I encourage everyone to make a list of things they love to do...things that bring them pleasure, the simple things of life that bring joy. It is so important to take even 15 minutes, if not more (!) a day to do something that makes life meaningful...moments you can treasure, otherwise what is the point of living? Life is far more than a to do list that will end up being rather meaningless 10 years from now. It is more than full, busy days that rush by. It is more than accomplishments that line a wall but don't build character, a clean, show-house, or endless activities that leave you feeling frazzled.

You are important enough to take care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. God designed your life as one of a kind, is it not worthwhile then to step off the treadmill and truly LIVE , moment by moment, day by day?

As my husband and I learned from his father who recently passed away, his life may have been short, but he did all that he wanted to do. He pursued his interests, he took jobs that interested him, he became involved in hobbies that intrigued him, and he took time for simple pleasures. He spent time with family and friends and was never too busy. He loved his wife and had a close relationship with her. His days may have been short, but they were memorable to him. Great lesson as we rush through our days that add up to a life and wonder where it all went and why we never took the time. 

Again I ask, what is the point to living if your life is not meaningful? Take time to slow down, take a deep breath or think. Take care of yourself by eating right and moving how you like to move each and everyday. Get enough sleep and drink water. Laugh out loud, connecting with good friends, and doing the things that matter to you. Help out when and where you can, say a kind word and forgive easily. Live with integrity that so you can stand tall without regret, and do your work well, but don't let it define your whole life. And don't let life's hustle and bustle set your pace. Life is meant to be more.

Things that bring me pleasure, in no particular order:

1. Being with my kids.
2. My quiet time on the patio in the morning.
3. Being with my sweet husband.
4. Reading a good book.
5. Walking Bella's tummy & living with her loyalty. She loves me just because I'm alive.
7. Petting Oreo our bunny.
8. Seeing a beautiful flower in a yard or a swaying tree in the wind.
9. The ocean.
10. FCDallas soccer with my hubby!
11. Watching TV with Chad.
12. Playing games with my family.
13. Candles that smell warm and inviting.
14. Working out.
15. Visiting with my friends in person and online.
16. Blogging.
17. Fieldtrips with my family and learning something new.
18. Traveling with my family.
19. Church and Bible Fellowship class.
20. Eating out at a great, relaxing restaurant.
21. Yoga and deep, soothing breaths.
22. Finding out about new books.
23. Getting new fitness dvds.
24. Eating healthy and feeling good.
25. A clean house.
26. Cuddling with Cooper.
27. Smiles from my beautiful Catelyn.
28. Holding hands with Connor.
29. Getting a package in the mail.
30. Worship.
31. My cozy home.
32. A sunset and the clouds and dusk.
33. Seeing my kids laugh and play together.
34. Morning greetings from my kids.
35. Frozen yogurt with toppings or a good piece of chocolate.
36. Singing out loud and dancing around the house with Catelyn & raising my arms in praise to God while a song on the radio moves me to worship!
37. Hearing Connor say, "I love you mommy".
38. Holding Cooper in my arms.
39. Backrubs.

I am excited about having the kids at home so that we can have more relaxing days. I'm tired of running around constantly and always being rushed.

I'm really trying to focus more on the moment and not all the lies ahead. I'm trying to allow God to lead me to what He wants next and not stress over my to-do list!

Homeschooling: I want to focus on the kids reading a lot, on their own and me reading to them. I'd like them to narrate back to me what they are reading. Occasionally they can write in their journal about what is happening in their life and also some funny writing for fun. No corrections made, just developing fluency and confidence. I want to take field trips and do a bit of their workbooks each day for subject matter. And math. :) 

Okay, must go start my day.

On my mind today...
I love days where I get to stay home and have time to workout, read, and get things done!!

I am praying God will grant me wisdom and direction in regards to my eating. I think I'm going to go with the 70/30 rule...or maybe 80/20. :) I'll eat mainly veggies, fruits, whole grains in moderation. Very limited sugar and processed foods and meat. I'm just  not sure I can do without all meat and all dairy. I can do without it to a great extent, and during a significant portion of the day. But it is hard to always do without meat at night for dinner. And sometimes I just want pizza or frozen yogurt!!

I'm also really wanting to severly stop buying things in excess of what we absolutely need. Stay on budget and stop bringing more junk into the house!!