Friday, January 30, 2009

So...baby crafts

I got this idea on Martha Stewart, and I kind of ran with it. I had fun experimenting with designs tonight. I just used scrap materials and old onesies that I had around the house.
alligator wrap around

flower button

Sunday boy

Sunday girl
They turned out pretty cute don't you think?
These would make for great baby gifts.

WSMGS Pick of the Week

"Dust in the Wind" - Kansas
This song will always be a favorite of mine. In fact, it has made it onto my life soundtrack :)

So...crafty Valentine's



I found these cute Valentine's craft/gift ideas on Martha Stewart today. All of them (except for maybe the soap) can be made with things that I have in my house. I love crafts like that! And they all (again, except the soap) seem to be fast, easy, can-be-done-with-my-kids crafts. Excellent! I think we might do the lollipop flowers for First Daughter's preschool class. Aren't they cute?!

Thursday, January 29, 2009

So...sunny!

I am LOVING the sunshine today! I even heard some birds singing this morning and I drove with my window down. Love it.

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

So...25 Random Things About Me

1. I was born and raised in Needham, MA - don't have a Boston accent but kind of wish I did.
2. I love rainy days
3. I love the smell of a city - air polution...mmm...
4. One of my life long goals was to enjoy eating salad. I just started eating it when I was 21. Thank goodness for pregnancy cravings! Now I love it....well, most salads...
5. Mexican food is another recent development in my life. Never liked it until I moved out here. Now I LOVE it.
6. My siblings are some of my favorite people in the world. They all make me laugh like no one else can and I wish desperately that I could see them more.
7. I love movies. There are very few movies that I don't like.
8. I always said I wanted to have all boys. I'm pregnant with my third girl.
9. I have mild OCD when it comes to eating. I have to have equal amounts of food on each side of my mouth when I chew. If I'm eating M&M's, they have to be the same color or the same color combo. I also eat all of my food evenly on my plate, always leaving my favorite bite for last. Weird, I know...
10. I can't snap.
11. I had scholarships to place lacrosse at Boston University and Northwestern University.
12. I turned both down to come to BYU. Northwestern won the NCAA National Championship what would have been my senior year....awesome....
13. I always thought I would play sports in college. Instead I majored in music.
14. I never thought I would major in music.
15. Even though I try really hard, I'm not very good at keeping my house clean.
16. I love mashed potatoes.
17. My favorite holiday is Thanksgiving.
18. I played soccer, basketball, and lacrosse in high school.
19. I played on the ice hockey team for one day. Turns out I don't know how to ice skate....at all...
20. I think it would be fun to be a waitress.
21. I am not a morning person, although I wish I was.
22. I want to someday grow a garden and fruit trees...I think...
23. Dave & I met my freshman year in college.
24. We didn't get married until 2 years later because my dad told me I had to be 20 before I got married. He didn't think we would last that long....HA!
25. I dream about lacrosse on a regular basis. Always includes random people from my life. Some sort of metaphor for life perhaps...?

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

So...work in progress

Please don't mind me if my blog looks different everytime you see it. I'm trying out some new things (with help from my extremely talented friend Hannah) with the layout and colors.

Let me know if you have any suggestions!

So...I'm making progress

We are doing this great program in Relief Society for Enrichment called "The University of Celestial Arts." It is awesome! There is a theme every month and we are supposed to work on a goal or two each month to help us improve in that area. At the end of the year we will get a degree based on how many goals we accomplished over the year. For example, this month is "Time Management." Some of the options are to make a to-do list most days, or go to bed earlier & wake up earlier (yea right), etc....you get the idea.

I chose two goals 1.) complete two projects this month and 2.) schedule in 1 hour of uninterupted kid time each day (I made this goal up because I DESPERATELY need to work on this). It's going great so far. I have completed my two unfinished projects (wahoo!).

First project, I organized my recipes. I got a recipe "box" for mother's day abot 2 years ago and still hadn't compiled all of my recipes. Now I have! Yay!

