I Heart The Ensign. . . . :D

I haven't been keeping up w/the monthly Ensign magazine that our church puts out, but I'm so so HAPPY that I was able 2 pick up the June issue yesterday. I can HONESTLY say that it is always filled w/so much NEEDED information & it HELPS our little family strive 2 grow daily. :D One of the MANY things that caught my eye while reading the different articles & teachings in this month's issue was an article written by Kay Przybille called 'STRETCHING YOUR DOLLARS.' There's a paragraph in there that states, "Organized sports, dance, & other programs are great, but consider waiting 2 involve your children until they are older, when they can help pay the costs & understand the financial sacrifices involved. Meanwhile, teach cooperation, sportsmanship, fair play, & teamwork @ home - with Mom & Dad as coaches."

This hit it right on the nail since we had decided 2 give the girls a break 4rom extracurricular activities 4 the months of May & June. But after reading this. . . . .we've agreed that we will be keeping them home & spending more quality time w/them & being 'coaches' in their lives until they're old enough 2 help pay 4 the costs of the different activities that they want 2 be involved in. :D I can't believe how much information is filled in this magazine & I'm so GRATEFUL 4 all the counsel & teachings that I know I can always RELY on in times of need & just w/life in general.

One of the other articles that inspired me GREATLY & this time in my marriage instead of w/our kids, lol. . . . .is titled, 'Arise Early' by Linda Davis whose also 4rom Utah. She says:

"Arising early is not in D&C 89, but rather in section 88: "Retire to thy bed early, that ye may not be weary; arise early, that your bodies & your minds may be invigorated."

My husband gets up for work at 5:00 a.m. In the past, I didn't get up w/him. I would sleep in, and I didn't get up with my teenage sons either. At night I went to bed early, but my husband stayed up until 11:00 p.m. or later. I was worried about him because he would get sleepy when driving. We needed a change.

I decided to get up with my husband & have breakfast with him. Now we spend time together talking over breakfast. As a result, I am up now with my children before they go to school, and I send them off with prayers and hugs.

My husband is now going to bed early too. I find that my sleep, which had always been poor, has become much sounder, so I don't sleep as much. It seems that many things are better in my life because I strive to heed the counsel to "arise early."

I totally relate 2 this wife/mother. My husband, too, gets up between 4:30-5:00 a.m. every morning 4 work & is always so TIRED on his drive home. He also stays up til about 11:00 p.m. every night. Sometimes later & sometimes earlier, but not by much. So I've made it a goal & have put it @ the top of my 'to do' list 2 make it a PRIORITY 2 get up w/my husband every morning & have breakfast w/him. I think it'll help us both, TREMENDOUSLY, 2 not only spend a little bit more time 2gether (and QUALITY TIME 4 that matter since everyone in the house will still be sound asleep), but we'll also be able 2 start out our days 2GETHER!! :D Instead of me sleeping in while he gets up by himself. Gosh, just re-reading that last sentence makes me feel so bad 4 not coming up w/this a long time ago. :( I think it'll help him on his drive home 2 make it SAFELY back 2 us @ the end of his shift as well as help me not have so many late nights & then feel so so TIRED during the day. :D

I'm so EXCITED 2 see what changes will come about in this effort we'll be putting forth. I'll definitely have 2 keep you all updated. :D On that note. . . .it's about that time 4 me 2 turn in. We just got home 4rom our reunion meeting & I'm EXHAUSTED. 'Early 2 Rise & Early 2 Bed'