Snacks

I am a big time snacker.  In fact I've discovered that I'd rather snack than have a meal.  Because of that I am always on the hunt for a yummy snack.  Here are some of my favorites.

Honey Vanilla Greek Yogurt with berries.  Easy and yum!

Roasted Vegetables.  I love to roast a variety of veggies then eat them over a period of a few days.  Some of my favorite vegetables to combine together are: brussel sprouts, broccoli, red onion, zucchini, cauliflower and red bell pepper.  Really, the possibilities are limitless.  I just cap everything up, drizzle with olive oil and add some flavor like salt and pepper or Italian seasoning.  400 degrees and 15 minutes later and you have a healthy and yummy snack.

Talenti Gelato.  I've eyeballed this for a long time but never felt like I could justify the price.  After hearing about it on a podcast I talked myself into spending almost $5 on a pint.  It's very indulgent so you get satisfaction out of a single bite.

Sliced tomatoes with salt and pepper.  It's easy as 1-2-3!  Sliced tomatoes are also super yummy with graded parmesan or sliced mozzarella cheese.

Steamed edamame.  I love these steamable bags- toss one in the microwave and in three minutes you a have a  healthy snack.

We don't eat Kettle Corn often, but when we do it's a fun treat.  Sweet but salty...mmmmm!

Speaking of popcorn, I came across this stuff a few years ago and got hooked!  I'm glad it's a seasonal product and that it's not carried at a store near me!

I only eat cinnamon bears about once a year, but when I do I totally enjoy the heck out of them!

Even better?  Chocolate covered cinnamon bears!

Me and my kids love love love frozen grapes!  They taste like candy but they're actually good for you.  Just pull your grapes off of the vine, throw them on a sheet pan, flash freeze them, then add handful size amounts to ziplocks bags.  Store them in the freezer for a quick-on-the-go-snack.

Sister Beast

I've developed a friendship with the funnest little grandma lady.  She attends the same temple session as I do each week.  Her name is Doris but I've affectionally come to call her Sister Beast.  Let me explain.

Doris has a great personality.  She is probably close to 80 years old but she is spunky and a crack up.  A few weeks ago she told a story of when she was about 17 years old.  In her childhood when you lost a tooth you placed it in a cup of water and left it in the kitchen window.  The tooth fairy would come visit during the night, take the tooth and replace it with a penny.

One evening her mom, who wore dentures, took her teeth out and left them in a cup of water on the window sill.  During the night Doris snuck into the kitchen, took the dentures and left a penny in the cup!  The next morning when her mom went to retrieve her teeth they were gone!  Her mom immediately called out, "Doris!  Bring me my teeth!"  She knew who took them!  Doris insisted that the tooth fairy had paid a visit.  After some coaxing Doris finally handed the dentures over.

Doris has a 48-year-old mentally retarded son named Mike.  He doesn't have teeth, he does not speak in complete sentences and blames everything on his dad.  Mike has to wear a diaper to bed and each morning when his mom bathes him she asks him why he wet his bed.  His response is always, "it was dad!"  And if she asks him how he slept he gives one of two responses, "like a porpoise" or "like a big rock."

Mike attends a daily respite program.  When he returns home Doris will ask him how his day was.  He responds that it was good.  She then asks him what he did that day.  Because Mike does not speak in complete sentences he says "eat my friends."  Meaning he ate lunch with his friends, of course.  Because Doris can't pass up on an opportunity to tease, she asks how they tasted!

Now that you know that Doris is a big tease, let me explain her nickname.  A few years ago Doris was 28 pounds heavier.  She was struggling with high blood pressure and the doctor explained that she was on the low end of being obese.  After her visit with the doctor she went home and called her daughter to report the news.  Mike was listening in and not being familiar with the word "obese" heard this instead, "the doctor said I'm an old beast."  Haha!  Sweet Mike kindly said to his mom, "didn't know you an old beast!"

I jokingly asked her if she was Sister Beast.  Being Doris, she loved it!  When we entered the session and kindly pointed out Brother Beast I had to chuckle.  And my heart smiled when later in the session she lovingly looked over at him and waved with her pinky.  She is the cutest!