Second project, I completed the girls baby books. Again, these projects have been unfinished for years. I had pretty much finished First Daughter's, but there were a few pages that I hadn't actually put into the book. Second Daughter's, on the other hand, was only about half finished. Now they are both finished and I don't feel overwhelmed thinking about starting the third when Third Daughter comes. Phew! I have decided on only doing baby books, because the thought of keeping up scrapbooks for the rest of my children's lives absolutely overwhelms me. As you can see, it has taken me almost 4 years to just complete a book containing the first few months of First Daughter's life. Can you imagine how long it would take me to document her entire life?!! I'm not even going to think about it. I think I might start hyperventilating. Baby books are where I'm drawing the line.

The schedulied uninterupted kid time is going well too. I will blog about this when the month is over because until then, the goal isn't officially complete. Let's just say it is doing great things for our family.

There was one goal option in the booklet that was screaming at me to do. It pretty much said to eliminate a time-consuming activity that I could do without. Hello....I KNOW I watch way too much TV. Most of my nights, after kids go to bed, consist of me lying on the couch watching shows on the DVR (another love/hate relationship going on there). I know there are many other ways I could be spending my time that are a way better use of time, but I am just not ready to give that one up. By the end of the day, lying on the couch and watching TV is pretty much all I can handle. Again, I KNOW I should just go to bed, but if I did that I would really feel like I was a mom 24/7. I need some time to unwind and do something brainless and effortless for a while. And in some strange way it helps me feel like I'm still connected to the world (even though it's a completely false, unrealistic, not-really-connected-to-the-world, kind of world. Whatever...). Someday, though, I hope to watch less TV.

The good news, however, is that I am making progress. I officially have given up one of the shows that I have faithfully been watching. One Tree Hill has been eliminated from my scheduled recordings on my DVR {sniff * sniff}. I have been semi-secretly having a love affair with this high school drama for years now, but have decided it is time to grow up and let it go. Like I said, I am making progress. (Even if the decision was based mostly on the fact that too many shows were recording at the same time on Monday nights and I had to prioritize. I know...I'm pathetic...)

Monday, January 26, 2009

So...I chose lemon meringue pie

This was a very fun(ny) email I just got from my sister inlaw. You choose your favorite dessert out of a list and then read what psychaitrists say about you based on your choice.

Try it - and try not to cheat!

If all of the eight desserts listed below were sitting in front of you, which would you choose ? (sorry, you can only pick one)! Trust me...this is very accurate. Pick your dessert, and then look to see what psychiatrists think about you. REMEMBER - No Cheating. Make your choice before you check the meaning.

Here are your choices:

1. Angel Food Cake
2. Brownies
3. Lemon Meringue Pie
4. Vanilla Cake With Chocolate Icing
5. Strawberry Short Cake
6. Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Icing
7. Ice Cream
8. Carrot Cake

No, you can't change your mind once you scroll down, so think carefully about what your choice will be.

1. ANGEL FOOD CAKE -- Sweet, loving, cuddly. You love all warm and fuzzy items. A little nutty at times. Sometimes you need an ice cream cone at the end of the day. Others perceive you as being childlike and immature at times.

2. BROWNIES -- You are adventurous, love new ideas, and are a champion of underdogs and a slayer of dragons. When tempers flare up you whip out your saber.. You are always the oddball with a unique sense of humor and direction. You tend to be very loyal.

3. LEMON MERINGUE -- Sm ooth, sexy, & articulate with your hands, you are an excellent caregiver and a good teacher. But don't try to walk and chew gum at the same time. A bit of a diva at times, you set your own style because you do your own thing. You shine when it comes to helping others and have many friends.

4. VANILLA CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING -- Fun-loving, sassy, humorous, not very grounded in life; very indecisive and lacking motivation. Everyone enjoys being around you, but you are a practical joker. Others should be cautious in making you mad. However, you are a friend for life.

5. STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE -- Romantic, warm, loving. You care about other people, can be counted on in a pinch and expect the same in return. Intuitively keen. You can be very emotional at times but a true person in every way. You like to do things for yourself and help others learn about themselves.

6. CHOCOLATE CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE ICING-- Sexy; always ready to give and receive. Very creative, adventurous, ambitious, and passionate. You can appear to have a cold exterior but are warm on the inside. Not afraid to take chances. Will not settle for anything average in life. Love to laugh.

7. ICE CREAM -- You like sports, whether it be baseball, football, basketball, or soccer. If you could, you would like to participate, but you enjoy watching sports. You don't like to give up the remote control. You tend to be self-centered and high maintenance.

