21 Days: Day 16

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

If I had to sum this day up in one word I would have to call it bipolar. It was up one minute, stressful the next, happy, tired...just so many things. I mean, generally it was a good day, but I struggled with my mood. Just me though, no one else in my family really. I think I know why and I think it has a lot to do with today's challenge from the 21 Days book. (But now, it's Thursday. I was in a weird mood last night and didn't want to write in a weird mood, so I'm continuing this post as if it was yesterday.) As I go through my checklist, you will see why I call it bipolar...

Scripture Study: I read what went along with the topic of the day in the Closer to Christ book. That was Mark 9:17-27. The story about the man who came to Jesus to heal his son of his "dumb spirit" (verse 17). He said to the Lord, "..if thou canst do any thing, have compassion on us, and help us " (verse 22). The Lord answered, "If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth." (verse 23). The Lord is waiting to help us...it's not an IF he can help us, it's if we believe that He can.

Prayer- I definitely have...I am just looking for more time to devote to being in my "sycamore tree" without distraction. I couldn't find it today, as my children were up by six, so I told Montana I needed to go say a prayer in my closet. She asked me to pray out loud and not in my mind. So I knelt at the end of my bed, with my kids listening and said a prayer as if they weren't there. She was quiet and I'm grateful for moments when she can see that.

21 Days Closer to Christ book- The challenge after reading the above scripture was to identify an area where I feel I am not enough. Then to take it to the Lord and plead my case in prayer. And then ask for greater faith to believe that He could help me in my weakness.

I wasn't planning on divulging what I feel is one of my areas of weakness...where I constantly feel I am not enough, but I feel like it's therapeutic for me to be able to vent those feelings. I honestly feel and worry and wonder everyday if I am a good enough mother. How are the things I'm doing everyday positively or negatively affecting the people they will become? Are my priorities where they should be? Am I putting them before myself enough? I lay in bed awake at night sometimes and panic that I am going to screw this up...the most important work that I will EVER do in this life. However, I KNOW that the Lord knows exactly what I need to be doing. And I prayed for Him to help me be better. To help me to be more patient. To discipline correctly. To be prompted on how to parent. So, He gave me lots of situations yesterday to learn to be patient. He prompted me during a time when I was trying to teach, a way to properly discipline my daughter. And He reprimanded me, and I didn't listen ,when I put mopping my floors and cleaning my house before my children for a moment. I desired to mop that floor more than anything. I JUST wanted a moment to focus on the one task. Start it and then see it to it's completion. Can't I just have that ONE thing, Heavenly Father? Is that such a selfish thing to ask? Yet, Montana continued to need me for this, that and the other thing. And Carson continued to whine in his swing. My answer was, "No, right now, this isn't the important thing. You have plenty of other times that you can choose to put your own desires off to mop this floor. Sacrifice going for a run tonight if you have to, but you've already spent your time today doing other things, you NEED to put down the mop and tend to your children right now." I still didn't listen, even as these words echoed in my mind like a song you can't get out of your head. Finally, when the chaos was too much to bear, when the mop literally was slipping out of my hands, when Montana spilt juice in a spot I had just mopped, when Carson's whines turned into a cry and I felt as if a force was keeping me from accomplishing the task to my physical capability that I KNEW I had, I finally heeded the promptings. I sat on the couch. I comforted my fussy baby. I gave attention to my little girl who just wanted me to watch her sing a song. Was that all she had been asking me that whole time? Did I even hear WHAT she was asking? I seriously tuned her out, didn't I? At those moments, I hit the low side of my bipolar day. I felt like, not only is my floor still dirty, but I'm a horrible mother that I care more about that than taking the time to cherish these moments. Then, I shook it off and enjoyed Montana's song. I nursed my baby. And then I experienced the high side of my bipolar day. There are plenty more examples of my up and down day, but this for sure was the time it all came to a head. The Lord was trying to teach me, show me and basically SCREAM at me, how to be better. I believed that He could and He answered. He was there and He didn't give up on me. Love this video from the church on motherhood---it completely encompasses how we all feel as mothers. (click the link)

Motherhood:-An-Eternal-Partnership

Physical Exercise- My friend and I ran together again, and tonight was much easier. I went to the bathroom before, I hydrated myself and I let a lighter dinner digest. We ran about 4.5 miles on a rocky, someone hilly terrain. It kicked my butt...but it was nice because the times I lagged and my dear friend Sammy ran ahead, I had a goal to look at in front of me. This mama of two has a rockin' body and her determination is inspiring.

Healthy Eating-I just realized I've been leaving this part out the last few times. It wasn't purposeful. (You're all saying, yeah right!?) But, anyway, yes, I am doing pretty good. My menu for the week was set up of healthy meals for dinner and I didn't buy anything at the grocery store that would compromise my healthy eating. When I want to eat bad, I have to get creative-

like open up my bag of chocolate chips.

30 Minutes with Montana- I could have done better today, the time was more broken apart but I focused the morning on taking her to get her hair cut. Then later I did spend some time letting her sing her songs and do a concert for me. Look at my beauty getting a haircut-

Wake up at 6:30- Yes, my kids feel it necessary to rise with the sun lately. Oh joy.

Daily Chore- Yes, I did. It was the floors and dusting. But, I did a little more than that. And then I get on an out of control cleaning frenzy- which is why I have to keep myself to a daily schedule. Otherwise, I lose focus and get lost in a world of clorox and pine-sol.

Showing Spousal Love- My third child (my hubby) is a sicky. He came home, opened up the medicine cabinet, looked in for a quick second and then said, "I don't know what to do. Take care of me." I went to Walgreens and got some stuff to take care of my feverish, achy man and wished he would keep himself home from work in the morning so I could snuggle him and kiss his forehead and check his temperature, like I would any of my other babies. He LOVES to be taken care of when he's sick. I asked him a sarcastic, rhetorical question yesterday and then answered it in the same breath, "Who takes care of me when I'm sick? No one...". He smoothly responded, "Because you're the mama and you're superwoman. That's how mama's are made." Hmmm....is that a compliment or a cop out? I'll take the compliment because either way, I'll still be taking care of sicky's forever and still be taking care of myself when I'm sick. That's my job...I'm "SUPERMAMA"... (I think...I hope). Anyway, I gave him some Tylenol cold, knocked him out, snuggled him as he lay there drugged and comatose (he talked to me in his sleep- he never remembers that. Something about tri-tip and the stock market dropping) and I had control of the remote. Sounds like spousal love to me...

