Chores

I have a couple of very busy little toddlers. And I can distract them with lots of things- TV, books, etc. But if I really want to make them happy, I have learned I just need to give them a job. Weird, right? Emma takes pride in making her bed, sweeping, wiping down cupboards, doing the dishes, and cleaning off the kitchen table. On days when she is being whiney or especially needy, if I give her something productive to do she is HAPPY! And I'm grateful that it is something she enjoys. I'll be sure and remind her when she is a teenager how much she loves chores!

What? It makes it soft and shiny!

I found Emma in the bath tub with a container of yogurt in her hair. Apparently she thinks it is shampoo. I googled it and yogurt is actually supposed to help your hair be softer and replenish shine and moisture. Who knew?!

Fitness: It's kind of personal

I have been a little out of the blogging world lately. I think that is in large part because (other than kids, husband, house, etc.) my life has been pretty consumed with a personal health reform. And, although most people struggle with weight, eating healthy, exercising enough, etc., it sometimes seems like a taboo subject to talk about. And I wasn't feeling like putting myself out there and sharing how it was going for me.

Maybe because I've tried and failed before.

Maybe because I didn't want to be held accountable.

Maybe I wanted to pretend like it was easy.

Maybe I felt like the only person struggling with it.

But I have decided I'm NOT failing this time, and I want to be held accountable to my goals. More than anything, I want to make it clear that it is not EASY, it is a process, but it is POSSIBLE. Maybe I can help someone by writing about my fitness journey. Even if it helps one person, it will be worth it. If nothing else, I'm going to be glad I wrote it down for ME.

I didn't take care very good care of my body during my pregnancy with Briggs. I did at first, but then I had a million excuses why it didn't really matter what I ate or how active I was. With both girls I was running and doing yoga most of the pregnancy. But right before I had Briggs, my wake-up call was coming within a couple of pounds of Jared's weight. That might sound silly, but Jared is 5 inches taller than me! With a much larger frame!

So I made a plan that was to start when Briggs was 2 weeks old... (to be continued...)

Encouragement for the Week

"The tragedy of life doesn't lie in not reaching your goal. The tragedy lies in having no goal to reach." -Benjamin E. Mays

4 Months

Love this little man! He is so sweet and happy all of the time. And he is strong! I buckled him in the bouncer and turned around to see him sitting up!

2012

I am WAY behind blogging for 2011, but I wanted to get my resolutions recorded... you know, to help me be accountable. Each picture represents one of my resolutions, and I printed them so I can have daily reminders of my goals.





1. Daily personal scripture study. I plan on finishing the Bible on my own, the Book of Mormom with Jared, and as a family we will finish the Book of Mormon.
2. Practice patience. Take a deep breath and think before reacting, especially when it comes to parenting.
3. Make physical fitness a habit. I have weight loss goals and specific fitness goals, but I just consistently want to be exercising and staying fit. It gives me more energy and makes me happier.
4. Be a strong mother. Protect them and teach them what Jared and I feel they need, not what society or the neighbors think is appropriate.
5. This is the year for financial peace. We have been working SO hard, and it will finally pay off by the end of this year as we make ourselves DEBT FREE!
6. Push to eat more cleanly. The more natural and whole, the better. Usually. Of course, we still get to indulge sometimes, don't worry!
7. Find joy in simple moments.

I was sad, too

The girls were devastated when we took the tree down. They went outside and tried to bring it back in. I always feel a sense of loss when the tree is taken down, too.