this strange cyberworld can become addicting--and why? I have many many projects and ideas that could use my time. This seems to be another thing that takes too much time. Just a thought. I may not be back for awhile and I may remove what is already here.

Smart Habit Saturday!

Here it is almost time to think about how our goals are going. I have really struggled with my goal of writing my blessings down. I am not sure why that has proved so difficult, yet is has. So, I am going to keep my little notebook nearby and try to incorporate it. This may take many, many SHS to become a habit.
I have decided to revert back to some very very basic things. My bathrooms are disgusting! I used to be so good about swishing and swiping daily. I actually would make sure that I went to all the bathrooms(4) in my house sometime during the day so that they would all be cleaned. I am a true believer in the swish and swipe. Running the toilet brush around the bowl and wipeing the rim with a wipe or a piece of t.p. makes it so that the toilet is never really dirty. Lara has been working on her toilets for a few weeks now. So, I am going to take that on this week! Go to the Lazy Organizer for more Smart Habit Saturday ideas.

Letting go of Perfection!

Wow 100 posts! That is a lot of words!



I have been thinking about my last post-about not shrinking. Well, here goes.



I am a picture taker(I would write another word but creepy men do searches). I am not a professional. I love to take pictures. They are not always perfect. For a long time I have thought that I needed to get better and better before I would hang them on my walls. Well, I found a quote that made me think differently.



The answer is sacrifice. You have to give something up in order to get results that excite you and inspire the artist within. You must give up perfection! Perfectionism only provokes fear and fear is what holds us back in pretty much every area of our lives. I love the way Joe Buissink puts it when he says "There is no such thing as a perfect image, only a perfect moment". He is so right. If we allow our creativity to be tied up by the "rules" of photography, we'll find ourselves bored; creating those mediocre images that look just like everyone else's. Tara Whitney



So, I printed out a few of my less than PERFECT pictures. I even put one that isn't in sharp focus but yells of my angel baby's personality into a large frame.



Guess what? It made me happy!

Never Shrinking

During this crazy week of mine I am trying to find things to eliminate to reduce stress. It is difficult to do, however, I am getting better at saying no. Do any of you have problems saying no? Do you want to please everyone? I was reading today and came across a quote that I have had on my fridge for months. It made me look at it again. It is rather profound. You may need to read it a few times over a few days to really understand it.


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light not our darkness that frightens us.

We ask ourselves “who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?”
Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Marianne Williamson


I showed this to my friend Lara and she asked if I really believed this. She said that she feels that we are all insecure and don't feel good about ourselves. I agree with her. However, I think that life may actually cause us to have those insecurities. We all get so hung up on fitting in that we forget who we are. We allow other people to be our voices. I really wish that I had an answer that would help us be able to raise our children so that they wouldn't have to go through the rediscovery of self. I don't know how. I have a child in middle school. It is a difficult age. She wants to belong so much that she may be willing to perhaps do things that she doesn't really believe in. She is just so fragile that she doesn't know which way, so whomever is loudest she might follow. People will give you the line "teach them the correct ways and principles and they will make the right choices." I do not always believe that. I believe that this world is difficult and sometimes we make bad choices even when we have been taught better.

I hope that I can teach my children that they are Children of God. That they have a special purpose on this earth that only they can accomplish. I hope that they will grow and develop and know that they are loved, even if they choose poorly. I also hope that I teach them that I will love them even if I don't like their choices. I think that for young people that is a hard concept to grasp. How can someone love me if I have done something wrong? Because you are my child. Think about this from our Heavenly Father's perspective. He loves us despite our failings. We are His children. He is disappointed and saddened by our choices but He loves us still. He also provided a way for us to repent and change and come back into His light. His light radiates from anyone who has it. It shows in their countenance. It is that sparkle in someones eyes. It is what draws us to certain people.

I am going to really try and focus on not shrinking. We all have gifts to give. It may be making someone else laugh. It may be a simple note in the mail. We all have a special gift that we need to use. We are all CHILDREN OF GOD. He has a grand plan for us. I hope that I can have His light in my countenance.

Monday already!

Well, here it is Monday again. I actually like Monday but sometimes I seem to need a rest from the weekend! Today has felt like one of those days! My family went skiing on Friday night and all day and night Saturday. Sunday I attended church from 9-3:30. I just can't quite get the energy to have my Monday be as productive as I would like!
Perhaps it isn't only the weekend. I was looking at my planner and realized just how busy my week is. It is one of those weeks that I have something going on every single day-more than normal. I have something every single morning when I usually go to the gym. That I do not like! How am I ever going to get faster if I can't actually get there?
How do you stay focused when you are so busy? I know that we all create some of our schedule problems. I also realize that sometimes we are busier than others. So, my question is how to we stay focused on our family, our faith, when we are so busy that the messes just have to wait?

I have been thinking about my Smart Habit Saturday post--since it is Monday. I really had an emotional week last week. I did not really incorporate writing down my blessings. So I am beginning again! I do want to report (to who I am not sure) that my counter habit is getting better! Mom, you would be so proud of me!
If you want some entertaining reading follow the link Smart Habit Saturday for some more great habits.