VOICES

I've been thinking a lot this week about all of the many, many things vying for my attention.  Hence, the title of this post: "Voices."  There are the voices all over the web through Facebook, blogging, Pinterest, and of course tons of other social media mediums.  There are the loud political voices running rampant right now to try and and capture interest and a following as the presidential race gains momentum.  Along with those in politics is the "talking heads" of the media--all with a desire to be the ONE THAT IS HEARD.  These are voices in our outer world.
Then there's the voices of our inner world or inner circle.  Our neighbors, those we associate with in our church, our kids' teachers and our kids' friends.  Unlike me, who is a stay-at-home mom, I know that some of my friends who work outside their homes, that they have their co-workers' voices to listen to as well. Then there's our extended family and OUR friends, and last, but not least our spouses and our kids.  And really last, maybe you are the VOICE in your home that is just too loud.  What? You say...NOT ME.  I never yell at my kids! HA!
 Just for fun I googled a few images of people and kids shouting and wondered if it would ring any bells in your head of what is going on in your world.  Either of these look or SOUND familiar?

K, this is so funny and so RELATABLE in my world right now!

How many times a day do we hear: "MOOOOMMMM!"

I suppose all of this has been on my mind because as individuals we desperately want to be heard.  We want for our ideas to be validated, and to be important.  Those things are important to me too, but somehow, in the mix, I also need some peace, calm, and  quiet.  Sometimes there are JUST TOO MANY VOICES calling out, "LO here and LO there!"  It begins to make me feel as if I'm a stranger in a strange land.  So I asked myself, who's voice is the most important to listen to?  And I guess I was kinda asking God that question too.  Well, unbeknown to me, he wanted to answer and answer quickly.  I was listening to my Book of Mormon on my iPod on my way home from Yoga this morning, and I happened to be in 3rd Nephi where Christ is ministering to the Nephites and the Nephites begin to pray for what they most desire.  And guess what it was:  The Holy Ghost.  Boom.  The best possible answer and one that I knew, I just needed to be reminded.  I need to go to that quiet place in my mind and heart and just listen.  


What does your quiet, peaceful place look like?  Perhaps this:

Sometimes we have to literally "turn off" all of the voices crowding in and just listen to one--the Spirit of Revelation through the Holy Ghost that speaks to just us. For me and for you. I'm so grateful that Heavenly Father reminded me of this and didn't let me feel like a stranger for too long.  I am wanted and needed in His world, but I have to tune out the noise and listen carefully.  I have 6 little people that need me to be "on" for them.  They need a mother that will literally SHOVE out those loud voices of the world, and even PUSH out the personal critic inside ourselves to be there for them. Direct them. Nurture them.  Love them. And just be there.

SO grateful for the nurturing of my own mother to me and my kiddos and for her WISE VOICE.

I love the joy I see on my face here (and on Lydia's too)--I really don't seem to care that 'lil miss Lydia is a mess, I am just IN the MOMENT...

There is nothing I desire more than to be worthy to have the voice of the Holy Ghost direct me as a mother.  As a mother, that is my privilege and my stewardship.  It's also a lot of pressure, but I remind myself often that somehow Heavenly Father has enough faith in me to entrust these precious ones to my care.  That is a HUGE responsibility and not one that I take lightly, and neither does He, which is why sometimes He gives us lessons and answers quickly so that we don't become too discouraged or swayed by a VOICE that will distract us.

With that, I'll end so that you can turn off my voice (if you made it this far) and listen to the one inside you that counts the most.  Thanks for listening.

Amy

Namaste

photo from herdaily.com

So in my effort to try and achieve more balance in my life, I finally took up yoga.  And remember back here how I said that I would be posting more ways I was trying to RENEW?  Well, this has been a big deal for me in that regard.  I sort of have a fear about being in a class setting moving my body--I think it stems from ballet class as a 7-year-old and NOT GETTING THE STEPS. (I'm very uncoordinated)  Yah, uh completely opposite from my littlest sister, Meg.  This photo of her is UNBELIEVABLE.

OUCH!

As my son says, "Face your fears."  I love what our kids can teach us just in little snippets.  And guess what?  I LOVE YOGA AND EVERYTHING ABOUT IT! Fear Shmear.

My chiropractor recommended yoga years ago when he said, "Your lower back is really all about your core.  And after having 6 kids, your core is weak."  Those were tough words to hear, but I knew they were true, and I knew he was right.  Last week I put my back OUT, and I MEAN OUT.  Not fun.  Good wake-up call AGAIN to keep trying.  I think about all the women out there (including my own mother and 2 sisters) that have only known C-sections and have wondered how they deal with this whole core thing.  I'm counting my lucky stars I didn't have to go under the knife like they did.  They have their own brand of courage.  And don't worry, I'll be doing many more posts about these beautiful women in my life.

