Melting

I have been fretting and worrying and planning and thinking about the arrival of a son and how that would affect my own life since November, when I discovered Enzo would be joining our family of two. I considered how life would change, and how I would possibly fit in mothering duties with work and school. It felt exciting, but I was scared about potential hassles and not being able to devote sufficient time to my newborn. Worries abounded, to say the least.

Well, it is amazing how thought and worries change the moment you see that beautiful little face. I can tell you that my entire world shifted upside-down, but in a very good way. The first time his eyes met mine (and I know that he looked directly at me, even if doctors and scientists say that newborns can't really see), I melted. My heart became the softest and strongest muscle in my body, and I fell in absolute love. Maybe someday I will share the story about how he got here, but for now I will say that bringing him here was a remarkable, fulfilling experience. The pains and rejoices from that delivery are even better now that I get to kiss and love and snuggle the little guy each day--I just drink him in. He is delicious and deliriously handsome and perfect to me. I tell him all about how perfect he is, and someday I will become the super-annoying mom to him, who just won't shut up about how much I love everything about him. Poor kid. He already gets an earful from the proud mother.

Anyway, I have found myself, for the first time, trying to eliminate. What in my life can just disappear so that I will have more time for my little son? How can I simplify to help myself enjoy this period of life better. I remember telling Dane one time that I will have to sacrifice a little bit of time now with my son, but it will be the best for his future. Oh, how I regret that statement. I don't want to spend a single moment without him.

One thing I do know is that the last week has been one of the very best weeks of my entire life. I wouldn't trade it for a million dollar vacation getaway to some exotic place. The little moments were beautiful, and I spent hours just staring at Enzo as he slept or ate or fussed or smiled or cooed. I am telling you, I am addicted to the little fellow and want nothing more than to be attached at the hip to him.

Now, I just have some thinking to do about how to make this year work a little better for me. I want as much Enzo time as I can possibly have. For now, during these next five weeks off of work, I am going to squeeze in every moment of time possible.

Babies know just what to do to get you hooked, I am telling you. I had no idea about the magical affect of our little guy, but Dane and I have never felt so changed. We love eachother a thousand times more, and we had no idea our hearts could expand so much from the addition. Our love and happiness overflows time and time again. What a blessing Heavenly Father has given us, allowing us to become parents to the purest, most perfect little spirits. Part of me can't wait to see the little one grow and develop and learn, but I will never forget how much I love this little stage, when everything about them is absolutely pure and perfect.

Enzo, you are just the very best thing that has ever happened to us! We couldn't be happier!

*Don't mind the rambling, please. This post was written late at night--3:49--after I woke up my son to eat. Seriously, I think this child would sleep through the night. Who does that? I love my sleep, but eating is definitely a priority over here! I feel like his personal nutritionist--gotta help him stay strong and healthy. The blessings and responsibilities of being a mother! (I can only imagine how much he will sleep as a teenager, now that I think about it...)

**Pictures to come. I think I am going to go private before I post anything. Be sure to plop your email address in the comments if you make it all the way through to this endnote.

And We Got a Honk!

Last week I attended a conference with most of the college reps from around the state. I look forward to this conference each year because I know just how random and spontaneous college reps can be--especially the two I traveled with this year!

One of the primary topics around the office, with two pregnant women--is our own pregnancies. Not a day goes by in the office that there isn't a comment about breastfeeding or pumping or babysitting offers or maternity pants or pregnancy discomforts--from almost everyone around the office. Though I have threatened if jokes were made, I still can't help but laugh at this one.

Josh and Guillermo picked me up at the SUB parking lot with a few little decorations on our vehicle. I was sure that the signs would come down immediately--but boy, was I wrong.


We traveled from Pocatello all the way to Boise, all over town, and back. We only did get one honk, from a little green Geo Metro, and that one honk made the entire trip worthwhile.

Thanks heavens for great travel companions!

