Update

I have loved keeping my new blog so much, I probably wont be updating this one much. 

I will update it time to time....

Although looking back, its is more like a few months here and here...

So come on over and check me out here: www.365rosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com  

I will be updating my new one daily (or close to it). 

♥

Sunny

I think it is sad that in this world, cheerfulness and optimism are not valued enough. There is SO much negative in the world with what is in the media, the way we talk to one another, and the societal shift in how we perceive happiness. Happiness now equates to things, and this is mine and look at me and a shift to me me me. I mean do not get me wrong, it is good to be proud of our accomplishments by all means but what I am talking about is truly being humble when serving one another for one purpose only, that being  the desire to serve your fellowman to become a better person - not for glory.

One of my goals this year is to keep a blog for a year, tracking my journey on how my perspective changes in being optimistic and grateful.

I feel like when I am counting my blessings, they seem to add up faster than when I am looking down and focusing on the negative. I am hoping with this little experiment of mine for 2014, that I will see the sunny moments in my day that God sends down to me so I will have the desire to give back more, to serve more and become that person I want to become. I hope that even on those bleak days, I will be able to stop and always see what he is trying to tell me. When we are in tune with our Heavenly Father, we can move mountains and if being more grateful gets me there, by golly I am doing it!

Want to join me? 

Some of my goals other than this for the year are: 

1. To run 2 half marathons

2. To hit my high school graduation weight

3. To read the Book of Mormon in 90 days. 

4. To run a 5K in 25 - 26 minutes. 

5. To keep a gratitude blog for 365 days (Mine is below)
  http://www.365rosecoloredglasses.blogspot.com/

6. To read a spiritual book once a month 

7. Save up money to surprise my daughter with a trip to Disneyland

8. Make each of my kids a quilt for their beds for Christmas. 

9. Run Hood to Coast again

10. To meditate for 10 minutes a day

2014 is going to be a great year!

Rose colored glasses

For the month of November, like many people, it got me to thinking about my blessings. For me as a person, I want to be optimistic, happy and to see the glass full. I want to be full of gratitude for what the Lord has graciously blessed me with in my life. I want to see in front of me, all of his divine goodness and work, working together, for the benefit of me and my family because he loves me. 

In those little things, BIG things, medium things...

He is there.

He is thinking of you because HE loves you and knows the desires of your heart. 

In this fast paced world where it is common to be crude, sarcastic, and selfish, it leaves for little room to see the good. It covers up what has been there the whole time. So it is time to put on my rose colored glasses. I desire to see my life with a heart full of gratitude. It is not about wanting what we do not have - it is about wanting what we DO have. 

This article touched my heart so much. The president of our church lost his wife and you could tell the depth of his loss has left him with an ache. Through all of that, he has been buoyed up by the strength of his Savior and the goodness the people in our church and communities. His heart full of gratitude inspired me. In such a heartfelt loss, he found the good, he clung on to the blessings he felt from the Lord. 

One of my favorite quotes was, "The difficulties which come to us present us with the real test of our ability to endure. A fundamental question remains to be answered by each of us: Shall I falter, or shall I finish? Some do falter as they find themselves unable to rise above their challenges. To finish involves enduring to the very end of life itself." Thomas S. Monson. 

When we see the Lord working in our lives, we are more apt to be in sync with him. We will be able to hear the sweet whisperings of the spirit in all that we do and say. It will make us the stronger in the end to endure and say at the finish line, "Lord, I have fought the good fight. I did my best. I finished." He is there to hold your hand and fight the good fight.

So go out today and see what you can see with your rose colored glasses.

I assure you, though life looks bleak sometimes, He is there. 

Blessing you in ways you do not even know of.

♥

Catch

Some days I look at my husband and stop.

 

I think to myself, "What did he EVER see in me?"

 

He is such a caring, sweet, attentive husband who thinks about others before his needs.

 

He is there for me, to cheer me on, to support me, and best of all to be my best friend.

 

I am lucky.

 

He was a catch.

 

Everyday I try to better myself so I can be a better wife to him.

 

For the past few years I've had a stove and washer and dryer set that worked....

 haphazardly and that kept on going because his attentiveness to fixing them whenever they would fail.

 

It was nothing that really bugged me per say but when the dryer broke for the millionth time right after Charleigh was born (well it seemed like that least to me....12 loads at the laundry mat is no small feat to accomplish pregnant or with a new baby), I had had it.

 

Part after part had been ordered and hours of fixing appliances was starting to wear on my poor husband.

 

Poor guy!

 

But not ONCE did he complain.

