january progress report

This is my year to create fabulous things, remember? As I look back on the first month of opportunity, these are a few things that have been created in my life. Some were all me, some were very little me and a lot of my partners in this creation process, but nevertheless, all were created.

• five scrapbook layouts. yes, five! that's more than I probably did all of last year. some of you (kari and jaime) are laughing or rolling your eyes that I'm participating in such an activity, but I've got my reasons! and my last two are awesome... I'm just sayin'.
• a new running distance. as previously mentioned, this is a pretty small one-digit number, but those miles didn't exist for this body before this month, so we're calling it accomplishment.
• outdoor adventures with my kids. I use the term "adventures" loosely, but there were at least three times that our entire family enjoyed outside together this month. we moved our bodies, enjoyed fresh air and each other and that's good enough for me.
• a few yummy meals. my fav was angel hair with spicy shrimp, recipe from real simple. perhaps I'll post it. It's good and everybody ate it. Seneca likes shrimp as much as cooper does.
• new clients. and new opportunities with clients. I love that energy work provides me the opportunity to be constantly learning new things.
• new space for toys. dumped all in one enormous pile. sorted, tossed, organized and found everything a place... that isn't in my family room!
• new preschool experience for cooper. coop had hit a plateau in his learning situation and while he was super comfortable there we decided to try something new. it has been fabulous for him. it's amazing what a week will do. he's being stimulated in new ways that are great for him- this was a good move.
• laughter. denten's funny. if you don't know this side of him it's too bad. he has made me laugh a lot lately. my children have laughed a lot lately- mostly at each other. I'm happy to have my home filled with this sound all the time.
• exposure to new books. a much overdue trip to the library has produced a new crop of books for everyone to explore every day. even me.
• changes in relief society. all but one of my teaching and music staff in relief society is in transition. I'm excited about the fresh perspective we'll have and the new opportunities for our sisters.
• pockets of order in my home. the house as a whole is not fantastic, but there are a few areas that have had a major overhaul this month and man, that feels good! for instance, I'm typing this on my desktop located in my loft. the reason is crummy, but the point is that two weeks ago this computer was virtually buried with stuff piled on the desk. the storage closet, the pantry, the outgrown kids clothes... all possess order. it's such a beautiful thing.
• communication. don't underestimate the power of this fine tool in a marriage. does wonders for keeping one another happy.

Not a bad month, in and of itself. A few tweaks for Feb: more pockets of time dedicated to my scriptures, more getting to the piano to create a little music, more opportunities for my family to serve others. how's that for accountability? hold me to it, blogosphere.

blog banner

Do you love it? I love it. It's so stinking darling and the best part? I had four to choose from! Wanna know the other best part? I didn't do it. I didn't stress over the design or colors or font... it just showed up and was fabulous. Wanna know a secret? You can have one too. If you're all photoshoppy and graphically genious then you've probably already got one, but if you're not (like me) or don't wanna take the time to learn (like me) then have I got the girl for you!! Yep, she's a whole lotta wonder packed into one little body. Really, she's little, but man, she's got skills! And another best part? She's cheap. I'll just put it out there. I know 'cause I shopped around. Do you have any idea what some people are charging to for a blog banner these days?! It's ridiculous. In comes Amy with her small little body and her small little price and I had to wonder if she was kidding. Turns out she just likes me. A lot. Really. And because she likes me, she'll probably like you too, so email her here and mention my name and you'll get hooked up.


This girl and this girl and I were having a conversation about how some people are resourceful in that they figure out how to do great stuff. The other kind of people are resourceful in that they know how to get people to do great stuff for them. I'm that kind. And I've got good people.

keeping us in line

"Nephi, the rod is over here!

Why should I care?

Father said it is the only way! There are many dangers and we must remain strong!"

I have these words memorized and I have never seen the movie in its entirety. But you better believe we are well aware of all the dangers out there. Thank you, Cooper, for keeping us in line.

seen and heard around here

Heard: Cooper saying, "mom, I really think I need to stop eating fruits and vegetables."

Heard: Seneca stopping midway through lunch demanding that we all fold our arms. We had forgotten the prayer.

