A Life With No Regrets

One day we will take that unavoidable step and cross from this mortal sphere into the next estate. One day we will look back at our lives and wonder if we could have been better, made better decisions, or used our time more wisely.To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today. Therefore, let us:

1. •Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
2. •Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
3. •Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

President Dieter F. Uchtdorf of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints Loved this talk!

We must also be willing to mend the wrongs in our lives as much as it is possible. I know I haven't been perfect, but, who is, that doesn't mean we can't apologize and right the wrongs we have been part of, even if it's to wipe it from our own slate. Sometimes we say something when we shouldn't, some things are better left unsaid. My feelings are that the past is the past and we should leave it there. We need to apologize and then be willing to forgive and forget. I want to apologize and say I'm sorry to anyone I might have offended. Truly, I do regret saying anything that has hurt others feelings and securities. Sometimes I wear my bad heart feelings on my sleeve. Sometimes I wish I could turn back the clock and take back what I have said many times, but, the past can't be rewritten, the past is gone. But, I can try to fix it. I am trying to fix my wrongs before my life ends. We don't know when our last day will be, but, I plan on being ready. A life with no regrets.

I love my parents-all of them :), wish I could have been there for you more, especially during your darkest moments and challenges you faced and some of you still are facing. Wished I knew what to do to help more. I felt held back and I should have been there regardless. Love you so much. My mom is my inspiration and my someone to depend on, teaching me everything I needed, my Mother and Father-in-law an inspiration in which I would model my own family after, between the two I'm a better person for it. For David who was the one who loved my mother and treated her the way she deserved and the gateway to happiness unknown meaning introducing the Church to me and my mother and eventually joining the Church. This was the beginning of all blessings. To all my other dads before David, you played a huge part and words can't express how much I loved you. I look forward to seeing you on the other side. I feel your presence all the time.

I love my brother - my hero and inspiration all the time, my 1st reason to turn around and live my life the way I was meant to. Christina my oldest daughter was my second reason. She gave me the push I needed the most. I'm still rooting for your life to turn around, wish I knew how I could help you more. My regret today is maybe you would have had more of a chance if I had given you up for an adoption. It would have killed me but, even though I had the impressions then to keep you, I should have listened more to reason and to those who knew best. For that I'm sorry. At this point not sure I can say anymore than that.

I love my husband Ron and My Children - I couldn't ask for anything more, you make all my wishes and dreams come true. I feel privileged to learn and grow--to take this journey with you. Times are not always perfect but, we manage and I'm so happy to be part of you. I just want you to be happy and successful in not only your physical life but your spiritual life. We can do this together. I look forward to it.

To my husband's family- I love you guys so much, I just want to squeeze you. Most of you were little children when I first met you. You made me feel special and loved.  I feel like I was the luckiest person watching you all grow, becoming who you are today--extraordinary, awesome, good people. If I feel anything today, it's sorrow that I don't get to be part of your life as we had it. You were such a big part of my life when Ron and I were dating and got married. Some of us live close by and still we don't spend the time to visit and have fun. We are all so very busy and I think I regret this the most. I was so excited when some of you moved closer thinking we could do this and do that together, but, things didn't go that way for some reason. For others, I felt jealousy when you made time for your side of the family, I felt left out. So I'm sorry that I expressed that out loud and so publicly. Felt like I wanted you to know the reason behind it. To all of you, I'm so proud to be part of a wonderful, awesome family. Let's stay close.

I love all my Ward families (past and present)- you inspire me and make me want to be a better person. I look forward to every Sunday and to every activity just to be with you. Best of all you are also my neighbors in a great community, in a great State.

Welcome Back Fall!

What a great summer, full of fun and adventures for the whole family. Glad there is a season for everything including getting back to regular routines, working, thinking, school and did I say school. Let's face it, our kids are great and summer is fun and loose...usually, free to sleep in, although,didn't do a lot of that. But, there is a time when we just need our own space for a moment in the day. Glad to have that back. It's been fun having Cameron home to help me with some of my chores. I've been working myself getting things back in order and the way I like it. Deep cleaning bathrooms and under appliances and also trying to get in shape. Back to regular exercising, this will work out nice since I got me a tread mill and a exercise bike for my birthday to help with that. I love to listen to General Conference talks while I exercise. Looking to get some projects done around the house. All I can say is welcome back fall, the time to get things in order, time to cool down. Yeah for school.

Bingo Summer Reading

This summer to encourage my youngest kids to keep on reading I discovered Bingo Summer Reading Cards
from Pinterest.com. So far it's been a great success. I allow them to earn a square per day by reading at least 30 minutes. These cards have named some creative ways to get the kids to read like reading under a tree or in my PJ's or maybe in the bathtub or in their favorite chair. When they get a bingo I have created some paper cards with rewards on them like a one free item from Dollar Tree, a frosty from Wendy's, back/foot massage, I do one chore or clean their room,. These too motivate the kids to read because they all want my massage :) or maybe it's the ice-cream cone from Arctic Circle, whatever it is, they are reading and that's what counts. They have discovered some really cool book series like Fablehaven by Brandon Mull, or Tennis Shoes Among the Nephites by Chris Heimerdinger something my older kids have already discovered. It's been fun reading these again myself, I might add.

