2017 Goals

Here we are as a family in 2017. 

This was a gift given to us from Reggie and Linda (my brother and his wife). 

Tonight is a rare night. I have some extra time! 

I am going to take advantage of this time to write down 

my thoughts, feelings, and goals for this new year. 

As I contemplated what goals I wanted to make this year it seemed clear I wanted to be healthy.

Spiritually. Mentally. Physically.

So here is the plan! 

Spiritually: Feast upon the scriptures. Really study them. Not in my bed with the lights off just before i go to bed (like i have in the past). I will set aside time in the evening after kids go to bed, to study the lesson's for the coming week. I will have a journal to record thoughts, questions, and testimony. Its now January 10 and I have been doing it consistently every day so far. It has been wonderful to have that dedicated time to think and ponder and learn about my Savior.

Mentally: Practice yoga and use a mantra every day. Listen to podcasts. Doing this has made a big difference in my life! I struggle with anxiety and negative thoughts. Slowing down and practicing yoga feels like i am becoming more balanced. Whats been even a greater help has been the mantras, I am alive. I am bold. I create. I accept, I embrace. I awaken. I am supported. ETC.

Repeating these phrases has given my mind greater strength. 

They have given me more confidence.

I have felt more love.

I have felt a greater connection to my Savior. 

I recognize His role in each of the phrases.

I have found a couple of great Pocasts. Some religious. Some healing. Some motherhood. 

A few times i have put my headphones on for 30 minutes to listen. Blocking out the screaming but playing children. Listening relaxes me. It grounds me. It inspires me. It helps me feel human again.

Physically: I told Andy last year I wanted to take an adventure with him. He was an adventurous man before we got married. He climbed tall rock mountains and visited foreign countries. Sadly, that ended when we got married and had children. I told Andy we needed to take an adventure together. We are currently planning a backpacking trip to Yosemite. I am really excited...but need to put my fear of bears in the back pocket. We need to prepare. Yoga, climbing, hiking, is going on the calendar frequently the next 6 months so that we will be ready by June. 

With these goals, on the surface, they seems to be all about myself. Selfish. 

A step further and one might see that these goals are going to allow me to be a better wife, mother, and daughter of God. A person who is more capable, confident, and able to love. 

Now for a family update!

Andy left his startup Whistic. 

He is now onto bigger and better things! 

He is helping with another startup called Advinate and also has a full time job at Adobe.

 He is a busy man and manages it with such great ease.

I am grateful for the loving and playful father he is. 

Charlie is 5 years old. 

He loves earning stickers for his chore chart.

He hopes to earn a flying dragon once completed. 

He makes his bed, empties the dishwasher, cleans up toys, vacuums, empties trash cans,

and whatever other odd jobs he can find.

He loves building with legos! And I am constantly impressed with his creations. 

Olive is 3 years old. 

She is a fancy girl. She changes her clothes at least 3 times a day.

She loves twirling and running around the house. 

She gets excited for any chance to put on "lips" (my lip gloss).

She is a sweet big sister to Grant and loves to "babysit" him.

I love getting to cuddle with Olive. She gives great hugs!

 Grant is 8 months old.
He is so happy!
He is army crawling everywhere.
He gets up on his hands and knees to rock back and forth.
He will pull himself up to stand against furniture.
He has 3 teeth and one on its way.
He loves Charlie and Olive and watches them very closely.
They can easily make him smile or laugh.

Family is such a tremendous blessing.
Thinking about each one makes my heart feel like it could burst.
With great privileges comes great responsibility.
I do feel that responsibility and want to fulfill my role as a wife and mother as best I can!