My favorite husband and sons/should I clarify, my only husband and sons

More pictures

This is a picture of my favorite daughter, and our dog Boo.

My family

Help! A monkey escaped from the zoo!

The monkey already exists, but now a monster has been created, now that I have figured out this uploading of pictures and videos!

Pictures of Tanner's room

Just a little reminder

What a day. For those who don't know me, I used to suffer from Crohn's disease. Through changing my eating habits I have cured myself. There are just a few little "quirks" that my body occasionally reminds me of. The latest one being, I cannot eat the same food for more than a couple of days in a row. If I do, my stomache gets upset with me. In this case it was, spiral cut ham. I really like spiral cut ham, and since I usually only have it at Thanksgiving or Christmas I tend to pig out on it. Bad choice. My stomache got really upset with me this morning, and I haven't felt well all day.

I have to find some sort of blessing in this. Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.............

Okay, I've got it! The good thing about this is, it's just a little reminder and I am not actually sick again with Crohn's disease. What a blessing.

I actually think it is a good thing to have these little reminders, because sometimes I get tired of having to cook as much as I do, and eat the way that I do. Only because it is more time consuming than just opening a box, sticking it in a microwave and eating. But it reminds me WHY I am cooking and eating the way that I am. And I am so greatful for the knowledge I have learned about my own body, and the knowledge that I needed to heal my body.

For those who don't know, my diet consists of: whole grains, (no white flour) raw honey, (no sugar) raw milk, (no pasteurized milk) natural meats and chicken as much as possible, good water, no preservatives or artificial food colorings, no harsh chemicals, lots of vegetables and fruits, free range fertile eggs, (no regular store bought eggs) butter, coconut oil or olive oil, (no hydrogenated oils) organics whenever possible, and a positive attitude and happy thoughts. It really doesn't take me THAT much longer to cook than "normal" people, it's just when I am not feeling well that it seems like a burden. "Who is going to cook for me?"

I also want you to know that I have been pretty good during the holidays. I have only eaten a teeny tiny bite, here and there of treats other people have brought over. I have to admit it tastes good, but the side effects (mental and physical) are certainly not worth a few seconds of mouth pleasure. I encourage you all to try it. See what you can overcome!!!

What did Heavenly Father do for me?

Yesterday we went to the store to get a few things and (maybe) exchange some shoes "if" the line wasn't too long. When we walked into Walmart we had to stop at the door while they checked all of our stuff. Then we turned the corner to see if the customer service line was big. It was HUGE, there were probably 20 or so people waiting. So I said forget it, I will just exchange the shoes later.

Blessing #1- we needed to find a curtain rod for Tanners room. At Walmart they had one that he liked, but it wasn't big enough. It also cost about $35 so I was hoping for something less expensive. We got our other things and left Walmart. Tanner and I went over to Lowe's afterwards and found the perfect curtain rod for $5, on clearance!!!! It was regurlarly $38.

Blessing#2- I went over to Walmart last night around 6:00pm to exchange shoes, and now sheets (the ones I bought for Emerald felt like plastic, yuck!) I walked in and went straight to the customer service counter. NOT ONE PERSON WAS IN LINE! How great is that! I was able to return the things I had and buy new sheets and get back home in less than 30 minutes.

I really love looking for these small but large blessings each day. It helps me stay focused on who is blessing me.

Emerald gets her ears pierced!

I have to back up a little before I explain why this is so exciting. When Emerald was 6 years old, I took her on a "girls day out" to get her ears pierced. It traumatized her and it traumatized me. I couldn't go to sleep for 3 days after that, because I just kept thinking about how "I let" someone PUNCH HOLES THROUGH MY DAUGHTERS EARS!!!! They then got infected, and pretty much never cleared up, so we had to take the earrings out and let the holes close up.

Emerald LOVES jewelry. So for Christmas we gave her a gift card to a place where she could either buy clip on earrings or...........get her ears pierced. She decided to get her ears pierced, but was very nervous about it. To tell you the truth I think I was more nervous than her. Miguel came with, so she would at least have one brave person with her. Emerald sat on the chair and a couple of tears leaked out. I asked her "are you sure you want to do this?" she said "yes." And Miguel told me to go away, because I was making it worse. So they pierced the first ear, and she sat there just smiling. It didn't hurt at all, because the holes were still open on the inside I guess. Then they did the other ear. That one hurt just a little bit. By last night her ears were just fine, and she was twisting her earrings.

