The 3 C's

For the last few years I've been trying to pick a word or phrase for me to focus on for the New Year.  Sadly, I never find my inspiration right at the new year.  As is the case this time.  But, I've found my word(s):  the 3 C's.

A friend shared this idea of the 3 C's.  It's based on Dale Carnegie's teachings (check it out here.)  At first I scoffed, but it stuck in my head and wouldn't let go.  I'm really anxious to see how it will change ME.

The challenge is to NOT:  Criticize, Condemn, Complain.  Can you imagine your day not doing any of these things???  How will it affect relationships???  Can you imagine this with kids???  Or seeing your kids focus on the 3 C's challenge for themselves???  Just the negativity that will leave your thoughts and world.  The goal is to go 21 days avoiding the 3 C's.  Each time I fall, I change which arm my bracelet is on.  My friend said the person that inspired him did accomplish the 21 day goal ... it took him 10 months.  Ha!  I'll see if I can accomplish such a feat this year. 

Family LOVE

When life gets too busy to document, it's nice when that busyness is due to things you love.  We took a day off of school in January for a weekend road trip to Utah.  Brian's brother moved there this last year, and we are so glad to have family closer.  Their oldest son just returned from his 2 year mission to Brazil.  He is an amazing young man.  He is open and friendly, kind and thoughtful, funny and fun loving.  He is spiritual and has a special light that not all of us have.  He also has no clue how awesome he is.  Jonathan gets it.  Jon has felt a close connection to Ben from the first time they met.  When Ben left for his mission, Jon made us PROMISE we would go where ever they were to welcome him home.  We are so glad we went.

Well ... for the most part.  Ben has always been a 49's fan.  When he realized they were playing a play off game the weekend he got back, we were all warned that football would be part of the plan.  We're not big fans of football ... until this weekend.  Now Jon is HOOKED!  He wants to watch every game and even asked if he could play next year.  We'll see how far that goes. 

This isn't a great picture, but it's the only one we got with everyone all together.  Ben is the 2nd one in the back from the left.  He had so many companions and friends come see him.  It was fun to hear all the Portuguese and feel the love of the reunion of family and friends.  His homecoming talk at church was really good.   He seemed nervous at the beginning, but then he went into "teaching mode" and bore his testimony with ease and sincerity. 

Taylor, the first boy on the left in the back row, is getting set to leave for his mission this summer.  I'm so stinkin' proud of these boys.  So grateful for the example they are giving my kids.  And excited to see what kind of men they become after serving the Lord for 2 years.

Pinterest Project LOVE

It has been so long since I've gotten on the blogosphere.  I'm not even sure if many people are reading through blogs much anymore.  I love reading through old posts and remembering little times in our lives.  I enjoy reading what others are doing and keeping that connection.  So, I'll continue to post ... when there's time.

So, what takes all my time???  Well, my previous post about Primary is one thing.  In fact, I had to quit my little craft group because I couldn't deal with any more deadlines.  I still need to have moments of creativity, so I found a new love ... PINTEREST  --  (let me know if you need an invite!)    Who comes up with these brilliant things???  I find it possible to waste so much time finding all sorts of things I OUGHT to be doing.  Ha!

Here is my first Pinterest project.  The ultimate Menu Board.  I think it's going to be a big time saver.  I spend hours each week planning my meals which includes finding the recipes so I can make up a shopping list.  This is going to be AWESOME.  Each card is a dinner and on the back side is a simple list of ingredients that I need.  The yellow ones are basic "everyday" recipes, the green is for "crock pot" meals, and the pink are "Sunday" or "special" dinners.   On the night I make the meal, I can find the recipe quick.  It's cheaper and easier than before.  The family knows what's coming up, and if I'm late getting dinner going, the kids can see what is planned and they can get going on it.  The whole project only cost about $9.  It adds so much personality to my kitchen, too.  So fun!!!