Present Over Perfect

I was thinking about my blog today and I love it because it's an easy way for me to document what's happening in our family. I've printed out books of this blog and the boys look at them all the time. It's fun to walk down memory lane and see what we were doing last Easter, or for birthdays, and holidays, etc. Today it hit me that as much as I love documenting the day to day activities in motherhood and our family life, I also want to make sure and write down what I learned this week. So here's what happened this week followed by what I learned. 

Sunday afternoon church is exhausting. Austin fell sound asleep on the couch during the lesson by our home teachers. And sleeping Eleanor. Love my little side kicks.

We celebrated the first day of spring with free Ritas - Italian Ice. The boys were thrilled to get their very own. Haha we always make our kids share treats. The boys did volcanoes over and over again.

I love bows on Eleanor. I hope she loves them too. :)

We ventured to the library for music and movement!

And then to the mall to see the puppies. Austin is ready for summer.

The weather warmed up and we went on a mile walk around the block! We can't wait for summer!!

A family hike. Aaron's happy place. And Eli and Austin's too. On Saturday we hiked on the Academy. The weather was beautiful!!

What I learned this week:

 - I finished the Book of Mormon. Several verses really resonated with me this week as I've cried thinking of the hard things some of my friends are dealing with right now. I loved being reminded that miracles still exist! I think I get weighed down with the worries and troubles of the world, and I need to refocus and notice the tender mercies of each day. 

- I finished reading a book called "Present Over Perfect." I also cried as I felt like I completely connected with the author. I enjoy reading self help books, and this one was one of the best. I'm working on taking more deep breaths throughout the day, letting little things go, (like a perfectly clean house) and I'm trying to be more present in the moment. I went visit teaching and I started to make bread to take to a lady I visit and then I saw my little boys sitting around the table asking if we could have preschool. I realized that I'd be giving my time to the lady I visit teach as I visited with her and the bread could wait. I'm not perfect at it, but I'm trying to do better about being more present in the moment.

- Aaron's been taking the self reliance class offered through our stake and it's a 12 week class about budgeting. He goes to class every Sunday evening for 2 hours. It's been rough at times for me to support him quickly leaving after church, but we've been blessed by him taking this class. We've been able to make adjustments to our budget and really get on the same page for our financial goals. (I will say I've rolled my eyes a few times when Aaron has said, "Does that purchase fall within our budget?" Hilarious because Aaron has usually been extremely laid back about our budget.) Life is about making changes, and Aaron has done amazing to make adjustments to better stay within our budget, so I'm trying to do the same.

- The missionaries asked us to fast for 24 hours from something (not necessarily food, just something we wanted to give up) and focus on missionary work. I decided to give up the INTERNET - at first I was thinking I'd not use social media for the day, but then I decided to not even look at the internet. I didn't look up recipes, or directions to a place, or listen to a podcast, or check my e-mail/social media. Nothing. And it was so nice. I was a happier mom. I did take time to think about the internet and it really is a blessing in my life. I'm able to be connected with my family and my kids know their cousins and grandparents so well. I'm able to be connected to the families I taught while on my mission. I'm able to share videos published by the church to my children during family home evening and watch General Conference in my home. Again, there really are blessings associated with the internet and as I took a step back from being connected to it for a day, I was able to see how I want to do better about being balanced with the internet and not waste time. I'm trying to be more intentional with how I use it, especially in sharing my testimony through social media.

We're all looking forward to Easter and General Conference!

St. Patrick's Day

Monday started with a science experiment. Water and Skittles had these little boys mesmerized. 

Monday evening after FHE, we went to Men's Warehouse to get Aaron some new suits for his upcoming interview! And we've now finished all the letters from our preschool box.

Wednesday morning I got up early and was ready for the day when the kids all woke up. I was supposed to go VT, but it got canceled so we decided to go to the Nature and Science Museum. We loved it!

Thursday Austin had his three year old check up and Eleanor had her 2 month check up. Austin proudly showed off his sticker collection that the Dr. let him pick out. Eleanor had to get her shots, which is never fun, but she was sleepy and cuddly after them. We grabbed lunch and then went to the park to meet with friends.

Friday evening Aaron got home from work early!! It was a fun surprise even though the house was a wreck. We decided to go bowling and it's one of our favorite family activities! When Austin picked up the bowling ball, he said, "Super Gecko Muscles." It made us all laugh!

And Saturday was St. Patrick's Day - the one day a year I buy Lucky Charms and the boys are thrilled. I loved seeing Eleanor and Aaron resting on the couch.

I taught YW on Sunday about Grace. I learned a lot as I studied for the lesson and was reminded how as I rely on grace every single day, I can accomplish the things Heavenly Father would have me do.

March

Austin took a million pictures on my phone again. This one of Eli and his blanket made me laugh.

I just stare at her constantly when she's sleeping. And little girls are so fun to dress!

We fed the sister missionaries on Wednesday and then Aaron had a meeting in the living room so we read books in my bed.

Thursday morning Austin found omelette - who was supposed to be on his birthday cake but was lost!! She was hiding in the piano.

Thursday night Eleanor and I went to the RS activity. It was a favorite things party. Eleanor looked so adorable! 

Friday morning we went to playgroup with friends from the ward. There are so many little boys!!

Friday evening Aaron and I (and Eleanor) fit in a date. It's been 7 weeks since we've gone on a date together and we enjoyed dinner at a charming Italian place. Austin took this picture when we returned home.

Austin's 3rd Birthday!

My favorite thing about Austin is that in every prayer he offers, he says, "We're thankful we could have a wonderful day at our house." Before going to bed for the night and his nap, he always says, "I'll say good morning!" 

Monday morning he woke up so excited for his birthday!! My parents were still here so we went to Kneaders for some french toast and cinnamon rolls. :) We then decided to walk around the mall for a bit.

Papa gave them quarters to ride the rides.

And of course we stopped by to see the puppies!

We told my parents goodbye and then went home to have some lunch. The theme this year was PJ Masks. Austin wanted a PJ Masks cake. 

Grandma Donna gave Austin this towel! He asked if he could take a bath after his birthday. Of course, of course. 

This years' presents included more magic tracks from Grandma and Grandpa Volk, PJ masks body wash, PJ Masks figurines for the cake (somehow we lost Owellete so she wasn't on the cake.) and a Vet kit. We sure love our Austin! He's the best big brother and has a heart of gold.