Motivational Monday #20

this quote comes from the most recent general conference.
I am so grateful for inspired men and women who know exactly what the Lord wants us to hear. 

Visiting Teaching Handout April 2017

Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood

click here to read the message

4x6

 

two 4x6 on 8x10

you are welcome to use these handouts

simply click to englare the picture then right click, save as, and print

you can also save and upload to costco (or any photo place) for a more photo like finish

Beck's Four Month Update

On Monday, we went to Beck's four month well check up. I left that appointment feeling a little indifferent. . . . 

We arrived and did all the standard length, weight, head circumference. We answered all the developmental questions and then waited for the doctor. We only had one question/concern, but aside from that we were excited to see how much he had grown. 

Since our last appointment, Beck has started to really smile and giggle. Everytime he smiles, he reminds me of when Hannah was a baby. They are looking a lot alike as babies. If you really want to get Beck smiling all you need to do it sing to him. He loves singing, and it doesn't matter how good or bad you sing. No judgement from this four month old. 

He still has blue eyes. They are a darker version of Lilly Belle's blue eyes. I still think he is the family member that will make people see how Hannah and Lilly are sisters. People tell him oh he looks like so and so but to me (unless he is smiling) I only see Beck. I think he looks like his own person. . . . hope that made sense. 

Beck still eats about four to five ounces every three to four hours, and at this appointment we were encouraged to try Beck on some rice cereal. We will be giving it a go soon. 

Beck has started to wake up a little more during the night which hasn't been fun for me; however, I still think he is a good sleeper. At night, he likes to sleep by himself, no cuddles. During the day, he likes to be cuddled, no putting him down.

Our only concern/question for the doctor was about Beck's head. For the past couple weeks Aaron and I were thinking the back of his head looked a little flat, but we weren't sure. The doctor confirmed our suspisions and informed us that there is still time to get it rounded out before we need to seek aid from a helmet. This was when I got a little sad. I don't put Beck down that much. I prefer to carry him, and so felt like I had failed some how. We are hoping to get the back of his little head rounded out before his six month appointment. At that time the doctor will reevlauate him and then decide if we need to see a specialist. . . . another specialist. 

Speaking of specialist. . . His daily dose of medicine for his urinary reflux was increased. We report next month to the urology specialist. 

And that is about it. I love this little guy and am happy that he is doing well. 

Beck is 26 inches long (76%) His weight is 15 pounds 3 ounces (38%) and his head circumference is 40 cm (7%). He didn't put on as much weight as we would have liked, but the doctor isn't worried about it at the moment. 

click here to read about Beck's visit with the urology specialist

click here to read about Beck's two month update

activity days binder cover

I was just called to be an activity days leader for the 10-11 year olds! 

I am so excited and can't wait to share with you all the fun things we do. 

I am currently working on making an activity day binder. Here is the binder cover!

simply right click and save as or

click here for the pdf version 

remember to hit fit to page when you are ready to print. There may be a small white boarder but you can simply cut it off

will link to other pages when I get them done and finally do a big post once it is finished

~ 2017 Word of the Year ~

It has taken me three and a half months to finally come up with some goals that I want to accomplish this year. I was feeling really uninspired and unmotivated at the beginning of the year. Our family had run into some difficult times, and I was drained. I would have completely failed at any goal I set during that time. 

Now that I have had plenty of time to think with a clear mind, I am ready to set some goals!

But first. . . . .

Has anyone heard of this thing called word of the year?

It is one word that you spend the year trying to live. My goals and the choices I make will (most likely) be revolving around this word.

My word for 2017 is

This means I want to eliminate all the extra stuff in my life that I feel is weighing me down, and keeping me from reaching my true potential. 

so what do I want to eliminate? 

here they are : 

clutter

debt

distractions

stress/worry

negativity

time wasting

baby weight

junk food and

unnecessary purchases

Clutter - we have moved a lot since being married and every time we are packing and unpacking I always say the same thing, why do we have so much stuff. We literally have boxes full of stuff that has moved from house to house but never unpacked. Get rid of it!!! I started in my living room just decluttering (is that a word? Oh well) the things in their that I felt I didn't need or didn't need to be in that room. Let me tell you it felt amazing! My living room looks clean and clutter free and I feel good when I go in there. It is also very contagious, and I am now moving on to other rooms in my house. It is really surprising how much stuff we have that we just don't use or need. 