Mom, Me, and Beth at their graduation

Krista with Ellie as a baby

I've been going to yoga twice a week to a local church taught by an amazing teacher, Leanne.  This woman does not know me, but I LOVE this woman.   She was kind enough to let me take a quick picture with her after class.  She has such a serene, happy, centered, grounded demeanor.  You can read a little more about her and her yoga methods and philosophies here.  I feel awesome at the end of every class and she always manages to give a little "mini-lesson" to think about throughout your day.  

One of my favorites was when she reminded us that when we are comfortable we are stagnant.  Discomfort means growth.  I believe that wholeheartedly.  But the lesson is to be content in our discontentment and that there is opposition in ALL things and we must seek to find contentment in that opposition.  I took that to mean that there is ALWAYS SOMETHING that will leave us frustrated or that won't seem resolved, but that WE MUST find a way to be at peace and content with our circumstances in every season of our lives. 

HUGE life lessons 2 mornings a week.  At the end of each class, we have a little meditation and relaxation while she talks to us and as I have my eyes closed, I always see in my mind the most beautiful ULTRA VIOLET colors that ebb and flow.  THIS IS GOOD--Because I know about the Chakras.  (Post for another day). 

from Angiesholistictouch.com

I go to yoga with my friend Chris, and this woman is another gift in my life.  She told me about yoga and nourished me with amazing Doterra oils in a time of discouragement and need.  Love her.  I love the beauty that comes into our lives as we allow other women's strength and influence touch us. When we let others' love and kindness come into our hearts, we become a little kinder and a little bit gentler, and that makes me happy.

from doterraoilsx.com

Who have you let touch your heart lately?  What are you doing to achieve balance between your mind, spirit, and your body? Do you ever see a color when you close your eyes?  Create a great day today.

Love,

Amy

Indulge me once more....(post Valentine's)

So, this blog is about the things that make me happy everyday, and I just can't seem to get enough of the happiness that is seeping from the cuteness of this:

 I know it's hard to read, so here's what it says: (all conversation heart phrases are in brackets)

"Ellie Ogden Warwood [teacher's name]

                I went to BYU football game.  I saw my dad I said  {YOU ROCK}.  He said {YES} I do.  We watched the football game.  I said can I get a hot dog he said {YES DEAR}.  Thank you {XOXO}.  I got a hot dog.  Then I asked if I could have a Icee he sad {YES DEAR}.  Thank you your {TOO COOL} dad.  Your my              {ONE & ONLY} dad 

                                                           THE END"

Don't these fun little school projects your kids bring home just melt your heart?  I loved her creativity with the conversation hearts and that she was able to put a story together using them.  Ellie (child number 3) is probably my easiest going child.  She is happy, delightful, easy to please, obedient, and helpful.  LOVE HER.

LOVE

I just wanted to share a few pics from our day yesterday.  It's been a long time since I've seen the joy and sweetness in Valentine's day--I've been too busy and caught up in the throws of life, but not this year.  I opened my eyes and my heart and boy did I see.


Who can forget their first Valentine’s Day Dance? 

Do you spot MY dance card from my 6^th grade year?  I remember that the dance was a HUGE deal!  I even recall the girls all planned our outfits to go cowgirl.  Eh? K, that’s kinda weird, especially for Valentine's Day.

Our youngest boy (child number 5) had a "daddy darling" party.  What 4-year-old boy wouldn't be mad with happiness at having his dad for a whole hour of fun?

I melted when I received those 2 little sweet gifts/love note from my little boyfriend, Jacob. (child number 4) I especially l-o-v-e that he took one of his own sweets, crossed out that it was to him and gave it to me instead. Selflessness=LOVE.


Flowers and a deep, from the heart, written note from my own love.


YUMMY cookies from an incredibly busy and thoughtful neighbor.  THANKS JILL! 
I heart you.

Seth, (child number2) had his very first girl/boy dance last week and he seemed to be the hot man on campus as I saw several girls “cut-in” to dance with him!  I cut-in to snag a dance with him too. It helps that he’s actually one of the taller boys in the 6^th grade. 

Do you remember where you were for your first Valentine’s dance?  


Who cares if Valentine's Day was yesterday!!! Give someone you LOVE a kiss and a hug TODAY.

The necklace: 


Gracing yours truly yesterday.  Wishing you love from my heart which is so full from just creating this post it might burst.  I love LOVE.