Time Out For Women

 I LOVE Time Out For Women.  It is two days filled with music and speakers that lift me up and help me become a better wife, mother and woman.  I have had the privilege to go a few other times and was glad to make it this year.  I went with my cousins Sarah and Brandy and my good friend, Tomie.  Some days I feel so tall!

 Sometimes when I go away for a break I come home to chaos.  This time I almost cried as I walked in and the whole family was sitting around making dinner together.  How cool and unexpected is that?  What a blessing.  They were all happy and helping and I didn't have to plan dinner, just smile and eat. 

 

 We were trying to come up with a name for these things: Buffins, Egg, bacon, cheese Things, Egg cupcakes.  We are still working on it.

Happy Family Time

 My family is far from perfect, but every once in a while they surprise me with a relaxing and peaceful and happy glimpse of what heaven will be like.  The other night as we were getting ready for scriptures everyone was gathered in one room, without fighting.  Dad was playing the guitar and laughing with Ryan.  Nathan put his book down and was playing toss with Ryan while joking around.  The girls were smiley and happy and cuddling with me.  I LOVED every second of it.  I soaked it in, knowing that these kind of moments don't come a long very often. 

 Another happy time.  Annabelle made a game and we all happily played it with her.  She was so proud of herself.

Pies

 One day last week I had the itching to make a pie. While it was baking I got a text from Nathan asking if he could bring 3 pies in to orchestra Monday.  I told him yes, if he helped make them.  When he got home I asked him what other things kids were bringing.  He told me he was the only one bringing anything.  Then I asked who was bringing the plates and forks, he again said he was.   Sunday afternoon Nathan and I got to work and made these 3 lovely pies.  Pumpkin, apple with a lattice top and peach with a crumb top.  He made the crust with little help and did a lot of the other work as well.  I think they looked fabulous and I wish I could've tasted one.  He has a lot of females in his orchestra class and he admitted that he was happy to impress them.  He came home all smiles with no pie left and feeling great about his skills.  I suppose I like that Nathan is so giving, but we definitely can't make this a habit for every holiday. 

Robotics

 Ryan has participated in a robotics class all school year and this week he had the final challenge.  Parents were invited and it was a little (a lot) crazy and unorganized.  I saw kids crying and frustrated and I heard other kids sabotaged their peers.  Ryan his friend Carter were on a team and through their joint knowledge of programming and building they pulled off first place.  It was very exciting and I am so glad I caught it.

 Proud friends and they didn't mind at all that Christian joined them in their success.

Friends

 We love friends!

 

Girl Scout friends.

 Kindergarten friends.

 Matching sock friends.

 40 year old friends who have giant twister boards and dancing at their party.

PInewood Derby-Girl Scout Style

 Annabelle loves participating in the pinewood derby.  Jodi J. helped us cut it this year and then I let Annie paint it however she'd like.  Her bestie Annmarie came with us to the races since Dad and brothers were at the BYU Powwow.  She won 1st in her age group and 2nd overall.  It was a fun event and much quicker than last year.

Reflections

The theme this year was Let Your Imagination Fly.  I did a lot of things different/better this year. We received 118 entries and almost all of them were turned in properly because I had parents come with their kids to turn them in.  Our introductory mini-assemblies were a big hit and the staff and teachers loved how they were not required to do much.  That being said, Reflections is a big project, especially when I was trying to figure out my new calling.  I am so thankful for Kindergarten and the hours without kids where I was able to get so much done.  Callie was so excited to enter this year.  She did a drawing, a story and a photograph.  She got a trophy for her story, a medal for her photo and a ribbon for her drawing.  She was ecstatic and I even got a little choked up when I called her name because I knew how important it was for her.

 Ryan's last year at Elementary school, I still can hardly believe it.  He won a medal for his story about tortoises and then a ribbon for his graphic art.  He was pretty bummed that he didn't win a trophy, it is so hard to see my boys cry, but 6th grade is tough, only one for each category gets a trophy.

 Annabelle worked really hard on her 3D art and got a trophy.  She got medals for her photograph and her story as well.  I have nothing to do with the judging but it is always nice to see my kids so decorated and proud of their accomplishments.

 Until next year, maybe...

So Many Hats

 

My life has always been hectic.  I have always had a lot of things going on, and I thrive on being able to do a lot of things in a lot of different areas.  But lately, I have realized that I really need to evaluate the many hats I wear on a weekly/monthly basis.  I need to only do those things that bring me joy and don't take away from the joy of my family.  I decided to do this on my blog so that I could write down my thoughts and when I do make some cuts, I will be able to look back over my reasons and know that I made the right choices on what to focus on more in my life.

