Catch Up

We went to Black Island Farms with my family in Oct. to get some pumpkins.

Since my blog is named Gratitude, I wanted to do the NOV Gratitude everyone does this time of year. However, I enjoyed reading everyone else's gratitude that I forgot to do my own. I may be behind to get there by Thanksgiving, but again we can never have too much gratitude.

Day 1- I am grateful for the little things each day that brighten my mood. Thanks to my friend Jenny, I have become hooked on Christan pop music. I found KLOVE 107.5 and I think I have recruited all of Utah to listen to it. The songs you see that I post, are pretty much from them. I love watching and listening to the video's so you will have to bare with me, because I am going to post either pictures or music to each of my gratitude days. I changed my phone to Switchfoot, I love Tenth Avenue North, and Sanctis Real the most lately. I loved Jason Castro on American Idol, and he is now singing on KLOVE. I made Cd's and gave them to group of friends who then made one for their husband's. Maybe I should work for them. jk
http://www.klove.com/

Here is one by Tenth Avenue North. Listen to the Lyrics.

Hell-o-ween

(Picture from HERE)
You know how Halloween is my FAVORITE Holiday? Well, since the last three years it seems we get sick around or on Halloween. Austin got to go to school Friday before he got sick, but Hannah missed out on the school parties, parades, carving our pumpkins, and really trick or treating this year. All of us but Trent have two bugs going on right now. That is scary!!! Instead of costumes, we were all in our pj's. Instead of treats, we are trying to suck on Popsicles, instead of frightening screams, we were all screaming in pain :)

Here is a blog where I write what I want - kind of like a journal of my thoughts. I will be putting it on private soon, so if you want in let me know.

http://bfsilencedsociety.blogspot.com/

I used to think I didn't have anyone that read my blog, but the same people that I know of that comment. After saying I was going to write a book and maybe go private, More than ever did I get responses, most were supportive, not all, but most. So Don't be afraid to comment once in a while, it's nice to know who is reading this thing.

I found a show on netflix that I really like. It's called "Psych". It has a catchy tune that I sing along with. Remember the good ole' days when you would sing the opening song of a tv show? For instance, "The Brady Bunch," "Full House," and "Fresh prince" just to name a few? Well now for me it's this. I love the sense of humor in it. Right up my alley. What shows are you into lately?

I really enjoy Beth Moore. She is someone who is open about her life and makes a difference in the life of others. She is not afraid to be open. She is a beacon of light. I look up to her. I try to be open as much as I can only to be shut down. So with that being said, if you are close to me- you know my life. If you are reading this blog then hopefully you will find upliftment. I loved President Monson's talk on Gratitude. It is true, with Gratitude in your heart- you are happy. Today I am grateful for people that really care about you.

Grace like Rain...

Today I loved President Thomas S. Monson's talk on gratitude. I feel like the more I show mine, the happier I am. This summer while it was a hard one, I felt alive within. This fall, I feel like I have been so preoccupied with school, I miss the opportunities to enjoy my little ones. My gratitude today is on the simple things in life, like rain. I enjoy the clouds so much, I feel close to my Father in Heaven when I see them, and with it comes the rain.. This song has come to my mind with it.




Listen to the lyrics. "Grace like rain falls down on me. All my stains are washed away" Amazing. I love the lyrics to "Amazing Grace" but with these words, they paint a picture in your mind of God's grace for all of us.

Stick it to you

Last night at a class, we did something that had amazing effect on the people. Each person took a turn sitting at the front of the classroom. Everyone had to write what their first impression or compliment to them on a sticky address label. When you were done writing it out, you had to go put it on them and whisper in their ear what you wrote. Everyone went when they were done, so as the person sitting there all you can do is here a ton of whispering of good things in y our ear. It wasn't one person come up at a time, it was whenever you were ready. It felt like little angels whispering the good in your ear. It was amazing. Even more amazing for me, was to tell others some good encouragement. Be careful, if you do this you will see even men break down and your hearts will go out to see the outer shell of a person crumble to become their true self. It was so neat to go put up a compliment on someone, even strangers, and whisper to them that they are a great person, not just a compliment, but what you truly feel for this person or your first good impression of them. It's raw because it's honesty. This would be a neat activity for a church group, or any group that you are wanting to have an open, loving relationship that breaks the ice. Something so little, brought so many together.

