Coming to Ourselves (WARNING: long post!!!!!)

Recently I listened to a talk by Robert D. Hales entitled: Coming to Ourselves: The Sacrament, the Temple, and Sacrifice in Service. I am not sure why but it really made me re-think what I have been doing in my life. After reading this talk I "came to myself". I thought about everything I want to became, everything I want my family to become and everything I knew I could become. I thought about the way I mothered my children not only in words and actions, but also in the food I give them and the things I bring into my home. I also began to think about "WHY" I do the things I do....what will I benefit from those thing and how will it increase my faith and understanding of this life.

So, I wanted to put all of my thoughts in one place. Some place where I can be accountable for my choices, somewhere where I can return and report my progress and someplace I could be of service to others. I decided though somewhat personal, I will share these thoughts on my blog.

My List of Goals and Changes I want to make: (The WHATs)

• I want to become more frugal
• I want to change my eating habits and become more aware of my health
• I want to start using alternative DIY cleaners and less chemicals
• I want to be more patient with my children. 
• I want to have better reasons for "why" I do the things I do

What things do I need to do to achieve these goals: (The HOWs)
Becoming more frugal: As I mentioned before I have been following Blissful and Domestic. She really inspired me to want to change. She has a lot of good thoughts. really nothing that I didn't already know but a refresher was good for me.

• Shop for groceries ONCE a month. Only allowing $400 for groceries (100 of that being for Food Storage Items)
• Limit Fast Food to 2x a month.
• Gas up my vehicles only ONCE a month, when it is gone, it is gone.
• Cut out pre-made EXPENSIVE foods
• Make a budget and stick to it.
• Do FREE date/family night activities.  (Man I love Pintrest!!)

Getting my health into check: This is a biggie to me! I really want to take better care of my health mainly for my family and my husband. I want to be a good example to my children so they don't battle the same battles, I battle (that was a lot of battles!!!) I want to be healthy for my husband so he doesn't grow old worrying about me. I want to serve a mission with him when we are older and I WILL NOT let my health stand in my way! I want to run and play and be a fun, energetic wife and mother. Not just now but 30 years from now.There are MANY MANY ways I can accomplish this, but I want to focus on my main ones...Another awesome blog I look at is called Wellness Mama, she is amazing and so smart!!

•  Eating little to no simple starches, refined foods, sugars and fructose
• Get MORE sleep. Ben and I are notorious for going to bed around 12 AM.....Bad! He gets up at 4:30 AM so it is especially BAD for him. But I find I am very sluggish and tired throughout the week. So 10 PM is our new bedtime!
• Exercise wisely. Since we moved I have been running in the soccer fields behind my house. I enjoy it, but I don't LOVE it. I am not the type to want to run a marathon or participate in a triathlon. They sound fun but really not my idea of a good time. I have read a lot about exercise and what types are healthy for me. In my research I have decide that heavy weight lifting (we own a Bowflex Xtreme II) and high intensity short workout are more ideal for ME.

Another BIG thing I want to try is DIY foods. If I am able to make it at home then why buy it for convenience?? Some of the foods I am making homemade this month are: granola bars, cheddar cheese soup, cream cheese and yogurt pops. I will know what goes into them and most likely I have the stuff to make them already in my pantry.

DIY Cleaners: I can't believe how expensive cleaners and personal care items can be. With PINTREST (we have become BFFs) you can find ANYTHING you want to make yourself.  This month on my list is: Shave cream (we already did this), weed killer, kitchen cleaner, deodorant and laundry detergent. I think by making these we have the potential to save a lot of $$$ and stash it into savings instead. Who doesn't love to save money??

Patience with kids:...Is there really an explanation on this one??? I read a saying on Pintrest (I know...I know....I love that site!) and it said "The way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice" I see this over and over again with Emily. She talks to me the way I tend to talk to her and I can't stand it!!! Ironic isn't it!

Finally...............

Find the "WHY" in things: This is just a personal thing that will help give meaning to so many different things in my life.

• "Why" do I read my scriptures everyday? What I am trying to achieve? Am I reading to say I did it or am I reading to gain insight and understanding?
• "Why" do I get frustrated and mad at my kids for dumb things? Is is them or is it REALLY ME who is in the wrong??

Those are just a couple a examples worth contemplating.....there are many things we can ponder and find answers for.

So this is my soapbox for the moment. I  know I won't be perfect on any of the above, but I pray that I can do my best and I know if I first have a desire and act upon it, I am better off then just thinking about it without ever doing anything about it.