Find what brings you Joy and go there

O.K, so I think I can get off Photoshop for a couple minutes to journal. I love Photoshop. I've found great tutorials and such. For those of you thinking about digital scrapbooking (there sure has been a lot of posts about it), I think Photoshop is the way to go. Let me know if you want websites or whatever.

Anyways, I missed last TTA because I wanted to discuss things with Brad and make some family goals too. I definately have my own personal goals, but thought we needed to change some things as a family. Trying to come up with goals, we talked about what were some downfalls we had last year. Family time was certainly a downfall. Basically kids arguing and not getting along were another issue. We discussed last night and came up with great things. Now if we can only use them faithfuly.



My words for this year are Family and Simplify. I chose family because I just feel that maybe we're not doing things as a family like we should be. Sure, we'll have FHE when I get time to prepare a lesson or family prayer when I'm not anxious to get the kids in bed. Brad and I decided that if we expect our kids to behave and get along, that we need to be the ones that make sure they have the oportunity to have spiritual time with each other. Another one of my goals is to not yell at my kids. I want to say things to them in a kind, gentle voice. (YElling doesn't seem to be working anyhow, so why not try this?) Another thing we talked about is disciplining them. We're going to take a whole new outlook on this. We're basically going to try rewarding for the positive and NOT punishing the negative. They've always been punished for bad things they've done and never rewarded for the good. I think, with my kids espeically, this will be a big impact on them and I actually think they will start behaving themselves better. Any ideas on what to do when they are bad? I don't think I should ignore that. We also want to start doing a date with mom or dad and I think that is how we will reward when they do something positive.

My next word SIMPLIFY. I've been hearing, in not so many words, to SIMPLY from everyone. In General conference they talked a lot about it and our Stake President came and talked to all the couples in church and he basically said to SIMPLY. If we are not spending the time as a family because the kids are in some sort of activity, then it's not worth it. There's lot of families that have their kids in EVERYTHING! and it's just not worth it it keeps us from family time. We should take them out. (That's what our Stake PResident said) I was grateful that none of my kids' activities keep us from having family dinner together, but I definately think I could simplify my life a little bit. I've come with up with different schedules and pretty much being organized. My words go hand in hand with each other so I'm hoping it will keep me reminded of each. I definately know this won't be easy, but what goal is easy. I'm lucky I have a great husband to help me.