Try the kid's website now, forgot it was on private!

My kids have been bugging me to give them money. After reading "Parenting Breakthrough" I decided they can earn their own. DO NOT FEEL OBLIGATED. Here is their little website: KIDS COOKIES & TEMPLE ART

"Ain't I a Woman?"

I am preaching to my own choir here, but hopefully I can take my own advice. I feel like society has false expectations of what a woman is. Not everyone, but a lot of both men and women have this view. I wonder if this is one of the biggest reasons we, as women have such low self esteem, are always comparing ourselves with others, some who gossip and are judgmental, and some who admit, or are in denial, that have eating disorders. A lot of the time eating disorders are a sense of control, but a lot of the time it hits two birds with one stone... control, and to be thin. I walk in the grocery lines and surrounded with magazines by women who are skinny in their swimsuits, their hair and make up perfect with the smile that says they are perfect. Well, with camera editing they pretty much LOOK perfect. I recently talked to a model in one of my classes. She said she is dumbfounded how different she looks after the editing. (Now this girl was skin and bones, and beautiful as it was.) She said the editor's will add more rump and bumps in certain places, change the color and shape of her eyes, and colors her teeth whiter. How are we to compete with that? Even worse, her husband isn't happy with just the way she is. Is constantly telling her to lose a couple of pounds. I decided that for my own affirmations, I need to look at women in history that may not be the most beautiful on the outside, but I would rather acquire to be like them than any model I have ever seen. Here are seven right of the top of my head:

1. Sojourner Truth
2. Susan B. Anthony & Elizabeth Cady Stanton

3. Florance Nightingale

4. Harriett Tubman


5. Irena Sendler

Key Theory

Having troubles saying your morning and evening prayers? Put your keys (or purse) under your bed at night, this way you have to get on your knees to place them under. In the morning you will have to get back on your knees to get them. good luck

Hi ya Georgie!

For my Theatre class, I have to go see four play productions. My friend Holly found some awesome deals online and we went to "The Mousetrap" It was actually really good and brought back a lot of memories of high school. Before we had walked in, I parked my car in a place where we weren't sure if we could park. I was joking about how I better not get towed away. Well, fast forward, the play is over and where I thought my car was, is GONE. I was so confused, and my friend Holly came up behind me and yelled. She got me, I jumped. I realized something that when you are in a state of confusion , one is easier to scare. I use these tactics on her. Well, I found the real place that I had parked, and all was well. When we were driving home, I pull up by a semi and scream a loud scream, I almost startle myself. jk. I told Holly she just started something she shouldn't have. She then said "Bring it on." So I marked her words. They were out of town last weekend so Trent and I snuck in. I wanted her to be confused, so I changed their lights to a blue light. I put "Georgie" kind of in the doorway, so when she opens the door all the way she will see him. I didn't close the door all the way. Well she called me late Sunday night, said she was looking down and almost ran into this:



It said "Please don't hurt me I belong to some one's brother."
It's only "Georgie."


So she called and I laughed my head off. Then about an hour later I get her other expectant phone call. She was brushing her teeth and went into her closet to be greeted by him:



She said she flipped out. I would've loved to have been there. She hates "Penniwise" from Stephen King's "IT" and at the play, there was a character named "Georgie" which gave me the whole "Hi, Ya Georgie," and George Bush Idea. I asked her if she gave up yet. She asked me if there were anymore, I said no more MONSTERS. That night (I did feel bad about this one) Cameron and Holly were woken up to LOUD screams coming from under their bed. We had set the player at around midnight. I called her in the morning and asked if she had enough. She said that I was aliar. However, I said no more monsters not screams. She said she had enough. I said "Truces?" So I had a couple more plans up my sleeves that would've scared the snot out of both Trent and I had I done it. If she goes back on saying she had enough, and if anyone reading this tries, TRIES (means you don't have to scare me, but you were apart of it,) I will get you back. Here is the difference, I can jump or be startled. But I try to get others in a way that really scares them, gets them to almost pee or cry. One way or another. :) I also did another thing, but I don't think she found it yet so I won't mention it on here, wasn't as good, but I had a good laugh!

Trent showed me this video. Sad circumstance, but I couldn't stop laughing at the brother. Watch the real one twice in a row and listen to the things they say. I think he looks like Chris Rock, even reminds me of the zebra in Madagascar. Here ya go... enjoy:

Real one:



SPin Off:

By Small and Simple things, are great things to pass...

