Family Fun | Easter Festivities

Klair participated in her first Easter egg hunt this past weekend, and it was a smashing success. She was cute as can be, and picked up on the process quite quickly. I'm not sure which she liked better--collecting the eggs, or discovering the candy inside. Regardless, I enjoyed her enthusiasm!

Due to her current only-child status, we decided to invite her cousins over to participate. While having an Easter egg hunt with one kid would yield more candy for said child, we just didn't think it would be nearly as fun for her. We invited the kids from both sides of our families because, well, the more the merrier of course! All the kids were adorable, and it was thoroughly enjoyable watching them scamper about with big old grins on their faces. Our initial plan was to have the hunt outside and let the kids run around, scouring the greenery to find the egg-shaped containers filled with little pieces of Easter joy. Our plan didn't take into account the possibility that the amazing, 70 degree weather we've been experiencing might come to a screeching halt on the day of the party. Well, that's what it did. It rained, and even snowed yesterday. So, rather than take a (literal) rain check, we decided to move the festivities inside. It actually turned out quite well, despite the fact that I'll likely be finding Easter eggs in random places of my house for the next few weeks. 

In addition to the Easter egg hunt, we also had a barbecue with both our families. It was wonderful to have the people we love come together to celebrate the Savior's resurrection. Good food, good company, and good fun. What more could you really ask for? It was certainly a great reminder of what's truly important, and why the atonement of Jesus Christ is really so meaningful in my own life. 

What fun things have you done and/or do you have planned for Easter? 

Conference Weekend | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints

For some of my newer readers who may not know, I'm a Mormon. This past weekend we had General Conference (hence all the quotes you likely saw flooding Instagram and Pinterest from Mormon bloggers) and I received the boost that I needed. Nobody warned me about the spiritual lull that accompanies having a baby. I go to church, but I'm not really there. I'm focused on trying to keep a baby quiet, still, and happy. This might be an easier task with a less-active child, but Klair is the energizer bunny. She keeps going and going and going... We bring toys, books, treats-- and that usually gets us through the first half... of the first meeting (if we're lucky). After that we end up taking turns walking the halls and make about 8,000 trips to the drinking fountain. She loves that thing, and it's pretty impressive how much water she's capable of drinking from it. 

It used to be easier. Sam and I could trade off taking care of Klair and actually listening to the speakers and lessons. Then, right around the time that she  became mobile, things changed drastically. Sam got a calling to be a primary teacher, which means we can no longer trade off on Klair duty. This means that, if I stay the full 3 hours, I typically end up hanging out in the foyer/hall with an adventurous toddler for 2 of them. I know that we are teaching Klair valuable lessons and instilling within her the importance of church attendance. I've already even seen some of the fruits of our labors in her familiarity with church and how she loves to sing along with the hymns. Nevertheless, going to church is much less uplifting than it used to be.  Listening to the talks and lessons used to revitalize me. It gave me the motivation and direction for the coming week. Having a toddler simply isn't conducive to listening. I'm too busy chasing. I don't get much from the inspirational messages that I grew accustomed to--that I took for granted.

With my toddler-induced religious slump of sorts, General Conference was absolutely heaven-sent. I needed those messages prepared by the general officers and authorities of the church--prepared by the Lord's servants. I needed to hear the words of the Lord through my beloved Prophet, and I feel strengthened because I did. My soul is nourished. I am invigorated. 

Rather than focus on what I'm missing out on, I choose to be grateful now especially during the hard times. Although I might not be able to listen in church as much as I'd like, it's a small price to pay. I think this extends to all of my mommy woes. Is it exhausting at times to be the mother of a toddler? Sure. Is it difficult? Absolutely. But I wouldn't trade it for anything. Taking care of Klair is the hardest job I've ever had, but more importantly it's the best, most joyful experience of my life. Chasing after a toddler is a good "problem" to have. 

I also really liked Sister Linda K. Burton--the Relief Society General President's-- talk. She talked about how she and her husband felt overwhelmed as parents of 4 young children. After much prayer they recieved revelation that it's okay for some chores to be undone. It's even okay if there are times when the kids stay in their pajamas. The things that matter most are family prayer, family scripture study, and family home evening. Priorities. They put these first, and everything else fell into place. It's a formula for success, and it's one that Sam and I intend to follow. We aren't nearly as consistent with these things as we should be, so we're recommitting ourselves. Apparently the fact that I can't get as much from church means I need to take a more active role in compensating during my free time. My "attitude of gratitude" and attempts to refocus my attention on things that really matter has caused me to already feel better, stronger, more spiritually nourished.  

