Scripture Journey

I know some will think or ask as to why I am publicly sharing my journey...because I feel inspired to. Hopefully it'll help someone in need! 

I was inspired, like so many others by Devin G. Durrant's talk, "My Heart Pondereth Them Continually" to ponder on one scripture a week and to share it with others. I plan to do this with Scripture Mastery because as a convert, I did not get the opportunity as a youth to master important scriptures. 

This week though, I sort of put my own twist on pondering scripture. I read a talk given by Rosemary M. Wixom at the General Women's Broadcast as it was already downloaded on my phone. Her talk, "Discovering the Divinity Within," is just what I needed this week. 

I love the sweet Spirit that I feel at General Conference every 6 months and wanted to keep it longer but was unsure how. Low and behold, I read her talk and decided to study divine nature. Why? When I read it, I didn't understand it... It seemed foggy to me. With being a counselor in the YW presidency for my short time before I was married, I knew I could use the Personal Progress book and learn the knowledge I needed to gain. 

Under Divine Nature, the first step is to read scripture, ponder, and ultimately plan how to use what you've learned. So last night I read, "The Family: A Proclamation to the World". Oh how I needed that! Being reminded that I needed to constantly and consistently practice faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities in order to raise my girls in love and righteousness, provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them 2 things: 1- how to love and serve others and 2- how to observe God's commandments and be law-abiding citizens. That's a huge deal and I want to do my best so I am grateful for the strong reminder. I also wasn't so foggy to the idea of divine nature, partly because I reread her talk and understood the following more clearly. 

The second scripture to read and ponder is 2 Peter 1. Attributes to practice are faith, virtue, knowledge, temperance, patience, godliness, brotherly kindness, and charity. I noticed 2 things: 1- each attribute builds upon each other, much like line upon line and precept upon precept and 2- both list of attributes state you must begin with faith. Divinity will not come without faith. Thanks to Neill F. Marriott's talk, "Yeilding Our Hearts to God," I got a strong reminder that, "All will work out," which has strengthened my faith as it reminded me of something that I desperately needed, all is well and if not now, then will be well in time. I use to live by that as a youth, but have forgotten recently. 

Needless to say, I'm on a scripture journey, I'm challenging myself to focus on this topic this week and boy, has my knowledge grown. I already have plans on what I'll be reading and pondering tomorrow based on this talk and learning about my divine nature.

Remember, practice your faith and putting your trust in God. Build upon each attribute no matter where you are. Finally, challenge yourself with pondering the scriptures, however the Spirit guides you and don't forget to share your findings even if it's in a journal. 

With much love, 

Tamra :)

October 2015 General Conference

***If it's italicized, then I added it in after I originally published. 

I loved this session of conference... I love them all, but this weekend seemed to hit home! There was much said that I needed to hear and I always love the sweet Spirit that I feel during the weekend and within my home. The three things that stuck with me the most is: 1- "All is well", 2- Set aside money each week along with pondering one scripture each week, and 3- Practice self-control... as it will become stronger each time.

I need to remember that all is well. Growing up, no matter what happened, I had that attitude and that along with some other attributes, I was always asked by others if I was LDS. Lately, I've forgotten that all is well, and if it doesn't seem like it now, all will be well later. I must remember that always! 

The next is to set aside money each week... Not sure how we're going to do with that as we just had a new addition to the family and I've been home for 8 weeks, but I can try and that's what counts. 

Then, we should ponder scripture each week. I thought about pondering scripture mastery, but I read a talk Sunday night and I feel as if I should focus/ponder the subject. Sunday I read the talk and Monday I read "The Family: A Proclamation to the World" in regards to the talk and my interest. There are a few more scriptures to read for the subject but I already feel wiser. 

Finally, practice self-control means not giving in to temptations like spending money on stuff I don't need or eating food I don't really need. I'm sure I can add more, but I'm also sure that you get the idea. 

Autumn!!! + More Updates

Welcome to fall!!!

I saw the graphic above on Facebook and died laughing but, I am still very excited! Fall is seriously my favorite time of year because of football, the changing of the leaves, the cooler weather, and then the family-filled, get some time off, holidays! 