8. CARROT CAKE -- You are a very fun loving person, who likes to laugh. You are fun to be with. People like to hang out with you. You are a very warm hearted person and a little quirky at times. You have many loyal friends. You were meant to lead and teach others. A wonderful role model.

I chose lemon meringue pie (of course). My second choice was ice cream (since I eat it after almost every meal - even though I wish I was having pie :) ). What do you think, is it accurate? Am I smooth & sexy? :D I wish I chose brownies though. Wouldn't it be sweet to be a slayer of dragons?!

What did you choose?

So...love/hate

I have a love/hate relationship with changing bedding. I LOVE having fresh, clean bedding, all nicely made and tucked. I love even more getting into a newly cleaned and made bed. I also love knowing that my children are sleeping in clean sheets. But, I hate actually changing and cleaning the sheets, for a few reasons. 1) bedding takes up so much washer space that I have to do multiple loads to wash & dry everything - ends up taking all day. 2) I don't have spare sheets for all of our beds yet, so I have to actually wash, dry, and remake the beds all in time for naptime and then hopefully remember to finish ours in time for bed 3) I'm really bad at folding sheets, so the linen closet is just stuffed with wads of sheets 4) remaking the bed always feels like a workout. Especially now that First Daughter is sleeping on the top bunk and I have a huge pregnant belly - not a good combination for changing sheets. I should probably check the weight limit on the bunk bed before I climb up there again...

Today (obviously) was sheet cleaning day. It feels very good for it to be over, in a love/hate sort of way. I definitley will be looking forward to climbing into bed tonight, and equally looking forward to not having to do that again for a little while. Phew!

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Sunday Thoughts

Today seemed to be a refresher course for me on essential gospel principles. In sacrament meeting, the talks given were on the power of prayer. The Sunday school lesson was on the Book of Mormon, gaining a testimony of it, and sharing it with others. Our Relief Society lesson was on the importance of the sacrament. All really great topics! I felt inspired and motivated in each meeting to improve and recommit to these basic, and essential, principles of the gospel.

My favorite thoughts of the day were during Relief Society. We were discussing the blessings of preparing and partaking of the sacrament - mainly that we will have the Holy Ghost with us as a constant companion. One sister commented that we follow the promptings of the Spirit more often than we probably realize. Once we are used to having the Spirit with us and we follow those promptings, it becomes a part of who we are and how we live our lives - we may not even realize that we are following the Spirit every time we do. Every time we "have a feeling" we should do something, or something just "keeps coming to our mind" are times when the Spirit is communicating with us and guiding us.

Another sister made the comment that we need to "return and report" each week during the sacrament. I have never thought of this aspect of the sacrament. Each week we recommit ourselves to take upon us the name of Christ and to keep His commandments. When we return to sacrament meeting the following Sunday, it is a time for us to reflect and report back to Heavenly Father on what we did that week to fulfill the promises we made. Love that idea!

Another sister commented that out of all the gifts and blessings the gospel brings to her life, one of the greatest is the gift of the Holy Ghost. That is so true! With the Holy Ghost as our constant companion we will be guided to do what is right in our lives for ourselves and for those around us. We will be comforted in times of trial, sadness, and struggle. We will be warned of both physical and spiritual danger in our daily lives. We will be shielded from temptations. We will be taught and filled with knowledge and truth as we seek for it. What awesome blessings come from this incredible gift!

Saturday, January 24, 2009

So...wow

I feel like I enter each stage of pregnancy all-of-a-sudden. Nothing seems to come gradually. Like all of a sudden I feel sick; all of a sudden I don't feel sick anymore; all of a sudden I have a HUGE belly; all of a sudden I get heartburn ALL the time; all of a sudden I can feel the baby move - a lot; all of a sudden I am seriously in nesting mode. The latest is, all of a sudden I CANNOT BREATHE. I seriously feel like I need to carry an oxygen tank around with me. I figured out that I could control my nighttime breathing with Breathe Right strips, but now I feel like I can't breathe through my mouth either. That could be a problem... So, basically I feel like I'm out of breath all the time. Luckily I still feel like I can laugh at it. It is quite funny that I lose my breath before I can even finish a sentence. It can be quite entertaining at times while I'm trying to get through announcements in Relief Society. Maybe I should write in little "remember to breathe" notes for myself.