Reading books are like going on mini vacations or watching a movie in your mind, you get into the story and you get lost in it, if it's written right. It's pure imagination, you get to envision what the characters or objects look like and it's fun to imagine or wonder what's going to happen pushing you to the end and you can't wait.

If you are looking for a creative and fun way for your kids to read this summer you might check out the Bingo Summer Reading Challenge.

Unplugged So Far

My kids were not excited to hear we were going to be unplugged this summer. I heard a lot of complaining. But, it is amazing some of the activities they have come up with to fill in the time they would have spent on wasted computer or video type games. Some things they have done so far:

• swimming at our neighbors pool on Mondays

• Service in our neighborhood and community with friends

• Building forts outside using blankets

• Playing soccer in the sprinklers

• Play Hide and Seek and Ghost in the Graveyard in the bottom level of my house, there are a lot of spaces to hide and it's dark.

• Because of the Sons of Mosiah experience, my kids have created shields and breastplates made from cardboard. Every one of them is very creative I will put a picture up later. 
• play board games
• make cookies or other treats
• reading has been in abundance, they have discovered some great series out there.
• Play with friends
• Ride scooters
• Jump on trampoline
• Ride the blue machine 3 wheeler bikes with squirt guns
• Have a water battle using squirt games
• Go to the movies 
• Listen to music, do some karaoke performances.
• Play badminton
• Dress up and imagination play
• Build with Legos 
• Build marble maze with blocks
• Take the dog for more walks
• Play at the park
• Making their own movies.

This is so far. It's good to think outside the box. I still hear grumblings and they are always asking why we are doing it, funny how they always get the same answer. It's to have more interactions with each other, to build strong family and friend relationships, to help us be creative in our thinking, get outside and be active with nature and enjoy their summer.

I'm still looking forward to some the activities I have planned like canoeing and camping and spending more time as a family doing cool, fun and discovering new things. Unplugged so far.....a success.

Summer Activities...I Can't Wait

Our summertime will all be unplugged, no media, except a few movies here or there. In order to accomplish this I bought me a pretty sweet CD/Stereo player, it also has connection for my phone to listen to Pandora music. My kids are pretty addicted to Pandora and Playlist what teenager doesn't love music. I love music myself so that will still be part of our summer just not coming from the computer. I already talked about some of the places that might be on our hot list this summer but her are more ideas I had:

Outdoor Family Sports-  Badminton, Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Swimming on Mondays.
I was watching my son Dallon get excited watching our neighbor teenage group date, they were playing badminton. It occurred to me that that was an idea after examining our yard to see if it would work, so, we bought a badminton set and a couple of new basketballs. Dallon was so excited about buying one that he helped me and Ron put in our vegetable garden so we could hurry to Wal-Mart to buy it.Now, he is itching to play.

Service - It's time to make a difference. We will be calling ourselves "Zion's Service Patrol". I will be inviting my neighbors to make a difference with us. I will make the call on Facebook to join us at a place to do service. I have my first place all picked out, I'm pretty excited to do this. And of course I plan on serving cold treats afterwards. Danielle on her own wants to volunteer at the local hospital, I think that's cool.

Of course Church will be keeping the kids and me occasionally busy with activities. Cub Scout Day Camp, Young Men Adventure Activity, Sons of Mosiah Experience, Young Women Camp, Cheer Camp for Danielle, Achievement Days for me.

And we can't forget about Family Vacation (San Diego), a trip to visit Brother Jack in Montana for his play. A Cousin's Party Campout is also planned and hanging with my folks and brother Chris and his family for some fun. Along the way, celebrate a couple of birthdays, baptism and holidays, one being my favorite, the 4th of July.

With all of this, I think summertime is looking great.

Vegetable Garden

Yesterday, I bought my garden for only $16. I'm pretty excited about the things I was able to get this year. Ron, Dallon and I hurried to put my garden together before the big rain storm.

This year I decided to plant:
 1 watermelon
 4 cauliflower
1 celery
4 corn
4 red bell pepper
4 green bell pepper
4 yellow bell pepper
1 orange bell pepper
1 zucchini
4 lettuce
1 yellow squash
1 cucumber
1 spaghetti squash
row of carrots
2 rows of peas
1 celebrity tomatoes
4 Roma tomatoes
8 turnips
and 6 strawberries
and a handful of sunflowers

I already had 2 onions, 1 chives, 2 garlic

Sounds like a lot, I'm sure it's going to be work keeping some of them under control. I love looking at the garden, it looks nice next to the newest flower garden I put together this year. Are you planning a garden this spring? What are you planning?

Unplugged

This summer to my kids dismay I'm sure, since, I haven't told them yet, we are going to be unplugged from most all media. This sounds like insanity to some and maybe it will be. But, I'm tired of coming in second place when it comes to attention. I have been furiously planning other ways to have fun this summer. I'm calling it the Tour of Utah.
Some ideas:
Fort Buenaventura for some canoeing and for learning about the life of the American Indians and Trappers with a real life tepee. It only costs $1 per person to get in. Once in you can do some exploring and see true artifacts of the times. Canoeing is one of the things that attracted me to this place, it costs only $3 for 1/2 hour and also there is the trading posts and visiting center. If you prefer, you could camp there. It sounds fairly reasonable and located in Ogden, Utah

The Golden Spike Natural Historic Site along with The Bird Refuge and the Brigham City Swimming Pool will be another day. All this in or near Brigham City. Costs: $7 per car for Golden Spike, free for Bird Refuge and $5 per person for the swimming pool.