Everyone is growing quickly!

Baby Girl has had some more problems eating, but she's hydrated and gaining weight so the doc is not too worried. She is already in 3 month clothing. She is weighing in at 11.7 and 22.5 inches long.

 

Little Miss is your typical 22 month old. I am constantly reminding myself that she is still 1. It's hard for me to remember most of the time because she is the oldest and the size of a 3-year-old. Not much has changed though she has more teeth coming in. My awesome sis bought her the cute dress and matching bow in the pic below. 

Josh has been busy working as usual but, he has been preparing for his Oral Board which was earlier in the week. Now, it's the waiting game to see where he ranks among the other applicants. Results will post next week. 

As for myself, I've been trying to stay calm and relaxed about everything. I'm nervous about returning to work, on top of taking care of a rambunctious toddler and colicky newborn... So needless to say that going out to see my mom and then a few days later going to Utah on a day trip was relaxing and got my mind off of nerve-wracking things. My trip to Utah had a great sign! I also got to use my new carrier and I LOVE it!!!!

My 6 week check up went well. My c-section incision healed up well. So I get to return to work on time. 

I feel like I had more to add, but I don't remember and that's okay because it's nearly 2am and I haven't slept yet... And tomorrow comes early because General Conference is at 9am. Plus, I have an early-rising toddler so every morning comes early. :D

I'll update more later! 

New Family Update

Whew! It's been a crazy month. I had my precious baby girl 4 weeks ago. I keep thinking I need to update this, but with 2 little ones I've been learning to balance my time a little more wisely. Let me tell you what, I'm actually a little scared to return to work in a month because I know it'll be a balancing act, something I'm not very good at. 

Anyway, enough about me for a moment and let me introduce Baby Girl! 

This is her at 6 days old. It's fun to compare how much both my girls look alike at a week old. 

That face is just too adorable! I'm calling her my miracle baby... I didn't take care of myself like I should have during the pregnancy (but nothing stupid either!), and then to have her in a dangerous delivery situation had I not had her by c-section which I was strongly considering because I desperately wanted a V-Bac would have ended sadly. She is my little miracle baby, and much like my mom, she is a peaceful fighter. She's had some issues with eating and she has been fighting to eat, to swallow, and spit up. She has such a calming, sweet spirit. I can't believe how time has flown with this little one. She is like most babies: she sleeps A LOT, she loves her milk, and she has very messy diapers. She does spit up quite a bit though and she has that same mischievous grin that #1 had when she's filling a diaper. She is already almost sleeping through the night, 5-6 hours at a time. She loves to look at me, Josh, and Little Miss in our eyes when she is awake. It's beautiful to share those moments. 

Big Sister loves to help. 

She constantly wants to hold the baby, help the baby burp, change her diapers, wipe her face when it gets messy, and so much more. She has grown up so much but has a little streak of jealousy too. She also moved into a toddler bed. Now it's getting her to stay in bed... I think it'll be easier once Baby Girl is moved out of our room and into hers. We shall see! 

Josh is still doing security, but has applied for a job. He passed the first stage of testing. Now he is awaiting and preparing for the oral board in 2 weeks. I'm excited for the possible new adventure. 

As for me, I've been a stay at home mom for several months now and have enjoyed it very much! My two girls are truly a blessing. Life will be hard to balance once I go back to work and that scares me because everyone deserves the best of me, especially my girls. 

I love my family and will miss them when I return. But we have a plan and I trust that it'll work out. :)

Summer Vacation Week 8 & 9

Ah! Summer vacation is coming to a close. All 11-month employees are returned to school last Monday to get ready for the new school year. Here in 3 days, I'll be returning to work too! I seriously can not believe it! It's time to actually start thinking about my classroom again, even though my house isn't even ready for baby #2 and coming in 10 days. School starting isn't that far behind with only 14 days remaining. Let's pray I can do it all or get the help I need! :)

 Anyway, this past 2 weeks has me really fatigued so I did very little. I've cleaned a little and rested a lot! Josh has been busy with work and other projects. Little Miss has just been very active, but somewhat accommodating to this mommy needing her rest. Baby Girl is getting me ready for her arrival... I had about 3 hours of contractions Monday night and again yesterday. 

