Take back your Turf Thursday-what happened to Reaching in and reaching out week 5?

Picture source:unknown?

The snow is falling here and so is my energy to get things done.This last month I have been doing my Reaching in and reaching out challenge.That determination hasn't fizzled just trying to write a post everyday has yet again proved to be challenging.So what did I decide?......Reaching in has reached out to Take your Turf back Thursdays and they have now joined forces.It is now a weekly series!Yay! Of course taking back your Turf falls in the Home section of the weekly challenge.

Reaching in:
So tomorrow is the eve before February.I am not going to lie this makes me ecstatic that Spring is nipping at winters heels!After Christmas I am done with the cold and snow!However since this disagreement I have with winter exists in my head I choose to use February as a time to love myself,my partner and kids to the fullest.Take that winter,oh I mean I love you winter!So happy almost New month!

How are you doing on your resolutions? It is a start of a new month and time for me to look at my goals and with as much excitement as the New year I am recommitting myself!That is where you all come in dear readers.I am writing this publicly so I can be held accountable.

So how am I going to show more love to myself?

If you have taken the journey with me so far I think we have learned some very important things we can do.For example, slowing down,scheduling time for yourself daily and weekly outing.What about what you think about yourself?Are you taking care of your health and your heart?I am only mentioning a few right now.I will talk more about what is to come next post.To set the tone in your home you MUST make time for YOURSELF!You will be amazed how much more you can GIVE of yourself.

Reaching out:

How am I going to show love for others?

As I mentioned above I am using February to increase my love for my family.14 days of focused love,and attention from yours truly!Lots of hugs and cuddling,one on one time,and controlling my anger.I know there are going to be those days where I have to muster all I have not to lose my mommy mind!

Home:
How will de-cluttering and downsizing what I have help my home be a more loving place?

I plan on answering these questions as I discover them this next month.I hope you take the journey with me!Do not despair if there is not a post everyday.There is going to be a lot of LOVE for my family and myself.I can share some here to on my blog too.<3 My hope is to have a happier HOME ,children and HUSBAND.

Letter P for penguin-preschool and infant lesson

I am a little late on this post since penguin awareness day was on January 20th.So I decided to do penguins that week

Scripture:Mosiah 18:21-unity and working together

And he commanded them that there should be no contention one with another, but that they should look forward with one eye, having one faith and one baptism, having their hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another.

Youtube video on the power of union and strength
Nursery Rhyme:5 little penguins
            adapted by Robin Suitt
5 Little penguins slipping on the ice
            One fell down, that’s not nice.
Mama called the doctor and the doctor said,
            “No More penguins slipping on the ice.”
Then 4,3,2,1 and no more penguins slipping on the ice

Music and movement
We waddled around like penguins as we sang our songs to day.We also got a ball and pretend it was an egg.The daddy takes care of the egg and the mommy goes and finds the food.

Story time:
The penguin who hated the cold

I want to be your personal penguin By Sandra Boynton

Art-
The penguins are protected from the cold water.To demonstrate I found this experiment, I drew a penguin and colored it with crayons.I helped because we had to make sure it was covered well.Then we took a dropper of water.It was amazing to see the water stay in droplets and not absorb on paper.After we were done my preschooler wanted to do another one.

Practiced writing letter P.

Babies 9 months and up-While we were doing that the baby wanted to play.I gave him paper and a crayon but he just wanted to eat it.So,I put him in his high chair and let him play with ice and water.I worked on some ASL.I introduced cold and worked on Mom and all done.

To end we piled cushions on the floor to pretend we are penguins on the ice.This is really good for gross motor development.

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 4 Day 26 (3 ways to give fully and know yourself)

NEGLECT NOT the gift that is in thee;
MEDITATE upon these things;
GIVE thyself WHOLLY to them.”
1 Timothy 4:14-15

Reaching in:
This week has been energizing and eye opening!U haven't caught up on my writing because I have been so busy.I haven't been busy in the run around,errand kind of days.I figured the only way to find my talents was to try whatever I felt I needed to do.I decided to break down this scrip picture and really look deep.

