Mother's Day May 12, 2013

This year Mother's day was the day after my birthday.  Totally awesome that I get 2 days in a row to be pampered. =)  I wanted to drag my birthday out longer, so I told Matt that I wanted to open my present on Mother's day, and have my cake on Mother's day.  He was okay with doing that, he just really wanted to give me my present.  Matt loves to give gifts.  I just like to make things last, and stick with the tradition of opening presents after you blow out your birthday candles.

I was able to sleep in.  So nice!  Matt asked me what I wanted for breakfast.  I told him a mix of granola, cheerios, and life, or oatmeal squares would do nicely.  I wasn't terribly hungry.  I was still sort of full from the day before.  Go figure!  Matt brought me my bowl of cereal and one for him as well, and we ate it together in bed.  It was nice!  The only things missing were my children.  It was Mother's day after all.  They were downstairs watching a movie.  I had to call down to them to have them come upstairs.  Little stinkers!  They knew it was Mother's day.  They have both been wanting to give me their little gifts they made for me at school.  Maddie had been asking me every day for the last week if I was excited to see my gift.  They just got side tracked with technology.

I gave them a hug and a kiss and told them that I was grateful that I could be their Mother.  They just smiled.  I told them that I would open their gifts after I got ready for the day.  Then they ran off.  I got ready for the day, and so did everyone else, and then I opened my gifts from the girls, and my birthday gift from Matt.  I opened Kenzie's first and this is what it was:

Kenzie is such a sweet girl!  She did a good job.

This is what Maddie gave me:

Maddie is so sweet too!  She did a good job.  They were both so happy to see the smile on my face, and see that I was happy with them.  I gave them both hugs and kisses, and said Thank you!  They beamed and ran off to play.

I told Matt that I wouldn't make him suffer anymore and that I would open his Mother's day/birthday present to me up.  He went and got it.  I kind of knew what it was before opening it.  I saw a charge on the bank account, and it added up to what  the kindle fire we had been talking about.  I still wasn't sure though, I had to see with my own eyes.  So I opened it, and yep it was a Kindle Fire!
I had to get a picture of it along with our tickets to the piano guys for memories.:

Matt got everything set up on the kindle fire while I got all of my lesson stuff together, and finished getting ready for church.  Church was nice.  The primary sang a couple of songs for all of the Mother's.  They did a very good job.  An added bonus was that my Mom came to our sacrament meeting with us.  I love being able to spend time with my Mom, especially on Mother's day.  The activity in primary sharing time was to make cards and sucker flower bouquets for the mom's.

These were the ones McKenzie and Madisynn gave to me:

I also got a rose from the ward, and a cup full of pansies from McKenzie.  The carnation was from Reams.  They were handing them out over the weekend.  They gave me one as we were leaving the store from buying our doughnuts.  So very sweet!:

I also received a birthday card in the mail from my Aunt Ellen.  I love my Aunt Ellen!  She sends a birthday card every year.  She makes me feel so special.  This was the card she sent me:

After Church I finished making my birthday cake.  I wanted to make a Strawberry Shortcake Triffle.  I had no problem making my birthday cake.  I love to bake!  It's just not fun when I have a time limit.  Anyways I had been thinking about making this for the past few weeks.  I wanted to make it with my Grandma Zollinger's cream cheese filling from her strawberry and peach pies that she always made.  They are the best pies ever!  It just sounded so good.  This is how it turned out:

 I think I did a pretty darn good job!  I couldn't wait to try it that night at my Mom's house.  We were celebrating my birthday and mother's day together.  She was making dinner for us.  Quinn was going to be their too.  I was excited to get over there and spend time with everyone.

Dinner was fabulous.  The conversation was fabulous.  We watched a movie, but I can't remember what one.  I really should blog about it while everything is fresh on my mind.  That teaches me a lesson once again.  It was a fantastic weekend.  Everyone was so sweet and nice, and it was nice to have so many birthday wishes.

Pictures with me, and my Mom and I:

Oh yeah I forgot to say something about the candles on my cake.  Matt put some candles into the grocery cart when we were shopping for ingredients for the cake.  He wouldn't let me see what kind.  I really didn't think much about them again.  I made sure I put them in the bag of stuff to bring to my mom's house.  Matt lit the candles, but we weren't ready to sing.  I wanted pictures of the cake.  It was funny half way through with singing happy birthday the candles started going out and then they lit back up again.  It was funny, but would have been even funnier if we had lit them a little bit later.  I can only imagine them lighting right back up after I had blown them all out and lighting up again.  Too funny!  The Strawberry Shortcake Triffle was delicious, and the added cream cheese layer made it even better.  Next time I make it though I will try using angel food cake in place of the white cake.  the cake crumbled too much and got a little soggy.  It was still good though.