I've learned to love her for so many reasons.  Not only is she always there, very fun and a kind person, but think of what it takes to care for her son.  She routinely cares for him, even at her ago.  And she attends THREE endowment sessions every week!  I hope that I can have the same fun and positive outlook on life as Doris.

Getting More from Your Temple Experience

While sitting in the temple yesterday morning a thought came to my mind that I needed to write about getting more out of time spent in the temple.  I am aware that there are people who would do a way better job at this, but I have learned a lot of over the years and have found things that have helped me enjoy my experiences more.  I hope there is a small take away in this for you.

I think the most important thing you can do to enjoy the temple more is to go often!  Set a goal to go once a week, once a month, twice a month, whatever!  Just get yourself there!  Set a goal and stick to it.

Even better, have a set day and time you go.  I block out my Thursday mornings each week so I can attend the 9:30 session.  I don't schedule appointments or commit to anything during that time because it's set in stone.  If you don't schedule it in and you just anticipate going sometime during the week it will be much harder to get yourself there.  My little sister, Annie, shared a great story of why it makes a difference to attend the temple regularly.

Another advantage of this is that you get to know the workers and other patrons who regularly attend the same session.  I have made friends with two grandmas who are always there are the same time.  We seem to always land on the front row together and over time we have created a special friendship.  They are so dear to me!

I have learned that it helps me feel more peaceful and ready for the session when I arrive early and have a little time to enjoy the quiet of the temple.  I'm fortunate right now because I am able to drop Colton off at school and head to the temple, giving me 45 minutes before the session starts.  I have learned to cherish that time!  I've been late and felt rushed many times before and I can truly say that I don't feel settled and prepared quite like I do when I start the session feeling calm and peaceful.

When I was in high school and attending seminary, the temple came up in a lesson one day.  My seminary teacher mentioned that many people don't attend the temple often because it is the exact same thing every single time and they get bored.  I feel like one remedy for this is to take a question every time you attend- big or small.  I've tried to teach Addie this principle too.  Don't miss a chance to be taught in the House of the Lord!  He is waiting to teach you, you just need to ask!

Along the same lines, ask Him to teach you something new each time you go.  Yes, the process is exactly the same, but the opportunities to learn something new are endless!  Just yesterday I learned something I have not caught onto before.  He wants you to learn while you are in His house, so ask and He will teach you!  It may not always be something big or life changing, but it may be a tender little lesson meant just for you.

One way to prepare yourself to learn is to pray before you go.  Begin praying about your visit and your desire to learn several days in advance, not just the day of.  Pray about the question you will be taking with you.  Pray that you will learn something new.  Pray for comfort.  Pray for anything you need!  This will help you prepare mentally and spiritually as you will be thinking about things ahead of time.

It's such a special experience when you are able to take the name of someone you have discovered through genealogy.  Some of the sweetest experiences I have had in the House of the Lord have been because of the name I held in my hand.  It's always rewarding to pray to feel if they have accepted the work, then have the confirmation that they do.  Nothing is sweeter, so take a name!

There are so many beautiful things about the temple ceremony.  I have found that when I intently look for something specific during the session, that thing will stand out to me throughout the whole ceremony.  I often find myself looking for ways He shows His kindness.  It's easy to recognize that kindness when I am looking for it.  If my mind is wondering or if I am just "there," I miss so many chances to see how kind He really is.

My last bit of advice would be to move mountains to attend the temple.  The blessings, the knowledge, the peace, the comfort, the answers- they are waiting!  He is waiting! You will never regret making the time to go but you will always regret not making the time to go.

If you feel like you are missing something in your life, if you feel spiritually starved, if you need help you can't seem to find anywhere else, visit the temple!  If you feel like you cannot make the time to attend, schedule it in and make it happen!  You will never regret it.

I am so lucky to have a temple close by and that I am in a season of life that allows me to attend regularly.  My life is enhanced each time I visit.  And your's can be too.

