Become

I wonder how many of us have this ideal in our head of this abstract person we want to one day become.

One day I'll fit into these clothes in my closet.
One day I'll have finally developed patience.
One day I'll have enough money to buy...
One day I'll get a food storage in order.
One day I'll learn how to play the piano.
One day I'll forgive that person.
One day I'll....

Or how often do we see another's talents and say out loud or to ourselves:

I wish I new how to make pies!
I wish I could sew curtains like that!
I wish I made desserts this well!
I wish I made friends more easily!
I wish I could draw like that!
I wish I was handy enough to fix things around my house!
I wish I new how to make homemade bread!
I wish I....

I'm sure the lists could go on and on. I'm sure we are all guilty of thoughts like these. Some of us more often than others. But what are you doing about it? Do you think if you say that you wish you made homemade bread, POOF now you can? Or if one day you want to play the piano, BAM that day comes with no effort on your part? If today you are not the person you always wanted to become, what are you doing about it?

Though each person is naturally talented at certain things, they could not develop or maintain those talents without effort. If you want to fit into the clothes you've been hanging onto forever, start today by being mindful of the things you eat and squeezing in some form of exercise. If you wish you new how to make a pie, call your mom, neighbor, or jump on Pinterest and give it a shot. I love the strengthening of relationships I find when I spend time teaching or learning with someone else.

My grandpa has been famous in our family for his yummy homemade bread. I wanted to give it a try so I asked him for his recipe. He replied that he could give me a recipe but that it would be best for us to get together on a Saturday and he would show me how to make it. So that's what we did and since then I have been making homemade bread for my family. Some loaves turn out better than others and I am continuing to learn each time I bake the bread. I feel I can now put "making homemade bread" on my list of talents and I loved spending that time with my grandpa.

Hopefully you are feeling at least a little inspired to get to work but I have one warning for you. Trying to develop a talent doesn't always go smoothly...

Just this week I decided I was going to become handy using a drill. The curtain rod needed hanging and I so desperately wanted the child locks installed on all of my cupboards and drawers. I learned the basics of how to use the drill and went to work. Needless to say, the curtain rod is still not hung and the wall has a few extra holes. Only two kitchen cupboards are now kidproof... What happened? Well I gave it my best shot and just couldn't get those darn screws in the way that I wanted to. This was FRUSTRATING to say the least!

Here are a few things I learned from that experience:
-Developing a talent or skill does not happen in minutes.
-Sometimes you need someone to teach you a skill and it helps if they are present while you practice so they can fix mistakes you are making and offer words of encouragement.
-If things don't run smoothly the first time, don't shut down. Try again soon!
-You won't master every skill but its always worth it to try.

Using the drill that day did not go as planned, but I am not afraid to try using the drill again in the future. I have not given up on learning that skill.

We are not all blessed with a comprehensive set of talents because we need each other. We all have unique gifts to offer the world around us. If you have tried something multiple times and are just no good at it, embrace that. Be content with that. If you gave it your best effort, don't waste more time and energy wishing you could be the best. But if you haven't even tried, stop wishing and start working! If you have been waiting to grow older, or be less busy so that you can start becoming the person you want to be, stop waiting! Have the courage to try new things. Have the courage to fail. Have the courage to become the person you want to be. And have the courage to start that journey now.

Making Changes for the Better

This last week I had a friend ask if I'd like to do some sort of  buddy system to eat healthier and I am so grateful for her asking. It was just the motivation I was looking for.

These were my main goals.
1. Stay under my calorie count.
2. Eat at least 2 servings of fruit and 2 servings of vegetables a day.

So far its going pretty well and I have been meeting my goals most days, and on the scale I am already seeing a difference. But what I really wanted to write about is the things I have noticed about my eating habits as I have begun this journey.

One thing I realized is that I eat my children's leftovers all of the time!
Another thing is that I nibble on everything that I'm making whether its a meal or a dessert.
I also usually finish whatever I've put on my plate whether I am still hungry or not, even if it doesn't taste that great.
And lastly, I eat at least a little of everything I see that looks good.

I am proud of the self control I have exercised this week. It feels good. I've gotten up each morning and exercised, which adds a few more calories to what I can eat a day. I've refrained from eating my children's leftovers, even if it kills me to throw them away. I didn't nibble near as much when I made some delicious treats for my sister's bridal showers. And as I attended those wedding parties this weekend I did not pig out on all of the fun food items available. One huge blessing is that I am actually enjoying my food more. Savoring every bite, not just mindless eating and looking forward to the next helping.

I'm happy with my progress thus far. I hope that if you have considered making some changes to your eating habits, you can find the inspiration you need to get going today! Let me know if I can help you!

What are your healthy eating and exercising tips?

All I can Think of is That Chocolate Cake

Its late at night. I'm tired. The baby is crying. And all I can think about is sneaking into the kitchen and eating whatever treat I can find...