Below are few of my other favorite quotes from conference. This list is not all encompassing... there were so many brilliant things said! But here are a few. 

First of all, my always favorite speaker... Elder Jeffrey R. Holland. I love how straightforward he is. His talk this conference on the character of the Savior and the need to "defend your faith" did not disappoint.  

"...It is a characteristic of our age that if people want any gods at all, they want them to be gods who do not demand much, comfortable gods and smooth gods who not only don’t rock the boat but don’t even row it, gods who pat us on the head, make us giggle, then tell us to run along and pick marigolds. Talk about man creating God in his own image! Sometimes — and this seems the greatest irony of all — these folks invoke the name of Jesus as one who was this kind of ‘comfortable’ God. Really? Just as Christ understood and taught, individuals must remember — even though many in the modern culture seem to forget — that there is a crucial difference between the commandment to forgive sin, which Christ had an infinite capacity to do, and the warning against condoning it, which He never ever did even once ...pure Christlike love flowing in true righteousness can change the world."

And of course Uchtdorf's talk on gratitude. Brilliant. 

"How much of life do we miss by waiting to see the rainbow before thanking God that there is rain?"

&

"There are no true endings, only everlasting beginnings" President Dieter F. Uchtdorf 

And a few other favorites: 

"The Gospel is not weight. It is wings!" Sister Jean A. Stevens 

"Today's complexities demand greater simplicity" Edler L. Tom Perry

"The unique burdens in each of our lives helps us rely upon the merits, mercy, and grace of the Holy Messiah." Elder David A. Bednar 

Then of course our beloved Prophet/president of the church. I really appreciated how, of all the topics he could have chosen, he spoke on our need to be kind and loving. Our world definitely needs more love and light, and he is such a great example of this. 

"As we arise each morning, let us determine to respond with more love and kindness to whatever might come our way" President Thomas S. Monson

Overall, I am grateful for the opportunity I had to listen to the words of the Lord through his chosen Prophet, apostles, and leaders. I feel that my testimony has been strengthened and my conviction renewed. The Gospel--the good news of Christ-- is true. It brings me joy and peace.

*The images in this post came from my friend and designer, Kaylie Marie
**I tried to provide links to some of the topics that people might not be familiar with. If I missed something and you're curious what in the world I'm talking about, feel free to ask either in comment or email.  

What are some of your favorite quotes from General Conference? 
Or, what are some good spiritual or otherwise uplifting words that have inspired you lately? 

Well hello there 2014, I'm feeling ambitious.

An "Ausam" New Year's Midnight Kiss, 2014

Alright, I've decided to jump on the bandwagon and post my goals and resolutions for the year. I've never really been one to write my goals down. Don't get me wrong, I am constantly making lists.... but for the short term things--nothing too lofty or well... important. I'm hopeful that this effort to share my aspirations will give me some accountability and yield positive results that I can be proud of.  

First off, I've seen a few others choose a word for the year--a simple mantra to live by. I've put some thought into this, and I keep coming back to still.

"Be still my soul..."

I have always loved this hymn. And, it's currently on replay in my mind. The past year has been an amazing, exhilarating, and often terrifying ride. Motherhood has made me better, but it has also made me more vulnerable. To love someone so deeply and feel completely responsible for their well being is an incredible, often daunting task. I worry. Constantly. For her safety--I pray incessantly that I will be able to keep her safe. I'm always fretting over what she is learning, how she is progressing, and what I am teaching her. Ever wondering if my daily interactions are enough, if I am doing enough to ensure that she reaches her full potential and becomes the brilliant individual that God has created her to be. Am I being a good example? Am I trying hard enough to create an environment that is conducive to the spirit? Am I fun? Am I showing her what it means to be a strong, confident, hard-working, yet humble, loving, nurturing (insert any and all important adjectives pertaining to) woman? 

And of course there's the business of being a wife. I have such an incredible husband. He is literally the best person that I have ever known. And, despite his constant attempts to reassure me, it's easy to feel inadequate. And then there's that whole daughter thing. And friend. And sister, aunt... cub scout leader...  blogger! With all of the roles that I'm currently playing I often wonder if I am doing as Shakespeare admonishes to "Act well [my] part?" 