...until tonight for Day 17...

21 Days: Day 15

July 27, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Second blog of the day. I think my blog itself may be getting sick of me. Like, "Hey Stacy...I know you like to write, but dang girl, I am tired...give me a break." Ya know what bloggy, I feel ya, I'm tired too. But I gotta report. And so, here goes.

Scripture Study- I continued and finished 1 Nephi Chapter 17. Nephi is responding to his brothers complaints and taunts to him regarding the notion that the Lord has commanded him to build a ship. He gives them examples of how the Lord has provided ways for his children to accomplish seemingly impossible things in the past. He references the children of Isreal being led out of the hands of the Egyptians by Moses and how Moses parted the Red Sea that then drowned the Egyptians. He talks about how they wandered in the wilderness and the Lord delivered manna, food from heaven, and water came forth from rocks to quench their thirsts. He also talks to them about the miracles they themselves have witnessed, being delivered from Laban. Leaving Jerusalem. Miracles. Miracles that we are able to learn from. Nephi referenced and learned from Moses, and because all of these things were recorded, we have so much to look to and reference from in our lives. I believe that's why we worship together. That's why we share testimony with one another. To learn and grow from others experiences and seeing God work miracles in our lives.

Prayer- Yes. I am working on making sure that I find a quiet place to say my morning prayer to be able to really focus.

21 Days Closer to Christ Book-Today actually helped with my desire to find a better place to pray in peace and quiet. It talked about a man, Zacchaeus in Luke Chapter 19 , who was desirous to see Christ as he traveled through, but because of the many people, and his stature, he was unable to see from the ground and so he climbed into a sycamore tree to see. The Lord saw Him and called Him down to go to his house. It says Zacchaeus was "joyful". It talks about how in a world full of technology and work, etc., our lives are never still. We have so many demands on our heads and sometimes we aren't finding time for the Savior in our lives. We need to find our sycamore tree where we can "climb up" so to speak, away from the world and the people blocking our view, and have a clearer view of Christ. I think my closet is truly that place for me. I used to have an alcove in my old house, a sort of reading nook that I would use. Here I don't quite have that...but its either my living room area or my closet that I feel can be my "sycamore tree". Once we get our backyard together more, I would love to make a quiet spot out there where I could read and pray. I love that idea of finding a secret haven where you can be close to the Lord.

Physical Exercise- I ran a hard 4 miles tonight with my friend. I didn't let dinner settle, I had to pee and I didn't drink enough water today. But, I did it nonetheless. She pushed me, that's for sure. But still, I love running. It feels so amazing to me when I accomplish a run.

30 Minutes with Montana- Today was good. We spent quite some time together today while Carson napped. We wrote on her magna doodle and I taught her how to read a few words. C-A-T. Cuh- Aaah- Tuh. I loved it. She's so smart. Then, we played with her stuffed animals. I was first the blue and white spotty dog. Then I was the monkey. Then she played mommy and I played baby. Then we had a camp-out under my comforter that she made into a "tent". Then she ran downstairs and got the bag of strawberry marshmallows that we bought yesterday so that we could do pretend s'mores. Love my baby girl.

Wake up at 6:30- Yes. Feels so early the last few days. Seriously, please let my sleep tonight be restful.

Daily Chore- I cleaned a lot today, but did a lot of randomness. Not as much deep cleaning as I'd like. I also had a cleaning fairy show up at my door and help me do some pick up. Thankful for good friends that you can let into your house, and they help you clean while you chat.

Showing Spousal Love- He JUST got home from the gym. I just ran before that. Aside from making him dinner and kissing him hello I haven't seen him much. So, the spousal love is on its way. I must say goodnight to you and go spend some time with my sweetheart.

21 Days: Day 14

Monday, July 26, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Yesterday drained me. I wanted to blog, but I literally could not find the time nor energy to do so. I'm really enjoying this experience so much though, and I hope my infrequent reporting is not making the process seem any less valuable to me. Finding the time to blog about it is less important than actually meeting my goals though, and so it sometimes gets put on the back burner.

Hopefully I get a chance to blog TODAYS tonight, but in the mean time, here is yesterdays report.

Scripture Study- I began studying 1 Nephi Chapter 17. This is where Nephi is commanded to go and build a ship. Of course, his older brothers taunt, ridicule and argue with him. They offered no help whatsoever and obviously 100% doubted his ability to build the boat. Nephi knew what they didn't. He knew that the Lord would provide a way and that it had nothing to do with Nephi's skills. What faith that must take to take on a task that you feel so completely unqualified for, yet you know that somehow the Lord will make up the difference. I know I've had callings like that before or even in motherhood where I know that alone, what I am being asked to do seems impossible, but with trust and faith in the Lord, I can accomplish any and all that He may command of me. In the footnotes it asks, "How does doubt and criticism get in the way of doing good deeds and helping others?" My answer is, both of these things hold us back incredibly. Doubt keeps us from moving forward, progressing and achieving the things that we've yet to accomplish. We limit ourselves by saying, "I can't," or other infinitives that make our tasks seem impossible. When you don't try or hope for those accomplishments, they simply cannot happen and you set your own course for failure right from the start because you didn't even attempt. Secondly, you are missing ample opportunity to help others. Opportunity to possible change another persons life or in Nephi's case, a whole nation of people that resulted from him building a ship and taking his family to the America's. We never know the domino effect of our actions and the possibilities of the things we are accomplishing amounting to greatness, if we never hope, have faith and just try. The Lord will do the rest.

Prayer- I made a decision to make more of an effort to find a quiet place. I am praying consistently through my day, however I need one good private communion with Heavenly Father, where I can be completely uninterrupted in my thoughts.

