November 6, 2017

I woke up to a whopper of a Monday morning.  I had to take some big deep breaths and give myself a really big pep talk.  The whole house was in need of some serious attention.  A lot can happen really fast around here.

PART of my laundry today.

I put my earphones in and started listening to "Jesus The Christ."  Millie had proposed that we listen to one chapter a day and be finished by Christmas.  But as I got going, I just kept cleaning and listening.   I love listening to it.  I worked all day, and by the end of my work, I was on Chapter 8!!

The boys love playing "Pretty, Pretty Princess!" 😂

I managed to run the day, get kids here and there, make a quick dinner, wash and fold ten loads of laundry, clean everything, and shower and get ready.  In the afternoon, I kept working while Emma taught her first ever piano lessons.  She did such a great job!  Then I showed her how to deposit her checks, keep a financial record, and plan for her tithing.  Just like my dad taught me when I was younger.

When Greg, Emma, and I left for her volleyball banquet, the boys were ready for bed and Julia was ready to leave for club volleyball tryouts with a new club called 435 Elite.  At the banquet, Emma was awarded the MVP of the sophomore team.  The coach said such very nice things about Emma, and we were so proud of her.  I couldn't help but think of all those mornings I helped pack extra food, and those nights I washed her uniform.  I couldn't help but think of the games days and late homework nights.  It is the most awesome thing in the world to be a parent.  

Out of the entire Desert Hills Volleyball Team, only three girls walked out of the banquet with the MVP.  Congrats, Emma.  We love our Em..V...P...!

Emma and her friend, Celine.  They could be twins out there on the court!!

Greg and I dropped Emma off at home and rushed to Julia's tryout.  She was trying out for the 14s team.  But she was easily one of the best players.  They said she could come back tomorrow for the 15s tryout.  It was a joy to watch Julia play.  She did so well.  And she's just so cute!  We took her home when it was over, a little anxious to know how this whole club thing would play out with two different daughters and two very intense teams, as well as Emma's track schedule.  But for the moment, we just enjoyed Julia and the excitement to see that she is doing so well.  

I still love volleyball, but I love seeing my girls doing something that they enjoy.  And it felt so nice to come home to see my clean house sitting there waiting to welcome me back.  I love a long, productive day like this.  

One thing that stood out to me from listening to Jesus The Christ was that after Jesus's 40-day fast in the desert, and the three temptations He faced, the scriptures say that Satan went away for "a time."  But not for good.  Jesus, like the rest of us, was faced with a constant onslaught from Satan.  We don't ever pass the test and get rid of our temptations.  They are as constant as life.  It was that way for Jesus, too.  We must always be on guard against the temptations of the devil.  Always.  

I'm so glad Millie suggested this.  It has made me feel so close to my Savior.  I love Him.