Tiff's Progress (or lack thereof)

Hey fam,

First off, let's all give a "hip hip hooray" (as mom would say) to Heidi for all her progress. You ROCK!

Let's just say, for me the only way to go is up. I think there was one day I only ate one bowl of cereal. I did pray a few times more than I normally do. There's the positive. I won't list the negative because I'm not sure the blog even has capacity for it... he, he, he. I guess that's not really funny but what can I say...?

Anyways, I sure love you all and this blog. It's challenging being away from all of you and I miss you TONZ!!! But I think as long as we keep up this blog, I can survive another year without you :-( So PLEASE keep doing what you're doing and posting.

Love you gals!

Tiff

P.S. here are some pics of my more recent tattoo escapade. Let's just say "OUCH!" I should have taken anti-swelling meds before the procedure but whoops.... I forgot.

Trisha's Resolution's

"Let me tell you something about goal setting. I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the technique of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principle of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life. " -Elder Russell Ballard

“For my part, I have concluded that the quality which sets one man apart from another—the factor which lifts one man to every achievement to which he reasonably aspires while the other is caught in the slough of mediocrity for all the years of his life—is not talent, nor formal education, nor luck, nor intellectual brilliance, but is rather the successful man’s greater capacity for self-discipline.” -Mr. Woodson

I am an emotional wreck. Seriously, I can't explain how many times I've found myself crying the past few months. Sometimes I don't even know what I'm crying for-like I'm PMSing all the time. I'm not pregnant-promise. I feel bad for Darrin because sometimes I blow up at him for no good reason and then I realize that later and feel so dumb.
I found myself praying the other day, "Dear God please make me less of a drama queen! I don't want to be one and I know I am!" (all of my family and friends are nodding their heads.) Why am I a drama queen? Well, probably because I am the baby of my family, I am very co-dependant, and I want things my way...and most of the time they don't go my way. That's when the tears start flowing.
I have been falling out of routines lately. It's hard with my job. Sometimes I have appointments at 7am and sometimes they go until midnight depending. My days are all jumbled so I find it hard to keep routines. (i.e. Scripture reading, cleaning, exercising, eating healthy, going to bed at a certain time and waking up at a certain time, reading a book for fun, checking my email, date nights, etc.) So, I've been beating myself up about it. Every day is different for me so how can I set scripture study's time for 9am when I have appointments? How can I eat healthy when I only have 5 minutes in between appointments to just hurry and grab a snack? How can I exercise regularly?
I know the answer. I can book my appointments around my set routines. But I try and work with other people's schedules and usually not my own.
Why am I writing all of this? Well, these have been some of my dilemmas. When the new year began to creep up, I started pondering (something I haven't done in a while) some solutions to my problems. What goals could I set to make my life more organized, to make me a happier person, and to better enjoy life, my husband and my relationship with my Heavenly Father?
Well, I've come up with some goals for 2009 and I'm not quite sure HOW I'm going to accomplish them all yet, but I'm determined to figure it out. If anyone has ideas of how I could accomplish these goals, let me know :).
Set aside part of one day of the week (Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday) to get cleaning done (Laundry, Dusting, Vacuuming, Straightening, Bathroom, Mop etc) I would rather get it all done in one day than to do one thing each day. I am a get it all done while I'm thinking about it kinda girl.
Put dishes in the dishwasher right after I use them (I've been pretty good about this-but I want to keep it up. It makes it so much easier!)
Fold laundry as I get it out of the drier
Read the book "And they were not Ashamed"
Personal Study when I wake up (whenever that may be)
Couple Study before we go to bed (Whatever time that may be)
Be IN BED (teeth brushed) by 11:45 (that's early for us)
Exercise 3 times a week (Mon, Wed, Fri) for at least 20 minutes (I'm going to try Pilate's)
Wash my Face before bed (I'm really bad at this)
Do a home project once a week
Show/Develop Charity, "Pure Love of Christ"
Perfect Yeast Dough (I am not so great at making breads...I want to change this!) Make a bread at least once a month.
Put together all of my outfit scenarios and take pictures to put up around my closet (This way I wont spend so much time trying to decide what to wear and thinking that I have NOTHING to wear when there's a whole closet full in front of me!)
Learn how to make at least two Brazillian dishes (where Darrin served his mission)
Learn how to make at least two German Dishes (Where my Pops served)
100% Visiting Teaching
So, there you have it. Above are some of my goals. I appreciate the thought "Do not run faster than I have strength". I hope I can apply that to my life and I hope that I will become a happier, more organized person throughout 2009 and beyond. And I KNOW that with the help of my Heavenly Father and my Savior I CAN accomplish these things. God wants me to be more organized and happier and he will help me :)