21 Days Closer to Christ Book- Day fourteen was about recognizing what we are best at and how we can use that gift to bring more joy to others around me. I feel a little uncomfortable talking about what I'm "so good at" and how I "bring joy to others" in a post, so I'm not really going to report on that. I think I definitely identified areas where I feel like I am strong and could use those things to possibly help uplift or do good in others lives and I strived to do that throughout my day yesterday. It was attempted and hopefully accomplished...but I didn't poll anyone afterward to ask them if I brought them joy yesterday. Haha...hope I did. :)

Physical Exercise- Checkity check check, check check...

30 Minutes with Montana- She painted with washable ( at least it was washable) paint with one of my BBQ meat brushes...and I cleaned it up, does that count?? haha...That for sure took me about 30 minutes. But seriously, while we ran our errands, I knew it would be a crazy day, so I made sure that we turned on her music as we drove and we blasted the "Tigger" song, ("The wonderful thing about Tiggers...") and put it on repeat and laughed and laughed and laughed. Even Carson was laughing at crazy Tana- I could hear him in the backseat. We love music time in the car.

Wake up at 6:30- Yes, but I haven't been happy about it. haha...I feel like my kids are waking up earlier too. Like I'm not getting as much time in the mornings as I was last week. Not to mention, after seeing Inception the other night (which is AMAZING...go see it!), I have been having such vivid dreams, that its making me feel like I'm not getting as much sleep. Like my dreams are making me work and think too hard to relax. Darn me and my crazy, non-stop mind.

Daily Chore- YES! I took my lists and I went grocery shopping and picked up dry cleaning. I went to two different stores (Winco for dry stuff, Bel Air for fresh), with two kids in tow and made it out alive. I felt so empowered. Seriously, like super woman. Also, laundry was taken care of. Does that chore ever really end?

Showing Spousal Love- Can I please just get some time alone with this man? He works so much and I just miss him. My spousal love was kissin' and lovin' on him when he got home. Yeah, my kids were there. They saw it. I want them to know how much we love each other. We kept it "G"...but they need to see how much Mommy and Daddy miss each other during the day. Also, I got the kids all bathed and ready for bed while he relaxed. Then, I let him do the honors of putting the kids (well, at least Montana. Baby zonked out in my arms) to bed. I think I got the better deal though...Montana loves bath. Hates bedtime.

Hopefully I'll be back in a few hours to report today...

P.S. Look how funny we are. Love that man...

21 Days: Day 12-13

Saturday/Sunday July 24-25, 2010

21 Days to an All around Better Me

I'm going to combine Saturday and today, because I obviously did not report yesterday. It was a full and busy day, starting early with a 5k...which we had a lot of fun doing. I miss doing races and events, so it was the kick start I needed to start signing up again. Then we had a birthday party, a wedding reception and date night. Not a lot of time at home so therefore not a lot of time for blogging. Then, I had every intention of blogging after church today...but, I just enjoyed my family instead. Nonetheless, I am here and blogging. Weekends tend to get a little away from me, but I am finishing this thing out and I'm only a little over halfway through.

Scripture Study- Saturday-Somewhere in the midst of it all yesterday, I pulled out my phone and looked up a primary lesson that I substitute taught for a friend today. She had text me during the day to ask me to sub, and so while my husband drove to one of yesterdays many events, I was reading the lesson and attached scriptures. So, yesterday, my scripture study was John 6:1-13. This is the story about the boy Philip, and him sharing the loaves and fishes and witnessing the miracle of Christ feeding 5,000 souls with five loaves of bread and two fish. I know I've experienced times in my life where things seem so tight in some way. You wonder how you will stretch to meet the demands, whether it be money or time or anything else, you wonder how you will ever accomplish the task at hand. And miraculously, your loaves and fishes feed thousands. You are able to accomplish the tasks, meet the demands and let Christ work His miracles in your life.

Sunday- I continued on with my study of 1 Nephi 16. Towards the second half of this chapter, Nephi and his brethren bear the responsibility for hunting and providing food for their families. The demand is high, in order to sustain the traveling that the families are doing in the wilderness. However, Nephi breaks his bow. His brothers are upset and complain against him. In fact, I even believe Lehi complains as well, as they worry about whether or not they will ever find the food they need without Nephi's bow. In this situation, it seems Nephi was the only one who kept faith. You almost can't blame the others for complaining for a moment. I probably would too if I were hungry and tired and someone else had broken the means to obtaining that food. However, a good question is posed in the footnotes. Something along the lines of, "What good does complaining ever do you?" And if you think about it for a second, the statement is completely true. Complaining does not progress or propel you into a solution. It only keeps you stagnant in your state of woe and misery. Nephi however prayed to the Lord and was able to fix his bow, and through the guidance of the liahona, is lead to food and able to have enough to help their family. As always, the Lord delivers to the faithful. Those who will put their complete trust in the Lord and His plan are able to see through even the most trying of times, to know that the Lord will not forsake them.

Prayer- Yes, Saturday and Sunday.

21 Days Closer to Christ book- My eyes are literally drooping shut as I type, so I gotta speed this up a bit. Saturday and Sunday I did read the daily invitations and challenges. I won't go into too much detail, but Saturday was about identifying a change that you could make in your life and making plans to accomplish that goal to change. I'm going to keep my struggles private, but I did take the challenge to look at something in my life that I can change and make plans to do so. Today, the book was about finding the light through the darkness and making sure that we are constantly walking in the lighted path. The challenge was to identify ways that we have been able to turn to the Lord for His love and support, as well as his guidance to help us get through things that may be holding us back or weighing us down. And then the challenge was to share that with someone else. I haven't truly had much adult conversation today, but I plan to, this week, try to lift someone else up in hope and faith, by possibly sharing rough situations that have been involved with and have been able to look through with fait hand hope to make it through. I wish I had more time to expand, but each sentence gets written and then erased and then re-written the right way. Because my eyes are shutting and my hands are just typing things that don't make sense or are spelled funky. For example, I just spelling shutting, shugging. :) Bed times a callin'...