Here is the recipe:

Strawberry Shortcake Triffle:
-White cake mix prepared with ingredients that it calls for on the box.  Or get an angel food cake. crumble it up, or cut up into little squares.  Press firmly on the bottom layer.
- Cool whip 1 large tub
- Strawberry Danish Dessert mix prepared to directions on the box.
- Cream cheese filling: 1 8 oz. block of cream cheese softened.  1 can sweetened condensed milk.  1/3 cup lemon juice.  1 Teaspoon vanilla.  Mix all together.
- Strawberries: cut up and stems removed.

Layer order:
layer 1: crumbled cake
layer 2: cool whip
layer 3: Danish dessert mixed with strawberries
layer 4: Cream cheese layer
Then repeat layers until you get to the top of your bowl ending with the strawberry danish dessert on top.  scoop into bowls and top with cool whip or whip cream.

Turning 33

On May 11, 2013 I turned 33 years old.  I was full of mixed emotions.  I love birthdays they are important, but I was feeling old.  I was looking forward for my birthday to come because we were going to see The Piano Guys in concert at Abravanel Hall in Salt Lake City Utah.  Back in January Matt just happened to be looking at stuff for The Piano Guys and saw that they would be in concert on my birthday.  He quickly came to me and said would you want to go to a Piano Guys concert on your birthday?  I said "Heck yeah, and only if you can get a baby sitter!"  Matt was on the phone with my Mom in a manner of minutes asking if she would watch the girls so he could take me to see The Piano Guys.  She of course said yes.  I love my Mom!

A couple of days before my birthday Matt asked me what else I wanted to do.  I wasn't sure.  I was still in some denial.  I wanted yummy food though.  Food always seems to be a big part of our birthdays.  I thought about it for awhile, and finally decided that I wanted to sleep in and lounge around.  I wanted yummy variety of donuts for breakfast.  We would take the girls and my mom out to eat at Arby's for lunch, and then Matt and I would eat out before going to the concert.  That was the plan, and we followed it pretty close, but had to change a couple of things.

My birthday came.  I got to sleep in.  It was wonderful!  We went to Reams to go choose our donuts from Roger's bakery in our pajamas.  We each got to choose 3 donuts because we were getting a dozen.  I chose an old fashioned doughnut my favorite, a chocolate frosting with sprinkles cake doughnut, and an apple fritter.  The others chose fritters as well and jelly filled, and cream filled and a couple of cake doughnuts too.  We were all excited to go home and eat them, and have juice and chocolate milk with them.

We got home we set the table, sat down had a blessing and started eating.  I ate my old fashioned doughnut first.  I was only a few bites in when I realized how sweet these doughnuts are.  It had been a long time since I had eaten a doughnut.  I ate it and finished it anyways.  Then I moved on to the cake doughnut I was feeling pretty full and yucky soon after I started to eat it.  I had to finish it though.  Everyone else was feeling the same way I was.  They all ate 2 doughnuts as well, and said we'll save it for later.

After that I wanted to get caught up on some Psych episodes.  We all piled on the couch and watched a bunch of episodes.  Then we let the girls go downstairs and play the wii, and Matt and I watched a movie.  I can't remember what we watched though.  Shortly after we started it Matt and i got the munchies again and decided that we were going to eat our fritters.  That was a mistake, I was in a few bites and was overtaken with that sugary sweetness that makes you full.  I didn't want to stop because it tasted so good, so I kept going until I finished it.  I wish I would have listened to my stomach, and not my mouth.  Matt felt the same way.  I lied there in my sugar coma sort of wishing I had just eaten 1 doughnut as we finished the movie.

After I started to feel better I got ready for the day, and then it was time to go pick up my Mom from the airport.  My Mom had gone to visit my Sister Kate and her family for a week.  So we picked my Mom up and we went to eat at Arby's.  We had some coupons that made our meal a little cheaper.  The girls got some ham and cheese sandwiches, Matt got their new Hawaiian ham and cheese combo meal, and My Mom got a couple of their Swiss cheese french dip sandwiches.  We got a couple of fry's to split with everyone.  McKenzie ate her sandwich, and some fries, Maddie barely ate her sandwich and ate lots of fries.  Matt ended up eating Maddie's sandwich and the other ham and cheese as well.  He didn't eat a lot of fries because Maddie ate them.  My Mom and I finished our stuff equally.  It was yummy.

