All of that stuff bouncing around in my head

I have had a lot of big things on my mind lately! Things that inspire, who I want to become, and what makes me operate at my optimum level.

The first thing I have realized and this is my biggest goal at the moment--to simplify. This has always been something that I have enjoyed implementing in my home. I realize that our household runs smoother with less. We are happier with less. This year, I am taking that a step further by bringing less in. I mean shopping twice a month, and really only buying things we need. My savings account is going to love this (so will my husband!). I used to really think I need that, I will be a better mom if I have that, my life will be easier, etc. etc. etc. Really we need less. I am starting to appreciate things more and more. Waylon and I have always tried to teach our kids that relationships and more important than stuff. I am grateful that Waylon works so hard for our family and we really have everything we need (and a lot of stuff that we want).  I appreciate all he does, but I feel like buying less, saving more and taking it to that next level is basically proof that I really do value and appreciate all he does. I go into stores now and I don't want anything! Really, this is a miracle for me. (insert applause). I am grateful that as we work on our weaknesses, they become strengths!

Along the same lines, I want to simplify our schedule. I think busy-ness is something that sneaks up quickly and frequently. I am stressed when we are constantly on the go (my husband and kids are too!). So, I choose less. I/we don't have to do everything! Seems really simple, but I have found as a woman, I want to help, then I say yes to a million things, then I am overwhelmed. I am focusing on giving my family 100% of what they need and doing other things sometimes, but not so many things I can't do them 100%. I am not perfect. I am just doing the best I can! Instead of volunteering a my kids' school two days a week, I am now only going one. I love seeing them and helping out, and can still be involved without doing it all! I also recently quit teaching Body Combat. It was nice and I enjoyed it. I just realized the time, energy and stress it was putting on me was detracting from my family. So, now I go to the gym, which I love to do, but that is the all. I am learning my limits, I am learning to say no, and I am learning that everything affects my family. Everything. They deserve the BEST of me!

My kids do chores after school,  last week Michael came home from school after being sick the day before, I told him what his job was and he said, No, I have been doing so much work today. He never complains and I think part of simplifying is listening to my kids. I told him to go play. He was thrilled. The purpose of jobs is to teach my kids the value of work and to teach them to like the results. But, sometimes, it all needs to be let go!

I have also been thinking a lot about being present. Present in my kids lives. Living in the moment and enjoying life. That means being IN the picture even when I think I could look a little better or lose a little weight. It means talking, really talking to them, and playing with them.

I am so grateful for this life. For all of the blessings I have. For all of things I learn from the hard things I go through, I know the Lord loves me. I feel it all around me EVERYDAY!