I'm looking forward to visiting the Museum of People and Cultures in Provo, Utah on or near the BYU campus, spending a day with cousins in that part of town and swimming in the local swimming pool. We could also add the Museum of Stuffed Animals (that isn't the name of it, I don't think) but, it has a whole section of stuffed animals, it's pretty cool. All free except visit to the swimming pool.

Temple Square - Museum of Church History, Visiting Centers, Joseph Smith Movie and City Creek for ice-cream and lunch. I'm hoping to do this on June 27th on Joseph Smith's Martyrdom.  Get this all free except lunch and ice-cream.

Natural History Museum of Utah- since we only got 20 minutes to explore on Dallon's 4th grade fieldtrip, I wanted to do this again. I was very impressed with the museum. it is more expensive than my other activities, with $9 for me, $7 for five of my kids, and $6 for two of them, but, on July 9th, there will be a free day. On July 3rd you need to reserve some tickets for that day online. I'm hoping to get these free tickets for my family. Crossing fingers, if not, I'm willing to pay, because, it's an awesome experience.

Antelope Island- only $9 per car. There is many things to do on the island. Hiking to Spider Mountain and many other trails, biking, bird watching, viewing wildlife, swimming if you dare and building sand castles on the beach, I thought we would take a picnic and fly kites. There is a visiting center along with a farm house to pet a deer and see a nesting owl. It's all about getting outdoors and enjoying nature. What more could you ask for? (for the stink to not be there, okay, but, mostly that is along the causeway)

So far this is what I have, I really want to see the new zoo exhibit and maybe hike up ensign peak. There will be more family outdoor activities and playing games as a family but, no computers (except for Pandora) or gaming devices. Maybe a movie every once in awhile. You may not see me on Facebook because of it. Do you have any ideas, what are you doing this summer?

A Tribute to My Ole' Friend

Good-bye my ole' green friend and bus. He has taken us to many places over the last 12 years or so. Over hills and valleys, near the ocean blue and up mountain passes he took the 10 of us. He allowed us to visit many beautiful and awesome places of our country on vacations together as a family. He was the one that traveled the Kaysville streets to take kids to soccer practice and games, to cheer, to school and a variety of other activities including trips to the grocery store and carrying heavy loads. He was good like that. He set the example for other families showing how cool a van like he could be for them. We have notice an uprising of vans like my green friend in Kaysville and we know it's because they first saw him and saw his awesomeness and talents. He was the one people recognized first, friends and family knew when they saw him,  there were also members of the Shapiro family inside. We got many waves of hello from neighbors and friends when driving this van then any other vehicle. There was no doubt he stood out from the rest, the reason we will miss him the most. I hope you don't mind if I pay tribute. Because like pets, vehicles become family, at least it does in this family. It's now up to him to make other people happy and to enjoy his talents of carrying up to 11 people. New adventures are yours, you will be missed. So long good friend.

We have been lucky to begin a new adventure as well, we have recently bought a new friend, someone who will help us out for a few more years as our family dwindles, as children grow and move on. This new friend is the same age as our green friend but has a few extra talents like a CD player (I know that for some this is so yesterday, but, not for me). She will be a nice addition to the family, and we look forward to getting to know her as we did our old one. Welcome to the family!

Filling Our Love Tanks-Saving Marriages

For Valentine's Day my Visiting Teacher gave me a book called "The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman. I recently started reading it and was amazed about the cool advice that was within. I want to share something I learned in Chapter 2 called "Keeping the Love Tank Full"  I've learned we all have love tanks (children and adults alike) and that sometimes we all speak a different love language.

A quote from the book, "Could it be that deep inside hurting couples exists an invisible "emotional love tank" with its gauge on empty? Could the misbehavior, withdrawal, harsh words, and critical spirit occur because of that empty tank? If we could find a way to fill it, could the marriage be reborn? With a full tank would couples be able to create an emotional climate where it is possible to discuss differences and resolve conflicts? could that tank be the key that makes marriages work?

I am convinced that keeping the emotional love tank full is as important to a marriage as maintaining the proper oil level or gas is to an automobile. Running your marriage on an empty "love tank" may cost you even more than trying to drive your car without oil or gas. Whatever the quality of your marriage is now, it can always be better.

Warning: Understanding the five love languages and learning to speak the primary love language of your spouse may radically affect his or her behavior. People behave differently when their emotional love tanks are full.

The five love languages are:

Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch

Each of these have their own dialects. Which one is your primary love language? I'm thinking mine is the first and last. But, I'm thinking my husband speaks another language, I just need to figure it out and learn to speak it. I'm guessing his primary love language is Acts of Service and Words of Affirmation by reading the book.This book has helped me be a little more objective, step out of myself and listen to what is being said by listening to the dialect of the speech being said. I think I'm starting to understand. This book has great advice on saving marriages, correcting and improving and making our marriages better.

