Dangerously Stupid Zone

I recently read a blog post about choices we make.  I tend to see things in white (good)/ black (bad) and not really gray (middle).  To me the gray area of a choice is more for cowards who tend to sit on the fence and don't really want to commit to a side.  Don't get me wrong I have been gray plenty of times in my life but as I have come to know and love myself better, I see life more in black and white and not so much gray.  I guess it is also because with this new found knowledge and self love come confidence, bravery, and courage to be able to take a stand for the things I believe in.  When we sit on the fence (which is gray) we put ourselves in what can be termed the "Dangerously Stupid Zone!"  We are then tempted, persuaded, pushed, or bullied into choosing a side which we may not be comfortable with but are not strong or brave enough to stand up and walk away from.  Thus we fall circumstance to the consquences of the choices of the side we were persuaded to stand with and become a victim to our own stupidity.  I see this everyday with the teens I work with at church.  If they could only see the strength and feel the love I have for them, they would be unstoppable at anything they CHOOSE to do.  So what about you?  Do you have things in your life that you are sitting on the fence about?  This is what I have been contemplating this week and praying to be brought to light in my life so I can choose a side.  I found this picture that sort of put it into perspective for me.  As I make a choice I stop to think...on which side does my choice tip the scales - for the good of my Savior or against Him?  I always want it to be for the good, I do not want to ever cause Him anymore pain.  He has shed so many drops of his own blood for me already.  It only takes a moment to stop and think before I act/choose.  Our Savior, Jesus Christ is always fighting for the good of our souls, he never stops, sleeps, or quits loving us.  He only joins His strength to ours and ensures us success as we focus on Him and becoming like Him.  I leave you with some of my favorite words from Him whom I love most, the #1 man in my life:

John 16:33

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace.  In the world ye shall have tribultaion:  but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."

                

Whacked It All Off

Our church sponsored a youth conference this last Friday  for about 500 youth ranging from 14-18.  I was a chaperone for the dance that night.  As I sat their watching all these teens have a great time it hit me that I have the same type hairstyle as most of the teen girls in that room.  My hair is half way down my back and all one length.  I basically have two styles...ponytail/pull it up or leave it straight.  At that moment I felt really out of place like I was trying to lay seige upon my youth instead of embracing the fact that my life is half way over and I am a grown adult woman. 

So last night I walked into Walmart to buy some groceries and the hair salon inside the store was empty so I rushed in before I lost my nerve and whacked it all off.  See Below

Do I like it?  Well I have mixed emotions but what I do like is that I now look more my age and not like I am trying to look forever young!

Winds of Change

So lately I have been craving a change...some sort of change, which is very unusual for me because I tend to like to be able to control things because then I have no surprises and I can count on everything to run smoothly just like it always does.  So this craving for a change is sorta throwing me off, and I have no inkling as to where or what I want changed.  Maybe it is just a sign of growth within myself that I can handle new and unexpected things with more maturity and sophistication?? 

I read an article last night about finding happiness with what you have and not getting so caught up looking at the things your friends and family possess.  This woman said she was so caught up in wanting a huge house like her friend that she was completely missing out on enjoying the lovely home she had until she heard her friend complaining and saying how when she had a bigger home she would finally be content and happy. 

This article really got me to thinking...am I missing out in everyday happiness because I am too caught up in when I find a husband, when I can afford to vacation on a tropical island, when I have a new SUV, when, when, when...?????  I just want to yell - STOP THE INSANITY!!!  It is time to get out my grateful clicker (via Hilary Weeks - www.billionclicks.org happiness is a click away) and see, really see all the wonderful people and blessings in my life right now.  I don't want to miss another minute of seeing the hand of God in my life and as I look for the good, I not only find happiness, but I see his love for me in all things.  Want to change your life and find happiness starting today...start clicking!  It becomes addicting and every time I get grouchy I just pull out my clicker and smile...click, click, click!!!