Wife Hat- I love my husband!  Gregory is amazing in so many ways.  I love spending time with him or just relaxing and chatting with him when we have spare moments.  I love that we go out on dates most weeks and that I am getting better and giving him kisses when he gets home like I did when we were younger.  I can't believe we are coming up on 15 years of marriage.  That sounds like a lot, and yet it seems like I've been with him forever, I can't imagine us apart.  I am so grateful for his willingness to support me in my callings and other endeavors that take me away from the home.  The kids love spending time with him and that makes leaving easier.  

Mom Hat- This one is very important to me.  I like to be there for my kids in the morning, after school and I love saying prayers with them and giving hugs goodnight.  I love hearing about their day and helping with homework.  It is NOT always easy, but I love the times when we connect.  I also love doing things with my kids.  Seeing them in sports, dance, scouts.  I love being a part of their lives.  Right now we have some struggles with behavior and academics.  This has been a crazy fall and a lot of changes and some of my children are struggling.  I know that they need me more.  They need me to be happier and more available to give them quality time.  I always notice that when I do keep calm and give them extra one-on-one time, they are happier, more obedient and our home is more peaceful and unified.

LDS Hat- I have a testimony that the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints is the one true church.  I know that Joseph Smith saw Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ and that he translated the Book of Mormon.  I know the Book of Mormon is the word of God, just as the Bible is.  I know that God speaks to prophets today and that Thomas S. Monson is the prophet on the earth.  I know that God hears and answers my prayers.  I know that families can be together forever if sealed in the temple.  I know that I can receive revelation for me and my family.  I have experienced this for myself many times and I know that my Heavenly Father loves me.  I know that Jesus Christ came to earth, suffered for my sins and my trials and then died for me. I know that He was raised on the 3rd day so that I, too, will be able to be resurrected and someday enter into salvation with my family.  Because of this testimony, I know that my bishop chose me to be the Relief Society president because he fasted and prayed and went to the temple and was guided to my name through our Heavenly Father.  I know that I have a work to do in the Chappel Valley 2nd ward that only I can do.  I am overwhelmed with the task, but know that I am up for it.  I know that with the Lord's help, I will be able to accomplish all that He will require of me.  I know that my family will be blessed because of my service and I know that I will become the woman I was born to be as I walk through this refiner's fire.

PTA Hat- I have a degree in Elementary Education.  I love teaching and I love children.  While I don't have any interest right now in being a full-time teacher, I do love helping at the school often.  For the past two year I have been over Reflections and that is  A LOT of work for a couple months, and then we are done for the year.  When I got my calling I was in the thick of the Reflections program and it has definitely worn on me, but it ends next week and then I am done with that.  I haven't decided if I will head it up next year, but we will see.  I won't be such a newbie with my calling and I may be able to pull it off.  I love doing it, so we will see.  Also with PTA I got roped into being a room mom again.  I have done that soo many years at Meadow.  I don't mind it, but it is one more thing.  I am pretty good at delegating things so I really don't end up doing much work at the party, just organizing it ahead of time.  I will probably try again next year to not be a room mom, but we shall see.  Weird that next year I will only have 2 children at Meadow, weird!  Also at the school I am a house parent for Probitas.  The school has adopted a house system, kind of like in Harry Potter. and I help out with that once a week, plus some planning here and there.  I REALLY enjoy it.  For example, this week I am teaching a lesson on gratitude.  It isn't easy teaching to 85, 1st-6th graders, but it is a fun challenge and remember, I love teaching children so for now, I will stay a purple fox. 

Girl Scout Leader Hat- When Annabelle expressed interest in doing Girl Scouts a couple years ago I really didn't know what to expect.  I had enjoyed it as a youth thanks to amazing leaders, but then as I hit 8th grade and above I started to dwindle.  Annabelle is definitely not dwindling yet.  She wants to earn the highest awards, just like me.  I've told her that it is a year to year decision.  I do really enjoy girl scouts and the many opportunities it has given Annabelle and her friends. This year the girls are doing more of the teaching so that has given me a chance to not plan as much and watch them teach and grow.  I also have my little Callie that in two years will probably insist on being a Brownie.  We will see what happens, one year at a time.  But for now, Girl Scouts is an amazing program and I am thankful we have it in our lives.

Girl Scout Leader of Leaders Hat- I actually stepped down from this position this week.  I never wanted this position, it kind of just got handed to me since no one else stepped up.  Basically I ran a leader meeting every month and planned what was going to be taught and by who.  I send out emails and kept Facebook running smoothly.  It wasn't THAT much work, but since I didn't love it, I knew it was something I needed to let go of.  That isn't easy for me.  I don't like to tell people or myself that I can't do something.  But I know that the hours I could be spending on this, will now spill over into most important area, my family.

Emily Hat- What makes me, me?  I love to exercise, read, sew, keep house, chat with family and friends, travel, cook...the list goes one.  These are areas that will probably be affected as time goes on.

