Channeling my inner Mary Poppins

"For every job to be done, there is an element of fun; you find that fun, and SNAP! The job's a game!"

I'm attempting to channel my inner Mary Poppins. I enjoy the results of housework and laundry, I'm just still attempting to find the joy in the doing! The children are getting older, so they can help more around the house so it's not ALL me.  But let's face it! There are still seven people living in this house and no matter what I do, there are ALWAYS messes to clean up - particularly from two very busy and mischievous 3 yr and 19 month old toddlers.

That being said, I'm only going to have this time in my life once. I'm trying to keep in mind that I will have years and years of no constant giggles and running feet, no bedtime snuggles, no sweet voices saying, "I love you mommy," no kissing of owies to make it all better...sure there will be grandkids eventually, but I'll only have this time for a for more precious years...

So here's to channeling my inner Mary Poppins, and making a game for myself of the chaos and mess, and trying to enjoy this time of life-no matter how draining or frustrating it can feel at times!! Although let's be honest, it'd be awesome to snap my fingers and have the toys put away themselves. :)

Consistency

Being consistent is SO very hard for me. Whether it's journaling, daily scripture study, exercising, following through on making my kids practice piano, do their homework, etc. Being consistent is my personal nemesis.

I've gone through different phases over the years. Sometimes I've given up and just embraced my failings. Other times I've pushed through and overcome (for a while anyway). :) I figure if I just keep trying, eventually I'll come off conqueror, right???

Meanwhile, I've had to schedule the kid's piano lessons like I do for my other students, with a set time each week. And I'm trying to make a concerted effort to get better on one more thing at a time.

What's your personal nemesis?

Theme of the year

I know it's typical to have New year's resolutions and pick a theme for the year in January. But I picked up a sign at Seagull Book and put it above my kitchen sink so I could read it every day (several times, really). It says, "Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not; but remember that what you now have was once among things hoped for." -Epicurus

So I'm making it my new theme for the rest of this year and 2014. It's so easy to forget and become dissatisfied. It's easy to covet others lives, things, talents, etc. I'm so guilty of wishing away today in favor of the dreams of tomorrow. That's not saying dreams are bad! Dreams and goals are essential in life. I just don't appreciate the present as much as I know I need to. That's the beauty of this life-we learn and grow and fail and fall only to get back up and try again. I'm grateful for those little moments and reminders we are provided to get ourselves back on track! Carpe diem, peeps! :)

How about you? Do you have a theme, or motto? Are you looking for one?