To Be Resolute

After lots of thought over the past couple months, I've finally come up with what I feel is a good theme for my life goals. It's the result of a lot of personal assessment, trial and error, and wishful thinking. :)  I believe there are two kinds of aspirations. First, there are Bucket List Items, such as: "Climb Mount Everest," "kiss in the rain," "run a marathon," and "try sushi." These are fun and add variety and spice to life. The other kind of aspirations are Character Goals. As I've seriously considered New Year's Resolutions over the past decade, I've decided that the focus should be on the Character Goals. These are "to BE" items, the way you want people to talk about you after you're gone. You know, the things you want to leave behind, and the influence you have with others.

First, I looked back over the past few years of my life to find the times when I was LEAST happy.  I found them in the moments of unneeded rest. Too much netflix, too much facebook, too much laying about. In that realization, I understood that one word I want to be described as when I'm old is

Energetic

The other unhappy moments fell under clenched teeth, tight shoulders, too little rest and too many migraines. So while it may seem an odd juxtaposition, the other word I've chosen is

Peaceful

I continued the exercise by choosing other words that could easily be categorized under these two over-arching life themes and be used to help me achieve them in smaller steps. I came up with ten.

Energy:

Active

Creative

Educated

Economical 

Organized and Efficient

Romantic

Peace:

Focused

Faithful

Prepared

Charitable

Obviously there can be some overlap, but that is what makes it a cohesive goal! My hope is to set one or two small goals each year in each subcategory so that I ultimately become both Energy and Peace. 

Here's my list this year.

Active: 

* Participate in some form of exercise every day 

* Go outside every good-weather day

* Do something fun outside the house at least once a week, either as a family or with friends

Creative: 

* Do one creative activity/craft with Evan every week (something unusual- not routine)

* Make something beautiful each month

Educated: 

* Read something besides the scriptures every day 

* Write something every day 

Economical: 

* Completely out of Credit Card Debt

* Stick to grocery budget

Organized and Efficient: 

* Make a To Do list each Week and each Day

* Minimize clutter (toss!)

* Leave the house clean before bed each night

Romantic: 

* Do something fun with Hubs at least 3x each week

* Get dressed, do hair and makeup at least 5x each week (simultaneously :) )

Focused: 

* Continue to study my Patriarchal blessing in conjunction with the scriptures

* Review goals once a week, keeping them with the Patriarchal blessing

Faithful: 

* Quarterly Temple attendance as a couple, more often if opportunity presents itself

* Focus on sincere prayer, especially making morning prayer a priority

Prepared: 

* Complete and create rotation schedule for 72 hour kits

* Three-months food storage

* One-month emergency fund

Charitable: 

* Pray daily for Charity

* Go visiting teaching every month, pray daily for assigned sisters

* Reach out to one person I love each week through a phone call or handwritten note

It may seem like a long list, but most of them are small daily things that I feel I can fit in even in the face of upheaval, such as our upcoming move, raising a toddler, and being snowed in (<today>). :) I know that reviewing them weekly as part of my scripture study will help me maintain my focus. I'll keep you updated by recording my monthly project and weekly toddler crafts, spiritual thoughts from my personal study, and notes on our finance journey. 

Happy New Year!

Recent Read ~For the Married Ladies' Eyes Only~

So, I've been really debating whether I want to put this book up here, but I do think it is an important and too often ignored issue, so I want to share my newfound confidence with all the women I love out there.

I feel a little weird recommending it because there are sections that I know would make some of you uncomfortable. However, MOST of the sections were truly revolutionary to me and have totally changed my thoughts on the subject. She discusses how to align our sexuality with our spirituality and understand that those aren't two completely separate parts of us. 

All of her advice is within the context of marriage between a man and a woman,

and she is Christian, though she is not LDS. SHe is a counselor and speaks to all sorts of groups about the subject of sexuality and spirituality.  It's all about improving your marriage relationship (not just sex) in ways that make both of you happy and confident. She is very respectful and I felt increased dignity and respect for myself and my husband during and after reading it. 

