Happiness is...
Doing "fuzzies" every night and hearing my family share what they have done to serve each other during the day.
Putting leaves on our Thankful tree each day and focusing on what we are grateful for.
Hearing my children play and laugh together.
Introducing my children to the magic of chair trains and then watching them play for hours on the "train" while I clean the kitchen.
Listening to my children sing to a Christmas CD with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and Brian Stokes Mitchell. (They claim the cd as theirs:)
Seeing my family have fun together.
Reading a story each night before it's time for bed.
Having family dinner together with everyone home.
Having my children "help" me clean up and having fun while doing it.
Hearing my husband say "I love you" as we go to sleep at night.
Hearing my husband say "Thanks for all you do" after a LONG day.
I hope each of you can find a little happiness in your life today!
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Friday, October 21, 2011
Love my choice
A few months ago I saw a quote that hit home to me. It read "Choose your love, Love your choice." It is by Thomas S. Monson. Although I had heard this quote before, it touched my heart and I wanted to make a sign with it on. I considered making a vinyl sign, but after thinking about it, I decided that I wanted to make it more personalized. This is what I came up with. I don't have a picture of my husband and I since I cut my hair, but I figure that I can easily swap out the picture once I get one :)
Let me know what you think.
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Life
Life has been busy the past couple of weeks. I bottled, froze, and dehydrated some peaches. I also dehydrated some more zucchini. (I have had at least 20 zucchinis this year and almost as many cucumbers! ) I painted my bench for my garage, washed and sorted through about 10 dozen bottles, and started cleaning out my side of the garage. Plus I've been a single mom with my husband working 12+ hour days. Kudos to those that are single all of the time! I don't think I could do it. Needless to say, life is busy :) but so good.
Last Saturday, I was able to keep my hubby home and go on a much needed date with him. We went to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". I must say that the production was top notch and so fun to watch. I enjoyed the play, but must admit that it isn't my favorite one. Overall, I'm glad that we were able to go. It was so fun to be together and spend time with each other.
Yesterday I was so excited to stumble upon dairy free milk and gluten free cereal for my Extraordinary little boy. That gave me the motivation to jump into a dairy free and gluten free (GFCF) diet to see if it will help him. I purchased supplies today to make the transition smoothly (hopefully). I decided to try it for a few months and then go from there. I have found some helpful books to guide my way and am starting to collect some recipes. Hopefully they are tasty :)
Tonight I went in to check on child #2 and found him asleep on the floor with a bare bum. He is known to fall asleep almost anywhere (much like his dad), but he usually has his clothing on. :) It was so funny that I had to take a picture! Alas, I will not post it on here because this is a public blog. However, if you read my private blog, I will post it there :) I slipped on his underwear and put him to bed.
Last Saturday, I was able to keep my hubby home and go on a much needed date with him. We went to "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Coat". I must say that the production was top notch and so fun to watch. I enjoyed the play, but must admit that it isn't my favorite one. Overall, I'm glad that we were able to go. It was so fun to be together and spend time with each other.
Yesterday I was so excited to stumble upon dairy free milk and gluten free cereal for my Extraordinary little boy. That gave me the motivation to jump into a dairy free and gluten free (GFCF) diet to see if it will help him. I purchased supplies today to make the transition smoothly (hopefully). I decided to try it for a few months and then go from there. I have found some helpful books to guide my way and am starting to collect some recipes. Hopefully they are tasty :)
Tonight I went in to check on child #2 and found him asleep on the floor with a bare bum. He is known to fall asleep almost anywhere (much like his dad), but he usually has his clothing on. :) It was so funny that I had to take a picture! Alas, I will not post it on here because this is a public blog. However, if you read my private blog, I will post it there :) I slipped on his underwear and put him to bed.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Random funny things
My oldest came up to me last weekend and said "Mom, I think I'm hungry." He paused and then said "Yep, I'm hungry." He was so serious, but it was so funny, I had to laugh.