Project: 30 Days of Love

After almost four years of marriage, Dane and I still become better friends everyday. I am sure many of you feel the exact same way. It is amazing that you can continue to love and admire someone more and more all of the time. Just when I think I care about him as much as is possible, I love the man even more. The growth is just so natural!

So, today I began "Project: 30 Days of Love," something I have wanted to do for such a long time. I am leaving a little love note of some kind around the house each day. It is small, but I am pretty excited about it. Dane isn't much of a "words of affirmation guy," but I really think he will appreciate the little thoughts. So, I will report at the 30-day mark on the progress of this silly project.

I actually got the idea a long time ago from this video. It is sweet and inspiring. Someday I hope that Dane and I are just like this couple! I have just fallen in love with them!

My Secret Friend

The title of this post is especially cheesy. I don't know what else to call this little pen pal/gift giver. The only thing I know is that her kindness has been a true blessing in my life. I have no way to thank the person because, of course, they choose to send packages anonymously and without any type of return address. Super sweet and fun for her, but a tad bit intriguing and at times flustering for me.

One day, about three months ago I got home from a crazy day at work and was a little overwhelmed with everything. I went out to my mailbox for the daily mail check and saw a manila envelope with my name on it. I had walked out in a hurry and came back feeling a little puzzled and confused. It is not everyday that I just get little packages. I sat on my couch and opened everything up, finding some baby items. A huge gush of gratitude whooshed in, and I felt so blessed and just dropped to the floor, sobbing. I immediately offered a prayer for the person's thoughtfulness. It was such a kind thing, and I was thankful to know that someone out there truly cared.

Each week I have continued receiving packages, some with maternity outfits (like my very first pair of the dreaded and then decidedly comfortable maternity pants), baby clothes, baby items, gift cards for dinners out, and little pampering items. Checking the mail has become one of my favorite hobbies, with these gifts and new wedding announcement and graduation announcements and Ensign and Good Housekeeping magazines. (Especially since we usually receive our bills via email). Almost each and every day turns into a great day as I arrive home and check our little box.

Throughout all of this, I have wished so much that I could know who this person is, and to be honest, I have no idea how to truly thank her. I have spent many nights and conversations with friends and sisters trying to guess who this person might be. I think that part alone is the most frustrating part. I want so much for her to know how thankful I am for the sacrifices and attention from the gifts. My husband and I cannot believe the generosity.

So, in an effort to convey at least a little bit of the gratitude, I decided this might be my very best shot. So, to my secret friend out there, thank you--time and time again--I wish I could say it in person, but this will just have to do for now. I would never truly be upset if you did in fact choose to reveal your identity, just a thought. Thank you!

A Couple Notes on the Weekend

I love weekends! When 4:00 rolls around on Friday, I feel like I am totally released from most responsibility--and I love it. Weekends are for playing and having fun and relaxing and catching up. A couple of big moments happened to me this weekend--not in the form of a fancy trip or anything like that, but smallish-big moments. Anyway...

Our little man has become a huge mover. I can feel him all of the time, and each night I sit and watch my tummy move. It seriously feels and looks like he is doing somersaults in there sometimes. I love feeling his knee or foot jutting out and have so much fun interacting with him. At least, I think we are interacting. I love putting my hand somewhere and waiting for him to kick it--if he isn't really playing games with me I would instead choose to be naive. Needless to say, he has won my heart! I have no idea how I am going to work out this motherhood role with everything else for the next two years, but I am going to try to have faith. Whew! This weekend I just enjoyed laying in bed and watching my tummy, listening to Dane as he slept, and hearing all the house and outside noises around me. I was in complete heaven and felt so incredibly content and happy. It was such a small thing, but I loved feeling like life was slow enough to take in that little moment. Thank you, summer!

