tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76629742653734163322023-11-16T05:50:20.797-07:00Keep Moving Forwardemhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-83709789046114538362014-08-20T12:18:00.000-06:002014-08-20T12:18:33.639-06:00Back To School<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0yz3ElUIDN-uJS-FqyCR9cBliTOdHjFWJ7VJFieWa5YdrWIoPYBGQyD6rpTiq2FulODPWXN0R_9-UR9UNEJRFa7AxzUilCMg1w5cTOqOo-8j0HPf4eoiu1rVzI2XhkuMZ4D8HQZnZ6k/s1600/10403228_756643321048148_6547916834339313051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj0yz3ElUIDN-uJS-FqyCR9cBliTOdHjFWJ7VJFieWa5YdrWIoPYBGQyD6rpTiq2FulODPWXN0R_9-UR9UNEJRFa7AxzUilCMg1w5cTOqOo-8j0HPf4eoiu1rVzI2XhkuMZ4D8HQZnZ6k/s320/10403228_756643321048148_6547916834339313051_n.jpg" /></a></div>I love this time of year! Today especially feels like fall is coming, since its cool and raining this morning. Yesterday was the official first day of school for my kids. Sarah went to school for half the day on Monday, it was 7th grade day, a day to let the 7th graders get a feel for Middle School. Shelby didn't go to school yesterday because a bomb threat was called into her school. You can read more about that<a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=31200326&nid=148&title=bomb-threat-cancels-school-at-westlake-high-school&s_cid=queue-10"> here</a>. Today both girls are in school, all day. I must admit I've been looking forward to having my days back to myself, but now that its happened I've had mixed feelings. Every school year reminds me that my kids are growing up fast, and soon they will be gone from my house, I don't deal with that reality very well.<br />
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Yesterday I had planned to go to the Temple, until High School was cancelled. If Shelby was going to be home, I didn't want to just leave her home alone. She was looking forward to starting school, and had planned her first day of school outfit, down to her painted nails and purple belt. Shelby's friends felt just as bummed as she did, so they decided to go out for smoothies, then to Target, then to the movies. I was left home alone, not quite sure what to do with myself. I watched <a href="http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=31211880&nid=1284&title=lds-leader-asks-members-to-share-edifying-messages-on-social-media&s_cid=queue-18">Elder Bednar speak at Education Week</a>, and it was amazing, totally made up for my missed Temple trip.<br />
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Now, I'm left with figuring out how to best use my time during the day. I could spend my day making sure my house is spotless and perfectly organized, but that isn't really how I want to spend my time.I want to feel that I am using my time well, but that doesn't mean that I need to be busy. I think its ok to do things I enjoy without being idle. This culture we live in seems to worship busyness.If I fill my days checking off long "To Do" lists does that mean I live a meaningful life? I don't think it does. I'm in the process of creating a general outline for my mornings, making sure I get up early enough to get my kids breakfast and out the door on time, that I exercise, and pick up the house a bit. Then, I'm going to label each day- Monday is laundry day, Tuesday or Thursday are errand days, Wednesday is going to be project day. I'm going through all the things that I want to do, but never make time for, and making time for them! I love to read, and I want to work on my kids "School of Life" books, I want to decorate. More than anything I want to feel that I use my time well, that at the end of the day I'm pleased with how the day went, and confident that my Heavenly Father is pleased, I want to avoid being idle. I do have more time on my hands, and it would be so easy waste away the day on all of my favorite websites or binge watching shows on Netflix.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-53567037691323272112014-02-22T22:06:00.000-07:002014-02-22T22:06:15.512-07:00What's next?This past year has been amazing! I have done things that a year ago I would have thought impossible. I quit a job that consumed my life. I learned a lot about priorities and balance(that could be a whole post itself). Quitting meant I needed to find new options for my girls schooling. Thank goodness I had written down goals when I pulled my kids out of public school, looking back at our original plans helped me make some hard decisions. We decided to enroll them in our local public schools, and they are doing great. Next, we got serious about getting control of our finances. In April, I reread Dave Ramsey's Total Money Makeover, and we started to work through the <a href="http://www.daveramsey.com/new/baby-steps/">Baby Steps</a>. Darren and I began budgeting <b>TOGETHER</b>, and using cash to pay for our expenses. Miracles happened! We were able to pay off all of our debt (except for the house) at the beginning of this month! This whole process has gotten me thinking about what it is I really want to be doing with my time. I keep having thoughts about blogging. I have a handful of blogs that I love to read, and find so inspiring, comparing myself to them I always come up short. Yet, the thoughts that I should be blogging keep coming. I guess we'll see what happens, but I'm going to give blogging a shot again.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-10903761663208825922012-04-13T09:29:00.003-06:002012-04-13T09:47:12.945-06:00Here's what I've learned this week!The weight loss is not going as I would like, but I am determined to stick to my goals. I have been working hard at asking for support, and I'm not putting any false notions out there that "I've got this" because I don't. I know I've done it before and that leads me to believe I can do it again. Tiffanie is always there for me to lean on and I really appreciate that. Yesterday I emailed a friend that I admire, <a href="http://beckyloses200.blogspot.com/">Becky</a> has done amazing things with her life (you should check out her blog), she quickly replied and reminded me that this IS HARD! I broke down, which was so therapeutic. I have been trying to hold it all together and act like I can do all this, when the reality is that I can't do it all, all of the time. Sometimes I need help. That is a huge lesson for me. I am so grateful for my loving Heavenly Father that helps me through all of my struggles. I am grateful that to Him they are just as big a deal as they are to me.<br /><br />I have been reading <a href="http://www.lds.org/relief-society/daughters-in-my-kingdom?lang=eng">Daughters in My Kingdom</a>. I just want to share a little something that I really enjoyed and could relate to. This is a quote from the daughter of Louise Y. Robison 7th Relief Society General President.