Bubba was sad that he couldn't go to school with Big Guy today. I told him he wasn't old enough. He looked and me and said "I want to get old". Then after school, when we picked up Big Guy, Bubba said, "Mom, I'm old now. That means I can go to school too!"
I was talking to my nephew and his girlfriend via facebook today. I hate to admit it, but I had to use an "Internet Slang" dictionary to look up what they were saying to me. It's like shorthand for the computer! Ugh! I decided I must be out of it because I had to look up so many words :)
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Tomatoes coming out my ears
I have been preserving this week. It started off with corn (I froze it). Then I have moved on to tomatoes. I had almost 2 bushel to preserve. So I started with chili sauce, 2 different salsas, & crushed tomatoes. Then I finished off with half tomatoes. I was getting ready to finish up the half tomatoes and said "I feel like I have tomatoes coming out of my ears!" My little Bubba looked in my ear and replied "Yep, I can see one!" It made my day :)
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
A big mess
I was getting ready to fix dinner. I went to put something in the freezer. When I opened the door, two cookie sheets full of frozen raspberries came careening out at me! All I could do dodge out of the way from the lethal weapon :) After the explosion of raspberries all over the floor, my heart sank at the sight! There lay almost a full case of raspberries all over my kitchen floor. I was so sad, but realized that I might be able to salvage some of the larger pieces and ones that didn't break on impact. So I quickly set to work.
On fact that I soon realized is that my children, Big Guy, Bubba, and Monkey were all staring at the raspberries with excitement in there eyes! Monkey squealed and picked up one and took a bite. Big Guy asked immediately "Can I have a berry?" Bubba was on a little push car and said "Can I drive through them?" (I'm glad that he asked before doing so :). I knew that it was useless to try to keep them out, so I told them "You can eat the little pieces." I grabbed Monkey to keep him from smashing the berries with his already covered berry hands and feet. I put him in his booster (which he protested about) and gave him a few small pieces.
I proceeded to clean up the berries and was able to wash them off and freeze many of them. In the meantime, the children did their part by eating the little pieces as quickly as their little berry stained hands could put them into their mouths. They knew that Mom would soon come with the broom and sweep their "treat" away.
Some may say "I can't believe that she let her children eat off of the floor." I considered that, but realized that I had cleaned the floor yesterday. I know it was still dirty, but I guess considered the alternatives and thought, "This will make a great memory." I could have banished them out of the kitchen while I cleaned up the mess, but I knew there would have been weeping and wailing and it would have been almost impossible to keep them out. I didn't want to deal with all of that, so I went with the flow and let them create a fun memory. After we were all done, Big Guy said "Mom, can we eat berries off of the floor another day?" To me, it was worth it.
On fact that I soon realized is that my children, Big Guy, Bubba, and Monkey were all staring at the raspberries with excitement in there eyes! Monkey squealed and picked up one and took a bite. Big Guy asked immediately "Can I have a berry?" Bubba was on a little push car and said "Can I drive through them?" (I'm glad that he asked before doing so :). I knew that it was useless to try to keep them out, so I told them "You can eat the little pieces." I grabbed Monkey to keep him from smashing the berries with his already covered berry hands and feet. I put him in his booster (which he protested about) and gave him a few small pieces.
I proceeded to clean up the berries and was able to wash them off and freeze many of them. In the meantime, the children did their part by eating the little pieces as quickly as their little berry stained hands could put them into their mouths. They knew that Mom would soon come with the broom and sweep their "treat" away.
Some may say "I can't believe that she let her children eat off of the floor." I considered that, but realized that I had cleaned the floor yesterday. I know it was still dirty, but I guess considered the alternatives and thought, "This will make a great memory." I could have banished them out of the kitchen while I cleaned up the mess, but I knew there would have been weeping and wailing and it would have been almost impossible to keep them out. I didn't want to deal with all of that, so I went with the flow and let them create a fun memory. After we were all done, Big Guy said "Mom, can we eat berries off of the floor another day?" To me, it was worth it.