I don't know if I got my love for learning history from my dad or what, but it seems all my siblings also like history. I am taking a history class and pretty sad with the professor's way of teaching. He likes to use the method I call "Cram, dump, delete." I am taking my own time and reading extra books and watching movies. Right now we are on the revolutionary war. I want to read "1776", and "The real George Washington." I must say I love the billboard that says "By George, We did it!" With this photo:


I can't even imagine a battle on my front lawn, like the many early American's had. I love the quotes from Abigail Adams, she was a wonderful woman. I also like hearing the stories of the women who disguised themselves as men and fought. I just remembered the movie "The Patriot" and thought it is too bad Mel Gibson went wacko, because he really did an excellent job at war movies. I probably would still watch him in movies however, since pretty much all of Hollywood is wacko - however, they do good at their job. Pretending to be someone they aren't!

daily Affirmation

"I want to hear you say, who I am is quite enough. I want to be beautiful" I love this song, and the video I found speaks volumes to how a lot of women especially have warped sense of views when it comes to weight and beauty. I know I do.
P.s at the end of this video I had to laugh because it says " I do not make mistakes" And let's see if you can find the mistake made...

Here is what I feel like I can't say, society bounds me:

daily affirmation

Thanks to my friend Jenny, I have fallen in love with KLOVE the Christan type music on the radio. Casting Crowns, Jars of Clay, and many others. I have a cd that I listen to in the car, and it's upbeat just like regular songs on the radio, but all about God. Seriously helps brighten my day. Here is a song that I love, and the group struggled to find a name for their band until they were in the car and ended up on the street...hence: Tenth Avenue North.

Healing Begins:


By your side:

Hole in the Rock

Today we had regional conference. Elder Holland's talk like always, spoke volumes. The other talks were just as wonderful. He told us this story:

"The wagon of Joseph Stanford Smith was the last of twenty-six wagons to pass through Hole-in-the-Rock that day. Brother Smith, known as Stanford, had helped others through the passage all day while his wife and three children sat on a pile of quilts in the snow and watched. Apparently not realizing there was one more wagon to come down, the rest of the group had all moved on to the ferry. So Stanford and his wife, Belle, determined that they would have to bring their wagon down by themselves. Belle sat her three-year-old son on the quilts, placed the baby between his legs, and told them not to move until their father came back for them. Ada, the oldest, sat in front of her brothers and said a prayer.

Belle and one of the horses pulled on the ropes tied to the back of the wagon as Stanford braced his legs against the dashboard and gently urged the horses on. As soon as they started down, the anchor horse fell. Belle caught her foot in the rocks and broke free several times before she too fell and was dragged along with the horse down the steep slope. By the time the wagon stopped, a jagged rock had cut Belle’s leg from heel to hip. Stanford ran to her to see if she was all right. With pioneer tenacity, Belle told him she had “crow-hopped” all the way down. Stanford helped her into the wagon, cleaned her cut, and then climbed back up for the children. As he passed his horse, which was dazed but alive, Stanford took off his hat and waved it in the air as a salute to his wife. They had made it!"



Belle had done the work that took 20 men to do for all the other wagons. SHe had the faith they could make it down. It wasn't easy, but they did it. I take this talk,and hope that as the mother of three children, I can have the strength to do the impossible. Today we live in a life where troubled times may not always be on the outside, but battles within. Which is more impossible to go down this slope, or deal with issues we all have to deal with? We live in a time where ALL of us do the impossible through faith in God. Sometimes we have to take life by the reigns and do hard things, but in the end we know we are here for a reason and with God, we can handle the things that are given. I am also going to be starting the study of Daniel. We live in a world of lions, but with the security and faith we don't have to let them get to us.

Life through their eyes

The kids decided to get creative and take pictures of life as they see it. Here is what they came up with.

Hannah's Creations:(no editing)


Austin's Creations:(no editing)



My sister Kelli's creations:

9 years already?