Broke, Broke, and Broke!

I haven't posted lately because my camera broke and since I am broke...I don't forsee a new one anytime soon.  Especially with school coming up so fast and having to buy all the supplies and new clothes for the kids.  So I guess fashion is out and you are just stuck with my wonderfully boring life!  (After the drama of my last marriage...boring and secure sound heavenly!!)

I had a mucho relaxing weeking.  Got to take Friday off and spend it with James since my mom had jury duty and my dad was tearing out their bedroom floor and closets (termites...hate those lil buggars!!)  Why is it that on the one day off when I can sleep in I am up at 6:30 and can't go back to sleep.  So I got alot of much needed cleaning done before James awoke.  He is so snuggly in the mornings and as I was holding him he started singing,"Morning bells are ringing, ding, ding, dong."  Then he looks at me with his devilish smile and says, "Mom, my morning bells are ringing", and he farts on me several times.  I actually had to laugh...my morning bells are ringing.  Where does this kid come up with this stuff?  He must get that from his dad!! 

Saturday, I went to a 30 and older singles conference at my church.  I learned to line dance - The Electric Slide.  Just in case you were wondering... no I didn't meet any elligible men, the single men who came  were 50 and older but they were nice and we all had alot of fun. 


I have been feeling the need to take some college classes and start working towards my degree again.  But I am broke...broke on money and time.  Geez, my day starts at 4:30 am and I usually try to get to sleep by 10 pm.  I also feel guilty because I need to do more for others like visiting my grandma, donating to charities, and service projects.  So my friend Virginia had me take this quiz about how I am spending my time.  It was enlightening...I am going to share with you!!

Write down everything you did last week:
ate, slept, exercise-Jazzercise, listened to 2 books while working and driving, went to a singles conference, bore my testimony, planned upcoming Young Women's Activities, worked on Girl's Camp items needed, read scriptures, prayed, played with James and read him stories, gardening, got revelations, washed clothes, cleaned house and car, worked tried to overcome the natural man, had my testimony of Savior strenghtened from the help I received, repented, memorized a scripture, sang songs, vacuumed, did service, shopped, dwelt on being mad, visited with Grandma, emailed, looked at my favorite blogs, facebooked and went to church.

List 5 Lifetime Goals:
Temple Marriage, Becoming Charitable, Successful parent with children who have strong testimonies of Christ, Serve a Mission, be General Young Women's President.

List 5 Yearly Goals:
Go to temple every other month, work/learn how to make partaking of the sacrament a spiritual experience, budget better-curb my shopping habits, Lose weight, and work on being meek, humble and putting off the natural man.

Write down 5 things you would do if you had 6 months to live (sort of like a bucket list):
Go to the Temple weekly, Make a Dvd for my kids professing my love, family history work, write my life history, and spend every minute with my children and family.

Write down what you would do if you were going to meet Christ in person in 30 minutes:
I would pray that I could look up and see him smile at me.

Last Challenge:

Now take all the things you did last week and see how they promote your lifetime goals, yearly goals, and how they affect your life if you had 6 months to live and if you had 30 minutes before you met Jesus.  This activity will help to weed out the non priority activities in our lives.

Fresh Hot Bread

I am so excited!!!  I just bought a bread maker for $10 at one of my favorite thrift shops.  The sales clerk and I plugged it in and it works!! She even commented on how it looks brand new and unused.  Hurray for me...why???  Well last month at Relief Society we had a potluck with the instructions we had to make and bring something using our food storage items.  Kassie Rogers brought this wonderful wheat bread.  I have never in my life made bread...store bought is running through my veins.  I know...my poor deprived children!!  Kassie said she just throws all the ingredients into her bread machine and then puts the dough into pans and bakes.  It really was the best bread I have ever tasted!!  She suggested that I look for one during my thrift store romps.  I took her advice and now I can make bread - cooking has never been one of my specialities.  I am trying to find some really great recipes to master - fortunately there are recipes with pictures so I can tell if I am doing it right!