Kitchen Favorites

Much of my day is spent in the kitchen.  It's the heart of our home and where much of the action takes place.  I'm sure that's the case for home families.  But because so much of my time is spent there, I have found that over time I have a few items or products that have become my favorites.

Have you ever used one of these scrapers?  I was given one by a friend once and fell in love!  It's perfect for scraping sticky messes up while mopping, crusty food from dishes, the edges of your pots and pans and so much more!

I know silicone baking mats are super popular right now so I guess I'm a little old-fashioned for loving parchment paper.  I love that once you're done baking you just crumble it up and throw it away! No dishes!  I love to line the bottom and edges of my pan with it before adding brownie batter.  When the brownies are done and have cooled down just lift them out and they'll be easy to cut!  And they won't stick!

Here's another favorite I was introduced to by a friend.  These liners make crockpot meals that much easier!  Once dinner is finished just lift the liner out, throw it away and give the crockpot bowl a quick wash.  The usually-hard-to-wash-stuff will be thrown out with the liner so you'll just have to wash any condensation that may have built up between the liner and the bowl.

The black mat from my Happiness Hacks post is back!  I don't have to repeat why I love it.  It's a definitely a favorite right now!  And that white shelf that sits on top of it is worth mentioning as well.  It gives you a little extra storage space under the sink.

I love these drawer organizers.  My kids have no excuse to put utensils in the wrong spot when everything has clearly it's place.

I use smaller ones in a cabinet to keep pill bottles, bandaids and loose pill packages stored neatly.

Because I washed dishes by hand for so many years I would not settle for mediocre dish soap.  The one and only soap I used and still use to this day is Dawn- the original blue stuff.  No fancy smells or colors.  Nothing cuts grease and gets the job done like Dawn does!

I'm cheating a little bit here because I don't actually own a Brown Sugar Bear, but I am going to buy one soon!  My friend had one sitting on her counter the other day and explained its purpose to me.  Just toss it in your brown sugar container and it will keep it moist!  Um, yes!

Ten Quick Ways to Boost Your Day

I often feel like I am running on a hamster wheel; I'm running as fast as I can but never getting anywhere!  I really don't think that the Lord intended for us to feel that way.  Life is worth enjoying!  Yes, there is a lot of work that has to happen to keep things moving, but it's up to us to keep life exciting.  Here are a few things I do when I feel like I'm running on that hamster wheel.

1.  Start your day off right!  Start it off with exercise.  Get your mind working and wake up!  Then pray and read your scriptures.  This triple combination is a surefire way to feel productive before the sun even comes up.

2.  Leave the house.  If you're feeling a little too much routine happening and not enough enjoyment- leave!  Leave the house and go somewhere.  Go for a drive, go to the store, take your kids to get a treat, just get away!  I remember my sister-in-law telling me that when the house is messy and she just can't deal with it that she leaves.  She escapes her duties for a bit, gives her self a short change of scenery, recharges her battery then heads home.  Once she is home she feels ready to tackle the rest of the day.

3.  Communicate with someone.  Reach out to an old friend, call a cousin, write a note to your grandma, send a text to someone you haven't talked to in a while (I literally just did this!!), the possibilities are endless.  I FaceTime my mom several times a week.  We visit about our day and laugh together for a few minutes and it's just the medicine to lift my day and give me a little boost.

4.  Watch a YouTube video or Netflix show.  This is something I love to do while I do housework.  During Christmastime, I watch Hallmark Christmas movies on YouTube.  They're super cheesy and always have the same storyline, but they are clean and for the most part, keep my interest.  I also watch shows like The Andy Griffith Show on Netflix while I work.  The important thing is to not choose something suspenseful or that requires you to keep your eyes on the screen.  You want to watch something that you can walk away from for a moment and not feel like you're lost.

5.  Go visit someone.  My sister and I do this from time to time.  We'll call each other up and say that the kids are fighting and need a change of scenery or that we need a little "sister time."  Spending a few minutes in someone else's home and watching them move through the day often gives you the motivation to go home and try again.

6.  Get ready.  Make sure you always get dressed, apply your makeup and do your hair.  Nothing slows me down like wearing pajamas and feeling sloppy.  I do feel it's easier to tackle household work before I shower and get ready for the day, but don't stay that way!  Nothing makes you want to hide out more than not looking presentable.

