Work Hard, Love Always, Laugh Often

Today began great! I got up in time to run (code for walk while bouncing up and down), study my scriptures, and have a short morning devotional with my kids. This morning as I studied, I thought about why some mornings that start out great, end with the feeling I have gotten nothing accomplished. I fall asleep thinking of all the things on my list that didn't get done. What happens in the middle? Where is the breakdown? One word PRIORITIES. I find when I focus on checking things off my lists (and there are many good things on them to check off), I forget about what is really important - RELATIONSHIPS. So, this morning I prayed for the Lord to help me WORK HARD, LOVE ALWAYS, LAUGH OFTEN. When it is time to check off the dishes (so proud that is already checked off and it is only mid morning :)), then WORK HARD at it. No wasting time today dreading the chores that have piled up, set my timer, turn on some music and get it done. LOVE ALWAYS, even when my 2 month old is crying, 5 yr old wanting me to play with him, and my 3 older ones asking what is for dinner, and all I want is for a 15 min nap. I will choose to give a smile and a hug, not a lecture to my preteens when they begin to argue, or complain about chores. LAUGH OFTEN as I see my 2 months old eyes light up because I come to pick her up, and my 5 yr old dancing when he thinks no one is looking. I will enjoy this time today, because it is part of MY JOURNEY and I am blessed every step along the way.