First NEGLECT not the gift
The most important gift This has given me is to be a Mom! I DO NOT want to NEGLECT such a precious opportunity.Are you with me on this?The next question that comes to mind is what if I fail?Where did the sense of failing come from and why are we so hard on ourselves?The question really should be,what if I don't try?Failing is really just a way to see what is not working.We just need to rework some things ir start over right?
We need to MEDITATE or think about these things.It is not a casual thinking it is get on your knees and really study.Here are few things I have been thinking about:

• Less Facebook and more face to face.Set limits for screen time and spend more time with family.
• Less overscheduled and more rescheduling to make time for YOU,yoyr SPOUSE and family.
• More routines and more sticking to them.Your lufe doesn't have to feel like a routine.However,routines help use your TIME wisely.TIME is valuable.
• Less go,go,go,and even less "letting yourself go".As Mom's we should be at our best.If putting a little time for oyrselves makes us happier and healthier than why should we NEGLECT ourselves?
• Less No's and more I knows.I hate what happens to my child when I tell them no.It is like thier world is over...in their eyes.Still if we could in those moments,however ridiculous they are acting , say "I know you are upset or I know how you feel.Those are the "no's" our children need to hear!
• Get to know yourself.Read this article 5-ways-to-get-to-know-yourself-better and grab your journal!

Give WHOLLY(give whole)Give our heart to God and family.This means COMPLETELY! There is no in between.If you keep working hard and using your time and talents to whatever you do;you will find the treasure inside you!

"Give yourself fully to God. He will use you to accomplish great things on the condition that you believe much more in His love than in your own weakness."Mother Teresa

I hope as Mothers and parents we never stop TRYING........and if we FAIL.....let us have the courage to START OVER.........

When we reach in we also reach out to others.We set the tone in our home dirty or spotless!

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 4 Day 25

Are you hiding your talent?Are you using it fully?

 Matthew 25:14–30 (parable of the talent)

"Our families are blessed as we use our abilities in our homes. As we learn to sew, cook, and keep an orderly home, we can beautify our lives and lighten others’ work. As we develop a kind and loving nature, we bring peace and harmony into our homes. We can extend our talents to bless the neighborhood where we live. We can bring joy to friends around us as we help those in need."(rest of this lesson found here)

"NEGLECT NOT the gift that is in thee;
MEDITATE upon these things;
GIVE thyself WHOLLY to them.”
1 Timothy 4:14-15

Some talents I have been wanting to learn or re-learn:

• Be more sensitive to feelings.I feel like that used to be a strength,but as I try to discipline and take on my day, I get impatient and angry.What if instead of putting my child in time out all alone,I sat with him/her until they were calm,and talked them through it?How would I feel then?Could I be prompted more easily?
• We love music.My husband and I both like to sing and play instruments.We don't do this very often.I decided for family night I want to do a talent show
• I love to organize,but I am NOT organized.I am trying though and delegating.
• I love to write
• I love people.There are so many times I want to do something but I end up not doing it.I want to put these intentions and thoughts into action!
• The one we can all do more of is positive thinking.If you can have a positive outlook you can further any talent you have or want to have. 

There are so many great things we can learn.I hope you have been thinking about what interests you!Your gift can benefit so many if we use it fully.Wherever we have been holding back,let go.

If we do tend to hide our talents it is for many reasons.You may not feel like you have the time.You may not feel that you are good enough h or can do it as well as another mother.These are all negative thoughts.I can tell you as long as you are TRYING you are good ENOUGH!

How to be more positive-in 2 steps

1.Watch out for negative thinking.Try instead to be grateful for what you have and who you are.Those negative thoughts will soon become positives.This is one of the most important things I do for my happiness blueprint.Replace thoughts of helplessness with being helpful.Hopelessness can become hopeful!
2.Practice being grateful.You can write what you are grateful for down at the end of the day.Learn to change your thinking you change you're attitude.If you change your attitude you change your life!Tore life will be more full and happy!

I wrote more on this here


Reaching out:
What I want to do this week is to write a letter to my family outside my State and give them an update.Instead of writing a Christmas letter for the whole year I thought it would be more fun to break it up month by month.I want the kids to make Valentine's cards as well.

Home:
For our home's this week it is all about getting stuff out of the house.Each day take a garbage sack and pick a room.Set the timer for 15 minutes and pick up garbage.Find one item to get rid of that is not trash.Put that item in a donate box.At the end of the week see if you or the kids missed it.If not donate.If you get some money for selling old clothes to a place like kid to kid.You could donate the money to a charity.Anything goes!Be ruthless!When you are done buy some flowers to brighten up the place.

Things are going well in getting rid of things in my house!I am making so much progress!How is your week going?

