December 20, 2017

Today was a whole day filled with Relief Society.  I had my presidency meeting in the morning.  Owen and Lance were so wild and difficult.  I may have to rethink things, because the last two meetings have been a bit stressful with my boys hanging about.  I met with the Stake Relief Society President in the afternoon for some training.  The toys were still strewn about the family room from my previous meeting.  She didn't mind, and we had a great conversation about my purpose.  And luckily, by that time, Owen was gone to Kindergarten.  Lance played very quietly while we visited.

Austin came home from school feeling very happy.  Today was his homemade gift exchange.  Julia had helped him fold three really cool origami ninja stars, with little messages on the points.  His gift was a really cool banner to hang that said "Austin Rules."  We hung it above his bed, and he was pleased as could be.

Austin is so thrilled with his new banner from a friend at school!

Julia and I have been anxious to get to the church to practice our piano duet.  So, I took all the kids, a few basketballs, and headed to the church.  We practiced our song, played in the gym, and had a sweaty, good time.  We only left when Lance got hit in the nose with a ball and wouldn't stop crying.

The kids saw me spontaneously make this move.  They thought it was so funny.  So they made me do it again for a picture!  I'm so happy because I booked an overnighter for Greg's Christmas present!!

After dinner, the girl left for Young Women's, and I left for some Relief Society visits.  I ended up being gone for a few hours.  And since there isn't any school tomorrow, the whole house was still up and rocking when I got home.  Emma even had a friend over.  Greg had been working so hard out in the garage.  I am so proud of him.  He loves making these meaningful gifts, and he works so hard to get it done.

I gathered up my little children, and one by one, got them all headed to bed.  I read stories, and rocked Lance, and kissed little faces.  Then, when I caught a glance at myself in the mirror, I noticed I looked pretty worn out.  I started to feel exhausted from listening to other people's problems.  I started to doubt if I was even doing a good job.  I started to feel like maybe I didn't even know how to do this job.  As quickly as those thoughts came, I pushed them away.  I told myself that I am doing my very best, and that was good enough.

I climbed into bed just as Greg came in.  We talked for a bit, and then both relaxed with some reading.  I grabbed my book, "These is My Words," and escaped to the life of Sarah Prine until my eyes grew to heavy to continue.  I'm tired.  Yes.  But a good night's sleep will make all of the difference.