This weekend we are going to have fresh home-made bread!  And if I am really ambitious I might even have my mom or sister teach me how to make the freezer jelly everyone is raving about.  Geez, sometimes I think I am in my own little world - an alternate reality...freezer jelly.  Who woulda thunk???

Here is my first and second attempt:

So remember, I never said I was a domestic goddess!!  I am not sure what happened...I took it out of the bread machine and placed it in the pan and it rose up all nice and pretty until James touched the first one and it fell.  The second one though fell during cooking.  I am going to try my mom's recipe, this one just doesn't work for me...yeah that's it!!!  However, the bread tasted fine, my daughter's friend Andi loved it.  Hunter has to take the Sacrament Bread for church all month in July so I have one and half weeks to get it perfect!

Pick It Up & Get Moving!

So this morning I am fighting off the urge to skip the gym and just keep sleeping.  I finally dragged myself up, read my scriptures, and headed out the door feeling pretty cute in my bright red work out shirt.  It was arm day so I did my usual 15 minutes on the stair climber to get my heart rate up and then worked out my arms till they felt like were going to fall off.  Then I headed upstairs to run for 20 minutes.  I love running...actual running - never on a treadmill!  So I am going at a slow pace running a mile (9 laps at the fitness center track - working up to 2 miles).  When this older (70's) gentleman about 6'3 to 6'5 catches up to me and he is walking a brisk walk with his long legs.  I have my earphones and music on so I don't really pay to much attention as he is striding along at my side....when all a sudden, he interrupts my thoughts and says, "If you don't pick it up I will walk faster than you can run."  I must admit I was alittle taken aback by his brashness and tried to be friendly by explaining I was new and am working my way up to a faster pace.  He replied, "WELL PICK IT UP AND GET MOVING ALREADY!!  I was thinking...are you serious????  So I did what any kind human being would do in my situation...I RAMMED HIS SKINNY BUTT INTO THE GYM WALL!!    



 

  Just kidding - hahaha,  I picked up the pace and sped a good distance away from him,  wishing I had rammed him into the wall - people these days, can't a girl get a little RESPECT!! 

By the way Rachel at Pink Peonies is giving away a Fabulous Kelly Green Bag!!  To enter, click the link and follow the instructions.

http://www.thepinkpeonies.com/2012/06/giveaway.html

Divorce Sucks!!

Last night I went to a baseball game with my ex-husband and his family.  We are still good friends.  His other two boys are here visiting from Las Vegas, Dylan 8 and Anthony 6.  I was holding Dylan on my lap and Anthony was sitting next to me.  Dylan was asking if I remembered when they used to live with me and bringing up memories he had with me and my own kids.  I told him I still remember and will never forget!  He said you will always be my step mom and Anthony said, "She isn't our step mom anymore."  To which Dylan raised his cute little voice and said, "YES SHE IS!!"  I quicky assured him I still am.

Although I know Hector and I made the right choice to divorce, it kills my heart that I lost Dylan and Anthony too.  And then to see the my son James having such a wonderful time with his brothers and knowing it will end in a few days...really sucks!!

I am grateful for the knowledge and assurance I have received that one day I will have an eternal marriage.  I know that with work, sacrifice, and love my future marriage will never end....I just haven't met him yet.  (I love Michael Buble, I swear that song is my theme song.)

Sweater:  Thrifted $2.00, Button Up:  Thrifted $2.00
Skinny Jeans:  thrifted $5.99

 

Purse :  Thrifted $1.50, Shoes:  Payless $27.99

I have to admit...I am LOVING these kelly green skinny jeans.  They are my first pair and now the question is do I really want to pay full price to get more colors???

Blog Refashion

After paying my bills this weekend, and seeing how much I over spent trying to be impressively dressed for this blog, I decided I need a blog refashion!!  No more shopping for me!!!  I have so many clothes already and with the amount of money I spent this month adding new pieces, I could have gone to Albquerque to the Temple. 

