Still haven't given up :)

I am doing an 8-week challenge, so I wanted to check back here on some of my goals for the year. Overall, I feel like I'm making progress. And that is what it's all about, right?

My 2 goals for this week are:

1. Wash my face twice a day. Mask once a week.
2. Recite my positive self-talk in the mirror in the morning.


THANKS!! :)

Update...

Here are some things I feel like I've made progress on lately:
1. I have been really journaling a lot lately! And it's really good for me on a lot of levels.
2. I feel like I've been exercising a little more consistently. Not with the intensity or distance that I should be, but it's happening more. also - we've been exercising as a family - going on runs to get ready for our 5k, so that has been good for all of us.
-I feel better about having more of a pulse on our finances & sharing that with Jason.
-Lately, I have been taking that time with the kids when they get home from school & try not to get distracted by other things.

Some things I want to focus on:
1. Getting to the temple at least 2 more times before Link's angelversary
2. More consistent & creative SAH date nights with Jason
3. Book our anniversary vacay
4. Read the Chicken Soup book
5. Have training schedule done for tri

Progress!

Definitely not perfection! :) But here is my progress...

 - Family History - McKinley has been indexing lately & we were able to do 8 sealing for family members on Jason's side last night!! It was so neat and we are so thankful for all our family that helped to work for them. <3 div="">

-Journal once/week. Actually, I wrote like 4 times last week! I've been following BofM365 on Instagram & FB & every day there is scriptures to read and a question about the scripture, so I've been writing in my journal, answering those questions - and also writing other little bits about how I'm doing, feeling, etc. It's SO nice to be writing more frequently! Like working out, it "gets it out of me" and helps me to see things more clearly. 

-I feel like I've done a better job at repenting on a continual basis throughout the day. Still have a LONG way to go before I feel a lot of progress on being a more humble person. But I did sincerely apologize to Jason & the girls yesterday after I felt like I became the "momster" - trying to organize & clean the house. 

-I've been a lot better at paining my nails & keeping them healthy. Unfortunatly, I sliced off my right hand ring fingernail & so it will be a while till I can paint it :) Keeping my skin healthy is maybe a little better than before, but I still have a long way to go! I'm doing better at washing my face regularly and keeping it moisturized. 

-Working out. I feel like I'm doing better at doing at least 10 minutes a day - so my consistency is better, but I really need to work on my effort. Not doing a lot of high intensity things right now & I NEED to burn these extra calories! Gotta sign up for a race - STAT!

-Been better at documenting expenses on Mint. Was going to go over them w/ Jason today, but it didn't happen. Hopefully tomorrow!

-Hubby. Our SAH date night was pretty blah last week, but overall we have made it into a habit & the girls know that Wednesday nights are our SAH date nights & they're to go to bed early and stay in bed. Overall, definitely need to be kinder to my husband, though :( I feel like I have been at him for way too many things and I realized at the temple yesterday how much I am sweating the small stuff & I need to just let it go!

-Kids. Better at more 1-on-1 time, but not great :( Dates, however, we've been good at - making up for the months we missed! Each girl got a lunch date in January & Ireland earned a date & I took her to the movies & ice cream on Friday night. It was great fun! :) Love that one-on-one time with them. 

-Books. Finished Brad's RIP book and started reading Proof of Heaven. :)

I downloaded MonstaPoints on my phone to address these daily things I want to work on & it has helped & been fun!

THIS WEEK - JOURNAL my food - EVERY DAY! I usually start out doing it, but by the afternoon & I make bad choices, I give up. This week  I am determined to get an accurate picture of how I'm eating & see how I can change things. 

2015 from Heidi

I may be the only one doing this this year... but I haven't done much the past couple years. This year, I want to make it simple and make it matter. 

GOSPEL
Why does it matter? My life could end at any time. Will God say "I never knew ye?" I want to put my relationship with him first in my day and first in my life. 

*Read EVERY talk in the conference Ensign
*Finish writing up favorite BOM scriptures
*Go to the temple once a month
*When Kezi goes to Kindergarten, service times twice/week
*Family History - take 10 names to the temple!
*Journal once/week
*Read one book from a general authority
*BE HUMBLE! Repent throughout the day and spend time at night repenting. - apologize!

HEALTH 

Why does it matter? Because "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are." And because when I take care of my body, I can feel the spirit more abundantly. And when I do not take care of my body, it inhibits my ability to accomplish any of my other goals.  Also, I want to be a good example of taking care of my temple, so my daughters will want to do the same & know that it's important. 

*Heal my skin, nails & teeth - wash face, brush teeth in mornings. Do nails with girls on Saturday

*Read & follow book Intuitive Eating
*Exercise EVERY day!
*Green Drinks!

FINANCES

Why does it matter? Because God has given us precious stewardship over this money - it's not ours to trifle with. We need to use it and account for it wisely. 

