school year chapter is ending

Wow......school is just about out!
Where has the time gone?

My niece McKenzie just got married last weekend. She is the first grandchild to be married on my side. I can remember changing her diapers!! I think I am getting old!

My brother Dan just had their 7th child, Savannah. She is a doll.

My older brother Mike's son Alec is leaving in about a week for Guatemala to serve a 2 year mission.

We have had much going on in the Porter families. This has provided a great deal of togetherness.
Car rides that had me laughing, tears during the temple sealing, rushing to see yet another miracle be born, and serving those in need. I love them and know they would do anything for me.

Josh was just ordained to the office of "teacher". He was so excited to be among some older boys. He was such a great President while he served in the deacons quorum.
I just am so grateful for the examples that he has around him. I shared some thoughts during the ordination (which didn't come out so well), that I really have no doubt that our Heavenly Father has placed us where we need to be in order to accomplish our mission here. I have no doubt but that Josh has had the opportunities place in his path so that he can fulfill that purpose.
What a wonderful blessing the priesthood will be in his life. He has a great work to do and will be able to accomplish it with this wonderful tool.

Life just does not slow down unless I make it slow down. I keep thinking that it will just around the corner when this event is over or this task is completed. Breaking NEWS! It doesn't. Life is full and it can be overwhelming at times. But, I am finding that I can create my "slow down moments" if I really want to. I have blocked out every morning for ME time. About 2 hours. 45 mins. of walking on the canal listening to my headphones, looking through a magazine of interest (talks, decorating, recipes to try), reading my scriptures, saying a prayer and yes even taking a shower. Sometimes I have included Scot into this time if he so desires. This morning we spent a good hour together just talking. Of course, I demanded that we exercise while doing it!

All appointments, meetings, errands begin after this 2 hour window. I have really disciplined myself to this. So my task oriented day begins around 10:00 a.m. Nothing is scheduled before then. So far it has really been a great thing. Now the kids get of school in about 8 days! I will have to find a new rhythm. Maybe at night? Hmmm.....

I guess my point is that I have found that when I slow down and make this a priority I tend to have the spirit in my life much more. I think I am able to knock out some of the distractions and noise that the world has around me. I can make that special time for me to just listen to the Holy Ghost and help guide me. I regroup my efforts and recommit myself to doing what the lord wants me to do. My number one calling of MOTHER! Prioritizing my life to make this the top on my list.