So, January ended. The first month of tracking my goals for the year. That's a record for me. Usually by now I have no recollection of what my goals were, and whatever paper I had them written down on is long gone.
I am doing great at scheduling things and staying organized. I feel less frazzled and less anxious that I'm missing something important. I finished my first non-fiction book about Abraham Lincoln. It was by Timothy Ballard and he tied Abraham's mission to abolish slavery and renewing our nation's covenant to Joseph Smith and the Book of Mormon. It was fascinating and really strengthened my testimony that America truly is the promised land and that God's hand is in all parts of history. I am grateful to have the privilege of living here and want to do my part to protect this sacred, free land.
My big downers have been with food and exercise. I have these cycles- I eat well for 2-3 weeks, and I feel the energy and strength to exercise. Then I hit a wall- I fatigue, I get incredibly hungry and nothing seems to satisfy me. I don't binge eat or shovel total junk in my mouth, but I make more poor choices and tend to crave the carbs. I don't understand it. I'm just starting to come out of that cycle now, but it's so maddening!
I want to end on the upside though:
Budget- although we were over budget this month... we did a budget and tracked it!
Scripture/prayer- I haven't been perfect at this, but I feel pretty good about it.
Piano- not 100% on my goal to play daily, but I'm playing a lot more than I ever have.
TED talks- I'm 100% on watching one a week. I've learned a lot and enjoy them greatly. The best part is that Logan has gotten into them and likes to watch them with me.
VT- I had 100% visiting teaching for January with all 3 of the sisters in their homes. I love this inspired program.
This week Tyler is on a business trip. Since it was in Vegas (yuck!), he included SLC in his itinerary to check out the areas we are thinking about settling next. We have missed him! This week I had 3 kids home very sick with the flu and 3 showings. I was so overwhelmed, tired and well, just that motherly tired and worried. Two of my best friends (Melissa Clark and Robin Yeamans) left grocery bags with all sorts of helpful items- medicine, food, comfort food, toothbrushes, Gatorades. I was so touched, and that kind service kept me going. More than anything, it was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father letting me know he's aware of me and that he has sent angels to be my friends and help me.
On a separate note, a sister I visit teach, Shelly Wold, lost her 5 month old baby this last week to suffocation. It is terribly sad. They are a less active family that we haven't seen for months, but the Lord softened their hearts tremendously and they have opened their hearts and home to us to love, hug and comfort them at this time. I had a very special visit alone with just her and her husband just days after it happened. I went to deliver dinner. As I drove there, I could not think of anything to say to them. I was nervous, but knew I was on the Lord's errand. When I arrived Shelly was crying and asking a lot of questions. The pain in her face and in her voice was so intense. I was so sad for them. As she spoke, the Lord put scriptures and other stories in my mind and I knelt down near them and just opened my mouth. I was the Lord's mouth for a while. I knew the words coming out of me were not me speaking. He wanted her to know the things that came to my mind. I have never had that happen so strongly before. With each thing I said, the crying was calmed. Hope entered the room and their hearts. Joy replaced pain for a moment and they were getting the message they needed to hear. Before I left she told me that all of the questions she had been praying to God to know were answered during that visit. I was so humbled. I know it wasn't me. It was God working through me and I felt honored to work with Him that night. That experience has bonded Shelly and I so closely together. I love her with all of my heart.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sunday, January 25, 2015
Beats and More
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| Beats Brothas |
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| We sent Logan on a little hunt to find his gift |
My family is truly my greatest joy.
Logan gave our FHE lesson last week about family unity. He used great props to make his point. He had a basketball game on Thursday. Our neighbor, Robin Yeamans, her daughter Claire, and another friend Julia Anderson (kids call her Noni) came. It was so nice to have a little cheering section for Logan. All these years we've lived away, we rarely have family to be at games. Sitting with them gave me all the more excitement to be surrounded by family in Utah.
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| Which Lipstick Lasts the Longest? |
Mariah completed her first ever science fair project. We worked hard on that together and the final result was something she could be proud of. She is such a lovely girl. She has a heart of gold and is strong in her sense of self. She has embraced the values of the gospel and lives them. She is an exceptional girl. Mariah tried out for an AAU basketball league. The coaches were impressed and during a conversation with Tyler showed her name had been written down at the top of their list. We are so proud of her!