*Meet with Jason on the 4th Sunday of every month to discuss finances
*Prepare financial summary information the week before that meeting
*10 minutes on Mint every day

HUBBY
Why does it matter? My marriage is my most important relationship under my relationship with God! Spoil my husband, not the kids!!

*SAH date night every Wednesday night - creative!  (read a book, messages, play a game, etc)
*Go out date night twice a month, not including temple dates!
*Anniversary vacation this year - 15th wedding anniversary!
*Read 3 books together this year

KIDS
Why does it matter? I've been given special stewardship over these precious spirits. They are growing up so fast. I want to look back & think that I truly spent quality time with them. "Children are not a distractions from more important work. They are the MOST important work." 

*30 minutes undistracted time when they get home from school.
*10 minutes of 1-on-1 time a day
*lunch dates every month
*Movie nights on Fridays
*Read a "growing up/self esteem" book with McKinley. 
*Write to them in their journals as much as possible.
*Notes in their backpack/lunches


BOOKS 2 READ IN 2015
--Intuiative Eating
--Self Esteem Book with McKinley
--Book written by a general authority
--Brad's RIP book
--Proof of Heaven
--Miraculous Messages from Heaven
--Glimpses beyond deaths door
--Visions of Glory
--4th book in Lunar Chronicles. 

Quick update

I'd like to do a longer update, but right now, I want to just take a second & post my progress!

UNDo's:

#3. I've been doing better about responding "great!" or "wonderful!" or "super-blessed!" when someone asks me how I am.

DOs:

-I had a WONDERFUL sealing session with my hubby last week & am planning on going tomorrow with him as well! Doubly blessed!

-I have been better at capturing God's Lessons & God's Miracles in my journal. And they are abundant when I pay attention!

-Date with Jason! I surprised him with a weekend at a B&B. It was amazing, refreshing... wonderful. I need some good Valentine's ideas though...

-I did "like" FlyLady on Facebook & I've been seeing her posts. I just haven't been doing them yet. But PROGRESS! Baby steps!

-Early to Bed, early to rise! This week I've done really great- been in bed most nights by 10:30 & wake up about 6am. I feel SO much better when I'm consistent about sleep/wake-up times.

-I've been eating better on the whole this week. I've been stopping eating by 8:30 or so as well & feel SO much better the next morning.

-I've been MUCH more active this past week, too! Lovin' it! Been to the gym 3x, & I'll have run outside 2x by tomorrow morning. Also, I've been on a couple walks with the dogs & kids. It's always hard to get them all out there, but always worth it!

Had some rough days this week in general, but being better about these few things really has helped. I REALLY do need to make more time for prayer & scripture application, though.

:)

Looking Forward...

This year I am calling my goals "New Year Progress Ideas" in an effort to really take the stress out & emphasize that every baby step is important.

I think there's a lot I want to add here - and this list is completely editable, but I wanted to get these posted.

First, the UNdo's. Mindsets I want to change:

2011 – New Year Progress Ideas:

OVERALL change in mindset:

1. ALL or NOTHING. Progress to change that. Right now I have the mentality that Personal Study only counts when it’s quiet and I can spend a lot of time. Family time only counts when it’s planned and executed. Exercise only counts when it’s 30+ minutes of consecutive time. Service only counts if it’s something planned, thought out.

CHANGE THAT! Everything counts! Just because I didn’t get my personal study in first thing in the morning, that doesn’t mean that I missed the window for the rest of the day & I can’t make it happen. Just because I didn’t get an hour workout in first thing or don’t have time last thing, it doesn’t mean that the day is a goner. I can MAKE IT HAPPEN! EVERYthing counts – every act of service, every minute spent in personal study, every minute spent being active.

2. I need to have a plan, have goals, but sometimes I think I try so hard to accomplish my goals, to set new heights, to aspire to new ideals that I forget that the present is called that because it’s a gift. I’m going to wake up one day & my kids will be grown. They won’t WANT me to play with them anymore. They won’t WANT the hugs, kisses, and songs. Instead of endless chatter, they won’t WANT to talk to me. LORD – help me to remember to live in the here & NOW. To play, to listen, to talk, to kiss & hug. These are sometimes difficult, but precious, precious times. I want to cherish them.

3. I’m tired of just being “fine” or “O.K.” or even “good.” Why do I live my life in mediocrity? Because fear pulls me back. I’m afraid to admit that I’m “GREAT!” “WONDERFUL!” or “SUPER-BLESSED!”. I’m afraid because the minute I admit that then something bad is going to happen. And then I won’t even be mediocre. I’ll be terrible. This next year, I want to start answering “GREAT!” or “WONDERFUL.” Of course, it won’t happen all the time – and I’m not going to blatantly lie, but I’m going to try & let go of the negative stigmatisms & start to be optimistic. Besides, even if I’m not feeling wonderful, if I say it I may just start to be wonderful!