2009 Hopeful Possibilities

I sat pondering from a wooden chair as I looked out the window of our friends home in St. George, Utah. Their red brick, 3 story home sits at the top of a steep hill at the end of a cultisack. I thought of my morning walk and of the last 100 steps that tested my endurance and lungs before I made it to their door. “Hmmm,” I thought, as I contemplated my goals for another year. Most of my peaceful, “top of the hill” experiences were not planned this year. They were difficult and steep experiences (like my recent herniated neck discs) yet, when the pain finally subsides and answers seem close I find that somehow I have grown.

Still, although these experiences were not on my list of goals (wherever they are), often my planning has prepared me for the unpreparable, and so I will once again plan, pray and prepare. This year I look forward to joining hands with other 2009 hopefuls. I am entitling my piece “Hopeful Possibilities” because after 53 years of “New Year Resolutions” I thought a change was in order. J

As I write this, I feel like a kid in a candy store. I want so many improvements, so many good memories.

So here goes. I will label them as A,B or C priorities (Kind of like my GREAT EIGHT.) In this case not because B priorities aren’t important but because I had to somehow par the list:

Physical:
A. Drinking a half cup water before eating sweets or seconds
A. Doing what I need to in order to get my neck working better

Spiritually:
B. I often talk to my Father in prayer but I rarely kneel to do it. I want to kneel at least once daily. In fact, I think I’ll try to kneel when I go to visit the bathroom throne several times a day.
A. Set a timer when I do computer things so I can generally keep it to 20 minutes per session.
B. Continue journaling many of my prayers
B+. Read the D&C
B. Enjoy the temple with Dan and the girls as well as by myself. Try to attend twice a month.

Mentally:
B. Learn how to use my mp3 player and start using it

Family:
B. Be more consistant with dates. Dan dates, kids and grandkids dates. Even if we just have a nice meal at home.
A. When importing pictures, label the good ones so I can find them
A. Make one extra payment per month on the principle owed on our house. Even a small check can be helpful.
A. Enjoy a wonderful, memorable retreat with our family and Lotta’s family in August!!!



Home:
B. Organizing ½ of our home (that means dejunking and organizing drawers, cupboards etc. in at least 5 rooms
B. Redoing our bedroom (sell current oak furniture, get new flooring and redecorate with simple, streamlined furniture.) I want it to have a “retreat” or “bed and breakfast” look (THANKS FOR YOUR HELP TIFF, YOU HELPED US COME UP WITH A PLAN.)
A. I want to be more accountable for our budget.

Marketing, Writing, Speaking, Singing:
A. I’m going to stick out my neck on this one: Keep my thoughts more positive through memorizing positive songs then sharing them through MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKING and INSPIRATIONAL MUSICAL PRESENTATIONS four times per year. The titles I’m thinking of are: “Spring Forward”, “A Summer’s Day”, “Fall Fun” and “Holiday Happenings”. I would like any feedback you may have.
A. Share/sell 300 My Journey from Darkness to Light by April. At that point I want to determine a new goal by the end of 2009
B. Continue spending 8-10 hours per week learning to market my books through the web. Continue my newsletter and continue learning from my partner and webmaster, Heidi.
B. Attending 3-4 writer’s retreats

Heidi's weekly update

Hello everyone!
Overall, I'm feeling pretty good about my goals. I have to keep telling myself, though - progress, not perfection. Since next week is the first full week of 2009, I think it will get better as we all get back into our routines and put Christmas away until next year.
Here are my updates:

