Open Again

I made the blog private for a few weeks because I was trying to figure out how and where to write other stuff that mattered to me that I didn't want so public. I've got it all worked out... My own private journal on my computer and my blog here to share pictures and stories and whatever else I feel like for the few friends who are interested in looking. Sometimes I get a little distracted knowing that other people read this, but know that in the end it is for me and my family.

Here's to keeping record in 2012!

Cabin Fever

We've been inside for the past few weeks. A few reasons, really. Mostly I'm working on dejunking the house. This takes lots of time, especially when I have cute little helpers. The kitchen alone has taken two weeks. Also, I find that I spend less money when I'm at home and not out on the town.

I was laughing so hard tonight we couldn't even finish prayers. Gavin said, "Thank you that men will be punished for their own sins." Followed by "Help that we will have transgression." Oh my. Articles of Faith gone bad.

Scriptures

Church today was awesome. I'm getting a new plan for scripture reading, which is one of my major renovations of myself for 2012. I really want it to be a habit. I learned more about the first five chapters of 1 Nephi in 40 minutes than I have in my life. That's what I need - people to talk about it with me and show me different perspectives and connect it to my life. I'm going to start a scripture journal and spend time doing that every day. Studying the scriptures is not a new concept, but I think I have found a way that speaks to me. Check out the scripture study tips on www.redheadedhostess.com for some awesome ideas.

Another new plan is telling Gavin scripture stories at night instead of made up ones. I heard that last week in Sunday School and it stood out to me. "The world can teach him the fairytales. I will teach him the scriptures." He fell asleep on our bed because he was so tired from a long church day with no nap. He jumped up and wanted to grab "his book" (the picture Book of Mormon) so I could tell him a story. I love that he is interested and already invested. Reading it to him in his language is helping me out too. Why didn't I buy the three-year-old version years ago? :) I feel embarrassed to admit how not smart I am at the scriptures...but it's time to stop hiding. I want to know the stories. I want to know the people. I want to find connections with my life. This year, I will find something from the scriptures to add to my life. I will find something in the scriptures that I learn I need to subtract from my life. I will find something that I can multiply and learn more about as well as divide and share with others.

Jump on it

Our final hurrah before Brian had to go back to work. The boys loved it. They got bounced. They were sweaty. I wet my pants a little - but that's nothing new.

It did not take long to realize that Brian and I are much too old for this kind of thing. Trying to relive my back-flipping glory days were hard on the back. But so worth it. Totally going back!

Landmarks

Look who can write his name!
And build tracks (with Dad's help)
And take pictures
That's one big boy.

Thoughts on a New Year

I love fresh starts. Sundays are good that way. So are Mondays. The beginning of a new school year. New Year's is no different. I crave new beginnings. That's probably because I screw up so much and need to start over again and again. A new plan. A new list. It's how I operate, really.

This year I look forward to developing myself in new ways. I'm not sure I totally found the balance I was looking for in 2011, but I was certainly more aware. I have a feeling I'll be trying to figure out that balance my entire life, since I feel like so many things are pulling at me in so many directions. And since I'm a slow learner. Does anyone ever get it all right?

As far as goals or resolutions, my main one is to make time for myself spiritually. Am I the only one that has a hard time with that? Sometimes I feel like it. It really bothers me that I find 800 other things to take up my time that don't really matter. I know that it will help me find more of the balance, calmness, and happiness that I am always looking for.

January cleaning is in full force and the kids and I haven't left the house for days. Brian comes home from work and we are all still in pajamas with teeth unbrushed. Yikes. It is, however, better on the budget (to not be out spending money we don't have) and I love getting things in order once again.

Bring on 2012.