Exercise- My goal is still to make it to the gym 3 days a week, that is down from 4-5.  But I am okay with that.  I love the way I feel after I exercise.  I love knowing that I can have treats because I do take the time to work my body.  I always feel better when I wake up early and go.  One of those mornings I hope to make it to the temple every week.  Either by myself or with Nathan to do baptisms.

Reading-I know the amount of books will definitely decrease, for awhile at least.  I have read some fabulous LDS books lately and I look forward to finding a balance in my free time to read sometimes and work others.

Sewing- I do have a project in the works that I wanted to be done by Christmas, plus I have two nieces on the way so I better find the time for those projects.

Keep House- I do like a clean and organized home.  I have become a lot more lenient.  Bedrooms have to be really cleaned on Saturdays and if kids want to play video games.  Dressers can be covered in knickknacks and the playroom only needs to be cleaned once every week or two.  For some reason my kids think it is the end of the world to do chores, hopefully they will thank me someday.  I do get a lot of help from the kids, even if it is grudgingly, but since my standards are a little higher than theirs, I am okay doing a little more.

Family & Friends- There is never enough time for all the people I would love to call or visit or sit down with.  I would love to see and talk to my family more.  I would love to have 30 minutes ti talk to each sister in my ward.  I'd like the time to go on sister trips or college friends trips.  Those are hard to schedule.  Someday.  Time and a season.

Travel- Greg and I have been talking about going to Italy for a year or so now.  When I first told my mom about my calling she asked if we were still going to go.  I really hope so is my response. We are waiting on getting dates for the boys summer camps, but if all works out in 7 or so months Greg and I will have visited both Italy and Greece.  We shall see.  It is still on the drawing board.

Cooking- I am definitely not trying so many new recipes these days, I am happy when we have a nice meal.  I do want to make an extra effort to all eat together, that has been hit and miss lately with my and Greg's busy schedules.  I so enjoy cooking with my kids as well and want to teach them the skills that will help them in the future to survive and also to impress.

Writing this all out is pretty exhausting.  I do a lot. But most everything brings me or someone in my family joy.  I know when I need to say no.  I have done that TONS this past month.  I know that I need to put a lot of focus on my family and my calling right now and everything else is much lower on the list.  I know that as I continue to work on balancing my life, I will find more time for important things and I will be happier and more at peace.  I know that my Savior understands how torn I am when it comes to trying to do so many things.  I knot that HE can help me sort through my life and find a way to accomplish what is truly important.  Two words that will also help me a lot are BALANCE and SIMPLIFY.  Those are my goals every day and I know that it will take some time to master them, but when I do I will be able to breathe a little easier and smile a lot more.

I read this scripture today and it is my new motto:
Wherefore, be of good cheer, and do not fear, for I the Lord am with you, and will stand by you; and ye shall bear record of me, even Jesus Christ, that I am the Son of the living God, that I was, that I am, and that I am to come. Doctrine & Covenants 68:6

Ladies of Camp Floyd

 

 

 Annabelle was heartbroken that she had to miss the Camp Floyd field trip when we were in Colorado, but when I looked on their website I found that they have a camp just for ladies, and it even earns a girl scout patch.  We were there from 10-4 on Saturday!! I didn't think we could possibly do stuff the whole time, but I was wrong, we were very busy.  When we first got there we had to get dressed, complete with a hoop petty-skirt.  We were the first ones there so we got first pick. 

 First they had a man come and teach us about why Camp Floyd was even around.  It was very informative, a little long, but interesting.  The girls all had chalk boards at their desks so most of them were drawing while he spoke.

 Next we rotated between learning to scrub laundry and churning butter.  Once the butter was done we were able to taste it on crackers.  It is always nice to be reminded how easy our lives are now, in some areas at least.

 Next we went on a field trip to see the museums and learn some more about the people many years ago who lived a very different life.  It was a little weird walking around in the dresses, but not too awful.  We even saw a baby deer on our journey.

 The girls loved "recess" time where they got to run around and play some pioneer games.  This one here is called "Graces" and we actually bought it since we had so much fun playing it together.

 

 

 Annabelle made a lace collar and learned how to spin wool into yarn to make a bracelet.  The yarn was a little tricky, but she caught on right away and I was able to help some of the other girls there.

 The girls learned how to do a couple dances and it was fun to watch and then I also got to join in.  Annabelle made a new friend, Ella, and I loved watching her smile and laugh with her.  

 

 The last activity was a tea party.  Complete with fancy cups, saucers and gold spoons.  Annabelle was in heaven!  We had a really wonderful time and I was so impressed with the two women who ran the day.  They knew so much and they were so patient while teaching the girls so many new things.  I am glad I got to spend the day away from the worries of life (I did get a lot of messages on my phone throughout, so not completely away) and with one of my 5 favorite people.