Day 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, and 61 (How embarrassing...)

I can't believe that I have slacked off doing this blog for over a week! I didn't realize it had gotten so bad. Sheesh.
So obviously I'm not going to be able to remember all that happened. We've had sick kids the past few days and that hasn't been fun for them. Luke threw up Wednesday night and was down, down, down on Thursday. He was so lethargic, poor guy. Logan and Rebecca both threw up in bed last night, but were surprisingly peppy today considering how Luke had been. I was grateful because Logan was able to go trick or treating instead of missing out. Phew. That wouldn't have been easy to explain to the boy. He seemed a little more down tonight and even put himself to bed early, so I hope he's feeling better by morning.
We had fun the past couple of days too. We won the top prize for our Creamy White chili at the the 3rd Ward chili cook off last night and that was lots of fun. :o) We also enjoyed Halloween today. I cleaned about half the kitchen and then carved the pumpkin all by my self with no help from Ross! Yay me! We even got some compliments on it. The carving fell to me because Ross was FINALLY able to sand the closet and PRIME IT! HOOOOOOOORAY! That feels like progress that we have really needed and since this blog is about logging progress in our lives, I am so happy to report that that happened. He also gave the room a second coat of the blue paint. We'll get this ball rolling fast!
Tomorrow is Sunday and I'm hoping that Samantha does better in the Primary program practice. She had a really difficult time last week because it was out of the ordinary for her. I need to be a better parent and figure out ways to help her instead of feeling like I have no idea what to do.
To bed! Extra hour tonight. Yay!

Day 52 because I didn't want to yesterday and today Day 53

Yesterday. Great. Now I have to wrack my brain and think about what I did. I made dinner for Ross and unfortunately that seems to be happening very little lately so I'm glad I put for the effort even if it was a box meal.
I also looked into FusionCash again and meant to talk to Ross about it, but I ordered some Wise Men candle holders and it took more than an hour because I had to make some changes with our PayPal account and I was online doing that and then on hold withe company forever, blah, blah, blah. It was ridiculous, but I'm glad I got it done and the order went through.
Today was nuts, but fine. We were REALLY late for Samantha's occupational therapy because of my disorganization and four crazy little kids. I'll have to do better next week.
The day went on with a trip to Wal-Mart and to the office to visit and we all watched a movie and had pizza tonight.
Ross and I also had a good talk. Didn't mean to launch into it with him, but when do I? We talked about our huge needs to make our lives better and push each other. I also brought up having another baby. Crazy, but true. Feels good to talk to him about it finally after having the thoughts spin around in my head for the last few months. We'll pray and ponder it and see what the Lord has in store for us. :o)

Day 51

I felt sick ALL day long. Still do actually. My biggest accomplishment today was watching three extra kids plus my four and not letting any fights break out. Weird day.
Love my husband and kids though. They are all pretty great.

Day 50

Logan's birthday! Didn't exercise due to extra time being non-existent, but if I didn't burn some calories cleaning house I'm gonna be really upset! :o)
Ready to get to a point where I'm not scrambling to clean my filthy house before a party, but I'm glad for what I got done today.
Tired. Going to bed. Complete sentences hard.

Day 49

Today I did something I've been wanting to for a while now. I got up and exercised BEFORE my kids got up! Granted, all I did was my treadmill, but it helped! I also did my Shred dvd, but not until Ross and Samantha left. Still progress.
I told Ross tonight that in regard to the changes I'm trying to make that I don't feel like I'm chipping away at them, but at least they are "flaking" off. :o)
This is hard and I still have SO far to go. I think I need to put my faith in the Lord more. Okay, I know that I need to put my faith in the Lord more.
Logan's birthday tomorrow. Should be an interesting post tomorrow...
:o)

Day 48

Good day. Tiring morning. Kids were crazy at Stake Conference. Good dinner (Boiled English) and pie (California boysenberry) at my parents' house. Best part of the day? Kids in bed by 7:45. Woo-hoo!

Day 47

We slept in today for some reason, but Ross then worked hard on getting the yard ready for winter. After that he sanded down the closet (again) and mudded it (again). He primed the ceiling one more time and planned on sanding what he had mudded inthe closet, but it wasn't dry enough.
He says that after he sands one more time the closet is officially done! HOOOOOORAY! Anything that gets us closer to using our family room is a good thing. So even though I personally didn't do it, it still feels good to be progressing.
While Ross was busy, I was making a cd of songs for the kids which we then cleaned the living room to. It helped the kids get into the cleaning a little more willingly and that made me happy. I mostly scrambled around doing mommy things with them like getting lunch, snacks, movies, etc. At about 2:45, I finally decided to exercise because I missed yesterday and didn't want to waste completely the effort I put forth Wednesday and Thursday. It took until about 4:30 because I did my treadmill and my 30 Day Shred, but I'm glad I did it. My eating habits can use some improvement, but at least I'm doing something good for my body.
We also picked up a cake for Logan's b-day. I need to get on the planning of that!!!
Stake conference is tomorrow and I really hope it is something I can listen to and the kids can be good for. :o)

Day 46

I had a nice date tonight with my husband, courtesy of my parents. We got to go see the BYU interpretive dancers. (Not sure what their official title is.) It was entertaining and a little wierd at times, but they were very talented dancers. Mostly it was nice to enjoy the evening with Ross and not worry about the kids.
My day was not as productive as one would hope and that's always frustrating. It wasn't awful, but I am obviously still struggling. I should focus on the positive, but I know I also need to work harder so that there's more positives to focus on!
Saturday tomorrow. Hooray!