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| Listening to Vovo's music. His favorite song is "Firewater" |
Harrison had an amazing basketball game scoring 18 points and taking his team to a victory. He was sure excited and proud, as were we. He has really improved on being more organized as the school year progresses. He is a smart little cookie and is always asking deep and inquisitive questions. He wants to know how everything works, what words mean, etc. He is the most endeared to my dad, and since receiving my dad's special CD he recorded for Christmas, Harrison constantly listens to it and seeks to understand the lyrics. He has cried a few times for his Vovo.. I think those 2 have a lot in common and share a special bond. It feels good to tell him that soon we will be neighbors. It will be a wonderful time while my dad is still here with us.
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| Years apart in age, but share a lot of similar interests. Snap Circuit time. |
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| Tuesday is chopping and baking day. Jake is always there to help. |
Our house is still for sale. I get asked all the time if it's so hard to be doing this with 4 kids. This has actually been the least stressful home sale. Usually Tyler has to move before us and I am left with little ones to keep the house up on my own. Tyler will be staying with us until we move and is a huge help. The 3 older kids are all contributing by keeping watch of their "zones" and keeping their rooms tidy. We have a good system down and everyone is vested in the home sale. In fact, there have been a lot of life lesson opps during this process. They had a hard time at first when people would come through and didn't want to buy it. We have had a lot of talks about the Lord's timing, and how waiting is hard when we really want something. They are learning about the real estate world and how things work. It has been a great family experience.
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| BBQ for Fred's birthday turned into a neighborhood party. |
The more I ponder on the timing of these things, the more I see God's wisdom in waiting for some time. The inspiration to move came so swiftly, so urgently, that once the house was up, we thought it would go quickly and we'd be out of here. But I think the Lord knew Jake's extended family needed some time to digest and cope with this unexpected change, and also the Lord has given me time to process all of this and doesn't want me moving feeling guilty. I have struggled with that since we announced the move- knowing that my decision was hurting them so much. But the vision is clear and I know we are doing the right thing. I am happy that I will be moving feeling that assurance.
So now we're ready! Hopefully an offer will come soon.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
God Gives us Weaknesses That Can Become Strengths
Our home is or sale. It is time to move to Utah to take care of my parents. One day I will write that story...
Showings started picking back up this week. Hoping for an offer soon.
This was our first week starting back to school and routine. We all did well. I'm proud of my kids. They are so adaptable and hard working. They really care about their grades and apply themselves. Jake and I enjoyed some time together and appreciated the quiet a few hours each day. But we are always ready and excited for siblings to come home.
On Monday we had a FHE lesson on Giftedness. As part of the lesson, I had everyone write down one strength/talent they see in each member of the family. I was shocked and touched that when it was my turn to hear what strengths/talents my family sees in me, that Logan listed "patient".
I immediately thought about my favorite scripture in Ether 12:27 where it talks about how we are given weaknesses and through the help of God they can become strengths. Patience is a virtue that I naturally lack. I have prayed and prayed and worked on this for years. To hear one of my children identify patience as a talent was amazing to me! Heavenly Father has really helped me all of these years, and maybe because my progress has felt like such baby steps, I didn't realize that patience has become one of my strengths. Not to say that I'm a saint who never loses it, but I have come far, and it is all through the grace of God that it is possible.
On Thursday I took Jake to Rollie Pollies. It is a fun little gym for kids where they can climb, jump, roll, and slide their hearts out. I was amazed at how much more agile he is from the last time we went a few months ago. He is gaining more balance and upper body strength. It is a joy to watch your kids use their bodies and see them so healthy. I'm grateful for all of my healthy, strong children.
Tomorrow is Logan's 14th birthday. Tyler and I had fun picking out some Beats for him. They are big headphones with amazing sound, not to mention they are wireless. Logan will no doubt be thrilled about this gift. Our birthday tradition of decorating the bedroom door, and serving favorite meals continues. Logan requested my famous stuffed french toast with homemade buttermilk syrup for breakfast, Pasta Roni for lunch, and Rudy's for dinner. He requested we get take out so we can be at home to eat and watch college finals. He's definitely my home body. I wouldn't have it any other way. Fourteen years though... crazy!!! So proud of this all around great guy.
Showings started picking back up this week. Hoping for an offer soon.
This was our first week starting back to school and routine. We all did well. I'm proud of my kids. They are so adaptable and hard working. They really care about their grades and apply themselves. Jake and I enjoyed some time together and appreciated the quiet a few hours each day. But we are always ready and excited for siblings to come home.
On Monday we had a FHE lesson on Giftedness. As part of the lesson, I had everyone write down one strength/talent they see in each member of the family. I was shocked and touched that when it was my turn to hear what strengths/talents my family sees in me, that Logan listed "patient".
