Olive Whitney Klein

Kasey's baby came a few days earlier than expected! I thought they were having trouble naming her but when we got to the hospital she told me they named her Olive Whitney Klein! I am over the moon! At times I feel a little down that we were not able to have another baby, and was feeling a little that way before going to see her at the hospital. But when Kasey shared her name, I once again was assured that I have LOTS of children in my life-and now another special little one that I get to be an auntie too. Just because they aren't "mine" I can still have these children in my life.  I'm just tickled pink.

This weekend was conference. How I love conference weekend! I don't have any commitments besides hanging with my family. I always feel so uplifted and ready to take on life again. I feel so excited to be apart of this gospel at this time-it's so exciting! President Nelson just announced the 2 hour block and I feel like jumping for joy! Hooray! I feel great about all the changes going on in the church. I felt impressed that I can not rely on the church to teach my children the gospel or the scriptures-it's on me. Dave isn't around a lot, and doesn't show initiative to start scripture, FHE, prayer, interviews, ect. -so I feel the responsibility. With the new schedule I really am going to have to rise up-take action-and make sure that every Sunday we are teaching something in our home.

There has been much talk about ministering and serving each other. I absolutely believe this! But-it's been talked about sooo much that it is beginning to make me feel like I'm not doing enough to serve. I think women in the church need to understand that it's ok to say no to things, to recognize that ministering needs to first happen in our home-and most days-that is enough for God. I'm trying to find balance with the scripture that tells us to loose our lives in service to others and then you will find your life. For the longest time I have felt like I should be using every moment to serve because I am so blessed-but I lost my own strength along the way! I could spend my whole day doing righteous things- I also need to take time to do things that fill me! I've got to be creating things and doing things that I enjoy! It's a balance that will be lifelong. I've just concluded to do that things that you can do, say no to the things you can't. Try your best-but don't feel guilty if you don't have the energy for everyone and everything.

President Nelson specifically asked the women to 1)go on a social media fast (easy-got it!) 2) Read the Book of Mormon before the end of the year (eek that's a lot of pages but-I'll listen to it on walks-check) 3)go to the temple regularly (oh dear, this is so hard for me. I've been working every day and can't leave the kids home alone that long yet with out a sitter.) 4) participate in Relief Society (although I don't feel particularly filled from RS lessons-I will willingly participate)

Although I am less excited about a few of these things, I feel I have to do what the prophet of God has asked me to do-regardless of my excuses-even thought they might be valid. So, I am going to begin-God doesn't except me to be perfect-but he does expect me to try. I struggle with the temple, I rarely feel the spirit strongly in the temple and have prayed for years for the Lord to help strengthen my testimony of temple attendance. I will continue in my efforts because I trust the prophet of the Lord. I'm trying to look beyond my own perspective and hope someday I'll LOVE going to the temple. I've given up on trying to go with Dave-that's a imaginary land! It's very hard to pin him down to a time-even just to talk with him- and even then he's less than excited. But-I've decided I can't control him-just myself. My Bishopric asked to meet with us again-I've been fearful of a call to serve in RS, but I'm trying to stay calm and be open minded. I just think they Lord is going to ask me to serve and give a lot of my time again-and why shouldn't he? I just hope I can keep my composure and calmness with whatever happens. I've learned a lot these past few months and just hope I can keep perspective, prioritize, and not get frazzled-which I get often times.

October Break is tom. William has been sick for 10 days now. Its started with some type of virus-turned pneumonia. He is not himself. I'm praying for my little boy and am grateful for this October Break for him to rest. Dave said we might be able to leave town Thursday but I'm not holding my breath. He doesn't plan ahead very well. Once again, can't pin him down to a plan.

I'm trying daily to focus on being grateful for the little things that happen through out my day. There is so much to be grateful for. And it makes for a much happier life. I need to make sure I TAKE TIME to do this! I like keeping busy, but I need to daily check in and make sure I've got myself together so that I can have energy and love to give to those around me.