My Favorite Paleo Recipes

Beef Stir-Fry Salad

1 1/2 lbs. beef stir-fry strips
2 t. coconut oil
1 T. Bragg's Aminos
1/2 sweet yellow onion, sliced
2 yellow or orange bell peppers, sliced
large handful (about 1-1 1/2c.) sugar snap peas, cut in half
4 cups Romaine lettuce
4 cups green leaf lettuce
1/2 c. ice-berg lettuce
balsamic vinegar
olive oil
sea salt
ground black pepper
3 fresh strawberries (I added myself but highly recommend it for this meal)
1 ripe mango, cut into bite size pieces (same as strawberries, I can't imagine this meal without the fruit on top).

Prepare ahead: slice onions, peppers and cut snap peas in half, get the lettuce washed, dried and cut into bite-size pieces put into serving bowl. Prepare fruit.

Heat large skillet over med. heat. Add coconut oil. When it melts add sliced onions saute' until they begin to soften and turn translucent. Stir often. Turn heat up a bit, wait 30 sec. add beef strips and Bragg's continue to stir often. When is close to being done add bell peppers and peas, until peppers are tender. Do not over cook the beef. Turn off heat. On a plate put your amount of lettuce's that you want, then put on beef mixture, top with amount of fruit you want, pour on desired amount of balsamic and olive oil for dressing, doesn't take much. Season with sea salt and pepper. Ready to eat.

Garlic Basil Chicken Spaghetti Squash

Servings 6-8
1 large sketti squash
1 1/2 chicken breast cut into cubes
10 fresh Roma tomatoe, cubed or diced.
1 small onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 T. basil
1 T. olive oil
1 t. pepper
1 t. crushed red pepper (less if you don't want it spicy)
1/4 c. low sodium chicken broth

Pre-heat oven to 350*. Cut sketti squash in half long way, scoop out seeds. Place face down in baking dish with 1/2 " water on bottom. Bake for 1 hr. While squash is baking, heat large skillet or soup pot, pour in olive oil. Cook chicken until no longer pink and is done. Add tomatoes, broth, basil, onion, black pepper, red pepper and garlic. Cook over med/low  heat stirring occasionally until heated though. Cover and set aside on low heat. Remove sketti squash from oven, with a mitt and a fork, shred squash out with a fork, it will seem like spaghetti noodles but healthier. Place 1 cup of squash noodles on plate and top with 1 c. of chicken/tomato mixture or as much as you want. Enjoy!

Beef/Vegetable Chile (very flavorful)

2 T. coconut oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
2 T. chili powder (I only put 1)
1/4 t. cayenne
2 t. sea salt
1 t. cumin
1 t. garlic powder
2 lbs. beef stew meat
2 (28 oz) cans diced tomatoes
2 (4 oz) cans of diced green chilies
1/2 of a 4 oz. can diced jalapenos (if you want extra spicy, I didn't)
1/2 t. oregano
1/2 t. thyme
1 bay leaf
7-8 medium brown crimini  mushrooms, sliced
2 med. carrots,sliced
2 med. zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
4-6 leaves of kale leaves, shredded

Prepare in small bowl mix chili powder, sea salt, cumin and garlic powder. Dredge beef in mixture, set aside. Make sure all veggies are diced ahead of time.  Heat large soup pot over med. high heat. When hot, add coconut oil and onion to pot, brown slightly. Add beef and brown on all sides. Add tomatoes. Fill empty can with water and ad to the pot. Add green chilies, jalapenos if you are using them, cayenne, mushrooms, carrots, oregano, thyme and the bay leaf. Turn heat down to med. and cook for about 40 min. stirring occasionally. Add zucchini and red bell, cook for another 20 min. Add kale leaves and finish cooking for 10 more minutes. Ready to eat! I did half the recipe for just me and Ron. Loved this a lot.

Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry

1 head of cauliflower
2 T. coconut oil or olive oil
sea salt
1 or 2 T. Bragg's Liquid Aminos (like soy sauce but not so many calories)
shrimp 10 pieces cut in half
1 red bell pepper
1/4 c. green onions
1 c. spinach
1 clove garlic, minced
1 cup of brown crimini mushrooms, sliced

In food processor pulse the cauliflower until it resembles rice. Set aside. Heat skillet, add coconut oil. stir-fry cauliflower until soft. Add all other ingredients just enough to heat through and the shrimp is pink and the cauliflower is tender enough like rice. Enjoy! This was surprisingly my own recipe and it turned out great!

Orange/Avocado Chicken Salad

2 large oranges, segmented
1 large ripe avocado, diced
1/4 c. cashews
3 handfuls of spinach, arugula or watercress
olive oil to drizzle
sea salt and pepper to taste
2 chicken breast tenders sliced or cubed

Prepare both oranges by cutting off the rind and outer membrane and slicing out the wedges of fruit between the segments. Do this over a bowl to collect juices. (I just sliced the oranges into bite size pieces and drizzled the juice over the spinach once everything was added) Divide greens into 2 plates, top with oranges, avocados and cashews. Drizzle olive oil and remaining juice from oranges. Season with sea salt and pepper. Add sliced or cubed grilled chicken on top. Ready to eat!

The 11 Questions

The 11 Questions

Can't seem to get these colors right. Came across this at my cousin's website, thought I would try this.

