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!