Debt - I think this one is pretty obvious. I am tired of owing this car company and this credit card company money. I want it gone! I understand this may not happen in 2017, but I want to see a good decrease in the amounts we owe. 

Distractions - What things are keeping me from being a better wife, mother, daughter of God?

It may be social media, TV, sleeping in etc. I want to find those things and eliminate the amount of time I spend with that distraction. For example, I am still going to watch TV, I am pretty much obsessed with This Is Us, but if I have the TV on just to have it on then that's a problem. 

Stress/Worry - Honestly, I have no clue how I am going to eliminate this one so if anyone has any tips send them my way.

Negativity - life is too short to have negative people in my life. I dread going on facebook because the post now a days just seem to be people arguing and hating this or that. I DON'T CARE! It is time to clean up friends lists, and get rid of any negative thoughts and feelings I have towards other people and myself. 

Procrastination - If you are like me you leave everything to the last minute. I am tired of this and want to be a more productive person. Get things done sooner so I don't have to worry about it later. Hey ok this is one way I can eliminate stress/worry.

Baby Weight - When I was pregnant with Hannah my doctor told me to put on weight. He then told me once I had her I would bounce back pretty instantly, and he wasn't wrong. Then thirty hit and two kids within two years and that baby weight isn't moving. It is actually really sad to not like the way I look. I am going to start walking/exercising and eating better.

Junk Food - This pretty much goes with baby weight. I would love to feel better, have more energy, and see the pounds fall off. I don't think I eat terribly bad at the moment, but know I can do better. 

Unnecessary Purchases - Do you ever go to target for a couple necessities and leave with a cart full of things you didn't need? Yep me too. I want to be more deliberate with my purchases and only buy things that I absolutely need and love. 

I strongly feel that if I can eliminate these things that weigh me down and aren't bringing value to my life, then I will be in a much better place come 2018

and that is it!

If you made it to the end congrats : )

What are some of your goals for 2017?

Motivational Monday #19

I am just beginning my journing to minimalism (more like simplifying/decluttering etc) and this quote is exactly what I need to keep going. 

It is a long process, but getting rid of all the extra stuff is energizing!

I will write a bigger post all about my journey soon 

Motivational Monday #18

This is somethings our family is trying to be better at this year

Some Random Thoughts About The Pioneers

A couple weeks ago, we had a lesson on pioneers. If you want to read the lesson simply click here. The lesson was about Pioneer heritage - focusing on faith and sacrifice. To be honest, I don't tend to find lessons about the pioneers all that exciting. It always seems to be the same stories over and over. This lesson, however, wasn't filled with stories but rather relating the pioneers physical trials to our spiritual trials. I listened, participated, and held a fussy baby throughout the entire lesson. The lesson ended and I went home. I didn't feel any amazing spiritual experience, and went about my day and week as usual. However, as the week progressed, my mind kept going back to these pioneers and the lesson that was taught. My thoughts were of amazement and admiration for their ability to keep going. They endured torture and persecution. They pushed themselves physically as they journeyed west. They dealt with sickness and buried loved ones. They finally arrive in Utah, and now had to work to build up their new lives. There wasn't a city waiting for them, it was a swamp land, it wasn't easy, but they kept going. 

I can't imagine the hardships they went through, and I often wonder if they ever wanted to simply give up and quit? Was it worth it? For them it was. They didn't just want a better life for themselves, but for the generations to come. As I was walking around Salt Lake City, I was overcome with a sense of love and gratitude for those pioneers. Their heritage, hard work, and legacy can be felt throughout the city. Looking at this beautiful city, I am grateful they endured for me. Now my family and I get to appreciate living here and the beauty that surrounds us. 

I have also come to realize that pioneers aren't just those who crossed the plains. My parents are modern day pioneers. In 1999, they gave each of their eight children a suitcase. We could fill our suitcase with the things that we wanted to take with us to California. I know it was hard for my parents to leave England, it was hard to find work that would support a family of ten, and it was hard not to turn around and go home. However, my parents kept going. The blessings that have come because of their unselfish sacrifice are countless. 

