Meaningful Sabbaths

Today in sacrament meeting we were asked to really improve our reverence. We are usually a little early; however, we think we should be a little more earlier. That way we can sit down and truly reflect on our Savior and renewing our covenants. We are going to be better prepared before we leave for church by having family scripture study and listening to hymns. I will make sure I have time for prayers that aren't rushed and time for quiet reflection and repentance. If our hearts are truly broken and contrite, if we are truly focused on partaking of the sacrament our family's reverence with naturally improve.

After naps and meals on Sunday we sometimes go visiting, hold family councils, review individual goals, and/or watch a nature documentary. However, there is still a lot of room for improving keeping the Sabbath holy. Keeping seven children or various ages and stages active in worthy Sabbath activities can be challenging. I would also like to fit in extra scripture study and contemplation on Sundays. So I need to plan better.

This evening Jaremy and Benjamin organized family photos. Jessica, Natalie, Tank, and I worked on humanitarian baby blankets. It was good, but I need to better to involve everyone in a meaningful Sabbath activity. So tonight I'm praying for Heavenly Father's guidance as a make a Sabbath plan. I'm excited! I think we will see and feel a big difference in our family's spirituality as we strive to keep His day more holy. Of course, this excitement and eagerness comes from the Holy Ghost. I'm grateful for the encouragement instead of a feeling a overwhelming.

Hard Night

The last two nights I haven't been able to sleep well at all. Cramps in my legs and tummy haven't allowed it. I haven't even been able to take a nap because of my twitchy legs. But this morning around five my legs went dead. It was wonderful! I was so tired. I slept until 8:30am. Now that's sleeping in around here.

Jaremy go the kids up, ready, and to school. He's amazing and very kind. I'm so grateful I was able to get some good rest so I could function the rest of the day. Heavenly Father has blessed me with the best family and good health.

Today I've just taken it real easy. My tummy and legs have been back at it, so I'm just going slow.

It would be wonderful (if the baby was ready) if I could go into labor today or tomorrow. I know it's not going to happen, but boy, would it be convenient. Jaremy could go to China in a week with his co-workers. Jessica has tomorrow off, so she could help. Jaremy could take off Monday when I come home. Then the big kids only have half a day on Tuesday and the rest of the week off for Thanksgiving. I would have tons of help without making anyone miss school and fall behind. But Heavenly Father knows best. We are excited to have the baby whenever she is ready.

As for right now I'm tempted to get back into some really comfy pajamas to help my abdomen feel better. But it's about time to go pick up the kids so we will see.

Quilting at Kellers

On Monday I took the little kids and we went to Mom's house to pick out fabric for a baby blanket and quilt it. It was a relaxing, nice day to spend with my mom. The kids, of course, love being at Grandma's house (treats, movies, toys, dress-ups, coloring, treats, and more treats). The kids really enjoyed picking out the fabric at the store. Then we visited while we quilted. It was nice.

I'm blessed to have a good mother and father. They bless our lives. I'm grateful Heavenly Father sent me to a family that taught me the gospel and a love of my Heavenly Father.

Comfort Zone

I don't like going out after dark. In the winter I want to just stay at home after 5:30pm. But luckily, I have a family that helps push me out of my comfort zone. We've been going to the Sports Academy in the evenings. Tonight Jessica and Benjamin took a kickboxing class while I watched the little ones swim. Jaremy had Scout meetings tonight. Jessica, Benjamin, and Moroni are still there playing racquetball. We'll go get them in a minute. Maybe Jaremy and I will go back for a workout after we get the little kids to sleep. Or maybe I will just watch the Republican Presidental Debate while I stair step.

Oh, by the way the big kids and Jaremy went to the Sports Academy this morning at 5am, swam, cycled, and played racquetball. Last night Jaremy and I went too for a date. Tomorrow the little kids want to play basketball while I run around the gym. Fun! Fun! It's great to have healthy, active kids. It is a lot of work, planning, and discipline to keep the family healthy and strong. I'm grateful Heavenly Father is helping us and notices our efforts.

Sports Academy

The kid's school had a fund-raiser where you could buy a 2-month pass to the Sports Academy. We bought everyone in our family one because it is getting cold and dark. It is hard to workout outside as much now. With the passes we will be able to swim, play basketball and racquetball, use the track and exercise equipment, take all types of fitness classes, and soak in the hot tubs. Everyone is excited! Hopefully, it will help us get through the winter while improving our health and fitness, versus using the weather and lack of light as an excuse to stop or slow down our exercise program. We have worked hard for five months. We have to keep going now! I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed us with the resources to continue exercising as a family. I think it is going to be lots of fun!

Whirl-a-Round

It seems we just got back from the Snow Canyon Half-Marathon vacation, but that was 50 hours ago. It seems it's just go, go, go. And when it's not I'm collapsed on the sofa.

The race was awesome. Jaremy, Jessica, Benjamin, and Moroni did great, better than they imagined. It was emotional seeing them push themselves and accomplish a goal that took a lot of discipline, training, and determination over the last five months. They are already planning their next races. Me too, but first I'm going to have this cute baby. I wogged five miles in St. George on Monday. It felt great except I totally biffed it. Luckily, I can't go fast at this point, so I only scraped my knees and elbows.

Benjamin turned 13 yesterday! I can't believe we are the parents of two teenagers already. Time goes so fast. Way too soon they will be flying away to start their own lives. I will miss them so! I just want to soak in every minute I have with them. All the kids are amazing!! I love them so much!!! I'm so grateful Heavenly Father let them come to our family!!!

Independent Will

I've had a hard time these last few months keeping my temper under control. Pregnancy, fatigue, seven children, and lack of discipline have made it difficult. I sometimes feel so out of control and like a victim of my children's disobedience, stupidity, confusion, and messes. The simple noise that usually I love about drives me batty. The whole atmosphere in our home is unraveling. Jaremy and the children don't appreciate it. I am really going to have to exercise some discipline and pray every moment for help. Because there is not a moments reprieve. It's constant "Mom, Mom!," "Tank is smearing Destin all over the kitchen!" "He pulled my hair!" Then there is the constant asking the same question over and over. Some children are a lot more annoying than others. But it all adds up to me feeling like I want to ring their necks. Even while I write this, "Mom, can I go on the treadmill? I'm not too little." for the hundredth time. "Tank is cutting his shirt!" Ella is coloring nicely, so I complimented her.

I must find and encourage the positive. I must be aware of my blood beginning to boil. I must push my pause button and pray earnestly. I must choose the right and good and kind. I must imagine a better solution than anger, frustration, and explosion. I must use my independent will to live that solution. Soon my patience will grow. Soon I will feel the Spirit in our home more. Soon our the atmosphere and culture of our family will change. Mothers determine so much of the mood. That's why we've been struggling. I can change!! I will try earnestly to be like Jesus!!! Heavenly Father is right there to help me!