Emerald told me that she started praying (once she decided to get her ears pierced) that it wouldn't hurt. Her prayers were answered, and she LOVES her new earrings. She does look beautiful in them. I love you Emerald.

Christmas

I am so greatful for our Savior, Jesus Christ. The perfect unselfishness, the perfect love, the perfect charity, that He is. That is "who he is." His life and His example are awe-inspiring. When your soul becomes love, and charity, and unselfishness, that is when we can make a difference in this life. It is something I am not perfect at, yet I strive for it daily. How can I be all of these things each day? For me I have to make a conscious effort, I have to be thinking about it A LOT. Sometimes I think I use more energy "thinking" than I do in any physical activity. Somedays, I would like to be able to just shut off my brain. I haven't been able to do that, any suggestions? I do absolutely love learning and growing, it is very fulfilling. I just have to remember to stay humble. Sometimes I get a little "attitude" with growth.

Christmas was great. I love watching my family open presents and being excited and happy about what "santa" brought for them. My absolute favorite part about Christmas is just getting to spend so much time together. Hang out and watch movies and play with their toys etc. etc. It's like you can finally relax when it is over and just enjoy everything.

Something to think about

This is taken from a book I am reading, given to me by a great friend. I think her and I are kindred spirits. (or maybe it's just because we both have red hair?)

You want money? Use your thoughts. You want food? Use your thoughts. Think on the worthy desires of your heart, and they are drawn to you spiritually. All physical things have a spiritual counterpart. By thinking we draw the spiritual counterpart to oursevles. By persisiting in right thought, the angels do our bidding and arrange the affairs of men to cause the worthy desires to pass from the spiritual to the physical world.

The moment you entertain doubt or fear, all of those forces reverse and the things, the ideas, the situations, the people you need immediately draw away from you. Our negative thoughts actually and literally cause the blessings to be repelled.

Change your thinking, and you will see the opportunities all around you.

For me this applies not only to the temporal, but also to the spiritual blessings we have the opportunity to receive. All of these blessings are all around us, all the time. We just have to do our part, which is not always easy, but.......absolutely possible.

Tanner's new room

Tanner wants me to write about him. So I will.

For part of his Christmas we are re-doing his room. He thinks he has grown out of his "little boy" room, just because he is 13 now. Tanner and Logan and I took off the wallpaper. Then we primed parts of his walls. I then painted the whole room. It took us about 6 hours from start to finish, which really isn't that bad, considering all we accomplished. Tanner is going to paint some abstract art on the walls. He is a good artist, so I know it will look great. After Christmas I am going to make him some new curtains also.

I may do Emeralds room later. I would like to do some canvas paintings with her, to hang on her walls.

The only problem with all of this is, it STINKS. The paint smell is still lingering. We have had Tanner's door closed and his window opened to air it out, but it is still too smelly for him to sleep in there.

I enjoy doing projects like this. It is nice to have a change.

Where is my book?

The latest on my book is........... its been sitting in a box on my counter for a whole week and I haven't even touched it. This past week my time and energy has been needed elsewhere. That is okay. I cannot allow myself to be discouraged, or let the book control my life. I will have time to work on it this weekend. This is still the type-set version. So as soon as I get this back to the publisher I shouldn't have to do anything more with it. Then I will look at the different (3 I think) versions of the cover. Then it should go to press. By the time this one gets done, I will be almost ready to do book number 2. I already have a lot of new recipes. Probably about 100.

Architecture Of All Abundance Chapter 1

This book (besides the scriptures) has changed my life more than any other book that I have ever read. I LOVE IT! For a long time now I have been wanting to get together with my family, or a group of friends and read this book together and learn from each other etc. etc. My family has either just been, too busy, or not really interested, so I have decided to share via my blog.
I really would encourage you to buy this book and read along as I make posts about it. I would love to hear your comments as well. (I will try and post about 1 chapter per month)

I would like to start with a quote, that is not from this book, but something I have learned because of this book.
"Happiness is a condition of the Soul" by: Benjamin De Hoyas

This book is by Lenedra J. Carroll and this is her dedication;
"This book---like my life---is dedicated to the understanding of the Divine excellence within each of us that, when lived, uplifts our humanity and moves us beyond our current limitations and difficulties and into the revolution of the Soul and its certain transormation of our individual lives, our planet and our species."