 

He would look up you tube videos or read up on literature to figure out the problem so we did not have to pay money for someone to come out and fix it.

 

 

Well in May he learned of a program at work that would allow him to earn money if he biked so many miles to work. He then, had the idea to use that money to but new appliances.

 

I was NOT happy when he suggested this to me one night.

 

He said, "The money can be used to buy you a new washer and dryer and oven. It would make your life easier."

 

I replied, "NO! You will have to bike along 15 miles of a BUSY highway to get to work (well 7 miles of it is along the hwy)."

 

Long story short: My husband is stubborn and loves me.

 

When he puts his mind to it, he does it.

 

Today, he finished biking all of those miles and to support him we went and cheered him on as he biked home.

 

The kids would get out and yell, "GO DAD!!!"

 

We must have look CRAZY stopping so much along the road to do so but WHO CARES.

 

It was so much fun :).

 

That man is amazing and each time I hear my new washer and dryer sing to me, I think of my husband and how much he loves me.

 

♥

 

 

 



Good morning

One of my favorite things to wake up to...

A bust?

Well that was a bust!

Keith and I had decided to not go camping this summer since we have a newborn

 

BUT....

 

After thinking about it, we were like "Um, hello, she is non-mobile. It will be easier to go this summer and not next year when she would be eating dirt (experienced this one).

 

So we asked for recommendations for new stomping grounds to camp...

 

BOY DID THAT BACK FIRE.

 

Now, granted this place was gorgeous and I am sure in September when it is a bit chillier, it would have been fine...

 

But WALDO LAKE....

 

Is a NO GO in the summer time.

 

We stepped out and literally got swarmed with mosquitoes.

 

Blah.

 

Keith and I and the kids (except Charleigh - THANK GOODNESS) all have a good amount of bug bites.

 

Man, am I selling you on camping or what ;)...

 

But alas, not all was a bust.

 

You ask, what can you gain from a trip like that?!?

 

Ah, good quality family time in the tent.

 

We talked for hours, read books and looked at the stars in our tent...

 

Our little refuge from the nasty little blood suckers that swarmed our back door!

 

My favorite moment of the whole trip... that I will honestly remember forever is a sweet one.

 

It was bed time and Charleigh was sitting in her car seat all snuggled in and warm with her pink fuzzy blanket.

 

Diana had pulled out a glow stick and had hung it on one of her play toys that hung from the handle of her seat.

She immediately became engrossed with it - quiet, trying to figure out what it was.

 

Right after that, I am not sure who, but someone turned out the lantern.

 

 I started to sing church songs to her softly and one by one, the kids and Keith joined in.

 

As we sang the song, "Families can be together forever", tears sprang to my eyes and  the spirit became strong in that tent. It was a beautiful moment and I will never forget it.

 

Not all was lost

 

But much was gained spiritually in our short visit to the woods.

 

I am eternally grateful for these four beautiful children and my wonderful husband who make up my eternal family.

 

I learned that in those situations, though it was dreary, there was much to be gained.

 

I just had to stop and listen for what my heavenly father had to share with me.

 

♥♥♥♥♥♥

Liar

You know that voice in your head that yells," YOU CAN'T DO THIS!"

 

Well that was happening to me on my run this morning ...

 

I told it to stick it.

 

And although it was not my best run...

 

who cares.

 

I am out there and getting back on the horse, right?

 

To go from running marathons, to moving at a snails pace or basically starting all over

 

since I have not run in oh...8 or 9 months...

 

is hard for me...I am not going to lie.

 

But people who succeed in life very rarely listen to that voice in their head that says they can't do it.

 

 Instead, they use it for motivation, a reason to prove to themselves that they can acheive anything with a little bit of hard work and dreams in their pockets.

 

Now off the computer to snuggle with my baby girl and to enjoy this beautiful sunny weather!

 

 

 

 

 



Big brother

Taylor asks every day if he can hold his baby sister - talking, singing and playing with her. I think he is quite taken with this little butterbean. He loves to kiss and rub the top of her head especially. I am so proud of how good of a brother he has been to his three sister's.

He's always thinking of ways to help them, buy them presents on their birthdays and overall be a great brother. Oh there are days he loves to terrorize them, but what brother doesn't do that ;-). I am  thankful for this wonderful son who has blessed our lives!

Haven

I have always felt my home should be a haven from the world.

A place where my kids can feel safe

A place for laughter

A place to be yourself

A place where they can be spiritually and intellectually fed

 

As of late, my oldest has come to realize more and more the difference between our home and the harsh realities of our world.