Seen: Mom incredibly out of her element in the wine aisle at Fresh and Easy trying to find the right one for a recipe.

Heard: Beckham and Seneca laughing from some undisclosed location upstairs.

Seen: Seneca hiding in mom's room using mom's make-up brushes to tickle Beckham's face.

Seen, and heard: Seneca running at full speed through the library laughing her head off.

Seen: Cooper balancing on top of six pillows engrossed in new library books.

Heard: Dad shaved seven minutes off of his mile swim, in less than a week!

Heard: Amberly sending out a message to the universe that she really needed a treat today.

Seen: Jackie showing up at the door with cookies... just for me!

Seen: Seneca trying to steal my cookies.

leaving an impression

We received the entire Book of Mormon collection from the Living Scriptures for Christmas. I thought it was an awesome gift... I mean, if my kids are going to watch tv occasionally, they might as well be learning the scriptures, right? After all, kids are quite impressionable and often internalize and repeat the things they see on tv. Cooper has enjoyed these movies, even asked for them in place of other animated options. Great, I thought, he's developing a love for the gospel stories. Uh-huh.

And it came to pass that the scriptures are violent! Don't get me wrong, I have known this in my life, I've just never had it acted out in my home before.

He's been talking to a lot of "brothers and sisters" lately. And preaching repentance, loudly. He holds to the rod and builds ships and his favorite part of the Joseph Smith story is when he had germs in his leg and might have to have it cut off. That one had some help from primary.

This afternoon I stepped into the bathroom (I gotta do that occasionally) and when I emerged the house was dark. All the lights were off and all of the blinds were closed. what? "This is a day of total darkness, mom. There is no sun because of the nephites and the bad guys." Oh. This as he was hunkered down under the trampoline. Hiding from who knows what.

And while my home has never welcomed toy weapons, the child does own his own toy bow. Convenient that that is the weapon of choice in much of the Book of Mormon. He pulled it out in search of the Lamanites. Not sure if he got any...

Later I heard a little yelling and went to investigate. "Get out of my house!" Uh, we don't talk that way coop. "I'm just being Laban." Oh yeah? Tell me about Laban. He told me about Nephi and Laman running out of Laban's house and leaving Jerusalem (he likes to enunciate jerusalem). Written as told: "The Lord shook the ground helped Nephi get the plates. He picked up his sword out of his slot and he died him. He put on laban's clothes, and goed to a man that has the plates. That was a safe way to get the plates. That man that got the plates for Nephi, he was really good at secrets, he can't tell a single thing. He's very good at secrets. Me too."

Yep, those movies are doing their job, and mine. Proof that that darn box on the wall leaves a great impression on little minds.

* edited to add: Denten just reminded me that Cooper has been proclaiming to all of his imaginary friends around here that "we are a chosen people." indeed we are.

an outing

Saturday we went to check out the Riparian Wildlife Preserve.  Let's just say that when Denten realized the "wildlife" being preserved was birds, he wondered why the long drive... we had a good time anyway.  Until Seneca met her first cactus up close.  It was a beautiful day and a nice chance to be outside and wander together. 

confessions of a part-time runner

I've always claimed, quite adamantly, that I'm not a runner. I wasn't built for it, I simply don't have the endurance levels in me to go put one foot in front of another one for any significant amount of time. It's hard. Oh, there it is. The truth. The reason I've never claimed the title is that it's hard.

I'm lots of things during the day. Sometimes I'm a dish washer. Sometimes I'm a laundress. Sometimes I'm a lover. Sometimes I'm a sister. And there are days when for the better part of an hour, I'm a runner.

Tonight between the distractions dancing in my ears I could hear my feet rhythmically hitting the pavement. I could feel that my legs were stronger and more capable to propel me forward, eager to go a little further than I did before. I could hear that my breathing was steady and wasn't as labored as it was last week. My lungs aren't burning like they did. My distance is embarrassingly short, but it's mine. My body did it and it couldn't have done it two weeks ago.