Chapter 1
1--Ask yourself these questions? Who do you think you are? Who is your soul? Who were you in the pre-existance?
2--What values did you learn in childhood? (Focus ONLY on the Positive!) Look deep and find value, you can heal the future and the past.
3--Go outside in nature (your own yard is fine or take a walk) for at least 10-15 minutes EVERYDAY! I know, I know, you are going to say you don't have time. Make the time, this is a great way to connect with the Savior. Look at the nature around you, pray to see something you have never noticed before. Pick up a rock, look at it, study it. Think of the Primary song "I Feel My Saviors Love." "Look deep, deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein.
4--What does it mean to be a human being in the hightest sense? What is the deepest nature of our being?

I know this is A LOT to think about, that is why I am giving you a month. I would also recommend that you keep a journal during this, and record your discoveries along the way. It is a great way to be able to go back and see the growth you have achieved.

This to shall pass

The thought for the day.

"This to shall pass!"

Trust in the Lord and move forward with Faith and more faith and more faith.

Daddy is a "proton"

A couple of days ago, Miguel put on a belt that used to be Tanner's. Needless to say the belt was very tight on Miguel. It is one of those scout belts, that has the slide thing to tighten it. (Hope that makes sense) Well, then Miguel couldn't loosen it to get it off. I was laughing my guts out at him, and I called him a "retard." Logan heard me say that, and then a few minutes later he said "Daddy you are such a "proton." I have no idea where he has ever heard the word proton, it doesn't usually come up in our home.

Type-Set back AGAIN?

This book thing is more complicated than I thought. I have just gotten the type-set version back again to add page numbers to the index, and to re-check the cross reference page numbers. I assumed the publisher people would be doing all of the page numbers. I was wrong. Now I understand why the publisher told me we could get the book back as late as April.
I will still plug forward.
They are also working on the cover. The picture I gave them, I had a frog coming out of my head. (Waterfall and yard behind me) So they will take that out also. I can't wait to see it all put together.

WWJD

The thought for the day "What Would Jesus Do?"

Be compassionate, be kind and loving.

Birthday Prayer

Every year on the kids birthdays, I kneel with them in prayer and thank Heavenly Father for them. Well this year I forgot to do it on Tanner's birthday. So last night I finally remembered. I feel so greatful to be able to do this. It gives me a time to really let my children know how important they are and how much I love them. I will be doing Emerald's prayer next week. I can't wait. She is good at reminding me if I forget again.

This weekend we will finally be putting up our Christmas tree. We have been really busy on the weekends and the kids and Miguel have been sick off and on, so we haven't been able to put it up yet. I think in a way that has been a blessing, because I wonder how the dog is going to react to it, and how much I am going to have to babysit her to keep her away from it. However, I am glad to be putting it up finally.

Lately I feel very blessed to have Miguel, Tanner, Emerald and Logan as my family. They bring me true joy and true happiness. My life is full.

My family

The thought for today:
Focus on my husband and children, that is what is most important ALWAYS!

Make happy memories with them, work with them, spend quality and quantity time together.

New Calling

Before I get to the calling I need to update the book situation. I got the type-set version back from the publisher. I now have to go through each page and see if it is to my liking, and also add the page numbers for all of the cross-reference recipes. It is looking a little more like a book, but not as "bookish" as I would have liked. The cover is not finished yet either. I can't wait to see that!

Okay- the new calling is Compassionate Service Leader. I will still be teaching Relief Society, which I am glad about, I really love that calling. I have to confess......that I think I "dreamed" this calling to me. For about the last 6 months something has been bothering me. I have been so focused on myself and "my book" and me, me, me. I don't know if this has shown outwardly, but I have definately felt it inside. At times it has made me feel really selfish, and too self absorbed. That is what is so amazing! Heavenly Father ALWAYS knows our hearts, He knows what we need, and what will help us grow. Will this be a challenge for me? YES! I already feel overwhelmed with all I have to do, but...............I also feel great peace, that this is something I need to do. I was given a wonderful blessing as I was set-apart last night. Truly inspired. I am so greatful for the opportunity that I have to serve in another capacity and know that the Lord will bless me.

