When I take a shower and get ready for the day while Natalie is awake, 

this is what the bathroom looks like.

She loves going in and out of the sliding doors on our shower.

 

Today was a much needed peaceful Sabbath day.

 It is so important for me to have that time to step back and look at life through the lens God wants me to, and not the way the world would have me.

We attended church, I was able to study the scriptures and do some indexing, had a nap, and played as a family together. We also visited our dear friends and shared an ice cream bar and walk to the park.

I worry and ponder often if I am doing all that I can or not enough, or too much. 

Being a stay at home mother is awesome and a great privilege, but with it comes it's own set of worries and struggles.

One of the things that is hardest for me is that there isn't a set standard of 

what you need to do each to day to be successful. 

That is totally up to you, your own motivation and your priorities as to what you do.

 I don't know if I am making sense to anyone reading this, but not having set boundaries of what to do to be successful can be stressful for me. 

During college I learned in an education class about different kinds of learners. 

One of these types is those who like to have the specifications laid out before them so they know exactly what they need to do to succeed (or get an A). 

That type of learner would be me.....

Tying this all together, there are tons of voices out there telling you what makes you successful and important as a mother, human being, etc

During the week, I feel like these influences pull me in so many different directions.

I could spend all my time trying to do what others value and find important for a family, 

and still not find the success I am looking for as a mother and the nurturer of my children.

While there are many different good things, ultimately I want to be doing 

the right and best things for my family.

The only one who knows that and can guide me is the Holy Ghost.

 Today helped me  be still and regain my focus on what the Lord needs

 me to be doing for the success of my family.

Taking time to slow down and remember God is one of my favorite parts of our life each week.

Snuggle Buddy

Fed her at 6:30 this morning and crawled back into bed at 7 believing/ hoping I wouldn't be woke back up until 8:30 a.m. After quickly falling asleep, I awoke to a shiver and some grunts. It was only 8. I took a chance and thought maybe she was cold, not hungry. Put her in bed with me and pulled the covers over us hoping for 30 more minutes. Natalie snuggled right up to me, even turning on her side to fit against my chest. Happy to say this lasted another hour. Best part of the day was not the sleep, but rather the cute snuggles and peacefulness of Nat after she got in bed. Love making her happy.

Easter Sunday

Easter was our first Sunday back to church since Natalie had been born. Natalie was great and a beautiful musical number on the piano was played by Sis. Nagle. We watched the World Leadership Training Videos for our fifth Sunday discussion. I loved the council they gave for Priesthood holders, Mothers and families in the video. Click here to watch them.

Earlier that week as a I thought about going to church I was relieved that my dresses still fit, so I would have something to wear. As I thought more on it I realized that if Natalie wanted to eat at any time while at church I would have to strip out of that dress to feed her. It clicked- I am a nursing momma and thus need to adapt my wardrobe.

Saturday I hurried and buy a dress for Natalie and a shirt for me to wear. It was our first shopping experience and I learned jogging strollers do not do well in most stores. Next time I go clothes shopping I will leave her home to play with Dad. Pictures of me in my new mom shirt and Natalie in her first Easter dress.

We snapped these after church. She was more interested in eating than the camera.

Justin and Ruth Blazzard