Lift from your corner of the world

I was scrolling through my phone this morning fully anticipating and honestly, dreading the comments about the events of today. There were the people praising Obama, mourning his departure, and talking about the end of the world. There were the hardcore Trump supporters praising his every word, admiring Melania’s outfit of choice, and insisting “America could now be great again.”  It was all laced with negativity toward the other side. UGH.

Feeling frustrated, I looked away from my phone and down at my daughter. She was so blissfully unaware of the circumstances. A thought entered my mind: 

"No success can compensate for failure in the home" 
(David O McKay, quoting JE McCulloch). 

At that moment I realized, no matter what is happening in our country, and the world for that matter, my primary responsibility is to my family. I needed to put my phone down and focus on my daughter! I was lucky enough to grow up in a home that taught love, respect, honesty, and hard work. If everyone had that opportunity, I think the world would be a much better place. 

So I’m going to do my part and spread good from my little corner of the world. Regardless of your opinions on the outcome of this election, can we all submit to do the same? 


Let’s all move forward in faith, lift where we stand, and #focusonthegood!  

Oh, and what's one of my posts without a little V??

Happy Birthday, Aust!!

There are so many great things about Austin. I'm going to share a few. 

One recent thing I have been especially grateful for... We made a New Year's resolution to turn every criticism we might say into a complement. Austin is literally the best at this. For example, I lose things ALL the time. Instead of bringing that to my attention when I lose something, Austin says, "Don't worry! I know you will find it. You always do." How much of a difference it makes when someone supports you and complements you instead of criticizing.

He adores Vienna.

He opens jars for me.

He's a happy person.

He gets up with V in the morning when he knows she had a rough night.

He tells me he loves me.

He's kind to everyone.

He does the dishes.

He works hard to provide for our family.

He makes me laugh, so much.

He is always seeking to learn.

He's honest.

He loves Sodalicious as much as me.

He's patient.

He never gives up. 

He spends quality time with our family.

I know we're lucky. Not every family gets a dad or husband like mine. 

Happy Birthday, Honey! 

And now some of my all time favorite photos of Austin. Let's be honest, most of them are with Vienna because nothing beats seeing your husband become a father. 

5 Months

V:
Little V, you are 5 MONTHS OLD! How did that happen??? You loved spending time with the Russell's for a week over Christmas. Grandpa got you to full on giggle numerous times. (We were all a little jealous.) You love to smile, play with rattles and blocks, and stick every toy object in your mouth. You are eating solids! We have given you rice cereal, carrots, squash, apples, and bananas. You cringe at apples and bananas - which is HILARIOUS. We will stick to veggies for now. You are rolling from back to front. Getting close to sitting on your own- still a little unstable though. You are officially 13 lbs!!! Maybe you will be a little higher on the percentile scale next visit.  Fingers crossed! You are in size 1 diapers. You still fit in your 3 month clothes, but we've started putting you in 6 month stuff too. You bring us so much joy and we love you so much!

Me:
I always fall into a little slump in January. Christmas is over. Family goes back home. It usually takes me a week or two to get back to normal. I'm working on it though! I made some great goals for the year and I am extra excited about them. It's only day 4 of 2017 and I already feel myself coming out of the slump. I love my little family and couldn't be more grateful.

#projectVandMe

And just for fun, here's a little nugget from my recent studies.

"Since the beginning of time, love has been the source of both the highest bliss and the heaviest burdens. At the heart of misery from the days of Adam until today, you will find the love of wrong things. And at the heart of joy, you will find the love of good things.

And the greatest of all good things is God."

-Dieter F. Uchdorf

Oct 2009

2017 GOALS

Some years I set goals, some years I honestly just think it's cliche and pointless, so I don't. 

Is that sad or what? 

This year I am feeling extra inspired to set some goals! 

I'm writing them down here and going to keep the blog updated with my results. 

I've divided them into a few categories: spiritual, physical, & marriage.

Spiritual

Study my scriptures at least 10 minutes a day.
I have picked 12 topics that I am going to study in-depth this year, one for each month. I am really excited about this! I hope to do blog posts to compile what I learned each month. January is patience/kindness, and boy do I need work on this... ha

Physical

Cliche, I know. Lose the pregnancy weight by working out at least 4 days a week and eating healthier. And try to love my body again. (Side note about that: It sounds so taboo and foreign to "love" your body. The world is constantly telling us, and selling us things that tell us, our bodies aren't good enough. It's a real problem! I can see how it affects me daily, which is so sad. I never want my daughter to feel that way, so I am shifting my thinking. I have been given the amazing gift of a healthy body. I want to love it again.)

I feel better emotionally and physically when I take care of myself. I was doing so great there for a while, so I am getting back on track!

Marriage

"Whenever you open your mouth to correct your spouse, stop and formulate a compliment instead."

I came across this fantastic article about marriage and criticism that really resonated with me. Not that I feel Austin and I are at each other's throats with critiques, but I think this will really help strengthen our relationship.

Here's to 2017!!