I immediately thought about my favorite scripture in Ether 12:27 where it talks about how we are given weaknesses and through the help of God they can become strengths. Patience is a virtue that I naturally lack. I have prayed and prayed and worked on this for years. To hear one of my children identify patience as a talent was amazing to me! Heavenly Father has really helped me all of these years, and maybe because my progress has felt like such baby steps, I didn't realize that patience has become one of my strengths. Not to say that I'm a saint who never loses it, but I have come far, and it is all through the grace of God that it is possible.
On Thursday I took Jake to Rollie Pollies. It is a fun little gym for kids where they can climb, jump, roll, and slide their hearts out. I was amazed at how much more agile he is from the last time we went a few months ago. He is gaining more balance and upper body strength. It is a joy to watch your kids use their bodies and see them so healthy. I'm grateful for all of my healthy, strong children.
Tomorrow is Logan's 14th birthday. Tyler and I had fun picking out some Beats for him. They are big headphones with amazing sound, not to mention they are wireless. Logan will no doubt be thrilled about this gift. Our birthday tradition of decorating the bedroom door, and serving favorite meals continues. Logan requested my famous stuffed french toast with homemade buttermilk syrup for breakfast, Pasta Roni for lunch, and Rudy's for dinner. He requested we get take out so we can be at home to eat and watch college finals. He's definitely my home body. I wouldn't have it any other way. Fourteen years though... crazy!!! So proud of this all around great guy.
Sunday, January 4, 2015
2015
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| Walking around Lake Austin |
This was the first official week of January. I feel so good that I planned ahead of time and was prepared to begin my new goals. This is the first time I actually feel the excitement of a new year, goal wise.
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| Mariah and her bestie Chloe. Her best friend in Iowa was also a red headed Chloe. |
It was a great week. The kids are still home from school. I have always been a go go go type of mom feeling like I need to constantly entertain the kids. Of course, part of why I'm that way is because I enjoy it. I love being with my kids and taking them places. But I've been trying harder to just learn to relax more and let my kids play more independently. We have had no plans all week. We watched tons of movies- Mariah and Logan have been introduced to the world of Hallmark romances, and love them. One night Tyler slept on Mariah's bed and she and I watched a movie on my bed and stayed up late. It was so fun.
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| My Fitness Trainer |
The other morning I announced that I would be heading out for a workout and Mariah offered to be my trainer. She really worked me hard! It was not only a great workout, but a nice time to spend with her. I was one of those mom moments that make you smile and remind you how amazing your kids are. Apparently Logan has a workout ready for me tomorrow. Yikes
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| Happy New Year! |
In typical Mons fashion, we rang in the New Year, and then headed straight to bed at about 12:03. Have I mentioned we are not night owls?
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| Does anything warm a mother's heart more than seeing her kids loving each other? |
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| Tyler and Jake Sanders |
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| My oldest and youngest. Logan's biggest fan. Tonight we had the sister missionaries for dinner. We introduced them to the Mons' original recipe of maple bacon waffles. It has become a Sunday tradition to make these. We take maple bacon and make they cook inside the waffle. And that is the complicated recipe for you. They had a little activity after that gave us each an opportunity to share something. Tyler drew the card that asked him to express love for someone. He took that opportunity to share his love and appreciation for Logan. We are so proud of this kid. He is about to turn 14. He is the Deacon Quorum president and an all around great guy. He is starting to take on his role of biggest brother with more pride and purpose. I think he sees how much his younger siblings look up to him and strives to set a good example. He is still the honest guy we've always admired. He loves the Lord and talks and plans for the day when he will serve a mission. I know he was sent as our first child because the Lord knew he would help us lead our kids to righteousness. I could go on and on about him! I have continued to feel the peace, joy and consolation from seeking repentance and a change of heart. I am so grateful for the spiritual experiences I have had these past 2 weeks. I can feel that these changes will be lasting because they come from motivation of the spirit and it's backed by an indescribable love from Heavenly Father. Repentance is a gift. |
Saturday, December 27, 2014
Spiritual Diagnosis
After my morning prayers, I opened my scriptures hoping to know what God wanted me to focus on this year spiritually. As I mentioned in a previous post, I have had some humbling experiences seeing my weaknesses and feeling the Lord wanting me to improve. But, where do I begin?
Thankfully the answer came to me today. The Book of Mormon is true and truly has the guidance and answers we need for every struggle and situation. I have read it many times, yet here was a passage I had never considered in this context.
