I’m not going to lie. It was very strange to transition from a full-time student to a full-time mom.  Aside from also moving to a different country, it was just pure weird!  I don’t have homework, classes, teachers, or grades.  I didn’t know what to do with myself!  I felt like I was aimless and there wasn’t no more direction in my life.  Granted, I am making gourmet dinners for my family (compared to Top Raman during finals week) but making dinner doesn’t take all day!  The first few days after Dallin started working in Ireland, I had dinner ready by 4 pm. Hmm… Dallin doesn’t get home till 6 pm.  I sat on the couch, dumbfounded…. I was bored!

The next day, I picked up some knitting needles at the local thrift store… I haven’t knitting for years. But I thought to myself… I can’t spend all my days knitting!! I need to do something with my life.  Micah didn’t like it either.  He just wanted to take the needles and poke his eyes out.

Our awesome friends gave us a pocket size Preach My Gospel to take with us to Ireland. During my daily scripture study one day I decided to read the section on “Using Time Wisely“.  I thought to myself… I really need this! I didn’t feel like I was using my precious time from God wisely. Even though I am not a full-time missionary, it was very beneficial. The chapter gave really good suggestions. I need a weekly calendar. I need to make goals. I need to progress to become more like God.

Elder M Russel Ballard said: “I am so thoroughly convinced that if we don’t set goals in our life and learn how to master the techniques of living to reach our goals, we can reach a ripe old age and look back on our life only to see that we reached but a small part of our full potential. When one learns to master the principles of setting a goal, he will then be able to make a great difference in the results he attains in this life.”

I quickly repented of my idleness and aimlessness.  I realized my most important investigator is my little Micah.  He needs me to teach him everything I know.  I made a progress report for Micah.  I labeled four areas: Social, Physical, Mental, and Spiritual (Luke 2:52).  I wrote down how Micah was doing in those areas and made a small goal for each of the areas.  I planned out my week and decided to focus on Micah’s needs.

Small things does bring about great things (Alma 37:6). Being home has allowed me to read more books, sing more songs and spend more time than I’ve ever had with my son. I’m grateful for my education but I’m so glad that I finished in December. Just cause I got a degree doesn’t mean my learning has stopped. I’m learning every day as I try to become a better mom. This is learning that they can never teach you in a classroom.

What was the first thing I planned for the week? Feed the seagulls and Micah loved it!