Day 45

I exercised again today and hurt a lot. Day two is never fun. I'm hoping to feel better tomorrow.
Samantha was home from school today and that's nice, but one more always makes things interesting. She's got OT in the morning and I'm hoping that goes well.
As always, looking forward to striving harder when the new day dawns.

Day 44

My attempts at routine have been less than stellar. Mostly my routine is still just a scatterbrained mess, but I am grateful when I at least feel like I accomplish something. Today was that kind of day.
Samantha and I got off to a slow start, thanks again to Rebecca waking up in the middle of the night. (Only this time I just couldn't get back to sleep on my own rather than her being awake with me.) I got Samantha ready and out the door with Ross, ate breakfast and started in on my normal "morning computer time" for a while. I decided to exercise and by about 9:20 I was finally ready to walk on my treadmill for about 35 minutes. I felt like I worked pretty hard, but I am sure I'll be feeling it tomorrow. More so, however, I think I'll be feeling my 30 Day Shred workout. I just did it with my 3 little kids there with me. It was a little difficult and I accidently thwacked Luke with my arm while swinging it around like a windmill, but that was the biggest problem and I felt good that I'd done it.
I also spent a lot of time this afternoon and evening making the picture schedule for Samantha. I only have the bedtime routine done, but it's looking good and I hope and pray it will help. I still have 3 more to make after I finish hers, but oh well. I'm excited to try them out.
I'll be even happier when I can work my life into the good habits and routines that I desire, but I'm feeling like the Lord helped me out a lot today and that I am taking steps in the right direction!

Day 43

Today was stressful. I'm having trouble in my calling and I'm feeling horrible about it. It's not always easy to work with someone else when your ideas just don't seem to mesh. I'm thinking that I need to pray more about it and be more Christlike. Still hard though.
I don't even know what I did today. Feels like not much. I took out the picture cards to make the bedtime and morning routines for the kids. That's a tiny bit of progress. I'm sure I'll work hard on them tomorrow. Gotta be optimistic I guess!

Day 42

Ross and I watched a talk tonight by M. Russell Ballard from the Priesthood session of General Conference. He'd already seen it, but wanted to watch it again. It was talking about Fathers and Sons and things they could do to improve and sustain their relationships. Ross and I talked about it and found many ways we can apply the counsel in our own lives and for our situation.
I felt slightly more ambitious today than normal and that was good. Not perfect by any means, but better than before. I was dressed and had my hair and make-up done before noon. That's huge for me! Sad, but true.
Ross and I talked a little about finances and about my needs in my FlyLady efforts. Both need work, but I'm feeling positive about be able to make the changes I need to.

Day 41 and Day 40 because I forgot again...

Yesterday went fine. Ross let me exercise and that helped. It hurt more than the day before, but I pushed through it and that felt good. I let him work on the closet for a little over an hour and then we went to Caleb's baptism, cookies and sandwiches afterward, and then grocery shopping.
Today was a good day too. It was Fast Sunday and we had a really good meeting. Lots of people getting up. I even did, although it was a race with other people. Luke followed me up and that made for an adventure, but oh well.
Ross helped me clean the kitchen tonight. It was funny how we got into a little tiff over it at first, but he really did help me to be able to face the day tomorrow with a little more bravery.
I am unfortunately up too late again tonight, but I'll make up for it tomorrow. I hope...

Day 39

What did I do today? Oh, I did exercise! Wonder of wonders! Miracle of miracles! I just decided at about 9:45 before I hopped into the shower this morning that I'd exercise first instead of making an excuse to skip it AGAIN. So I walked a little over 2 miles. Felt good. I'm sure I probably should have gotten on the treadmill again this evening, but oh well.
I was also good at not eating too much today. I avoided the treats and chewed some gum this after noon to keep my sweet craving at bay. It's silly that I love eating such big portions. Hard to feel full when I'm not giving into "Ray Lay Syndrome" (good ol' Grandpa) and eating just because it's still on the table in front of me.
Still struggling with the housework. I'm slipping up on my FlyLady efforts. However, I know at least this time I'm not waiting until the start of another new month to start up the Baby Steps again. I'll just "jump in from where I am" as the FL website always says.
Saturday tomorrow. Here's to being productive!