Before I was set-apart, Brother George, read to me, and gave me a copy of what my responsibilites will be. It was much more involved than I had thought. I thought this calling was just about the meals. (Funerals, new babies, the sick etc.) But there can be much more to it, which is challenging to me in a good way.
This is what I am to do:
Identify skills and circumstances of sisters who could offer compassionate service. all sisters should be given the opportunity to serve through compassionate service assignments.
Identify sisters who have special needs. Coordinate the efforts of the RS to help these sisters.
For example----coordinate assistance for sisters who are elderly, alone, homebound, or in nursing homes. Coordinate assistance for sisters who have illnesses or disabilites. May arrange for members to correspond with sisters from the ward who are away from home, such as those who are serving missions. Coordinate the efforts of sisters to friendship and support women who are not memebers of the Church. This includes attending the baptismal services of new convert sisters. Arrange for endowed sister to acompany sisters who will be alone when receiving the temple endowment. Keep records of nonconfidential compassionate service assignments for the president. This record should include the names of people served, dates, types of service given, and the time spent. Attend ward Relief Society leadership meetings.

Much more involved than I thought, but also very good. I think this will get me out of the "me, me, me" attitude.

Type-set and more blessings

The type-set process is almost done on my book. The cd I gave them was missing two pictures, so I had to make a new one. We had a little bit of difficulty getting them on the disk (the name of the recipe was too long) and the computer didn't like that, so it wouldn't accept it. But with the help of Moto Photo they figured it out and we got another disk. I dropped it off today and I think they will probably be done with it Monday or Tuesday. Then I just have to approve or disapprove it and the printing process will begin. YES!!! I might even be lucky enough to get the first "real" copy back before Christmas.

Let me tell you what Heavenly Father did for me today. I went to Moto Photo to have them make me a new disk. They were very busy, and someone else was on the computer they needed to make my disk, so they told me to come back in about an hour. Needless to say I was very disappointed, because I planned to go in, get my disk and take it to Orem to the publisher. So I went into Albertsons (next door) and walked around for about 5 minutes. There was nothing I needed and felt inspired to leave. As I was walking out to my car, the other person who was on the computer at Moto Photo came out. So I took my chance and went inside to see if they could do my disk for me. They were gracious enough to do my disk right then, even though they probably had other orders before mine. I was able to get to Orem and back before a big storm hit.
1 Nephi 17:13 ....and I will prepare the way before you......
Has happened time and time again, it just amazes me. Thank you again Heavenly Father.

I took Boo for a walk tonight around 5:30pm or so. It is very windy and probably around 40° which is just perfect for a walk. I love walking in that kind of weather. It is so refreshing and invigorating for me. Love it, Love it, Love it.

Type set

Last week I fixed all of the errors, the editor found in my book. I dropped off my book this morning, so now it will be type-set. This should take about 2 weeks, then I will approve that, or make any changes that need to be done. Then it will be sent to the printer (press). It's coming along now!!

Time???and Money???

I have two thoughts on my mind today.
1--Time: As I watch an aquaintance go through cancer and see how she deals with it, and what has now become more important to her, I wonder about a lot of things. Like; can someone who hasn't gone through such an experience really get the same perspective she has? Can I cherish every moment, and spend less time worrying, being angry, being envious, being petty etc. Can I spend my time on what is truly important. Is this truly important? Is spending my time reading and writing blogs important? When I first found out about her cancer, I wondered how she felt about cleaning. Is cleaning a waste of time when you may only have a little bit of time left? But, who wants to live in a mess? Where do you draw the line? You still have to teach your children how to work, how to pick up after themselves, how to be responsible. It's all so very deep.

2--Money: I was listening to the radio today. The question there, was, when would you "feel" rich and what would that look like? They asked all different people this question. On average most people said, "if they could double their income". They asked multi-millionaires, they stated "there is always another millionare with more." So I started thinking, is there ever "enough?"
What would "enough" look like to me? Aside from "spiritual riches," I would say that temporal riches for me would be as follows. We would own our home, have money in the bank, have more money coming in than going out (living within our means). Have the right mindset to be happy with what we have. Have extra money to help others (missionary fund, fast offerings, temple fund etc.) I have more thoughts on this, but need to go make dinner. I'll talk later.

