Body, Mind, and Spirit

Last year, I became completely complacent in all of these areas. I lost touch of the burning fire that is the Holy Spirit, which in turn helps my own spirit grow. I became lax on keeping my mind active, and fed my body sugar and... well, more sugar. 



Body- 

To my defense, I was pregnant and dealing with the change in my life- that is Motherhood, during 2011. I have been blessed with a fast metabolism, so losing my baby weight wasn't something I had to work for. I think I exercised once... on the treadmill for 20 mins...  and it was 4 months after I had Emma. Don't hate. I have a friend at work who sees what I eat, and I know it makes her die a little inside! She is more on the healthy side of the food spectrum, where I am on the very unhealthy side. I am addicted to sweets. I love sugar. My body pumps chocolate instead of blood. I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner just so I can have dessert afterwards. Eventually, someday this fast metabolism I have will be extinct. This year, I want to be more healthy, and eat some green stuff (like broccoli?) and maybe some orange stuff (carrots? ugh) more than I have in the past. I also would like to be more active, and do things like Yoga, Zumba, and basic work outs. I did find a great blog, that should help us eat out less and eat at home more. The blog is called: "The Girl Who Ate Everything" I have already made a few things off her blog, and it was all delicious! Now, I am not saying I am never going to have sweets again, it's just that I am going to balance it out with some healthy meals as well. 




When it comes to my Mind...

 That has been a big question for me. I haven't enrolled in any college classes since the end of 2008. I would love to finish my school, but financially it has not been possible. This year, I am hopeful to increase my learning, by attending school, and finishing my Associates degree. I love to learn, and I enjoy the way I feel when I sit in class and have thought provoking discussions about different topics. Hopefully my mind will also be fed this year!






Spirit-

Let me tell you one thing about repentance- when you are in the thick of it, and you feel hopelessly lost and in the dark, that is when you feel the spirit the absolute most. It's like God's gift to you, that although you may have done something terrible, there is still hope and happiness waiting for you, if you have faith in the Atonement. I feel as though that strong, helpful spirit I once felt, that motivated me to feed on the words of Christ whenever I could, has not been so strong lately. Of course, it has been the fault of my own that has brought this upon me. I have become so complacent in the gospel;  it's like it is hit or miss whether I am touched by the spirit or not. I need to be better, I have to be better, and this year, I will be better. The gospel of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, has absolutely saved me. I owe so much, and will never be able to pay the debt for the mercy and forgiveness I was given. The least I can do, is feed my spirit, and grow to my full potential. 


Here's to 2012! Body, Mind, and Spirit!


xoxo
Rachel

New Year's Resolution, better late than never!

I recently heard a talk, where it was mentioned that, "Goals not written down, are just dreams." So having pondered that all week, I have decided to write my dreams down to make them into goals. I am not sure if you know, but I am horrible at setting goals. The reason for this, is because I don't like being let down, especially by myself. If I set goals, and I do not attain them, it gets on my nerves, and I become really hard on myself. So, I usually set "pretend goals", where if I end up achieving it, I am happy and proud, etc... and if I don't achieve it, then it's OK because, *whispers* it was just "pretend." 


Well this year, I am going to make some goals.  


Yep, I said it: G-O-A-L-S (I know you can spell, but this is for me, to reiterate to myself that I am actually making REAL goals this time).

My main goal this year, is to call and/or send a card to my family and friends on their birthdays. I remember everyone's birthdays, but I don't always call them to tell them "Happy Birthday!" I am guilty, as many of us are, of using Facebook to let my friends and family know that I am thinking of them on their special day. It's just not the same, when you're comment gets lost in the multitude of birthday wishes. It's not personal; I don't feel like they know that I was actually thinking of them.

My awesome sister Shannen has been making a family calendar for the past few years, that has everyone's birthday on it (not that I need it, my memory is like that of an elephant). I am going to use this as a reminder to call and/or get a birthday card sent out for each of my siblings, nieces, nephews, Mom, Grandma, friends, and In-Laws. 