Day 38

I seem to have moments of motivation and then -- nothing. It gets frustrating. I'd like to feel that I EVER had drive and ambition, but it seems to be a trial in my life that I'm so unmotivated all the time. I know that I'm whining, but oh well.
I looked at the survey stuff I was sent in e-mails today and got a little more confused by it. I couldn't seem to load the page I needed for the cash surveys. It's still something I want to do, but I hope it doesn't get so difficult every time I try to do one.
Looked through my FlyLady stuff again. I'm glad I've already purchased the Control Journal. It gives me the push I need to not give up just because I'm struggling again.

Day 37

Good things done today:
Watched 6 kids 5 and under again. Dealt with a VERY unhappy 1 year old. Poor little guy.
Did some laundry and even folded some clothes.
Encouraged Ross to work on the basement and helped him when he needed.
Watched President Dieter F. Utchdorf's talk from the Saturday AM session with Ross.
Had Ross help me sign up and figure out another survey taking website. (Hopefully earning money soon!)

I've gotta focus on the good things because I know I'm slipping in other areas. Determination for tomorrow! :o)

Day 36

It is so hard to make changes! I still need to do a few things for Day 6 of my FlyLady Baby Steps and here it is -- after 10 PM!
Exercising is still a need that's not happening. I need to go to bed in the next few minutes so that I can get up and do it. I'm tired of being fat and tired!
The things that I am feeling good about tonight are that Ross and I took the time to watch Elder Bednar's conference talk tonight. He talked about being "more diligent and concerned at home." He suggested 3 things to help that.
1. Express love and show it.
2. Bear testimony and live it.
3. Be consistent.

We felt good that our Family Home Evenings and family scripture study have been consistent and understood that because of that our kids are learning more than we think. :o)

Also tonight Ross helped me to look into making money online by taking surveys. I signed up for one program and hope it works! It should. I plan on looking into more tomorrow. ANYTHING that brings in a little more money will be great!

Day 35

There's still so much to do to get me in a good place! I am grateful that I'm feeling a little more drive to make these changes. I don't have a lot of ambition yet, but it's more than it used to be.
I'm pecking away at my FlyLady Baby Steps. I didn't do my hair or make-up, but I did wear shoes all day (even when I fell asleep! Whoops!).
One of the things in the baby step for today is to turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Technically I was supposed to write these things down today. I'll have to do that in the morning. My other goal needs to be starting to outline my routine. I guess I've got to take a closer look at what's in store in the next few steps and also read the control journal a little more thoroughly.
Also, EXERCISING!

Day 34

Ross gave Samantha a back to school blessing tonight and so Logan wanted one too. It was pretty cute and sweet. Ross also gave me a blessing that I can work hard and be able to make these changes in our home and family that I'm so desperately trying to make. Personal changes in many ways, but I think they affect the whole family.
Conference was good today, but I know that I need to take the time in the coming weeks to watch or read the talks I missed. There's so many distractions with our little children and I don't make the effort to watch that I should sometimes.
Other than that, we watched the last 3 episodes of Pride and Prejudice together this evening which was very enjoyable, but has kept us up too late.
Gotta go to bed earlier!

Day 33

We had a good day today. Not as productive on my end as I would have hoped, but still nice. We watched and listened to the morning session of conference. Ross was mudding and sanding the closet (again) so it was harder for him to hear, but we at least had it on.
We got some good shopping done today and then Ross dashed to the Priesthood session at the church. I really, really wanted to have the living room picked up by the time he got home, but somehow managed to a let a mess happen right in front of me when Rebecca got into my nail polish and painted her head and hair with it. Fun for me! I got most of it out, but Logan and Luke wanted to climb into the tub too, so doing much else was out of the question. The kids all ended up eating dinner in their jammies. Quite and adventure for the night. Fun though.
As soon as I'm done writing I'm finishing up the FlyLady things for the day and going to bed!
(We've stayed up late watching Pride and Predjudice again. Love doing that, but it kills us in the morning!)

Day 32

I did a lot of cleaning today. Is my house completely clean? Of course not. I'm too far under for that to happen in just one day. I had some kids from the ward coming over and so I worked on the bathroom and the girls' room and I straightened the living room. I also worked on the kitchen, but it still looked awful when the dad of the kids showed up and had to wait for the kids to finish eating snack at my dining table. Ta-da! There was my mess! Oh well. That's why I'm trying to change my habits. I am happy with myself for getting the cleaning done that I did.
On another happy note, I got my FlyLady Control Journal in the mail today. I am excited to look it over and get going on it as I work through the baby steps.
Tomorrow is the start of General Conference. I hope we can get a lot out of it and still get a few other things done!

Day 31

Good day. Did Activity Days. Got more paint. Worked out!!!! Gotta CLEAN, CLEAN, CLEAN tomorrow because I am babysitting some kids from the ward. Ross also helped me by unloading the sink and I wiped it out. FlyLady Baby Step #1: check!