Miguel?????

Miguel, where are you?? Do you ever read this???...............................I'm waiting!!!

Book update

I just got word from the publisher that we could knock another $680.00 of the cost of the book if I change the paper weight. And.....he has another bid in to see if they can beat the bid we already have. He seems to think they will be able to! YES!

Logan's sick

Yesterday Logan wanted me by him all day, to tell you the truth it was driving me crazy. Now I understand what was going on with him, he wasn't feeling well. He threw up today. He still wants me to sit with him all day, but I broke away for a little bit so I could at least move and get away from the 45th scooby doo cartoon.


I have so many goals and it feels like some of them are really coming together. I have started a new chore chart for me and the kids, that way we can all motivate each other. We each have set chores for each day of the week and daily chores that need to be done everyday. So far it is working out nicely. Logan asks everyday, with excitement "what is my chore today mommy?" now that is rewarding.

My home is starting to feel more organized, although I still have to go through the computer desk, my closet and tidy up the book shelves a little bit more downstairs. Oh yes, and take a pile of books and stuff to the DI.

My next goal is to get my website started. I have some ideas for that, that I would like to get started on.

I also want to start making my own soap, I think it will be more economical and I can put into it exactly what I want to. I will need to go to the library for that to gets some books. I do have a recipe, but no directions. Maybe I can also make stuff to wash my face, the one I am buying right now is quite expensive, so that would be a way to save money. I bet Emerald would love to help me with these, so I should get started soon. Hey...........I just had another idea. If I get started soon, I could make soap for Christmas gifts!! Man, once the ideas start coming, they keep on coming.

I am really excited about the future as well, with my book and such. I really feel like we are going to need to do some serious gardening in the future to sustain us in a way that is natural. The things that are happening with the worlds version of produce is a little scary. (GMO-genetically modified foods) I wish we had more access to local, organic farms. Hey........maybe thats what I will be doing!!! You just never know.

I also need to mention "What did Heavenly Father do for me today?"

I was going to go grocery shopping after I dropped Emerald off at school today. I was about half way there, when I felt inspired to go home instead. A little while after that, Logan threw up.

Thank you.

Another blessing, can this be for real???

I talked with the publisher last week about my book. We had re-submitted my book for an estimate on the cost of printing etc. The first estimate I got about 6 months ago and then I made several changes so we had to re-do it. Well...... the second estimate was over $5000.oo higher from the last estimate, so I told the publisher to lower the amount at least $1500.00 so I would have enough money to still do my website. That was last friday. On sunday I fasted and prayed that the hearts of whoever would be dealing with my book would be softened and they would lower the price. Today I met with the publisher and they had lowered the price over $2800.00!!!! And....it may go lower depending on the weight of paper we choose. I FINALLY got the process going for my book. It will be edited probably this next week, and then proofed and typeset etc. etc. The publisher said we would all try to have this book done by the end of January 2008. I pray that it won't be longer than that.
Thank you Heavenly Father for once again answering my prayers.

Scripture

These are the scriptures I have been contemplating lately.

1 Nephi 15:11
Do ye not remember the things which the Lord hath said?--If ye will not harden your hearts, and aks me in FAITH, BELIEVING that ye shall receive, with DILIGENCE in keeping my commandments, surely these tings shall be made known unto you.

1 Nephi 17:13
And I will also be your light in the wilderness; and I will PREPARE THE WAY BEFORE YOU, if it so be that ye shall KEEP MY COMMANDMENTS; wherefore, inasmuch as ye shall be led towards the promised land; and YE SHALL KNOW THAT IT IS BY ME THAT YE ARE LED.

1 Nephi 17:35
Behold, the Lord esteemeth all flesh in one; he that is righteous is favored of God.

1 Nephi 18:3
...and I did pray oft unto the Lord; wherefore the Lord showed unto me great things.

Aren't these great!! These are the scriptures that spoke to me the last few nights that I have read.