7.  Go somewhere with a friend.  I'm sort of a homebody and I don't really put myself out there.  But there have been times when I have agreed to go to lunch with a friend or invite a friend to meet me at the park so our kids can play and you know what?  It's always enjoyable!  Chatting with a friend is a great way to recharge.  If you're interested in making new friends listen to this podcast!

8.  Caffeine.  Not everyone will agree with me on this, but I know my Mom will!  When I am feeling sluggish or unmotivated I know it's time for a little pick me up.  My mom introduced me to Crystal Light Energy drink mixes and it's been great!  We often laugh about the things we can accomplish because of Crystal Light!  It takes me quite a while to finish 16 ounces so I have an energy boost that lasts me a few hours.

9.  Changing something up.  Move your furniture around, switch your decorations around, change your pictures out- do something (very!) simple to change your scenery.  This is not the time for big projects!  Just give yourself a little something different and pleasant to look at.

10.  Pray.  Last, but certainly not least, if you are really in a slump then pray.  Ask Heavenly Father to help you overcome your feelings and give you an opportunity to feel boosted.  He wants you to be happy!  If you ask, He will provide.

Podcasts worth listening to

Podcasts are huge right now!  Do people even listen to talk radio anymore?  Since I am always on the hunt for something uplighting and interesting to listen to I want to share a few of my current favorite podcasts.

I've waxed poetic about Happier with Gretchen Rubin.  Her sister and co-host, Elizabeth, reminds me of myself.  She doesn't want to overcommit herself or take on too much.  I love her realistic point of view on life.

I recently stumbled upon Young House Love Has a Podcast.  It's a new favorite!  It's easy to listen to and John and Sherry offer fun and realistic solutions for everything from decorating to what to have available for house guests to date night ideas.

The Simple Show gives a lot of food for thought.  It's made me really think about the things I say yes and no to in my life.  Tsh and a variety of co-hosts offer simple ideas to make life easier.  Today I listened to their podcast on road tripping and got some great ideas!  I will definitely be downloading the Roadtrip America app next time we take a trip!

I definitely don't have an entrepreneurial bone in my body but I do like listening to stories about those who do.  How I Built This is great because Guy Raz, the host, interviews the person behind big companies, companies you don't really think have a "story."  One of my favorite episodes is with Herb Kelleher, the founder of Southwest Airlines.  It's such a huge company that you don't naturally think about its built-from-the-ground-up story.

I would never claim to be a great writer.  I type fast and often sloppy.  But, I am a word nerd.  The Grammar Girl podcast is a goldmine of information about proper punctaion usage, spelling, grammer, etc.  Did you know that America is the only country that says "Legos" instead of "Lego"?  Just a little Grammar Girl nugget.

I kind of hesitate to share The Lazy Genius podcast because I haven't listened to very many episodes, but so far what I have heard deserves two thumbs up!  It seems like Kendra (an occasional co-host on The Simple Show) gets "it".  She knows that life is busy and that people will often take the path of least resistance.  She practically leads the way!  And I am happy to follow.

My Beehives

L to R: Nakai, Trinity, Rylie, Kailie, me, Lori, Brylee, Rilee, Addie, Stephanie and Serena.

Before I was called to work with the Beehives I was serving as an Activity Days leader.  Things were going well, I was happy with my partner and I loved the flexibility.  One day out of the blue, I was consumed with thoughts of mutual activity ideas and concern for the Beehives, girls I knew well because I had had them in Activity Days.  I thought it was odd but was then overcome with the feeling that I would be their next leader.  It came as no surprise when Jared approached me a few days later and asked what I thought about serving in Young Women.  Logistically it wouldn't be easy for our family but I knew it was where I needed to be.  And boy, how I have loved it!

In the past year, I have seen a few of the girls move into Mia Maids and have also welcomed a few new ones into Beehives, including Addie.  I never thought a group of 12 and 13-year-old girls could have such a big piece of my heart!  The friendships I have made with the girls have been so rewarding.  One of them recently came to me with a serious life problem and poured her heart out to me.  As good of a relationship I feel we have already had, I don't think she would have come to me if we had not strengthened that through Young Women.