Oh the joys of pregnancy :)

Friday, January 23, 2009

So...FYI

In case you haven't already figured this out...

The WSMGS Pick of the Week songs are linked to another blog of mine dedicated to the music that I love. You will be able to listen to the Pick of the Week (it will play automatically) and then also listen to WSMGS Radio if you want - a playlist of previous picks of the week and other songs that I love. I really love sharing great music with people. I feel the same way about recipes and treats, but that's a different story.

I made this blog separate because I know there are mixed feelings out there about blog music. I personally don't love blog music. When I'm looking at blogs I'm either listening to my own music (which gets messed up and mixed up with blog music) or I am wanting some "me" time away from the craziness of motherhood, and silence is much appreciated. BUT - I love music and it is such a big part of my life - only makes sense that I would want to blog about it. So, that's why I have the WSMGS blog. If you are interested in hearing the music you can go there, if not that's fine too.

I've been debating about whether I should have the Pick of the Week playing automatically or not. It currently plays automatically...I think I like that, but I guess I'm not sure what I think....I guess I figured if someone didn't want to hear it they wouldn't go to the blog...

Any thoughts? Does it really matter? Does anyone really care? (Probably not... :) )
If you do have an opinion I'd love to hear it.

So...TGIF

I'm definitely glad that today is Friday. I am feeling the need for a weekend. Not like my weekends are much to brag about these days, but for some reason they still feel very nice. I like not feeling like I need to be anywhere. I like feeling like I have "free" time. I LOVE having Husband home. And on lucky days I even get to sleep in a little - and I am a huge fan of sleeping in. I feel like I've been constantly going this week, busy with all sorts of daily tasks. I'm looking forward to a Saturday with no expectations or agenda. Just try to relax....

And, can I say how much I am enjoying early church? I think church should always be a 9:00 am. LOVE IT.

WSMGS Pick of the Week

"Mr. Curiosity" - Jason Mraz
I really love his style and love his quirky, but cool music.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not.
Do not run faster or labor more than you have strength and means provided...

Monday, January 19, 2009

So...I hope I win!

I have entered a giveaway on Make and Takes that is being hosted by my friend at Sherbet Blossom Design. She is giving away a blog design package! I hope so badly that I win because my blog could really use the makeover!

I'm glad that I read about this giveaway on Sherbet Blossom. I have added Make and Takes to my subscriptions because she has a lot of really great ideas. Especially things to do with my kiddos :)

So...this pregnant woman's best friends

In my third round of pregnancy I have finally discovered a few things that really help get me through it more comfortably :)

1. TUMS
2. Breathe Right strips - because of these I can sleep at night and BREATHE!
3. Fiber supplements
4. Mr. Pibb
5. Instant Breakfast
6. Listerine - Vanilla Mint
7. lots of ice cream
8. Life Savers - preferrably fruit flavored

If there is a next time, I will make sure to stock up on all of these items right away!

Friday, January 16, 2009

Maybe Baby - Tenaya Darlington

So, I finished Maybe Baby by Tenaya Darlington tonight. Interesting read. I was sceptical at first, and almost stopped reading it. And that's saying something because I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to entertainment. I can only think of one book that I didn't finish because I didn't like it. Usually I stick it out - once I've committed to reading I'm in it 'til the end.

So I kept reading. And it surprisingly got better. I was intrigued with the story and wondered where the author was going with it. The story is about a "typical" (I guess - that's how it was described in a book review....?) dysfunctional family from the Midwest. The main characters are the parents, Rusty & Judy, who are pretty much trying to come to grips (or are in denial, depends on how you look at it) about their three "off" children that didn't turn out quite like they expected - one wannabe rockstar son, one homosexual son, and a daughter that wants to raise a gender-neutral child. The story ends up focusing mostly on the parents dealing with the concept of having a gender-neutral grandchild and what that even means. Like I said, interesting read...

I think the book was supposed to be funny. I guess I can see how it could be funny. There definitely were funny parts, mostly because the characters are all pretty extreme, but the story seemed more funny in a tragic kind of way...? None of the characters were redeeming. None were very likeable. None of them seemed very happy with the life they had chosen. And the relationships, or more like lack of relationships, that these characters had with their own family members was very sad to me. I guess by the end of the book I kind of starting sympathizing for the parents because they did seem to try and connect with their kids and understand them even though they did not agree with their lifestyles. I can imagine that being a hard thing to handle. I give them credit for trying at the end, but I'm not sure how convinced I was that anything was really going to get better for these characters.