I am constantly wondering if I am... enough?

Enough. 

This year, I am going to focus on quieting all of the judgmental, doubtful, over-analytical voices in my head. I am going to approach God with earnest desire to do all that he desires of me. I am going put my trust in my Heavenly Father, and then I'm going to "be still." 

The notion is liberating.

I already feel... lighter.  

"Be still, my soul: Thy God doth undertake

To guide the future as he has the past.

Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;

...Leave to thy God to order and provide;

...Be still, my soul: The Lord is on thy side."

With that preface in mind, I will now list my other goals for the year; however, I will not allow my completion (or lack thereof) to define my worth. Instead, I'm going to be realistic with myself. I am going to be kind to myself. I intend to use these as a guide to aspire to. Anything less would probably negate my first resolution... you know, to "be still" and all.  

Health

• Run a 5k (+)
• I really started getting into running last year after I had Klair. With my running stroller in tow it was such an easy way to get out of the house and exercise (bonus!). I actually want to accomplish more this year (a 10k, or half marathon perhaps?) but considering I have never run a formal race of any kind, I figure I should probably start with a 5k and increase my aspirations from there. 
• Become Stronger, faster, and overall healthier--without losing myself in the process. 
• It's so easy for me to become consumed with fitness and being "skinny." I'm switching it up this year. Instead, I'm going to work on loving myself more. I am going to look in the mirror and love what I see. I will appreciate the profoundly beautiful and remarkable gift that is my body. This will lead to healthier choices and an all around happier me (there is a great article on this by Beauty Redefined here). 
• Rather than aspiring to be a certain size, I simply want to be strong and healthy. I want to "run and not be weary, walk and not faint" so to speak. I would like to be able to spend long days playing outside and chasing after my toddler. I want to go hiking, biking, swimming, etc. with my family--and do so with the energy and vitality of a healthy individual. I want to be conscious of eating healthful foods so that I can fuel my body to feel my best, and be my best self. 

Spirituality

•  Be still (obviously)
•  Have daily, meaningful appointments with God. 
• I want my prayers and interactions with my Heavenly Father to be more heartfelt. I know that he is all there, but I am not always fully present. There is room to improve. And, indeed I feel him urging me to do so. 
• Study the scriptures. Every. Single. Day. 
• It's so easy to graze over a few verses just to check scripture reading off of my to-do list. I am going to set aside a half an hour minimum every night after Klair goes to bed to devote to reading the word of God.
• Repent constantly.
• The atonement of Jesus Christ is such an incredible gift. I know that I take it for granted, and I certainly don't allow it to work to it's full capacity in my life. Elder L. Tom Perry (of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles) said that ideally we should be repenting "moment by moment." I am going to strive for this level of self awareness and humility that I know will afford God the power to refine, improve, and guide me. 

Fun

Laugh more. Cry less.

"The only way to get through life is to laugh. 

You either have to laugh or cry.

I prefer to laugh. 

Crying gives me a headache."

-Marjorie Pay Hinckley

• Make more time for Sam. With Klair getting older she is becoming increasingly independent. I want to take advantage of this fact and utilize babysitting resources to go on more dates... and possibly even venture out on a little getaway or two. I am going to refocus due attention on the love of my life. 
• Sam and I want to introduce Klair to the great outdoors. Camping, fishing, hiking, mud pies... we will do it all. 
• I also want to instill in her a love for the finer things in life. Manicures, dress up, tea parties, and cupcakes are all musts. 
• Learn to sew. I'm going to start with simple projects like hair bows for Klair (less fabric to mess up on) and pillow covers. By the end of the year I want to be able to make baby girl at least one little dress. 
• Cook more. I really enjoy cooking. This whole gluten-free thing kind of threw a wrench in my comfort zone, but there are so many recipes to be tried. I want to recommit to trying new things and improving my culinary skills.
• Blog more. I am going to take this blogging thing to the next level. Since I have started writing more seriously and consistently, I feel a sense of fulfillment that was missing before. I'm inspired to foster the creativity that was laying dormant in me all along. I'm excited to dive in. 

And, there you have it! Last year was such an incredible year. I am very excited to see what 2014 has in store, and grateful for this opportunity to reflect on and improve myself. 

Has anyone else chosen a word (or words) to define the New Year?

This post is a link up with Alycia Crowley over at Crowley Party.