THE RULES:

1. Post these rules
2. Post 11 random things about yourself
3. Answer the questions provided by the one who tagged you
4. Create 11 new questions for the people you tag
5. Tag 11 people

11 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT ME:

1. I get excited for holidays, especially the ones my kids are out of school, I love being around them.
2.I love to read historical fiction books, my favorite all time writer is Lynn Austin, check her out.
3.I love to cook most of the time. I love coming up with my own recipes.
4.I love to sing, doesn't matter what kind of music, most of the time I'm making up my own that doesn't make any sense.
5. I love to learn about people, their customs, traditions, the way they run their households, their language. We are all different and unique with different flavor.
6.I love all the seasons. Their is something beautiful about each season. I love the rain, the first snow fall, the gentle breezes and colors.
7. I only feel comfortable wearing several layers of clothes. I usually wear about 4.
8. I love to laugh but don't love the way I look when I laugh or smile big.
9.  I've always been considered younger than I am. Don't ever look old enough according to many. I like this now, but, not so much growing up.
10. I chew gum every day. Most of the time it's Wrigley's Big Red. I love to blow bubbles, but, try to hold myself back from annoying others.
11. I'm mostly a home body, but, I love road trips and vacations, I've been blessed and grateful to have a husband who makes us go on one every year, sometimes twice a year. Because of him I have seen and been many beautiful places.
11 QUESTIONS that was asked:

1. Tell about the last thing that made you really laugh. One night after dinner Kaydon went to the bathroom and had been in there awhile. Ron was doing the dishes and needed Kaydon to finish doing his job of clearing the table and counter. Ron called into Kaydon to ask what he was doing and Kaydon said he was going to the bathroom, Ron then asked if he needed any help. I don't know why, but, this started me in a frenzy of laughter to think of what might be going through Kaydon's mind from that comment. It took awhile for me to stop laughing.

2. What type of situation makes you feel out-of place? What makes you feel comfortable?  When I first walk into a place where lots of people are and they are already talking to someone.  I feel comfortable when I first get into bed, soft sheets, with the window open and the warm breeze coming through touching my face.

3. What is one thing about yourself you want to improve on?  Being more secure about me and my relationships. I've always been insecure and not sure how people think about me.
 
4. If you had 1 million dollars, but could use none of it on yourself, what would you do with it? I would give some of it to my family members struggling, I would like to start my own little private school. I would help my neighbors. And I would like to help young kids who's families can't afford it take lessons in an instrument, or take dance, cheer, singing, or whatever it may be. I didn't grow up with a chance and I would like to give others a chance I didn't have.

5. Tell about a memory that you remember often, but aren't sure why. I remember I was home alone a lot when I was young. Music was my escape, so I wouldn't be afraid. I pretended to be this amazing, super singer, performer. She was a princess in Germany, her father didn't think it proper that she wanted to sing, so, she runs away to America and lives this double life, so she isn't found out. She is this super singer that everyone knows living her dream, then she is a wife, mother the other times. Kind of a Hannah Montana except this was before that was even around. Crazy, but, I would perform in my living room in front of my imaginary fans. I even pulled my brother into one of my concerts. Fun. I think of it often because I watch American Idol and The Voice. I still today, every once in awhile will  perform in my kitchen or living room. I love to sing.

6. What is something you are excited for? This year, I'm excited for Christina to get married and have her own family, for Cameron to graduate and go on his mission, for our summer vacation to San Diego.

7. What did you eat today? So far, scrambled omelet. 
 
8. Name someone that makes you proud, and if you want, say why. All my children do, because they are so awesome, but, I can't help but think of Christina who has worked so hard to overcome her addictions to drugs. She has made a comeback. She finally found the right guy, wants to have a temple marriage, have kids of her own. She is doing so great. I'm proud of all my kids and how awesome they are, but, I can't stop thinking about my oldest daughter, Christina. She has made a comeback. She has a had a long hard road overcoming her addiction to drugs and alcohol. She had finally found the right guy to make her happy, she talking of temple marriage and having kids. She is looking so great, with a great attitude. 
 
9. What is your dream job? Of course to be a good mom and wife first, but, I have dreamed so many times about being a elementary school teacher, even preschool. I use to pretend to be a teacher when I was young, I would teach the kids on my block and it was lots of satisfaction helping kids learn things.
 
10. Describe the teenage you.  Quiet, very unsure, very modest, loved to listen to music, didn't have any friends to hang out with, home alone a lot, got into some things I shouldn't have (tobacco-didn't last long), person pleaser. Not brave enough to do anything. Shy.
 
11. What is your go-to food when you are hungry. Fruit/Gum but I also love to make cookies.

MY QUESTIONS FOR YOU!!
1. What is your earliest memory?
2. When did you first receive a testimony of Jesus and the gospel?
3. If you could only listen to one music artist for the rest of your life who would it be?
4. Describe the teenage you.
5. Do you still talk to your childhood best friend?
6. When you have spare time during the day, what do you find yourself usually doing?
7. What is your favorite quality about yourself?
8. What is a childhood memory that always makes you laugh when you think about it?
9. What is your dream job?
10. What time do you get out of bed on a Saturday?
11. What is something you are excited for?

Satisfying Breakfast Ideas + Dessert

Just discovered some better ways to eat foods on my own. Try these!

