reality and journal # 1

I usually have more on my list of goals that I can ever accomplish. I don't list them all, because I think it would bore you. These are the ones I accomplished last week that made my corner of the world a bit more lovely.

1. Sew my new blouse today and tomorrow. Nope! I had to spend the time working on a procedures manual for my husband's business.

2. Take grandchildren to the SLC Children's Museum. It was a blast! I don't have a picture to show. I was so flustered by being locked outside in the cold for 30 min, while Quinn (10 months) was inside by himself, that I drove off without my camera.

3. Deliver Christmas kits. Done. When I got it all together, it looked so pathetic. I hope they understand. It was quite an expensive and time consuming project, but it was done all in love.

4. Do one nature drawing. Nope! But I did take Sammy and Quinn to the park on Friday. Saturday and Sunday I rested up from carrying around a 20 pound baby. I'd forgotten about the back ache between the shoulder blades. It is nearly impossible to stand up straight, while lugging a large child.

5. Practice Christmas music. Yup! I'm still pretty rough on He Shall Feed His Flock, but it's sounding better. Working on some simple carols on the piano as well.

Blessings from the past week...I really enjoyed spending so much one on one time with Sammy and Quinn. I had forgotten how much I love to be with little children. It's not nearly as hard as I remember. I wish I could spend this sort of time with all my grandchildren. Liz, Lori, and Nikki this is a not so subtle hint; got any trips planned?

Biggest challenge in the coming week...Spencer has to get a series of vaccinations for his mission. It will be hard to allow it. Also, it will be hard to keep him healthy afterwards. We're pumping him full of antioxidants, vitamin C, immune building herbs, buckets of organic greens, and gallons of fresh organic carrot/apple juice. I'll add wheat grass as soon as my wheat grass juicer comes.

What's cooking in my kitchen...I spent the morning baking bread, rolls, and chicken pockets. Mmmm! I'm so grateful that I can be a homemaker; it is quite fulfilling to those of us who understand its importance.

Appearance today...It's been at least 5 months that I've been wearing dresses/skirts exclusively. Today I'm wearing my denim Regency dress (Joseph calls it my polygamist dress.) with black tights and black Mary Janes (these mjs are terrible for long distance walking). I love to wear my hair long and curled. I can't decide if I'll grow out my bangs or not. They are a nuisance, but the cowlick is just too awful.

Home making focus this week...The front room and office need a going over especially the windows. Being a short girl, I have a difficult time with window cleaning.

Reading this week…All my selections from the side bar;plus I'm going through The Naturally Healthy Family by Shonda Parker again. I'm going to start Master Herbalist certification from The School of Natural Healing in January. So I'm brushing up a bit. I just don't know what's going to happen with the health care debacle and MDs have failed me way too many times. I think it's time to get more self-reliant in this area. If all goes well, I plan to go on to get an ND degree after the MH.

Exercise goals for the week...Do Chan stretches and walk every day for 30-60 min. if it is sunny. Or do T-Tapp if it's snowy.

Creative projects I'm working on...I'm going to get that blouse done for sure.

For devotions...I've been reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish among other things. The early morning hours, when I spend time with God are the best hours of my day.

God has been teaching me...nothing is impossible with faith in Him.

A simple pleasure...The sunshine is warming and lovely. I'm also building my farm house in the sky--no castles for me.