A quiet day

I looked to see that I have not written on here for awhile, but it has been relatively crazy of late. I have been busy taking care of my brother's kids and keeping house. It has been a slight adjustment but overall is going well. Lately, I came across a website called dinnersmadeeasy.com which has allowed me to experiment and cook. I love it. It gives me ratings from others who have tried the dish and I also get a picture of what it looks like. I like the fact that the reviewers make suggestions of things they did different.

I just made a bbq chicken dish that was fabulous. Mike asked me to make it again last night for the missionaries. I was happy to because it is relatively easy and very yummy. The missionaries loved it or so they said. I was very excited about it. Hopefully, it will be a beloved recipe for years to come.

I am still managing to do crafts. I painted some new signs for the living room. One says Home..is where our story begins. The other says..A day without laughter is a day lost. It is fun to be creative. I love decorating the house. I have also done some wall art. I feel like the house is slowly becoming our home.

The Return

Mike and I took Levi to Elko this weekend. We had a lot of fun with the family though it was definitely busy all the time. Levi handled the trip just about okay. He was tired and cranky a good part of it. I can't say that I blame him a bit what with him not having his crib to nap in.

We went to dinner Friday night with my brother and his wife. I had a lot of fun catching up. I am glad that we got to see them since we missed Thanksgiving out there.

The one regret that I have is that I missed a lot of General Conference so my goal is to read to up on what I missed this year. I also learned some things about motherhood this weekend. In a way, it opened my eyes to a bit of understanding on things. I am grateful for that as well.

Our Test in Mortality

“Our challenges, including those we create by our own decisions, are part of our test in mortality. Let me assure you that your situation is not beyond the reach of our Savior. Through Him, every struggle can be for our experience and our good (see D&C 122:7). Each temptation we overcome is to strengthen us, not destroy us. The Lord will never allow us to suffer beyond what we can endure (see 1 Corinthians 10:13).

“We must remember that the adversary knows us extremely well. He knows where, when, and how to tempt us. If we are obedient to the promptings of the Holy Ghost, we can learn to recognize the adversary’s enticements. Before we yield to temptation, we must learn to say with unflinching resolve, ‘Get thee behind me, Satan’ (Matthew 16:23).”

Robert D. Hales, “

Flying By

This week is going by so fast. I looked on here to see when I last wrote and it has been over two days since I wrote. As always I am staying busy. I have done my workout for the last two days... 2 miles on wednesday and pilates on thursday. Levi is making it more challenging now that he won't take a very long nap. So yesterday I took him down with me and put him in the saucer while I worked out. He seemed to enjoy it. He is definitely becoming a mama's boy.

It was real cute yesterday. Mike and I were at Kmart and he said mom several times. Made my day especially since yesterday was a difficult day. I really think he is teething because he was so cranky. I still love my little one though.

Last night I got some cleaning done while Mike watched Levi. I changed the living room around just a smudge. I think Mike thinks I am crazy to rearrange all the time. It's in my nature. I enjoy a fresh change. It keeps everyone guessing.

Good Times

Today was a great day! I woke up to Levi babbling as usual. I went about my normal routine. I worked out doing pilates this morning. I did all three segments so I am sure I will be sore tomorrow. I did go to Bountiful today to have lunch with some former co-workers. It was nice to chat but I do not miss the work place. I have to admit that I felt that what I was doing is where I needed to be at this time. It's nice to have confirmations.

After that, I went to pick up my sweet husband. He left work early to be with me. Tomorrow is his birthday and though he is another year older, he gets more and more handsome. Sorry the sappiness came out but it is true. I am grateful everyday that we have met.

Traci came over tonight to visit and it was nice to chat with her. I do enjoy our friendship. Now it is off to bed. Goodnight!!!

St. Patrick's Day

So yesterday, I had no motivation to work out. I was a bit bummed about it, but I did manage to go to Kmart with mom and felt as though I did get a little walk in. It may be stop and go, but it is still movement. I reminded myself that there is always tomorrow. I therefore did work out this morning. I did the 2 mile walk and feel so much better for the exercise. I have a bit more energy.

It is St. Patrick's Day today and this year it reminds me of a story that I put in the ward bulletin last week. It was from an article written in the late 80's in the friend or ensign. This lady was doing her genealogy and she came across an ancestor who was Irish. It was rather close to St. Patrick's day so she thought that it would be cool to celebrate her ancestor that day. So she found out everything she could about her ancestor and they did stuff to honor his name that day. I don't know if I have any Irish in my blood, but thought that was a cool story to celebrate ancestry! So I hope you have a happy St. Patrick's Day!!!

Spiritual Quote

"When the seas of life are stormy, a wise mariner seeks a port of peace. The family, as we have traditionally known it, is such a refuge of safety. 'The home is the basis of a righteous life and no other instrumentality can take its place or fulfil its essential functions' (quoted in Conference Report, Oct. 1962, 72)."

 

Thomas S. Monson,

"Dedication Day," Ensign, Nov. 2000, 64