• 1 serving of Regular Oatmeal (cooled) with1/4 c. raisins and one gala apple pulsed in food processor. Add all together and wow, no milk, no sugar added. Just pure goodness.

• 1 serving of Regular Oatmeal with 1 ripe banana mashed and 1/4 c. raisins. Add all together and ready to eat. Again, no sugar, no milk. This is amazing. And it helps you stay full longer.

• Scrambled Omelet- 4 eggs (white or brown) slightly beaten, 1 cup of spinach, 1/8 c. mushrooms, 1/8 c. red pepper, 1/2 med. tomato (diced) and 2 T. cheddar cheese. You can add other veggies as well. In hot skillet, place 1 T. butter, let it melt quickly add egg, wait a moment until sides form, add all veggies and cheese. Stir and cook until desired consistency of eggs. Another meal that fills you up for a longer amount of time= less food during the day. Paleo friendly.

This recipes I had help with: 

• Carrot Banana Muffins- 2 cups of almond flour, 2 t. baking soda, 1 t. sea salt, 1 T. cinnamon, 1 c. dates, 3 ripe bananas, 3 eggs, 1 t. apple cider vinegar, 1/4 c. coconut oil, 1 1/2 c. carrots (shredded), 3/4 c. walnuts, pecans or almond pieces. You need to line your muffin pan with paper liners. In small bowl combine flour, soda, salt and cinnamon. In a food processor, combine dates, bananas, eggs, vinegar and oil. Transfer mixture into large bowl, mix more thoroughly, add flour mixture, mix well. Fold in carrots and nuts. Spoon into muffin cups and bake at 350* for 25 min. I not only used these muffins for breakfast but for snacks. This recipe is Paleo friendly.

•  Red Velvet Sorbet- (this recipe make enough for 4+). In powerful blender like a Vita-Mix combine 4 frozen bananas (frozen at least one day in advance), 10 oz. frozen raspberries, 1 T. baking cocoa, 4 dates (chopped). It is going to be hard, but, blend all until forms like ice-cream. It's good to let the fruit defrost for about 20 minutes to make it easier. I like to leave a few small chunks of fruit. This is a very good dessert. Healthier than ice-cream.

Calorie Counter

My husband has been keeping track of his calorie intake and I've watched him. He has been shredding pounds like crazy. He credits that to healthy eating/staying active when he can and keep in track of his calorie intake. Man he is looking hot! Although, I've always thought he was before.

 I have been curious about how many calories I take into my body, thinking I didn't really eat a lot.So, I started my own tracker. I use the same as he does. Check it out here http://caloriecount.about.com/cc/account/index.php   It keeps track of the food intake, water and activity you do. At first, I was frustrated about the math of it all, changing cups into oz. or grams and also finding the right foods in their database. I've learned lately you can customize your foods and add it to the database. It's amazing how much more vigil I am about the numbers on the back of each food package.  You can type in your own recipes and it will log it in for your serving. I've had a few supporters come by and comment on my status at the end of the day when my progress is complete (meaning my food intake is done for the day). It has been nice to have them give me tips on how to use this site. Today, I'm happy about it. During the day, I can put in the foods/recipes I have planned on my menu ahead of time. This has saved me time when there is no time at meal time to do it. Or I can go ahead and put it in knowing that is exactly how much I will eat and be done with it. I just have to stick with the amounts I had thought I would eat. If I decide to eat more when I already put in the amounts, I can go back and adjust it, it's pretty easy. This method has so far kept me in line and to stay within my calorie intake. When I do exercise, it gives me points, but, I ignore these, so I can lose more weight in the short run. So far, I really like it and the other people have cheered  me on. I'm not in this alone and it makes the difference. Plus, you can put this on your phone, bonus, if you go out to eat instead. If I stick with this I should be at my ideal weight by the end of the year. That's something I can look forward to.

Lynn Austin-Amazing!

I finished all of Lynn Austin's Books. What a great writer! I thoroughly enjoyed each book and learned so much through reading her books and not just history. Each book got me emotionally involved and has strengthened my testimony and faith in Jesus christ in so  many ways. Now that I'm done, I'm sad, like moving away from a great friend. I never thought this before for any other book, but, I wouldn't think twice about picking up any of her books and reading it again. And i can truly suggest her books to anyone and not regret it. Looking for a worthy goal, try reading all of these. These books had it all: adventure, clean romance, faith building, historically correct, and powerful. You come to know each character and feel their struggles and they are real struggles we face. Loved seeing the change in each character as they began to really depend on god to help them. But, it wasn't preachy or didn't feel like going to church, it was a real adventure for each character from each book. 


Stand-alone novels

• All She Ever Wanted
• Eve's Daughters
• Hidden Places
• A Proper Pursuit
• Though Waters Roar
• Until We Reach Home
• While We're Far Apart
• Wings of Refuge
• A Woman's Place
• Wonderland Creek 

Chronicles of the Kings series- I can't tell you how much I enjoyed this series. It was the best.
Following the lives and legacies of King Hezekiah and his son Manasseh, this series takes readers through the history, drama and promises of the Old Testament. Embracing God's law, following God's will, and growing in faith is easier said than done for the father and son. Three-time Christy Award winner Lynn Austin brings the Bible to life in her gripping historical novels.

