Quarterly Report

Remember my New Year goals? Well, I'm proud to inform you I've since run a marathon, completed my Masters degree and read the entire Bible (yes, even all the begats). Just kidding - April Fools.

In all reality, this first quarter of the year has been mainly survival mode. With a newborn and a 1.5 year old, life has been lived day-to-day. I'm happy to report that each day gets better and our family is definitely getting it's "groove" back. Samuel regularly showers Lillian with kisses, Lillian regularly smiles and coos at me, and Carlin and I have plenty of hugs and kisses to share with everyone.

Spiritually, I have started reading the corresponding lessons for Relief Society each week and find that I am getting more out of Church this way.

For my intellectual growth I read "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. It was a Christmas gift from Carlin's brother and sister-in-law and I loved it. Seriously one of the best books I've read in a while. I loved reading an honest, unbiased look at the people of Afghanistan and Pakistan. It sends a strong message of how important it is to educate people, especially the women of these nations. I am all for education - especially of women and think all women, no matter their nationality, should improve their minds through study and education. I've also started to experiment in the kitchen which leads me to my last goal... physical development.

For this last goal I've studied the Word of Wisdom (a law of health that the LDS church follows). As I've studied I've realized there is more to it than just "don't drink or smoke." It says to "eat meat sparingly" and to not do more than you are capable. With this in mind I have tried to cut meat out of our daily diet, finding "vegetarian" meals to supplement. Beans have just as much protein as meat and are over all a little healthier for you. I've slowly been introducing non-meat meals to our menu and we have been eating lots of vegetables, fruits, and beans. Overall, I'm feeling much healthier and have watched the scale drop a few more pounds. I've also started taking a Yoga class which I find both invigorating and relaxing as it gets me out of the house and strengthens my body. Keeping in mind that I shouldn't push myself too hard, I am easing my way back into exercising. Two c-sections in a year and a half really does a number to your body!

Thanks for reading this post if you've made it this far. I'll report more as the year goes on.