We needed to get my Mom back home so she could grocery shop, and take a nap before we brought the girls back to her.  We dropped her off, and we took the girls to the school park and let the girls play for about an hour.  Then we went back home and lounged for about another hour, and then it was time to get ready to go.  We dressed in casual church dress, and then we took the girls to my Mom.

We decided that we didn't want to eat an actual meal, we were still holding onto lunch.  We both wanted ice cream though so we went to Dairy queen.  Matt got an brownie earthquake something or other, and I got a peanut butter something or other blizzard.  The smallest size they had.  We were both determined to finish what we ordered.  We took our time because we had plenty of time before the concert actually started.  We had a good time talking with each other and laughing. We both finished our yummy goodness, go us!

We left dairy queen a little after 6:30 I think.  We still had plenty of time until the concert started.  The concert wasn't going to start until 8 P.M.  Matt took his time getting there.  Our plan was to park at the hotel across the street from Abravanel Hall.  We got there and you could only pay with cash.  I thought we didn't have any, so they suggested we park at City Creek parking garage.  That parking garage was right by Abravanel Hall as well.  Not a big deal.

We parked, and walked through part of City Creek Mall, and outside and across the street too.  When we got inside we were going to ask where we were supposed to go, and then we heard someone say our names.  It was Mike and Ricky my cousin and his wife.  So awesome that they were their too!  We talked for a bit as we walked to the bathrooms.  After the potty break Matt and I headed up to the 3rd level balcony seating area.  At 7:30 the doors were opened and we were able to find our seats and get situated.

Matt and I had some fun taking pictures of us together, and waiting in anticipation for Jon Schmit and Steve Nielsen to come out.  They are amazing!  The whole program was awesome.  They played so many good songs.  They joked with us, and laughed with us.  They inspire me.  I actually got teary eyed in some songs.  The last song they played was what makes you beautiful.  It was even better to see it live than on you tube.  2 other guys in the group came out and they all played different parts of the piano on the inside.  It was so cool!  Also another cool part of the concert was when Alex Boye came out and sang Peponi while Jon and Steve played piano and  cello.  It was incredible!

I didn't want the night to end, and I'm pretty sure the rest of the audience didn't want it to end either. We were all grateful when they came out again for their encore and played 2 more songs for us.  When it was time to go, I just sighed and went with Matt.  I actually started to cry a bit as we walked.  I was just so touched with their music.  We found our car, and headed back to my Mom's house to pick up the girls.  when we got their the girls had fallen asleep.  We talked with my Mom for a little bit and then got the girls up and left.  When we got home, I told Matt that I didn't want to copy any more of the piano guys music.  I wanted to fully support them and cheer for them, and be honest about it.  I told him we needed to buy their music instead.  He agreed, and we bought their newest CD songs on I-tunes.  That wast the perfect end to my day.  It was the best birthday ever!  I will always remember it.  Matt did good!

Pictures of the concert:
We were trying to make the best of our time waiting for the concert to start.  Making crazy faces at the camera worked like a charm! =)

Jon Schmit playing the piano upside down.  Totally awesome!:

Jon, Steve, and Alex Boye playing Peponi.  I promise the guy singing is Alex.  Really need to get a better camera.:

The whole group playing What Makes You Beautiful:

Quotes

I started collecting quotes that really resonated with me for a few months.  I just wanted to type them up so that I would have them always.

- The highest level of prayer is not a prayer for anything.  It is a deep and profound silence in which we allow ourselves to be still and know Him.  In that silence, we are changed.  We are calmed.  We are illumined. - Marianne Williamson

- It is essential for your health to find a few things every day that you really appreciate.  You can make it mundane things: your shoes, the face of a good friend, a clean bathroom in a gas station.  The more you appreciate, the more good things will be attracted into your life, including good health! - Dr. Christiane Northrup

- There's so much grace in acceptance.  It's not an easy concept, but if you embrace it, you'll find more peace than you ever imagined. - Loretta Laroche

- Happiness isn't a task to be fulfilled.  It's there in the precious, everyday moments.  If you seek it too hard, you'll miss it. - Loretta Laroche