Middle school, hanging out with more non-LDS friends, participating in more after school activities has made my oldest more immersed in the world.

 

She came home very upset from a birthday party of a friend from school.

I asked her what was wrong

She replied, "Mom, those girls were saying horrible things and using words that made me feel gross. I am so happy to be home."

 

A reality we all face...

As society falls apart more and more

So does the family.

 

The youth of today are righteous warriors, going off to battle each day to be beacons to the world. They face things I NEVER could have imagined.

School shootings, immorality, dishonesty, and selfishness all at heightened levels....

Some days I wants to bundle my kids and put them in their own protected bubbles so they may never experience the evils of this world but then I would be going against the plan.

 I would be halting their eternal progression.

 

As mothers in Zion, it is our duty to give our kids the confidence to go into the world, to know who they are as Sons and Daughters of their Heavenly Father, so they may touch other peoples lives and come unto Christ. A duty that I take very seriously.

 

 

I am privileged to be raising these children in the latter-days.

Though there is much evil in this world - there is so much GOOD!

 

 

 

Fit mama

After the birth of my three older children, getting back to my pre-pregnancy weight became harder and harder each subsequent pregnancy - ESPECIALLY with my third child, Chloe. 

That pregnancy I gained over 60 pounds....

Yes you heard me...

over 60 whopping pounds.

There are many reasons why...

My husband was in school full time and working two jobs - thus being ALONE with two toddlers

I was suffering from depression

I ate horrible and the fact that Keith worked at Red Robin as the serving manager did NOT help one bit...can you say tower of onion rings?!?

My back hurt from a car accident and the birth of my son, making me physically hurt all over during my pregnancy

and I will end the the list there...

 

It was a dark period of my life!

 

I do not like to talk about it because well who honestly likes to go back and revisit the past, especially when it was a really hard time to overcome physically, emotionally and psychologically.

 

When I was a teenager I was diagnosed with Anorexia and that played a major roll in why I was depressed. For the rest of my life, I will suffer from Body Dysmorphic Disorder. I do not see my body the way others see me. I tend to view myself as fat, unattractive and  not the beautiful woman I know my husband sees.By no means am I a super model but every day I struggle to fight the negative thoughts of how ugly I am or what could be better about my body. 

 

This may sound very self absorbed but it is not.

It is something that is very real for hundreds of women.

And MANY go their about their WHOLE lives without realizing they have it.

 

I was lucky.

 

My parents got me help and a wonderful therapist who helped me see that this was not normal.

 

I saw that what I was doing to myself was self destructive, shielding me away from the true beautiful of daughter of God who was in the reflection of the mirror. I wasn't able to see or grow my true potential until I realized what I had. And many women never do. They end up berating themselves their whole lives - wasting it and never being happy with the woman in the mirror.

 

Today I am happy.

 

I know that I am a beautiful and virtuous daughter of God.

 

My body is a temple in which I have the utmost respect for in all that it can do. I have given birth to four BEAUTIFUL children. I have run marathons. I have overcome illness. I have the ability to go about my daily life with energy to reach for my dreams.

 

I have been blessed with health especially this last pregnancy. I entered it being in the best shape of my life and a healthy frame of mind spiritually and psychologically. I know that is because of My Savior, Jesus Christ. He helped me these last few years over come many of my old demons to focus on what I needed to learn. He loves me enough that when I have done all that I can do, he finishes the rest. And I felt that these last few months.

 

 I was blessed with health and have recovered from pregnancy well. 

 

I feel amazing and have felt so BLESSED to have this blessing in  my life.

 

I am a healthy mama who has four wonderful children and loves having the energy, charisma, and stamina to do so.



♥

Facebook

Facebook has been on my mind as of late.
Is it worth it?
Have we lost the interpersonal communication we all used to have such as a phone call or e-mail?
In the last year I have noticed I have been using my e-mail less and less for communicating and more or less just for deals and bills.
I mean don't get me wrong
Facebook does have its perks such as setting up an event, finding out the answer you need quickly from a friend or asking peoples advice..even sharing an uplifting message or gathering people together via internet for a group.
But...
then...
there is that cold reality that facebook tracks you.
Something, I am not a fan of particularly.
Yesterday I was googling a product and lo and behold on the side a couple of hours later were ADs for the very subject matter I was googling...
Weird!
I plan to be on Facebook less this summer.
It has been something that has been nagging at me and starting today I will be posting less and blogging more.
I was re reading over my old blog posts and what a shame I ever stopped. I love reading over some of my favorite blogging mothers and their daily lives. Blogs give you a depth Facebook can never have!

