Family First

A couple of weeks ago I got a new calling. The bishop came over to our house and asked me if I'd be the relief society secretary. He seemed very nervous asking me and worried about me taking on too much... I told him, "I'm just happy to do something besides play the piano!" (Not that I don't like playing the piano; I like playing, but a change is good and was something that I needed.)

I went to a meeting last night and the RS president said, "Thank you for your sacrifice being here." I told her, "Hey, this is a break for me, Tavish is making the sacrifice!" I know that the toughest job (and most important) is taking care of the kids. I'm so glad that I have a husband that is capable and willing to help with the kids. What would I do if I lived in the day when men worked and expected the wife to do all of the parenting? Ughh. Tavish takes care of the kids when I go to meetings, visit people, play the organ, go to guitar lessons... what a great guy.

So, I'm grateful for a husband who recognizes the importance of magnifying our callings, sharing the gospel, furthering education... all of that, but knows that family is first. Thanks for your sacrifice Tavish!

"No success can compensate for failure in the home." - President David O. McKay

Family...

As I've pondered my blessings this week, most have them are from family. We went to St. George this past weekend to be with my family. Not only was it super nice weather down there, but it was nice to be with my whole family. My parents, brothers and sisters are always so helpful with the kids. That's our advantage of having the only grandkids in the family (for now). We have a lot of fun together down there.

We also had my mother-in-law babysit this week. She even stayed later so I could go to a meeting; it would have been a pain with the kids. She's so good to babysit and seems to always get big messes to clean up while she is here: throw-up on the couches, floor, and little bodies, accidents in the bathroom...etc. Only a grandma would put up with all of that and willingly come back to babysit again. So- I'm grateful for our families; I don't know what I'd do without them!

We all love going to Snow Canyon. The kids love the sand. Mac loves feeding Mary Cheetos.

My Night Out

Since I am putting off cleaning the house... I figured I'd write something- then clean for sure, no more lazy mom.

Today I'm grateful for my very good husband. For Christmas he gave me 3 months worth of guitar lessons. That means 3 months of taking the kids every Tuesday night. It's like my night to just do what I want. (Don't ask me to play for you... I'm pretty bad at it- it's a lot harder than it looks)

I'll admit that it felt a little strange at first going off and doing something for me. I felt a little guilty, but I'm getting used to it now. Before being married I did that all the time and didn't think anything of it. It's funny how having a family changes things- my life is them. But that once a week alone is so nice. I go to lessons, then go shopping or something all by myself. It kind of recharges my batteries.

So- I'm grateful for a sweet husband who kind of forced me to do this and is so good to take the kids, even though he's busy. I love you Tavvy- this is just for you!
This is me- except I'm always looking at my fingers. How do people play without looking down at their hands?

Overcoming Weakness

"I give unto men weakness that they my be humble... for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them" - Ether 12:27

About a week ago someone told me that I was a social pessimist... meaning that I think the worst in social situations and assume people are thinking the worst of me. Ouch! I have to admit that it hurt my feelings. Why? Not only am I a sensitive person, but the "guilty taketh the truth to be hard"- it's the truth. I've been thinking about it all week.

Just to illustrate, here are some examples of my pessimism: I don't want to speak up in social situations because I think everyone will think I'm stupid or wrong. I don't want to call the people I visit teach because I'm sure they don't want me to visit and I'm a boring person to be around. I think that I always have the calling to play the piano because no one wants me for anything else. I hesitate writing my blog because I'm afraid of what others will think about it. When I see someone I haven't seen for years I'm sure they are thinking how much fatter I am. I even contemplate dying my hair just because I know people will think I'm nutso letting my gray hairs show through- even though for now it really doesn't bother me.... so and and so on... You get the point.
(A little disclaimer though: I don't always think like this.) Luckily my logical brain tells me two things when I am feeling like this: 1- Most people probably aren't always thinking negativly about me... and 2- Who cares if they do?! I wish I could let my logical brain overcome my feelings.

Anyway, I'm convinced that I can overcome this weakness... eventually. Here's my plan (I'm trying not to care if you think this is stupid) :

1- Pray for help
2- Focus outward rather than inward- (I think this is a big reason I didn't have this weakness as much in the mission- that and God's help.)
3- Focus on the task at hand (My dad says I should focus on what I'm doing and the importance of it instead of what others are thinking about me)
4- Just do it! (even if I don't feel like it)
5- Remember that I'm a child of God and have great potential- as does everyone else.

So how have I seen the hand of God in my life? I think God inspired this person to sting me with some constructive critisism. If He didn't, then I'm sure He's happy about it anyway because of my resolve to do better.

More Terrible Twos...

Just had to post a few more pictures of our active little toddler...

I love my little messy Mac.

Here is Mac with my recipes that were alphabetically organized...

I heard splashing in the kitchen (never a good sound)... This is what I found. We left the orange juice on the table after breakfast.

Look at that mischievious little face

Mac would much rather play in juice than drink it.