I had my coaches whispering things in my head. My dad was reminding me to keep my arms lower and not so tense, to lengthen my stride when going downhill. Jaime said to keep my steps short when on an incline and to pump my arms, they'll keep my legs going when they want to quit. Diane whispered that slow and steady is always good enough. I could see in Denten's eyes that with every block my body was getting fitter, firmer and I like to feel like that to him.

I'm a long way from any sort of race distance, but I'm closer than I've been in 4 years. While a morning run is a fantastic way to start my day, it isn't always possible with the schedule we're keeping around here. Sometimes it has to wait until the day is coming to a close. Seven-thirty comes around in the evenings and it is very tempting to shed my day, find my pajamas and indulge in the quiet of my house. Sometimes reaching for my running clothes is difficult. I don't feel like I've got it in me at the end of the day to push myself physically, or mentally, 'cause let's face it- this is a mental deal for me. But I'm usually surprised that once I'm moving, I want to keep moving. I want time to clear my head, to focus on breathing in and out and occasionally remind myself that singing while running isn't a great idea. I shed my long-sleeves (this weather is incredible) and can feel my hair swinging on my back. It used to bug me to have my hair long when I ran. I like it right now.

I like that my body fat percentage is dropping, I like coming to the end of my route and picturing that stretch in Bar Harbor when I'm approaching the park. I come around the corner through the trees and see Dent, Kate and Wade up ahead cheering for me. They've been done for quite some time, but they don't rub it in. They somehow know that this is a feat for me and are nothing but supportive. I feel my pace pick up and push myself to go as fast as I can. I feel the exhilaration that I did it. My body is the good kind of exhausted. There will be days when it hurts and when I don't want to do this anymore so I want to remind myself that persistence pays off and that it will become more comfortable and that the rewards are worth the effort.

And then I walk down my street breathing deeply, grateful for the air that fills my lungs. I turn up my driveway and pause for just a second before entering my house. For now I'm no longer a runner. I'm back to another role: wife, or mother, or housekeeper. And they're good too.

five for friday

1. monday we took a little hike through south mountain park. the weather was unseasonable warm, even for phoenix. I'm glad denten suggested the trip, the air was good for everyone.

2. today is cool and rainy. I love it. it's a tad bit humid and reminds me of new york in the spring. I just want to leave the windows open and curl up with a good book.

3. inspiration came to me clearly today while I was changing the sheets on my bed. a strange time for inspiration, but I'll take it. I have been praying about the best way to help a new client and the answer and direction came so clearly I wondered why I hadn't seen it before. I'm grateful for a Heavenly Father who listens and for the spirit that speaks to me often. I'm excited about a new direction for this particular woman and the changes it will bring.

4. seneca and beckham have both been whiny and clingy today. they just want to be near me and be held. I don't mind sitting and holding a cuddly child, the problem is that they both seem to need my lap at the same time. sibling rivalry has kicked in and heaven forbid one of them touch anything the other is even remotely interested in! it's a good thing they both had great morning naps or I wouldn't have gotten a thing done.

5. is it always the case that the older siblings enjoy birthday toys more than the birthday boy? the few fun things beckham received have been pure entertainment for coop and senny. I'm a fan of the vtech learning toys, they make fun things that teach easily as the kids play.

cake?

yep, I'm pretty sure he liked it.

One.

Remember the doctors who said it would never happen?

It did.



Remember the wary who wondered if we'd make it through the year?

We did.

And we're still smiling.

Happy Birthday Beckham.

You are a completely delicious delight and I couldn't love you more.

Obama

Whenever there are major events covered by the press, I am drawn to the television. I want to see the action, I don't like to miss anything. Today was absolutely no exception. I had a project planned that would have taken me upstairs and away from the tv, so I rearranged my plans. I wasn't able to watch the inauguration live, but when I got a chance I revelled.

I liked being home, able to hear the words clearly and have a perfect view of the proceedings, but I also longed to be there. To feel the electricity, to be a part of the energy and the cheers. Denten says I would have gotten hypothermia, which is highly likely, but how fantastic to be a part of that crowd. I was envious of those friends on the east coast able to travel to see such a marvelous event. Erin was there... I'll live through her today.