I love birthdays, and I love to celebrate all my friends and families day of birth. In the past, I have always thought about them on their birthdays, and have intended to do something for them, but it has always stopped there. This year, it's a GOAL (yes, again, reiteration for me).

Ready, Set, Go!

xoxo 
Rachel

Sometimes, you just can't help but DANCE!

Anytime there is music playing, Emma notices it right away. I was watching the music channel, and this song came on and I guess she just couldn't help it! She started droppin' it like it's hot!! She must get the skills from her Momma.

Long Distance Love

Emma really enjoys books, and will usually choose a book to play with over her other toys. She especially loves the book from Grandma Entwistle, that she got when she was about 5 months old. She has recently figured out how to make the music turn on, and loves to turn the pages and watch the lights as the music plays. This video is for you Grandma Entwistle!

xoxo
The Twistles

We all have a weakness...

I am listening to Incubus' album "Light Grenades", and the song "Dig" is playing. I am waiting for my videos to upload, so I thought I would post the lyrics to this song for you all to ponder. I found this song during my pregnancy, and it gave me the chills as I listened to the lyrics. I am reminded by this song, that we are all human, and we all have weakness'. When those we love do things we don't love, remember that we all have something that digs at us, that we are trying to overcome. Oh, and I may or may not have a major crush on Brandon Boyd (lead singer of Incubus). Have you seen his cute face? Nuff' said.

Dig Lyrics
Artist(Band):Incubus
We all have a weakness
But some of ours are easy to identify.
Look me in the eye
and ask for forgiveness;
We'll make a pact to never speak that word again.
Yes, you are my friend.

We all have something that digs at us.
At least we dig each other.
So when weakness turns my ego up
I know you'll count on the me from yesterday.

If I turn into another,
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

We all have a sickness
That cleverly attaches and multiplies
No matter how we try.

We all have someone that digs at us.
At least we dig each other.
So when sickness turns my ego up
I know you'll act as a clever medicine.

If I turn into another,
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh, each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohh
oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, ohhhh

If I turn into another,
Dig me up from under what is covering
The better part of me.
Sing this song!
Remind me that we'll always have each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh, each other
When everything else is gone.

Oh, each other
When everything else is gone.


xoxo
Rachel

Look at the new things I can do!

I sometimes miss the new baby stage, where Emma would fall asleep in my arms and I could just hold her and snuggle with her all day.  I guess that's why some women have more babies huh? Hmm...

I am, however, loving this stage of Emma's life, where you can see her making the connection of how things work, and how excited she gets when she figures things out. She recently learned how to clap her hands, dance, and "give loves". Here's a video of her doing all three:

 We love our Emma!


xoxo
The Twistles

Christmas 2011!

We had a great Christmas this year! We spent time with family, watched Emma open her presents, and ate lots of delicious food. The only thing missing was not having Matt's family around for Christmas :( We were able to Skype with them Christmas morning, and they were able to see Emma open her presents. It's not the same, but it will have to do for now! I can't believe another year is about to pass by, it feels like the year just flew away from me. We have had a great year, and I can't wait to see what 2012 holds for our family. Here's the pictures from our Holiday- 

Emma in her "Santa loves me" PJs

This was her Xmas gift from Anne, she LOVES to cuddle with her puppy!

Givin' the puppy some loves

"I think I've got this petting thing down..."

"I'm being nice to Ryno, Mom"

Christmas morning!

Stopping to look at Grandma and Grandpa on the TV screen via Skype

"Alright, how do I make this work?"

"I see Grandma and Grandpa!"

Emma loves her Auntie Crissy

Tristan delivering our stockings, this one goes to his Mom!

Olivia

She really loves this new toy

Our Christmas tree ornaments

Our Christmas tree!

 I hope everyone had a great Holiday! Here's to another great year!


xoxo
The Twistles