- The healing of my will begins with the acceptance of what I have internalized, denied, or disconnected from.  Before I get to where I am going, I have to be okay with where I am, even when life is uncomfortable, this is the starting point.
- Dr. Darren R. Weissman

- Even if you're unsure of disbelieving, the act of calling on angels has immediate benefits for those who are ill - as well as their loved ones. - Doreen Virtue

- The perfect you isn't something you need to create, because God already created it.  The perfect you is the love withing you. - Marianne Williamson

- Surround yourself with High - Energy people.  Choose to be in close proximity to people who are empowering, who appeal to your sense of connection to intention who see the greatness in you, who feel connected to God, and who live a life that gives evidence that spirit has found celebration through them. - Wayne W. Dyer

- Remember that deciding to be happy and healthy requires courage and focus.  It is ever so much easier to allow negativity and fear to run your life.  Have courage. - Christiane Northrup

- Life is not a stress rehearsal.  So why practice making daily life a drama when you could create a musical or a comedy? - Loretta Laroche

-The decision to simplify things is a gift because it returns you to your essence and to what you most value. - Robert Holden

- Everything in my life works now and forever more. - Louise Hay

- Be gentle and gracious with your heart.  A harsh word directed at yourself is a violent act. - Cheryl Richardson

- I have a healthy body by maintaining as healthy mind.  I have a healthy mind by maintaining a healthy body. -Seka Nikolic

- A meaningful life isn't a popularity contest.  Do what you feel is the right thing and you may not get a pproval from the world.  Do it anyway.
- Marianne Williamson

- Exercise is self - love, and loving yourself is the key to success.  - Louise Hay

- I forgive myself, and then I move on.  You can sit there forever lamenting about how bad you've been, feeling guilty until you die, and not one tiny slice of that guilt will do anything to change a single thing in the past. - Wayne W. Dyer

- Your angels see your true talent, beauty, and wisdom.  - Doreen Virtue

- "The best is yet to come" is a great phrase to live by, but the best might also be here right now.  If you live for later, you might totally miss now. -Loretta Laroche

- "Make God proud of you in all your deeds and actions, no matter who did what to you here on Earth!" Immaculee

- The past is over. - Louise Hay

- Be kind.  Treat yourself and others with kindness when you eat, eexercise, play, work, love and everything else.  When you think, feel, and act kindly, you hasten your ability to connect to the power of intention.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Today I will release the belief that my needs are never met.  I will acknowledge my desires, then turn them over to my higher power.  My wants and needs are not an accident - God created them when he created me. - Melody Beattie

- The highest level of prayer is not a prayer for anything.  It is a deep and profound silence in which we allow ourselves to be still and know Him.  In that silence, we are changed.  We are calmed.  We are illumined. - Marianne Williamson

- It is essential for your health to find a few things every day that you really appreciate.  You can make it mundane things: your shoes, the face of a good friend, a clean bathroom in a gas station.  The more you appreciate, the more good things will be attracted into your life, including good health! - Christiane Northrup

- There's so much grace in acceptance.  It's not an easy concept, but if you embrace it, you'll find more peace than you ever imagined.  - Loretta Laroche

- Happiness isn't a task to be fulfilled.  It's there in the precious, everyday moments.  If you seek it too hard, you'll miss it.  - Loretta Laroche

- The healing of my will befins with the acceptance of what I have internalized, denied, or disconnected from.  Before I get to where I am going, I have to be okay with where I am.  Even when life is uncomfortable, this is the starting point.
- Darren R. Weissman

- Even if you're unsure or disbelieving, the act of calling on angels has immediate benefits for those who are ill - as well as their loved ones. - Doreen Virtue

- The perfect you isn't something you need to create, because God already created it.  The perfect you is the love within you. - Marianne Williamson

- Surround yourself with High - Energy people.  Choose to be in close proximity to people who are empowering, who appeal to your sense of connection to intention who see the greatness in you, who feel connected to God, and who live a life that gives evidence that spirit has found celebration through them. - Wayne W. Dyer

- Remember that deciding to be happy and healthy requires courage and focus.  It is ever so much easier to allow negativity and fear to run your life.  Have courage.
- Christiane Northrup

- Life is not a stress rehearsal.  So why practice makiing daily life a drama when you could create a musical or a comedy? - Loretta Laroche

- The decision to simplify things is a gift because it returns you to your essence and to what you most value. - Robert Holden

- Everything in my life works, now and forever more. - Louise Hay

- Be gentle and gracious with your heart.  A harsh word directed at yourself is a violent act. - Cheryl Richardson