TOP 5 GOALS FOR 2009:
1. To be able to see myself and others as Jesus sees us.
I'm feeling progress on this. Obviously I have a long way to go, but I really felt the spirit today and it helped in this goal.
2. To serve others more often and more cheerfully.
I did watch my neighbor's little girl this week while she went to a lunch, so that felt good to serve, but I need to definitely do better.
3. STOP attacking my face, arms, and legs by popping zits.
Hooray! I'm on my 4th day of no popping. I know that sounds silly, but it is progress and I think this is helping. I think it's good to step back from the mirror and see myself in the big picture instead of getting nitty gritty and focusing on all my imperfections. My face feels smoother, clearer and healthier right now.
4. Media: Avoid media with swearing, sex, or voilence. Use my precious time to SEEK OUT wholesome music, inspirational books, TV, and movies.
I feel OK about this. I was thankful that we made the choice to watch Prince Caspian on Friday night instead of another movie that might have offended the spirit. Prince Caspian brought the spirit and was inspirational.
5. To pray and read my scriptures every day.
Horray! Another 4 for 4! Althought, I wasn't sure it was going to happen a few nights. I was thankful I did do it.

"B" GOALS (important, but not top 5):
1. Prayerfully attend the temple no less than 10 times.
I hope to sit down w/ Jason and schedule a temple time for this month today.
2. Stay out of debt and Pay tithing and generous fast offering every month.
We paid a good fast offering today.
3. Write in my journal once a week (doesn't include blogging)
Hope to do this next week.
4. 1 anniversary vacation, 3 family vacations (includes camping), 1 "lovers get-away"
Hope to schedule these w/ Jason today.
5.When fasting, start the night before (5pm Sat-5pm Sun)
I was a bit off, I have to admit. I meant to start at 5, but I totally forgot & stopped eating at like 7:30 instead. Hope to do better next month.
6.Write at least one "love note" from God every night.
4 for 4! Although, I have to admit I cheated a bit and wrote the next morning instead of that night. I truly am blessed and it's neat to see it on paper.
7. Get our food storage and 72 hour kids up to par.
Hope to schedule a time today to go to the new Emergency Essentials store this week.
8. Appreciate my loved ones more.
Sigh... I still have a ways to go on this one. I need to be kinder, gentler, more loving and serving.
9. On the computer no more than 1 hr a day (except newsletter/slideshow days)
I wasn't so good with this one primarily in writing down my goals, but next week I should be on top of it.
10. Keep Word of Wisdom: Bed by 10pm, eat fruits and veggies and each meal and for snacks, exercise 4x a week.
Clarification on bed by 10: Not on weekends. I hope to be in bed by midnight on weekends. But I was good on the weekdays. I need to work on eating more fruits & veggies. I only exercised twice last week. and not for as long as I wanted to, so I need to work on that.

"C" GOALS (work on these, but not at the expense of A or B)
1. Stop being so sarcastic.
Again, progress but not perfection. I need to especially do better w/ Jason.
2. Meal plan for each week.
Blah. Bad. Next week will be better.
3. Look for opportunities to share the gospel.
Our Relief Society lesson was on this today. I hope to find someone to share the gospel with and be a good example!
4. Bear my testimony 6 times.
I was thankful to bear my testimony today in church.
5. Plant a garden.
spring...
6. Put up a picture of the temple, the prophet and Jesus in our rooms.
In the next couple weeks...
7. Keep up with the FLY lady - keep our home ready for visitors and keep the routine
BAD. So bad. We have boxes from Christmas and all kinds of things all over the house. I would be horrified if someone came over right now. I'm planning a huge clean-up tomorrow and hope to keep it clean.
8. Make Birthday Books for the girls
Do some scrapbooking next week
9. Transfer all camcorder tapes to DVD
next week...
10. Date night w/ sweetie 3x a month
Mom or Cindy - will be calling for this weekend :)

FAMILY GOALS:
1. FHE once a week
We did have a FHE on honesty this week since McKinley has had some problems lately. It was short, but good.
2. Scriptures/conference/inspirational songs during breakfast
Our mornings have been pretty unstructured since New Years, but again, I'm hoping for the best next week.
3. Stay out of debt
As of now, good. We've been talking about our plans for moving, though - we may have to take out a loan, but we'll stay close to the spirit and make sure it's the right thing to do.
4. Move to a small town
We actually did a lot of homework last week. Started our statistics spreadsheet for the small tows we're looking at and drove to Cache valley and Midway, Heber, Oakley, Morgan, etc.
5. Be on time to church every week
Horray! 10 minutes early today!