Sickness

Today is the day after Halloween, and Emerald is sick, ear infection. She actually didn't feel well last night either, but it got progessively worse overnight. I put some coloidal silver in her ear last night at 2:00am and a warm wash cloth on her ear. She slept pretty well after that. Then this morning both of her ears were hurting alot. She said it felt like stabbing pains inside. I went and got some oil for ear infections and put that in, then Miguel and our neighbor gave her a blessing. I am so greatful for the priesthood. What a blessing it is to have God's power available to us. I feel so greatful. Emerald is resting peacefully now.

Tanner's Mothers Day Talk

We cleaned out Tanners room and found his Mother's Day Talk, so I thought I would share it.
(He wrote this by himself)

Since it is Mother's Day today I am going to talk about mothers, my mom specifically. My mom is a very special person, she has been a huge help for me throughout the years growing up, and still this very day. My mom is the foundation of my family. She provides so much stuff for me and the other people in my family, especially spiritual support for us. I don't know what my family would be like without my mom. It would feel like there was an empty gap where fun, happiness, support and other things should be. I know that my mom cares so much for me, and the others in my family. She is there to help us get back on the straight and narrow path if we stray from it. She always helps us along if we are going through any hard times at school, at home or anywhere, she will be there to pull us through for sure. My mom has always taught me to include the Lord in whatever I do, and to stay clean, physically, mentally, and spiritually no matter what other people are doing, or what is "cool" at the time. She says to crave the spirit like you crave that plate of cookies on the kitchen counter.
Russell M. Nelson said that the highest and noblest work in this life is that of a mother. I know that this is very true. Out of all the jobs in the world, I think a mothers job is the hardest, but also the most rewarding.
The first presidency also said this about mothers, "Motherhood is near to divinity, it is the highest holiest service to be assumed by mankind, it places her who honors its holy calling and service next to the angels. Mothers are a big part of God's plan of happiness." I think that the influence of my mom will bless me throughout my life.
Here's a story about how a mother's influence saved a young missionary. Elder Frank Croft was serving his mission in the state of Alabama. While preaching to the people he was forcefully abducted by a gang. The gang ordered Elder Croft to take off his coat and shirt before he was tied to a tree. As he did so a letter he had just received from his mother fell out of his coat and fell to the ground. The leader of the gang picked the letter up and started reading it. It said, "My beloved son, remember the words of the Savior when he said, "Blessed are ye when men shall revile and persecute you and say all manner of evil against you falsely for my names sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad for you shall have your reward in heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Also remember the Savior upon the cross suffering for the sins of the world when he had uttered these immortal words, "Father , forgive them for they know not what they do." Surely my boy, they who are mistreating you know not what they do or they would not do it. So be patient and love those who mistreat you and say all manner of evil against you, and the Lord will bless you and magnify you. Remember my son that day and night you mother is praying for you." After reading this letter the gang leader pondered the words in the letter for a moment and said, "Feller, you must have a wonderful mother. You see I once had one too, " Then addressing the mob he said, "After reading this Mormon's letter I can't go ahead with the job, maybe we should let him go." Elder Croft was then released without harm.
A mother's influence can truly affect your life and those lives around you. She has been a great influence about prayer. Many times I walk into her room to tell her something and she is on her knees, by her bed praying. This is a great reminder to say my own personal prayers if I forget.
If you are a mother you are doing God's work. You should try to be a good example to your kids and always include the Lord and the spirit into your daily lives. My mom is what gets our family going through the day, no matter what. Even if we have an argument she will always come immediatley after and apologize. She is a very good example at forgiving others.
I hope that I will be able to be as hardworking and forgiving as her. My mom is such a great person. Mothers are the foundation of families and we should all strive to be at least half of what they are. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

I love you Tanner.

Tanner's Mothers Day Talk

Organization

I have so many things going through my head right now I am not sure where to start. I have gotten on this "organization fest" this past week and decided I need to be more organized. I got one book case and am now looking for 2 or 3 more, thinking that will solve all my problems. Ha Ha. I bet you never knew that book shelves were the "cure all" for organizational needs. The first went in Logans room, it holds all of his books on the top shelves and on the bottom I am putting baskets with all of his toys. I want a book shelf for the kitchen to stack my many buckets full of honey, grains, popcorn, dog food, and maybe even some cook "books." I want a large book shelf or wall unit in the living room to house, books of course, stereo, dust and whatever else looks appropriate. My thinking is that if I can push everything up against the walls from floor to ceiling then I will have more space and it will look nicer. Who knew that all you had to do was stack things to the ceiling to solve such problems? Meanwhile I am trying to be very thrifty in this endeavor or obsession, you can call it what you will. After this is complete I will reorganize the book shelves we already have downstairs.
Then comes the new chore charts. I am sure the kids will be very excited about these!! I wonder what else I can stack from floor to ceiling?