First day of School
Well, we made it through the first day of school without incident :) Last week we met my extraordinary boy's teacher. She is very nice and will be great for him! I also met with the vice principal and school counselor to set up his 504 accommodations. Today I met with his teacher after school to go over those. It was a great meeting! I feel so good about things after meeting with her and talking about how we can make it a great year for everyone involved. I feel truly blessed!
As for my extraordinary boy, he LOVES school and is sad to leave each day. He says several times a day "I will go to my school another day."
As for my extraordinary boy, he LOVES school and is sad to leave each day. He says several times a day "I will go to my school another day."
Monday, August 8, 2011
So blessed
I was so thankful last night as I looked through the Ensign and found this article. http://lds.org/ensign/2011/08/garrett-was-gods-child-first?lang=eng
It held some answers to my prayers about how to help my extraordinary little boy! I felt so blessed.
It held some answers to my prayers about how to help my extraordinary little boy! I felt so blessed.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
My Extraordinary Boy
extraordinary
adjective
1. remarkable, special, wonderful, outstanding, rare, amazing, fantastic, astonishing, marvellous, exceptional, notable, serious (informal), phenomenal, singular, wondrous (archaic or literary), out of this world (informal), extremely good
2. unusual, surprising, odd, strange, unique, remarkable, bizarre, curious, weird, unprecedented, peculiar, unfamiliar, uncommon, unheard-of, unwonted
I think it is interesting that such a word could have so many different meanings.
I am a mother of an extraordinary boy.
He can name every sign we pass when we head South from our home without looking, he knew his letters and sounds by the time he was 2 1/2 years old, he can tell you which direction (north, south, east, and west) most of his relatives live from our house, he recognizes roman numerals, he can tell time on various types of clocks, he can spell and read a lot of words, he can count over 100, and he looks for things he likes about people. He is only 5 years old.
He also has a hard time looking in your eyes when you talk to him, struggles to socialize with children his own age, he gets overwhelmed when he is in social situations, he uses a very loud voice, has a hard time communicating effectively sometimes and struggles writing correctly. He has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. (PDD-NOS). It is a disease on the Autism Spectrum. He is very high-functioning and if you didn't know his diagnosis, you might think that he is just a little strange, but very cute child.
Most days, we accept this challenge as part of our life and go forward. However, some days, it is really hard for me to watch him and other children and see what a difference there is. My heart aches for my little boy who seems so out of touch to the world. I seek for guidance and help, but there is so much information out there, I don't know what way to go. I worry about what will happen when he begins Kindergarten in just a few weeks. Will the children make fun of him and tease him, or will they accept him and be friends with him? How will he deal with being in a socially charged environment for such a long time each day? Will he be able to keep up on his school work? How can I make sure that he doesn't get lost in the shuffle? What can I do to help he be successful in school and life? Sometimes it is just so overwhelming!
Yet I look back and see how far we have come in the six months since he was diagnosed and I realize that we have been so blessed and guided. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is very aware of my son's needs. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to guide us and to help him succeed.
I read on another blog about a lady who has a child with PDD-NOS. (I wish I could find it again) In one of the comments, someone told her:
"Don't forget, God isn't done with your son yet."
I just love that quote. When I feel so overwhelmed and mourn the loss that I feel for my child, I just remember that "God isn't done with him yet." and that God isn't done with me either. Each day I learn so much from my sweet, tender hearted little boy. He sees the good in others and helps me remember to be good too. He is forgiving and always willing to say "sorry" even if it isn't his fault. He strives to please his parents. He is kind and loving to all around him. And he always makes people smile. I try really hard to follow his example.
adjective
1. remarkable, special, wonderful, outstanding, rare, amazing, fantastic, astonishing, marvellous, exceptional, notable, serious (informal), phenomenal, singular, wondrous (archaic or literary), out of this world (informal), extremely good
2. unusual, surprising, odd, strange, unique, remarkable, bizarre, curious, weird, unprecedented, peculiar, unfamiliar, uncommon, unheard-of, unwonted
I think it is interesting that such a word could have so many different meanings.