4. God loves me. I never doubt that God loves my children. Or my mom. Or my husband. Or that lady in church that is always on time with every hair in place. Often, though, I struggle with really knowing that He loves ME. Heidi. I am making this a daily affirmation as I get ready. There are times (especially during priesthood blessings) when I think I understand a tiny portion of that love. But I want to make it more real. More personal. More powerful.

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD

1. MAKE TIME for meaningful, thoughtful, repentant, humble prayer. MAKE TIME for studying out my life questions. I really, really want to use the scriptures more to answer my life questions. Questions about issues for my girls, my sweetheart, my life.

2. Meaningful temple worship – once a month.

3. Have 2 times this year – at least for a few hours - alone with God. Get a hotel. Hike in the mountains.

4. Along with things the girls say/do, capture God’s miracles & blessings in our newsletter each month. Use fast Sundays to not only ask for help with things, but to directly praise & thank God for the miracles/blessings from the last month.

5. Take more breaks during the day to re-focus my mind on God & the bigger picture.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FAMILY

1. Read family scriptures every day – work on the 15 minute Primary goal.

2. Interviews with the girls 2x a month on Sundays.

3. Real date with Jason 2x a month. PLAN them.

4. Get back on-board with the FlyLady routines

5. More surprises for my girls & hubby to show them I love them.

RELATIONSHIP WITH FELLOWMEN

1. See each person as someone who has something to teach me. Be humble & open to their message. God put them in my life for a reason.

2. Call or talk to the people I visit teach twice a month. The 2^nd week – just to see how they’re doing & let them know I’m thinking of them. And then to come visit. PRAY for the people I visit teach. Pray that I will know how I can help them. Pray for the people I work with in my calling.

3. Strive to make eye contact & at least say hi to the elderly, disabled & mentally challenged. If I have a few minutes, stop to talk. It might make their day!

4. Continue with our feed the hungry, clothe the naked, etc themes. Make them meaningful!

RELATIONSHIP WITH MYSELF

1. Early to bed (10pm), early to rise (6am).

Doctrine and Covenants Section 88:124 Cease to be idle; cease to be unclean; cease to find fault one with another; cease to sleep longer than is needful; retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies and your minds may be invigorated.
2. Follow the Word of Wisdom.
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are” (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

3Given for a principle with ^apromise, adapted to the capacity of the ^bweak and the weakest of all ^csaints, who are or can be called saints.

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

"And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

"And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

"And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen" (Doctrine and Covenants 89:18-21).

Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grain. Eat MUCH less sweets.

3. Exercise.

-18 miles a week.

-Strength once/week.

-½ marathon.

-Triathlon.

-Be more active in general. Play with the kids more. Go on more walks.

4. Knowledge.

Read with Jason: Preach My Gospel. Kevin Leman Book. Love Languages.

Read by myself:

1. Fearless, Max Lucado

2. The Hurried Child

3. The Power of a Praying Woman

4. The Wednesday Letters

Looking Back...

Before I start rattling of goals for next year, I really want to take a few minutes to look back at last year. I believe if we don't appreciate what we WERE able to do & accomplish then we just feel discouraged at what we didn't accomplish.

I do a Christmas card blog every year: http://www.hamiltonchristmascard.blogspot.com/

I do it to save time & $ on cards (I'm cheap, it's true). But the interesting side benefit for me is that I can look through it & say WOW. I did a LOT last year!

Here are some things I did:

-MOVED. That is huge by itself.

-Did 2 sprint-distance triathlons and a 1/2 marathon.

-Was at Primary Children's hospital with my baby girl for 4 days. Now she is on medicine 2x a day.

-Had a SUPER-busy summer, including trips to the zoo, splashparks, regular parks, Richfield, Snowbird, LP Aquarium, This is the Place monument, the pool - for fun & lessons, Discovery Gateway, Lagoon, the Benson's cabin & Thanksgiving Point.

-Lost 2 precious people in our lives - my Aunt & Jason's grandma. And did 2 memorial slideshows for each funeral.

-Started homeschooling McKinley. This is also huge.

-Read about 13 books - including a couple "self-improvement" books.

I am so VERY blessed to have three young daughters and an amazing hubby that in-between all these activities keep me very busy.

So - even though it's true that most of the goals I set for last year should probably be repeated this year, I can still look back & say I was very busy and very blessed. I can look back on last year & say it was GOOD. And I was thankful for it.

A few goals I feel like I really did make progress on:

-Probably 75% of the time, I am dressed & ready before the girls wake up. This is huge!

-I have been really a lot better about taking care of my skin & nails.

-Probably about 70% of the time, I am able to put God first in my day and do my personal study before the girls get up.

-I have been a lot better lately about my journal, too. It makes such a difference for me!

-Planning healthy meals. I feel pretty good about this goal. I get most of my recipes from Zonya or alter existing recipes.

It doesn't even have to be goals, but take a minute & recognize what YOU did last year!