I didn't expect to be emotional, but I was at one point. I couldn't help but imagine a very similar scene years ago when Martin Luther King, Jr. stood at the opposite end of the mall and had a vision that I was seeing unfold today. I think so many things about today were wonderful. I am excited about the changes that are coming for our country and the fact that I am at a point in my life that I can understand and witness them. I'm excited that a man with such vision and clarity is running our country as my children are growing up. They are going to see amazing things in their lifetimes and this is a great start. Obama is a man who understands respect and honor and accountability. Those are values that I'm proud to be associated with and am grateful my children are able to witness.

SPT: trying new things

Today's SPT challenge from Lelly is this:

I resolve to take more self-portraits while trying new things.

It's new to me to have an African American president.
It's new to me to be so deeply excited about change for our country.
It's new for me to shed tears while watching such an event.
Bring on the new... I'm ready. And I think he's fantastic.

clarification

thank you to all of you who seem to know I can complete a half-marathon. the fact is that I have actually already done it... but it was before children, which is significant when considering both the state of my body as well as my time availability to train. both are easily overcome, but I'm having issue with my terrain... running in riverside park through big trees next to the river with manhattan as my soundtrack, that was inviting. running through flat brown ghetto south phoenix with identical stucco houses as my landscape? somewhat different and not so inspiring. we're working through it.

and no, I'm not pregnant. wouldn't that be something?!

Saturday in the backyard

Eat your heart out, grandma.

They were so happy, until we tortured them.  Then Cooper tried to find zen while Beckham couldn't have been happier.

The best we could do.

And then came the Robinson Olympic Gymnastic trials...

            

And to end the show, Beckham, standing on his own.  don't you just want to squish him?  I do.  

one word

I learned great things in 2008. I learned new things and was reminded of things regarding who I am and what I'm on this earth to do. I learned that I am capable of so much more than I was giving myself credit for and that I am destined to do great things. I don't mean to be conceited. Whoever happens to read this, you are destined to do great things, too...

I am the one who decides how this life is going to go for me.  My Father in Heaven has a plan for me and his will trumps mine once in a while, but I choose my situation, my reactions, my moods and my environment.  It's empowering and intimidating all at once to realize that one can be, have and do anything.  It's more empowering and less intimidating when I remember that I'm not alone in these endeavors.  I don't create alone, I've got a partner and co-creating is a great plan.  Having the Lord as my co-creator, I won't fail.   My word this year is

create

There are lots and lots of things I want to create this year.  Some will be completed and some only started, but all will exist for me in 2009.

Here's a peek of a few of the things that I want to create this year:

• a peaceful home
• a great learning environment for my children
• great experiences with my family
• fun memories with my kids
• money
• clients
• scrapbook layouts
• easy healthy dinners
• laughter
• order
• music
• a beautiful home
• alone time with my husband
• alone time for me
• more reading time with my children
• stronger friendships
• strength for my business
• a strong, healthy body
• a successful half-marathon
• more affection in my home
• a better understanding of the atonement
• a deeper relationship with my Savior
• outdoor adventures with my family
• a specific figure in our savings account
• a stronger sense of unity in our relief society
• more exposure to the scriptures

Two schools of thought:  one, the list is ambitious.  two, don't we all want these things anyway?  None of the dreams above are anywhere near impossible.  Well, maybe the half marathon, but that's just me.  They're all possible and defining them further will only bring them closer to existing for me.  Some will happen one at a time, some will occur simultaneously.  All will bring me closer to who I'm supposed to be becoming. 

This week I created a date with my husband.  Now I should probably recreate what I currently look like if it's going to live up to my expectations.  'Cause he only kisses the pretty girls.  What are you going to create this year?

leave it to grandpa

Three small packages were delivered to our house today.

Even though two were addressed to her brothers, Seneca paid that no mind.

She is one happy girl.




Thank you, Grandpa. You're the greatest.

great things

I'm ready, in my head, to post about this new year and what it's going to bring for me. Life, however, is going to postpont this post for a bit longer... duties, you know.

