I Just Can't Hide It...

Remember this quote I posted a few weeks ago by Joseph B. Wirthlin?

"Create inspiring, noble, and righteous goals that fire your imagination and create excitement in your heart. And then keep your eye on them. Work consistently towards achieving them."

Perhaps the reason I loved the quote so much is because what he describes just sounded so nice to me at the time (and it still does). I wanted that...whatever it was. But what would that be? How could I accomplish that? I wasn't exactly sure. But I knew there was something I needed in my life to give me that little bit of extra "umph"...to get me moving and excited...to "fire my imagination and create excitement in my heart."

Well, not long after I made that post (at Time Out for Women, actually), a door was opened that led me to finding that thing that would inspire me and create excitement in my heart and fire my imagination. And. I. am. so. excited!

Remember my recent Stream of Consciousness post? Well, the main reason I was up is because of this thing...I was tossing and turning...trying to decide if I should do it or not. It sounded so great and so awesome...but...what if I don't succeed? There seemed to be so many "what ifs" that I was creating in my mind. But I have been praying about it consistently, I have studied it out in my mind, I have weighed the pros and cons (consequently, I couldn't really think of any cons when it got right down to it, and I thought of about a million pros), I talked to a few people about it who I'm really close to, and then last night Stace gave me a priesthood blessing about it.

In the blessing I was told that I would be able to think clearly and make a decision and be confident about it. I was also reminded of Heavenly Father's love for me, and that He believes in me (hearing that could never get old; and I know He feels that way about all of His children).

Well, I have made my decision and I do feel confident about it! I am so excited! I am going to be a personal publishing consultant for a company called Heritage Makers! I am so excited to get working on my first projects and also to share it with others because I know that once people find out about it, they will love it too! Oprah knows about it and she loves it! So much so that she has included it on her "My Favorite Things List" for two years in a row. (And hello, if Oprah loves it, then...who doesn't love it?)! ;)

I am so excited! Have I said that already? :)

PS: if you want to know more about it, watch this, and/or if you want to learn about becoming a consultant, we can do it together! (And it doesn't matter one bit if we don't live in the same town.) Heritage Makers is all about team building and lifting one another up! Just holla at me and I'll give ya the goods! :)

The Elephant

Yesterday I was walking Julian around his nursery showing him all the things on his walls and I got to his dresser and I had barely touched the elephant before he just started CRACKING UP! I said "Stace! Get the video camera!" he ran in and caught this:

The Elephant from Stace Sirmans on Vimeo.

The Good Fortune of Others

Today I had a program on TV called "Music and the Spoken Word" and heard this story and it really struck a chord within me. I have always known it was important to show compassion and love towards those who are struggling, and to comfort those who need comforting. But a few years ago I learned the importance of also feeling and showing love and excitement for those who are experiencing happy and wonderful times in their lives, as well, when someone truly touched my heart by their sincere happiness and excitement for me (would you believe it was over something as simple as a new haircut!?). I loved this story and wanted to share:

"A high school senior answered her phone, just hours before she was to address her graduating class as valedictorian. On the other end she heard a voice she recognized. It was Sandy. She and Sandy often vied for the same honors and positions. Sandy usually took second. But that day, Sandy was first in the eyes of her rival, because of what she said: “I hope you do well today. I know you can do it. I’ll be right there cheering you on.”

Who succeeded that day? Certainly the young woman speaking from the podium was touted as a success. But that afternoon she had learned the lesson of a lifetime from second-place Sandy. Someone wisely said that “one of the sanest, surest, and most generous joys of life comes from being happy over the good fortune of others.”1

How often do we support or applaud those who have succeeded, even if it came at our own expense? Or do we complain and cast a sour comment at their accomplishment? Do we offer true congratulations, or do we enviously shrink from the moment, wishing we had done so well?

It’s easy to extol the success of someone who comes from behind—unless they come from behind us. In our success-driven world we sometimes revel in comparisons and judgments; we seem to think that discounting another’s advances will somehow make us feel better about ourselves.

But life is not a pie with only so many pieces. Celebrating the success of others takes us closer to, not farther from, our own victory. When we invest attention and energy in the people around us, their accomplishments become ours and we’re more likely to fully see and appreciate true greatness.

So the next time a friend or associate is enjoying good fortune, be the one to say, “I’m behind you, and I’m cheering you on."

I like to have a picture with each of my posts (sometimes that doesn't happen). I was trying to think of a picture I could include along with this one, and decided that posting a picture of someone who I think is a good example of the principle talked about in this story was the way to go:

So here is a picture of my beautiful mother-in-law, Elaine. She is such a good example of someone who is always happy for others when something wonderful happens to them. (And for that matter, an example of someone who is also sympathetic and loving when something not-so-good happens to someone:)

Stream of Consciousness at 1 AM

• Sometimes, ya just never know.
• Should I take the risk? What if I fail? If I do do it, will I step on any toes in the process?
• I would rather never take the chance than hurt someone's feelings, or invite any negativity into my life. Maybe I just shouldn't.
• Maybe I could be good at it! Stace says I would be.
  