Physical Exercise- Saturday- yes, our 5k. Sunday- I don't normally ever exercise this day of the week, but tonight we want on a brisk walk and it was nice.

Here we are at the race. Carson was asleep in the stroller.

Healthy Eating- Yes...especially for a weekend I did really well.

30 minutes with Montana- Saturday being a busy day, we didn't get as much one on one time with Montana as we would've liked. I vow to do better this week. today was okay, we did spend a lot of time together...she water colored and I helped her, but this week, Montana time needs to be more of a priority.

Wake up at 6:30- Both days it was either that or earlier. And last night, we were at the movies until 1AM, so no wonder my eyes are drooping.

Daily Chore- My weekend chores for Saturday and Sunday are not really assigned, but Saturday, I cleaned the garage and did some things around the house. Today, I made my grocery lists, menu for the week and to-do lists for this week.

Showing Spousal Love- Saturday, we ran the 5K together. Marc has a bad hip that he said feels like running on a broken bone- it's an old football injury coupled with genetics. But he ran anyway. And running is my thing- but I wanted to run the race with him, and so even though the drive and competitiveness in me had a hard time running slower or even walking with him sometimes, I was determined to stay next to my sweetheart and we held hands as we ran over the finish line. That felt better than having met a time goal. He even had told me I could run ahead, but I wanted to show him I cared more about him and experiencing it with him, than meeting a time goal. Then today, we were very affectionate and loving to one another and I let him nap today after the kids decided they no longer wanted to nap or sit still. '

Okay, I'm starting to get tired nausea, and exercise and everything comes early in the morning. I'm off to bed to start a new week! :)

Here's to a wonderful week for all of us!

21 Days: Day 11

Friday, July 23, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

I gotta make this fast. It's late, I'm tired and we are running a 5K early in the morning. So, this is JUST a short checklist, so you probably don't even care to read on, but for myself and feeling accountable. I need to at least do a checklist. I will try to expound later tomorrow, but it's a busy day and I don't know when else I'll get a chance to blog Day 11.

Scripture Study- Yes, 1 Nephi 16.

Prayer- Yes.

21 Days Closer to Christ book- Yes.

Physical Exercise- No.

Healthy Eating- Yes. Had the best Hawaiian food tonight at an Elders Quorum activity. I may have had an extra helping of rice noodles, but other than that I ate healthy.

30 Minutes with Montana- I got this idea from my friend, but today we turned the DirecTv to the music channels and just danced! She's got some moves. It was so fun!

Wake up at 6:30-Yes.

Daily Chore- Yes.

Showing Spousal Love- Yes...especially when I let him take half a day off of work to golf 18 holes with his buddies.

There's the day in a nutshell. Now time to catch some winks.

Impromptu Photo Shoot

One day last week I pulled out my camera and told Montana we were going to have a photo shoot- here are the adorable results.

I think this picture looks JUST LIKE Marc's baby pictures!

Love my sweet children!

4 Months

My baby boy is already 4 months. That's insane. Here are the latest stats on my love-bug.

14 lbs, 4 oz, 24 inches long. Right at about 45-50 percentile for both. He loves to talk, squeal with joy, roll over, chew on his toes, bat at his toys, laugh at his sister and be in the water.

What would I ever do without my little mini-Marc? He's just my sweetheart. Even with a double ear infection, I never knew it. I love my baby boy!

Oh, and he eats rice cereal now. Apparently, he bathes in it too...

And then I just absolutely LOVE this picture of him with his Aunt Courtney!

Love you my handsome boy!

4th of July Weekend

Here are just some pictures from our 4th of July weekend festivities in random order. I put all of my pictures on Facebook if you'd like to see more.

My happy boy

My little fishy

My incredibly handsome hubby

Tana loves Pomp! He helped her with swimming too!

Great grandma with her youngest great grand baby

Sparklers!

Grandma Petersen wrestling with and giving horsey rides to her grandkids

Grandpa Petersen always smilin'!

Love

Sista love

Happy about her letter from Elder Uncle Logan

Hope your long 4th of July Weekend was full of fun, family and friends too!

21 Days: Day 10

Thursday, July 23, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Last night, I was pooped. Couldn't stay up to blog if I wanted to get up on time this morning. So here's yesterdays stats.

Scripture Study- 1 Nephi 16- In this chapter, Nephi finishes telling his brothers about their fathers vision. In verse 1 they said to him "Thou hast declared unto us hard things, more than we are able to bear." Nephi acknowledged that what he said were hard things, but against the wicked. That "...the guilty taketh the truth to be hard, for it cutteth them to the very center." (verse 2). He goes on to say in verse 3 "And now my brethren, if ye were righteous and were willing to hearken to the truth, and give heed unto it, that ye might walk uprightly before God, then ye would not murmur because of the truth: Thou speakest hard things against us." Have you ever felt "called out" or maybe even just a bit red faced as you listen to counsel that you know you are not following or struggling with? I know that I've felt myself in circumstances like that. Definitely not as extreme as Laman and Lemuel, but its been hard to hear to say the least. You can go one of two ways with those situations; you can either humble yourself and strive to better heed the righteous counsel, or become prideful and continue to do those things. Nephi explains where the latter feeling comes from later on in 2 Nephi 33:5 ,explaining that it is the spirit of the devil that causes people to get angry at the truth.

Personal Prayer- Some days my prayers aren't as focused and private as I'd like. With kids, it's hard to "shut yourself away from the world" and focus on one thing. I could make a better effort of doing that first thing when I wake up, so my kids are still sleeping. But regardless, my prayers are 100% more effective now and I'm grateful for such a wonderful tool.

21 Days Closer to Christ book-

"We are living in a part of the universe

occupied by the rebel.

Enemy-occupied territory

---that is what this world is."