Last night as I was running (yes, dad, you read that right) daughtry was blasting in my earbuds. wanna know what he said?

"careful what you wish for, 'cause you just might get it all..."

stay tuned... amazing things are headed this way...

on a side note, I told cooper this morning as I was assisting with too-small socks that he was too big and needed to stop growing. he replied, "mom, but naps and birthdays make me grow bigger." well then... keep growing my friend, 'cause naps... we're not doing away with those!

oh, and on our way home from preschool cooper pointed out to us where abinidi lives. bet you wish you had that kind of insider info.

Today

• I had a great energy session this morning with a new client. There were interesting things that came up that were new to me. Some of the issues that came up were things that needed to be cleared for both of us. I am grateful to be able to facilitate this work and assist in blessing other's lives. It always ends up being a blessing to me as well.
• We had a great appointment today in an effort to explore future preschool options for Cooper. I'm grateful for the opportunities for our children that are emerging in our area.
• All three of my children slept for 2 1/2 hours this afternoon.
• Shellie delivered a great meal to our door, something all the kids could eat easily. It made dinnertime go smoothly this evening.
• Cooper, Seneca, Beckham and I went to the Phoenix Art Museum this evening after dinner for a high school art show to support one of the young women in our ward. I forget what a spectacle we are when we travel with the double stroller out of our little children-filled world. It was fun for Coop and I to talk about the different exhibits.
• Ashlee's mom is in town and has once again come to my rescue. She's fixing the poor alterations job the dry cleaning lady did on my jeans. When the jeans cost a significant amount of money, they have got to fit well. Bless Sister Oler.
• Denten made a cake on Sunday evening. It's been just over 48 hours and it's almost gone. How did that happen?
• My dvr has 4 hours of 24 waiting for me.

SPT: people i love

the challenge: i resolve to take more self-portraits with people i love

let's just put it out there that I'm no photographer, the quality of the pics is bad. I know this and I don't really care.
I care about capturing the fact that we had a pleasant time in the car today, senny loves her squeezes and tickles, beckham doesn't hold still for a portrait and coop has a great goofy face. I love the people I love... like crazy!

trying again

I mentioned previously that I wasn't ready for the new year to arrive yet. I felt pressure to hurry and resolve myself for it's arrival. So I did. But it didn't work. I don't know what it is about the changing of the date that makes me think I need to change myself at the same time, but this year the timing was off and pushing it didn't help. The past few weeks have been riddled with insecurities and inadequacies and negativity that have not been my nature recently. Hopelessness set in and any chance of measuring up to invisible expectations crashed. Priorities got thrown in the blender and shot out in a mess.

I jumped on the word obedience in at attempt to find focus, and while I agree with everything I said here, it's not the right word for me right now. I don't intend on abandoning the idea completely, but there are other things I need. The grey mess in my head is clearning and coherant plans are forming and when they're readable, I'll share, but for now I need to document that I'm ready to climb out of this hole. I'm ready to acknowledge that the mess is mine and I'm ready to hand it over to the One who takes care of things like this. Like darkness, like loneliness despite my housefull of people who love me, like expectations that are beyond realistic and have only caused hurt. I'm grateful for Him, for second chances and for the ability He has to heal broken hearts.

Today, in an attempt to refocus on the things that matter to me in this existence I took the kids on an outing. We did not end up where I originally intended, and I was originally disappointed, but it got us out and for some reason, that's just what we all needed. Cooper is quite observant and has offered hugs when he's seen tears and has been especially good to help with senny and bex. He is also good to lighten the mood. He is currently pushing bulk packages of toilet paper and paper towels down the stairs and then racing them to the bottom, everyone/thing landing in a laughing heap at the bottom. Not safe you say? Well, laughter may be the safest way to go right now. I'll keep an eye on the flying limbs.