• I want another baby soon.
• That makes me feel greedy.
• Will we be able to sell this armoire?
• Julian is so amazing. LOVE HIM!
• Boo Boo is teething...my sweet little guy.
• Stace is so smart. Whatever he was trying to explain to me tonight kinda went over my head. But then again I was following it better than usual. Me and numbers have never been friends. I want to understand what he's talking about though.
• I also want to learn to play the piano. Why didn't I have lessons? I did every other activity under the sun, other than music lessons. LAME.
• I want a really good companion study guide for the Book of Mormon. Been meaning to email Bishop Bowcutt and ask if he had any suggestions (other than the institute manual). Should do that now.
• LOST was crazy this week. Kinda ready for it to be over with already...sorry if that is sacrilege!
• I stopped my crazed health kick on Valentine's Day and still haven't gotten back into it. I got on the scale the other day and by some miracle I have not gained an ounce. Hallelujah.
• But I still have seven pounds to go. ah well.
• So thankful for Rachael; she gets my booty up and moving when it wouldn't otherwise.
• I love Pilates and exercising so much. How come I stopped? Will do tomorrow.
• I should sleep.
• That was seriously so sweet of her to care to look for us. So sweet of all three of them. Makes me feel loved.
• Kim, plan your sharing time. NOW.
• I love the Gospel. Love it so much. I'm so grateful.
• Post the Ensign article you read today by President Monson "He is Risen"! It's so good. (Just checked, it's not online yet. But will do.)
• Sad I never heard back from Sister __ about coming to visit her and her children. :(
• Should I do it? I just don't know. More thinking and prayer are needed.
• Stace is so silly! Seriously. I kind of love that he spent his time drawing a mustache on a picture of Julian on his iPhone while I was in K-Mart teether toy shopping. There's an innocence about it that I just kind of love. A lot:) That probably means we're both weird. Perfect for each other!
• What am I going to cook tomorrow night? (ehh...tonight?)
• Why don't I just go to bed?
• I still haven't gotten to visit that YW in the ward that my girls told me about...feeling guilty about that. But I told the Pres. I was ready and willing. So maybe I shouldn't feel guilty?
• I love Ann! So glad I got to see her last week.
• Four month mark is coming. Crib time! duh duh duh...
• She just needs a lot of love and attention. Sincere love. Real concern. That's all she really needs. And then she'll listen.
• I miss Jessica.
• I love my siblings and siblings in law so much.
• I wish I lived closer to Kathleen.
• Bed time.
• Yeah right. Plan your sharing time!
• Where did this week go?! Gotta do it now before Stace takes computer with him to work tomorrow.
• Eyes are closing...
• Grateful for prayer, and that Heavenly Father is truly my Father who listens when I petition Him.
• Bed time.

He Should Get a Permit for Them Thangs!

It's About to Get Real Cheap...

Over the last week or so I have been privy to some eye-opening situations. All I can say is that I understand now more than ever why the prophet counsels so strongly to stay out of debt (except for school, home, and vehicle expenses), and why we are taught to spend less than we earn.

Honestly, throughout my life I have been lucky enough to never truly want for anything. Even when Stace and I got married. We rented a house from my dad, and since we had a connection with the landlord, we got a really great deal on rent. For the better part of our marriage, we were both working. When Stace stopped working to focus on school, I had just graduated and was blessed to get a full-time public relations job. We were pretty well set.

We found out we were headed to Gainesville about three weeks before we moved, and rushed to find a place to live. We were looking to be in a particular ward that Elder Anderson (an area Seventy) and his wife, who I met at a stake leadership meeting in Tallahassee, told me we should join! I'm so glad I met them there and that they gave me their daughter Kelsey's number. Kelsey and her husband, Logan, were so welcoming to us from the get-go, and I feel blessed to have her as my friend. As homesick as I have been at times (which I know is due in large part to having a baby and wanting to share Julian's every waking-- and non-waking-- moment with our family), I have truly grown to love Gainesville 2nd ward and am now truly feeling comfortable there. Part of me feels guilty that it has taken me so long, but on the other hand, lots of people told me before we moved "it takes a year."

But do you know what also "takes a year"? A rental lease to expire. So we are now looking like crazy for a place to move come the beginning of May. We decided not to renew our lease because A:) we live on the 3rd floor of our apartment complex-- directly above smokers-- and it gives me night- and day-mares thinking about Julian somehow getting to the front door and opening it (when he's walking) and then trying to get down the stairs. And B:) we really can't afford where we live. At all.