1. Gods and Kings
2. Song of Redemption
3. The Strength of His Hand
4. Faith of My Fathers
5. Among the Gods

Refiner's Fire series
Each book in this sweeping Civil War series—one each told from the northern, southern, and slave points-of-view—offers a unique and shattering perspective on the conflict while exploring the deep effect the war had on the faith of a nation.

1. Candle in the Darkness
2. Fire by Night
3. A Light to My Path

It's Okay To Mourn But Don't Hate

In recent news, we have witnessed shocking news about Josh Powell (who was accused by the people not necessarily the law, that he had something to do with his wife's' disappearance back in 2009). We learned that he had blown himself up along with his two young sons using 10 gallons of gasoline, luckily, saving the case worker the same fate. We later learned that he had brutally killed his sons before he started the fire using a hatchet. My heart broke twice. My first feeling was heartbreak and shock, then I started getting frustrated that things could have been handled differently, better. But, then I started to feel angry, mostly saddened by the things Josh had done from the beginning. To me it is evident that he killed his wife too, I had felt promptings that this is true of late last year and just hoped they would find her body to help bring closure and peace to the Cox family.  To have the kids witness it, by taking them on a "campout" while mom was in the trunk. There is no words to describe what Josh Powell has done in the last three years and may have even stemmed from the evils of pornography of all things. While feeling angry about how the boys died, I had another thought that was given me. I shouldn't be angry or hate Josh for anything, this is for God to handle and sort out. He allows these things to happen so that he can bring to pass his justice where it is needed and mercy where it is needed. God paid the ultimate price for all those that would ever suffer in this life called the Atonement. We need the Atonement today, we need to give it (this tragedy) to God and allow our hearts to be healed. We need to forgive and love all men including men like Josh Powell. I feel sorry for him now. He made a huge mistake or two or three, but, we have all sinned in one way or another and need forgiveness of the one who has mercy. Whether God will have any mercy on Josh Powell or send him straight to hell is His decision not ours. We can only believe and for some of us, we know, that Susan and her two young boys are together again. They will suffer no more and we must not suffer either because we know. God bless us all as we mourn the loss and try to understand it, but, let us put hate far from us and remember to have compassion on the man that has lost everything.

A Good Woman Knows

Julie B. Beck once said, I have felt that there has never been a greater need for increased faith and personal righteousness. There has never been a greater need for strong families and homes. There has never been more that could be done to help others who are in need. How does one increase faith, strengthen families, and provide relief? How does a woman in our day find answers to her own questions and stand strong and immovable against incredible opposition and difficulty?

A good woman knows that she does not have enough time, energy, or opportunity to take care of all of the people or do all of the worthy things her heart yearns to do. A good woman must constantly resist alluring and deceptive messages from many sources telling her that she is entitled to more time away from her responsibilities and that she deserves a life of greater ease and independence. Ladies we have work to do, we have responsibility and we must constantly be striving to do our very best. With personal revelation she can prioritize correctly and navigate this life confidently.

In order to receive personal revelation, we must be in a position to receive the Lord's Spirit. Qualifying for the Lord's Spirit begins with a desire for and implies a certain degree of worthiness. Keeping the commandments, repenting, and renewing covenants made at baptism and also making and keeping temple covenants.

A good woman knows she can search the scriptures to find the answers to difficult questions because the scriptures are an aid to revelation. We must read from them daily, we can receive peace, inspiration and strength.

Also, a good woman knows the greatest strength is found on our knees in daily sincere prayer. It is essential to success in dealing with the road bumps in the day to day busyness madness.  

Mothers can feel help from the Spirit even when tired, noisy children are clamoring for attention, but they can be distanced from the Spirit if they lose their temper with children. A good woman composes herself well in opposition and relies on God for guidance in unfavorable situations.  Promised personal revelation comes when we ask for it, prepare for it, and go forward in faith, trusting that it will be poured out upon us.

Attendance at Relief Society meetings also help us be blessed by the combined spiritual power of all the sisters. Women should be women and not babies that need petting and correction all the time. We all want to be appreciated but if we don't get the appreciation that we think we deserve, what matters? A good woman knows we serve unconditionally, we are serving God when we serve our families and others around us. We are here to please God not man.

The greatest good we can do to ourselves and each other is to refine and cultivate ourselves in everything that is good and ennobling to qualify us for those responsibilities.

We are doing well when we develop attributes of Christ and strive to obey His gospel with exactness. We are doing well when we seek to improve ourselves and do our best. We are doing well when we increase faith and personal righteousness, strengthen families and homes, and seek out and help others who are in need. When we have done our very best, we may still experience disappointments, but we will not be disappointed in ourselves.

Much of the major growth that is coming to the Church in the latter days will come because many of the good women of the world, they will reflect righteousness and articulateness in their lives to the degree that the women of the Church are seen as distinct and different in happy ways--from the women of the world. The Lord depends on His daughters to do their part. A good woman knows that part.

Paraphrasing and quoting between Julie B. Beck's May 2010 Conference address, rearranged with my own thoughts. Read it yesterday, it has been one of my favorite motivation speeches. Wanted to share it.

Treat Your Body Right! Discussion on Sleep/Food Intake and Exercise

Do you feel yourself by late afternoon sluggish, burned out and exhausted? You might ask yourself three things?