<br /><br />“When Mother went to President Grant’s office to be set apart, she felt sure he had been misinformed about her abilities, so she told him she’d be happy to do her best in whatever he asked her to do, but she wanted him to know that she had a limited education, and very little money and social position, and she was afraid she wouldn’t be the example that the women of the Relief Society would expect in a leader. She finished by saying ‘I’m just a humble woman!’ President Grant answered, ‘Sister Louizy, 85% of the women of our Church are humble women. We are calling you to be the leader of them."<br /><br />I think she is awesome! I have loved reading this book, it is really giving me a love for Relief Society. It is an interesting calling to be Relief Society president, it is the most frightening calling I have ever had, but I also love it! The love that I feel for the sisters in my ward is overwhelming and I know that is because God loves them sooooooo much!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-44741876924822590062012-04-02T10:23:00.002-06:002012-04-02T10:33:57.463-06:00I have something to declare!But I'm scared! Since I haven't blogged for over a year, no one will be looking here, so I feel safe, mostly.<br /><br />First, mothers need to wake up to what is going on in this country and care about what is being taught to their children. I am not against public school, I am against people pawning off their God given right to educate their children. Public school is flawed, but parents should have a greater influence on what is taught to their children. One great way to increase their influence is to take what is taught at home and add their family values to those teachings. Just be aware, that's all.<br /><br />Second, its time for me to step up and admit that I am seriously overweight. Obese even. My life has felt very out of my control. I have gained 50 pounds in the last year. I feel like I have been in survival mode. Now, a year later the house is still standing and my family is still here. Its time to take my health seriously. That is how I want to think of it, health, not weight not a number. Healthy living.<br /><br />Third, I LOVED GENERAL CONFERENCE! I got more inspiration out of Conference this past weekend than I think I have ever in my life! I feel I was given inspiration about what my daily study should be. I am calling it my Daily Devotion; here it is:<br /><br />1/2 hour scriptures<br />1/2 hour Daughters in My Kingdom<br />1/2 hour news<br />1/2 hour Making of America<br />1/2 hour exercise<br /><br />Here goes the next chapter of my life. Fabulous by Forty!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-86318318177194125152010-10-12T20:23:00.004-06:002010-10-12T21:01:26.679-06:00Gathering InspirationThis month a group of bloggers are writing for 31 days about things that they are passionate about. I have loved reading these blogs. You can check them out if you'd like by clicking on one of the top two buttons at the right, they are just two of many women that are writing. These women are writing about finances, decorating, photography, living simply, entertaining, enjoying Fall, and grace. Its like inspiration for the taking.<br /><br />I haven't known what to write, because my thoughts are all over the place. I read something at <a href="http://www.chattingatthesky.com/">this sight</a> today that helped me put things into focus. This amazing woman is writing about 31 days of grace. I have spent the afternoon thinking about grace. I know that I need it, and want it in my life, I think we all do. But what really hit me today was how much I need to share grace. People are good, and everyone is trying to do good, more than good; we try to do the best we can. That is enough.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-91404788048568709232010-10-03T07:56:00.003-06:002010-10-03T08:54:58.476-06:00Living Joyfully within My Means<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae52/jnjdav1/5e0e18a1fe544da61.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 145px; height: 96px;" src="http://i957.photobucket.com/albums/ae52/jnjdav1/5e0e18a1fe544da61.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br />I have had this post bouncing around in my head, and I hope to that I can find the right words. This topic could be a series of posts for me, because it has been the focus of my life probably since I became an adult, but very intensely for the last couple of years. <br /><br />I am learning the joy of providently living. It is not easy. There are two things I do when I am feeling stressed, the first is eat, and the second is shop. I am awesome at budgeting, meaning creating a budget. I keep track of everything I spend, writing it down in my checkbook register and adding it to my budget. Now, following that budget is a whole other issue. I have done hard things in my life; loose 108 pounds, check (yes, that was hard and its still a struggle to keep it off, but I did it), pull my kids out of public school to home school and face the stigma and judgment of others- again hard, but I did it. Follow my budget, now we are talking about something really hard.<br /><br />Over the years I have come up with a lot of little tricks I use to "float" my money. So what the bank says and what I know to be real are two very different numbers. Well over the past couple of years I started to get real. I took an honest look at my debt and what needed to happen to start paying it off. I watched some great videos and used debt calculators at <a href="http://www.providentliving.org/channel/1,11677,1709-1,00.html">this</a> site. Progress has been slow (which, honestly, frustrates me-I have realized I do have an issue with patience and wanting instant gratification) but the balances are getting smaller. <br /><br />Here is the biggest lesson I have learned. More money isn't the answer. I wish it were, but it's not. The answer is a wise stewardship over money. In September I made a serious commitment to get back on track. The reality is a huge leap of faith. I have to trust that because the council to live providently comes from prophets of God that I will be guided in this trial. As I have tried to harder than ever to live frugally I have been blessed with inspiration.<br /><br />Food is the area of the budget with the most flexibility. We have a freezer full of meat, and my storage room is stocked. So, we have been living primarily off of what is already in the house. The goal: not to go grocery shopping at all, live completely off of what we already have. That didn't work. We have needed a few runs to the grocery store. Here is what has happened. With careful planning I have been able to order from a <a href="http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/">local food co-op</a>, a couponing trip, and bulk food order. I have been blessed with inspiration and energy to make meals at home, really cutting what we have spent on eating out. <br /><br />I know this has been a long post so I'll end with a scripture that really touched me.