I am a mother of an extraordinary boy.
He can name every sign we pass when we head South from our home without looking, he knew his letters and sounds by the time he was 2 1/2 years old, he can tell you which direction (north, south, east, and west) most of his relatives live from our house, he recognizes roman numerals, he can tell time on various types of clocks, he can spell and read a lot of words, he can count over 100, and he looks for things he likes about people. He is only 5 years old.
He also has a hard time looking in your eyes when you talk to him, struggles to socialize with children his own age, he gets overwhelmed when he is in social situations, he uses a very loud voice, has a hard time communicating effectively sometimes and struggles writing correctly. He has been diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not Otherwise Specified. (PDD-NOS). It is a disease on the Autism Spectrum. He is very high-functioning and if you didn't know his diagnosis, you might think that he is just a little strange, but very cute child.
Most days, we accept this challenge as part of our life and go forward. However, some days, it is really hard for me to watch him and other children and see what a difference there is. My heart aches for my little boy who seems so out of touch to the world. I seek for guidance and help, but there is so much information out there, I don't know what way to go. I worry about what will happen when he begins Kindergarten in just a few weeks. Will the children make fun of him and tease him, or will they accept him and be friends with him? How will he deal with being in a socially charged environment for such a long time each day? Will he be able to keep up on his school work? How can I make sure that he doesn't get lost in the shuffle? What can I do to help he be successful in school and life? Sometimes it is just so overwhelming!
Yet I look back and see how far we have come in the six months since he was diagnosed and I realize that we have been so blessed and guided. I have no doubt that Heavenly Father is very aware of my son's needs. I know that Heavenly Father will continue to guide us and to help him succeed.
I read on another blog about a lady who has a child with PDD-NOS. (I wish I could find it again) In one of the comments, someone told her:
"Don't forget, God isn't done with your son yet."
I just love that quote. When I feel so overwhelmed and mourn the loss that I feel for my child, I just remember that "God isn't done with him yet." and that God isn't done with me either. Each day I learn so much from my sweet, tender hearted little boy. He sees the good in others and helps me remember to be good too. He is forgiving and always willing to say "sorry" even if it isn't his fault. He strives to please his parents. He is kind and loving to all around him. And he always makes people smile. I try really hard to follow his example.
Salsa Chicken
This is a yummy, easy recipe for the summer. It is a quick meal if you use bottled chicken.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp oil
1 lb chicken (cut into small stripes) or 1 pint bottled chicken
1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1/3 c apricot jam
Heat oil and add chicken and taco seasoning (I only used 1/2 pkg - it was about right for us), cook and stir for 5 minutes if using uncooked chicken. After chicken and seasoning is mixed in good, stir in tomatoes and apricot jam. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve over rice or in taco shells.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp oil
1 lb chicken (cut into small stripes) or 1 pint bottled chicken
1 14.5 oz can of diced tomatoes
1 pkg taco seasoning
1/3 c apricot jam
Heat oil and add chicken and taco seasoning (I only used 1/2 pkg - it was about right for us), cook and stir for 5 minutes if using uncooked chicken. After chicken and seasoning is mixed in good, stir in tomatoes and apricot jam. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
Serve over rice or in taco shells.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
A New Me
This is hard for me to share, but I feel like I need to share it. It has been a life changing experience for me. Here is my story:
Ever since I was a young girl, I have never felt like I was very pretty. I wasn't tall, skinny, or a big flirt. In fact, I was painfully shy and awkward around guys - especially the ones I liked. I accepted those facts and knew that to attract guys, I would have to use other features, qualities, and talents that I had.