As long as I can remember, I have been an emotional eater. No matter the emotion, food was the answer. A bad day always needed some chocolate. A good grade rewarded with ice cream. And on and on. Especially when it came to treats, abstinence was a battle I'd rarely won. 

I love making treats. And I make some really awesome ones, if I may say so myself. I find momentary relief as I indulge my cravings, but it is usually followed by feelings of guilt. This can send me into a vicious cycle. Eat. Guilt. Eat. Guilt...

Food and treats can bring family and friends together and play a role in making memories. Therefore, I don't plan on ridding my diet completely of treats. What I do plan on doing is exercising a little more self control. One cookie instead of 5. Enjoying dessert with my family, instead of sneaking into the kitchen by myself for a snack. Moderation in all things.

The word of wisdom, recorded in section 89 of the Doctrine and Covenants is a "principle with promise, adapted to the capacity of the weak and the weakest of all saints" (D&C 89:3)

I surely have been weak...

The Lord has provided the goodness of the earth for us to enjoy with "prudence and thanksgiving".

And this is his promise:

 18 And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in         obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

 19 And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

 20 And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

I'm pretty sure the first step in changing is admitting that you have a problem. So here it is, "I have an eating disorder. I am an emotional eater." My goal is to exercise self control and enjoy all things in prudence and thanksgiving. I know this will make me happy and healthy. 

I am hoping those who read this can help keep me accountable.

Are any of you emotional eaters? What methods do you use to keep yourself in check? 

"Wow, you must be busy!"

When I was at the hospital to deliver Hazel, almost every nurse asked me how many children I have at home and how old they are. My answer, "I have two girls at home: Ellie is 3 and Brooklyn is almost 2." The most common response was, "Wow! You must be busy!" And well... its true, but I can't imagine anything better to be busy doing.

Hazel Grace Ross joined our family 6/26/15 at 8:06pm. She weighed 8lbs 13oz and was 20 1/2 inches long.

The miracle of bringing a child into this world never ceases to amaze me.

When it comes to love, its not like you have a limited amount that you have to divide up between those you love. When you choose to love someone, God gives you a greater capacity to love. There has been an outpouring of love in our home.

Hazel's sisters absolutely adore her. They love to hold her, pat her, stroke her cheeks and hair, hold in her binky, cover her with a blanket and shower her with kisses.

We are grateful to our ward and family members that have taken the opportunity to serve us and share in our excitement of this little piece of Heaven. Thank you!

Friends Make Life More Awesome!

We moved into our condo back in November and I have met tons of really nice people. We say hi, we smile, we chat, but only recently have I really clicked with someone. The best part about it is that our children and husbands clicked too. SCORE!!!

Doing everyday stuff with a friend is so much more fun that doing it alone.

Its really nice that when you need something, you know who you can call.

Its nice to get homemade bread.

Its nice to share popsicles, stickers, and toys.

Its nice to feel and give a little extra love.

Just Doing My Job

Its an interesting thing to ponder the person your child will grow up to be. Each day they are growing and becoming that person. What a neat job it is as parents to believe in our children, to encourage them in their pursuits, and to be their number one fan. I sure love my girls and can't wait to see what life has in store for them.

We were all matching in our sweater dresses today

Its not every day as a large pregnant woman that you feel attractive, but today I thought I pulled off the baby bump pretty well so I got my mom to take a couple maternity shots for me.

We finally picked a name! Hazel Grace Ross :)

Hazel is doing fabulous. Her kidney ultrasounds looked great and she seems healthy as can be. We are almost 37 weeks along now and can't wait for her arrival. She is due on Father's Day. I can't think of a more fitting gift. :)

Every Day Isn't Easy

You may or may not know that we have had some special ultrasounds lately to evaluate the fluid level in our baby's kidneys. Because my regular doctor saw an increase in fluid that he didn't like, he sent us to get a more in depth ultrasound at the hospital. Worst case scenario with this kind of thing could mean surgery when the baby is born. I continued to pray daily that the doctors would know what to do and that I would be prepared whatever the results. One night, during our couple's prayer Jordan asked Heavenly Father that everything would be okay with the baby's kidneys and she would not need surgery. Honestly, I was a little shocked. Not that I don't think Heavenly Father could easily grant that request, but I wasn't sure it was what we should ask for. We have had a really blessed life so far and I guess I wasn't as quick to ask that this not be a trial for us. After our prayer we went to bed and I didn't think much of it.

This week we had our ultrasound and the doctor said we were just barely in the concern range. He wants to do one more ultrasound at 36 weeks and he expects that all will be well then and there will be no more concern about her kidneys. This experience made me really grateful for Jordan and how in tune he is with the Holy Ghost. I admire his faith.

We are excited for this little blessing to join our family in just 8 weeks!

Last night my sister in law Justine gave my little girls their first hair cuts! They did so great! I'll have to take some after pictures still.

And last, but not least, the transition from one nap a day to no nap....