- I have a healthy body by maintaining a healthy mind.  I have a healthy mind by maintaining a healthy body. - Seka Nikolic

- A meaningful life isn't a popularity contest.  Do what you feel is the right thing and you may not get approval from the world.  Do it anyway.
- Marianne Williamson

- Exercise is self - love, and loving yourself is the key to success. - Louise Hay

- I forgive myself, and then I move on.  You can sit there forever lamenting about how bad you've been, feeling guilty until you die, and not one tiny slice of that guilt will do anything to change a single thing in the past. - Wayne W. Dyer

- Your angels see your true talent, beauty, and wisdom. - Doreen Virtue

- " The best is yet to come" is a great phrase to live by, but the best might also be here right now.  If you live for later, you might totally miss now. - Loretta Laroche

- "Make God proud of you in all your deeds and actions, no matter who did what to you here on Earth!" - Immaculee

- The past is over. - Louise Hay Affirmation

- Be kind.  Treat yourself and others with kindness when you eat, exercise, play, work, love, and everything else.  When you think, feel, and act kindly, you hasten your ability to connect to the power of intention. - Wayne W. Dyer

- Today I will release the belief that my needs are never met.  I will acknowledge my desires, then turn them over to my higher power.  My wants and needs are not an accident - God created them when he created me. - Meloday Beattie

- Are you the sort of person who lights up a room when you walk in, or when you walk out? - Robert Holden

- Lighten up! Life is too short to take too seriously. - Loretta Laroche

- Happy April Fools' Day.  There's an old saying that God protects babies and fools.  So do something sill today.  If nothing else, it will lift your spirits and improve your mood. - Christiane Northrup

- Feel abundant.  Feeling abundant surpasses the money in your bank account and transcends what others may think of you.  Genuinely feeling abundant and successful is possible when you detach yourself from the things you desire and allow them to flow to you - and through you. - Wayne W. Dyer

- The money that comes to me today is a pleasure to handle.  I save some and spend some. - Louise Hay

- In addition to showing gratitude to others, place emphasis on showing gratitude to yourself. - Doreen Virtue

- Make this your prayer today: "Dear God, please use me. Amen!"
- Robert Holden

- Woman are incredibly adept at a martial art called "tongue fu." So when you decide to engage in an argument with a female, keep in mind that you're no match for someone who can take you down with loquacious license. - Loretta Laroche

- It's only a thought, and a thought can be changed. I choose to believe that it is easy to change a thought or pattern. - Louise Hay

- I am excited to share the things I no longer love or need with people who will love or need them more. - Cheryl Richardson

- The ego seeks to use other people to fulfill oour needs as we define them.  When we try to use a relationship to serve our own purposes, we falter because we are reinforcing our illusion of need. - Marianne Williamson

- If your job has begun to make you feel like you're a horse plowing 40 acres, then it's time to rein it in and find something that doesn't feel like you've been "rode hard and put away wet." - Loretta Laroche

- I accept my uniqueness. - Louise Hay

- Today I will face any problems that are mine and work to seek solutions.  I realize that there are always challenges in life, but I know that I have the ability to solve them and grow stronger in the process.  Melody Beattie

- Be grateful for those who have opened the door before you, for they have shown you new possibilities. - Doreen Virtue

- Happiness is always possible- the only thing that really holds you back is your mind.  You have probably noticed that the happiest times in your life are when you are not thinking.  It's a wonderful thing to stand outside your ego, to surrender to the flow, and to participate fully in a hobby, in nature, in meditation, in prayer, in art, in dance, in sport, and in the moment.  - Robert Holden

- I choose to perceive the peaceful side of life.  There are two ways to look at virtually anything.  One is the violent way, and one is the peaceful way.  It's the yin and yang of the universe. - Wayne W. Dyer

- A woman should be encouraged to stay with what she's feeling, to go into it and make the sounds she needs to make, and to cry or yell for as long as necessary.  When she stays completely with her innermost self, she'll often discover that her body, through crying, moving, and making sounds has the innate ability to heal painful memories from her past.  - Christiane Northrup

- When you have a day off, don't spend it trying to do everything you didn't do the rest of the week.  It will only make you feel overwhelmed and under nurtured.  Instead, reflect on how to manage your time; otherwise, you're left with no time for you.  - Loretta Laroche