Whys and Hows

I am SO excited that everyone is posting. I love you all so much! Thank you for the quote Cindy, because the other aspect of this journey that is so important (at least I feel like it is for me), is to strive for PROGRESS not PERFECTION. If I slip up, I need to feel like I can just pick right back up and not beat myself up about it and get bogged down.
I felt like I needed some extra motivation, so I'm now doing my why/hows for my resolutions. Then I'm going to put my top 5 in really bold print in my bedroom so I can see them every day.
Precursor- sorry this is so long. You do NOT have to read through it all. mostly just for my benefit. Anyway, here are my why/hows:

TOP 5 GOALS FOR 2009:
1. To be able to see myself and others as Jesus sees us.
WHY? Because I tend to unfairly judge myself and others. I remember sitting in the mothers room during sacrament meeting and listening to a song. I could hear some people off-pitch and one person too loud and all the sudden it hit me - HEIDI -stop focusing on the imperfections and listen to the MESSAGE. So - I need to see (and hear) people as Jesus would to fully appreciate and understand. I want to be able to look in the mirror and see what Jesus sees. Additionally, I want to be able to look at others and see (and hear) what's in people's hearts.
HOW? This is a hard one. It's not easily "trackable," but I feel it's SO important. So, here's my ideas for feeling like I've moved closer to what my Savior sees:
-Pray every day (multiple times a day) to see myself and others and Jesus sees us
-When I look in the mirror or am talking to someone, try to focus on the eyes, not the other imperfections. Try to listen to the spirit and look to their heart and what they are saying.
-Serving myself and others helps me to love them more and see them more as Jesus does.
-Post this goal where I can see it everyday.

2. To serve others more often and more cheerfully.
WHY? Because the scriptures say that if we serve grudgingly we might as well not serve at all. I want to wake up each day with a cheerful attitude and a strong desire to be as my Savior and serve lovingly, willingly and cheerfully. Jesus was barraged on all sides constantly by sometimes thousands of people wanting to be healed and helped. He always was patient, kind, and loving. He did not turn them away. I often feel barraged by the needs of my home, children, and husband, but I need to take Christ's example and NEVER weary in well-doing.
HOW?
-Pray each day for a happy, cheerful, willing servant's heart. Pray for me to be able to SEE people's needs and be able to fill them lovingly.
-When I start getting overwhelmed by daily demands, say a prayer, remember Jesus' example, take deep breath, and cheerfully do my best.
-Try to see things from their perspective! Think what I would need or want if I were in their shoes and then DO.
-Random Acts of Kindness - try for at least one a week!

3. STOP attacking my face, arms, and legs by popping zits.
WHY? Sigh... this one has been on my list for at least 5 years. I started popping zits in HS, worsened in college, and now days I can sit and mutilate my face for close to an hour. I HATE this habit. This is the one I'm going to need the most support with people! I hate hurting myself. I hate hurting others. God gave me this wonderful body and my skin is the largest organ I have. I need to take care of it - not destroy it. When I look in the mirror, I want to see clear, smooth, radiant skin, not red, aggrivated, swollen skin. As if I need another reason, it's a time-waster! My time is precious - I shouldn't waste it by hurting myself. Also, I shouldn't hurt those I love. Period.
HOW? I have tried so many different tactics, but I hope these will work, with your support and accountability:
-I am as of this moment BARRED from leaning over ANY bathroom countertops, unless it is washing my face. I can put on make-up in the full-length mirror.
-Wash and moisturize my face EVERY night and EVERY morning. Habit!
-Exfoiliate once a week.
-Put a picture of my face on the mirrors and my wall.