-C.S. Lewis, MERE CHRISTIANITY, 45-46

We live in a time plagued with wars. But there is one we battle incessantly. And we are called to action, called to choose a side on which to STAND at the battles front. President Ezra Taft Benson said, "There has never been more expected of the faithful in such a short period of time than there is of us. Never before on the face of this earth have the forces of evil and the forces of good been so well organized. Now is the great day of the devil's power. But now is also the great day of the Lord's power....Each day the forces of evil and the forces of good enlist new recruits. Each day we personally make many decisions showing the cause we support. The final outcome is certain - the forces of righteousness will win. But what remains to be seen is where each of us personally, now and in the future, will stand in this battle- and how tall we will stand...We will never have a better opportunity to be valiant in a more crucial cause than in the battle we face today...Christ...is the most successful warrior that ever walked the earth, and He wants to help us win every battle."

We are being called to stand "at attention" to our "Captain", and fight a battle that is more real, more worthwhile of our fights and efforts than any other battle we could enlist ourselves in. It makes me think of an awesome song that I used to sing and play out of the song book my sister brought home from EFY one year. I linked the you tube video below- it perfectly describes this point ,if you listen closely to the words.

This weeks challenge was to evaluate yourself and decide, when the battle is raging, where do you see yourself in the fight? Do I give some or do I give all? I've decided, there's always MORE I can give to a righteous cause. The challenge was to strengthen someone today. I did my best and pray that I can help to strengthen others everyday, as I am strengthened by all those around me heeding the call to stand for righteousness.

Physical Exercise- I had a wonderful run with my good friend Sam last night. I get my running therapy and my friendship therapy all at the same time. We could probably run forever just talking. But then again, we'd probably run longer if we didn't talk. It's impossible with us though. Good exercise, good conversation. I'm excited for the Alzheimer 5K Marc and I are doing with some of his family on Saturday morning. I was pregnant last year when I did it, so hopefully this year it'll be a tad better and I won't be looking for a spot to pee the whole time.

Healthy Eating- I made good choices today. We went to a friends little boys birthday party, where pizza was served. I only had one piece, when I really felt like having seven. She made a delicious salad though, so that sufficed for the six pieces of pizza I missed. Oh, and a sliver of Thomas the Train cake...I mean, it WAS buttercream frosting. But ultimately, I made good decisions and I'm proud of myself for making choices that aren't so extreme that I can never keep up. The log may be a long shot though- maybe that's for another 21 day process...there is just so much to remember throughout the day, that writing down every calorie and every morsel that enters my mouth is just not happening.

30 Minutes with Montana- We had to take Carson back to check on his ear infection. On the way to the doctors, he fell asleep and we had a little while to spare. So I stopped at Zehnders Flash Yogurt and Snow in Elk Grove. We went through the drive through and then I parked in the parking lot. She slipped in the front seat next to me, and I enjoyed my passion fruit shaved ice, and she had raspberry yogurt with rainbow sprinkles. We talked like girlfriends. Then later on at home, I had a tickle-fest with her. The kind my dad used to do to me. Held her down and pinned her arms up and tickled her little arm pits and sides. I LOVE making her laugh. Don't worry, I was fair. I let her tickle me back.

Wake up at 6:30- Yes, but it was tough. I need to go to bed earlier.

Daily Chore- Kitchen and Bathrooms. Call me crazy, but I LOVE cleaning the kitchen!

Showing Spousal Love- Yes. Take my word for it. Plus, we gave each other googly eyes all throughout the birthday party. I'm so excited its the weekend and I get to be with him more!

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

21 Days: Day 9

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Back in our element. What this has meant, is that since Monday, we have been back and forth between our house and Marc's parents dog/house sitting for them. I just didn't want to advertise that our homes would be empty at different points in time this week. I know none of you would ever do anything, but just because this is on the open web, I wanted to be safe and keep it on the low down. Anyway, their house is amazing--it was like staying at a resort. But, I'm also happy to be home and back in the normalcy of our lives. I'm excited for my "regularly scheduled program" to continue.

Scripture Study- I continued studying 1 Nephi Chapter 15. Nephi is still trying to explain Lehi's dream to his brothers. They are asking him questions, which I would take as a good sign. You can't sense sarcasm or patronizing in the questions, but I assume based on the character of Laman and Lemuel, that they were skeptically questioning. But their questions were good and Nephi was an amazing teacher, more than qualified to answer. My favorite scripture in this reading was verse 24- "And I said unto them that it was the word of God; and whoso would hearken unto the word of God, and would hold fast unto it, they would never perish; neither could the temptations and the fiery darts of the adversary overpower them unto blindness, to lead them away to destruction.". Nephi is talking about the iron rod (in Lehi's vision) at this point. The Lord has promised that whoever "holds to the rod" or hearkens to His word, will never perish and not be tempted by the adversary. No fiery darts or destruction. That sounds like a plan to me. I'll sign up for that.

Personal Prayer- Check! So grateful for it. It helps me keep in tune and I can recognize answers to my prayers so much more lately.

21 Days Closer to Christ- Today was around Mosiah 2, and King Benjamin's address. How it is important for us to "pitch our tents round about" and turn the "doors thereof towards the temple" where the prophet speaks. We should be constantly seeking and heeding the counsel of our latter-day prophet. The challenge was to find counsel given to us by our current prophet, Thomas S. Monson in the most recent general conference address. Then to apply that counsel in our daily life. I found President Monson's closing remarks from this years conference incredibly inspiring. He admonished to us:

"My counsel for all of us is to look to the lighthouse of the Lord. There is no fog so dense, no night so dark, no gale so strong, no mariner so lost but what its beacon light can rescue. It beckons through the storms of life. The lighthouse of the Lord sends forth signals readily recognized and never failing.

I love the words found in Psalms: “The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; . . . I will call upon the Lord . . . so [I shall] be saved from mine enemies.”

The Lord loves us, my brothers and sisters, and will bless us as we call upon Him."

Click here for the rest of his remarks. Or here for the link to the April 2010 General Conference Addresses.

I pray that I can always keep a watchful eye out to the lighthouse of the Lord, whose watchman is our prophet. I'm grateful for his inspired counsel.

Physical Exercise- Unless you call packing up your stuff, packing up your car, unpacking your car, unpacking your stuff, visiting teaching three lovely ladies, running errands and bathing two kids exercise, no...but tomorrow it's on and back to my normal routine.