Another huge pregnancy milestone was reached--I wore my first pair of maternity pants on Saturday. I have been adopted via mail by someone who sends a package or two each week, and this package contained a summer maternity outfit. I was super skeptical, even though I knew that I could no longer fit into all of my pants, with the exception of one or two pairs. And boy, I feel like I have missed out. Those things with the maternity waistband were so comfortable. So, at 29 weeks, I have finally overcome my fear of maternity clothes!

Last week, the Stake President popped into Ward Council to announce that boundaries were again changing in our stake. I felt a little emotional because I guess I got attached to the girls and calling over the last nine months in this ward (from the last boundary change--and that boundary change was a little difficult for me but was so exciting). I think the Bishop's 30-minute thank-you session to our group, full of tears, was really what got to me. He is a really young Bishop, and I have really enjoyed working with him! I think he is one of the very best around! Well, yesterday was that big meeting where the boundaries were defined. I think I was the only one in the hundreds of people who just lost it when I saw that I was in a new ward. Not only will I be missing some people, but I am so sad to leave the calling. It was certainly so difficult for me and was such a growing experience, but I loved those girls. Now, I am in a completely different ward! I am trying so hard to have faith, and I know that I couldn't handle having that calling with all of the big changes this fall, but I am certainly going to miss the girls and opportunities. I think maybe I am most sad because I always feel like I could have done more. It was such a short time to serve, and I saw so many changes in those girls. I sometimes felt like a proud little mama in there! Anyway, I am desperately trying to look positively to the future and know that the Lord will bless me with new (and hopefully easier) opportunities to serve. I do know that my own life has been richly blessed during the nine months I was in the ward. I guess that is really all that matters. Bishop talked a lot to me about truly finding out why I was asked to serve in that position, and I never really tried to get an answer. Now that I am moving on, I would really like to know what I was meant to gain from the short experience. Anyway, on to new things! What a day--and poor Dane had to comfort me many times yesterday! What a emotional woman I am every once in a while!

Changing Body

The last few months I have been really struggling with this growing, changing body of mine. It is definitely different from what I had before, that's for sure. I have looked in the mirror and wanted to just cry after seeing those silly stretch mark already appear in a spot or two, and I have at times felt like one unattractive little mama.

Then came yesterday--at work I ran across two different people who told me that I was just beautiful. Last week one of our Ambassadors told me that I was radiant.

Now, how can I hate this beautiful little body that I have been blessed with, one that is able to create an entire person inside? This body is a miracle machine. It will be able to endure intense pains to bring new life. It may look different and may not be quite as toned or sharp as before, but I really consider these changes a blessing. For the first time yesterday, I was completely in love with my new self. I was happy to make physical sacrifices to accompany a new little one. It might not ever really go back to the way it was before, but I am extra grateful for the opportunity I have to carry children. Motherhood is something beautiful!

Fit and Frugal

I have a love for personal finance! I love to teach it and read about and help others with it. I have co-instructed money management classes at ISU and even helped open a Financial Wellness Center on ISU's campus. Someday I hope to work in a financial counseling office, helping others with their personal finances. I have a library of great reading and have taken several seminars and college courses. However, applying the principles that I know can be so darn difficult! Dane and I are really big savers--we currently live off of one income and save the other one. We are working hard to pay off our car and a little bit of student loans. We are serious about paying our tithing and have faith that things work out financially for us because of this! I know that we could do much better!

Today was a bit difficult for me. I have been wanting some shelves from IKEA for about a year now. Just this weekend I found out that my mom and sisters are planning a girls trip down to SLC for some home decor shopping in April. Oh, I can hardly wait to go--and I have a jar full of money I have been saving for an occasion such as this.

Today was hard because I decided to put that in savings instead. I have really learned to have patience and to postpone that instant gratification by saving for things. Dane and I have some pretty bright financial goals to fulfill before the little babe arrives, so I am doing my very best to stay on target. If I can just work really hard for the next few months, we will have so much peace of mind when our tiny man arrives.

