Creating Culture

It's a new day and we are feeling so much better. Not gonna lie, yesterday was tough on all accounts, and the recon work from the weekend will be mucho grande. I have kids home today from school and playgroup, and everyone is catching up on reading assignments and empty stomachs. It's a new month. I'm determined to make it better than last month. Here's what's bringing me joy today: 

The top of Aaron's dresser. Usually covered in papers, dons the centerpieces from Saturday's relief society activity. I might just keep them there. I'm loving the look of all those lavender stems reflected in the mirror. 

2) a happy baby. Sloane woke up cheerfull and giggly this morning. I couldn't help but feel brightened by her laughter when I gave her her morning tummy tickle. 

3) this fantastic shirt HolleeAnn sent me makes me VERY happy. There was a time not very long ago when I felt like I could handle anything and everything. Today? Today I'm wearing the same clothes I've had on since Saturday. And I'm totally ok with it. Is what I'm wearing of great importance? Nope. Were the children nourished and loved today? Absolutely. Priorities. 

Sister Ann Loveland spoke at our relief society retreat this weekend about savoring the pleasures of life and creating culture in our home. I think I do ok with savoring simple joys, but I'd like to focus on the culture in my home. The first things That come to mind when I imagine the culture I want in my home are these:

I want a culture of service

I want a culture of gratitude

I want a culture of cleanliness (both physical and spiritual)

I want a culture of love and kindness

I want a culture of creativity

I want a culture of learning

I want a culture of joy.  

So today, as I serve and nurse this family back to health, I'm working on cultivating those things....starting with gratitude, which was long forgotten in January. 

And to help me remember the culture I have the power to create, this is the new verse up on our chalkboard: