finding balance

"The ability to qualify for, receive, and act on personal revelation is the single most important skill that can be acquired in this life." - Julie B. Beck

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We are home from church today because we are sick, so while Wendel is sleeping I'm watching some General Conference talks from April. Although I've heard these talks before, this quote by Julie Beck, the General Relief Society President, just stood out to me, probably because I could stand to focus on this area of my life a little more.

The single most important skill. That deserves my attention. It's so easy to get caught up in anything but things that qualify us for personal revelation...whether they be other good things (like school) or things that aren't really that uplifting (like certain tv shows that are funny but don't really prepare us to be in a place where we can receive personal revelation).

Often times my scripture reading consists of reading a scripture and quote from Stand a Little Taller before falling asleep. I really want to change that.

This is a reminder to myself to find balance in my life - balance between being a mother, a wife, a student, an employee, a housekeeper, a friend, a daughter, a sister, and above all, a daughter of God (because by remembering and fulfilling my role as a daughter of God, I will be better at all of the other roles in my life).

you know you're stressed out when...

you're trying to pay for gas at the pump and you can't remember your zip code. Luckily I remembered it after a few minutes.

Um, I am losing my mind.

i want to do that...

As a huge fan of journal writing, I think this is one of the cutest ideas of all time. This couple inspires me so much.

feeling grateful

I am feeling so grateful for all of the ways we have been and continue to be blessed. So much service has been rendered in our behalf since Oliver was born. Meals from friends in our ward and friends outside of our ward, so many people helped out by watching Oliver when I was finishing up two difficult (and very crucial) classes last quarter (including my sister-in-law, Bethaney, who lived with us for two months and spent every day with Oliver while I was at the library), my mom visited many times to help out, my brother did yard work for us and watched Oliver several times, a girl in our ward comes over twice a week to make dinner and do some light cleaning (amazing, right?), neighbors have mowed our lawn while we're not home, and friends have been very supportive. I also have to say that I have the best visiting teachers ever. Your kindness is not unappreciated. Thanks for helping us make it through a rough patch.

mirror love

Oliver loves looking in the mirror. It pretty much guarantees a smile out of this cutie. I snapped these in the bathroom mirror and love how happy we both look. I love my baby so much!