4. Media: Avoid media with swearing, sex, or voilence. Use my precious time to SEEK OUT wholesome music, inspirational books, TV, and movies.
WHY? Because I truly believe that when I allow negative influences in my mind and in my home, I allow Satan in as well. I have come to belive that in today's world, I can no longer afford to spend my time reading, listening to, or watching media that is harmless, let alone bad. In this world, I need INSPIRATIONAL things to help me keep the spirit, make righteous choices, and keep my goals. Also, I am warned of this in my patriarchal blessing and am promised great blessings if I am diligent in staying away from negative media. That is the main reason that this is a top 5 goal.
HOW?
-Buy 3 more inspirational CD albums
-Read 3 LDS books, 4 inspirational novels, and 3 self-help books
-When we decide on a movie to watch, make it inspirational! Don't allow swearing, sex, or violence to come into my mind or my home.
-When driving in the car, turn on inspirational or classic music.

5. To pray and study my scriptures every day.
WHY? Because when I am consistent with this, I feel the spirit more every day, I am tempted less, and it's like have really great shocks - the everyday "jolts" of life seem to not affect me as much. I am generally happier and am able to keep more of an eternal vision.
HOW?
-Post a BIG reminder that I can't miss every day.
-Make it a routine. I should not feel comfortable going to sleep at night unless I have prayed and read scriptures.
-Putting the kingdom of God FIRST in my life - wake up, drop to my knees and pray, study the New Testament before the day starts each day.

"B" GOALS (important, but not top 5):
1. Prayerfully attend the temple no less than 10 times.
WHY? Most of the same reasons as A5, but in addition, I feel closer to Jason, humble, and feel privelidged to be able to serve the dead.
HOW?
-The first Sunday of each month in our planning session, plan a day to go. Call the Warrens & see if that switch will work for them. Follow through!
-Say a sincere prayer of faith before we go.
2. Stay out of debt and Pay tithing and generous fast offering every month.
WHY? I have a testimony of tithing. We have NEVER been forsaken financially and I know it's mostly because we have been faithful in our tithing. The prophets have been telling us to get out of debt forever. They forsaw this financial crisis. We are SO blessed to be out of debt. We need to stay that way.
HOW?
-Every time we get paid, pay tithing and a generous fast offering each month.
-Do not make choices that will lead to debt.
3. Write in my journal once a week (doesn't include blogging)
WHY? Ever since I started blogging back in May I have been a MAJOR journal slacker. I think blogging is fun, but it isn't nearly as therapeautic as my journal where I can write ventings, learned lessons, intrspective musings, and spiritual insights.
HOW?
-Make TUESDAYS my JOURNAL DAY. Write in my journal in the morning, naptime or evening. Make MONDAYS my BLOG DAY so I can have a day set aside for that & it doesn't take away from my journal-writing.
4. 1 anniversary vacation, 3 family vacations (includes camping), 1 "lovers get-away", & 1 girls get-away.
WHY? This is kind of another sanity thing, but it really does help me emotionally, physically, everything to get away. It also is truly beneficial to our marriage.
HOW?
-In our yearly planning, tenatively plan these trips ahead of time & make them happen.
5.When fasting, start the night before (5pm Sat-5pm Sun)
WHY? The humility and strength of the spirit is most strong when I fast for longer periods of time. I truly feel my Savior's help more in my trials and temptations as well when I truly make it a sincere matter of fasting and prayer. There is SO MUCH power there.
HOW? Reminder on my calendar to start fasting the night before. And be thinking about the purpose of my fast and prayer beforehand. Be dedicated and steadfast.
6.Write at least one "love note" from God every night.
WHY? This came from Pres. Erying's talk. If he can do it, so can I. It helps me realize HOW MUCH God has contributed to my day - EVERY day. His miracles are EVERYwhere if I just open my eyes to see.
HOW?
-Reminders. Again, I should not feel comfortable letting my head hit the pillow until at least one thing is written down. Every Day. Including weekends.
7. Get our food storage and 72 hour kids up to par.
WHY? We have felt strongly about this. Hard times are here & they will keep coming. We don't know what will happen with Jason's job. We need to be prepared - especially for our kids.
HOW? Use Jason's bonus and get to the emergency supply place. Take the truck and buy what we need.
8. Appreciate my loved ones more.
WHY? What if someone I loved dearly died tomorrow? Would I be sad because I did appreciate them enough. Did not love them enough? I want them to KNOW that I love them. No doubt in their minds.
HOW?
-e-mail dad 3x/week
-e-mail Joseph
-Have at least 30 minutes of mommy & McKinley/Ireland time each day.
-Serve my loved ones cheerfully.
9.On the computer no more than 1 hr a day (except newsletter/slideshow days)
WHY? Because I spend WAYYY too much time on the computer instead of doing important things, like being with my kids, serving others, and cleaning my home. It's a horrible thing to waste the time my God has given me with meaningless things.
HOW?
-Chart to track
-MONDAYS-blog. WEDNESDAYS-journal. Every day- 15 minutes of finances.
-ONLY work on the computer before the kids wake up, during naptime, or after they go to bed. They should not feel like the computer is more important than them.
10. Keep Word of Wisdom: Bed by 10pm, eat fruits and veggies and each meal and for snacks, exercise 4x a week.
WHY? Because I am happier when I am healthier and I am keeping a commandment.
HOW?
-Reminders
-Fruits and Veggies at each meal. (see meal planning)
-Exercise (Plan A - in morning, Plan B - in evening)
-Start getting ready for bed at 9PM! YES 9PM! Do my night-time routine and prepare for the next day.