You know, Dane and I just measured--and those bookshelves of my dreams are actually a bit too large for our room anyway. It is a purchase that would naturally have to wait for a little house in the future. I am feeling much better about that silly savings decision earlier.

I spent a while today also rebuilding our budget for the next few months, and it was wonderful. We definitely have some cushion and will meet our goals if we can stay on track for a little bit longer. Right now I am thankful for two parents who taught me that value of saving and being careful with money. They were able to pay cash for everything but their home, and they are wise and finance with 15-year mortgages, paying them off early as well. We lived comfortable, good lifestyles, and I hope to imitate what I have seen for so many years.

Dane and I did splurge this weekend and purchased a little bbq grill with money from the savings jar--nothing fancy by any means, but it is enough to encourage us to keep managing these apartments for another year or two. We are getting a bit stir-crazy, so having a useable space outdoors for the summer will make a huge difference for us! Onward and upward.

Poor Dane--once I am hooked on something finance-related, I just go crazy. I am an all-or-nothing kind of girl. My recent financial inspiration came from good old Dave Ramsey himself. I have been putting off his literature for a while because I have clashed a bit with a few of his ideas--however, after a good read of one book, I am pretty hooked. Of course, 95% of the book is really consistent with all financial authors I have found.

I was wondering if this idea is silly: I want to start a financial blog, where I chronicle (anonymously) my financial practices for better fitness and tie in statistics, tips and tricks, and sound money management advice all in one place. Is that a silly idea? I think I would take more time to make posts worth reading than I do here (of course). I could even have little guest-posters with their frugal ideas (couponing, furniture refinishing, cheap dates, etc.). If you made it all the way to the end of this, I would love to hear from you!

Ready for Some Summer (or Warmer Weather)!

Today might have welcomed a bit of snow, but it was really pretty fabulous outside overall. What better can you do to welcome in some nice weather than throw some burgers on the grill?!

Time for a Little BUNCO

After a successful year of the avoidance of hosting Bunco, I finally gave in. Last month when the question regarding the host came up, there was silence. If anyone knows me well, they know that I will always volunteer to do something if no one shows interest within the first 30 seconds. Bunco is one of my favorite nights each month, and I must say that I still had a great time, even if I was worried to death about fitting 12 of us girls and 3 tables in my dining and living rooms. It helps when they are 11 of the kindest gals around.

I decided to attempt to dress up the usual Bunco stuff: the food area, the prizes, and all the Bunco necessities/tools. I wish I had thought about doing that sooner, but a few minutes and a couple of extra things seemed to work out okay. Please note: I am not yet a professional party planner--I think those people plan things out more than one hour in advance, a habit I still haven't discovered.

I am usually pretty competitive when it comes to Bunco--and let's be honest, there is really no strategy or skill involved whatsoever. I have practiced the art of "The Secret" a few times and really believe that some positive energy makes a big difference, as silly as that sounds. Anyway, I think I pretty much had the game of my life: I had 4, count 'em 4, Buncos--that is equal to about my grand total from previous times, and I also had the most wins. It was certainly a night to remember. Cali and some of the other girls will have to watch out because I am on a roll!

Of course the girls are really the most important part of Bunco. I am so grateful for how flexible and kind and fun they are! It ended up being a great night for me because of them!

And now we'll see just how long I can possibly go before my turn to host Bunco comes up yet again. It will be a breeze the second time around! Thanks to everyone for coming! It was good to see you all!

Add that to the Dictionary

Last week, after I wore different cardigans six days in a row, Dane dubbed an obvious wardrobe staple the "card-again."

Needless to say, he sang the famous cardigan line from Miley's "Party in the USA" one too many times.

I am in need of an intervention, especially after I wore yet another today. So, I am trying a new experiment for the chilly month of March this year--I will wear a new outfit each day of the month--no repeating cardigans or sweaters--all different clothing. This will give me an opportunity to be more creative with the clothes I do have, and it will help me to move away from my little obsession.

Oh, dear cardigan, how I do adore you!

