2012 Check-Up

So it's been a while since I've updated this blog.  (I'm pretty sure every new post starts that way!) But I was just reading over the list I made back in January and thought I'd check in with myself to see how my goals for this year are coming along.  This will probably be a terribly boring post for anyone that still looks at my blog, but I really want to be better at keeping a history of what is going on.  So here  goes...

 Find the things that make my family and I happy and go for them.

One of my favorite talks is "Good, Better, Best" by Elder Oaks.  In it, he talks about how we may need to give up some of the "good" things in life for what is better or best.  So far this year I've really tried to reevaluate what I spend my time doing and try to make time for the BEST things.  Yes, I absolutely know that there are a lot of really good things I need to do... exercise, cook, clean, work projects, yard work, etc... These are all things that I still do and know they are important, BUT I also don't make myself feel guilty if I choose to skip the gym for FHE or if I have a messy house because I played games with my kids.  The things that are always going to be best are my husband, my kids, my family, and my testimony.  Everything else is just good and I'm aiming for the best.  Maybe that means I could lose a few pounds, there is cereal all over my floors, unorganized closets, and weeds to be pulled, but I know what is really important and I love that I've finally given myself the freedom to be okay with not being perfect.   A lot of people are really addicted to Pinterest lately and I certainly spend some time on that website myself.  However, every time I get on there, I feel more and more that it signifies everything that is wrong with our culture.  If your daughters hair doesn't have some fancy braid, your bread doesn't look like the shape of pumpkins, you are not a size 2 with rock hard abs, and you don't make your own laundry detergent, that somehow you are a failure as a person.  I would argue that the people who are obsessing over less important things are missing out on so many of the BEST things in life.  I've stopped going to pinterest unless I have a specific thing to look for. When I spend much time on there I start to get the feeling that I'm not good enough, and that is not okay with me.  I think we all (especially women) need to stop being so judgmental of everyone else and realize we are all doing the best we can.  Even if that means I buy my laundry detergent from the store and eat at Wendy's way more than I should. 

Become closer to my Savior.

I've made a personal commitment to  attend the temple on a regular basis.  I know I can always be better and go more often, but I feel really good about making the temple a priority in my life.  The blessings that have come in a very short time have been amazing.  I've been happier, my family is happy, things that use to bother me no longer matter, I'm much closer to my Savior and I think for the first time in my adult life I really feel my Savior's love every single day.  It is an amazing feeling.  I know I can be much, much, better, but I'm off to a good start and can only go up from here. 

Spend more one on one time with each of my boys.

One of my favorite things is when I get to spend one on one time with each of my boys.  I love going on Dates with Derek and I even try to get in a date with Cooper at least once a month.  The memories made and time together is so priceless.  Derek and Cooper took a trip to Houston in April and it left me and Jack alone for a week.  It was the best time I've ever had with Jack.  We were able to connect without any distractions and I know our relationship will always be strengthened because of that time. 

Magnify and treasure every second I get to spend in my current primary calling. 

This one is a soft spot in my heart because I'm terribly afraid that my calling will be coming to an end sooner rather than later.  I haven't ever had a calling I love more than being a counselor in Primary.  I love the kids, I love getting to know all about them, I love the girls I work with, I adore all of our teachers, and I've learned so much from being around such amazing people.  I know that Heavenly Father will have an equally rewarding calling for me next, but I'm pretty confident my heart will always be in primary.  I have to admit that before I had this calling I was a little guilty of being in the "please don't call me to primary" club that seems to reside in every ward.  I was so wrong, and I really do cherish every second I get to spend in Primary.  

Read lots of good books.

This one has been a total failure!  I love to read, but just haven't had any time.  I guess I'll have to start a good book tonight!  

Rediscover my love (well, love might be a stretch) of running.

Again, a total failure!  But I'm going to find a 5k to run next month and hopefully will be back in the swing of things soon! 

Learn to bake really yummy bread.

Again, TOTAL FAILURE!  I guess that is a good reason to make a quick visit to Pinterest.... I'll need a good, easy recipe!

Become an annual pass holder at Disneyland and make lots of memories with Cooper while we are there. 

Well, I'm still not an annual pass holder, but I did just get home from 3 magical days at Disneyland with Cooper and my mom.  The passes are coming... Hopefully!  I LOVE that place!!

Be a better friend.

This is a tough one.  I have a lot of good people in my life and I'm grateful for them.  It's been an eye opening few months and I haven't had a huge amount of free time to spend with friends.  I know I can always be a better friend to everyone around me.  It's kind of a weird situation right now so I think I'll leave it at that...

Look for opportunities to provide service and then ACT on it.

This is one that I'm going to focus on this summer.  I really want Cooper and Jack to develop a love for serving those around us.  I've tried to act on the promptings I get to help others, but I need to listen more closely and act much faster.  I'm excited to improve in this area!  

Stop comparing myself, my size, clothes, kids, car, house, etc... to those around me. 

I'm a thousand times better at this one than I was even a few months ago.  I'm so happy with everything in my life.  Of course I can always be better, but GONE are the days of feeling bad because of comparing myself to someone else.  What a waste of time!  I love that I honestly don't care what size you wear, what name brand clothing you bought, what age you potty-trained your kid, what level your kid reads at, and what wonderful awards your kids are winning.  I really am genuinely happy for all of the success of those around me, and I love celebrating others accomplishments-  I'm just done comparing it to what I have.  I. Am. Content. - and it's a VERY good feeling! 

Become more outgoing.  Being an introvert doesn't mean I can be boring!

Naw-- I like being boring.  This one has been a happy failure.  : )

Keep this blog updated. 

FAIL!  I am much better at keeping Facebook updated than this blog.  I did just discover that I can blog from my phone so hopefully I'll get better.

Bear my testimony more. 

With the exception of having to talk in sacrament meeting, this one is a total fail.  Hopefully before the end of the year I'll finally get the guts.  This one will have to be continued...

So there you have it.  I'm not normally this open of a person, but it feels good to check in on my progress.  I have a ways to go, but so far I'd say 2012 has been very, very good to me and my family!