I remember the day that I got married. It was so cold outside, but inside my heart I was warm. I was warm because I had found a man that I loved with all of my heart and he loved me back. He looked past my faults and saw who I was inside. I also felt very beautiful and like a princess. I wondered if I would ever feel so beautiful again. It was a day that I will never forget.
Fast forward 6+ years, 3 kids later, and several pounds heavier. I rarely wore makeup, nice clothes, or any jewelry (except for my wedding ring). I just went day to day and tried to just get through the day sometimes.
Then my friend, Michelle, told me about "Dressing your truth". She shared some books and a lot of information with me. I was interested in it, but hesitant because it was expensive and I didn't feel like I should pay that much for it. So I waited. I was blessed to be able to purchase the program for a really good price a little while later.
I purchased the program on July 1st. After watching the beauty profiling and dressing your truth online courses, I was very excited to let the real me show on the outside. Michelle and I went to Deseret Industries (2nd hand store) to find some clothes that fit my type - a bright and animated woman. I have always hated shopping, but this was great! We were in and out within 1 hour. I found a pair of capris, a skirt, a jacket, and a couple of shirts for a great price and all the style that compliments my type.
Then on July 14, I decided to take the plunge and go to the Dressing Your Truth Beauty Salon for a haircut and consultation. My mother-in-law came to watch the kids while I went. I would have never thought that a simple haircut would be so life changing. However, when I was done at the salon, I felt like a new woman. I felt those same feelings that I felt on my wedding day - beautiful and like a princess. It was so wonderful and exhilarating!
The hair stylist was so good to explain to me everything that she was doing as she styled my hair so that I could duplicate it on my own. She did the same as she shared some makeup tips with me. I feel like this haircut brings out my natural beauty and personality. The best part is that each morning as I wake up, I am excited to get up, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup. I just feel so wonderful and I want that to show!
I was worried about what my husband would think about my new haircut. Thankfully, he LOVES it! I feel so much more attractive and beautiful that it flows over into every part of my life! I am so grateful for a friend who shared the "Dressing Your Truth" program with me and for my Heavenly Father who has helped me to feel his love for me.
So here is my before picture:
And here is my after picture:
Ever since I was a young girl, I have never felt like I was very pretty. I wasn't tall, skinny, or a big flirt. In fact, I was painfully shy and awkward around guys - especially the ones I liked. I accepted those facts and knew that to attract guys, I would have to use other features, qualities, and talents that I had.
I remember the day that I got married. It was so cold outside, but inside my heart I was warm. I was warm because I had found a man that I loved with all of my heart and he loved me back. He looked past my faults and saw who I was inside. I also felt very beautiful and like a princess. I wondered if I would ever feel so beautiful again. It was a day that I will never forget.
Fast forward 6+ years, 3 kids later, and several pounds heavier. I rarely wore makeup, nice clothes, or any jewelry (except for my wedding ring). I just went day to day and tried to just get through the day sometimes.
Then my friend, Michelle, told me about "Dressing your truth". She shared some books and a lot of information with me. I was interested in it, but hesitant because it was expensive and I didn't feel like I should pay that much for it. So I waited. I was blessed to be able to purchase the program for a really good price a little while later.
I purchased the program on July 1st. After watching the beauty profiling and dressing your truth online courses, I was very excited to let the real me show on the outside. Michelle and I went to Deseret Industries (2nd hand store) to find some clothes that fit my type - a bright and animated woman. I have always hated shopping, but this was great! We were in and out within 1 hour. I found a pair of capris, a skirt, a jacket, and a couple of shirts for a great price and all the style that compliments my type.
Then on July 14, I decided to take the plunge and go to the Dressing Your Truth Beauty Salon for a haircut and consultation. My mother-in-law came to watch the kids while I went. I would have never thought that a simple haircut would be so life changing. However, when I was done at the salon, I felt like a new woman. I felt those same feelings that I felt on my wedding day - beautiful and like a princess. It was so wonderful and exhilarating!