<br />"...take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than rainment?<br /> "For your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.<br /> "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." 3 Nephi 13:25, 32-33.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-36549124484771209002010-09-26T13:19:00.004-06:002010-09-26T13:41:46.723-06:00Keep Moving Forward- Happiness is this Right HereAbout six months ago I started p90x with my sister, Tiffanie. It was painful and hard. To make ourselves feel better we started making fun of the teacher/creator of p90x Tony Horton. We now have a bunch of "Tonyism" that we say, things taken from the workout videos to motivate or maybe it was even just mindless stuff that Tony would say. One of those is "Happiness is this right here." Tony says it during a stretch at the end of a workout. Tiffanie and I started applying it to Diet Pepsi and cookies, and other related unhealthy things. The thing is I have found myself thinking it at other times lately; like when I'm spending time with my family and we are enjoying being together. I caught myself with this thought in my head, and realized that, Yes, happiness is This Hight here.<br /><br />I've been working very hard lately at listening to the Holy Ghost. Trying to understand the will of my Heavenly Father for me. It has been hard, but I am learning so much. I have often felt a desire to write down the lessons I learn, because they are small lessons. I am a great believer in the scripture; "by small and simple things are great things brought to pass". I don't want to forget these small lessons, and I want to better recognize them. So I need to be writing them down. I have been trying to decide what to do with my blog, should I just delete it? Its mostly become a big bookmark for my favorite sites, I rarely write. The more thought and prayer I've put into writing about things and what to do with my blog, I've come to realize that I need to be writing those lessons here. I've been hesitant to do that because it may turn people off, but so few people read my blog, and these are my lessons that I want to write down for me, and possibly to share with future generations. So that is what I'm going to do.<br /><br />Keep Moving Forward is the name of my blog for a reason. The reason is; that is all you can do. Keep Moving Forward. I struggle with so many things; my weight, money, parenting (which includes educating my children at home), my callings in Church. That I can get pretty hard on myself when I don't measure up to the standard that I feel I should. All I can do is Keep Moving Forward.<br /><br />I hope you will join me on this journey I am on, its so much more fun with friends and people who care about you. I am making no promises about how often I will write, I am working toward at least once a week. The topics will be varied because that is life and the lessons are in everything, the goal is to see the lessons and decide how to apply them and enjoy the journey.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-15781385939216259842010-07-10T16:17:00.002-06:002010-07-10T16:44:39.062-06:00New insight- cooking calms my nervesI just realized today that cooking helps me relieve stress, although the previous post should have given me a clue. I know this is true for lots of people (Tiff loves to cook and makes brownies when she's stressed), but I never thought I was one of those people. I like to cook, and I have found the process of chopping vegetables to be therapeutic, something about taking a bunch of ingredients and making something wonderful. I also like being able to make a meal for my family that is really delicious.<br /><br />A while ago Mandi led me to Our Best Bites,(see button to the left) they have such good recipes. They are all tried, and perfected, easy and so yummy. I have made lots of their recipes, but this week I have been obsessed. It started with making the Asian BBQ chicken, and then taking the leftovers to make pizza on the grill (which btw was easy and so fun). Friday morning Darren worked from home and I got up to look for a yummy breakfast, and made breakfast taquitos -so good! Plus, this summer I have become obsessed with wanting to own a small, counter top ice cream maker. Especially when OBB had a snickerdoodle ice cream recipe (I LOVE cinnamon, and really LOVE snickerdoodles). After searching my local Target, and Walmart for ice cream makers I turned to the internet and good old Amazon came through. My ice cream maker was set to be delivered on Thursday. I planned my whole day around it! I even made sugar cookies (our best bites, of course) to put in the ice cream. When I saw the UPS man leave without delivering my ice cream maker I wanted to eat a bag of M&Ms I was so upset. Lucky for my waist he came back, and ice cream making was back on. I made the custard, which had to cool overnight, put the ice cream freezer in the freezer, and I was set to make snickerdoodle ice cream Friday night. It did not disappoint- so good that when I woke up this morning I grabbed a spoon and headed for the freezer. <br /><br />What does this have to do with stress relief? I'm getting to that. Since yesterday's ice cream was so good I decided I needed to try another flavor. I was torn between blueberry cheesecake and caramelized banana. I chose the banana because I have some bananas that need to be used. <br /><br />Today we went shopping to get Shelby (and me) ready for girls camp. We only needed to buy a few things, but it was stressing me out. We still need to get her secret sister stuff. Plus, since I'm going too, and being the planner that I am, I've been trying to figure out: 1)what snacks I need to bring, so that I can eat healthy,2)what is the best way to get my trailer to girls camp, 3)Darren is coming for the first night as priesthood, so what does he need to bring, and 4)what do we do with Sarah while we're all gone. I finally have that all figured out, but when we got home from shopping I was feeling a little fried, so I decided to caramelize the bananas and get my custard for the ice cream chilling so I can make it tomorrow. That did the trick, totally helped me unwind. Who knew? I didn't have to eat a thing, just cook. That is a revelation.