If Ye are Prepared,Ye Shall Not Fear

You ever had those days when everything seems to be shifting you off your path?  Maybe it is trying to wake up on a day you are just emotionally and physically spent, or maybe it's rushing the kids because they were dragging their feet.  Those things and more made up my morning yesterday morning.  Every pair of shoes my two year old owns had one shoe missing.  She decided to throw a fit as we walked out the door, because of what was in her sippy cup.  I've kept her home from the kids play area all week due to a runny nose and slight cough, only to have her nose run when she went back.  Are you feeling the frazzle? It all seemed crazy and as I was apologizing to my children when they went out the door for mommy freaking out this morning, I hung my head and took a breath and wondered what I did to have such a morning.  There is light at the end, I learned quite a bit today.


I learned that no matter how much you learn, some days are just more of a challenge then others.  I learned that reaching out to others is necessary for our emotional survival.  I learned that I have a great team by my side that is ready to lift me up on my challenging days. I learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a sign that my heart is opening up to trust others, and sometimes it just hurts to care.  I learned that my children are forgiving and that I can reach out to them sometimes, even when I think I should be the strong one.  I also learned that without the knowledge of who I am and where I am going, a day like this could leave me in the mire to kick the pricks and wallow. 

I hadn't prepared the night before for my morning schedule. I was tired from not sleeping well for two nights and emotional from challenging my beliefs.  I was seeing only the things I wasn't doing, instead of the countless good things was doing.  I wonder why I can't see the miraculous, gifted, loving woman that God made me!  I came upon a audio/video this week that touched me and still does each time I watch it.  Hold on.  Understanding the fear of who I can be with God is so essential, that it's imperative for me to break through my barriers and go forth with head high and shoulders back to fulfill those things I am put on this earth to do. So here is to vulnerability, truth, and showing up for life prepared and ready to roll, because.......

"If Ye are Prepared, Ye shall not fear"

(Doctrine and Covenants 38:30)

Wisdom Files- Watch this and see if you don't feel different

Santa Clause is Coming to Town!

It seems like I sing this song a lot more these final weeks before Christmas.  Maybe I just use it to have a little more peace... but here is to you all in honor of this special time.  If only our children, or anybody else could realize that sometimes all we want is no fighting and arguing for Christmas!  I wish Santa came more than once a year!
(Download our song as a podcast )
(Download our song as a mp3)

You better watch out!

You better not cry!

You better not pout, 

I'm telling you why.......

Santa Clause is Coming to TOWN!!!!!

Sydney really didn't cry.  She just sat there, not realizing she could ask for something from Santa.  She still doesn't get him, but she knows about Jesus and that's alright with me.  Abby said to me the other day "I really don't care what I get from Santa."  Somebody must have said something to her at school.  She is 10 after all. Phoebe asked for a DS and I didn't get it.  I guess it's a gaming thing.  I'm SURE she heard that at school ;).

I'm a Keeper

We had a great discussion on the family at church today.  I find it amazing that the week I seek for those who could help me be a better mother and parent....the discussion is had and many couples came to mind.  This same day my husband and I are swapping back and forth with our two year old and her runny nose.  I realized my desire to be a good mother is a good thing and that God is pleased with my efforts. 

For many people, a two parent secure household is normal for their growing up, as it should be.  I grew up very independent and played a bigger part than the average child with a single mother.  It is about the great and wonderful things I was taught, the great and wonderful things my husband was taught, and the two of us taking what works and finding the rest that works.  Isn't this earthly experience grand.

I'm grateful that on these days, God instilled in me a desire to learn and grow.  I think without that, I would be stuck in an unchanging place, and unable to see the good I am doing.  My sweet daughters shoveled the snow with me this morning and without asking went to help the neighbors.   My girls must have been watching, and helped me realize what a kindness that is.  I had never seen it that way from my perspective.  It was something that had to be done at the moment.  This is important when I reflect upon my day and mull over the things I could have done better.  I am going to reflect on the things I'm doing right more often.  I guess I'm a keeper!

Love Languages and Temperance

I find it interesting that these two topics came together this morning.  I wasn't able to get back to sleep after Sydney was up this morning asking for milk.  This voice kept nudging at me to get out of bed, I had something to learn.  I had started to read the "THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES" book by Dr. Chapman and have found it very interesting.  I knew we all had different learning styles and each of us our unique, but I hadn't associated it to love.  I always thought since I was sucha verbal person, I am a verbal affirmations girl, but the more I read, the more I realize how many of the love languages are similar, but different in intent.  I love "quality time."  Anyway, enough about me.