Here's to resolutions. to light, to peace, to love and to the me that I'm still trying to figure out after 30 years. and here's to patience for those around me.

saturday service

I had a chance today to practice that obedience principle, the one I'm trying to do better at. It was rewarding for me to work with my family and see my kids, most especially Cooper, get involved and serve as a family. I'm grateful for opportunities that allow us to be together, teach the principles of service and obedience and the feeling I came away with. In an otherwise low day, this was a blessing to me.

purging my head

relief society lesson schedule done.
coop likes breakfast burritos.
one load of laundry down.
cookie=food in senny's mind.
lame-o national championship game last night.
missing friends that are faraway.
dad tricking me when I called last night. I broke the "don't call after 10" rule.
laughing with mom on the phone. that felt good.
wishing katelyn would show up on my doorstep.
so glad it's friday.
unmotivated to do chores.
eency-weency spider 10 times today.
wheels on the bus a close second.
beckham looking like he's on drugs. he's not, but probably wishes he were. stuffy head.
loving shoes seneca can put on by herself.
grateful for a quiet morning.
need to finish new year blurb. need inspiration.
need a nap.
grateful denten can let seneca cry it out. it worked.
what's for dinner tonight?
beckham chewing on coop's toothbrush. gross.
dentist appointment made.
derm appointment made.
need to make appointment for dutch.
children entertaining themselves and laughing a lot.
beckham saying "da-da-da" over and over. I miss him too.
tomorrow is saturday.
need lunch.
I am going to have to buy diapers for all of 2009. tell myself not to think about it.
beckham's cheeks are yummy. the ones on his face.
cooper playing the piano.
grateful a place in st. george worked out.
who is going to watch my children?
need to put my clean rugs back in the bathroom.
I like coop's new pants.
Cooper sharing his water with his sister.
water all over the floor.
at least he knows to clean it up.
seneca needs different shoes.
gotta end this.
i'm done.

Dear Grandpa

Dear Grandpa,

I miss you. My mother is being really mean.
She will not give me cookies on demand like you will. I've been asking ALL DAY.

She will take me for the occasional walk, but I think it's for her own sanity.
I've got lots of cool toys, but I really wish you were here to play with me.

I wish you were here to sneak me out of my bed because I have protested loud and clear and they still put me in there!

I just wanted to write and say thanks for the awesome shoes.
I appreciate that you understand what a girl really wants, besides cookies, I mean.
I'm pretty much the coolest girl on the block in these kicks.

I love you Grandpa. Come rescue me when you get a chance.

Love,
Seneca

SPT: Resolve

I have been absent from self-portrait tuesday for many many tuesdays, but Amy's post today inspired me to give it another shot. If you are unfamiliar with SPT, details can be found on lelly's blog.

This month's assignments:


tuesday, january 6 i resolve to take more self-portraits

tuesday, january 13 i resolve to take more self-portraits with people i love

tuesday, january 20 i resolve to take more self-portraits while trying new things

tuesday, january 27 i resolve to take more self-portraits doing things i enjoy

While this week's picture could fit next week's theme, this is it for today. i don't have fabulous hair like kelly, but considering what life's been like around here, we'll take it!

the joys of my life

I don't really have a weak stomach. I have no desire to eat "Survivor"-type foods, but I can typically handle motherly duties without gagging. This week, however, has got to stop! We've had too many disgusting bodily excretions and it's time to have it all go away! Vomit on the carpet, bedding, and thankfully in the toilet... diarrhea out of too many bottoms (so grateful for indoor plumbing and disposable diapers) and noses that won't stop running... maybe we just needed a major clean-out of our systems, but I think we're there and wholeness is welcome to return to this house anytime!

mellow... and maddening.

I'm ok with sick days once in a while. A chance to be home and quiet, a chance for the kids to rest and for me to get a few things done. My children are mellow and cuddly when they don't feel well and are content to simply let me hold them. They typically sleep well and are especially peaceful when they sleep. This describes Coop and Beckham today.

Little Miss Seneca, on the other hand, has been, if I may be frank, a holy terror. This girl has some serious stubborn in her and will not be negotiated with. She will fight until she wins and this practice has proven to be amusing, exhausing and exasperating. She is screaming in her bed like the world is coming crashing through her window until the second I walk in and then she quits and smiles at me with triumph. Little does she know, I can hold my own. All things edible are considered "cookies" and must be had at her beck and call. I vaugely remember this stage with Cooper, the few months where they know exactly what they want and not quite how to express it... testing all limits and boundaries. This little girl posesses endurance, I'll give her that! Heaven help her easy-going little brother! and heaven help her parents.