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 4 Day 24

Reaching in:
“NEGLECT NOT the gift that is in thee;
MEDITATE upon these things;
GIVE thyself WHOLLY to them.”
1 Timothy 4:14-15

"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment". Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gift:Being true to yourself

 We can't help but to feel.Do you ignore your feelings if the people around you don't feel the same way.Don't ignore your emotions.They are a part of you,just like your eye color.Feelings are neither right or wrong they just are. It is also what you do with these emotions that matters.How often have you thought or said I shouldn't feel this way?Why?Are you worried about what others think or that you aren't valuable enough? It is about being true to yourself and knowing what you deeply want.This may sound like I am saying to be self absorbed.This is not the case.I am merely saying don't just do something that you are uncomfortable with or ignore nagging feelings like loneliness or anger.You should allow yourself to move through the your emotions like you are going from point A to B.Have you heard of the term emotional roller coaster.This term means you and your emotions are all over the place.It has ups and downs.I am using this phrase metaphorically .If you move through an emotion you go through the ups and downs until you reach the finish.You can get off the "ride" knowing you have worked through it.The other options are bottling it up,pushing it aside or changing yourself.If you choose these unhealthy route, I think this tells oneself"you aren't important".

This process for the most part is brief.There are times where we keep getting back on the ride because of the drama we feel or denial.Who says there us a select time frame.If it is taking you longer to work through it;there are several options to help.You can find a support system like family and close friends.Journaling and writing how you feel is also one of my favorites!
Honoring our feelings isn’t about thinking you are better than anyone – it’s really about being true to ourselves.

Our emotions are a part of us.I feel that we experience these emotions also that we might lift another.If you have lived it you can empathize with that person.Today try to notice how you feel and also see if you can be in tune with someone else.Maybe a tired spouse or a child who feels they aren't being heard.Sit down with them and help them work through that emotion.You can be sensitive to others while still being true to yourself.


Reaching out:
What I want to do this week is to write a letter to my family outside my State and give them an update.Instead of writing a Christmas letter for the whole year I thought it would be more fun to break it up month by month.I want the kids to make Valentine's cards as well.

Home:
For our home's this week it is all about getting stuff out of the house.Each day take a garbage sack and pick a room.Set the timer for 15 minutes and pick up garbage.Find one item to get rid of that is not trash.Put that item in a donate box.At the end of the week see if you or the kids missed it.If not donate.If you get some money for selling old clothes to a place like kid to kid.You could donate the money to a charity.Anything goes!Be ruthless!When you are done buy some flowers to brighten up the place.

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 4 Day 23

Reaching in-
 Sister Belle S. Spafford, a former general president of the Relief Society says-
“Homemaking, as I view it, falls into two major divisions: homemaking and housekeeping. Homemaking takes into account the spiritual values: love, peace, tranquility, harmony among family members, security. It makes of a place of residence a spot to which family members can retire from a confused and troubled world and find understanding and rejuvenation. Its character is quietness; it evidences good taste, culture, and refinement. Men, women, and children alike have their individual contributions to make to good home and family life, and each shares in its benefits.

Homemaking can be a gift.There are many different areas of homemaking.What makes a home?First of all the Mom sets the tone.You have more power than you think!The atmosphere is very important in a home.Can you think of someones home you always want yo be in?Why are you drawn there?
I have always wanted to be one of those homes.The busyness of life can throw your house into chaos.It is then time to put on the breaks and look at what your priorities might be.My husband and I counsel with the Lord and each other.We have a meeting together each Sunday and a family council on Saturdays.This helps us work as a team and be aware of what is going on.

Still I am not perfect and I certainly cannot do it ALL!Am I a failure?No and if you are lost in piles of toys,laundry and dishes like me you are not alone.To fully give the gift of homemaking you must start over.This can happen daily,weekly or whenever.Just like any gift it needs nurturing and time.If you are moving forward each day then you are on the right track.Here are a few areas where your true gift and talent may shine:
Cleaning and organizing
Home beautification
Cooking
Meal planning
Teaching
Sewing

Amy Clark Scheren says what homemaking is @http://gospelhomemaking.com
"It's about the day-in and day-out acts of loving and serving our families. It's about managing our homes in a way that blesses others. It's about creating a peaceful and comfortable environment where messy lives and broken hearts can see the gospel being lived out. Where our husband and children and friends can be refreshed and restored. Where we can find and give joy."

Maybe we could look at cleaning as a blessing for our home.I think we all know what we don't like about our home,but what do we like?Peaceful and messy cannot exist,not really.Clutter and mess make the whole family on edge.It feels like nothing is ever finished.What do I propose we do about it?