Healthy Eating- YES! Yogurt for breakfast, salad for lunch, tacos (hold the taco shell) for dinner. (with minor snacking in between, but nothing of terrible note. I didn't raid the cookie jar again.)

30 Minutes with Montana- Yes, during bathtime and bedtime routine, she and I busted a gut cracking up at each other as I reenacted Mr. Gru from Despicable Me as I bathed her, brushed her hair and teeth and read her stories. She laughed so hard that she tooted...and boy did that send her into a hissy fit of laughter. She's gorgeous. I don't know if there is anything more amusing than making a child belly laugh until they clench their sore abs.

Carson belly laughed today too, earlier today. He thinks his sister is the greatest thing on earth, and he had his first big crack up session today in the middle of Target with Montana. We were a sight to see, as I held my baby in a bjorn facing outward and let my kids laugh in each others faces. Only downside, I couldn't see his face, since he was faced outward. But the sound of it was pure joy. Also---he ate some rice cereal today. Such a big boy! 14 lbs. 4oz., 24 inches long to be exact.

Wake up at 6:30- I'll see your 6:30 and raise you a half hour. I arose at 6. I'm likin' this early riser business. It suits me, once I actually wake up from the land of the living dead.

Daily Chore- Yes and no. Not my normal Wednesday chore, but since I had been gone I took care of chores that needed taking care of more. I forgot to schedule the cleaning fairies to come while I was out and so I had to pick up their slack. ;)

Showing Spousal Love- He worked long and hard today. He does most everyday, but somedays are really long and really hard. And when he got home today, I think we hugged for a few minutes straight. He missed me a lot, and I missed him. He told me I was too good for him. I told him he was wrong. He asked me how he got so lucky. I asked him the same question in reverse. And neither of us barfed from cheesiness. We reveled in it, because love my friends, is a beautiful thing. And I'm in love everyday, but the cheesy kind of love isn't expressed everyday, because then it would feel in-genuine , but when it comes I'm all about the cheese. More cheese please, is what I say. He gave me more spousal love today though, than I gave him...and so, I'm off to snuggle up to him once more and tell him he's the reason I breathe.

Go ahead, go barf from cheesiness. That was a bit cheesy.

Maybe cheesy, but true fo-sheezy.

Goodnight- I'm starting to get delusional...I'm off to bed, but first maybe the fridge. I'm craving cheese all of the sudden.

21 Days: Day 8

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Word of caution: If you set out to progress and become a better person, don't expect the road to be easy. How do you learn without tests and challenges? It's not magic I guess. It's not just this breeze that blows through you, magically teaching you all of the qualities of the Savior. Like patience, compassion, humility...etc, etc. Not that any of you were under that impression, but I guess I just am blown away every day by this process and whats happening in and around my life for me to learn from. It's not all easy, but I know it will be worth it.

This is why it is not all easy. Today was one of those days where your kids are in constant need of something. Both of them. At the same time. Crying. It was the kind of day where you're so flustered with your mind in a million places that you back into your garage door because you are not thinking about the fact that it's not all the way up yet (mmm-hmmm, yeah, I did that today). One of those days where you have air conditioner guys at your door and your phone rings incessently, including a phone call from my insurance office letting me know that because in the past two years I've had a car accident (not the garage) and a ticket, California no longer considers me a good driver (do I blame them?? An hour after the call I backed into the garage)... and my insurance is going up $60 a month. It was one of those days where after bath time and the "THERE'S WATER IN MY EYES" and the "ready to eat" baby crying, drove me to scarf down 5 Pecan Sandies, much like someone might run to a liquor cabinet for a quick shot of something. It gave me the sanity I needed to finish the night time routine...and a stomach ache. It's the kind of day where I'm still out of my element (I promise, that will make sense tomorrow), and I still feel like a headless chicken....

...however, it's the kind of day that I'm so grateful that my kids are safe and sound asleep in their beds. I got news this afternoon that my neighbors little girl was in an accident at the home and was rushed to the hospital. Upon furthur examination, reports are looking miraculous, but I'm sure that there was a point in time today where these parents literally had to fear for the life of their child. I will take screaming, crying and everyday craziness over that anyday. My heart and prayers have been with them all day as well.

Amidst all of the events of today, I was able to accomplish SOME of the stuff on my list, but today has probably been the least productive day so far. I look forward to a little more normalcy in my life tomorrow.

Scripture Study- From the Closer to Christ book, John 10:1-18. The Lord is the Good Shepherd. From one of my favorite church singers, Hilary Weeks, I love this line from a song of hers, "For He's the Good Shepard and He loves His sheep. Leaves the ninety and nine, to rescue me." What a comfort to know that we are watched over and known personally by our Good Shepherd.

Personal Prayer - Yes, and all throughout the day for our little neighbor friend.

21 Days Closer to Christ Book- Today, following the above scripture passage, was about the parable of the Shepherd. It talked about how we are to strive to know His voice. It reminds me of another song, a Janice Kapp Perry one I believe: "My sheep, hear my voice. And I know them. And they follow, they follow me." If we can recognize His voice, we can follow Him. The challenge or journey was to think about how we have learned to recognize the voice of the Savior and to find one way to "hear" His voice today. I know I did and have many times in this past week. And I pray to seek out His voice even moreso as I continue on.

Physical Exercise- Swimming...but no specific time, although I'll tell you, I had intentions. I had my work out clothes on for hours. Why didn't I then? See above regarding crying/screaming kids/babies.

Healthy Eating- If you can count barely anything and then 5 Pecan Sandies as healthy yes. But no one in their right mind would call that healthy, so...no.

Wake up at 6:30- Did I mention my baby has a double ear infection?? With a late night last night and multiple times up with him, six thirty felt like 3:30 in the morning, just with sun streaming through the window. I cut my losses and opted for the extra hour of sleep before Montana woke up and while the baby was resting peacefully for the first time in the night. SO ready for my normal schedule again- which will be back tomorrow.

Daily Chore- No, but that has to do with the out of my element thing.

30 Minutes with Montana- Not consecutively. I need my alone time with her. I vow to get that special time with her tomorrow.

