When I was a little girl I thought my family was the best!!
My dad was the strongest and could beat up anybody.
My mom was the nicest and most beautiful person around.
They are both still quite fantastic, but somewhere along the road our understanding changes.
I think however, that I will never forget that
"R Fam Is Gr8"
I spoke to my children recently at one of our Family Home Evenings.
I told them that I knew God wanted them all here in this family. I explained that I prayed about every single one of them and when they should come to our family. These were very heart wrenching prayers at times, because I didn't feel I was very capable. The point I was hoping to make was that they needed to learn to get along and love each other because He was in charge and sent them to our family because we would be GR8 together.
Recently I spoke to both my younger brother and sister at different times and they asked me about my blog. They had noticed that I hadn't posted in a while. I could tell it was a little awkward for them as they didn't want to step on my toes. I'll admit, it was like chewing on dirt for me, cause it sort of caused a self deprecating agitation inside. I want them to know that I am very grateful that they are my brother and sister. I need each of my family members and appreciate their love and concern and acknowledge that
"R Fam Is still Gr8" .
this picture of my two youngest reminds me of my younger bro. and sis.
When I was a teenager my friend and I decided we wanted to share a favorite scripture...she suggested D&C 88: 119
Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing;
and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting,
a house of faith, a house of learning,
a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God;
I loved it from the moment she shared it with me and I have focused my life around organizing and preparing myself in these areas. I personally need more help in the house of order department. I have not given up yet, though, and am hoping to share my "house of order" quest with you.
There are a few things I do that help my house almost run on automatic. I'm not perfect, but I can do these things almost without thinking in the morning.
1. Spiritual study time
2. Put shoes on and get dressed, take meds.
3. Exercise, shower, and get ready for the day
4. Take out the trash
5. Start a load of laundry
6. Swish and swipe the toilets
7. Spend 5 minutes in each room cleaning
For the past two months I have worked on a habit that I've struggled with. I can now include it in the list above...
8. Clean my sink
Here's my video clip that explains my efforts...enjoy!
What habit can you create in order to have a House of Order?
We do a variety of things for fun around here. The squiggle game is one of them.
My husband plays squiggle games with the kids. The dark line is his squiggle and then our daughter had to make a picture out of it. This is what she made. Pretty good, huh?
Last year when I took my children to visit with a college roommate, my roommate spoke of how much fun we had in college. After listening to her, I expressed that my kids probably had no idea that I knew how to have fun. This was frustrating to me and I wanted fun back in my life, but it seemed impossible at that time to get it back.
My only explanation is that life has been hard and I've been out of practice.
Lately, that has changed. Life is still hard, but I am handling it differently.
I no longer have so many little ones demanding my attention in which I feel the need to provide all at the same time. I still have the same amount of children, thank goodness, but they are growing up and I'm allowing me to take care of me more. My older children are realizing that this is a win win situation.
My children have caught me bursting out in laughter which they get a kick out of and love. So do I.
I have been playing with them and teaching them more.
I have been dancing more.
My happiness muscles are increasing and it's been wonderful.
Here are three things to consider when you are trying to relearn how to have fun and strengthen your happiness muscles.
1. Be healthy: physically(not just on the outside.), spiritually, and emotionally.
2. Have fun: by living in the moment. (See video below)
3. Celebrate: Even if you can only do a very basic goal everyday, celebrate it. Eventually your capacity to do more will increase. When it does, celebrate the accomplishment of the very basic goal again and then anything that is beyond that very basic goal will be seen as going the extra mile. Do this everyday. Celebrating is vital to developing your happiness muscles. Say, "Yeah Me!"
The Perpetual Education Fund is an amazing program that has helped many people in the world gain an education. I thought you might be interested in hearing about the program and how it works. It's amazing and established after an amazing pattern.
“Today’s world is competitive, more than it’s ever been. I believe men and women need to get a type of education which will enable them to meet the exigencies [urgent needs] of life. … Men and women need to be prepared for a vastly broader scope than we’ve ever had before. ... [The Perpetual Education Fund] is a fund that will go far into the future.”Thomas S. Monson, in news conference, February 4, 2008; see Church News, Feb. 9, 2008
I know there are parents and teachers out there looking for ways to help their students. Check out this free app and see if it makes a difference. (I just took a tour. I'm going to use this for my children)
CJ Zest Quest: Captured: 5/21/2013 A picture my daughter took. In light of what this book is about I will be posting some cool shots taken by our family. ...
"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding."
Proverbs 4:7
I fear that to many of us take for granted the privilege of education that we have available to us. I listened to this panel of 4 teenage girls and enjoyed how they are applying education in their life and how it benefits them. I recommend this to all parents, but especially for those of girls. I hope you take 30 minutes and share this with your children.
School is almost out for this school year. I can't believe it. In honor of my young friends graduating from high school and all my other friends who are continuing their education. This is a great story about Sasha Gay-Cunningham who came from Jamaica.
"Impossible is just not a word. Keep your head high. Go for your aim. God is able."
---Sasha Gay-Cunningham
“Today’s world is competitive, more than it’s ever been. I believe men and women need to get a type of education which will enable them to meet the exigencies [urgent needs] of life. … Men and women need to be prepared for a vastly broader scope than we’ve ever had before. ... [The Perpetual Education Fund] is a fund that will go far into the future.”Thomas S. Monson, in news conference, February 4, 2008; see Church News, Feb. 9, 2008