Ammon and a group of 15 other men were commissioned by King Mosiah to leave Zarahemla to see if men (Zeniff and his followers) that had left years and years before were still alive, or what became of them. Zeniff was a Nephite and he had a strong desire to go back to the land of their inheritance. He believed that he could work with the Lamanites to get some of their land back and live peacefully. He is described as an over-zealous man, and although his desire was not unrighteous, he ended up making a treaty with the king of the Lamanites which resulted in them becoming slaves. The Lamanites had no intentions of kindly giving them land- they tricked him into a treaty and when Ammon arrives, he finds the posterity of Zeniff under great bondage. King Limhi is the king over this group of people.
When Ammom reveals that he is a descendant of Zarahemla searching for them, King Limhi sees that this is their opportunity to be freed from the Lamanites. He gathers his people at the temple.
And here is where my study became personal revelation:
Mosiah 7:20- It is our own iniquities that bind us and enslave us to unhappiness. In other words, we limit ourselves. God wants to share all He has with us.
How do I open up to what God wants to share with me? Like Zeniff, we may get over-zealous- even about good things!- that may subject us to bondage.
I took a moment to consider my own over-zealous tendencies. It did not take long for the spirit to point them out. And it nailed me.
1. I try to be everything to everyone, including God.
2. I hold others to high and unrealistic standards and expectations.
3. I tend to hyper focus on the "ideal" and feel angry and hurt about reality. (This includes towards myself as well.)
As a result of this iniquity, the bondage I find myself in (as it corresponds above):
1. Anxiety/guilt/feelings of failure when I fall short of being everything to everyone.
2. Limit my ability to love and be loved unconditionally.
3. Cycle of disappointment and unhappiness.
Mosiah 7:23 he asks:
"Is not this grievous to be borne?"- Yes it is!
"Is not this affliction great?" - Yes, I want to be free of it!
So how do I become free? I know that the right sunday school answer to this is through the Atonement, which is the right answer. But how? What do I DO? I know as I continue to search I will continue to learn this, but here is what I've learned so far and will incorporate into my daily life as I embark this journey:
How God frees us from bondage:
Vs 26: don't "slay" his chosen prophets. In other words, prophets are here to help free us from our spiritual bondage, just as Ammon was physically able save them later. Heed the prophets voice and you will be led to freedom.
Vs 33-
1. Turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. This desire to change can't just be a one or 2 time pleading for help. This desire must consume me and drive me to seek help hourly, daily until I have overcome.
2. Serve him with all diligence of mind. In all situations or when anxieties arise I will place my mind on Christ and only be concerned about doing His will.
3. Place your trust in him. Be patient with myself and others. don't doubt that freedom is possible and is coming.
Because God is full of grace and unconditional love, He makes us promises and blesses us. "If ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure deliver you out of bondage."
I can't wait to get started together with the Lord this year and overcome my personal over-zealousness.
Thankfully the answer came to me today. The Book of Mormon is true and truly has the guidance and answers we need for every struggle and situation. I have read it many times, yet here was a passage I had never considered in this context.
Ammon and a group of 15 other men were commissioned by King Mosiah to leave Zarahemla to see if men (Zeniff and his followers) that had left years and years before were still alive, or what became of them. Zeniff was a Nephite and he had a strong desire to go back to the land of their inheritance. He believed that he could work with the Lamanites to get some of their land back and live peacefully. He is described as an over-zealous man, and although his desire was not unrighteous, he ended up making a treaty with the king of the Lamanites which resulted in them becoming slaves. The Lamanites had no intentions of kindly giving them land- they tricked him into a treaty and when Ammon arrives, he finds the posterity of Zeniff under great bondage. King Limhi is the king over this group of people.
When Ammom reveals that he is a descendant of Zarahemla searching for them, King Limhi sees that this is their opportunity to be freed from the Lamanites. He gathers his people at the temple.
And here is where my study became personal revelation:
Mosiah 7:20- It is our own iniquities that bind us and enslave us to unhappiness. In other words, we limit ourselves. God wants to share all He has with us.
How do I open up to what God wants to share with me? Like Zeniff, we may get over-zealous- even about good things!- that may subject us to bondage.
I took a moment to consider my own over-zealous tendencies. It did not take long for the spirit to point them out. And it nailed me.
