Getting Organized

I don't know if I ever went into detail as to why I started this blog. The main reason was because I needed something to work on that makes me happy. I like to read Gretchen Rubin's Happiness Project blog and started a happiness project of my own several months ago. One of her suggested goals back in March was "Start a Blog". Well, I already had my family blog that was just a few month old, and I love working on it, so I didn't take the opportunity to start another one at that time.

I'm on my own schedule, as it should be, and last month was my time. I'm not doing this to make any money, but I want to feel as if I can be myself and make a small contribution to society outside the walls of my home. It is a need felt by every Mom that devotes their lives to the care of their family by not working outside the home. At times the world calls, no wait, screams at me to come out and do something useful. It is times like these that I have to remember how important the work that I do in my home really is.

In our 2008 April General Conference, Elder M Russell Ballard reminded all the mothers in my church of the following: "First, recognize that the joy of motherhood comes in moments. There will be hard times and frustrating times. But amid the challenges, there are shining moments of joy and satisfaction...I surely know that there is no role in life more essential and more eternal than that of motherhood."

Author Anna Quindlen reminds us not to rush past the fleeting moments. She said: “The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less” (Loud and Clear [2004], 10–11).

Now that this blog has brought me happiness and not completely died, I want to get organized and improve it a bit. I sat down today and worked up a plan that goes something like this...

Motivational Monday--Post a quote or story that motivates me to keep trying to live healthier. A lot of times my biggest struggle is simply staying motivated to get out and exercise, or pass the candy bar aisle without loading up on junk. So, each Monday I'll post something that I see or hear that gives me the strength to keep walking right past those Almond Joys and Peanut M&M's. (If I have a menu prepared, I will post it on this day.)

Tuesday--Sorry, couldn't think of anything catchy. This will be a main dish recipe day.

Whimsical Wednesday--This day is about the kids and fun stuff in our lives. I will post desserts or other kid friendly recipes. Not all of these recipes will be edible!

Thursday--Once again, nothing cute. (I think I need help with those "T" days!) This will be another main dish recipe day.

Fit Fridays--This is my day of accountability. I will report on how well, or not so well I did with my exercise routine for the week and my healthy eating. I will also use this day to post some of my favorite side dish recipes.

So, this will be the schedule starting on Monday. If you have an suggestions or ideas on how I can make this a great blog, please email me at forloveoffood@hotmail.com and tell your friends to email me too! I need some honest feedback.