The concept of the book really made me think. Especially with so much talk in the world about gender and it feeling sometimes like gender is being removed from our society. The concept of raising a gender-neutral child (how you even could do that is a whole different discussion) was very interesting to think about it. I kept coming back to the feeling that it was very selfish of the parents to want to do that, to take away that part of their child's identity to make a political & social statement. Taking away gender seems like it was only confuse a child more about their identity and how they fit into the world. Teaching a child appropriately about gender and helping them feel comfortable and confident about their place in the world seems like it would do more good then removing gender completely. I mean honestly, how could you even do that? Eventually they would have to interact with a world of men and women, and the child would know that they were one or the other.

I don't know if I'm making any sense, but I guess the bottom line is this book made me think. And it made me feel even more strongly about the importance of gender and the responsibility I have as a parent to raise and nurture my daughters to be strong, confident, women and teach them what it means to be a woman - regardless of what society expects from them as women. I know it will be difficult to shield them from gender stereotypes as they grow older, but removing their gender completely is definitely not the answer. I just need to give them the right tools and help them know where to go for the right answers when they are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in the world - as women.

WSMGS Pick of the Week

"Permanent" - David Cook
I love American Idol :)

Thursday, January 15, 2009

So...yum!

I hope that my friend Hannah doesn't mind me sharing this delicious recipe with you...

She made and served this soup at our ward's Super Saturday Enrichment Activity (HUGE craft day) last October and it was so yummy! She was nice enough to share it in RS with anyone that wanted it. At church this past Sunday I found the recipe at the bottom of my church bag - yay! I've been craving it ever since and today I finally made it. It really is amazing. And I'm not even a tomato person! It's so creamy, flavorful, and yummy - perfect for these cold snowy days/nights. Watch out though, cause the recipe makes a TON. I'm going to see how well it freezes - I'll let you know.


Tomato Basil Soup

5 cups water

50 oz. marinara/spaghetti sauce

5 cups half 'n' half

5 cups heavy whipping cream

15 oz. can pumpkin pie filling (without spices)

6 chicken bouillon cubes

A few shakes of garlic powder

A few shakes of paprika

(optional) few cups of cooked orzo pasta


I didn't realize there was so much half 'n' half and whipping cream when I was shopping for ingredients, so I ended up substituting about half of both with milk. It worked fine and probably helped with the calories (like I'm worried about that now...).

We are having this for dinner tonight with warm, wheat Rhodes rolls....mmmm.....

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

So...playrooms

Can I say how much I LOVE having a playroom?
It really does make life with young kids wonderful.

Last spring we decided to turn our "extra" bedroom/office/storage room into a playroom only. We put a futon in there, a storage unit w/ buckets for toys, a dresser (more storage), and a little TV/DVD combo. We put all of our toys in that room and all of our kids DVDs and that's where they stay. No toys in other rooms of the house. And it is awesome! I love that the girls have a space to play that is their own. I love that I don't have to constantly be picking up toys throughout the day - I can just close the door to the playroom and not worry about it until I have time to worry about it. I love that I don't find the girls sneaking out of their bed to play with toys when they should be sleeping! I love that the girls know exactly where to find their toys!

Now, in order for the playroom to exist the girls share a bedroom. And when the next girl comes she will eventually be in the girls room as well. We shall see how that goes, but I will make sure that we do whatever we can to keep the playroom! I think it's worth it for all three to share a bedroom. We will have a sleeping room and a playroom! And I think sharing a room is good for their sweet relationships. It's so fun to listen to them talk to each other at night before falling asleep. :)

I really am a big fan of playrooms if you can't tell. As a matter of fact, the girls are in there right now, playing away, so I can get things done (well, if I wasn't blogging I probably would be getting things done...)

So...right

If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?

- John Wooden

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

So...shoes

So, I was to agree with Mrs. Molly Jones about the great deals at Payless. I have been a huge fan lately - as a matter of fact, all (I think) of the shoes I've bought in the past year or so have been from Payless. Mostly because I'm cheap, but also because they have cute shoes! I have really had great luck there. These are a few that I found online and they are even on sale!