"C" GOALS (work on these, but not at the expense of A or B)
1. Stop being so sarcastic.
WHY? Because that's not the way the Savior would talk. I'm sure I unintentionally hurt people's feelings and am insensitive. Sarcasm is the opposite of humility
HOW? Pray for help with this. Someone catch me if I'm being sarcastic.
2. Meal plan for each week.
WHY? I have the important, sacred role of homemaker. It is MY duty to make sure that my family is fed properly and heathfully. I should joy in this role and take it more responsibly. We shouldn't have to search through cupboards to find something to eat.
HOW?
-WEDNESDAYS (or Thurs mornings) - sit down, look at budget, plan meals & snacks, make shopping list.
-After shopping, immediately cut up fruits & veggies & keep them at an eye-level fridge shelf.
3. Look for opportunities to share the gospel.
WHY? Because that's what I've covenented to do. The gospel makes me happy and fulfilled. Don't I want that for everyone?
HOW? Treat everyone with love, be an example, and share my testimony in every way possible.
4. Bear my testimony 6 times.
WHY? It's an important part of my earthly mission (per my P.B.). It strenthens my testimony and those of others when I share it.
HOW? LISTEN to the promptings of the Holy Ghost and then humbly OBEY without worrying about what anyone else will think.
5. Plant a garden.
WHY? The prophets have told us to. Another factor of emergency preparedness. Also, I think it will be good for me to learn something new. And it will be fun for the girls to see things grow.
HOW?
-When it gets closer to springtime, make a list of things for the garden. Go buy them and then go to work.
6. Put up a picture of the temple, the prophet and Jesus in our rooms.
WHY? Again, it's what the prophets have told us to do. If the girls see the pictures in their rooms, I belive they will feel closer to them and hopefully it will help us all to keep a more eternal vision.
HOW?
-Plan a FHE this month to go get the pictures and then pick a good place to put them up and talk to the girls about each of the pictures.
7. Keep up with the FLY lady - keep our home ready for visitors and keep the routine
WHY? When I was REALLY good about keeping up with FlyLady, I felt more at peace and I know my girls did, too. Not perfection, but progress and keeping to a routine that will help everything go smoothly.
HOW?
-Reminders. Keep an eye on my routines and try to keep them. Make sure to have my "Home blessing hour" each week and encourage the kids to pick up their own messes.
8. Make Birthday Books for the girls
WHY? Hopefully, they will love to look at them and remember the fun times and it's a great way to organize everything. I hope they will always love their books.
HOW?
-FRIDAYS - spend 1 hour digitally scrapbooking pictures from the previous week. Keep a folder of favorite pics from each child.
-A month before each birthday, start putting the book together so it's ready for their birthdays.
9. Transfer all camcorder tapes to DVD
WHY? I've gotten behind and I need to get them all onto gold archival discs.
HOW?
-FRIDAYS & SUNDAYS - spend an hour working on transferring.
10. Date night w/ sweetie 3x a month
WHY? Because we need that time to re-connect, re-ignite our passion, and just enjoy each other.
HOW?
-In monthly planning, plan 3x that month.
11. Take more videos!
WHY? I'm really good at taking pictures, but I'm not good at videos and that's really the only way to really hear their little voices and see what they were like.
HOW? Have the camcorder ready, and take videos!