We've had so many opportunities to bond, it's been incredible.  No matter how their lives turn out I hope they will know that Sister Hatch loves them and will always be there- a constant in their lives they can always return to.

Serena brought her phone to mutual one evening just so she could take a picture with me.

Me, Rylie, Trinity, and Serena.   

These cute sisters deserve a post all their own.  One afternoon they surprised me with this candygram.  I don't know why they show me so much love but I am thankful they do!  They randomly show up at my house for a visit and it's always so pleasant.  The other night they showed up for a visit.  Serena mentioned that she was wearing slippers because of an ingrown toenail.  It was long before Jared was down at her foot digging out one of the biggest and worst ingrown toenails we have ever seen!  I'm not sure if Jared liked me giving him the job, but we do tease him for being good at removing ingrown toenails.  And Serena has been happy and pain-free ever since!

About mom

(Another treasure from the drafts file!  1.16.2011)

My friend Amber did a cute little tag and tagged anyone who has kids that could talk. (And I do the same.) I decided to find out what Addie really thinks of me so here it is!

Kimber
1. What does mom always say to you?
Not for a while

2. What makes mom happy?
Getting Tickled

3. What makes mom sad?
Getting hit

4. How does mom make you laugh?
Tickling

5. How old is mom?
4

6. How tall is mom?
This tall...or this tall....or this tall  {As she motions downward with her hand}

7. What does mom like to do?
Play Memory with you

8. What is mom's job?
Do something on the computer

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Hot Tamales

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
Give you a kiss and a hug

Addie:
1. What does mom always say to you?
Clean something

2. What makes mom happy?
When I help you

3. What makes mom sad?
When I get hurt really bad or you don't get to see me when you have a baby in the hospital

4. How does mom make you laugh?
When Lucy does something funny

5. How old is mom?
28

6. How tall is mom?
That's a hard one.  30?

7. What does mom like to do?
Play with us

8. What is mom's job?
Cleaning the house

9. What is mom's favorite food?
Popcorn

10. How do you know your mom loves you?
You give me a hug and I give you a hug

Happiness Hacks

One of my favorite podcasts is "Happier with Gretchen Rubin".  On the podcast they offer "happiness hacks"- quick ideas that make life easier or more pleasant.  According to Gretchen's Four Tendencies quiz I am a questioner, which in part means I am always looking for ways to improve something or make it easier.  So over time I have collected quite a few of my own happiness hacks.  Here are a few:

First off is the Drop Stop.  An insert that fit snugly between your seat and center console preventing crumbs, keys, phones, change, etc from slipping into the pit of darkness.

Along the same lines is that black mat I use under my kitchen sink.  My disposal gave me a few fits lately, dripping moldy and rotten water.  It happened twice within a short amount of time!  Gross!  To prevent further stench and avoid damage, I set out to find a solution.  I came across this shoe mat at Walmart one day and for under $5 it was the perfect solution!  It works like a charm!  I can set my dish wand on it and not worry about it getting the wood wet.

I love chapstick!  I apply is several time through out the day.  One way to ensure it's always available is to have located in several places throughout the house.  The two most important places I keep them are in my nightstand and in the kitchen windowsill.

For some reason we have a lot of socks in our house.  And so many of them do not have mates.  I'll never understand how that happens!  One way to minimize the problem is to have a sock bin.  I keep one on the dryer so as I am folding clothes I can toss singles in until the match comes through in another load.  Every few weeks I go through the bin and anything that hasn't been matched in a while goes to the trash.  No sense in keeping a single sock around!

There's not such thing as having the best of both worlds when it comes to sleep.  You can't be an night owl and an early riser- at least not for long before you crash.  The older I get the more I come to enjoy getting up and going to bed early.  I like to be up no later than 5:15, get my exercise done, pray, read and have a few minutes to myself before getting my kids up for school.  It's been a few weeks since I've been able to do this (too many late nights) but boy, it's my favorite way to start the day!