So, with a grain of salt and a spoonful of sugar, I would recommend reading this one if you feel like your relationship with your husband could use a boost that will also help you feel amazing about yourself as a woman and daughter of God. Feel free to skip the section about spicing things up behind closed doors if you don't want that kind of advice :) As she says, she doesn't PRESCRIBE (or recommend) any of it, she just DESCRIBES it so you can find what works for you as a couple. I am doing the same thing. I am recommending the sections on changing the way we as women think about ourselves, deal with our pasts, and handle our sexuality, not the sections that contain... other things I don't want to mention here. Please also be warned that in most printings of the book those chapters contain simple illustrations. Luckily, mine did not. However, I don't consider it pornographic in the context. You'll have to leave that up to your own discretion. Obviously, it's about what you're comfortable with. If you still want to read the book but aren't comfortable with that kind of advice, try blacking the illustrations out, or even remove those chapters entirely and throw them away. Whatever you have to do, read the other chapters! It will change your love life. Personally, I read the whole book and was able to simply filter out what I was and wasn't comfortable taking away (which is exactly what she advises). 

You can also visit Shannon's website at www.sexuallyconfidentwife.com, and you can email me if you want more info.

Here's to happy marriages! 

Repurposed Dresser!

We found this dresser when we moved in, right next to the dumpster. It was ugly but our apartment was so lacking in storage that we grabbed it and wiped it down. At first we used it for some dishes while we figured out how to arrange the kitchen, just sticking the dishes in the drawers. The drawers were hard to open and awkward in our dining room. Not to mention, one of the top drawers was missing.  Here it is in the background, I didn't take very good before pictures.

So, I decided this dresser needed a new function. I took out the drawers, removed the hardware, and stacked the drawers up on top of the base to serve as extra shelves. The paint (white, yellow and teal) are my previous attempts to make it look better. I didn't like it once I started, so rather than waste time and paint, it sat like this for about 4 months. Sad, I know.

I was having a really hard time committing to a color, but I would just sit on my couch and stare at the ugly wood and beige paint and just vacillate between colors. Blue? Teal? Green? Yellow? I was feeling noncommittal. I knew it would be a lot of work and some money! I have neither one to waste.

I finally had a Home Depot store credit from a return so I decided I would commit to a color scheme for the whole living room. It's red, teal, white, and gray, with a few splashes of yellow. So I decided to go with red for the shelves. I LOVE it. It took me about three days. I made some home-made chalk paint by adding 1/3 cup plaster of paris and 1/3 cup water to 1 cup of my flat, interior, "Firecracker" Behr Premium paint. It's a very smooth, chalky finish and I prefer it to gloss. Here's an "after" shot, before I replaced the books and toys.

I hope to get some big baskets that fit into the toy shelves to hide the toys, or maybe put a curtain across the front. For now this will do! I love them and the red really adds some warmth to my house, and it feels more like a living room and less like a warehouse. :) 

Christmas Nativity Advent with Daily Scriptures

I have felt a special need this year to keep our Christmas celebrations centered on the true reason for the season, our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I spent an hour this morning searching for scripture that speaks to me of Christmas and the life of Christ. 

I'll be attaching each scripture to a piece in a kid-friendly nativity set, to which we will add one piece each night, culminating in the placement of the Christ-child in the manger on Christmas Eve. I will try to keep the pieces as representative of what is in the verses as possible.

Obviously you can change out any reference to one that suits you better, but here are the passages I was touched by particularly.

