The Staples Family

I finally started working out again! Now the question is: will I keep it up? I did 40 minutes of cardio and 25 minutes of strength exercises. I'm sooo excited about it! It is one of those things I had stopped doing when I got married, and one of those things that were suggested in a book I read about being a joyful mom. Long days of cleaning, cooking, etc can make you exhausted by the time of supper! I've been reading lot of books and lots of things have changed for the better! So here is a list of things that are helping me stay joyful:

- Devos in the morning: I still struggle with this, because Alex keeps getting up earlier each day, so many times I have to wait till he takes a nap to do my personal devos.

- Praise: One of the things that even do we do them, they are never enough :) Praising no matter what happens, for He knows what's best for me.

- Asking God to show me my faults, and help me improve. I have so many, I've felt horrible for all the mistakes I've made. But I know God loves me and forgives me, and I'm excited about it! Finding these faults is going to help me be a better Christian. I'm so thankful to God for showing me what I need to change!

- Exercise

- Better eating

- A time of relax for myself each day

- Listening to uplifting Christian music while doing mindless tasks: I love music, but I've had an old, pretty much broken computer for the past couple of years. With a full memory! So since God has blessed us with a new computer, I put my favorite songs from each cd I own on it, and I play them while cooking, cleaning, playing with Alex, etc

- Cooking: I don't like cooking, but I love baking. I believe the crock pot is one of the best things man have come up with! Since I started to try it, I've been trying different recipes. It makes me excited about cooking again! My favorite: barbecue chicken and cranberry meatballs.

- Reading books on marriage, Christian womanhood, and raising children.

- And this one is a supposed thing I should do but I never find the time to do it: NAP!!!

There are many more, but it's late and I'm getting a headache... so I can't remember them right now :)

I absolutely love being a wife and a mom. It is such a privilege! I love my family and I thank God for it! It is one of the best ministries a woman can have! I love caring for and spoiling my two favorite men: my husband and son. So all this cookie making, playing games, coloring hearts with my son for daddy, building with blocks, playing outside, etc are little things that brighten my days!

I just added about 15 books to my wish list for Christmas. Yes. I made a wish list for Nate. It might sound wrong, but I know it will help him choose my gifts, and it helps me since I know I will love them. And since my list is like....30 items! It will still be a surprise heehee

Have a wonderful day! Rejoice in the Lord! He loves us so much He gave His only Son to die for our sins and to give us the gift of eternal life! He loves us so much, He has prepared a perfect plan designed just for each one of us! So no matter where we are and what we go through, His plans are perfect! Rejoice! :)

Arancha