I actually like to blog

I actually like to blog even though this past year it has gone by the wayside.  Do I feel like by not editing pictures and writing about them I have so much more time?  No.  If you stop doing one thing, you just fill that time with other things.  I don't remember what all those things even are.  Many of them are probably very good.  The thing I like about blogging is that I do remember when I click on a blog post what I was doing that month.  I tend to forget all the menial tasks and taking time to record  is my memory catcher.  Without stopping to make a record the days fly by and all of the sudden I have a kid that will be 17 this year and how did that happen?  So, here it is almost July...but I am making some Summer Goals.

1.  Take an hour to organize pictures and/or record memories 5x week.  
The hard thing about this is when do I do that?  My days get so busy and I just don't have time.  There are usually never  those ideal  summer afternoon moments you dream of to do such things.  No more "nap/quiet times" with so many age groups.  Nights are just as busy and everyone needs tucking in and I am tired. (Teenagers don't ever go to bed, did you know that?)   I am already committing to exercise in the morning, so when should I do this task?  If I don't make a time it won't happen, right?  I think I will just have to pencil it in day by day the night before depending on what is going on the next day.

2.  Exercise 5x week
This one is also something I like to do, it is not as hard for me because it has become more of a habit.  I usually only hit 4x max, despite my best intentions, and even with Marathon training.  I do Zumba a couple of times and run a few times.  I have starting walking with our Church ladies Monday mornings. As much as I fight it...I have finally surrendered to the Universe... mornings definitely work best! It's either mornings or 5 days just won't happen.   Don't get me wrong, I do love an evening run too...but with kids you just can't depend on it happening so it often gets trumped by other things.  Best to do it BEFORE the chaos of the day hits.  Plus, exercise is my sanity drug.  So I might as well get that boost first thing in the morning when possible.  Let's not fool anyone, I am not a natural early bird...but I am shooting for waking at 630-7ish and heading right out.  I often wake up but get distracted and decide house work is more pressing...I WILL NOT be distracted.

3.  Scriptures
Normally, I listen to a Conference talk every day on my iphone before I allow myself to  read or listen to anything else.  I love this.  I learn something new every time. If I get distracted and the next day I can't remember what I listened to the day before, I re-listen to that talk.  I have already gone through all the April 2015 Sessions.  I decided this summer to focus on the Standard Works.  I am trying to listen to the Book of Mormon as I do my regular tasks or as I am getting ready for the day.  I naturally enjoy Conference more...but I will let you know how my Book of Mormon "listening" goes.  I have never "read" it this way.  I also am committing to Scriptures with the Family Daily.  I am NOT consistent with this one.


4.  Pray out loud, on my knees.  
I have a friend that is so great at saying prayers.  She doesn't rattle the same old things her Heavenly Father.  She is so specific it always amazes me. One small example was just yesterday.  Sophie was having dental surgery and I was texting my friend while I was waiting for Sophie in the waiting room. (Okay, it is Marla, she won't mind me saying so.) Marla didn't know Sophie was having surgery so immediately told me she would pray for her.   I received a text a few minutes later....
       "I prayed that the Dr would know where exactly to look for the teeth they need to extract and that they would be able to do it with minimal damage to Sophie's mouth so her recovery time would be minimal and that you would be inspired to know when to give her pain meds so she wouldn't be in pain." 
       Ok, WHO DOES THAT???  I would have just said, "Please bless so-and-so that all will go well...."  She is ALWAYS very specific with her prayers and she has an amazing connection straight to heaven.  I didn't even think to pray for what she thought of praying for.  After the surgery was over, I went in and Sophie did SO well. The doctor then told me during the surgery he was afraid they were going to have to cut her gum up above her front teeth and pull the gums back to get Sophie's extra tooth out....but "luckily", he ended up being able to get the tooth out without doing all that cutting...and with "minimal damage to her mouth so her recovery time would be minimal".   It was a direct answer to Marla's prayer!  It was no surprise to me that her prayer had been answered.  I can't tell you how many times she has prayed for something very specific, and the Lord hears her and that specific thing is granted.

I am going to be more like Marla...get on my knees, and pray out loud for the things I specifically need. Cause let's be honest, I need some stuff.

So that's it.  Those are my goals.  I would like to add ones in the mothering/wife area.  But, I figure if I am sane and doing well...I will be better in those areas too.