I was getting so caught up in how I looked, I felt like I was letting what is most important to me slip...my kids and my testimony.  I was so worried about losing weight to look better in the pictures, I put my scripture studies on the back burner and would work out instead.  Then at night I would try on alteast six different outfits when I should have been reading my scriptures and praying.  This is where the refashioning comes in - I don't want to spend my time on the internet comparing myself to all the other fashion blogs out there.  I don't want to blend in, I want to stand out because I am different.  I have my own funky, unique style and I am proud of that.  I love the strong person I have become and I cherish the relationship I have developed with my Savior and Heavenly Father.  For the first time in my life I KNOW  I am a daughter of a King, a child of God, and it's time that I give up my wants to fultill the plans He has instore for my life. 

Please don't get me wrong, I love the fashion blogs out there.  Those women have amazing talents and insights and I enjoy reading them and will continue to do so.  But I have a focus for me...I have a goal and because I over spent I am not sure I will able to fulfill that goal of going to the temple every other month. I was supposed to go this month and forgot all about it.  I am not going to spend anymore (let's be realistic, I am addicted to thriftstore shopping...I admit it) than $10 a week on thrifting.  Which means I will have to really use my imagination to put together outfits from the items already in my closet.  This will be a whole new dimension in fashion for me. 

In a way this experience has been good for me.  I will ensure for the future that I sacrifice first for the temple and that I never again take my eyes away from what is really important to me.  I decided this Sunday after getting up early to read my scriptures.  Then today on my break I went to read in Lds.org and on the front of the webpage is this article: 

Turn Toward the Temple

“Why are so many willing to give so much in order to receive the blessings of the temple?” President Thomas S. Monson said, and then he answered his own question: “Those who understand the eternal blessings which come from the temple know that no sacrifice is too great, no price too heavy, no struggle too difficult in order to receive those blessings.”

ttp://www.lds.org/study/prophets-speak-today/unto-all-the-world/turn-toward-the-temple?lang=eng

Gym update:  Skipped Friday and went to see Men in Black III instead.  Good Movie with a great ending.  Saturday helped my mom paint her kitchen from a gorgeous apricot flower color to sanitarium white.  (I say sanitarium because I would go insane living in a completely white walled house!  My walls are a taupe color and they are so relaxing to me.)  Then we had Makayla's 20th birthday party (my oldest daughter).  Lots of sopapillas, enchiladas, laughter, cheesecake...I am still full!!  This morning I headed back to the gym to work off all the eating I did on Saturday.  I am pushing myself alittle harder this week so I am sure I will be sore again.  But it is paying off already.  Two weeks ago I bought a pair of capris that I couldn't get buttoned.  I figured I would work into them.  Well this morning they fit!!  I love when I see results, it motivates me to keep moving and helps me get up sooooooo freaking early, plus with my new found muslces, I can fight off the bed monster that tries to grab me and pull me back to sleep.

Sweater:  Thrifted $2.00, Shirt:  Thrifted $2.00, Capri:  Thrifted $3.69

Gym + Gardening = Butt Spasms

I swear my mom is trying to kill me!!  Last night we went to my Uncle Dave's house to plant a garden.  He has graciously give us the plants, space, and free water.  All we have to do is weed  and maintain.  I am so excited about this because I am wanting to develop some new talents.

Anyway, after 2- 1/2 hours of planting green chili plants in a garden the size of a football field, I could barely walk!!  I have been going to the Fitness Center at the College and so I was already sore from squats, lunges, stair climber, running, and weight lifting.  When I got home last night my lower butt cheeks started spasming.  Now that is the creepiest feeling ever - lol! 