"A TOAST
A TRIBUTE TO THE FALLEN

Have a seat in Pride.
Pour a cup of Dignity.
Pour in sugar with Love.
Add cream for Security.
Stir for Unity and Peace.
Natasha Flowers 2002"

Have you ever done groupon? Well right now the deal of the day is a killer. Thanks to my friend Holly, she showed me this site and I was able to get theatre tickets for CHEAP! Today's deal is a pedicure and manicure for only 20 bucks!!!! I Want it! If you do too, click HERE and sign up!!! Hurry, Every day is a different deal. I wish I had known about it when they gave the spa massage and treatments for only 20 bucks last month, savings of 68 %!!!! Speaking of Theatre, I FINISHED the course two weeks into the semester!! Whu Hoo! (Sorry I had to brag a little, now I need a nap!)

To You...

Can I just say thank you to those who have helped me so much this summer/year. You have no idea how much I needed your help, and how willing you have been to help me has brought me humility and tears to know of your love. I know it isn't easy to always be watching my kids, but those of you who know who you are, or those of you who have helped in other ways are an answer to my prayers. Sometimes we are humbled the way the answers are given but given they are. Thank you so much for being my family, and friends. You have saved me, my marriage, and my life. I love you all, and wish I could repay the love that you have shown to me through your acts of kindness. There is nothing worse then feeling alone, and have to repeat myself like a broken record for help. I appreciate it so much, and thought you all should know that I do believe you were all sent in my life for a reason.

My kids started school. I swear they look like twins. They are two years apart I promise. I am making a scrapbook for them, and noticed in every picture that Austin is always trying to make little babies laugh. so I have dedicated a whole page just to him and the little babies .

My sister took our family pictures since my brother was in town this weekend. More to come, she did great, and ran just in time to get in the picture herself!

In the arms of His Mercy, I find rest.

I love this song. Listen to the words. "In the arms of his mercy I find rest, from one scard hand to the other." Can i just tell you I love seeing clouds in the sky, it makes me feel like there is dimension in it. Because there is dimension, it makes me feel closer to God. I am one step closer and I know he is there for me. The stars at night do the same for me. I feel like God is further, when I can't see them.I have felt very strongly about posting this post. I have put it off for a while, but no longer can I withhold the wonderful information I know, that may help another. IF it can help one person, then I know that I was meant to write it out. I believe that in this day and age, too many people are hush hush about real life issues. How can keeping the door closed help another? Isn't that the reason we are here, to help others when they are down? Today I am talking about the help available to those who may feel all alone through addictions. There are so many types of addictions, or compulsive behaviors from food, drugs, alcohol, weight, pornography, affairs, religion, codependency, work and so on. Through this comes horrible pain, cutting, loss of job, loss of family, and/or loss of life. I am not going into any of them, but I am going to list some of the books, and help available.

There are 12 step programs for all types of addictions. I am LDS, and I know that our church like many others offers recovery and support groups. A 12 step isn't therapy, it is support and very healing. Most likely, if you or one you love suffers from an addiction they need the help of a support group (12) step, Therapy (group therapy studies have shown they help the most because you have to be open and honest about yourself.) help of a clergy, additional counseling, and most important a higher power, whatever that may be for you. Don't get discouraged, take it a step at a time, and there are times when people are strong that can overcome their problems with just one of these.
Don't think that just because you don't have the addiction, but someone you love does, that you don't need these tools. Al non, CoSa, Coda, are all help for those living with someone or been hurt from addictions.You can go to lds.org/addictions and click on resources and find family and counseling then you will see the 12 step program listings. For those in Davis County, they offer couple groups. In Utah county, they don't offer couple groups but they offer men recovery and women's support. If you are a woman and in need of recovery the Salt Lake Mission in Murray offers recovery for you. If you have been a codependent, or grown up in a home where addictions occurred, your child or spouse has an addiction, you will want to they the pilot run of Co 12 support groups in West Jordan. If you are incarcerated, the 12 steps from LDS services travels to you. Contact LDS family services for more information. Anyone is welcome from any faith- or non existent faith. These services are free. If you don't feel comfortable, there are other 12 step programs. There is CODA- one is offered in the American Fork Hospital. CoSa, Al Anon, A.A, SA meetings are around the valley. If you want more information feel free to contact me. Here are some lists of recovery groups "lifestar" originated from Patrick Carnes (Who helped President Clinton with his problems)There is Evergreen, for those who do not want the same sex attraction they are feeling. There is Center for Change, for those with eating disorders. There is Ascend Recovery for those dealing with alcohol addictions. There are Drug Rehab for those with drug addictions, including prescription drugs. If you are struggling with children on drugs, please contact that pilot support group in West Jordan.