For the past year or so I have been treating myself to a manicure once a month.  It only takes an hour and the girl that does my nails is so pleasant.  Having nicely painted nails and spending an hour with Kasee brings me a lot of joy!  

I used to plan four weeks of meals at one time.  Sometimes it was easy and other times it was a real struggle.  I've changed my method to only planning one week at a time.  It actually comes out to only five meals because of date night (we call it freezer night because the kids get to eat anything that can be cooked at 425 degrees, haha!) and Sunday dinner at the Hatch's.  Taking smaller bites of this task has made life much happier!

Divine Signatures

A few weeks ago in Fast and Testimony meeting a former bishop of our's mentioned a book called "Divine Signatures."  A book about miracles, coincidences (there is no such thing.  I just don't have a better word), and the tender mercies of the Lord.

He told a personal story of a time when he needed to see the hand of the Lord in his life as a way of knowing he was in the right path.  The Papermill had closed down resulting in his job loss and his wife having to go to work.  He had bought some calves hoping to raise them then turn around and sell them for a profit.  He began to question his decision to pursue that and one morning knelt on the living room floor asking the Lord to give him a "divine signature" so he could know he was on the right path.  Two days later he sold the calves for above market value and made a nice profit!

His story and the mention of the book piqued my interest.  I downloaded a copy of the book onto my Deseretbook app and although I am not a reader by nature, I dove in and started reading.  The stories shared of the miracles and tender mercies people experienced were truly inspiring!  The author shares dozen of stories throughout the book that reflect the love and care He has for us.  The author mentions again and again that He wants to bless us!

Little did I know that just a few short days later I would need my own divine signature.

Last Wednesday I learned of a concerning fact that would greatly impact my little family if it was not resolved by the middle of this week.  I was sick to my stomach!  I kept it all to myself so no one else would be worried but the burden was heavy.  I began asking Heavenly Father to send me a divine signature.  I truly wearied him with my prayers.  In the book the author tells of a time he needed something so much that he decided to fast every other day until the situation was resolved.  He only had to fast twice and his problem was solved- it actually turned out so much better than he could have ever thought!

I decided I would try the same approach.  On Thursday, Saturday and Monday I fasted.  No one knew but me.  I spent many hours on my knees praying, silently praying, pleading, putting my faith in action and hoping I wasn't foolishly looking for a miracle.  I didn't want a miracle, I wanted a divine signature of his hand in my life!

Last night I told Heavenly Father what my plan for the day was and hoped that He would send that signature when I needed it the most.  I had to face the music this morning and make a phone call to find out the news.  My hands were shaking, I could barely hold it together, I was nervous beyond words and I was afraid that the signature may not come.  I knew it wasn't because He wasn't aware of me or that he hadn't heard my prayers, but that maybe it wasn't time.  Or many because of the agency of others it wasn't meant to be.

It took all I had to dial the phone!  The phone rang, I explained the reason for my call and after (what seemed like) a long pause, the man on the other end gave me the news.  He had no idea that on the other end of the phone I was feeling very humbled and almost speechless!  Heavenly Father had heard my prayers!  He had sent that divine signature!  I could barely get off of my knees after offering the most heartfelt prayer of gratitude I have ever offered.

He is so kind.  So very very kind.

If you feel you need some proof that He is aware of you and your circumstances in your life, put this to the test.  He is waiting to bless you.

Future Firsts

Another treasure from the drafts folder.  How fun is this?  I'll have to do it again and get Lucy's list of firsts too.

Addie:

First job-
Secretary at McClaran's

First boy to take you on a date-
Kyson Perry or Davyn McCray

Color of your first prom dress-
Turquoise

First car-

Kimber:

First job-
Secretary

First boy to take you on a date-
Aiden Coor

Color of first prom dress-
Hot pink

First car-

Taking a break from Instagram

I've always treaded lightly when it comes to social media.  I had a Facebook account for a short time but never used it and ended up permanently deleting my account.  I have never missed it!  However, I do have two Instagram accounts; an account where I follow friends and family and they follow me and a private account with one follower, my good friend Raygon, where I post regularly as a way of journaling our family life.  Those pictures are printed into a Chatbook series that we fan through often to reflect on good times and memories.