- Attract what you desire.  If you're experiencing scarcity, anguish, depression, an absence of love - or any inability to attract what you desire - seriously look at how you've been drawing these circumstances into your life.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Money is a state of mind that supports me.  I allow prosperity to enter my life on a higher level than ever before.  - Louise Hay

- You are supplied, you are home, and you are safe.  Now and forever.
- Doreen Virtue

- The desire to serve God creates the means by which we do so.  Our power doesn't lie in our resume or our connections.  Our power doesn't lie in what we've done or even in what we're doing.  Our power lies in our clarity about why we're on the earth.  - Marianne Williamson

- All of our creations, including our children, have a life force of their own.  In order for them to reach their full potential, we must eventually release our control over them and let them go! - Christiane Northrup

- Don't become obsessive about anything!  It will only make you feel like a dart that's always trying to hit the bull's-eye - Loretta Laroche

- Our Physical health is a wonderful barometer of how well we're living in the present and taking care of ourselves.  The body and the mind are a unity.  All disease is mental, emotional, and physical at the same time.  - Christiane Northrup

- Check in with yourself.  Catch up on your own news.  Listen to your heart and to how you really feel.  Give yourself some of your own best attention.  You cannot neglect yourself and find happiness.  - Robert Holden

- There's nothing like chocolate.  Keep some next to your bed.  It's simply orgasmic.  - Loretta Laroche

- Perform anonymous acts of kindness.  Anonymously perform acts of kindness, expecting nothing in return, not even a thank you.  The universal all - creating Spirit responds to acts of kindness with the response: "How may I be kind to you?"
- Wayne W. Dyer

- The stress of change is merely energy being redirected toward good.  Han on.
- Cheryl Richardson

- Today I will wait patiently, if waiting is the action I need in order to take care of myself.  I know that I'm taking positive, forceful action by waiting until the time is right.  God, help me let go of my fear, urgency, and panic.  Help me learn the art of waiting. - Melody Beattie

- Not getting what you want may just be a grand stroke of luck.  - Loretta Laroche

- I am at ease speaking in front of others.  I have confidence in myself.
- Louise Hay

- People who follow their joy discover a depth of creativity and talent that inspires the world.  - Robert Holden

- When you depart this earth, may you leave it knowing that you were well used and that all who knew you felt blessed by your presence. - Loretta Laroche

- You are willing to learn new things because you do not know it all.  You are willing to drop old concepts when they no longer work for you.  You are willing to see situations about yourself and say, ' I do not want to do that anymore."  You know you can become more of who you are.  Not a better person, because that implies that you are not good enough - but you can become more of who you are.  Growing and changing is exciting, even if you have to look ate some painful things within yourself in order to do so. - Louise Hay

- I am at peace with my age. - Louise Hay

- As I use my gifts and talents to help others, doors open to support my success.
- Cheryl Richardson

- Life is like a buffet.  Indulge in everything it has to offer and sample little tastes of all that's wonderful.  - Loretta Laroche

- If you want to find your true purpose in life, know this for certain: Your purpose will only be found in service to others, and in being connected to something far greater than your body/mind ego.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Today I will stop searching for happiness outside myself.  If I'm in a frenzied state I'll get calm, get back on track, and remember that the key to happiness is inside me often, after I've become peaceful and accepting, what I want comes to me with ease. - Melody Beattie

- No one can make us angry without our permission.  We must accept that our anger is ours and that it is telling us something we need to know.  The next time you get angry, ask yourself, " what do I want that I'm not getting?  How can I go about getting it through my own power and inner guidance?" - Christiane Northrup

- We spend a lot more time exercising our bodies than we do exercising our brains.  What good are tight abs if we have a flabby brain?  Keep your mind pumped by learning new things, doing puzzles, reading or mastering a new language.  It's sweat free, and you don't have to take a shower afterward.
- Loretta Laroche

- A well of Love resides within me.  Peaceful, enlightened people have perfect love within them just like everyone else does... the only difference is that they have nothing else within them.  - Wayne W. Dyer

Some of us don't like to talk about politics for fear of alienating others- but if you hide your true beliefs, then you might keep a friend while losing yourself.  Don't live on a soap box, but do stand up for what you believe.  - Loretta Laroche