Nov. 30: Read "The Living Christ"  Nativity Piece [NP]: Stable- overarching, general testimony of Christ

Dec. 1: Isaiah 9:6 {Old Testament}(For unto us a child is born..) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 2: 2 Nephi 25:19-20 {Book of Mormon}(Christ is named, the brass serpent is a type of Christ's healing power) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 3: Ether 3:1-16 {Book of Mormon}(Brother of Jared sees Christ) [NP]: Angel- Prophecy of Christ

Dec. 4: Helaman 14:1-13 {Book of Mormon}(Samuel the Lamanite prophesies of Christ) [NP]: Christmas Star- this was one of the specific prophecies made by Samuel

Dec. 5: 3 Nephi 9:13-18 {Book of Mormon}(Christ declares himself unto the Nephites) [NP]: Sheep-follow the voice of the good shepherd

Dec. 6: Isaiah 44:22-24 {Old Testament}(Christ created and redeemed the world) [NP]: Small Star- Christ created all things

Dec. 7: Abraham 3:23-27 {Pearl of Great Price}("Here am I, send me."/Council in Heaven) [NP]: Small star- the noble and great ones

Dec. 8: Abraham 4 {Pearl of Great Price}(The creation) [NP]: Small star- the light and the darkness created He them

Dec. 9: Alma 30:40-41, 44 {Book of Mormon}(All things denote there is a God) [NP]: Small star- ...Even the planets in their motions...

Dec. 10: John 13:4-17 {New Testament}(Christ washes the disciples feet) [NP]: Donkey- He who is least among you

Dec 11:1 Peter 2: 21-25 {New Testament}(Follow Christ, the shepherd of our souls) [NP]: Sheep- I won't insult you by stating the symbolism here.

Dec. 12: Matthew 16:13-17 {New Testament}(Peter testifies of Christ's divinity) [NP]: Sheep- the lamb of God

Dec. 13: Alma 5:38, 48-50 {Book of Mormon}(The good shepherd calls to us, Christ will come) [NP]: Shepherd

Dec 14: Psalm 23 {Old Testament}(The Lord is my Shepherd) [NP]: Shepherd

Dec. 15: 1 Nephi 10:4-10 {Book of Mormon}(Lehi prophesies of Christ and John the Baptist) [NP]: Camel- John the Baptist wore camel hair in the wilderness

Dec. 16: Alma 7:10-14 {Book of Mormon}(Alma prophesies of the mission of Christ) [NP]: Wise man- brought gifts to symbolize the gift of the Atonement

Dec. 17: 3 Nephi 1:9-23 {Book of Mormon}(all signs concerning Christ's birth are fulfilled) [NP]: Wise Man- aka, prophet 

Dec. 18: Alma 19: 1-13 {Book of Mormon}(King Lamoni prophesies that Christ will be born of a woman, divinity of womanhood) [NP]: Wise Man- found child with Mary his mother

Dec. 19: 1 Nephi 11:1-33 {Book of Mormon}(Interpretation of the vision of the Tree of Life- Represents Christ as the Love of God) [NP]: Palm tree- again, I won't insult your intelligence

Dec. 20: Isaiah 7:14-15 {Old Testament}(A virgin shall conceive) [NP]: Cow- Butter and honey shall he eat

Dec. 21: Luke 1: 26-38 {New Testament}(Mary is visited by the angel Gabriel) [NP]: Mary

Dec. 22: Luke 1: 39-46 {New Testament}(Mary visits Elisabeth, they testify of Christ) [NP]: Camel-again, John the Baptist, who "leapt" within his mother Elisabeth's womb at the nearness of Mary, mother of Christ, is symbolized by camel hair.

Dec. 23: Matthew 1:18-25 {New Testament}(Joseph is visited by an angel and told of Christ) [NP]: Joseph

Dec. 24: Luke 2/Matt 2:1-12 {New Testament}(Christmas Story and visitation of the Wise Men) [NP]: Christ Child in the manger.