I already have the sneakers in green/brown and LOVE them. I was excited to see the brown/pink version online and am VERY tempted to get them - simply because I would live in those sneakers if possible. Maybe that's because I'm pregnant and definitley prefer to wear sneakers whenever possible these days - who knows. But they are cute and comfortable.

I also love that Payless often has their BOGO sale. So...when I go and find great shoes for myself, I can also find super cute, stylish shoes for my girls and get a great price for them as well!


*I wish they made those boots in my size. Don't they look comfy?

Monday, January 12, 2009

So...

It’s funny how kids think and feel so grown up. I remember thinking I knew so much about life and the world, wanting more responsibility, more trust from my parents, and feeling like I had mature, grown up, serious relationships. Now that I am an adult, I’ve never felt more like a kid. I don’t know anything about life, I don’t know what the heck I’m doing, I wish I didn’t have any responsibilities, I’m wondering where all my time has gone, and all I want sometimes is my mommy! I find myself sometimes thinking/saying to myself “Who are these kids and why are they calling me mom?”

So...FlyLady blog

I just found out that FlyLady also has a blog. I've added the link to my sidebar. It looks like the blog will be dedicated mostly to essays...? I'm not sure, but I know I enjoyed reading her thoughts on Perfectionism that she has up there now. She has a way of making me feel better and more motivated. My procrastination is due to my "perfectionism" not my laziness...right? Somehow that makes me feel better :)

Sunday, January 11, 2009

"By Small and Simple Things Are Great Things Brought to Pass"

by David Koch
Young Lucy Mack Smith reads the Bible to her sons Joseph and Hyrum in the log home near the Sacred Grove, in Palmyra Township, New York. From this humble beginning, Joseph grew to become prophet of the last dispensation, through whom the fulness of the gospel was restored to the earth. On June 27, 1844, these two boys - then grown men - died as marturs and witnesses to the truthfulness of the Restoration.

This picture and caption can be found on the inside back cover on the January 2009 Ensign. The picture was very powerful to me, along with the thought of Lucy Mack reading the scriptures to her small boys without knowing what she was preparing her sons for.

Our Relief Society lesson today was about leadership and "Leading in the way of the Lord." It was full of wonderful stories and examples from the prophet Joseph Smith on leadership. When applying this lesson to my life, I realized that the most important leadership role that I will have in my life is as a mother. I can still use the same example and characteristics of leadership from Joseph Smith in my role as a mother - humility, love, service, teaching truth. A great, and very popular quote that was included in this lesson is:

"I teach them correct principles, and they govern themselves."
-Joseph Smith

I hope that I can remember that as a mother. With young children it is easy to set many rules and constantly be telling my kids what to do or not to do. I need to remember the ultimate goal is to teach them how to make correct choices. The only way they will do that is if they learn correct principles and why to make correct choices.

Back to the above picture, teaching from the scriptures is a vital part in teaching children correct principles. Not only was Lucy Mack teaching her children the importance of reading & studying the scriptures, but she was sharing the correct principles found in the scriptures with her children. And it was a principle in the scriptures - "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God..." - that led Joseph into the Sacred Grove to pray. Her quiet, humble leadership prepared this young boy to eventually lead in restoring the gospel of Jesus Christ to Earth. What an amazing example she is to me, of leadership in our homes and in the gospel.

Saturday, January 10, 2009

So...FlyLady

I don't know about you, but I am always making new goals and creating new programs on how to better keep my house clean. I am always so impressed with people who seem to be able to keep their house clean always. When I drop by someone's house without any notice and their house is immaculate, I'd say they pretty much have their house clean all the time. I am not one of those lucky people that know how to stay on top of my housework. I don't know what it is. I don't think I'm a messy person - I really do love having a clean house and I don't mind cleaning. I think it's a combination of multi-tasking overload (trying to do WAY too many things at the same time) and toddlers (enough said).

Anyway, my friend introduced me to this great website FlyLady.com that gives tips and plans to becoming more organized and less overwhelmed with housework. There is TONS of info on the website and sometimes it's hard to even know where to start, but I really do enjoy the daily emails and tasks that help me remember to do things that I always forget to do - like cleaning out the garbage can, wiping the floorboards, or dusting the light fixtures. The tip I like the most is to set your timer for only 15 minutes and get as much of the task done as you can in that time. Don't get overly obsessed and spend half your day. I love it!

