Ch ch ch changes...

I've felt for awhile I've needed to overhaul my life. Nothing drastic but I've fallen in to bad habits. To be blunt, I am L~A~Z~Y. I generally take the easy way out of things. No wonder I am 50lbs over weight and my house is always in disarray. I'm turning *gasp* 36 in a few weeks and I don't want to continue into my late 30's a fat, disorganized slob. I am working on becoming the person I know I am inside. Don't worry, I'm not being to hard on myself. I'm just, currently, not living up to my full potential! My weight loss blog has been resurrected (again), I'm getting up at 6 am to exercise (yawn), My house is getting organized (one D.I. bag at a time), I'm reading the Book of Mormon (already to Jacob)  and I am starting to feel like ME again!! Yay for change right? I'll keep you updated on the whole weight loss thing but if you want to follow weekly send me your email for an invite!!

P.S. I got a new calling last week. I am so excited to be serving as the Mia Maid advisor! This is my first time to be fully immersed in the young women's program (camp didn't really count, it was over way too quickly!) and I'm a little nervous. Wish me luck!!

I need YOUR help!

Not that many people read this anymore but if you do, if you're out there, it's time to come out of the wood work and give me some advice.

The kids have been back in school for nearly a month now and I am still struggling to find a routine and get something accomplished during the day. You'd think after nearly 17 years of marriage and 14 years of motherhood I might have something figured out. Nope. I've tried lots of systems, flylady, motivated moms, and my favorite, the 15 minute timer. Right now nothing is getting me where I'd like to be and I, quite literally, walk in circles all day long. So, here is where I need some help. How do you get it done during the day? What is your system? What is your secret? And I know that we all struggle with this on one level or another but I've seen some of your houses and I struggle way more. :)

Help a girl out?

Lagoon 2011

Also while Matthais was at scout camp (he always claims that we CHOOSE to have lots of fun when he's gone) we went to Marketstar's day at lagoon. It was a different feel without Matthais. He'd gone earlier in the summer with some friends so we didn't feel too bad for him!

Funny thing about this shirt. My brother made two of these last year just before our Lagoon trip. I have Ian wear one of them when we're going to be in public and he might not handle it well. He put it on backward this day but it didn't matter, it served it's purpose. We had several people comment on it and people seemed to be much more understanding. In one line he was having a total meltdown. The lady in front of me commented on the shirt and we sat and talked for a minute (she was a special education teacher). Ian continued to have his little melt down and behind me I hear "What a BRAT!" followed by "SHHHHH, he has AUTISM!"  It was awesome!!

Bridal Veil falls

One Monday we decided to go to Bridal Veil falls for family night. Matthais was at scout camp so it was just the three littles. I honestly don't think I had ever been to the falls before. Isn't that weird? I've driven by them hundreds of times but I don't remember ever walking to them. Lame. The kids were impressed and not afraid to get into the cold water. Not me! It was melted snow after all! Brrrr!

Now every time we drive by the kids get even more excited to see them since they've actually been there!

A change in perspective, courtesy of Christi

"Motherhood is about raising and celebrating the child you have, not the child you thought you would have. It's about understanding that he is exactly the person he is supposed to be. And that, if you're lucky, he just might be the teacher who turns you into the person you are supposed to be."


-Joan Ryan "The Water Giver"

Butterflies

Early in the summer I ordered a butterfly habitat and thought that would be a fun activity for the summer. I didn't plan it very well though! While we were away to Six lakes they formed their cocoons and they hatched one day when I had sent the kids to play at their cousins so I could have a break. Even I was too busy to witness it! Because of that the kids are begging to do it again!

We were very lucky and all 5 caterpillars turned into butterflies! They only guarantee 3. Maybe we'll do it again next year a be able to better witness this fun event!

Scout camp

The Monday after we returned from Six lakes, and before Millie was home from Vegas, Matthais left for scout camp. It was a really strange feeling not having the two of them home for a day! Matthais loves scouts but really had a hard time getting excited for this camp. When our ward split in April he lost an amazing scout leader and mentor. He also lost the majority of his troop. Even though he is outgoing and friendly, he missed his old friends and leaders terribly. This is a great group of kids and eventually I think he will love them just as much!