I have been praying to find the way and path to help my children and be more patient with them.  It has taken me many places, and to many books, but this one clicked. My children have love languages too!  I hadn't thought of that.  This changes so much. I am so excited to find out what they are.  I desire so much to show the love I feel inside for them.  This may be a very personal blog, due to the very nature of the topic, and that it is so raw with me.  I love to share what I learn. It invigorates me.

Before I sat to read more from this book, I had picked up the Ensign and started to read the talk given my Elder Kent Watson, "Being Temperate in All Things,".   I found myself recieving personal thought to my mind from a loving Heavenly Father who wants to teach me how to figure these things out with my family and loved ones.   He used this 4 o'clock hour to enlighten my mind and send me a message of love and understanding.  It became clear that temperence is a gift of the spirit.  I love the gifts of the spirit. I have been blessed to have those gifts when I have prayed for them in my life and as Heavenly Father has seen fit to give them to me in my particular time of life.  I feel blessed to understand these things, and to practice what I've read.  We can all practice temperance in the economic and social enviroment we face everyday.   I have really been hit by it this last week.  My coat was taken, hopefully by accident (and it's really cold here in Utah.)  I've learned to appreciate warmth and have been working on letting go of something that really is a necessity.   I've prayed that whoever has it returns it, or gets better use of it than I did.  Either way, it's been a challenge, and may not be for the rest of the world, but I've learned from it.  It's not coincidence that at the moment it was taken, I was listening to someone speak about charity.

So, have a wonderful day everyone.  To whomever even reads this, may you blessed with the gift of temperance.  I am thankful for all the gifts our Eternal Father has bestowed in my life. 

Be Still My Soul  One of my favorite hymns.  The words are great!

I recorded singing it this morning.  This is a big step for me to let go of my perfectionism and share how I feel with song.  It's is early and just sung in the quiet of my kitchen...hope you feel it too!
Download the audio here!
 or click here if you don't have itunes
Create a great day!

Recipes: sugar free hot cocoa and pudding

Have a new recipe for pudding that is healthy and doesn't have aspratame or sugar wanna-be's.  I used Stevia and it's in a class all it's own.  Love the stuff.  I am so thrilled.  I'm have the hot cocoa recipe as well tonight for my birthday treat.   It won't keep me up late with a sugar rush.  Sugar is not bad... we need it to rise yeast, and it's fun every once in a while, but I have been off the stuff for a while and feel free.....free to choose and feel like myself with out needing to have a soda or pop a candy ( the candy being my old preference).  Try this out!  I found these online and tweaked the sugar.

Vanilla Pudding Mix:

3 cups nonfat dry milk
Stevia (8 tbps. for 4 c. sugar)
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups cornstarch
(1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract to be added when you make the pudding)

Mix all except the vanilla, and store in an airtight container.

To prepare, mix 1/2 cup of mix to 2 cups milk. Heat and stir constantly while boiling. Cool, then add 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract.

Chocolate Pudding Mix :
2 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk
stevia (10 tbps for 5 c. sugar)
3 cups cornstarch
1 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 cups unsweetened cocoa

Mix and store in airtight container.

To prepare, add 2/3 cup mix to 2 cups milk. Heat and stir constantly while boiling. Cool, then serve.  


Fat Free, Sugar Free Hot Cocoa Recipe:
Ingredients

3 cups nonfat dry milk powder
Stevia (2 tbps replaces 1 c. sugar)

1/2 cup baking cocoa
1 (1-oz) package fat-free sugar-free instant vanilla pudding mix

Directions

Mix all ingredients together in a food processor or blender.
Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To make, use ¼ cup mix to 1 cup hot water.

Original Recipe

What a great day!

Sooo...... this week I have created a sugar free yummy pudding,  a sugar free hot cocoa, and fit into my special red velvet dress. I have pushed myself beyond what I thought possible with my body and my mind.  I have had some wonderful realizations about who I am and what I'm worth.  I have found comfort in the words of the scriptures and solice in the counsel from the prophets of the Lord.  I have been granted some really sweet and powerful moments and desire more.  I'm just very thankful and hope you all decide to create that kind of day for yourself... because it really is what we make of it.   It doesn't have to be what we call "perfect," just perfect for our now!  Life will keep coming and we will keep moving along and learning as we allow it to teach us what we are suppose to learn. 

Thanks to all of you. I really enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday because it reminds us what we are thankful for, which allows our hearts to be open to the gifts we recieve each day.

Here's to a great day!

Feeding Your Kids with a New Attitude!

Ever try feeding your children when you are seeking after a healthier lifestyle for yourself and your family?  There are many who find this a challenge, and as a mother of three girls, I have experienced this myself.  I have found a great deal of introducing food and change to our children is in our attitudes.  It lies within us to have a good attitude with our children concerning food and experiencing new flavors, textures and combinations of food.  I had a neighbor who sent her daughter over because we had "Trees with snow," (i.e. Broccoli with healthy ranch dressing).   My daughters are still convinced that eating beets make their hair soft like a princess and that it's red/pink because it's royal food.