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-19349853881968553222010-05-15T16:56:00.002-06:002010-05-15T17:08:54.485-06:00My house isn't clean, but I'm making cupcakesSo I am happy. Today I feel happy. It's been a bit of a rough week with my grandma passing. My bathrooms are clean, my bedroom is almost clean, and I'm sifting through the paper that seems to gather in piles around my house. Darren and I took Keno to get his shots today, and then decided to see if we could get him to the groomer as long as we were out and had him with us. The groomer(Scotty's K-9 design-who we love and is local in Saratoga Springs) could get him in today. I have an app on my phone that lets me check movie times, and we could get into a showing of Robin Hood, while Keno was getting groomed so we thought, "why not?". It was great to spend the day with Darren, and its great to put things back in order at home. Plus I got my hair done yesterday, and that is always a lift to my spirit.<br /><br />I love my grandma, and I will miss her. I have realized this week what I have learned from her; mostly the value of running a home and doing it well. She did. I have also realized how much my family means to me. My parents are my rock, and I have leaned on them for support, and maybe they don't know that, but they have lifted me up this week. I have awesome brothers and sisters, and great cousins, and aunts and uncles that I want to keep in touch with and have them be a part of my life. <br /><br />So mostly life is good. I really am living the dream when I stop and think about what I always wanted for my life and how things are working out. I owe that to a loving Heavenly Father. Thank you.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-9862759796218385852010-04-06T09:28:00.002-06:002010-04-06T10:03:17.042-06:00Where I'm atSometimes I forget I have a blog, and sometimes I just don't know how to write what I'm thinking. I worry that I get too philosophical and that it turns people off, but really that's me. I'm always looking for the meaning of what's going on in my world. So here's here's what's going on in my world.<br /><br />1.I have two awesome kids! <br /><br />2.I was released from my Primary calling. I went through a bit of an identity crisis, but not to worry I ate my way through. I also learned that I can survive change, I am not perfect, but I do "Keep Moving Forward"<br /><br />3.I am struggling with my motivation for healthy living, I am awesome at working out, but the eating is another story. When I started teaching I chose to go to Weight Watchers on Saturday. Its hard to give up a Saturday morning, Darren likes to make waffles on Saturday, and I would have to skip, because I was going to weigh in, plus stuff always comes up or happens on Saturday, so I was missing meetings a lot. Tiff is my loyal buddy and we try to keep each other motivated, but we were really missing our "kick butt" leader. We took the leap and went at night to a class that she teaches, not knowing what that would do to our numbers, lived through it, then Easter candy happened and I am trying to find my motivation.<br /><br />4. I read blogs today and learned that two of my friends are really struggling and my heart goes out to them. Its always frustrating to me when I get so caught up in my life, that I miss when those I love are hurting. Just know that I love you and you are in my prayers.<br /><br />5.Darren's parent's mission began yesterday. They are living at home while they go to the MTC, so they aren't gone yet. I am so proud of them! Darren's parents are such great examples to me. We have spent a lot of time with his family the last few weeks, there have been decisions to make and it has been a little stressful, but one of the things I love about the Shipley's is that they are always there for each other when you need them. I love you all.<br /><br />6. My parents are moving! I am so excited for them! They have bought a very nice house in West Jordan (our home town), back where they belong.<br /><br />7. I am starting to earn my Personal Progress award with Shelby. When our Ward YW presidency mentioned doing this with our daughters at New Beginnings in January I just thought "I'm too busy, and I can't take on one more thing." Then I got released from my stake calling, and when I went to recognition night with Shelby and the Mothers were challenged again I thought "maybe" then during conference someone said it again and I thought "ok I get the point". Yesterday I bought myself a book, read through it and picked out my first goal. I am going to work on the same value as Shelby. She is almost done with Knowledge, and then plans to work on Integrity, so that is where I'm starting. Part of the reason I was reluctant to do this was that I earned my medallion when I was a Young Woman, so I thought I was good, but the Spirit has told me I need to do this with my daughters. My plan is to earn the award with Shelby and then work on the honor bee award with Sarah, when she turns 12 in 4 years.<br /><br />8. How perfect for number 8-Sarah is turning 8! I can't believe it! I thought Shelby was so big when she turned 8, but Sarah is still little, but seems to be getting bigger in my eyes every day. She is having an animal rescue party on Saturday, that will be so much fun! I love my Sarah, she has such a sweet testimony wrapped up in her fiery spirit.<br /><br />9. Its spring break, and there is snow on the ground! What's up with that? I am so ready for warm weather!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-22913085097844122342010-02-08T13:51:00.002-07:002010-02-08T14:06:14.253-07:00ReadingI love to read! My favorite afternoon activity is reading, I love to get all cozed up(a Sarah phrase), and read, maybe even take a little nap. I have this dilemma when it comes to reading. I pick something I think I want to read and then if I don't get totally sucked in I start reading something else. I still want to read the previous selection, so I end up with about 5 or so books on my nightstand(which is why my nightstand is now a bookcase) that I intend to read. So, I've been reading the same three books for a month,(one of them is a tip a day book, so who knows how long that will take me), in the meantime I've read a couple of other books. Last night I finished the 2nd Percy Jackson book (its Shelby's, but I love them-we are so excited for the movie to come out this weekend), today I am looking for something to read. I opened a goodreads account and that is helping me organize my big list of books I want to read. Which brings me to my second dilemma. When I started on this Thomas Jefferson Education path (our home school philosophy) part of that is being well read and learning from the classics, not an easy task when your trying to educate your children as well, but that is something for another post. So then there is the choice of what I want to read, plus the classics which I also want to read, but fall more under the category of 'should' read. I know I make things complicated. There is something about if its what I want and enjoy I must do all the 'shoulds' first. I scanned my lists, and then my bookcase, put a few books on hold with the library, and have decided to go with something that was sitting on my nightstand. Happy reading.