A month of gratitude

I seem to go back and forth with blogging. With our busy schedules and family life, it's just not a high priority anymore, but something kept nagging me the past couple of days to do so. Pregnancy has softened my heart on many things, opening my eyes to answers I needed to hear so I can heal. The lords timing is not always our timing but I do assure you answers to prayers are felt and received even if the answer comes years or decades later to one when they least expect it. There is much good to come from patience, for it rewards the humble servant who righteously keeps engaged while waiting.

Following those promptings we feel from the holy ghost helps us to know where the Lord wants us to be so we can arrive here, finding peace and comfort in his blessings. And what a blessing it is to be enveloped in his love. Although the world looks bleak and weary outside, I know with assurity it is going to be OK. There are times when I question, "How" or "Why" to the Lord when I do not see how to get from point A to point B but if we stop, slow down and listen; we can hear the sweet small whisperings of the spirit.  Each time we listen to the spirit, we gain a better understanding in our relationship with  our Heavenly Father - learning and growing closer to him to feel of his love for us. He loves each one of us and wants so badly to answer our  prayers. We just need to hold on for all will be revealed within this life or the next.

 

Am I perfect at waiting for answers - NO! Am I a daughter of God who loves him and knows that he loves me - YES. That knowledge helps me to want to be better, to stand up for truth and righteousness so I can be ready when he is there to whisper which direction to go. I look back on my life and recognize many key points where I listened and where I "really" listened to his council.  It is in those times of clarity that I was engaged and listening with a full intent, putting MY wants aside.

 

I am grateful for answers. I am grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. I know that the book of Mormon is a true and correct book that teaches of our Savior, Jesus Christ. I know that families can be together forever. I am grateful for my family and the love we have in our home.

I am grateful for this month of November so  I can contemplate these blessings!

 

♥

Taste of summer

                   After strawberry picking, we zipped up a strawberry-blueberry pie!!
                              Yummy!!!

Trophies and tu-tu's

This weekend was one of those weekends you rev up your engine because it is a go-go type of day; One where you do not stop...until you drop!

Saturday morning we started with closing ceremonies for baseball at one of the local high schools. I stink and forgot to take pictures but at the event the kids were recognized for their accomplishments, received their medals and the all-star teams were announced. It was a really fun way to end the baseball season for the players, with prizes and a fun incentive to come back next year for more.  It was fun to see my kids grow and develop over the season, especially my older two. Chloe was not really into it....every practice or game she would hand her base coach a handful of daisies...but it was good for her to try a new skill out!

Diana was on a majors level team (highest in LL right now), and received a trophy! She was very happy about that, especially since it had a softball player on top. This summer Diana will be practicing twice a week to keep her skills up with her coaches, so it should be fun next season to see where she is at, skill level wise.

After closing ceremonies, we dashed home and had ballet to worry about. Chloe was in two recitals that day, the afternoon and evening performances. The performance story was about a painters dream and each of the classes were a color or story about a painting. Some of the younger classes like Chloe's used props such as paint cans, paint brushes, etc, into their dance to create a fun, whimsical addition to their dances. Chloe's class was the color "Orange." The costume was hands down one of my favorites. She will be defiantly  be wearing this one for Halloween as a Autumn Fairy!

At the dress rehearsal

Group picture from dress rehearsal

Chloe and I before her evening performance

She danced beautifully!

♥

The grandparents and her godmother were able to see her dance.

The whole evening was just wonderful and I am so proud of her and all her hard work with ballet.

Now for a week break and then onto summer ballet camp!

♥

Onto bigger things

It seems like yesterday, we were just here... (1st day of 1st grade)

And now our beautiful daughter has graduated the 5th grade....

 

She was ready, mama not so much, but by the years end, after all her dedication, and hard work....

She received awards at her graduation for best state academic achievement awards for reading and math, beating the old 20 year old reading record (reading certificate), certificate of extra effort, and the certificate of responsibility.

Receiving one of her awards.

Walking across the stage

Let the party begin!!

Diana and her incredible, fun and outgoing teacher, Mr. Anderson.

♥

♥

Diana and her siblings after graduation.

♥

It was a good ride kiddo....

Now off to middle school with you, where we know you will excel, learn, and grow!

Farewell kindergarten

It seems like we just had preschool graduation...

One year later....

She is all grown-up and graduating kindergarten.