I have tried adding, substituting, and replacing many things in my families food choices, but the key is doing it slowly and with excitement.  If you are trying to feed your kids fruits and veggies and won't touch the stuff yourself, don't expect them to chow down and enjoy it either.  Get yourself feeling good about your food choices and then start with your family.

Remember that children like to choose, just like we do, what they want to eat.  Fill your fridge with the fruits and veggies, whole grains, lean meats and dairy that your family enjoys.  Give them options and let them help you prepare the food. 

For example: You are packing your child a lunch and there are choices between a lean turkey and cheese on whole grain bread (or a wrap)  or whole grain chips with salsa and a cheese stick. Carrots or broccoli?  Apple or banana?  You get the idea. I have seen so many lunches with sandwiches, chips, cookies or treats, fruit snacks (full of sugar, might as well be a peice of candy), and sodas or juice boxes that are not 100% juice. If you ate that everyday,  how would you look, feel, or behave?  I would be droopy by 1 or 2 after eating like that, let alone the sugar drop and irritability I would experience.  Every wonder why your kids are more ornery, or tired, after school?  Check out what they are eating for lunch! 


Hope this sheds some light.  Keep moving forward.  When one experience with a new food choice is a challenge, keep trying.  When introducing babies to new food, they may spit the carrots back at you, but we don't give up.  We keep giving it to them to try and eventually their taste buds become accustom to it.  Be good to yourself and eat for health, and create positive attitudes about food and eating with your children. Someday, they might be feeding you!

A New Kind of Sugar Free Pudding

Well, I tried my hand at making that pudding recipe with stevia for a sweetener and it turned out great!  It is one you get to cook, but made ahead, it is good and good for you.  I have made it into protein pudding and had bananas,.....should have taken a picture.  None the less, it was successful and I had a good time researching it and EATING it.  I will have the recipe up soon so you can have a try for yourselves.  I want to try a few things to get it just right.  Check back this week, and happy substitutions!

Trick or Treat, Smell My Sweat!!!

"Is it possible to train for a 5k for Thanksgiving?" I asked myself a few weeks ago.  The answer it "YES."  My running partner Megan and I kicked out two miles of running, after just two weeks.  We are runners!  I feel the glee in my face, the joy in my muscles moving and when all is said and done........I Am a Rock STAR!  So, on this Halloween day, after a great cardio group workout, and creating a body that burns fat ALL weekend, I found the strength and power to run, no just the intended 1.5 miles, but 2!  That's right... I'm seeing in myself that power to do anything I put my mind to and believe it.  I can see that Julie that has been screaming to get out........I LOVE THIS WORLD.  Sometimes it takes seeing ourselves accomplish something physical we told ourselves before couldn't happen.  Sometimes it is just changing our reaction to something, that has always been the same and has taken us nowhere fast.  We all have it in us,  that divine, motivation to be who God intended us to be.  I'm so thankful for my body, mind, and spirit. I know who I am and I know where I'm going.

Experiments in Progress!

I just got some liquid Stevia in different flavors. I am searching for how to make jello and pudding from scratch so I can ward away from fake sugars.  If you have a recipe, let me know.  The root beer was so good. It was like having a root beer without all the fizzy stuff coming up my nose!  Too much info, I know.  Good luck with your food experiements and substitutions.  Together we can become a nation of healthy people.

Food Experiments: I'm trying a fat free muffin or cookie to get ready for the Holidays!

I'm going to try my hand at a fat free. sugar free cookie or muffin.  I thought I'd prepare for the upcoming Halloween and since I am choosing to have a sugar free lifestyle.  I want to try this out.  A few caught my eyes, so I'll give it a try this week.  I will post the pictures and recipes when I "tweeked" them to my liking.  Have a Happy Fall time and enjoy the wonders of pumpkin in your food!

What is going this week of September 20-26?

We have had a new week and many great things happening.  Our sweet girls are in school and learning great things.  They get their weekly work done by Tuesday, so dance and playing with friends can be done with out distraction. They are so fabulous and motivated!  Sydney works right along with them, drawing on her paper and doing her "homework." 

I have started the 90 day transformation team and it has been transforming to me.   I am excited for the great things I am learning every day to improve myself and my families lives. 

Spencer is working in Riverton now.  They moved his work there and he has been commmuting at 6:45am to get there and be home early.  He is awesome, and I appreciate his great efforts to do this to spend time with us in the evening. 

I have finished canning for the moment and will soon have a great store of melon (I don't recall their names right now) and tomatoes.  The raspberries are still growing! YEAH! 