I've tried to be careful with my usage of Instagram, never checking it too many times in a day or letting it become an addition.  I can't say I was perfect at those things, but I tried!  It is fun to check in on my family to see what's new with them or to see what new adventures my friends were having.  But over time it began to wear on me.  To put it boldly, it left me feeling fat and boring!  Women, even friends and family, were posting just the "right" picture- perfect smile, hair in place, tummy in and face pulled forward so no double chin is visible.  And September must have been the month to be at Disneyland, because oh my!  It seemed like everyone was there!  Everyone but me, that is.

I was beginning to feel like everyone had it better- more time to travel, exercise, hang with friends, go on exciting dates with her husband, be organized, make great meals and treats for their family, etc.  Within minutes of me having this realization I decided I needed to take a hiatus from Instagram and before I knew it the app was gone!

That happened on September 22nd.  I have never decided how long this hiatus would last.  I have considered never going back but I do enjoy the connection with my family.  It could last another week or month or longer.  When I feel like I am ready to face the big bad world of social media, I'll go back.

During this time I've had some realizations that have helped me change how I will handle Instagram when I go back:

• Naturally, people really only post their highlights.  No one wants to share their rock bottom moments with the world, of course.  But I need to take the things that are shared at face value.  Out of thirty pictures taken within a 15 second timeframe, a person is going to chose the very best photo out of the bunch.  I don't blame them, but I have to remember that.

• I am careful who I follow or who follows me, but I am going to reduce it even more.  I think I currently follow two "influencers".  They're actually pretty fun to watch but they are two of the people doing so many of the fun things so often that they'll have to go bye bye.  I am going to unfollow anyone I don't feel makes me life better after seeing their posts.  And I will relinquish their permission to follow me as well.  

• I want to show more of my real life.  No more framing pictures in a way that hides the pile of dirty clothes or dishes.  No more hiding my no makeup face or messy haired kids.  It'll just be us being us. 

• I want to use my account as a platform to share more of my beliefs and my testimony.  I want others to feel uplifted after seeing something I've shared.

• I am who I am and I have to be comfortable with that.  I'm just not the mom who leaves my kids on a regular basis to take exotic vacations alone with my husband or leave for a weekend long girls trip to some fun destination.  I'm not that mom who has a totally fit body and eats salad for every meal.  I don't wear amazing outfits every day.  I'm just me.  I'm overly involved in my kids' lives, I exercise but always in moderation, I eat good but allow myself to enjoy treats, I don't have the best wardrobe but I always dress modestly.  And honestly, those are the things that matter.

Elder Stevenson's talk in General Conference was just perfect for my situation.  He talked about reality vs. what is portrayed on social media.  I loved these words from his talk:

"Many (if not most) of the pictures posted on social media tend to portray life at its very best—often unrealistically. We have all seen beautiful images of home decor, wonderful vacation spots, smiling selfies, elaborate food preparation, and seemingly unattainable body images.

Here, for example, is an image that you might see on someone’s social media account. However, it doesn’t quite capture the full picture of what is actually going on in real life.

Comparing our own seemingly average existence with others’ well-edited, perfectly crafted lives as represented on social media may leave us with feelings of discouragement, envy, and even failure...

With so many appropriate and inspired uses of technology, let us use it to teach, inspire, and lift ourselves and to encourage others to become their finest—rather than to portray our idealized virtual selves. Let us also teach and demonstrate the righteous use of technology to the rising generation and warn against the associated hazards and destructive use of it. Viewing social media through the lens of the gospel can prevent it from becoming a spiritual eclipse in our lives."

He said it perfectly!  And if you want more, watch his address to the women at BYU Women's Conference.

It' s been a breath of fresh air to take the comparison trap out of my life.  I have been better focused on things that matter and overall felt better about myself.  When I do go back I will be armed with new knowledge and ready to try to "teach, inspire, and lift ourselves and to encourage others to become their finest."

At least that is my hope.