I was afraid that this morning I would have to roll off my bed onto the floor and crawl to the shower.  Initially the walk to the bathroom and bending onto the toilet seat was painful, but after that my muscles loosened up and I was able to do a good stretch.   I am (can't believe I am gonna say this)...ready for more - we still have 3-5 more rows to fill with zucchini, squash, pumpkins, broccoli, green beans - well you get the idea!

This is Tinkerbell one of our dogs.  She is half Yorkie and half Chiwawa.  She is the scamp of the family - something gets stolen off the table - it is always her!!

Shirt:  Thrifted $2.00, Jeans:  Calvin Klein - Thrifted $5.99

Shoes:  Thrifted $5.99, Purse:  Thrifted $4.00

 Bracelts:  They were some I found at Big Lots and combined together for the finished product.  $5.00

Necklace:  Thrifted $1.00

Have a Relaxing Weekend!!

Complicated Me!

  



She is a Feisty One!!



 Lately I have been doing some self reflecting.  I am a feisty girl, I can when angered, tear you to shreds with my mouth and justify it with ...it's your fault for making me mad because I try to be nice and I am pretty mellow until you lite my fuse!!  Then WATCH OUT...I am on fire!!   - I actually hate this about myself.  I see these women who don't react emotionally when caught off guard and I respect their ability to stay level headed and look at the whole situation before judging and acting irrationally.  Am I making any sense??  So on to my point...I have been praying, I mean really praying and pleading with the Lord to help me change, to be softer and see the good instead of being on the defensive and thinking only about myself.  I can honestly say, I think it is starting to work, which excites me and is enabling me to keep pursuing this dream of mine and developing it into my new reality!!  Want to know the secret?  Pray before you speak, act, or fly off the handle.  I ask for help and then wait a few seconds and thoughts come rolling in and new ways to approach things come to light.  It truly has been amazing to me the power given and the love shown to me from my Father above.

 

Geez I really need to smile more!!

Jacket:  homemade by Me, Capris:  Thrifted $4.00, Shoes:  Thrifted:  $5.00

Coral Purse:  Payless on sale $16.00

I am trying to learn new styles with my hair so I did a braided twist.  Came out alright for my first try.

 

Cat Claw Shirt:  Thrifted $2.39, Maxi Skirt:  Free - hand me down from a friend

The shirt is amazing, the colors are actually more vibrant than in the picture.

Purse:  Thrifted $1.50, Shoes:  Thrifted:  5.99

Have a Wonderful Day - See ya tomorrow for Jean Friday!!

Jazzer-Jammers

I know the picture is blurry but I couldn't resist posting it.  Last night I took James to Jazzercise with me.  He climbed up on stage with Alia Dire (instructor) and danced his little heart out.  He eventually laid down on the stage and busted some break dancing moves - kicking his leg up in the air and twirling around on his back.  I have never seen him be so bold before.  Usually he will get up there with Alia or myself when I teach, but after a few minutes gets pretty shy...it must have been the superman cape - gave him nerves of steel!

Interested in a new fun way to jazz off those last few pounds?  Check out Jazzercise.com for a local Jazz Class in your area.
We had these Southwest Chicken Wraps for dinner last night, they were SUPER yummy!!

Crispy Southwest Chicken Wraps
Printable Version
Printable Version with Picture
*Makes 6 wraps*
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup cooked rice, warm or at room temperature
1 cup cooked, shredded chicken
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 green onion, finely sliced (white and green parts)
1/2 red or green pepper, diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/2 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
2 cups shredded cheese (I used a combination of monterey jack and sharp cheddar)
Sour cream (optional)
6 burrito-sized flour tortillas
DIRECTIONS:
Mix rice together with chili powder, cumin and garlic salt. Add remaining ingredients except for cheese and sour cream. Sprinkle cheese over tortillas, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges, then arrange chicken and rice mixture down the center of each tortilla. (Optional: on some of the wraps, I dotted the cheese with about 1-2 tablespoons of reduced fat sour cream before arranging chicken and rice mixture down the center – it made the wraps delightfully creamy.) Roll stuffed tortillas, leaving edges open. Spray the tortillas all over with cooking spray.
Heat a large non-stick skillet (or griddle) over medium heat for 1 minute. Arrange 2 wraps, seam-side down, in pan and cook until golden brown and crisp, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and repeat with remaining wraps. Serve.