My dad and his wife are coming to visit us today for a few days to see us and go to conference. That will be fun and great for them to experience the live sessions of conference. 

The girls are still in dance and loving their teachers and the new moves they are learning.  We find them in the dining room, with our electric piano playing all the classical fun songs to dance to.  It has been a great blessing for them to have this movement and outlet to express themselves.  Dance is great, but then I am biased because I love to dance. 

All and all, a great week.  Sydney is loving playing with our neighbors and playing outside.  She misses her sisters at school and loves to say goodbye and hello when they go and come.  She is growing very fast and potty trained this last month. WAHOO!  We love the no diaper days. 

We have truely been blessed and are continually amazed at the gifts we are given each day to grow and learn.  Sending love all your way!

Transformation!

For all who know me well, I have been transforming this last year in ways I didn't think possible. I have read lots of books (the big stack always by my bed) and have really been on a quest.  Well, my quest had taken me to Everlasting Fitness recently. I have had a great experience there, and it has only been a short while. I feel peaceful and assured that I am in the right place at the right time.

Many times in our lives we makes a conscious and unconscious choices how to spend our time, focus our thoughts, love our family, and serve each other.  I feel like this time is bringing so many of those things to the front of my mind, using them positively and being able to finally express them in all avenues of my life.  Spiritual, physical, and emotional are so connected and it's taken until NOW to figure that out consciously.  My subconscious knew, but I needed to know.

I have started stating things in "I AM" form to help the person I desire to be and need to be fulfill my purpose here on earth.  I am happy.  I am strong.  I am changing my mind and body and spirit to be the person God intended me to be.   I am divine!

Gardening: my planting experiments

I have been gung ho getting my garden in and using it this year.  There is something almost magical about planting a seed, watching it grow with just water and air and soil and getting this WONDERFUL food in the end. I have had such great success this year.  I tried to be as organic as possible. I didn't have the same bug problems as last year and my plants just GREW!  I love organic gardening. I even started a compost pile.

Here's what I've grown, and attempted this year:
raspberries (new this year and producing already- YEAH)
pumpkins (planted three times and finally coming in ok)
cucumbers (bugs got to the biggest vine, but I put them in a better place called the Landfill!)
tomatoes ( pear, cherry, yellow heirloom, roma, and big boy)
zucchini ( made great relish and mustard pickles this year)
broccoli and cauliflower ( gotta learn more about this one and how to keep it growing)
dill (worked great next to broccoli and cauliflower to keep bugs away- WORKED)
parsley (started from small plant and grew very well next to my tomatoes)
strawberries (that's were the slugs and bugs went first)
sunflowers (7-8 feet tall!)
morning glory and white decor pumpkins ( on the tee pee stand we made, did great)
some summer squash (really sweet and can't figure out what it is)
peppers (hot and green, the hot ones were really hot, great for my brother-in-law)
watermelons (had two already -YUMMY)
canteloup and some other sweet melon - very good, did really well for a compact space as long as I led the trails where I wanted them)
Blueberries ( love coconut husks and Dr. Earth fertilizer)
sweet peas- (lasted for a week and died, weather too hot)
spinach and other lettuce varieties- (butter, romaine, red leaf, and spinach did great. I couldn't eat them fast enough, will grow less and spread out the time I plant next year.)
beets and radishes (will definitely plant them again next year.  Beets were tender and juicy and radishes are still too spicy for me.  I like them a little milder.  I will try a different variety next year.

Herbs- tried a few herbs this year and they grew like wildfire (comfrey, horehound, catnip, parsley, dill, clary sage)

All and all it's been a great year. I've put up jams, sauces, peaches, apples (oh, my apple tree did well, and it's really small), salsa,  and relishes and pickles from all that zucchini.  Ask me and I'll send the recipes that worked well for me this year.  I used low to no sugar canning.

I have loved the garden this year. I used my regular sprinkler system and even used cornmeal on the grass for fertilizer and weed control, which reminds me I need another application for the fall.  The earth is good and their is plenty to give when we tend it and care for it.

I've made the Journey to Blog and a later church meeting time

Sunday mornings have been quite a whirlwind up until now. We have changed meeting times and buildings to a beautiful new church building and a later time. I have been in such a habit to get up early, get dressed, and get the children dressed. I woke up this morning and had to tell myself to sleep in until 8am.

So, here I am dressed, my children pretty much ready to go and a few minutes to spare on Sunday. I have desired very much to share some of the fun books I'm reading, some experiments I'm trying out, and some really cool things that have helped me and my family. I've always admired all the moms who could write about their kids activities and have such cute sites, but mine will not be to that caliber, I'm afraid.