At graduation they sang songs, told what they wanted to be when they grew up, Chloe wanting to be a doctor of course, and received their diplomas and scrapbooks. It was a wonderful evening to celebrate their growth through out this busy year. None of that would have been possible without Chloe's AMAZING teacher, Mrs. Prowse. Bless that lady, she truly is a saint.

 Chloe with her friends after receiving her diploma.

Standing in front of Mrs. Prowses door.

And what would Kindergarten Graduation be without a silly picture ;)

I am proud of my feisty little Chloe.

She is one smart cookie!

I know one day she is going to move mountains...

and make a difference in this world!!

We love you Ms. Chloe Nicole,









Reality struck

I am an active member of my children's PTA at school. Today we had 2 staff retiring, and two moving to another school, one of which was our beloved Principal, Ms. Stephens. Gifts were put together, a scrapbook photobook made; all collected to give at the end of the year assembly this morning.

I walked into the school and I was not ready for what was in front of me.

The main display case in the hall way had been decorated with graduation items.

Black graduation caps, balloons, confetti, and a huge sign that said "Congratulations Class of 2019. Best wishes in Middle School."

That's when it stuck me.....

I will have a middle schooler next year.

Yes, let me sit down.

I am not ready for this but know it is going to happen whether I like it or not.

My baby girl is ready.

She is going to do so well next year. She is a good girl and I know I have to let her spread her wings....

For that is life and without these experiences, there is no growth.

Wish me luck. 5th grade graduation is on wednesday, and I'm bringing the tissues!

Community

Our weekend was fabulous and RELAXING!

Saturday morning I woke up to the beautiful sunshine after a couple of days of rain.

After that, me and the girls met up at the new trail system in our town and hit the trails for an easy 5 miles.

It was smooth sailing!

I feel in the best shape of my life right now.

A great feeling after a years worth of hard work.

I have come to love these beautiful women who I have had the pleasure of running with the past year.

They have created drive, inspiration and the power to finish strong in all my running goals.

I honestly don't know if I could go back to solo-running after this experience due to the fact it has become such a part of me.

Liz Robbins from the New York Times says "Long distance running may be the ultimate individual pursuit, offering a time for peace, solitude and communion with one’s body. But for many runners, distance running is the epitome of community, a true testament to the uplifting spirit of the sport."

The old saying "It takes a village to raise a child" proves true when it comes to long distance running, showcasing the point that,  running with others will make you a better runner. Running with others give you energy, spirit and encouragement, making what seemed hard, a easy check of the check-list, finishing goals that you never for saw yourself completing.

Next up on my racing calendar is the Disneyland Half Marathon, Warrior Dash, The Color Run, The Run Away Pumpkin Half and the Silver Falls Trail Half Marathon.

Time to lace up my shoes and get going!

See you all later

♥

Next challenge

I am very excited for my new adventures at church.

Last week after two years....

I was released from Weblos as a Den Leader.

When I got that calling, to be honest...

I was less than thrilled.

Scouts has never really been....

something I was interested in....

BUT

It ended up being a good experience for me.

I learned the importance and gained a testimony of the scouting program.

I think it's funny I got released as soon as my son went in....

So now I am savvy on scouts and gained a wonderful friendship with my other Den Leader.

My next adventure and challenge from the Lord?

YW1st counselor.

I am giddy and very excited!

I have been in YW's three times before this and have loved every moment.

This time will be much different though because our ward only has 5 YW....

creating a different flow and structure than I am used to with larger YW's.

I am ready to serve and know this will be another great opportunity to serve the lord and gain a better understanding of his plan. Believe it or not......

Diana will in YW's in 8  months...

YIKES!



Phone calls

Yesterday I got a call.

I picked up the phone and I looked at the in coming caller

I thought it had was for me

A friend returning a call I had made earlier

On the other line was her son's voice.....

I said "Hello", and asked for his mother (a bit confused)

His mother got onto the phone and

After three seconds of chit chat, I realized....

She had not made the call.

Her son had.

For my oldest daughter....

A few days before his mom had told me, her son had told my daughter (who likes this boy too) at recess, that he liked her.

In stunned silence...

My oldest said nothing.

Needless to say...

He was CONFUSED

by women already.

I asked my oldest why she didn't say anything...

She said "I've never talked with boys mom. What do you say to them???"

I laughed and hugged her

And told her next time to say "Thank you."

I handed the phone over to my daughter

and she whispered "I don't know what to say!"

I guess she figured it out after a few minutes since I heard her laugh ;)

And that my friends....

means we are officially into the tweens.

The whole thing was very sweet to watch

and brought back memories of my 5th grade crushes and junior high "loves"

Oh childhood....

What an adventure and the things you learn.