I am not sure if any of my ramblings made much sense, but I just wanted to attempt to type out some of the thoughts that were rolling around in my head.

the church allows use of their images for use on personal blogs

here is the link to the picture - lds media library

Visiting Teaching Handout March 2017

The Enabling Power of Jesus Christ and His Atonement

click here to read the message

you are welcome to use these handouts

simply right click, save as, and print

Babywearing

When I had Hannah, I didn't know anything about babywearing. We use to wear her in a carrier around town simply because it was more practical then pushing a stroller. It never once occurred to me that I could wear her inside the house! Hannah would have been a much more content baby if I had done more babywearing with her. 

While I was pregnant with Lilly, I randomly stumbled upon some babywearing videos on YouTube. I became increasingly interested by it, and did a lot of research before deciding on going with a Solly Baby Wrap. Aaron also wanted to wear Lilly, but refused to wear her in a wrap, so he went with an Ergo 360.
I ended up wearing Lilly in the ergo a lot more than the wrap. I think because it was a lot more comfortable for me. I was still struggling a little with getting the wrap on right. I also was walking in the mornings with my sister, and the structure of the ergo made babywearing a lot more comfortable. It also came with a sun shade which helped tremendously when walking in the high desert.

When I found out I was going to have another baby, I knew I wanted to use my wrap a lot more. I did more research into babywearing with a wrap. I also joined some groups on facebook which are dedicated to educating mothers on proper babywearing. I felt a lot more confident third time around. I started wearing Beck when he was two weeks old. It would have been sooner but recovery was not fun for me. He was so little and instantly snuggled up on my chest and fell right asleep. I could tell that he was in the wrap correctly because he was completely relaxed. He was high and tight, face visible, close enough to kiss, and his bum was lower than his knees. I was also extremely comfortable while wearing him which meant I had wrapped the Solly correctly. There were no twist or sagging in my fabric.
As you can tell, I did not buy a new wrap. I barely used it with Lilly, so it was in great condition. Yes, it is purple, take my advise when I tell you to ALWAYS go with gender neutral. I use my wrap while in the house, and wear Beck almost if not everyday. When we are going to be out for a couple hours, I wear him in the Ergo. It is more comfortable for extended periods of time, and easier to take off and put back on for feedings, diaper changes etc. I much prefer to have him close to me then in a carseat.

Here are just a few reasons why I love babywearing.

1. He loves it.
Beck can be screaming and as soon as I get him in the wrap he is out (sometimes he falls asleep while I am putting him in it.) If he doesn't fall asleep, he will look around for a little bit, fully content, then fall asleep. I am telling you these wraps are magical.

2. Hands free.
I have a five year old and a one year old who also need my attention. I love taking them outside to run and play. In these instances it is easier to have Beck in the ergo then in my arms. It also helps when the girls want to play or I want to do their hair etc.
I don't tend to do much cleaning when he is in the wrap (although you could.) Cleaning tends to involve a lot of bending and picking things up which I don't love doing while babywearing. I do mop the floor and fold clothes etc. I also do not cook while babywearing because I don't like my baby being so close to a hot stove and cook top.

3. We are creating a bond.
I love how content Beck is snuggled up on my chest. I do not breastfeed and so worried about not having the same bond with my children. Babywearing allows a closeness and oneness with Beck that I might not get another way.

4.  Convenient.
 Sometimes it is easier to carry a baby then push around a stroller. If we didn't carried Beck around Salt Lake City, we would have to take the big and bulky sit and stand. If I carry Beck then we only need to take along an umbrella stroller for Lilly Belle. The umbrella stroller is a lot easier to transport, maneuver, and navigate through crowds.

5. I love it.
Beck loves being wrapped, but I also love having him close to me. He is my sweet little baby. I know how quickly the days pass by and I want to cherish and soak up every day with him. Keeping him close enables me to snuggle with my baby all the time.

If you don't have any type of babywearing equipment, I would highly recommend getting something. I love the Solly Wrap and our Ergo 360 (links to both will be down below.) I am also looking into a baby ring sling for when Beck gets a little bigger.
I love babywearing and know you will too.

click on the links below for their websites
The Solly Baby Wrap
The Ergobaby 360 Carrier 

Two More Temples

We can cross two more temples off our list of temples to see. Yesterday we went and saw the Draper and Mount Timpanogos Temples. We also went and saw the Jordan River Temple but it is under construction and so you can't get on the grounds.