So after witnessing what we have witnessed in the last week or so, we find ourselves with a fresh perspective on needing to spend less than we take in, and the need to find a new place to live. We are finding lots of places; Stace is particularly excited about a townhouse he found for $475-- almost half of what we currently pay. I am fine with this. I am fine with needing to cut back. I want to help our family (you expert coupon-ers out there...I need a tutorial!) and I don't ever want to be anywhere near the situation I mentioned at the beginning of this post. But I get this sad feeling deep in my heart and tears begin to form when I think about leaving 2nd ward. I am going to keep looking, but it seems futile to find the more inexpensive places we are finding within the 2nd ward boundaries. I don't want to leave our Primary children. I have grown to love them very much. And I don't want to not see the smiling faces I get to see every time I go to church. I know that I can and will grow to love any ward we join, but I still feel sad. It reminds me of how I felt when we had to leave Tallahassee 1st ward to come here. I did not know how I would be able to not see my sweet young women and the amazing women I got to serve with there. Ah...don't get me started on them, now I really am going to cry! ugh...

So...I will keep looking! We said a prayer tonight that the Lord would help us find the right place to live. This will continue to be our prayer. It may seem so trivial, but my heart really feels sad over this. Wish us luck!

The Happiest Boo Boo on the Block!

My friend Katie recommended I read this book, and I did before the Bear came. I now highly recommend it to any future mommies out there! The book contains the secrets of how to calm a fussy or colicky baby. While we were blessed to have a baby who is super chill, at the times he has gotten upset, Dr. Karp's methods have worked when the simple mommy and daddy lovin haven't quite cut it.

PS: I am going to use it as a reference in the future for when I do have a fussy baby, because I am planning on having LOTS :) (whether on our own, through fertility treatments or adoption) and there is bound to be a wonderfully fussy one somewhere in the mix!

Word to ya mother.

I just really wanted to say that. Pardon the complete irrelevance.

Julian's Very First Time Out

Haha! I bet you read the title of that post and thought "oh my gosh, Kim is crazy...she put Julian in time out?! That baby is 3 months old!" No worries! Julian accompanied me to my very own time out, which was actually a conference called "Time Out for Women." :) You can close your jaw now;) I went down to Orlando and stayed in a hotel with some friends from Gainesville and had such a great time with them! We may have stayed up a bit too late laughing, and may have eaten cheesecake at an hour some would consider positively sinful, but we had such a fun time! My sister-in-law Candace also came down and it was so fun, as always, to spend time with her...even if she is a bit "bowring"...jk! ;) Love you Candace! She's pretty much the opposite of boring. :)

Julian and Candace:)

It was such an uplifting weekend. Here are some of the notes and thoughts I wrote down at the conference:

Wendy Watson Nelson:

*"What would I change in my day-to-day life if I tried to do everything as a 'holy woman'?....A holy woman is not perfect, but she is increasingly pure and holy."

*"A holy woman is like a dog on a towel about certain things she will not let into or tolerate in her life."

*"Pray for the one question you want answered that very day, and then open your scriptures and read until you find your answer. You will find it. And you won't have to read very long."

*"I believe we had a checklist of things to do while on earth before we came here...a 'pre-mortal checklist.' When we're not doing any of the things on our list, we'll feel it inside...we'll feel restless." I know that this statement is true!

Dallyn Vail Bayles:

"The Primary song 'I'm Trying to be Like Jesus' is a song more for adults that it is for children."

Sheri Dew:

*Joseph Smith said "put a double watch on your tongue." Sister Dew spoke a lot about the nit-picking women do to each other, the bad mouthing, and the comparisons. "We need to be of one heart and one mind." With the knowledge that we have, and scriptures such as 1 Corinthians 1:10: "Now I beseech you...that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment." and D & C 38:27: "I say unto you, be one, and if ye are not one, ye are not mine,"for example, why is this such a problem? We do need to love one another, and strive to see each other and love each other as the Savior does!

*Why not listen to the voice of the prophets throughout the day, rather than the TV? We need to hearken unto the voices of His servants. If we don't, we may be found among those described in Matthew 7:23: "Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name?...and in thy name done many wonderful works?

And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

*Ask Him who I am, and how he feels about me.

I didn't get to take any notes on the 2nd day because I was holding and reading to a sweet baby:)

Candace and I with the ladies who make up the singing group "Mercy River"...they harmonize like angels, and their music truly touched my heart. The first line in one of the songs they sing about the Savior is on replay in my head right now: "Oh cleanser of the mess I've made. Upon the hill our places trade. Stretched on a cross your body crushed, by human hands you formed from dust." and another verse: "Oh cleanser of the mess I've made. Your boundless love for me portrayed. With patience for my learning curve..."