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-37096388968398719392010-01-22T09:46:00.003-07:002010-01-22T10:08:09.761-07:00ChangeBig changes are happening in our house this week! I'm not one that deals with change well, but this week has gone exceptionally well, which is a reminder to me that my Heavenly Father has a hand in my life and is helping me through this change. So lets get on with it, right?<br /><br />Since I'm a story teller, you get the whole back story. When I was deciding about home schooling my kids a mom in my colloquia I was attending at the time told me about the Kimber Academy, and LDS private school, her kids had just started attending. I loved what she had to say and it sounded like the best of both worlds the kids go 3 days a week for 4 hours, they get the benefit of being in school and being home, it sounded perfect. I looked into it more and it just came down to we couldn't afford it. Fast forward to the Kimber Academy opening a school in Lehi. I was so excited, maybe some day my kids could go there. My brother in law, Mike, knew of the Kimber family from his home school days, and enrolled Carter in the school in Lehi. I received an email through the Eagle Mountain homeschoolers message board about elective class being taught at the Kimber Academy. I had had my eye out for a good art class for my kids, and art was one of the classes that they were offering, so my kids started going to art once a week, and loved it. Every month Tiffanie tells me about the great parent meeting and how awesome the school is. Then, a little while ago Tiffanie told me that Carter's teacher was quitting to have a baby. I started bouncing the idea of teaching there around in my head. One day I asked Tiff what she thought of me applying for the job. She was very encouraging and got some information for me. My main thought was, would my kids be able to go there if I taught. After a lot of prayer Darren and I decided I should go ahead and apply. I interviewed last week and was offered the job as the teacher of the reading class on Monday. I started teaching on Tuesday. My kids also started going to class on Tuesday. What an amazing week.<br /><br />My kids, especially Shelby, love the school. I have been praying a lot about what it is that Shelby needs right now, and I don't think its a coincidence that this is happening right now. A light has come on with her that is so exciting to see. Sarah is also happy to be there, and its great for me to be there too, so she can come and see me whenever she needs to. I love my class, I'm so excited about the curriculum that I get to teach and my kids get to learn.<br /><br />It has been a crazy week, figuring out our new schedule. Mike and Tiff have been such a big help and things could not have gone so well if weren't for Mike taking the kids to school. I am so excited about this opportunity for our family.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-81432960287518922712010-01-09T07:34:00.002-07:002010-01-09T08:18:14.275-07:00Finding Joy in JanuaryI've mentioned this before, January is my least favorite month. The main reason is that January is so gray, the sky is cloudy and days of blue sky seem rare. So this year I have had this idea of finding joy in January bouncing around in my head, and as I've thought about this past week I've realized that so far so good. Let me share why.<br /><br />First, in our Relief Society our ward is focusing on making "Home a Heaven" each month has a room for you to work on in spiritual, physical, financial, and emotional ways. There is a scripture that goes a long with each month and a FHE to have to work on that room. This month the room is the bedroom. This week Target had a 3-shelf bookcase on sale for $16 dollars I went a picked one up; and now it serves as my night stand, but clears all the books that I'm working on reading right now, that I have stacked throughout my room, into one place. I love it! I have also decided that I am going to finally get Shelby's room done. Do you remember <a href="http://em-keepmovingforward.blogspot.com/2008/08/my-quilt-update.html">that quilt</a> I started a year and a half ago? Well, I'm going to finish it, get her room painted, paint the picture frames and shelf in her room, and get new ribbon for her mirrors, and get it done. I am working on binding her quilt and I have two sides completed, so I'm almost done. Sarah's room has also gotten some attention this week. I rearranged; hoping to make it easier for her to make her bed; I also realized her room could use a new coat of paint, that will have to wait-one project at a time.<br /><br />The next thing bringing me joy is reading. I have always loved reading. I haven't set some great New Year's resolution, I just want to be healthy -physically, spiritually, and mentally. I have found some books that I am really enjoying that are helping me on that journey. I have been kind of a snob about what I will read; trying to stick with classics (not just old books, but books that have something I can learn) I'm starting to see how broad the definition of a classic can be. I was inspired by <a href="http://drpepperjones.blogspot.com/">Hayley</a> and her list of books she read last year, and I have decided to copy her and make my own list, so that I can look back at the end of the year at what I've read and hopefully what I've learned. I signed up on <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/review/list/3119304">Goodreads</a> this week, and like having a list like that of books I want to read, and I also like being able to get recommendations from people I know and trust, because there is a lot of garbage out there. Be prepared to hear more about the books I'm reading.<br /><br />Blogging is giving me joy. I have found some blogs that I really enjoy. I have added the links or buttons on the left. I have made so many yummy things from <a href="http://www.ourbestbites.com/">Our Best Bites,</a> and I love the <a href="http://www.cardiganempire.com/">Fashion Blog</a> (sometimes she talks a little strange, but I found some great tutorials and tying a scarf), reading <a href="http://www.nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/">Nie Nie</a> keeps me humble, and I love<a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/"> Pioneer Woman</a>, and I love reading updates from my friends and family too. I check the blogs in the morning; its my little minute (that can turn into 30 if I'm not careful) that starts my day happy before we jump into school. I know that facebook and twitter are more popular, but I love the blog.