- We create patterns and habits because they serve us in some way.  Sometimes we're punishing someone or loving someone.  It is amazing how many illnesses we create because we want to punish a parent or love a parent.  For example, "I'm going to have diabetes just like my daddy, because I love my daddy."  It may not always be on a conscious level, but when we start looking within, we find the pattern.  We often create negativity because we do not know how to handle some area of our lives.  We need to ask ourselves: "What am I trying to avoid?"  "How will this save me?"  If we are not ready to let something go... really wanting to hold on to it because it serves us... it doesn't matter what we do; it will not work.  When we are ready to let it go, it is amazing how the smallest thing can help us release it.  - Louise Hay

- I am beautiful, and everybody loves me. - Louise Hay

- I am a shining star, and I surround myself with people who encourage my brightness.  - Cheryl Richardson

- Allow us to bestow upon you the tools that are needed, so that you too, shower the world with your gifts.  - Doreen Virtue

- Stay open all hours for miracles today.  - Robert Holden

- You choose your thoughts, and you choose your future.  Right now, in this moment you can choose to create a different future.  The choices you make here and now are what shape your fate and destiny. One new perception, one new belief, one new affirmation is all it takes to begin to experience your world differently.  - Robert Holden

- Keep reminding yourself: I get what I think about, whether I want it or not.
- Wayne W. Dyer

- Breathe in the best of the day.  Breathe out everything else.  - Cheryl Richardson

- I am blessed beyond my fondest dreams.  - Louise Hay

- When you develop the habit of getting your angels involved in every area of your life, you function like a member of a successful sports team.  - Doreen Virtue

- There is no such thing as a part - time mother.  Once a woman has had a baby, that child is part of her 24 hours a day in ways that non one can explain until it happens to her.  - Christiane Northrup

- You are precious.  Make some time for yourself today.  - Robert Holden

- I am bright and smart and I can learn anything! - Louise Hay

- The key to abundance is to let go of your fear of receiving "Too much"!
- Robert Holden

- If you can't get to sleep, don't toss and turn and wonder why you can't.  The more you try to figure it out, the less likely you are to actually fall asleep.  Get up and do something to distract yourself.  You'll soon feel yourself getting drowsy.
- Loretta Laroche

- Think of the angels as a 24 - hour help line that never has a busy signal and never puts you on hold.  - Doreen Virtue

- Genuine insight can't dawn on a mind that's not open to receive it.  Surrender is a process of emptying the mind.  - Marianne Williamson

- A grievance is when your ego hijacks your mind, takes you to hell, demands a ransom, and leaves you there anyway.  - Robert Holden

- Never underestimate the power of gentleness and sensitivity - these qualities will help you navigate the forest of your life, and are expressions of powerful instinctual energies that not only help you survive, but also help you thrive.
- Steven D. Farmer

- Stop watching reruns of friends and start bonding with some real friends!  So many of us alow TV and other media to take the place of real human connections.  Tune out and tune in... to some real people.  - Loretta Laroche

- I am not here to control other.  - Louise Hay

- I am a miracle worker.  Be consistently aware of the need to serve God, and serve others in any and all of your actions.  That is the way of the miracle worker.
- Wayne W. Dyer

- Make it your intention today to be so happy you almost feel guilty, but not quite.
- Robert Holden

- Who in your life drives you crazy?  Do they elicit negative feelings in you?  Cut to the chase: Spend less time or let them go!  - Loretta Laroche

- I do complete work.  I tie up loose ends, follow through on projects, and enjoy, the feeling that comes from a job well done.  - Cheryl Richardson

- I clearly decide what I want and I deserve this dream.  It is absolutely possible for it to come true.  I ask my angels to help me manifest my desire, and I notice and follow any guidance I receive.  I take one small stet at a time and open my arms to receive.  - Doreen Virtue

- Gratitude brings more to be grateful about.  Today I am grateful.  - Louise Hay

- I am in the process of positive change.  - Louise Hay

- Change your perception.  Remember this maxim: when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.  The way you perceive things is an extremely powerful tool that will allow you to fully bring the power of intention into your life.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Speak from your heart, even if it frightens you.  Start by saying the following sentence out loud, every day?  "If I weren't afraid, I would" and then complete the statement.  - Sonia Choquette

- God can't force His way back into our thinking because that would be violating our free will.  But the Holy Spirit is a force of consciousness within us that " delivers us from Hell" or fear whenever we consciously ask Him to, working with us on the casual level, transforming our thoughts from fear to love.
- Marianne Williamson

- I will seek outside help if I need it.  I live in a society that promotes the myth of the rugged individual who needs no one.  Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness, It is a sign of strength to allow others to help me.  - Christiane Northrup