This woman...I could probably type a novel about her from just hearing her speak for twenty or so minutes. What an amazing person. To make it short, she grew up in Sierra Leone, Africa, and there she witnessed the atrocities of war and unspeakable acts against her own sister and members of her family. She began to pray to God, Who, at the time, she wasn't even quite sure existed, and was then saved right before she was raped and killed. She then heard about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints through a hygiene kit that was put together by members of our church in humanitarian efforts. She wanted to learn more, and was later baptized. She then went on a mission, and has completely changed her life and the life of her family forever. Having been subject to the horrors she encountered, it is a wonder she was ever able to pick herself up off the ground. What an incredibly resilient person she is. One can even tell by the photo: she is the epitome of optimism...her laugh and obvious love of life was so infectious! It was a blessing to hear what she had to say.

Sheri Dew said to take a moment to ask Him who we are and how he feels about us. I always love being reminded of who I really am, and how much He loves me...it fills me with joy that can't be put into words. I do know that the Lord loves each and every one of us with a love we cannot fathom. I am so grateful for His Atonement. I know who I am as a daughter of Heavenly Father, and I know that He has placed divine potential within me, as He has done so in all of us. I am so grateful for the gift of the Holy Ghost, and that through it I am reminded of His love on a regular basis. Life can get so hectic, and it's easy to get distracted and forget what is truly important. But I know that if we will just slow down, take a moment and be still, we will be reminded of the things of eternal import, and of His unending love. It will then be easier to see and ponder on the blessings He has given us, and our love for Him will grow. I believe this is what the conference was essentially all about. I am grateful I got to take this "time out."

My Boo Bear

Just a quick shot of my Boo Bear dressed to the nine's in his bears!

Yes, he has this outfit in 0-3 months, as well as 3-6 months!

Gigi's Visit!

On March 1 & 2, my mom came to visit. We took a little window shopping trip to adorable Micanopy, Florida! She is a busy lady, so it was really nice to have her visit, and I cherish that time we got to spend together :)

Mommy's Little Champion!

On February 26, Julian attended his very first kid party! It was an Olympic-themed party hosted by the ever creative Celeste Cragun. Celeste captured this photo of Julian as he basks in the glory of winning the gold!

"In what category did Julian win the gold?" You may wonder. Hmmm...I guess we'll go with...eating! This guy is a CHUNK! :D How fitting that his medal is made out of a cookie... ;)

Time to play catch up: Julian's Blessing Day!

On February 21, Julian received his baby blessing from his father. The blessing was beautiful and simple. It touched on everything this sweet boy will need in order to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. After Stace finished the blessing, Bishop Brett Bowcutt said "well that couldn't have been much better if you ask me." That sums it up pretty well.

Just a few pictures from this very special and beautiful day for documentation's sake:)

During the blessing, Stace repeatedly touched on the love Julian's family has for him, and how that will affect his life.

My brother Chris, Stace's Uncle CF, Stace, Julian, Popster, Stace's Uncle Stevie, and my brother Aaron

I said it before, and I will say it again:) I cannot begin to describe the feelings of love and gratitude that filled my heart upon seeing these wonderful and strong Melchizedek Priesthood holders surround our sweet baby for his blessing. I saw tears in the eyes of some of these men as they returned to their seats after the blessing. This only perpetuated my own tears.

My big brothers, Chris and Aaron, holding Julian alongside Stace.

Julian and Mommy:)

He Gets Around round round round, He Gets Around!

On Wednesday, his 3 month and 1 day birthday, Julian rolled over for the very first time! It was so exciting! We unfortunately didn't get a video of the monumental occasion (it all happened so fast!), but here is a fun video about the fact that "he got around"... hopefully soon we'll get a video of him in action!

Background story: yesterday I was on the phone with my sister and when I hung up Stace came out of Julian's nursery and said to me "you gotta come see this" and motioned me to come see what the little Boo Boo was up to. I walked in and heard the Beach Boys' "Surfin USA" blaring and peeked into the crib and found that Stace had set Julian up to be chillin' with his buds, watching the fishies go by on his little Baby Einstein crib soother. It was so cute! The next song that came on was "Get Around" and I grabbed the camera and got this little video. He's just a happy boy who is a pro at holding his head up, and you'll notice he is beginning to show us that he likes to groove to the music! ;)

I like to play the Beach Boys and dance around with him in his nursery, and he always seems to love it!

I Was Trying to Get a Pic of Him in His Shoes...

But I totally missed the shoes when I got this shot:
So stinkin cute!

But for good measure (I'm actually not even sure what that phrase means...!) , here's our little track star, shoes and all:)

"Just Like Daddy"!

So there's this book...

we like to read...

Which is really quite relevant...

to the situation we have here...

PS: Happy 3-month birthday Little Peach!