<br /><br />Finally(I know this has been long, thanks for sticking with me), last night we took Shelby to the Temple to do baptisms for the dead for the first time. What an experience. The spirit I felt last night as I was there with her was such a boost, such a confirmation of the truthfulness of temple work. The temple workers were so sweet to her, knowing that it was her first time; taking every opportunity to explain to her what was going on, why they did things a certain way, and where she should go next. Darren got to baptize and confirm her, I was so happy to be there. We learned that only the youth can do temple file names, we adults need to bring family names, just a little info for those of you that haven't done this before. I didn't know that, so I didn't do baptisms, I just watched. But, it did not diminish my experience at all; plus it was great to be able to just be there for Shelby and help her through her first time. It was a great night. I left feeling a desire to be more diligent in my temple attendance. Thank you Shelby, for getting us to the temple last night.<br /><br />There it is, my Joy in January. There are also some great things to come this month that I am looking forward to. Tomorrow is Ward family FHE, and I'm really looking forward to seeing my family; we really do have a great time together (I'm using the word 'really' a lot). Sarah gets to go to 8 is great next Sunday-I can't believe she is getting baptized this year! We have Christmas Jammie pictures on the 18th, that is always chaos, but the pictures are sooooooooooooooooooooo stinkin' cute! We also get to go to New Beginnings with Shelby, having a Young Woman is a new experience; we are having a lot of firsts right now, maybe I should write about that someday.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-30647538952051547402010-01-06T17:25:00.005-07:002010-01-06T17:31:59.065-07:00As Long as we're sharing bad Christmas pictures<a href="http://jennymemoirs.blogspot.com/">Jenny</a> and <a href="http://ourmanymumblings.blogspot.com/">Kelly</a> both shared pictures of themselves on Christmas that were less than flattering. After a review of my Christmas pictures I thought I join in the fun.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfYtiNmfaA34kYXWOhvBfT7LE_3Rw9RduNUeCHU2RlHTrZFpMa0CN8qaCjnRbQeW-PDjDGVOmqmkwwDmcTu8ZAhbJJlm011QahyphenhyphenvH8CeAKo1lTJpFgl9_y-t5rvS_jAPFkf-UBtllXuI/s1600-h/DSCN1943.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPfYtiNmfaA34kYXWOhvBfT7LE_3Rw9RduNUeCHU2RlHTrZFpMa0CN8qaCjnRbQeW-PDjDGVOmqmkwwDmcTu8ZAhbJJlm011QahyphenhyphenvH8CeAKo1lTJpFgl9_y-t5rvS_jAPFkf-UBtllXuI/s320/DSCN1943.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5423788317689061010" border="0" /></a>Like my friends this is the only picture of me on Christmas(isn't my head scarf fabulous?). I think this calls for some action. We Moms should make sure we are better documented in our family's lives. I'm worried that someday my kids will look back through the scrapbooks and say "I think my mom was there".emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-47789479686063000942010-01-04T22:00:00.002-07:002010-01-04T22:22:51.165-07:00MondaysI have a sort of love/hate feeling about Monday. I hate that Darren goes back to work and isn't around all day. I love a fresh start, and that is Monday to me. I love putting the house back to order after the weekend. Tiff told me that she learned Monday's are for recovering from Sunday, that if Sunday doesn't wear you out than your doing something wrong. For me, this was a relief to hear, I thought there was something wrong with me that Sunday (a day of rest) left me so worn out. I think that as we go to church, and try to be in tune with the Spirit, so that we can be guided to our Heavenly Father's will for us, can be exhausting. Let's not talk about extra meetings, getting our family out the door on time, and then keeping them quiet through sacrament meeting. So, ever since I was told that Monday's are a day to recover from Sunday, I have ordered my week so that I am home all day on Monday. It has helped me to really look forward to Mondays. I am able to get so much done, and get my week going in a productive, and positive direction. I got a lot done today, and we had a good school day, it feels good to be productive, and remind myself that I do work hard. I enjoyed a little holiday break, but it felt good to get back to our regular routine today.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-42689110579393157282010-01-01T17:39:00.004-07:002010-01-02T14:01:28.893-07:00Happy New Year!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeVvrzvs4hSpjbpm78ZJYJxsUSRoTZgqB8oRRTCp3-VkDrOVJKobWINUxuIIsbmWqE8fAcUdl88cGU6ys4eI1QPLSwgi8L2N7HLblDZxy78B7rFqbAwrM4hFnyVLHu7pN7dZ5T1WqrUw/s1600-h/DSCN1959.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIeVvrzvs4hSpjbpm78ZJYJxsUSRoTZgqB8oRRTCp3-VkDrOVJKobWINUxuIIsbmWqE8fAcUdl88cGU6ys4eI1QPLSwgi8L2N7HLblDZxy78B7rFqbAwrM4hFnyVLHu7pN7dZ5T1WqrUw/s320/DSCN1959.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421936084269427666" border="0" /></a><br />Mother Goose came! This is a family tradition that I grew up with. You put your shoe under the Christmas tree on New Year's Eve and Mother Goose fills it up! In our family Mother Goose leaves books, I love it!<br /><br />You may notice the lack of a Christmas tree, or any type of festive decoration, in this picture of my living room, well that is because I took it down a few days ago. Christmas was stressful for me this year and the relief I have felt this week that it is over has been tremendous. I did feel a little guilty "breaking Christmas", as I called it, so early, but I needed to put it away. I did leave our little tree up downstairs for Mother Goose, but everything else is gone! We had a great Christmas. I enjoyed spending time with my family (the four of us and our extended family). I realized how much I love Christmas eve with my family and the Shipley Christmas party. I love the brother/sister dinners. I needed that reminder this year to help me learn which traditions to hang on to and which ones just add more stress to the holidays and need to be let go. I felt the Spirit testify to me of the reality of the birth of my Savior Jesus Christ. That is what Christmas is all about; not all the craziness. I am grateful that I was reminded of that this year, and had the courage to say 'no' when I needed to.<br /><br />I love new beginnings and looking back at how far we've come over the last year. Since this is the beginning of a new decade I have also thought back to where we were at this time ten years ago; and though we have challenges and struggles now I am grateful to be in this place now. Life is good and I am happy. The bittersweet of it all is that now its January. I don't like January, its cold and gray. I am grateful for everyday that the sky is blue and I can see the sun. So my goal this year (I love goals, and any reason to set one) is to live a healthy life; not just physically (which is always a challenge), but emotionally, and spiritually. I wish you all the same!