I've been reading a book called Faithful, Fit & Fabulous. I have really enjoyed this book and recommend it to anyone trying to improve their life in any area. The book is sectioned into weekly goals. Week 1 is developing a holy habit. This included prayer, scripture study, or personal revelation. I chose to work on prayer. This week I had to write a life paragraph. I really did not want to do this and put it off for 3 days. Basically, I had to write about myself. Here it is

I am a obedient, faithful daughter of God. I am happy. I am creative and enjoy using my time and energy to improve myself and my surroundings. I forgive much and easily. I connect with my family and friends in positive ways and like being around other people. I am sensitive to others feelings and am careful to not offend or degrade with gossip. I am willing to serve others and show them that I care. I have a balanced and  organized life. I enjoy having fun with my children and look for ways to teach them about temporal and spiritual things. 

This is suppose to be ever changing, especially through out this 8 week process. While reading I came across some words from James E Faust that I really like.

"..you cannot do everything well at the same time. You cannot be a 100 percent wife, a 100 percent mother, a 100 percent church worker, a 100 percent career person, and a 100 percent public-service person at the same time.” Doing things sequentially, he said, “gives a woman the opportunity to do each thing well in its time and to fill a variety of roles in her life.”

love is in the air

I never cared for Valentines Day until I found out it is Cara and Isaacs' favorite Holiday so I need to step up my game and make it special. I found small, metal mail boxes at Target in the 1$ section. They come in pink, white, red, & blue. I obviously picked up Valentine colors. I'm hoping my finished box will look similar. I will fill them with candy for each of the kids.

For Zach, I am writing down 52 things I love about him on address labels and then sticking them each on a card (in a card deck). I bought a pack of cards when we were in Miami. ** Extra special** (I'm stuck at 37 things!) I found this idea on Pinterest.

For one of the childrens school Valentine party I am making sugar cookies decorated like conversation hearts.



This Sunday for FHM, we will all sit down and help each other fill out 93 Valentine cards for classroom parties. I think by the 14th I will no longer care who likes Valentines Day. But for now, I am enjoying it

This whole spending thing has got my undies in a knot. I feel so guilty. Last night, I couldn't stop thinking about what to do to fix it. I designed, in my mind, over and over again a list with budget goals. After hours, seriously hours, I realized that a lot of the purchases last week I did need to make. The boys really did need shoes and I scored some sweet deals online at Famous Footwear (spending only 22$ for Puma sneakers for Isaac) and LL Bean for a book bag for Sam. Usually, I can't afford to buy from LL Bean but took the chance knowing their products have a lifetime guarantee. I chose a bag on clearance and got free shipping. Purchases for gas, groceries, medicines, etc were necessary. The Target purchases included formula for the baby and household items including light bulbs, a heater filter, and batteries. (there was also a cute dress for Olivia and shoes..on clearance though!). So I guess in conclusion I (we) really need to sit down and decide HOW much I (we) should to spend in each area and then stick with it. Of course, if I spend $141 each week on unnecessary items I could possibly save $600 a month, right?

Now what can I buy for $600???

I have been in self improvement mode lately and have enjoyed the progress I make each week. I have set up work charts for the kids (which work amazing!) and assigned myself 15 minutes each day to get the house together. I have been reading a book called "Fabulous, Fit, and Faithful" which claims to improve my life in 8 weeks, however, I know it will take way longer then that. I was excited to set a holy habit and accomplish it this past week. WOW! What a difference being holy makes in ones' day.

This week I am heading back to the Y to work out. I plan to go everyday, in reality I will be happy to make it twice this week.

My BIG goal this week is fixing the family budget. Here is a list of what I spent this week:
Ashley Bird would be appalled.

Monday:
Goodwill $23.88
Michaels $22.14
Kids Kuts $14.00 (plus 3$ cash tip)
Wendys $7.74
YMCA $2.68

Tuesday:
LL Bean $19.99*
Famous Footwear $78.17*

Wednesday:
Salvation Army $43.42
Walgreens $12.47
Gas $40.00

Friday:
Shoprite $151.01
Kohls $109.57*
Gas $57.01
Target $39.50*
Christmas Tree Shop $43.88

Saturday:
LDS online $79.63 (scriptures for Sams 8th birthday and magazine renewals)
Target $42.38

$790.47
So, let me break this down. I put in red the purchases that were REALLY unnecessary. That total is
$141.06. I put a * by the purchases that were necessary but perhaps I could of shopped around more OR bought cheaper, used coupons, etc. Those included a new book bag for Sam, bras for myself, and  new shoes for 3 boys.

I consider myself a wise shopper. I use coupons, online deals, and always look for the best sales. However, this is an eye opener for me. So this week I am going to spend $0 in unnecessary purchases. Sorry, Goodwill, I will not be visiting you this week. Plus, I already spent $35.50 TODAY. (online so no Sabbath breaking)

I will set a food budget (thinking about using only CASH again, more couponing), set a "project" budget, and then take it from there.

A day of baking, crafts, naps, and games

Today was great. No planned activities. No pressure to be on time anywhere. Cara and I baked from-scratch cupcakes. YUM! Butter cake with fluffy white icing. Olivia helped decorate.

In the process of making icing, discovered how to make homemade marshmallow fluff

We played Sorry!, Yahtzee, TROUBLE, and UPwords....over... and over.... again. I am thankful I picked up many new games from the Goodwill lately.

Then Sam, Michael, Olivia, and myself crafted some MoNsTeRs out of paper towel rolls, pipe cleaners, pom poms, paint, and google eyes.

Isaac snuck out to hang with his friend and guess who napped?

I have a love hate relationship

with bras. Or maybe its a pure hate relationship. Today, I bought 3 new bras and threw out my nursing bras. No, not because I quit nursing, I quit that 4 months ago. I was still strutting around wearing nursing bras thinking I looked sexy. (think VS model) I can't justify buying an overpriced piece of "underwear" that is never comfortable all day, itches, needs adjusting, and I have to hand wash. Plus, no one sees them (and I mean NO ONE!).

**Not posting a picture here- just use your imagination**

My most favorist veggies soup recipe

It is really my favorite (ist) and flavorist. I usually make a batch a week and heat up a bowl when I hear the delicious, moist, chocolate cake singing my name and oh, it is such a pretty song.


6 cups vegetable broth (or chicken or whatever you have)
1 onion, diced
2 carrots, peeled and diced 
1 bell pepper, diced
3 ribs celery, diced
2 cups (about 5 ounces) chopped cabbage (or spinach, kale)
cauliflower, cut into florets
broccoli, cut into florets
1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
OR WHATEVER VEGETABLES YOU HAVE
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (or use 2 teaspoons fresh herbs) 
2 cloves garlic, minced small
1/2 teaspoon table salt to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper to taste

Bring to a boil. Simmer until vegetables are tender. Always better the next day.

OK, so this isn't some secret recipe. I am positive that there are fancy, more scrumptious soups out there but since I buy majority of my vegetables in bulk I always have a lot. I find this the perfect way to use them up before they acquire black spots.