Here is the website if you would like to check out more recipes.  I added her to my favorites!
http://www.melskitchencafe.com/

I Made It To The Gym!!

This is a fun outfit for me to wear this morning.  The shirt is colored lace of olive green, brown, and dark blue.  With the dark purple tank underneath that I added, it takes more color and not so much drab.  The maxi skirt is so comfy and with one of my favorite high heels I feel on top of the world - which is good because this morning I hit the gym running at 5:30 and I can guarantee I will have some extremely sore muscles tomorrow.  However, today I feel great, I can't believe all the extra time I had to accomplish little things this morning:  dishes, scripture study, pics taken and posted early, snuggles with James, made breakfast, dropped Kierra off at soccer practice and made it to work 15 minutes early.

Shirt:  Thrifted $2.69, Tank top:  New $5.00

Maxi Skirt:  Thrifted $4.69

Purse:  Thrifted $1.50  Shoes:  Thrifted:  $5.99

Papparrazzi Jewerly $5.50
I took this picture of my Son at the computer.  I caught him designing his own Nike shoes on their website.  He was embarrassed and tried to escape but my fast fingers still captured him.  He has started to take more time in his appearance this past year.  Now when I am ready to go and it's spur of the moment, we have to wait on him to get ready.  Geez already...let's go I say, but who can be mad?  It's cute and I love when sometimes his voice goes up because he is at the tail end of the voice changing stage.  Sunday I measured him up against his dad who is 6'2...Hunter is now over 6'0 and couple more inches will surpass his dad.  He is going to be a sophmore this year I can't believe in 3 1/2 more years he will be on a mission for our church.  Time flies too fast!!

Scary Movie Saturday

I love scary movies, but I am too afraid to watch them at my house because then I have to go to sleep alone.  I wake up at every little noise and get totally freaked out.  So instead I beg my sister to spend the night and we go to my parent's house to watch them with my daddy where he can protect us and we feel safe.  Now she is married and would rather stay home and snuggle with her dog Millie and her husband.  I let my kids talk me into renting The Woman In Black and of course they insist on waiting until 9pm to watch it so when it's over we will have to tromp back to our house alone in the dark.

Now the question remains...will we stay or will we go??  Home that is...stay tuned for the outcome.

We had this for dinner.  I got the recipe off pininterest.  I am not a refined, or even good cook.  I have to have pictures so I can see if I am even on the right track.  This recipe was very easy and extremely delicious!!  The chicken came out so tender.  

https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR_2q5_RBEgIzeXbJAkquDeev4L8w14zUF9U5GAluT6RZ8Iunz2Zt9tlx7gq2NENIQyZLFV7Mbob3Jo54NbJEbIIG4NT6gUquh49lRMt3PSA2Dj2n5XQq3VJ5Ngg0R0ZoJGnYpvWqvO8/s1600/Avocado+-+4A.JPG

I did however cook my chicken for 8 minutes on each side instead of the 4 as suggested.

Here are the pics of my finished sewing projects:

This shirt was a maternity shirt that I cut apart and resewed to a tight fit.

 The Skirt is handmade.  I used a skirt I love the fit of for the pattern for the new skirt. 

Necklace was on clearance at Walmart $5.00

Shoes:  Thrifted $5.99

Move update:  I watched the first 30 minutes and stopped watching after the rocking chair scene where you see her hollowed out face.  Freaked me out because of an experience in a haunted house in Durango where the person I was with actually saw a lady in black ghost and it scratched her neck as we ran out of the house.  However, I did tromp back home through the dark and slept very peacefully.  All in All...a good day!!