So, if you are someone like me that wants to be better at staying on top of housework and does better with tasks given by someone else, check it out. It definitely has worked for me.

Friday, January 9, 2009

WSMGS Pick of the Week:

Great song from my past.

So...cute!

I love soft and cozy knit items for baby. Here are some cute things I found today:
Aren't these cute?

Love these!
Check out these super cute hats!


Tuesday, January 6, 2009

So...one more

I almost forgot...

8.) breakfast ~ we have never been big on breakfast in our house. We usually have breakfast on Sundays (we'll see what happens with 9 am church this year) but not always on the other days of the week. Dave almost never has breakfast, I start my day with an Instant Breakfast (mostly to settle morning sickness), and the girls want chocolate milk first thing in the morning and then won't ask for anything to eat until almost lunch time. If I make them breakfast, sometimes they eat some of it, but usually they don't. Obviously, we are not getting "the most important meal of the day" in our house. I am mostly concerned about the kiddos. This year I want to make more of an effort to get our days started off right with BREAKFAST. I know it may seem silly, but this may be a challenge for us.

So...another new year

Like I said in a previous post, before I wrote my 2009 resolutions, I made a list of all of the things I accomplished in 2008. It is very easy to make a list of all the things I want to be better at, and it is even easier to make that list incredibly long. To make me feel better about my list of inadequacies, I balanced it out with an "'Atta girl" list :) - 2008 resolutions that I actually did!

'Atta Girls 2008:
1.) exercise regularly ~ I trained for a 1/2 marathon, which I NEVER thought in a million years I would do, but DID (then injured my foot and got pregnant a couple weeks before the race and couldn't run - bummer). But I got up to running 12 miles. Not bad!

2.) lose baby weight ~ a little harder this time, and took me a little longer, but it's amazing what running 6+ miles a day will do!

3.) make a new close friend ~ so, believe it or not I struggle in the friend making department. This is something that I am continually working on and this year I have made some really great close friends that are such an important part of my life.

4.) FHE ~ our family has finally figured out how to have regular Family Home Evening - YAY! After multiple failed attempts throughout our five years of marriage, we are doing it and loving it.

5.) food storage ~ my original goal was to have a years supply by the end of the year, but that didn't exactly happen. BUT, I did get a great start and have improved on my system of adding to food storage.

6.) write the first letter ~ In June of 2008 I added to my list of resolutions. I made a list of people in my life that I wanted to reconnect with. I decided to write letters to each of them. The first letter was completed and sent. There was quite a lesson learned through that experience - perhaps a future post...

Resolutions 2009:
1.) lose baby weight ~ funny how this never seems to leave the list....Now that I lost my baby weight in 2008, I get to do it again after having this baby!

2.) daily scripture study ~ this is something else that seems to cycle in my life. Sometimes I'm really good at it, sometimes not so much. Latley it's been not so much. My goal is to have a set time everyday to read and to setup some sort of reading schedule/plan to keep me motivated and on track. Wish me luck.

3.) be a better friend ~ last year I wanted to make new friends. This year I want to be a better friend to the friends I have and to reconnect with important friends from my past that I have lost touch with. I want to be more thoughtful of the people I love in my life (especially my best friend Dave) and be there for them.

4.) write the second letter ~ yes.

5.) organize garage for food storage/emergency preparedness ~ SHELVES!!! My hope and dream for 2009 is to have a functioning shelving system in our garage. Once that is complete, I want to have all of our emergency supplies organized.

6.) go camping ~ every year we talk about going camping. We have only gone once since we've been married. This year I actually want to go. I also want to go to Dallas (which we have also been talking about for a while now). Maybe we can kill two birds with one stone and camp on the way to Dallas? Roadtrip!

7.) date nights ~ I love spending time with Dave alone - no matter what it is. We go on dates sometimes (sometimes more often than others) but I want to have a date night every week - even if it's an at home date. Planned time for us to be together without the computers on, folding laundry, disciplining kids, or whatever else we do in the same room together but not with each other. And I want to go out on a date with Dave at least once a month.


I think I'll stop there.
What are some of your resolutions? Better yet, what are some of your 'atta girls? (or boy)