DAILY:
*Pray (especially to see myself and others as Jesus sees, to see chances to serve and to do so cheerfully and willingly, to stop being sarcastic and to have help with goals)
*Read Scriptures
*Exercise
*Wash my face every morning
*Keep my home clean - FLYLADY reminders
*Serve healthful meals and snacks
*Only 1 hour of computer time!
*show others that I love them & serve them
*Make WISE Media choices
*Wash my face every night
*Write down at least one Love Note from God
*Bed by 10pm

WEEKLY:
*SUNDAYS: Planning, church on time!, Post update on this blog!
*MONDAYS: blog day, Home Blessing Hour, Family Home Evening
*TUESDAYS: journal day
*WEDNESDAYS: help Cindy, plan meals & snacks & grocery list
*THURSDAYS: Errands - grocery shopping, library, etc
*FRIDAYS: videos, scrapbooking, DVD transferring
*SATURDAYS: Date night!

MONHTLY:
*Fast & Pray for 24 hours
*Pay tithing & generous fast offering
*Bear my testimony if moved by the spirit
*Go to the temple
*Monthly Newsletter and slideshow
*Fulfill VT calling (make calls & go)

ONE-TIME YEARLY:
*Food storage up to par
*Plant a garden
*Put up picture of temple, prophet and Jesus in each room
*Birthday Books for girls
*Vacations: 3 family, 1 anniversary, 1 lovers, 1 girls-only!

President Hinkley's advice for us (I read this last night and thought it was extremely appropriate)...
"I feel to invite every woman everywhere to rise to the great potential within you. I do not ask that you reach far beyond your capacity. I hope you will not nag yourselves with thoughts of failure. I hope you will not try to set goals far beyond your capacity to achieve. I hope you will simply do what you can do in the best way you know. If you do so, you will witness miracles come to pass."

Another thing, what do you think of this poem I have to analyze for my new english class?

New Year's

Let other mornings honor the miraculous.
Eternity has festivals enough.
This is the feast of our mortality,
The most mundane and human holiday.

On other days we misinterpret time,
Pretending that we live in the present moment.
But can this blur, this smudgy in-between,
This tiny fissure where the future drips

Into the past, this fly-speck we call now
Be our true habitat? The present is
The leaky palm of water that we skim
From the swift silent fiver slipping by.

The new year always brings us what we want
Simply by bringing us along-to see
A calendar with every day uncrossed,
A field of snow without a single footprint.

-Dana Gioia

New Years Resolutions...

Spirit...
1. Read and really ponder the scriptures for 15 minutes a day.
2. Pray always.
3. Ponder on a scripture a day.

Body...
1. Exercise for 30 minutes four times a week.
2. Drink 8 glasses of water a day.
3. Loose 18 pounds by Independence Day to end with a weight of 110 pounds (which is a healthy weight for a 4' 11 1/2 " dwarf).
4. Eat six fruit and vegatable servings a day.
5. Eat one salad a day.

Mind...
1. Write in my journal for 15 minutes every other day.
2. Do something silly every day.
3. Live and let live.

My role as a housekeeper...
1.. If I get it out I put it away, no matter what.
2. Remind the kids to put their stuff away, no matter what.
3. Clean for 15 minutes after each meal.
4. Keep the laundry up for 15 minutes a day.

My role as the family accountant...
1. Stick to a budget of $700 to $900 a month (I'm not quite sure what is possible yet, this might change throught the year).
2. Don't eat out more than 3 times a month.
3. Make a buying list and stick to it, only buy two extra things not on the list.

My role as a mommy...
1. Show love to my kids with a ten second hug every day.
2. Look at my kids in the eyes when they talk to me as much as possible.
3. Give consequences, don't yell...let the consequences speak for me.

AND ABOVE ALL...
Remember that changing is only possible with Christ's help and it is a process, a journey with bumps and bruises, ups and downs and that's okay. Never, never, never give up!