1. How many hours of sleep am I getting each night? Don't know, maybe start keeping a sleep journal. Do I stay up late and get up early? Why am I staying up late? Are the things I'm staying up late for important? Sleep like good nutrition and exercise is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle. Practice self-care and make sleep a priority. Consequences of inadequate sleep:

• Impaired immune response. The quality of sleep before becoming infected is a significant determinant of the severity of cold symptoms. Even one night of inadequate sleep reduces the number and activity of natural killer cells the next day. 
• Impaired learning and cognitive function-blood oxygen levels in the brain are measurably lower after insufficient sleep.
• Increased snacking-lack of sleep results in dysregulation of hunger and satiety hormones.
• Weight gain
• Emotional disturbances and excessive emotional reactivity.

How much sleep should one get? Answer: 7 + hours each night for adults, more for children.
Why am I not sleeping well even though I go to bed early? The answer can be many different reasons but ask yourself these questions.

2. What am I doing right before bedtime? Do I eat after or snack after 8:00pm? Do I partake of caffeine in any form before bedtime? (drinks, prescription, headache medicine, chocolate, etc.) Am I thinking of things that would bring me stress before bedtime? It is important that we pinpoint our weakness and fix it. We must be more careful what we put into our bodies before bedtime so that we can get the sleep we desperately need and deserve. Make a habit of not eating or drinking anything except water, before bedtime. (Water should not be drank at excess amounts before bed to avoid many trips to the bathroom in the middle of the night.)  Also, it is important to take notice what foods you are partaking of at the beginning of your day. Remember breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. So that we have the energy to participate in the day, we must eat a nutritious breakfast, we MUST NOT SKIP breakfast because we are afraid of the pounds it might add. We owe ourselves, our kids, or job if you have one to treat yourself right. So, at the beginning of the day eat the right foods and drinks (not caffeinated or diet drinks that loaded down with sugar-quick start to a quick dive), giving yourself plenty of fruits and veggies throughout the day to give positive energy. Do Not Skip lunch. Keep peanuts/cashews handy for a quick shot of protein and energy for in between meals. Opt out of candies that are sweet and fun these will head you in the wrong direction, a straight course down hill.  Be Smart, Eat Right.

3. What kind of activity am I doing throughout the day?  Don't be a couch/chair potato always looking at some screen or another. This is exhausting. Limit your hours watching T.V., internet, facebook, blogging or gaming, these are sure ways to drain energy. When you find yourself getting tired, get up and do something; stretch, jog in place, climb some stairs, take a walk, circle your arms, change of scenery, anything active. To give yourself extra energy do at least 20 min.of formal exercise a day.This can be done in a variety of ways. I will let you brainstorm for that one.

Some real and tested things that help me sleep better at night:

• Reading - I find that when I read before I go to bed, I have less wake up times in the middle of the night. Of course, you may not want to read an intense thriller book or of that nature before venturing to bed. 
• Don't go to bed in a huff - I found that I have less of a chance of a good nights rest if I have had a disagreement with my spouse. The saying "Don't Go To Bed Mad" is a good saying. 
• A long sincere, emotional prayer helps in big, big ways. I'm able to get all my feelings out in the open, crying helps cleanse the body, I am left with a clear mind to sleep peaceably.
• A very warm bath- invigorates the body, but, afterwards, as I lay down in comfortable, soft blankets, I can sleep uninterrupted, so very nice.

Twenty-four hours in a day usually doesn't seem like enough to "get everything done". Exercise and sleep are often sacrificed in our busy lives. Maybe you didn't finish everything on your mile long to-do list. Let it go--you owe yourself some rest! Start your new year off right! Be healthy: eat/drink right, exercise/stay active but don't over do it and get enough sleep. 

Health Challenge

Week 1: Keep a food journal
Week 2: No eating after 8pm
Week 3: No Sweets
Week 4: Drink 64 oz. (8 glasses of water a day)
Week 5: Choose your own challenge
Week 6: Get 7+ hours fo sleep a night
Week 7: No Soda or Juice
Week 8: Eat 5 servings of vegetables per day
Week 9: No refined flour or sugar

Along with these challenges, I think it is appropriate to add: At least 15 minutes of active exercise each day. We exercise more than we think we do, but, here are some scheduled challenges for those who might need it.

Here are some exercise challenges already put together for you. Thank you Jen Ward.
It's called the 3-2-1 Workout:  (3 min. Cardio, 2 min. Resistance, 1 min Abs)

3-Jump Squats
2-Bicep Curl
1-Plank

3-Standing Mountain Climbers
2-Tricep Kick Back
1 Bicycle legs

3-Plank Jacks
2- Moving Lunges
1- Full sit ups

3-Burpees
2- Wide arm lat pulls
1-Straight leg lower

3-Skiers
2-Wide leg squats
1-V position hold

3-Jump Rope
2-Shouldler raises
1-Medicine Ball side to side

or there is this challenge:

30 Jumping Jacks
5 Push ups
25 High Knees
7 Burpees
10 Crunches
7 Squats
5 Push ups
10 Crunches
5 Push ups
7 Squats
30 Jumping Jacks
1 minute wall sit
5 push ups
25 high knees

*Repeat 3-5 times

This is the health challenge, anyone can do it with me. A group of us are doing the health challenge, maybe you want to too. To our health.