DISCOVER the lost art of planning.
Everything starts with a plan,its not always well thought out or followed through with,but its there!My happiness blueprint starts with a plan.Plan with a smile and resolve to be happy.That is a gift you can share with everyone!

I suggest that we take back our evenings.Have a party tonight!When the kids are in bed get a notebook out or planner.Write 1-3.On the next page write your Daily list.This is not a schedule but a list of what you HAVE to get done in a day.For example for me:
Read scriptures,pray
Make beds
Dishes and kitchen counters
Laundry(one load per day)
Sweep(several times a day so baby doesn't find a goody on the floor and choke.
Mom time
Straighten Living room and entryway
15 minute de-clutter
Time with kids
Time with hubby
Plan next day
Once you have your daily list go back to the page with numbers 1-3.We are going to write 3 goals to make this to do list happen.Make these goals specific and attainable.The point here is to not overwhelm you.Here is mine:
1.Time with family is most important so make sure cleaning is done before dinner rush.

• Make sure kitchen is clean night before.
• Older 2 kids in charge of table and floors before leave for school
• I clean up after lunch.Sweep and straighten living room
• Move laundry through when kids get home from school

2.Fix night routine

• Find the problems
• Keep kids in kitchen helping
• Get things ready the night before
• 5 minute clean up and inspection.All toys downstairs.

3.10 minutes at least uninterrupted talking with my husband and 10 minutes planning for the next day.

Reaching out:
What I want to do this week is to write a letter to my family outside my State and give them an update.Instead of writing a Christmas letter for the whole year I thought it would be more fun to break it up month by month.I want the kids to make Valentine's cards as well.

Home
For our home's this week it is all about getting stuff out of the house.Each day take a garbage sack and pick a room.Set the timer for 15 minutes and pick up garbage.Find one item to get rid of that is not trash.Put that item in a donate box.At the end of the week see if you or the kids missed it.If not donate.If you get some money for selling old clothes to a place like kid to kid.You could donate the money to a charity.Anything goes!Be ruthless!When you are done buy some flowers to brighten up the place.

Reaching in and Reaching out-Week 4 Day 22

When will my reflection show who I am inside?Thanks to my daughter for borrowing my boots.Cute picture huh?We need to love ourselves and be who we are.

HEALTH

Week 4

Reaching in:
“NEGLECT NOT the gift that is in thee;
MEDITATE upon these things;
GIVE thyself WHOLLY to them.”
1 Timothy 4:14-15

I love and echo what this great woman's group Time out for Women is asking us woman to do!This inspired me for this weeks challenge.Check them out!This group invites women everywhere to discover the gifts they have been given and make sacred time to “meditate” on them.How can we give these talents wholly(fully) to them?

Let yourself shine through.Would you like to unlock your true potential?Stop comparing yourself or to have the perfectly clean house or the greatest hairstyles for your girls.If its not YOU why stress yourself out?Find out what you are good at.We are all born with gifts that our unique to us.

Who are you?As mothers we wear many different hats.Can you wear all the hats at once?Not without looking silly.In addition only one will fit on your head at one time.What I wish to convey is that we cannot do it all or be the best at it all.We can discover what make us shine and make the time to nurture these gifts.Change your perspective and look a little deeper within.It is there!Celebrate your strengths.Strive everyday to be your best self.

If you don't recognize and love the true you; you need to increase your self-esteem and self-confidence.This will improve how you feel about yourself. Gifts come in all different sizes and shapes.SHAPE— Spiritual gifts, Heart, Abilities, Personality, and Experiences.You have a bundle of talents.Like a muscle these talents need to be used.If you don't use them;you lose them.

Challenge:Write at least 3 things you are good at and strengthen those areas.As you do this you will see where you have become strong and beautiful!

HEART

Reaching out:
What I want to do this week is to write a letter to my family outside my State and give them an update.Instead of writing a Christmas letter for the whole year I thought it would be more fun to break it up month by month.I want the kids to make Valentine's cards as well.

HOME

For our home's this week it is all about getting stuff out of the house.Each day take a garbage sack and pick a room.Set the timer for 15 minutes and pick up garbage.Find one item to get rid of that is not trash.Put that item in a donate box.At the end of the week see if you or the kids missed it.If not donate.If you get some money for selling old clothes to a place like kid to kid.You could donate the money to a charity.Anything goes!Be ruthless!When you are done buy some flowers to brighten up the place.