taking a time out

I mentioned TIME OUT a couple of times in previous posts, but I realize that many of you are not LDS and probably have no idea what I mean when I say "I went to Time Out for Women" Let me explain. It's an all day seminar-- with inspiring speakers and musical numbers. The day is focused around motherhood, relationships, balancing your life, and the best part about it is NO children are allowed! My favorite performer (by far) was the beautiful and talented Hilary Weeks. She sang several songs that made me cry.. and I wish I could share them with you, particularly the song entitled If I Only Had Today. But it's not available on the internet... so go and buy her album. She's incredible. I did find a short little song of hers on YouTube.. she is so darling and so funny!

This is my third seminar (I attended twice in Spokane while Aaron was in law school.. and it kept me sane for those years!) This particular seminar in Vegas had a bonus session, which was ALL DAY on Friday as well. It was a small group of women and was conducted by the wonderful Sheri Dew (who is hilarious, real, and wonderful.) My sister Debbie drove down late Thursday night and the two of us were able to go on Friday, while her nanny Luiza watched all 6 crazy kids. It was heavenly! This is what we lived without all weekend---

On Saturday, Aaron "volunteered" to hold down the fort with the kids so Luiza could attend the seminar with us. Everyone survived!! I came home with energy and enthusiasm to be a better wife/mother/person. I am not going to list all of the things I learned, but I will share a couple of things that will remain with me.


First: I felt empowered by the thought that my best is good enough. I am constantly feeling like I am not doing enough (or doing it as well as it should be doing) and I am going to stop stressing about it and start taking pride in what I do, because I do A LOT. I need to focus more on what is important and leave everything else behind. One speaker said, "You will never hear yourself say, 'Man, I wish I wouldn't have gotten up early this morning to exercise.' Or I wish I wouldn't have read stories to my children.'" I need to DO the things that I know I won't regret and stop doing the things that I wish I wouldn't have spent so much time on-- which means I am going to be blogging, emailing, running errands and talking on the phone less.. go me!

Second: My time with my kids is precious. I want to and need to be PRESENT for them. I spend a lot of time WITH them, but I don't know if I am actually there when they are talking to me. I give them a lot of instructions, "do this, pick up that" but sometimes I am in such a rush to get things done that I don't enjoy the simple, quiet times. I know ALL mothers are guilty of this, but I came away feeling the need to hold them more, watch their expressions, laugh with them and be aware of how incredible they are. Because it just goes by too quickly!

Third: I am going to write a book. This is the first time I have ever had the idea. I have never really desired (or felt inspired) to write a book, but this was the main idea/thought that came to back to me during the quiet times in the seminar. I am going to work on it a little at a time, not stress about it, not worry about who is going to read it or if it will ever get published, but I am going to start writing.. The message of this conference (for me) was that our power of influence is greater than we ever imagined. I felt an overwhelming sense of strength-- that what I have yet to accomplish is great. Of course, I am not talking about running for president of the world or anything, but I couldn't help but come away with a sense of purpose and power. I love when I feel like this-- it makes me feel like the authentic me.. who I have always been! Feeling like this makes me want to get up earlier, work harder and love more. It also makes me very grateful for what I have already been given. And I have been given MUCH.