New Year's Resolutions

This is the time of year that we all take to reflect on our lives and make goals to improve ourselves. I think it is easier to keep these resolutions when we are accountable to someone, so I am going to share mine...here they are.

1. I am going to exercise at least 20 minutes every day of the week (except Sundays).

2. I am going to attend the temple at least once a month.

3. I am going to index at least 50 names every week.

4. I am going to write in my journal every day.

5. I am going to chose to be optimistic about life and about other people by thinking of something I am grateful for or something I admire about someone instead of focusing on the things that are lacking.

6. I am going to stick to a family budget and review and revise it with my husband every month.

7. I am going to participate in weekly family home evenings every week.

8. I am going to bake a new recipe every week, and post it on this blog if it turns out well.

Merry Christmas!

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas today! John and I spent the day with his family. It was the first time since I can remember that I didn't go to my Uncle Don's for Christmas, so I felt a little sad, but we had a great holiday anyway. Jojo had a blast tearing up wrapping paper and playing with the remnants of everyone else's presents. However, she ignored the books and little toys that were actually for her. I was so happy to get an amazing cake decorating set from my mother-in-law. I have been coveting this set for quite some time, so I was delighted to actually get to have it. But more than the great presents, I am grateful for my Savior and the amazing blessings that He has brought into my life. To me, Christmas is a time to reflect, to repent, and to rejoice because He was born and because He still lives.

Babies

As most of you probably know, John and I have been trying for another baby for quite some time now with no success. The last few months have been LONG and at times, very disappointing. It seems like nearly every couple we know is popping babies out left and right and at times--I admit--I get a little jealous. Lately, however, as I have read a little bit in the Old Testament, I've realized two very important things: one, my situation isn't unique (or every very difficult compared to some), and two, the Lord always keeps His promises. Someday (hopefully sooner rather than later) I will get to hold another beautiful baby in my arms and know that they are mine forever. Until then, I just get to learn patience (daydreaming about baby names that I like helps). Hopefully, this wait will help me to appreciate what a miracle and blessing each little life really is.

Laundry

Jojo has become much more mobile in the last few weeks, and as her mobility has increased, so has her curiosity about whatever it is that I am doing. She recently decided that she needed to help me put away our clean laundry...

Chocolate Cookies + Babies = Messy

A little while ago, I was trying to get a few things done in the kitchen and I needed to distract Jojo. I decided to give her a chocolate cookie to eat while I finished up my chores (not my smartest moment). Here is the result.

Sleepy Baby

Jojo chooses some interesting times and ways to fall asleep. I couldn't resist taking pictures.