Image found here.

Do you happen to have a favorite item of clothing?

A New Day

Lately I haven't been able to will myself out of bed before about 7:30 (the only side effect of pregnancy that I have experienced)--this morning was a welcome exception.

I was up, wide-eyed and bushy-tailed at 6:30, semi-ready to take on the world. After viewing my blog reel and checking Facebook (a daily task) and doing a quick pick-up around the house, I got ready for the day and had an extra 20 minutes before I left for work.

Best part of the morning included making my daily to-do list and doing some quiet reading before the day began. I think I will make this a regular part of the morning routine. I could already tell that it was going to be a great day!

This is Hard...

Right now I am patiently waiting for Dane to get back from taking care of "The Properties," the family investment. I guess one of the families moved out of a house, and it was in pretty bad shape afterward. Yikes! The boys got to fix it all up today, pulling carpet and painting some walls--along with some other stuff, I am sure.

Lately, I have been going to sleep between 10:00 and 10:30 each night. I am usually ready for bed around 8:00 and just fight the urge to sleep as long as possible. I am trying my very best to wait up, but boy am I fading fast right now. The housework is done, so I don't have any physical stuff to keep me moving around.

Thank heavens for the Shaytards, a YouTube sensation, for keeping me up a few more minutes. My friend's older brother makes vlogs about his family, and he has like 800, 000 followers. The past few days I have watched a few of the videos, and that local family is just hilarious! Without a few of those videos and the new B.o.B's "The Kids," I wouldn't get to see my boo tonight!

Almost there...he should be home around 12:30 or so! Only 15 minutes to go. I can do this...

Happy V-Day to Dane

Today a coworker told me to listen to this song--and I am completely in love. So, here is my cheesy but genuine song dedication to Dane. I am trying to make Valentine's Day a daily little thing around my house--not the gifts or meals at Pasta Vino--but instead just more of an attitude of gratitude and love. Savoring all of those little moments together during this challenging but exciting time.

Dane did a great job on Valentine's Day this year though. I finished working at 9:30 after a FAFSA/application night over at Sho-Ban High School. When I got home there was a plant, letter, and my favorite chocolates on the bed. It was a busy day for him, but he still made time to make the night special. I also found out that he ordered a pair of Sperry's for me. Yikes--I can hardly wait to see them.

Anyway, I hope everyone takes some time to celebrate being with the people they love the most--everyday. What a great blessing we all have. If you have time, take a few minutes to listen--please do. I promise you will be glad you did!

Cupcake Fiasco

Tonight I was on top of the world--work and class finished--just me and the kitchen for a couple of hours. It was pure bliss at first.

My inner domestic goddess was firing on all cylinders. I threw a couple of pots of water on to boil, and tumbled the laundry on my way out to grab the mail. Seriously, I was loving this productivity.

I secretly wished Dane could see me managing dinner (lemon pepper chicken, smashed garlic red potatoes, and steamed broccoli) and baking some killer cupcakes at the same time (melting stuff for the frosting and taking perfectly-cooked cupcakes from the oven).

And then it happened! Of course that evil thing hubris was present--and I really believe that it ruined everything. Seriously, people--don't you get cocky!

I decided it was time to let the frosting cool on the burner, so I proceed to turn it down to just a warming temperature. It was the logical thing to do--well, I turned down the burner for the boiling pot of potatoes instead. Oh, dear--did that frosting burn up. After wondering why it started to boil and wouldn't stop, I finally noticed that ill-fated mistake earlier.

With very little time to correct before mutual, I salvaged what was left and topped the perfect little cupcakes--tainting those little things. I was sure that the girls wouldn't notice--they still tasted okay. And Dane did some cute little piping to make them look like Hostess cupcakes too. That would certainly cover up any flaws.

On my way out of the car, ready and pounce and set that room up at the church, I nearly lose the cupcakes to the cold asphalt below. My cat-like reflexes came to the rescue, only to smash those cupcakes to pieces.

