Memories Monday

                                I don't actually remember this... but I love it!

Thankful Thursday

 Today I am thankful that everyday is fresh with no mistakes in it. I set a lot of goals for the new year. I have a lot of good habits that I want to develop, and this time I'm trying not to get down on myself when I mess up. I'm trying to think of each day as a new beginning and a chance to be better than I was yesterday.

Wednesday Words of Wisdom

I just read this article and it made a lot of sense to me. At one point she says that she didn't want to start a blog because she didn't want to contribute to the "Guiltosphere". In other words everyone puts the most polished version of themselves on their blogs and it makes everyone feel guilty when they compare their real lives to the facade of another's life. I like to think that I keep it real on my blog, but maybe I don't. I am guilty of looking at other's blogs and comparing myself sometimes. Anyway, it's worth a read.
What you don't see Mormon Times

STOP THE PRESSES!

Eva actually did something crafty/creative! Haha! Mathan did the fabulous woodwork, (You know, the stuff that actually requires skill) and the girls and I did the mod podge and stickers. Thomas helped remove the stickers and smear the paint. We made these for Mathan's sister Mashae and her family for Christmas. It was fun and I can't wait to make some for my kids!  I think I should make more time to do stuff like this. It feels good to create.

Tuesday's True Confessions

1. I tend to set too many goals at the same time and then I kinda burn out. Don't we all? We want change now and then we try to change too much, too fast, and then we revert back to our normal habits. Boo. I'm trying to learn to change small things, and when that is a habit I can go to the next small change.

2. I bought the fly lady book and I really want to do it this time! I dream about a home that is always clean and only contains things that I use and love. I dream about a home that stays clean enough that you never have to muck out or scrub anything because you maintain it enough that it never gets that bad. Can you imagine? I've got a long way to go!

3. I have a problem with finishing sandwiches. I'll eat it all down to the last few bites and then I have to force myself to finish it. Unless I'm really hungry, then it's not a problem. I'm beginning to see a pattern too. I'll get the kids all bathed and brushed and bedded down, but I don't pick up the dirty clothes. I'll make dinner, serve dinner, clear the table, but not do the dishes. So tell me...what is the diagnosis? Fear of finishing?

Once there was a snowman... Post of random stuff.

Here is the snowman that we built last Saturday. Sadly, he only lasted a day. It was so warm that he started leaning and then fell over. Then it froze again and I couldn't get his scarf off!

We went to see the new Narnia movie and really enjoyed it.

I really like the the new lds.org! They have this neat tool where you can study the scriptures and make notes and highlight and cross reference and organize it all in your online notebook. You can do that with conference talks too. One of my goals is to get up earlier and take the time to really study and make notes on the scriptures that apply to my life.

We cleaned out and rearranged the girls room and they are having so much fun in there. It's like it's a new room. I was surprised at how good they were about donating their toys. I thought they would want to keep them all, but they gave away quite a few. I hope to raise them to be purgers and not hoarders like me.

This scripture cracks me up: Proverbs 25:24


It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop, than with a brawling woman and in a wide house.

HAHA! I want that in cross stitch in my living room. J/K
I was looking for the one in D&C that talks about secrets being shouted from the housetops. I hope we can plug our ears when that happens, because there are a lot of secrets that I don't want to know about.
I'd rather go happily on my way thinking well of people. I guess that's not really possible. In the end there will be no blissful ignorance.
 
Mathan is reading a Jehovah Witness pamphlet on the sabbath! There's a secret for you!

~ I'm thankful for a warm, cozy home where I can escape the freezing Arizona winter.
~I'm thankful for sleep. What a blessing to have a break from all the stress and craziness every night!
~I love that Ellen loves to eat "olla bars" Translation: granola bars
~I'm thankful that Thomas said, "bye Da" this morning when Mathan left for work.
~I'm thankful that May is doing so well in school and is such a great helper at home.
~I'm sooo grateful that we are all mostly well again.
~I'm thankful for Mathan, who lifts me up and is always there to help. I'm grateful for a partner to go through all of life's joys and trials with.
~I'm grateful for the desire and ability to improve. There is something so exciting and energizing about setting goals. It's good to look at where you are and where you want to be and then start taking the steps to get there, even if it usually is two steps forward, one step back. It makes me happy to step back and realize that there is so much that I can do to make things better. I have the power.
~I'm grateful for all the resources that Heavenly Father has given me to go to for help and happiness. scriptures, prayer, music, family, friends, words of encouragement from my church leaders, nature, exercise, learning, reading, and many more things that lift me when I'm down.
Sometimes I get so discouraged by all the sadness and suffering and darkness in the world, but there really is so much joy to be had in life, if we can only focus on what brings real, lasting joy.