The Lord Works in Mysterious Ways

Okay, this is pretty cool. I have decided I need to become more organized and simplify my home. I wanted to get some book shelves to do this, so yesterday I became obsessed with looking for book shelves on the internet. (Walmart, Target, Ikea, ksl etc etc etc) (Money is tight so I am looking for something inexpensive.) Last night I had the feeling that I should just go and look at the DI to see if they had anything. So this morning I went over there, and to my delight there was the perfect book shelves for my needs. I cannot tell you how many times this has happened to me.
The key to this is as follows:
1-I have to have a positive attitude.
2-I have to have the spirit, hence positive attitude attracts the spirit. Negative attitude repells!
3-I have to be willing to listen.
4-I have to be willing to accept the gifts the Lord wants to give me.
5-I have to be thankful.

The law of attraction is more powerful than we think. The Lords willingness to give us gifts, no matter how large or small is POWERFUL.
Thank you Heavenly Father.

So..........what did heavenly father do for me today?
Gave me a gift of book shelves to help me organize AND helped me save money at the same time. He ALWAYS knows the desire of our hearts.

Feeling Good

I am listening to "Feeling Good" by Michael Buble right now, and you know what? I am feeling good. I feel like I am my old self again. The last few blogs I was trying to escape from the melt downs and temper tantrums. This past week and a half have been trying. But I have once again gained control of myself. (Some of the tantrums were from Logan and some were my own) Thats nice.
I think its this music it just makes me feel happy and calm. My dreams are big, my ambitions are big, my motivation is big. I have nothing profound to say today, I just "feel good."

Latest Obsession

Michael Buble music

Eight More Things

Eight Things I Say Often:
1-take a chill pill
2-NO
3-I love you
4-you're cute too
5-how was your day?
6-what did you dream?
7-i'm tired
8-thats poison, don't eat it
Your turn!

Eight Things

Eight things I'm Passionate about:
1-family
2-gospel
3-food
4-my field
5-fresh clean air
6-creativity
7-learning
8-music
Your turn!

Old Soul

You know, sometimes I feel like an old soul. I have such a strong desire to do things the old fashioned way. Such as sewing clothes, making homemade soap, making food from scratch, like cheese and butter, doing home school, living on a farm or a ranch. Sometimes my whole being craves this lifestyle to the point that I feel so unfulfilled living the way I am now. I crave open space and fresh air, like it is breath itself. I want my children to be able to run and run and run in their own backyard and not run out of room to run! (Was that redundant?) Lately my creativity feels crushed and smothered like I am suffocating. Maybe thats why all of these things seem so appealing to me right now. I can seriously picture myself standing in a open field just twirling around in the fresh cool air, breathing it all in. I feel "free and light" when I am in my field.

There is more to life than food....

Okay so this blog is not just about food. There is more to life than food. (not much more) I will also be contemplating very personal thoughts and feelings as I try to grow up in life. As I try to become the person I am supposed to be. As I try to fullfill all of my purposes here on this earth.

It's not all about me

Last night I had the realization that this world is not all about me. One of my purposes here on this planet is to serve and help others. By focusing on myself I miss the point. I am greatful for the person who helped me realize this and will try to re-focus my energies where they are supposed to be.

Food is good

Wow, this is my first blog. I have decided to start this blog to talk to others about food and get more ideas for cookbook #2. For those who don't know me, I used to have Crohn's disease, I am now healthy without any medications. (It has been a little over 5 years of good health now.)I have changed my diet and healed my body and my mind. My wish is to share with other people what I have done and help others. I am not a Dr. I just have my own experiences to share. I cannot give medical advice I can just tell you what I have done. I have written a cookbook which is about to be published and will be ready for sale in February 2008. There are approx. 300 recipes in this cookbook, including: appetizers, breakfast, breads, main dish, dips, sauces and spreads, vegetables, desserts and more. I look forward to hearing from you all.