Filling My Well

Elder Ballard gave one of the only talks in General Conference that I could actually hear over crying, screaming, and laughing children. Thankfully, it was specifically the talk that I needed to hear. One of the things he told mothers to do is to make sure that we fill up our wells so that we have the ability to deal with everything that life brings.

As I felt overwhelmed by children, and life in general, I decided to sit down and figure out some things that I am doing to replenish my spirit.

1. Play the piano: This is a challenge because every time I sit down to play, Ryan immediately feels like he needs to do it too. But there are few things that make me feel better than spending a few minutes playing favorite songs or learning a new one (I just learned a new Beethoven sonata).
2. Read: I try to sneak a chapter or article in frequently throughout the day, although that's not nearly as relaxing as being able to curl up on the couch with a book after the kids go to bed.
3. Book clubs: In the last couple of months, I've joined a couple of book clubs, and I'm loving every second of it. I'm reading books I might never otherwise and get to discuss them with intelligent and fun women. :D
4. Family and friend dinners/activities: I love spending time with my family and friends and eating good food. But I've also been loving getting together with Keri and Sadie (and sometimes Mom, Ruth, and Graden) to do things once a week. We've been to Wheeler Farm, the Hogle Zoo, the Utah Museum of Natural History, the Bean Museum, and the Museum of Art. Tons of free fun! And I love getting together with Jenny and Dylan once a week too! I get to gab and nosh, and she's so great with my kids, I just feel so much more relaxed. And I'm really looking forward to spending time with Mom and sisters at the Scrapbook Expo tomorrow (thanks, Megan, for taking Ryan so I can go!).
   
5. Talking to Nate: I love hanging out with him, and I really don't care what we're doing. I love going out for lunch once a week and watching movies together. I'm lucky to spend so much time with my best friend.
   

All of these things are great, and I certainly wouldn't survive without quality adult time and some quality alone time. But I have a list of things that I would like to do too.

1. Travel: I love to travel, and the only thing we've been talking about in our house the last few weeks is our trip to California. We'll get to spend some time with family in Vegas and LA, go to the beach, and visit the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Universal Studios, and Disneyland. It will be a whirlwind, but I can't wait! :D And we're planning on doing some camping and hiking this summer, so we can get away from the house without spending a lot of money.
2. Guitar: I've had a guitar for a long time and the idea of learning how to play has really intimidated me. However, I've decided to make great strides and start learning it this year.
3. Cooking club: I love to cook (most of the time), and my friend Juli, who invited me to one of the book clubs, invited me to her cooking club as well. She gets together with friends and family once every month or two to learn new recipes and tips based around a theme. I'm excited to get involved.

Thanks to all of you! You make a difference in my life. You help to fill my well, expose me to new ideas, and make me a better person and mom!