the best.

lots of thoughts to spill.

hey.  thanks for your nice and insightful comments and conversations here on the blog and everywhere else.  especially concerning that last post.  I have definitely not figured it out, but I have some good ideas and some new strategies to try as far as diet/exercise.  so thank you.

tomorrow is parent-teacher conferences.  I don't know why I always feel like I have to blog around conference time-- I think it just gives me something else to think about amid the chaos.  I've tried to simplify, though, and this term it's working.  friday will be here in no time.

tomorrow is also the day that my dear friend, Kaite, returns from her mission.  I am so excited to see her!  unfortunately it will be late at night before I can get over to her house (because of said conferences), but even still-- I cannot wait.  so much love.

currently I am working on my YW lesson about being a good example.  it has me thinking about all of those "examples" who have shaped my life. I've thought a lot about all of those circles I've traveled in-- and who has inspired me to make certain turns or changes.  you know?  like people who were stalwart for me in high school; people I gleaned from in college; wonderful people I've met while learning and traveling; my ever-faithful family; friends who have stuck around.  to all those who are those daily "good examples"-- I find you courageous and inspiring.  I love this quote from the lesson: "It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. But you will never lose your courage unless you choose to.” -Ardeth Kapp  I know it's talking about being a righteous example in the gospel, but I think it applies to other parts of life as well.  what do you think?

also.  have you noticed that getting comments on your blog is extremely exciting and motivating?  I'm going to try to be better at commenting on blogs more often.  because heaven knows I read 'em.

let's talk about food.

It's a vicious cycle.
Last March when Samuel and I gave each other the "sugar challenge" (no sugary treats for a month), we lasted about 2 weeks.  And then we ate cake with strawberry topping and ice cream.  I wanted to try the challenge again this month, and then I went over to my mom's yesterday (yes, March 1st) and there were cookies baking and that smell in the air and cookie dough just sitting on the counter and I couldn't resist!  So, what's my deal?  Is it really that I have no willpower?

If I'm really honest with myself, I do want to make some healthy changes in my life.  Exercise is #1 on my goal list, and a healthier diet is #2.  How do you make yourself do it?  Is eliminating sugar for a month truly going to help me reach my goals?  (seriously.  I'm asking because I don't know).  

I like what this blog suggests:

1. Reduce dependence on sweets:  The average American drinks 96 oz. of soft drinks each week.  New goal: one 12-oz drink, or less.
2. Eliminate man-made trans fats:  Zero deep fat fried foods.
3. Take back control of your diet:  Write a weekly menu.
4. Eat a healthy breakfast:  Cereal products must have more natural fiber than added sugar.
5. Be muscular: Exercise 30 minutes most days.  It’s best if you sweat.
6. Return to the plant-based diet of your ancestors:  Eat (USDA recommended) five vegetable servings daily. 
7. Slow aging:  Eat a varied diet of whole foods (especially berries) to maximize antioxidant intake and minimize free radical damage.

Our goal is to rediscover the best way to live and be well.  We’re not trying to live forever, just more fully.

Thoughts?  Feelings?  Advice?

tagged by bay

The 11 questions bagel tagged me with on her blog:

1. What is your favorite TV show? I've been into Parenthood recently, thanks to my sis in law. It's a good mix of humor and drama, plus it has a killer soundtrack.

2. Would you ever go on a reality show? What would it be? reality tv is obnoxious.

3. If you had to listen to one CD for the rest of your life, what would it be? It would have to be Carole King's "Tapestry."  I just love it.

4. What is the first thing you notice in someone of the opposite sex? smile and eyes. (not a coincidence that samuel has both lovely eyes and a handsome smile).

5. What is your dream job? someone who gets to read to kids all day.

6. What was your first impression of me? my first impression of bailey?  probably "I have a new little sister.  I'm no longer the youngest.  She gets to sleep in my room!"

7. Do you decorate for the holidays? I try.  I hope to get better at this when I become a mom, because it's something that reminds me of my own mom.  

8. How many people have you kissed?  two. the second was waaay better.

9. What is your favorite book to reread? have you ever been the first to read Mrs. Piggle Wiggle to a third grader? enough said.  

10. If you had to teach someone about any major historical event, what would you choose? I think the American Revolution era.  And I think I'd rather teach it to kids, because there are so many great songs you could use.  

11. How would your parents describe you? I think my parents would describe me as someone who likes to make people happy. (a blessing and a curse).  I think they would say I'm a singer, a teacher, an emotional female, a birthday lover, and a blonde.  I hope they would describe me as a loyal and supportive family member, a peace-maker, and an adventurous daughter.  


I'll echo Bailey in saying if you'd like to join in-- feel free!   

Here are my tags: 

1. Hilary

2. Samuel

3. Ashley

4. Alison

5. Mom

love today

loving that science night is over

loving my parents for saving me at science night

loving that we are having adorable nieces and nephews over tomorrow

loving that it's friday

loving that I get to bake tonight

loving samuel

loving creating valentines

loving my new kindle

loving my slippers (as always)

loving my "nana's salad" copycat

loving singing songs with my students

loving coats

loving february.

things I'd like to learn how to do

sew/quilt
make new recipes
de-junk
plan ahead more efficiently
keep in touch/rekindle old friendships
preparedness for emergencies
grocery shop
get into the habit of making my bed
not complain to Samuel
use the adobe programs
make the dishes magically do themselves

. . .

think lovely thoughts

well.  we certainly enjoyed our holidays:  samuel's birthday at the BYU basketball game, a magical christmas that seemed less "run around" this year, lots of preparations and planning for the new year's party that was really cute but only enjoyed halfway, checked off a few appointments including a visit to the doc for the annual check-up and a visit to the hair salon [bay was right-- I was overreacting about the bleach/highlighting incident], seeing wonderful friends who I don't get to see very often, two joyous weeks away from work, zoolights, temple square lights, a sleepover with lyv [complete with barbies and "paint polishing" our nails], the most delicious food I've had in a while, cleaning my house, and sleeping in.

and while december is a great time to be a third grade teacher, it is also a hard time. [bet you can guess why].  so it's nice to have a new start in january.  and I already feel like I have more energy to create valuable learning experiences for my students.  this is a happy thing-- because I was really on the verge of a burn out about three weeks ago.  it's nice to reflect on why I do what I do every once in a while, just to keep myself in check.

it feels like I have many of the same goals this year as I set for myself last year:
exercise regularly
temple monthly
become a better teacher
travel to somewhere new

so I have tried to think of a few more specific things I'd like to accomplish:
plant a garden and keep it alive all summer
focus on having meaningful relationships with friends and family
tell samuel how much I appreciate him more frequently
make dinner at least 3 times a week; try new recipes
save up for something expensive
read some books I've never read before
help my students to love learning

happy new year to you and yours.