I've gone digital!

Check this out...first digital layout!!

It’s easy - take out your hearing aid!!

So, last Sunday, mom called me and told me about their Relief Society lesson.  It was on Keeping the Sabbath Day Holy.  One of the older ladies in the ward told about a recent struggle she had with her husband. 

He is older than she is and hasn’t felt up to going to church lately.  He sits most of the day in his chair watching TV.  On Sundays, she just wants to read her Scriptures or the Ensign or just chat.  She doesn’t want to watch the TV or listen to the radio.  But, she feels guilty when she doesn’t spend time with him.  She was so excited when she figured out a solution. 

Ready for this….. She took our her hearing aid!  That way, she could be in the same room but have the ability to focus on what is important to her.  I laughed.  Seriously just laughed.  My first thought, is dear sweet Dixie. 

The more I have thought about this, the more I think that this can apply to even us without hearing aids!  It will take practice, but we need to learn how we can tune out those things that are distracting us from what is most important.  That is one of the reasons my focus this year is Focusing on What Matters Most!!  Spending time with my kids on my lap reading a book.  Writing my husband a letter, making a scrapbook page for the kids books or taking a bubble bath to clear my head.  My scripture study or personal prayer.  Family Home Evening.  Teaching my kiddos the basics of the Gospel, Language Arts or how to be a friend. 

My long list of things to do can wait.  My kids can’t.  In short, this year, I am going to learn how to “take out my hearing aid!”  If you are interested in my monthly sheets to hang in your house to help remind you of these principles, please let me know.  I would be more than happy to share!  I am so THANKFUL for the opportunity I have to stop.  Slow down.  Look around and see all that God has blessed me with.  So, are you ready to take out your hearing aid?  :)

Of What Matters Most!

My theme for 2011 has been chosen.  I am so excited.  Thank you all for your advice and suggestions.  I did pray about each suggestion.  I really feel that this is what I need to focus on this year.  I have already shared this article with my neighbor whose husband is deployed to Iraq.  The words of this article go beyond the religion and give a roadmap for all of us to refocus our lives on the things that are important!!  I have read and reread this article.  I have picked out 12 quotes that I liked and have put them on a cutsie digital scrapbook program that I have.  I am going to focus on one each month.  I will display it in a few places in my home and am hoping that this will help me really focus on what matters the most!!  Thanks Shelby!!!  :)

 

Take a peak at January’s sign that will go up in my home. 

 

As for Winners – Random.org picked comment #3 & comment #8.  Lorraine and Melissa, I’ll get your gift cards in the mail on Monday.  Thanks to all for playing.  I fell very happy with the way that this is playing out!!  Hoping this makes for a good 2011!  I could sure use it!

HELP……….. (a giveaway!)

I need some help.  It’s getting close to the New Year, and I have no goal for 2011!
Instead of setting New Years resolutions, I set 1 goal for the year.  Something to focus on.  At times I do really good.  At others, I don’t.  But I pick up as soon as I can and continue.  This has really helped me grow.  One year I learned as much as I could about Eve.  For 2010, I decided to listen more closely to the promptings of the Spirit.  It has been an amazing year.  I was able to see the presence of the Spirit in my life.  I was feeling alone and ungrateful.  This goal has helped me take count of my blessings and be a true instrument in the Lord’s hand. 
So, I need some suggestions for 2011.  I am drawing a blank!!  So, for dropping by and giving me an idea (or two or three), I will let random.org pick 2 winners.  That’s right, 2!!  What do you win?  Well folks, here it is…..

That’s right.  2 lucky people will win a $25 each.  There is a limit to 1 entry per person per day.  Thanks in advance for your help!!!

**Edited - I forgot to put a closing date on this.  The giveaway will close 1 week from today.  That makes December 30th, midnight Alaska time the end of this giveaway!!

Showing some Military Love!

Before I get started, the winner from the Pocket Full of Posies giveaway is comment #4 - Amy Marie. I need your choice of pocket.  Let me know so I can get this out to you!!
Now, before Aaron left, we did a photoshoot with a gal that was referred to us.  Annie did an amazing job and I am so thankful for these pictures that she captured for us.  Thanks Annie.  Take a look!

Pocket Full of Posies

Have you ever struggled with dinner?  Keeping everything organized and in the right spot?  Well, I have.  Then I discovered Pocket Full of Posies!  I love their pokets.  I have most of their recipe cards as well!  I use it when I am making my freezer meals, I use it with the recipes that I am going to make for the week or for special occasions.  No last minute searching for the stinkin’ recipe!  Anyway, check it out.  And, because I love it, I am going to give one away.  (They are not sponsering this.  This is stricktly my doing). 

How do you win?  Here are the steps.  This Giveaway will end December midnight Alaska timeDecember 18th. 

1. Go check out their website.
2. Click on recipe packs and look through their list of recipes. 
3. Find one recipe that you would love to try.
4. Come back and leave a comment here letting me know which of their recipes you would like to try.

Ready?  Go! 

The winner will recieve a Mega Monthly Pocket Package with their choice of pocket design and shipping. 

Hardest. Thing. Ever.

I am removing comment moderation on this post.  I guess I need to get a journal to make it through the next 6 months.  Having said that:

The goodbye's have been said.  I have kissed him for the last time.  I am confident the kids will still wake up in the morning asking where Daddy is.  Especially Maggie.  The test, so be able to tell them that he is gone for 6 months without tears.  Without sobs.  Possessing the ability to comfort them and stay strong at the same time.  Hopefully I will be able to go through the motions.  Get the laundry and dinner done.  Do school and make it to my bed every night. 

This is by far the hardest thing I have ever done!  I already miss you Aaron!

Merry Christmas!

Photo taken November 28th.  The day after Christmas for the Lewis Family.  Merry Christmas from our home to yours.  Please, this holiday season, say a quick prayer for Aaron.  I’ll post his address soon.  I’m sure he would love letters!!

Join me in celebrating Christmas

I have followed Collette's blog for some time now.  She is doing a Christmas Advent blog.  Take a second and check it out.