Only one person was willing to eat my cupcakes. Another leader Lindsey, bless her heart, ate two. I called her after mutual to thank her for eating. She noted that she thought they were great, and then she followed by saying that she will eat anything chocolate that I placed before her. Seriously, I rose and was dropped again!

Needless to say, my fear of sharing baked goods was reaffirmed. On a positive note, I was reminded that this little cupcake fiasco will not end my little world. I am at home now, ready to do some much-needed exercising, Glee watching, laundry folding, and studying.

Whew! Happy Tuesday to you all!

During the Superbowl

Right now the Superbowl is playing on our television--and I am doing some much-needed blogging and journaling. Dane and I love sports, but we don't really get into the NFL. The Superbowl is fun to watch, but it really isn't a big deal. So, I hope no one is really offended that this game doesn't get me incredibly excited.

1. The cutest commercial was just on--the Volkswagen commercial with the little boy dressed as Darth Vader. So great!

2. I am so excited for a third Transformers! Eek! I was a little disappointed in the second one, but I think the third is looking up.

3. Dane and I got a guacamole pack from Bountiful Baskets yesterday, and we were pretty excited about it--so much that we already made a gigantic batch of guacamole. We pretty much downed an entire bag of tortilla chips too. So good!

4. I just finished the most productive, wonderful presidency meeting ever a while ago! I felt like the group was so great at working together and planning with purpose. I can't help but feel grateful for the time others put in and for their thoughtfulness and consideration. What a great group!

5. Lately I have felt a little frustrated with my changing body. No one has noticed the changes yet, but I really feel like I am getting just enough of a tummy to look overweight and not enough to look pregnant. Is this stage hard for anyone else? Last weekend Kelli and I went out on the search for clothing for Kayla's wedding, and I had a breakdown in the middle of a Target dressing room. Thank heavens Kelli was there to make things better. She was a saint of a shopping companion.

6. Recruitment season is almost done! Hallelujah! I feel like a free woman--especially since our crazy events are finished up. This next week is going to be beautiful.

I think that is enough for today. I am hoping that I start blogging a little bit more. It is really just fun for me. So, with that, have a great Superbowl Sunday evening!

Hand-Me-Ups

I was blessed with two very beautiful, very schnazzy sisters. Do note that they are not only pretty on the outside, but are fabulous women on this inside too--and that's really what matters. Isn't it crazy that I can refer to all of us as women now! Yikes! No more Sucher girls--we are women, hear us roar!

Anyway, this weekend I got to spend some premium down time with Kelli, who I consider one of my bestest buds. I will blog later this week about the cheer competition, but I really want to talk about her kindness to me. In the family, I would say that I am the frumpiest and worst-dressed. And I don't mean that in a "pity me" kind of way. I have two super-trendy and cute sisters, and I happen to go into mental spasms if my daily routine and dress take more than fifteen minutes. I just can't take it. Thank heavens for curly hair.

Kelli "cleaned out" her closet and donated a bunch of absolutely adorable clothes to a much-needed source--muah! Oh, the joy when I took home a whole new wardrobe to wear. I feel like a new woman.

Anyway, I am really thankful for Kellli's donation. She is so thoughtful and willing to help if I ever need anything. I am so blessed to have her as my little sister and think that she is one incredible woman--I have no idea how she is able to manage her load, but I am incredibly proud of her and can't believe I am lucky enough to have her in my family.

Don 't Be "Spacey"

When I was in high school, I was definitely known as one of the village ditzy, gullible girls. So naturally, when I ran for student body office, I made one of my slogans, "Don't be spacey, vote for Kasi." It was a great fit, and with the smooth campaigning of my sophomore sister and video producing ability of my good friend Stuart Summers, I luckily managed the win. To add to your understanding of my air-headedness, I will tell you that one girl who was clearly in the lead for getting the senior "ditziest girl" award started a campaign to rally against me for the annual senior publication. She didn't want that spot just as much as I didn't want it either. Thank heavens not too many jumped on that bandwagon and my picture did not appear in the spot. Whew, crisis averted! Not that it really matters though, let's be honest. We are all past those high school days--on to bigger better things like having careers, getting really educated, and creating beautiful families.

