Relief Society Broadcast

Like Amanda, I wanted to share my thoughts on the Broadcast last night. Our stake does a dinner beforehand and it was really nice to be able to go and mingle with our Relief Society women. Doing so before the meeting really increases the atmosphere of sisterhood in my opinion and helps me to feel more connected to the sisters I sit with.

The talks were all wonderful and I really felt uplifted. It always makes me emotional, too. I really loved Sister Beck's talk. I really felt her love and testimony. I loved it when she said that we need to be keeping our covenants, going to the temple, praying, reading our scriptures and living providently and if we do these things, we will be a strong, happy force for good, both individually and collectively.

I noticed how often praying was mentioned - personally and in families. Maybe I just noticed it because that is something I need to do better, and I really came away feeling like and should be more diligent in my personal and family prayers.

My sister mentioned that in the Deseret News, some women commented that the Church asks too much of us as women and that its no wonder why so many mormon women are discouraged. But I felt exactly the opposite last night. I felt encouraged. I felt like I am doing all right, even if there are things I need to work on. I know that Heavenly Father knows our efforts to be the best we can and to build strong families. I could feel that last night. We need to always be changing and improving, adjusting our priorites here and there, and continually doing the best we can. But we are also doing many good things. I could tell that the RS Presidency knows our efforts and applaudes us for them.

If anyone didn't get an opportunity to watch it, read it when the Ensign comes out. It was very good.

Winter is coming ...

So, I had to buy Ana a coat. Last year she was still in her carseat and so mostly we'd just bundle her up with blankets. So, I found this coat at Wal-Mart. I think it is way cute. I bought it a little big so hopefully it will fit her next year too.

Call me a nerd, but I am way excited about this. Dave's family does a newsletter called "TLC [The Larsen Clan] News" published about every month. As I was chatting with his sister that heads the newsletter, we wanted to find a way to get in shape "together." Some other family members expressed interest, so we started the TLC Fitness Challenge. I've sort of taken charge, since it was my idea and because I'm into things like this. What we're doing is keeping track of our exercise minutes, and if we reach 100 hours combined by our family Christmas party, I'm going to bring a surprise for everyone who participates, plus prizes for the ones who do the most. Its really exciting to me. I'm kinda a health "advocate." (I don't use "nut" because I'm not quite as healthy I want to be.) I designed our logo, (Though I'm sure many of you could have done better; I'm still proud of it.) and I'm pretty sure we're going to make t-shirts with it on for the winners. (And one for me just because.)

new babies, again

My other sister had her baby. She has pictures posted here. They named him Seth. I can't wait to see him! They only live 30 minutes away, but I've been waiting to get over a cold. I'll see him soon, I hope.

We saw a really cool rainbow the other day.

It was really cool. The other evening it was raining, but the sun was setting and it lit up the whole side of the hill that the Temple is on. It was so cool, we stopped outside our apartment to look at it. And there was a huge, full bright rainbow. I ran in to get the camera.

I'm a mom

So, yesterday I was sweeping the kitchen floor, and I had to pause a minute to pick up some of Ana's toys. As I bent down it hit me - I'm a mom. I do the mom things all day every day. Yesterday, I cleaned house all day - Ana making a mess in my wake. I make dinner, do laundry and take pride in my home and my daughter. Somedays it seems mundane and tedious and boring. Other days it seems more than I can handle. And some days, its perfect. And its what I always wanted to do.

I talked to my dear cousing Emily yesterday. We are the same age. She works in DC and has so many cool and adventerous experiences. Some days, I read her blog and think "wow, I wish I could do that." But I know that if I was in her shoes, all I would want is to get married and have kids. That's always what I wanted out of life. Sometimes I forget that I already am what I want to be when I grow up.

We invited my old roommate Laura and her husband Jake over for FHE last night. We talked about being your best self and how so often we put ourselves down in front of others instead of letting our light shine. And we put off changing and becoming better until we have more time or until our kids are a little older. I realized that there is no reason why my house is always a mess, or that I can barely find time to play or read with Ana. There is no reason why I can't find time to scrapbook and sew or write thank you notes or whatever else I wish I had time for. Jake said last night, "If we do not do hard things ourselves, the Lord will give us hard things to do." I loved that! It is hard to be a mom, but what greater trial and blessing could Heavenly Father bestow on me.

I'm a mom. And I've resolved to be a better one. To be the mom and wife and Erin that I really want to be, because really, what is stopping me?

If I'd let her, she'd be outside all day...

Of course, I'm sort of that way too. I love being outside. Especially in the warm sunshine. The other night, it was cool and clear and after dinner I took Ana out front to play in the grass. I'm learning to take more pictures of everyday moments like this, even though many don't turn out like I want them too. I liked this picture though.

And here's a video, too.

If you listen you can hear her counting "two, tee!" I love that she is walking. She's so much happier! She seems so much older now, though. Its like in just one week she went from baby to little girl.

New babies

One of my sister's had her baby! This is baby Wyatt born yesterday. Another sister will probably have her baby (another boy) today or tomorrow. Then this winter we'll have 3 more neices born to 2 more sisters and my brother. Gotta love babies...

*i love*

the fall this year. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really enjoying fall this year. I used to not like it because it meant winter was coming. But Ana still likes to play outside so instead of staying in lamenting the cold-ing weather, I've been outside and its actually quite nice. I'm looking forward to the falling leaves, getting one of Amy's pumpkins, and Christmas. And I realized that I like to wear my sweaters, sweatshirts and my coat that I got for Christmas last year.

I also love: my bracelet that I made with my sister's beading stuff. I wear it with pretty much everything. Pride and Prejudice (the book). Just finished it for the 2nd time. Love it!

The long awaited time has arrived.

Ana is walking! I love it! Don't try to tell me I'll regret liking it, because I don't think I ever will.