Showing Spousal Love- I called him numerous times today just to tell him I loved and missed him (oh, and by the way honey...I, um, hit the garage door). Don't worry, he still said he loved me back. :)

Although the past few days, especially coming off of a weekend haven't been my best in this 21 day process so far, I still feel amazing about what this process is teaching and giving me. There are bound to be bumps in the road and hiccups in the schedule, but that's how you know it will still fit into everyday life, even after 21 days.

21 Days: Day 7

Monday, July 19, 2010
21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Today was crazy. I was a chicken with my head cut off. But it was also and amazing day spent with lots of people I love. But, I am pooped and it's late, so I'm going to do a quick checklist...but then again I'm sure you guys won't mind me not being as verbose as usual for once in my blogging history....


Scripture Study- I am sad to say, that although I did read the scriptures for my "Closer to Christ" book, I didn't get back to my reading of The Book of Mormon today like I wanted to. I have to say though, that I am not in my element (which I will be able to more fully explain on Wednesday night), and I didn't have my regular study Book of Mormon. I have the scriptures on my phone, but the questions and facts really help me. I strive to do better tomorrow--even if it is just on my phone.

Personal Prayer- Oh yes. YES! I just seriously love how open the connection feels. I could literally pray/talk/converse with the Lord forever now. If this is the only thing I get from this go around of the 21 Day process, I have won so much.

21 Days Closer to Christ book- Check! I love this book. Today was about the scripture Moroni 7:26, which President Hinckley had once declared as the "summom bonum of it all".

"...Whatsoever thing ye shall ask / the Father in my name, /which is good, /in faith believing that ye shall receive, /behold, it shall be done unto you."

The scripture was then broken into five parts- which I seperated above. It explained the meaning and purpose of each. Then we were to focus on one area. I chose to focus on the "which is good" part. Sometimes it's hard to be sure what we should be praying for. Sometimes I think I focus on things that are unimportant and I really need to make sure that the things I am praying for are really for the ultimate good and benefit of me and my family and the purpose of this life.

Physical Exercise- Check!

Healthy- Yes, but no log. I seriously need to crack the whip on that one.

30 Minutes with Montana- Swimming. My baby is a fish. Poor little girl scraped her knees up probably about a million times today. Also, she fell asleep in my arms tonight for bed. I missed cuddling her like I do Carson. She will always be my baby.

Wake up at 6:30- Yes, but baby nursed until seven and Montana woke up right after. I really need to get up earlier than that if I'm going to get the workout done in the morning. I know five, five thirty seems crazy but my day runs smoother that way. I'm going to shoot for that later in the week---but tomorrow is still 6:30---cuz it's already 11:30. Earlier bed is a must for anything before then.

Daily Chore- Laundry schmaundry...does it ever end?

Showing Spousal Love- Oh so many ways today. I am mad for the man. In a few words: hugs, kisses, pats on the bum during a pool game to say, "good job", and cuddling.

Now I'm headed up to cuddle him some more...

Thanks to everyone who's given me support and read any of my words. It's been really an awesome experience so far and I so appreciate the encouragement.

Until Day 8, blogosphere...goodnight.

21 Days: Day 6

Sunday, July 18th, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

MY BABY BOY IS 4 MONTHS TODAY, DOES TIME REALLY HAVE TO GO SO FAST?

Sunday's are always good days, and today was no exception. I would expound, but it's late and Insanity in the morning comes super early.

Scripture Study: Today I focused on the scripture reading that went along with the Closer to Christ book. John 9:1-38. Can you imagine spending your life in darkness like that. Especially when you're alone? It makes any time that I've felt lonely or in the midst of the darkness of trial, seem incredibly minute in comparison. Sometimes we have trials and we wonder why we are experiencing what we are going through. The apostles even asked Christ, why the man was blind. And the Lord replied (in verse 3) "that the works of God should be made manifest in him." The Lord has a plan for us- there is purpose to the things we are asked to endure. They are to make us better and to let the Lord work in our lives. We have to have hope and faith to see through the blindness, so that one day we can believe that we can be brought into the light and healed. And throughout that time of darkness, we will never be alone. President Heber J. Grant promised us that, "The Lord will be always near you. He will comfort you; you will feel His presence in the hour of your greatest tribulation." Elder Jeffery R. Holland also said, "On those days when we have special need of heavens help, we would do well to remember one of the titles given to the Savior...'an high priest of good things to come'". We must continue to hope for, and know, that good things will come. We will make it through the darkness and again, one day see the light.

Personal Prayer- Check. And I must say, in just six days, the "signal" on my "connection" with Heavenly Father has dramatically improved. I can only imagine (and be so excited for) the level of connection I can have after this process is complete and I continue to use prayer as a tool in my life.

21 Days Closer to Christ book- Based on the scripture study, you know that this was accomplished. The challenge for this day was to analyze a troubling situation in our life through different eyes and to pray that the Savior will touch our eyes so that we may see how we can handle it differently. Also, to recognize times in our lives when good things have come to you through Christ. And then asks, how does recognizing these blessings bring us hope? For me, when I look at my life it doesn't take long for me to be overwhelmed with all of the blessings and good things that have come through Christ. It helps me to have hope, because I know that as long as I'm doing the things I have covenanted and have been commanded to do and am living a Christ like life, the Lord will bless me and heal me and bring me through and out of anything that I may encounter. I know that I can endure because the things that are brought about are for my good and benefit, even though at times I may not understand why. I have hope because I know that He has brought me through before and that good things always come through Him. And because He loves me and He wants to help me succeed and truly wants to see my happy.

Physical- Day of rest. :) Thank heavens for that.

Healthy Eating- I did pretty good today, aside from my mom's famous cookie dough/cookies. Blast that dough, chocolate chippity goodness. No, I did well and keep myself pretty locked down when it comes to eating healthy meals but I have plans for this week to really get strict on myself with the log.

30 Minutes with Montana- We all sat and watched Princess and the Frog after church, while Carson slept. We love to sing the Disney songs together. And then she fell asleep on my lap. Also, at dinner time, we tried to include her in our conversation. I think sometimes it's easy for Marc and I to get focused on the adult conversations we're having and we forget to make sure she is included in the family time.