After that whole blurb, I just have to say that this last week or two have epitomized my spacey nature. I have dropped the ball on some Make-A-Wish volunteer efforts, forgotten books for class, managed to miss calling some students--it has been quite a learning experience. And I am reminded, especially during those weeks where I attempt to be "free" (aka: without a planner), that I really do need some type of to-do list.

I just want to introduce you to my daily agenda--a helpmeet, advisor, and taskmaster all in one! And I am about to fill out my page for today (it may be close to noon, but late is better than never in this case).

I use the 8.5 x 11 version to track meeting notes, meals for the week, exercise habits, goals, and those daily to-do's. I just adore it and know that it helps keep my life on track. Oh, how I am thankful for simplemom.net and this gem of a free download. There is even a mini version to save trees. I try to be a bit more environmentally conscious by printing duplex. Anyway, happy planning!

Ode to the Best-Dressed Team in College Football

Last night I got to hang out with the boys and take in some good old college football. The BCS championship game took precedence over anything else in our lives for the night. It was the ultimate priority, and I loved it. I have to admit that I love just hanging out with Dane and his friends. (Dane's friends are a bit more tolerant of my commentating, though!) Going to ISU games and watching sports events on the big screen are some of my favorite memories. Is that sad?!

Anyway, I just have to give a shout-out to the Ducks. I love you, and if I could choose anywhere to play (based on facilities, sponsorship), I would Oregon. I am sorry about the game last night. We were all rooting for you, and you gave us some exciting, clutch plays. However, seriously--why did you try to rush the ball in when you were in the red zone? You tried a dozen times before you finally ran an option, realizing that the run wasn't working. That Auburn defensive line is tough! Enough negativity--great season, great players, great game. It was a fun game overall to watch. And, you guys sure did look good while you did it! The best-dressed team around. I feel like I can hardly wait to see what you are wearing each time I watch an Oregon game (fulfilling my feminine love of fashion).

And that is all--best of luck next year. I will be rooting for you if you are in the ship again--or any other non-SEC team. That conference powerhouse needs a bit of humbling.

Image found here.

Jumping Back In

Over the last few weeks, I have found myself lacking a bit of motivation. And, after a fairly long hiatus, I am so ready to get back into the swing of things. That Christmas break tends to really throw off my groove. I'm telling ya! Seriously, I pretended like I was 18 again and went to sleep at 2 or 3 in the morning--on purpose! And waking up at 10 really isn't the sunniest little start for the day. That whole situation really doesn't work any more!

Anyway, I am so excited for this new semester, a fresh new start. I almost feel like a new semester is like a brand new year, and I feel so nervous but so excited about the possibilities. I felt like there were a thousand little bumps in the road today (like nearly dying, dropping the ball on a Make-A-Wish item, not getting my class schedule to work, etc), but no--I was not about to let them get me down. Not at the beginning of a new semester. No way!

I participated in a conference call last week with the JKAF group who started the "Go On" campaign in Idaho. What an incredibly inspiring group! I thought I would add this little ditty to remind myself and others about what amazing possibilities we each have, especially right at the beginning of the semester and year. It is going to be beautiful. (New goal to add to my bucket list: volunteer for JKAF. Please, oh please, oh please take me on!)

Happy New Year

Just a quick post to say...

I usually have a list of 8 to 10 different resolutions, each one very specific and detailed. This year I have only 2:

1. live more fully in the moment and genuinely experience life

2. be more devoted to my Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ

Very simple, without a number to times to do something each day or week. These are my favorite resolutions yet.

So, best of luck on your new day, week, month, year, and decade. It is going to be great!