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-26453156654602221402009-11-28T12:06:00.003-07:002009-11-28T12:39:20.175-07:00Here's what's awesome!I'm home alone! Well, except for the dogs. I am decorating my house for Christmas- I love decorating for Christmas, it makes me happy! I am also listening to Pandora, which I love and customizing my own Christmas playlist, way fun! It plays on the laptop in the kitchen while I work in the living room. I have been distracted playing on the computer, reading blogs and stuff, but here's the awesome part-It doesn't matter! I'm home alone and I can do whatever I want!!!!!! I went to Holiday and got me a Diet Pepsi, with 2 shots of vanilla and I have a gingerbread scentsy thing melting (its not a real scentsy smell I got it a Robert's, but it is yummy). I think gingerbread is going to be my thing this Christmas(you know how candy corn was it for Halloween). I have already bought these yummy white chocolate gingerbread balls from Target and Little Debbie gingerbread cookies, I haven't had one yet, but they are only 90 calories so I'm looking forward to that treat, maybe later. How did I manage this little gift of alone time you ask? Well let me tell ya. Darren took the girls shooting, that's right my girls are with their dad and uncles shooting guns. I've warned everyone about Sarah's difficulty keeping the commandment of "Thou Shalt Not Kill",(<a href="http://em-keepmovingforward.blogspot.com/2009/08/can-you-think-of-commandment-you-hav.html">see this post</a>) so let's hope that everyone comes back ok. Have a great Saturday!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-31590907394948381582009-11-07T11:16:00.004-07:002010-01-02T14:01:51.303-07:00A Tag {Fives}My friend Ashley <a href="http://hvnonearth.blogspot.com/">tagged</a> me! Here goes.<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five Things I don't leave the House without<br /></span><ol><li>Purse</li><li>Phone (sometimes I forget)</li><li>Shoes</li><li>Make-up on and hair done (unless I'm going to workout)</li><li>Water bottle or a cup to fill with Diet Pepsi</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five Cartoons I watched when I was Younger<br /></span><ol><li>Smurfs</li><li>Jem</li><li>Scooby Doo</li><li>Carebears</li><li>The Flintstone's</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five Things That Terrify Me<br /></span><ol><li>Something terrible happening to Darren or my kids.</li><li>Going up the stairs in the dark or with someone behind me.<br /></li><li>Birds</li><li>Being Sticky</li><li>Smelling like Pickles</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five Things I hate/dislike that everyone else seems to like<br /></span><ol><li>Pickles</li><li>Country Music</li><li>Walmart<br /></li><li>Oprah</li><li>The Olive Garden</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five Things I want to do before I Die<br /></span><ol><li>Go to Europe</li><li>Go to Asia</li><li>Go to Hawaii</li><li>Go on a Mission with Darren</li><li>Go to the temple with my kids</li></ol><span style="color: rgb(153, 0, 0);">Five People I tag<br /></span><ol><li>Tiffanie</li><li>Tori</li><li>Dad</li><li>Liz</li><li>Hayley<br /></li></ol>emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-46615261103811967342009-10-30T09:43:00.002-06:002009-10-30T09:53:03.814-06:00Exercise Keeps Me SaneIt true. I skipped a couple of days this week, because my plan for Wed. and Thurs. was to walk/run the hill, but it was just too dang cold. I told myself I would squeeze in some Dance Dance Revolution, but it never happened, its amazing how easily you can talk yourself out of something. Well I was grumpy for those two days, and even found myself arguing with my husband over health care reform, while thinking "Stop it, do you really care this much about health care reform?" Well today I had a workout with my trainer, and as usual she kicked my butt(which needs some lift), and afterward as I was getting ready to do my cardio workout I realized how happy I felt. I had survived another trainer workout, and felt really good. I am ready to take on the day and Halloween!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-23120272107994916282009-10-26T17:27:00.002-06:002009-10-26T17:36:04.081-06:00Where Have All the Bloggers Gone?I know I'm guilty of stepping away from blogging for months, I've written about half as many posts as I did a year ago. I don't feel guilty, and don't want anyone else to either, I know everyone gets busy and just doesn't think about it, plus it's not like it's all that important. The reason for this post is that today as I was checking to see if there were any new posts on blogs that I read (there were a couple), I decided to check in on a scrapbooking blog that I hadn't read for a while, which led to rediscovering some blogs and sites that I used to really love to read. So I thought I would share those on my side bar. I also added a list of homeschool blogs and sites that keep me going and sometimes just nurture my soul as a mother, there is some great stuff even if you don't homeschool your kids, and that is a piece of me and so it should get some space on my blog. I am feeling more inspired to write lately, but I will make no promises, who knows what I'll think tomorrow :). Happy Reading!emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-17095099953890502532009-10-24T14:29:00.004-06:002009-10-24T14:47:18.447-06:00I think I've OD'd on Candy Corn<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OVdJshCeoPJa98-_JrV9L-xPjWog3dh36crVPNX4R4nnhbCUXDw1byyAS0JdnCmmEgAaAu7dpCdsmy_fQIcGGSe0-PgeeHJeR7LO-hIRUfRGCSTnIrFmIUaV6TZpmpijNvi9XKYzNCU/s1600-h/DSCN1867.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OVdJshCeoPJa98-_JrV9L-xPjWog3dh36crVPNX4R4nnhbCUXDw1byyAS0JdnCmmEgAaAu7dpCdsmy_fQIcGGSe0-PgeeHJeR7LO-hIRUfRGCSTnIrFmIUaV6TZpmpijNvi9XKYzNCU/s320/DSCN1867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396268422025062594" border="0" /></a><br /> I cheated and bought Candy Corn last Saturday (my personal rule was Thursday only). We went to Walmart where I found another brand of gourmet Candy Corn, there was Creme brulee, which Shelby loves, so I bought it. It was good, but just ok good. Then I had to go into town on Tuesday to take the kids to art class, and thought I would run over to Target and get the Cotton Candy flavor, so that I wouldn't need to go on Thursday. I opened that package on Thursday(so that's not really cheating), I don't like the cotton candy, it has a bad artificial sweetner after taste. I was hoping for the yummy burnt sugar flavor that Maggie Moos cotton candy ice cream has, no luck. Thursday I went back to Walmart to get the chocolate caramel candy corn and decided to grab the gourmet pumpkin pie flavor. Again I was disappointed by the pumpkin pie, but the Chocolate Caramel was yummy! So if you were counting that was four flavors of Candy Corn this week. I think I need an intervention. I'm still trying to decide what to do for Halloween, maybe I've had enough, maybe I need just plain old regular candy corn, or maybe I need to have my favorites and then put it all aside until next year.