The hair stylist was so good to explain to me everything that she was doing as she styled my hair so that I could duplicate it on my own. She did the same as she shared some makeup tips with me. I feel like this haircut brings out my natural beauty and personality. The best part is that each morning as I wake up, I am excited to get up, get dressed, and do my hair and makeup. I just feel so wonderful and I want that to show!
I was worried about what my husband would think about my new haircut. Thankfully, he LOVES it! I feel so much more attractive and beautiful that it flows over into every part of my life! I am so grateful for a friend who shared the "Dressing Your Truth" program with me and for my Heavenly Father who has helped me to feel his love for me.
So here is my before picture:
And here is my after picture:
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Emma's Blog
My friend Emma and I started our blogs about the same time:) She has lots of cute, crafty ideas. She is doing a give away right now.
Check out her blog at: http://itotallymadethis.blogspot.com/2011/07/as-promised-my-first-giveaway.html
Check out her blog at: http://itotallymadethis.blogspot.com/2011/07/as-promised-my-first-giveaway.html
Flowers, flowers, and more flowers
I have never been a girly girl, but recently I had a friend introduce me to the art of making fabric flowers! I LOVE it! They are a perfect accent for hair, shirts, or even a purse. I have also recently found a blog with instructions to make crocheted flowers. They take about 5 minutes to make and are oh so fun!. Here is the link to that blog:
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-crochet-flower-video-tutorial.html
I will post pictures soon of the flowers that I have made. I will also post a tutorial for the fabric flowers if you are interested.
http://littlebirdiesecrets.blogspot.com/2009/03/how-to-crochet-flower-video-tutorial.html
I will post pictures soon of the flowers that I have made. I will also post a tutorial for the fabric flowers if you are interested.
Lite and Fresh Chicken Tacos
I found this recipe in the local grocery store ad. I tried it and LOVED it. I needed to write it down and thought you might enjoy it as well. This is a great meal on hot summer nights when you don't want to heat up the house by using the oven. Let me know what you think!
1 lb chicken cut into bite size pieces
1 cup lemonade
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juiece
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce (I LOVE this stuff!)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder (I used a little bit of fresh onions and it tasted great)
Put all ingredients in large skillet, over medium heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is cooked off. Serve with taco toppings on tortillas.
I will post a picture when I get a chance.
1 lb chicken cut into bite size pieces
1 cup lemonade
1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lime juiece
1 1/2 tsp worcestershire sauce (I LOVE this stuff!)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder (I used a little bit of fresh onions and it tasted great)
Put all ingredients in large skillet, over medium heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and the liquid is cooked off. Serve with taco toppings on tortillas.
I will post a picture when I get a chance.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Sunday Afternoons
We have church at 11:00 a.m. We get home around 2:00p.m. It is nice to have the rest of the afternoon to relax. Yet some Sundays, I have a hard time coming up with something to do. Yesterday (was Sunday), I was listening to General Conference while I was fixing dinner. One of the talks that I listened to was Elder L. Tom Perry's about keeping the Sabbath Day holy. As I listened, I remembered the feelings I had as I listened to it the first time.
I know that there are things that I can be doing with my family to make the Sabbath a special day. I have three small children that I want to teach that Sunday isn't just day that we go to church, but that it is a day that we spend worshiping our Heavenly Father.
So I want to know- What do you do to make Sunday a special day in your family?
I know that there are things that I can be doing with my family to make the Sabbath a special day. I have three small children that I want to teach that Sunday isn't just day that we go to church, but that it is a day that we spend worshiping our Heavenly Father.
So I want to know- What do you do to make Sunday a special day in your family?
Friday, July 1, 2011
Why this blog?
I decided to create this blog as a way to share things that I love. A few of these are: books, crafts, sewing, scrapbooking, my children, and faith. I feel so blessed and want to share with others those blessings.
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