How 2011 Changed Me

Looking back at this time last year, I'm sad to remember the state of mind my sweet husband and I were in.  But, we followed our family motto, "put our shoulders to the wheel," and came a looooong way over the course of 12 months (and not just in distance, though we did that too!).  The following is an entry from my journal a week and a half ago, you know, back in the dark ages when I didn't have the consolation of my blog:

We had a lovely Christmas!  The few gifts the children got looked small under the tree, but I felt like it was plenty and they were thrilled with what they received.  I'm so glad that my children are humble and grateful and I hope that stays with them always.

I've recently had serious misgivings about buying all the cheap plastic "stuff" at the stores that gets used a few times and is then broken or forgotten about.  I want to only purchase or make items for the children that are good quality and aren't a mindless waste of time.

My Jefe and I have been thinking a lot lately of living in a poor country for a while to serve and help however we can.  Because of our discussions and research I've felt a deep love for Heavenly Father's children all over the world and I've felt a humbling sense of gratitude for all that I have.  We live in an 800 (or less) square foot house and sometimes space is hard to find, so I've been blessing others with the things we don't necessarily need or use, through donations or giving them to friends or family.  Anytime I start thinking that I wish I had more space I remind myself that I am abundantly blessed and definitely have more than I need.

Our family's focus on the Savior during Christmas this year was such a nice change.  Not that we haven't always had our spiritual and religious traditions, but this time I made it a point to keep the Savior on my mind and to remind my children of Him too.

This past year has been about simplifying our life as a family so that we can focus on the important things without so much distraction.  The first thing to go was Jeff's teaching job.  It just plain was NOT worth the stress.  I know people probably still think we're crazy or irresponsible, but I'm telling you it was so difficult to hear the Lord's guidance during that time because our hearts were so full of stress, sadness, and uncertainty.

Next to go were my ideals of what a "perfect life" looked like.  Truly, once I gave up my delusions of what is "normal" or what I thought would make me happy, my vision has been broadened.  I can see so many opportunities for our family that have nothing to do with living in the perfect place or being able to go shopping whenever I feel like spending money.  While I've never been super materialistic, it was still a big step for me.

The next thing we simplified was our schedule... here it comes: Homeschool.  I really cannot sing its praises enough.  There is an occasional day that I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, but then I have days like today when I hear my 8 year-old teaching her 5 year-old sister her colors in Spanish or my 5 year-old teaching her 2 year-old brother his colors in English, and all the many many days when my girls run around holding hands like best friends or I see the light bulb come on during a tough teaching moment and I KNOW I'm doing the right thing.  I could go on for a year about how homeschool has influenced our family for the better.

Mostly, the thing I gained from our goal of simplifying has been the burning testimony of Jesus Christ that I have in my heart these days.  If the Church sent families on missions, I would be SO on it!  For now though I am opening myself up to sharing the gospel through action and example where I can.  My first and foremost recipients are, of course, my babies.  They need my shared testimony as much as any stranger I come across.  I am so grateful for all that my Father in Heaven has blessed my family with.
End of Journal Entry
There are BIG BIG things in store for our family!  I can't wait to share them with everyone sometime this year.  We're in the process of turning our life upside down, shaking it around, and doing things I never would have dreamed of doing just one short year ago.  Stay tuned! 2012 is the beginning of some pretty amazing stuff. (And, Mom, no, I'm not pregnant, thankyouverymuch).