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-47921370327067455552009-10-21T08:44:00.004-06:002009-10-21T08:53:50.210-06:00Look at it!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://img.moronail.net/img/7/0/1070.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 460px; height: 402px;" src="http://img.moronail.net/img/7/0/1070.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I totally stole this from <a href="http://untitledstatements.blogspot.com/">Garrett's</a> blog, but it has us laughing around here. Read his story it makes it more funny, or maybe its just some weird family sense of humor. Happy Birthday Garrett! Thanks for the laugh.<br /><img src="file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/Emity/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.png" alt="" />emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-28588813958929815652009-10-20T17:35:00.004-06:002009-10-20T17:44:19.484-06:00The Crock-PotDon't ya just love the crock-pot? I do. I love putting dinner in in the morning and by 4:00 the house smells of our delicious dinner. We do regularly entice the kids friends to stay for dinner with the smell. I have used my crock-pot every day this week, yes I realize its only Tuesday, but I'm not being picky. Yesterday's dinner wasn't a smashing success, but tonight's smells really good right now, its a lentil stew. Besides, since dinner was already cooking I had plenty of time to make the apple strudel for FHE! I love that you can take a cheap cut of meat and make it super yummy. Plus its such a fall/cool weather thing. I love that I can take a few minutes to throw dinner together, then no matter how crazy my day gets dinner is done and I don't end up eating out because I'm too tired or just not in the mood to cook. I am also a HUGE fan of soups and my crock-pot gets plenty of use making soup. Its the appliance that helps me feel like a pulled together homemaker-yummy food, and sense of self all wrapped in one.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-87561433912973320002009-10-15T18:08:00.002-06:002009-10-15T18:22:55.016-06:00Candy CornI'm just going to put this out there. I LOVE Candy Corn. This year there are all kinds of fun flavors out there, so since I am big on education I feel it my duty to educate people on the new and exciting candy corn out there. Thursday is new candy corn flavor day(not a coincidence that it is also weigh in day and my week starts over, so I have extra points). This is the third week of my October obsession and I have decided to share it with my small group of readers. It all began with the Carmel Apple Candy Corn made by Brach's and available at Walmart. These are red and brown and very good, I need to get more of them. The second week involved pumpkin pie, and toffee flavored candy corn. Both of these flavors are available at target in small bags that sell for 2.99. The pumpkin pie were not as good as I had hoped, but the toffee is delightful, and even better it is dipped in chocolate-YUM! So far the toffee is my favorite. Last week I tried s'mores and regular candy corn dipped in chocolate(both from Target). They were yummy! Today I revisited the s'mores and tried green apple. The green apple has the chocolate dipped pieces as well. I like the green apple it is like a green jolly rancher, the chocolate dipped ones are a bit much. Tiff was with me today and she bought the toffee ones, I think I might have to visit her a few more times cuz they are the best. There you have it, my candy corn review. If you don't like candy corn that's ok, but if you do, be a little adventurous and try some new flavors. Next week will definitely be chocolate caramel and maybe cotton candy, check back for my reviews.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7662974265373416332.post-79960352533445857212009-10-14T18:07:00.004-06:002009-10-14T18:30:33.745-06:00I'm coming aroundI've got some things on my mind that I want to take a minute to write down. I've been on a kind of journey lately. For the last year, plus I've been trying to get control over our finances. Little tricks I used to use stopped working, and I needed to reevaluate and make some changes. I asked a good friend for some tips and have saved and used them, it really helped get me pointed in the right direction. I stopped being afraid of those lessons in church and conference talks about living providently, and opened up to what I could learn and use. I have read books, talks, anything that could give me inspiration and renew my commitment to this. I decided to read the Book of Mormon looking for more inspiration and guidance. It has been a long journey, but we have had our best month (financially) in years, at least since we moved into our house-and we have lived here for 9 years. I have found joy in living simply. I can be creative in finding solutions. I think the economy has made it easier for me to just flat out say "I can't afford it", people are being more honest, we're all trying to do better. I still have a long way to go, this requires constant diligence. One of the things I keep telling myself is that; if I can figure out how to manage my weight (something I once thought impossible) I can figure this out, and with a lot of prayer and faith I think I am.<br /><br />Another thing. I love homeschooling my kids. Every once in a while feelings of insecurity creep in and I wonder if I'm doing enough, if my kids would be better off back in school. I feel like I am turning a corner. I am starting to have more faith in the process, and the method I have chosen. I think part of what is helping me is seeing the results in my kids. They are doing great and really love to learn, especially when I get out of the way, and try to follow their lead. Shelby is working on a model of the Solar System, how cool is that? I think we'll tackle trig. tomorrow, or maybe build a jet engine or a windmill that will power our house. But seriously, I am also seeing a need for me to study more. I have been reading a lot of mindless stuff lately and its time to put that aside and get back to stretching my mind so that I can better inspire my kids in their studies.emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00311895977113564232noreply@blogger.com5