One time a man stood up in his congregation and told the people of his past. Many were sitting in the church shocked because " They would never expect" well guess what, these recovery programs hold what you say, when you say it, Quiet. Here, Here. We are all human beings, the people you least expect, are guess what.. human too. Here are some great books
"He did deliver me from bondage" - Eating disorder/ can be for any addiction
"Codependent no more" - Great for those with "helping" jobs like nurses, teachers, those who live with someone addicted to substance drugs, or just about anyone.
A.A- can be for any addiction, but specifically to Alcohol Anonymous.
Lds.Org- has many articles on addictions, love, and help

Please don't feel like you have to stay in hiding because you are afraid of what others will think, if they judge you, then they really need to get the mote out of their own eye. When you find someone who needs your love and support, an d you can offer it to them, you will find the most inner peace that is available on earth. When you find the hope of the one who has his hands scard for our sakes, you will find the REASON we are here. I hope this valuable information can help you or a loved one. Remember, the serenity prayer always. Remember that if sobriety is not in the life of you or the loved one, then you have not beat it. Do not take the word "Addiction" as an excuse to keep relapsing. Most addictions are shame based, and can be reversed. Many famous people including Oprah Winfrey, and Glenn Beck use their voice to help others overcome addictions, like they have their own.

http://lds.about.com/od/mentalhealth/a/addiction.htm

August 2010

Can I just say I am loving school!? Some of the classes I thought I would not really care about are becoming my favorite ones. I love the star program that I started as well. Thanks to this blog, I am choosing to be optimistic in my life. Some days are easier than others. However, My life is full of opportunities to meet and inspire, and have others inspire me. I am grateful for the trials in my life because they have formed and shaped me who I am today. I am taking my time with school, since I won't be going anywhere until Faith is in school herself. It is nice to take my time and still enjoy being a stay at home mom. When I do go further, I am wanting to become a child life specialist in the burn unit or in a Cancer Unit. We will see. That or teaching. Now about the kids,This year I was able to put together all their baby calendars, books, and scrapbooks up to age 5! I am glad to say I finally have done it so I don't lose any more memories or pictures! Hannah started 2nd grade and has a guy teacher. She didn't like that at first, but with her Dad being gone I think it's great. She changed her mind and said he was a cool teacher when he gave her a "Milky Way" candy bar since they were learning about outer space this year. Austin starts Kindergarten next wed. I am a little nervous for him socially. He is very smart (hence he had to listen to me teach preschool for three years) but I told him he couldn't run down the hall and he replied, " I am not running mom, I am skipping." good Luck to his Kindergarten teacher! It will be good for him. The little stinker and his friends got a pocket knife and tore all our bark off the tree. I called the nursery, my mom, and Trent's dad and pretty much my tree will likely die. :( Faith is such a cutie and growing up so fast. She loves barbies. It is so funny to sneak and watch her go into Hannah's room and start singing with the Barbies. She is always bringing me up a barbie so I can change her dress to a "pretty" one. Hannah loves to say " Faith, Have you been to the mall" (it's a saying off of Chicken Little, and for some reason they find it hilarious.) well now Faith says, " NANNA (hannah), You benamal" It is cute. Well needless to say, we are busy busy busy!!!

Today I am grateful to be alive! I have such great family and friends. I can live finally in the moment and realize time isn't too late! I can live and make a difference in my life and in my kids lives. They are so excited to start school. Hannah has a boy teacher and Austin has a girl teacher. They were telling me how they want to switch teachers. Yesterday, Hannah went to a birthday party and I wish I had a camera. All her friends came running out of the house and one little girl named Noelle, came and put her arm around Hannah. IT was so cute to see how loved she is, and that girl seemed pretty mature for her age to come up to a friend and take her into the group. I love living out here.

I think we have the same parents.... jk

Meet SHIDEEZHI & SHADI(At least it's not Shatty), or should I say Snow White & Pocahontas
My sister and her daughter Are TAN. If you think my kids are tan, you have never met my sister! Now, I never wear shorts, but Kelli puts my legs to shame. They really aren't that white, kelli is just DARK. Faith was trying to pull Kelli's leg. I think she thought that Kelli had nylons on. Shideezi is a Navtive American Name meaning - younger Sister. Shadi- Older sister. Not the greatest shot, but have you ever tried taking a picture of your leg before? Give me a break.. sheesh.. :)