Hi friend!!! ♥♥♥♥♥

New baby..

Amy had her baby last Wednesday morning, and he weighed 8 lbs 1 oz. and was 21 inches long. He has some dark hair. I'll try to post a pic in this post...

Amy will be having him either tonight or tomorrow, she is dilated to a 4 and having contractions 8 minutes apart. She is so ready!

Miss you!

I really miss you my friend!!!!

Temple trip

I was able to go to the temple with my hubby, my parents, and my little sis and her hubby last night. It was really nice. We went to the new Oquirrh Mountain temple. So beautiful and QUIET. After the day with the kids, that is probably what I noticed the most as we walked in.

The thing I wanted to blog about was an impression I had. As we sat in the celestial room discussing the session, we brought up sacrifice. My thought was that sacrifice is the pathway to becoming like our Savior. We can't avoid it (even though I try my hardest :) First we are willing to walk the path, then we receive help from Him as we continue to desire to do right, then we have to do and give as well as receive more light, then we learn to sacrifice our wills to become more in tune with His will, and as we do that we become one with Him. Sacrifice is an essential part. I haven't really thought of that very much.

I think this is like that analogy of the hourglass and obedience. At the beginning, obedience feels hard and constricting and difficult, but as we continue to obey, obedience becomes a joy and our lives open up on so many more opportunities because of our obedience. I think sacrifice must be the same way. It is hard, scary, and big at first, but as we continue in faith, it can become a joy to us.

I really need to conquer fear in my life. Even the word sacrifice makes me nervous that something painful is coming. Isn't that funny? Oh well, I better hurry up and work through the fear so I can get on to bigger and better things.

Love you, my friend!

Fasting today

I struggle with fasting. I don't actually struggle with the physical act of fasting, but most of the time it feels like I am just going without food and nothing more. I always get so mad at myself for not making more of my experiences.

So yesterday, I decided to start my fast at 2 p.m. I figured that if I could do 24 hours and be done when I came home from church, it might be a better experience.

My fast focused on how I could help and support my family better. These are things I felt I learned during my fast:

1. No unrighteous dominion=give my family the chance to use their agency WITHOUT coercion.

2. Stand in holy places=my home needs to be a sanctuary where my children can feel and be led by the Spirit.

3. I need to learn to HOLD MY TONGUE!!!! My kids need to learn how to feel the spirit, and they can't when their mom is yelling at them all the time!

4. Let people in. Pride has no place in me. (well, right now it occupies most of me--but that's gotta change!) If I need help, I need to say so. I am NOT superwoman.

5. I need to say nice things to myself. I looked in the mirror today and saw a fat face. I cried this afternoon over seeing that. But I need to tell myself that I am beautiful. Because I am (can you tell I am struggling with that? :)

That's what I've been thinking about in the last 24 hours. What have you been thinking about?

I got your message...

I got your message the other day, I was totally bummed that I didn't get to see you!!!!

All righty then...

I have been going to the gym and using Alli. hehehe So far, only lost 2 pounds, but better than nothing I suppose.

Let's start over!

I turned on the TV this morning, and I saw "Total Body Workout" on BYUTV. I ran upstairs, got on my sportsbra and shoes, and did an aerobic workout!

Go ME!!

It is amazing how little things can really change how you feel!