A lot on my mind.

I have had some of those "days" lately. Not bad, just a lot on my mind. Do you ever have those days? Just been thinking about how much I appreciate this man, and all that he does for me. Sometimes I feel like "we" get lost in the shuffle, and that all "I" can think about are the things he isn't doing, or the things I wish he would do. I forget ALL that he DOES do, and it isn't fair of me sometimes. Our life is so full right now, I like to use the term "CRAZY"! (Oh my heck I am using a TON of "quotation marks";) Really though, life is crazy. I know I have said it before, but with school, owning two businesses (which if they ever start paying off will be SO worth it (and they are, in a way...), our beautiful children, and Hubbs working, and then callings, it doesn't leave us much time for "US"! I realized a few weeks ago, that it was up to ME to get things on the right track, that indeed amidst this craziness and constant time of life, we can have what we need, and it has helped ten fold. I have found I am not as impatient with the kids or Hubbs, and that we are happier and have those little disagreements less often, (note I said less often...because I admit we are far from perfect and we DO disagree.) Anyway, just wanted to make a list of things I am doing that have helped US along the way...

Started having regular FHE. Can't tell you how wonderful this has been, words cannot describe, it has also opened us up to having a more organized home, and the kids love it.

Daily Scripture study and little family prayers. Sometimes, because of our schedules it is just me doing it, or just Hubbs with the kids, but for almost two years, almost every day I have been reading out of that little "picture" Book of Mormon to the kids. They never listen, I like to think that something is getting through...who knows. But they prayer thing they get, and when I do it, I feel like if I haven't accomplished something that day, then at least I have done that.

A toy rotation! Oh my word. We just started, but seriously it works. It takes a lot of effort, but we rotate on Monday nights after FHE, and seriously never have I seen the kids play with their toys so much. And FYI if any of my parents read this, PLEASE! NO MORE TOYS for my kids. Savings bonds, money, a book...one book, but NO TOYS! I am SUPER done with toys. LOL!

Chores. I started a reward system for chores. This post is getting too long, so perhaps I will talk about this one later...but the kids do them, and are doing them, and they are EXCITED about it. Ya...will post that later, I recommend.

And finally, almost no TV. Seriously, I accomplish so much, my kids use their imagination, and I just feel better since we don't watch TV (not that we have time to anyway, but turning it off instead of even resorting to it for "babysitting" purposes has made a world of difference!) (Wha? You say you have NEVER turned on the TV to entertain your kids. Call me...I need to know your secret. I swore I would NEVER do it, and I admit I have done it more times than I should have...but I have stopped...I am so happy to say that I have stopped.)

And that is it. Tiny changes that have made a world of difference. Our home is cleaner, we are more patient parents, everyone knows what is expected of them, and if something isn't done, we know who needs to do it, and we help them through it. It has been a wonderful few months since this went into action. Loving it...now if only I can keep my gym schedule among all of this craziness, and kick the food cravings!

And about this man:

He gets up in the middle of the night with the kids. If the kids cry, he does it. He sleeps on the floor in their rooms if they need it, just so I can sleep. (BTW, he LOVES sleeping on the floor...he is a bit odd in this regard, but I love him.)

He doesn't complain often when I just want to "go out" for dinner. I know he hates spending the money, but he goes along with it, this I am grateful for.

He is a constant support of my desires. I know he wants me to be happy, he supports me in school, pushes me to move forward. Is happy when I accomplish my goals in photography, and even though he wanted nothing to do with me going to Hawaii, he doesn't complain! Thank you honey! I'll bring you back a nice shirt. ;)

He always knows what I am thinking. I am amazed at how often we say the same thing at the same time, or are thinking the same thing. We truly are kindred spirits.

He looks totally hott in that sweater. I finally talked him into it, only four trips to the store and he took the bait. I love you honey! Forever.