I hope this helps you and your family more fully experience the true Joy that can come from the Christmas Season.  Another meaningful way to participate in the Advent is by attaching acts of service to each scripture and nativity piece. Think of some that work for your family. Shovel someone's driveway, leave a treat on a doorstep, invite a family or elderly neighbor over for an evening of fun and food, write letters or send packages to missionaries or military service people. One act of service each day will fill your home with the Spirit of Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Photo Courtesy http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium/nativity-scene-g-cuffia.jpg

Update 12/4 - Here is the nativity that I am using for this advent calendar. They are just small wooden people and popsicle sticks, decorated with felt to look like people and animals. They have washers glued to their backs, and I glued a magnets to the wrong side of the canvas which I painted to look like a desert at night, then glued a few buttons as stars and a felt, raffia and popsicle stick stable for the setting. Another option would be to use a magnet board. So when it's time to put a new one on, you just put it somewhere until it sticks! I plan to make a small flip calendar with pockets in it to store each piece until it's time to use them. 

I still need to make the wise men, Mary and Joseph, and the palm tree, but it's a work in progress!

Enjoy!

Latest Project in Progress... Home Maps Wall Collage

In preparation for our new home far away, I wanted to keep our old homes close by. I love the trending map decor movement, so I thought I'd frame a map of each of the places we've previously lived, both together and apart, along with a poem by Oliver Wendell Holmes that puts my feelings on paper perfectly- (I made the subway art myself)

Where we love is home,... (8x10)

...home where our feet may leave, but not our hearts. -Oliver Wendell Holmes (8x8)

I found these beautiful late 19th century downloadable state maps (they match each other! YES.)

Idaho

Nevada

Utah

Our new home.. New Jersey!

And some old-school Ukrainian ones (I like the really old one, but Garrett wants it to be in Ukrainian and the older one is in Latin)

I am planning to mat the subway art in gray or taupe and the maps in white and hang them in frames that are all the same color, probably over our desk. Can't wait!

My Current Read- A Thomas Jefferson Education

My Aunt Angie shared this awesome book with me this week. I have been loving it! It has also added significantly to my to-read list with its two lists of classics- one for adults and one for children and youth.

The main premise here is that we teach our children best (whether we homeschool or send them to public or private school) when we take a major roll in their teaching so that they can gain a useful education. When good teachers teach, children educate themselves. The way we do this is by learning with them, encouraging them to study classic works of literature (both fiction and non-fiction), and helping them apply what they learn to real life. Education isn't just about skill- or job-training, it is about using your mind, thinking critically, and developing an arsenal of tools for creative leadership.

The truth of this premise has really resonated with me, bringing to mind a few things:

First, the impact that true teachers have had on my education. For example, Mrs. Horsley, my 12 grade AP English teacher, taught the way the book outlines exactly. No other teacher has had such an influence on me. Her passion and the way she engages a class and helps us learn to use our own minds is powerful and sadly, unusual in our education system today.

Second, this scripture has repeated itself over and over in my mind: "And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning even by study and also by faith." Doctrine and Covenants 109:7.  Mr. Van DeMille's methods and purposes follow this scripture precisely. I wasn't expecting to feel religiously/spiritually inspired by reading a book on education. 

As Angie said to me, "If anyone is planning on having any involvement in their children's education, I recommend this book to them." I second the motion.

"Lovebirds" Bridal Shower Theme Centerpieces

I am in charge of the decor for my soon-to-be sister-in-law's bridal shower next week. I was brainstorming and decided to do a "Lovebirds" theme. I am really excited about it! I think it'll be very fun and classic.

So I found the tutorial for the birds here. Hers are a bit more refined than mine, but I have to make a whole bunch and I'm just using scraps from my fabric drawer. Also, she uses interfacing, which makes them stiffer and sturdier.

I sprayed the jars with chalkboard spray paint. Be careful not to get any drips! They don't work well with chalk.

I collected twigs around the apartment complex, and spray painted them to look like birch branches.

To fill the jars I got a $4 bag of landscaping pebbles from Lowe's.

Here's the result!

Using a multi purpose room? Take advantage of the perfectly on-trend CHALKBOARDS :)

The gift table 

k-i-s-s-i-n-g

Jar close up

Owls... tutorial here

Owly close-up

Birdy Close-up

the "book"

I also made this quick little chalkboard with a 2.99 plaque and more chalkboard spray paint.