I've heard this is pretty common around age 3 and miss Ellie turns 3 on Monday! She puts up the biggest fight to not take a nap each day and it sure wears me out. It also makes it so Brooklyn and I don't get good naps either. Not a good combination. I am still in the research process of deciding if no nap is the right step for us and transitioning to having a set "quiet time". Today I gave her quiet time and after I got up from my nap I could tell she was so tired. Its easy to see that when she is melting down about every little thing... She eventually settled down and was watching a movie and when I went into the living room, this is what I found.

Boy did she need this nap! I'm open for suggestions on the methods you've used for your kids at this stage. Wish me luck!

I'm Lovin' It

Four years ago Jordan told me that his grandma wanted us to come over for breakfast so that she could get to know me better. However the drive didn't end at grandma's house, instead we arrived at the Provo airport. It was the perfect proposal. A story I will never tire of telling.

Since I didn't actually get breakfast from grandma's, we hit McDonald's on our way home. It has been a fun tradition each year to celebrate the anniversary of our engagement with a McDonald's breakfast.

Today I wanted to take a minute to list just a few of the reasons why I am so lucky Jordan asked me to marry him.

1. Jordan is super attractive.
2. Jordan values my opinion and counsels with me on matters of small and great importance.
3. Jordan can cook.
4. Jordan works hard to provide for our family.
5. Jordan respects and encourages my role as a homemaker.
6. Jordan gives me a kiss every time he comes home.
7. Jordan takes me to the temple.
8. Jordan loves our girls.
9. Jordan lives the Gospel.
10. Jordan loves me in word and deed.

I am so happy that Heavenly Father led Jordan and I together. It has been a wonderful four years!

Time is Flying

I feel like I have so much to say today. Maybe if I blogged a little more regularly it wouldn't be so bad... But hey, I've got a great life and am feeling extra blessed these days!

Lets start with the fact that we had a great Easter. I'm all about the fun, candy, new dresses and all that comes with Easter, but I am especially grateful to be reminded of my Savior, his atonement and resurrection. Because He overcame both physical and spiritual death, so can I. What a matchless gift.

I painted ceramics all growing up since my mom could make them. Ellie wanted to paint an egg this year to add to my collection. I also helped Brooklyn paint an egg.

Dying eggs with some of our neighbors. Glad we could share our fun with them.

I love finding things to give in our Easter baskets. You probably can't tell but my giant egg has Tums in it. Yay for being a pregnant lady with constant heartburn!

We had fun using our Easter cookie cutters to make and decorate Easter cookies. Yummy ymmy! Don't worry, she didn't lick the knife until she was all done, though I did catch her trying to!

Jordan is always working working working but since he had his Spring Break from school, he rearranged his work schedule to have Friday off. We didn't have any big plans but were looking forward to no work. Thursday night while we were eating dinner Jordan said, "Hey we should just take off and go somewhere since I don't work tomorrow." A few texts and phone calls later, my mom had booked us a condo at Bear Lake for Thursday and Friday night! We had to get there by 10pm to check in so we packed super fast and jumped in the car for the 3 hour drive.

My map said we would get there at 9:45 so when Ellie said she needed to go to the bathroom, I didn't really think we had time to stop. She was wearing a diaper still from her nap so I convinced her it would be okay to just go in her diaper. Well.... her diaper couldn't handle it and her pants and seat were soaking! So we stopped in Brigham City to change her clothes and put a blanket down for her to sit in. Party party. ha We still made it to the condo in time!

The condo was so nice. Relaxing is such a foreign word to Jordan but we just swam at an indoor pool, played games, ate Easter candy, watched movies and took naps. I love spending time with my family!

Brooklyn was just a blob in the pool. She sure was relaxing. I've got a family of fishes! One night we ate at the Bear Trapper and we splurged on crab legs for Jordan. I took one bite and couldn't wash the taste out fast enough, but Jordan loved them!

And last, but not least, my awesome sister-in-law Justine chopped my hair for me! I want it short when the baby comes and that is only 10 weeks away. I love it! So excited for another monkey to join our family. :)

Boy did I get LUCKY!

My mother raised me to make the most of every holiday! I'd like to think we did that this St. Patrick's Day. Sure was fun to dress in green and enjoy a special green breakfast with my cute family!

I seriously am so LUCKY!!!

And since St. Patrick's Day is now over.... We are ready for Easter!

How did you celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Anybody got a Tissue?

Here is a visual for you of what the last week has looked like at our house...

Sick sick sick sick sick

I spared you pictures of the piles of tissues we've gone through, but these colds kicked us pretty good. We watched movies all day long and slept as much as possible. The sickness still lingers here but improvements have been felt. It has been a draining week but one of the worst parts for me has been not being able to taste anything! I'm so stuffed up that I can't enjoy my food, and let me just say that enjoying food is one of my favorite things in life!

What do you like to do when you're sick?