A new year, a new focus.

I've been procrastinating this. Not a great way to start a new year, but I wasn't quite ready to acknowledge it yet. I wasn't ready for 2009 yet and it came anyway. It's been pretty crummy so far, a lousy few days but it's time for a turn-around. Time to pull out of the funk, get over it and move on.

Last year I set a few areas of focus for myself, and while perfection wasn't quite achieved, there was noticeable progress made. Most significantly in the realm of focusing on my blessings rather than my lack. I made a very conscious effort to be grateful for the little things in my life and notice that there are blessings in every situation if I choose to see them. The focus on gratitude was good for me and trickled into my family. Cooper has learned what it means to be grateful and we are both continually learning that there is positive to be found in less-than-ideal circumstances if we look for it.

I've struggled finding a replacement focus the past few weeks. A few thoughts have occurred to me, but none seemed just right. I've laid claim on one, holding it gingerly and not loving it yet but knowing it's probably the right one. I think it's uncomfortable. I think it's scary and means I'll probably have to do hard things, but it also means I will grow and it's high time for some more of that.

While I had a brief (that's how I'm choosing to see it) period of what one (my mother) might call disobedience, I don't consider my recent self the disobedient sort. I may question and play devil's advocate occasionally, but I'm not disobedient. I can, however, take it to the next level and therein lies the plan.

My dad has taught me that all blessings stem from obedience. It may be a selfish reason to be obedient, but I'll take the blessings, please. Today in Gospel Doctrine, Sister Austin pointed out that in the introduction to the Doctrine and Covenants, it states that the revelations contained therein are set forth with explanations about fundamental matters.. including the necessity for obedience. Simplifying it greatly, the necessity for obedience includes the fact that it's the conduit that will get us to heaven. That's where I'm headed and if that's how I've got to get there, then I better be practicing. In Relief Society, Sister Grandberry taught that the Savior provided bridges for us to accomplish the things that would be hard to assist us in our success. One of those bridges is obedience. If the Savior found it necessary to obey, who am I chart a different course?

I plan to implement a higher level of obedience in a few different realms of my life. I receive promptings from the spirit and from my angels on a daily basis. There are days when I'm especially in tune with them and those promptings are very clear and obvious to me. I can do better at following through with what my Heavenly Father is trying to relay to me. The thoughts come to perform certain actions and rather than brushing them off as passing thoughts, I will act. I will be more obedient and acknowledge that I have worked hard to receive the blessing of having the spirit communicate with me so frequently and not discard his message.

I have the privilege of serving in the church with some remarkable women and could do much better in fulfilling my calling, being more obedient in accomplishing my assigned tasks and in turn, easing another's burden.

I have the blessing of being guided by a living prophet who heeds calls and warnings that come from my Father in Heaven. I can choose to obey, to follow without question and know that when I have the Lord beside me, I can not go wrong.

My husband is not the domineering type and I'm not the submissive, but I do acknowledge and respect the power that he holds in our home and am going to attempt to see the guidance and direction given as stemming from the Priesthood and obey it's counsel. That is a sacred power to me and I appreciate that Denten uses it reverently and that it blesses our home.

It's all about doing a little better and a little more than I did last year. To serve more pleasantly both in my home and out, to listen and obey the instruction the Lord gives me in all forms and to look forward to the blessings that will be the result. It has not escaped my mind that if last year's focus rubbed off on my children, this one has the same potential, and that is going to be fantastic.

senny's footwear

I believe all those who love Seneca have gotten the memo that this girl loves her shoes. She received all of the following for Christmas this year and has faithfully worn each one. Let's think through this... she is one-and-a-half years old and netted five pair. Let's hope we're not setting a precedent here!

It's rare that I actually see her cute toes as they are usually covered up. I know that the banks girls have a reputation for a closet full of shoes, but considering my genes are different from hers, I'm not taking responsibility here... this obsession is all hers!