Wake up at 6:30- Nope, and I don't even feel bad. haha...it's Sunday. The one day of the week really that we sleep in as a family (Saturday morning Marc golfs really early). So we didn't wake up until 7:30 ish today.

Daily Chore- Sundays aren't specified too much, although I like to keep a tidy house on Sunday. For me, a clean house is easier for me to feel relaxed and rested in. Sundays are also going to be my to do list, menu planning, grocery list days. This week is kind of weird though, and I'll mention why in a few days, but I won't be grocery shopping and cooking as normal. My to-do lists are crazy though--this week is going to be a doozy, on TOP of all my 21 day stuff. I can do it!! I know I can!

Showing Spousal Love- While the kids were napping after church, Marc and I had a talk about our life together. We shared our feelings and sort of just had a conversation about our accomplishments in the last six years together, how we think we are doing in our lives, in our marriage, in everything and what we see ourselves doing and working on to continue to progress. I'm so grateful for a husband who is very motivated and goal oriented. I'm so grateful for how hard he works and how much he loves and cares about his family and the Gospel. I'm so glad that my best friend sleeps next to me every night. (He's snoring as I type), and that I have someone to have those conversations with. We exchanged plenty of words that showed our spousal love. And it goes without saying, but there are other ways that spousal love is bound to be shown over a process of 21 days, that I won't be sharing. ;)

Wish me luck for a busy and hopefully productive but fun week!

For any of you who are interested and want to try this 21 Days Closer to Christ book I'm reading and learning from, click here. Go ahead and read some of the reviews too, and I think you'll find that you probably would never regret buying, reading and experiencing the invitation of this book to becoming "closer to Christ".

21 Days: Day 5

Day 5: Saturday, July 17, 2010

21 Days to an All Around Better Me

Today was definitely a much better day. I think after my post last night, the words clarified a lot of thoughts for me and I was able to see through the trials of that day. Here's the basics of today:

Scripture Study-

I studied 1 Nephi Chapter 15 today. What's crazy to me, is how Laman and Lemuel have seen more signs from God and evidences of the Lord revealing His Gospel and plans to their father and then their brother Nephi, and yet they still reject the words. Nephi is also boggled by this (see verses 8-11). Upon furthur inquiry, Nephi asks if they have prayed about it, and of course the answer is no. Nephi then reminds them what the Lord had told them (in verse 11) If ye will not harden your hearts, and ask me in faith, believing that ye shall receive, with diligence in keeping my commandments, surely these things shall be made known unto you.

All we need to do is ask....and the Lord will answer.

Personal Prayer-

My devotion to this journey and the Spirit it has filled me with has helped me not only devote specific time to meditative prayer, but I am continually feeling like I am walking around with prayers in my heart and mind. As though internally, I am conversing with the Lord through the day about my thoughts, feelings and actions. I'm SO grateful for prayer. There aren't words to describe.

21 Days Closer to Christ Book-

Today it was about looking through our days to find those small daily treasures, or heavenly blessings that come from God. To be aware and have an ever constant search for those learning moments that will bring us closer to Christ. I think we all could benefit from looking through our days to recognize more fully the blessings, the impacts and the things we are being given, even though they may be small and unrecognizable at times. Being aware of these moments will bring them to the surface and soon we will look around and see how we are being sent heavenly blessings all throughout our days.

Physical-

I apparently only set my alarm to wake me up Monday through Friday. So, today, I woke up at about 7 to my babies. There wasn't time to get in a workout before they woke up, but today we went to the California State Fair and walked all day long. Not that this is my idea of devoted exercise time, but it is something.

Healthy Eating-

Saturdays are so much harder for this. We tend to eat out usually both lunch and dinner on Saturdays. I had a sandwich for lunch at a cafe we went to, and then guess what? NO FOOD AT THE FAIR! Seriously, all we bought was a delicious watermelon lemonade. But, it felt so good to have walked out of there with out eating anything deep fried! Then, we had some yummy chinese food with Marc's parents, so overall I would say this day was not exactly a "success" on healthy eating, but a triumph over eating bad foods in a place where it's staring you in the face, every turn you take. The newest crazy thing though to eat at the fair : Chocolate Covered Bacon. Seriously carnival people...what makes you think this stuff up? Can you say, triple bypass?

30 Minutes with Montana-

I have to say, this didn't happen today. Sure, I was with her all day long, but not focused, devoted time to her. And I noticed a difference. She really needs that time and attention from me. We did read books before bed though, and it was a great way to wind down the day. She and daddy spent quality time out in the pool this afternoon at Marc's parents, just the two of them while I nursed the baby inside. So, she got one on one with one of us today, and the point is, Montana getting the quality time.

Daily Chore-

Nope...don't do it. Not on Saturdays. Sure, I straighten up and such but Saturdays and Sundays I never set a chore, because I clean all week long and I want to enjoy my family.

Showing Spousal Love-

A few things- I had myself up and ready and got the kids all ready in time for him to come home from golfing so that we could go spend his day off as a family. I usually have him help me get the kids ready on Saturday mornings. Also, as we walked around today, we held hands a lot, which with two kids, the stroller, etc., it's hard to just focus on being physically attached to one another. But hand holding is one of my favorite things about a significant other. Always has been. :) Also, if any of you know my husband, he falls asleep super fast. Super fast and super hard. I mean, he is in the deep REM sleep like within two seconds. So, tonight after bathing the kids and getting them down, we are on the couch and before even a minute passes, I look over and see his eyes shut. It was only 8:30...on a Saturday night. I usually wake him and make him try to stay up and watch at least the opening scene of a movie with me to spend some time together, but I realized that it might be more loving of me to let him sleep. To me, that's showin' the love, 'cuz I'd rather him be awake with me.

OKAY OKAY, now I know you are all so sick of all this black writing junk plastered all over my blog. WHERE'S ALL THE GOOD STUFF WE ACTUALLY CARE ABOUT, STACY??

Well, here it is...a few pictures from the fair today:

Man, are they cute or what?? We sure got lucky. I love these little angels so much.