1. I try to be everything to everyone, including God.
2. I hold others to high and unrealistic standards and expectations.
3. I tend to hyper focus on the "ideal" and feel angry and hurt about reality. (This includes towards myself as well.)
As a result of this iniquity, the bondage I find myself in (as it corresponds above):
1. Anxiety/guilt/feelings of failure when I fall short of being everything to everyone.
2. Limit my ability to love and be loved unconditionally.
3. Cycle of disappointment and unhappiness.
Mosiah 7:23 he asks:
"Is not this grievous to be borne?"- Yes it is!
"Is not this affliction great?" - Yes, I want to be free of it!
So how do I become free? I know that the right sunday school answer to this is through the Atonement, which is the right answer. But how? What do I DO? I know as I continue to search I will continue to learn this, but here is what I've learned so far and will incorporate into my daily life as I embark this journey:
How God frees us from bondage:
Vs 26: don't "slay" his chosen prophets. In other words, prophets are here to help free us from our spiritual bondage, just as Ammon was physically able save them later. Heed the prophets voice and you will be led to freedom.
Vs 33-
1. Turn to the Lord with full purpose of heart. This desire to change can't just be a one or 2 time pleading for help. This desire must consume me and drive me to seek help hourly, daily until I have overcome.
2. Serve him with all diligence of mind. In all situations or when anxieties arise I will place my mind on Christ and only be concerned about doing His will.
3. Place your trust in him. Be patient with myself and others. don't doubt that freedom is possible and is coming.
Because God is full of grace and unconditional love, He makes us promises and blesses us. "If ye do this, he will, according to his own will and pleasure deliver you out of bondage."
I can't wait to get started together with the Lord this year and overcome my personal over-zealousness.
Goals and Priorities
Rather than wait to start my goals on January first, I have been getting myself organized and prepared to be successful by understanding my priorities and making a template for a weekly to do list that incorporates my goals. It looks like this:
The top is my daily to do list (which essentials never change) and then the bottom has my priorities listed and how often so I can incorporate them to my week when appropriate. I feel really good about this. I will be able to see my goals and chart my progress this way. I actually got the idea for this template from a world wide training meeting where Sister Julie Beck shared it. She didn't have the priorities list on the bottom, but she was trying to illustrate that there are essential things that must be part of our everyday to do. Of course, not just to have it to check off, but because when they are written we are more likely to remember them and make them a priority. I will report weekly on my progress of this list.
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DAILY ESSENTIALS
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NECESSARY
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PROJECTS/ERRANDS
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Scriptures/Calling
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Exercise
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Eat Clean
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Piano
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Priorities
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WEEKLY
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MONTHLY
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YEARLY
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Journal
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Date w/Tyler
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Family Vacation
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Prep pictures for photobook
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VT (Schedule 1st week of
month)
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Two Family Service Projects
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FHE
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Temple
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Christmas Cards
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TED Talk
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Non Fiction Book
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Budget/Bills
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Budget Review
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Menu
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Friday, December 26, 2014
Determined
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| Me at San Antonio Temple |
One of my weaknesses is that I have had poor follow through in my life. I can list all of the excuses why, but the bottom line is that I have not fully developed myself in any one area in my life to where I feel proud of the accomplishment. Of course having and raising children is certainly a huge accomplishment that I am whole-heartedly dedicated to, but I am speaking for myself. For Robyn. My friend who likes to follow horoscopes pointed out to me that I am a Gemini, and it is characteristic of us to be "jack of all trades but master of none." That's exactly how I feel. I want to get deeper than that. I want to master some skills. I want to make goals and follow through with them. I want to me known (not for fame) and described as one who was really good at _______. I recognize that I have many strengths that I have been blessed with. But I'm speaking of a specific skill as well.
This blog is what I'll be using to record my goals for the year and report as I go along. This is my year to have a "house of order." Not only my physical house and how I run it, but my own house- my body, me as a person.
Goals:
1. Spiritual - My study will be focused on enlarging my heart to love unconditionally and to really understand the gifts that the Lord has blessed me with and how He would have me use them- specifically for missionary work. I was touched by this blog post on Giftedness and identified several ideas on how to study spiritually this year.
2. Financial- Make and keep a budget.
3. Physical- Get back into the best shape of my life. I will follow the Tone it Up program.
4. Blog/Pictures- Every Sunday for family blog, and often here. I will also be organized with pictures and print photo albums this year.
5. Talent- I want to develop my talent on the piano and be able to accompany any hymn at church.
I know this is a tall order, but I know I am capable of these things with the help of the Lord and with accountability. It's going to be a great year!
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