Caroling

Yesterday we made cinnamon rolls to take to some of our neighbors. We were going to meet some people in or ward and share our testimony of Christ with them by singing Christmas songs.  However, the plates of cinnamon rolls took a lot longer than anticipated. I was worried all our work would be wasted because we wouldn't have time to deliver them before it was too late at night for visits. I yelled and scolded. I whined about why we try to do such things in the first place because our efforts often flop.  I complained about the cold, dark, snowy, dangerous night.  I worried about getting the van stuck in the snow and about finding addresses in the dark.  Let's just say I was miserable and made sure the kids were too. I wasn't exactly filled with the Spirit, just the opposite. How were we suppose to testify of Christ when I drove the Spirit out the window.  Of course, that made me feel even worse. Well, after a lot of apologizing, praying, and singing we made it through the night. Not our best night, but at least I didn't abandon ship. My poor kids! We visited seven houses. Tonight we will go out again. This time I will speak with love, kindness, patience, gratitude, optimism, and hope. I will keep the Holy Ghost as my companion. Tonight will be tons better! I'm so grateful for a family and a Heavenly Father who are willing to forgive me when I am terrible.

Pregnancy Challenges

I don't know what I was thinking, but I thought this pregnancy would be easier. It's not! My emotions have really been affected. I don't usually have a problem with this at all. But lately I have to fight tears, fight antisocial feelings (I mean I don't really care to be with anyone except my family), and fight a bit of melancholy.  I feel tired and hungry all the time. I've been putting on the weight. I just don't feel good or like myself much. Winter makes it all the more difficult. It's easier when you can get outside, soak in sunshine, and exercise and garden in the great outdoors for hours on end. It lifts the spirits and strengthens the body.  Stresses seem to be adding up and I don't have the physical or emotional energy to deal with them.  But I am so excited for the baby. All this trivial stuff just hopefully makes me more compassionate. I just have to push myself and do what I should, not what I feel like. Heavenly Father will help me get through the tough moments and phases that are part of every pregnancy. For this I am grateful. I also am grateful for the experience that has shown me these feelings and struggles are temporary. I do return to normal. And normal in my case is wonderful!

Morning Study

Outside World

I am so happily busy with my sweet family of almost eleven that I don't get out much.  I love teaching, cooking, cleaning, cuddling, reading, and exercising with my family.  However, I sometimes wonder if I'm doing enough in the Lord's kingdom outside my home.  I need to visit neighbors, attend the temple, reach out to those I'm called to serve, and share the gospel.  Now that morning sickness is over hopefully I can do more of that again.  I want to please the Lord and do His will, so I need to push myself out of my comfort zone and home and get to work.

Nap Time

I'm so grateful that I can take a break everyday and have a nap.  I think I would go insane without one.  It's been a great, productive morning.  But about this time everyday I grind to a halt.  My energy disappears and I become a vegetable.  I'm grateful Heavenly Father has given us this simple way to boost our energy and productivity again.  The little kids go up to their beds and Adelynn lies down with me.  She holds my hand as she goes to sleep.  We sleep for about an hour and a half.  When we wake up we are new people.  We are filled with energy and are ready to kick it into gear again.  Well, I'm going to go drag myself into bed.  Good night!

Puzzles

Last night we listened to Christmas music while we did two 300 piece puzzles together for family home evening.  We separated onto the two ends of the table: boys against girls.  We raced to see who could finish their puzzle first.  Boys won!  But we all had a great time! I hope all the kids remember these good times, cherish them, and continue spending lots of wonderful time with their future families.  Heavenly Father has blessed us so much!  We have all the things that are most important and tons of things that are just nice.  We are so richly blessed!

MIni Workouts

Just to get my blood flowing through out the day I do mini workouts (10 minutes).  We dance, walk, lift weights, whatever.  It feels great to move and stretch.  I'm so grateful Heavenly Father has given us little ways we can improve our health and energy.  I think I'll do one now before breakfast!