If you're reading this, I'd appreciate a little prayer for me and my family as there is still a lot to do! :) 

Summer Vacation Week 6&7

Summer Vacation is winding down though I really feel like mine is beginning with another possible 10 more weeks off still.

The last 2 weeks have been laid back. Baby Girl is getting big so it's getting hard to move as much as I want/need and my energy seems like it's been depleted but it doesn't help I'm not sleeping well at night... Though I think I may have figured out how to fix it in the last few nights (staying up later, less waking up in the middle of the night, waking up more refreshed). We'll see if it continues to work.

Josh has been busy with getting ready for Baby Girl and work. He has a gym membership so he can work out for those jobs he wants to apply for. He has been busy doing the honey-do list. He has been taking care of Little Miss when I have just been to tired to do it. He is amazing! 

Little Miss is more active than ever! Though she's a bit more cuddly now that everyone keeps asking her/talking about Baby Girl coming. It's really quite nice because she normally never cuddles with me unless she's sick. She is excited and fascinated with all things baby though, whether it be taking care of her baby dolls or seeing an actual baby at the store, she just wants to be near them. How she treats her baby doll, for the most part, tells me she's going to be a GREAT big sister! She's also finally showing interest in books... She's never been a big fan of being read too, ever (Except at Grandma Sheri's)! She is finally interested in books and actually letting Josh and I read and finish the book. 

Baby Girl is getting big and hasn't dropped. It's a good thing I've got a c-section scheduled since Baby Girl is doing the exact same thing Little Miss was, breach and refusing to drop. Her heartbeat is being picked up clear up by my ribs still. She is active and moving, all the time! I have a theory she's going to be a night baby. Whenever I have woken up in the middle of the night, she is the most active I have ever felt her, which will be fun once she comes! :D

As for me, despite being 35 weeks at this point, I'm trying to get some things done like the ward's Primary Program, last minute things around this house, and lesson plans which is scary that I've actually got to return to set up my room just for someone else to start the school year off. In that sense, I am very nervous even though I know I have a great sub. As far as everything else, it's only within my control that things get done or not so I'm not nervous because I can always shift and come back later. School planning, I've avoided (minus Pinterest and some TpT) most of the summer because I've been busy around the house but now it's time to start thinking and planning. I'll let you know how that goes! 

Anyway, have a good week! 

Summer Vacation Week 5

Monday was simple, I went through organizing the rest of our clothes. We have way too many! But we are getting rid of a lot which is good. We drove up to Mesquite later that afternoon so we could attend my grandma's funeral on Tuesday. Little Miss had such a blast with Grandma, Grandpa, and Lacy Rae! 

Tuesday was a long day! This pregnant mommy was wore out by noon. We went to my grandma's funeral. I missed most of it because Little Miss was being herself and wanted to run around and play. We had to walk to the other end of the cemetery just to make sure she wasn't very loud so everyone else could hear. She got to meet some of her cousins. It was really nice! We drove back early afternoon so Little Miss would take a nap. By 6, everyone was exhausted. We basically watched Youtube the rest of the night. Little Miss didn't sleep so well because she couldn't breathe through her nose. I had to give her some allergy medicine just so she could sleep. 

Wednesday, I began to tackle the living room. A friend of mine who is done having kids had a ton of clothes so she gave them to us. They were sitting in our living room so I decided to go through them and put them in storage ziplock bags. It literally took me all day to sort, organize by size, put them in bags, and seal them up. I still need to sort through the shoes. Little Miss wanted some mommy time though, with her not feeling good I had to stop a lot today. 

Thursday and Friday were my relaxing days which was good because Little Miss still wasn't feeling good and they are daddy's days off. We basically hung out doing very little except going out. 

Saturday, I got enough rest to do some basic cleaning. Daddy grilled for lunch. It's was another simple day.  

Sunday seemed hectic, but it was good. We went to church and just hung out at home all day. This mommy even snuck in a nap. Oh, and Little Miss figured out how to completely open a locked door before church so we officially had to toddler-proof our doors!