Independence Day ended with a bang. Not just because of the fireworks. We were in the back of the truck and Henry fell and hit his head really good. Biggest goose egg I ever saw. Luckily he was okay and we didn’t have to add an emergency room visit onto a late night.

I also managed to hit a pole that day and dent our car. As holidays go, it wasn’t a great one.

Henry is adorable.  Lately he’s learned to fold his arms during prayers. Sometimes he will fold his arms all by himself and not necessarily during prayers.  He’s folded his arms during scripture study, talks during church,  Bible videos and Family Home Evening lessons.  I think he recognizes the spirit and wants to be reverent,  even at just 18 months old.

We went to a splash pad. Bringing the bucket and water guns was a good idea.

The boys, watching a parade. I’ve decided I don’t usually like parades. I’m hoping this is the only one we go to. It was blissfully short. 

I went to a great-great-grandparent family reunion. We skipped the family history part of it all and went and played in this lovely swimming hole on the cattle ranch we were at.

We went camping above Honeyville in a remote, sunny spot. It was beautiful. The kids, Henry especially, were confused about how to sleep when we were having so much fun. But eventually everyone did sleep.

(Thanks to Joe for being the photographer on this trip!)

We love the Daddy at our home. It was a pretty low key Father’s Day.

I helped Curtis dress up in the Armor of God.

And we found out the kids got their picture in the Friend next month. We haven’t actually go the magazine yet. Our subscription expired. I guess I’ll have to go buy a copy.

I like to declutter stuff. Sometimes I hold on to things too long, but I’m getting better at seeing what is really worth having. (This book is really good too.)

Lately I’ve been thinking about decluttering my life. That’s a lot harder. I put an internet filter on my modem that tracks my phone and computer use. I spend a lot more time than I realize online. I get tired/stressed (which can happen a lot with three young boys) and turn to useless media.

I also try to do too much at a time and then don’t do anything. The maintenance of a house and raising children keeps me busy for the majority of the day. I really only have a few hours of flex time everyday: but I often attempt to do far more in a day or a week than I have time for. Often I’m overwhelmed by it all that I end up, once again, turning to useless internet.

So my goals for decluttering my life are:

1. Limit internet use. Bundle up social media/video/surfing at one time and avoid the temptation to keep going back to it. If I’m stressed out and need a break, read a book, play, or just sit instead.
2. Focus on only two projects at a time, one active and one more reflective. Wait until they are done before starting another.
3. Don’t multi-task, focus on task switching instead.
4. Plan each day to allow time for play, service, and enjoyment.