Sister Beck

I missed Sister Beck's General Conference talk a couple of Sunday's ago. With all the discussion, I knew I needed to read it for myself. At the Gen'l Women's Conference, I was totally impressed with her direction for the sisters. She spoke with a women's perspective and with power.
This evening I finally had the chance to read her Gen'l Conf talk. I had already heard quite a lot of it this last week in Sacrament. It was as powerful as the first.
I'm a working mom. I don't know exactly how many sisters who read this work full time. I put in anywhere from 34 to 40 hours a week. It is not unknown for me to work 40+ hours - even up to 50 in a week. I don't want to offend anyone. I'm just writing my own thoughts and perceptions for my own life. Anyway, you get the idea, I work a lot outside the home. I don't want to work so much, but right now, it is a necessary evil. If Bari and I had started our lives together earlier, right after college, we wouldn't have the challenges we have now. I wouldn't need to work as much. So, here I am - with a RS Gen'l Pres saying, - you can do this ! And this is all you have to do-and then she lists everything I have ever heard that families should strive to do to stay strong and focused. Ok. In reading the list I came to one conclusion, I don't have time. Literally, there is not enough time for me to accomplish everything that is on my plate. Many of you know (it's been pretty obvious) that I've been a little down lately. I've really felt the guilt for everything that moves on earth. You know the feeling. Well, after hearing the talks from this exemplary sister, -and knowing I CAN'T ACCOMPLISH THIS- something amazing and suprising happened. I didn't feel bad anymore. I know I'm doing what I should, I know I'm doing the best I can. Am I doing the 'very best' ? Yes, sometimes I am. It might not be as good as someone elses "very best'- but it's mine. I do need to dig deeper, have more meaningful Family Nights, organize my family better. All those things that I was a little annoyed that no one else prepared, or organized, I found out were MY responcibilities all a long. I just needed to SUCK IT UP !!!!!
Live-Life/Love-Life

more about me

Well, I haven't given my list of likes and dislikes or I Hate-and-I Love List. First, I doubt anyone really cares, but I haven't written since last week and I need to say something---so here goes.

I hate- I really Hate, shopping carts that are in the middle of the aisle in the grocery store. Just move it over lady!!!!

I hate stupid drivers- now this sub list could go on for a while. I hate the lack of turn signals, driving slow in the fast lane, and pulling up close to my car (looking like you want to pass) - I move to the slow lane- only to have you just sit there -in the fast lane-Not Passing!Arg! But this is the WORST- And I don't know how to even explain how Cincinnati-ans have this problem (and it is a problem believe me!). I drive Cross County Hwy everyday sometimes more than once a day, there are hills on this road. I can't believe how many cars don't speed up going UP the hills! I'll set my cruise control and lots of cars will pass me going down the hills- then block the fast lane when the road goes back UP the hill !!!!

Enough of cars- I hate getting the ice cream container out of the freezer- only to find Less Than A Scoop of creamy goodness left! I shouldn't even say scoop- spoon full would be more like it.

I dislike having to work on my day off (tomorrow). But I like helping out and being a team player for my boss. (Who- I hope- will buy me lunch tomorrow).

I love seeing my kids dressed up for Halloween and having fun. Your only a kid once-

I love hearing Sam and Madeline singing together in the back seat of my car. They sound so Good!

I love seeing my children make good decisions with what ever they do.

I love spending time with my Mom, in the hometown where I grew up.

I love any time I get to spend with my sweetheart (except right after I find empty ice cream containers !).

I love sisters who blog and share a piece of their lives with us. Spiritual moments, family moments, jokes and treasures. Thank you.
Live-Life/Love-Life

ps-Sisters and Ray!!!

???????

I have a question. At what point does a good example turn bad? I've been thinking about my choice to go to church Sunday although I was really not feeling well. Actually, now that I (finally) feel better- I have a much clearer idea of how sick I was. Anyway, I choose to go to church. A good choice, right? A good example for the family. Hmmm- but I wasn't taking care of myself as I should have. Bad Example? As women we already run ourselves ragged taking care of everyone else. Is this the example I really want to portray to my children? More importantly, where do we draw the line?
Live-Life/Love-Life
Oh-on a happier note, we (Sam, Madeline, Katy and I) were in Madeline's room tonight. Sam started rolling around on her floor saying, "Boy-boy-boy-boy........" over and over. She didn't appreciate his 'boy germs' being spread on her floor. It was pretty funny.

I couldn't find the vegetable peeler......

I couldn't find the vegi peeler and I woke up with a headache at 5:30---oh, and the sisters sang like angels during our closing song today. That should be my title.
I went to bed late on Sat. waiting for Bari to come home, then I was flipping between Saturday Night Live and the Indians game. Even then I was feeling a little headache coming on. At 5:30am I woke up and took 2 Excedrin Migraine and went back to bed (yes, all that caffeine and I don't have any trouble sleeping). I slept in until 10 am.-TEN!!!! But my headache was still there. Bari wanted me to stay home, but I thought I knew better. Then I did something that made everything worse-I read the letter that was sent from the school about an assessment done on Sam. His ADD and immaturity are big issues at school. I knew about all the challenges he has been facing, but to see it in black and white was too much for me this morning I guess.
When I get these headaches I get even more emotional than normal. Anyway, I got home and my pot roast wasn't done (I'm still not used to Bari's Crock Pot), I ate 2 peanut butter cookies and went to bed. I got up this evening at about 8:30-8:45 and put the kids to bed, ate some dinner and took 2 more pills. Besides learning that the Bengals lost again, I'm starting to feel better. I told Patty today that I think the Lord gives me these headaches to make me feel fragile. I certainly feel a loss of control over my emotions and my physical capabilities concerning my family and all I do for them.
Anyway, I wanted you-all to know that I appreciate your love and concern. Your kind words mean more to me than you will ever know.
Live-Life/Love-Life