- Focus on the things that are important.  - Glenn Beck

- Building someone up is one of the most important things we can do.
- Glenn Beck

- Today is another chance to remember what is really important.  "Dear God, please help me Not get distracted again.  Thank you, Amen." - Robert Holden

- Try to find inspiration in wondrous creations of the human Spirit, such as Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, the Mona Lisa, the Chrysler Building, or the Classic movie It's a Wonderful Life.  You'll find that it's hard to obsess over minutiae when you feel inspired by greatness. - Loretta Laroche

- Observing and sifting through the details of wanted and unwanted is what gives birth to constant new rockets of desire.  And when you are quick to redirect your focus from your awareness of the inadequate or undesirable aspects of your observation, toward, the new ideas of creation that are born out of that very observation, you are on the same vibrational wavelength as the Source within you, who always looks forward to the newest of creation. - Esther & Jerry Hicks

- We angels will lead you past the darkness and show you the light that swells within you.  - Doreen Virtue

- Gratitude for life, just as it is, invites blessings.  - Cheryl Richardson

- I think of my thoughts as my best friends.  - Louise Hay

- I am my own best friend.  - Louise Hay

- Anytime we bless someone else we are blessing ourselves.
- Marianne Williamson

- I enjoy my own company.  You're always alone, but you're only lonely if you don't like the person you're alone with.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Try counting your blessings instead of counting the things you don't have, especially before you go to bed.  When you put yourself to sleep with thoughts of the wonders in your life, you honor the world and the people around you.
- Loretta Laroche

- There are only 2 ways to live your life.  1 is as though nothing is a miracle.  The other is as though everything is a miracle. - Albert Einstein

- Ask yourself this question: "If I had only six months to live, how would I spend my time now?"  Don't wait.  Start spending your time that way today and every day.  - Christiane Northrup

- Memo to self: Remember to enjoy the miracle of existence today.
- Robert Holden

- Pessimists may be more accurate, but optimists live longer.  - Loretta Laroche

- Just when you think you no longer have what it takes, you dig deep and discover a whole new wealth of kick - assness! - Cheryl Richardson

- It is my God - given right to have unlimited joy, love, and passion; and if this is not happening, I have the power to make it happen.  - Darren R. Weissman

- You aren't bothering angels or wasting their time if you ask for "small" favors.  There are unlimited numbers of angels with unlimited amounts of time.
- Doreen Virtue

- Every day is a gift for those who really believe that everyday is a gift!
- Robert Holden

- Try to think of something you appreciate when you're getting anxious.  Anxiety is based in fear, appreciation is bathed in love.  The more appreciative you are, the more your fears will go down the drain. - Loretta Laroche

- I affirm the following: I now choose to move away from the limiting beliefs that have been denying me the benefits I so desire.  I declare that every negative thought pattern in my consciousness is now being cleared out, erase, and let go.  My consciousness is now being filled with cheerful, positive, loving thought patterns that contribute to my health, wealth, and loving relationships.  I now release all negative patterns that have contributed to fear of loss, fear of the dark, fear of being harmed, or fear of poverty.  I also release those that have brought me pain, loneliness, self - abuse, undesevingness, burdens or losses of any sort, and any other nonsense that may be lingering in some dark corner of my consciousness.
- Louise Hay

- My creativity is always in demand.  - Louise Hay

- Today I will surrender to discipline.  I realize that sometimes it takes time to see the fruits of my labors, yet I still need to practice discipline.  Help me to remember, God, that I'm moving forward, and that I'm learning the very important art of discipline.  - Melody Beattie

- Be in the moment with your prayer, and accept whatever thoughts or feelings accompany each moment.  - Doreen Virtue

- A good therapist should be like a midwife, standing by while you give birth to the best in you.  - Christiane Northrup

- Happiness is not a search; It's a choice.  - Robert Holden

- "Friends are the siblings God never gave us." Mencius

- Today I don't have to fit into anyone else's emotional atmosphere.
- Louise Hay

- Put all of your good intentions into motion today.  Ask us angels to assist and we''ll happily do so.  - Doreen Virtue

- Believe it or not, you are so happy 100 percent of the time.  Happiness is constant.  It does not come and go.  What comes and goes is your attunement to happiness. - Robert Holden

- I relax and rejoice in the abundance that is her now.  - Louise hay

I am totally adequate for all situations.  Louise Hay

- My workplace is a "drama - free zone" that brings me peace and fulfillment.
- Cheryl Richardson

- The intention to be happy is what changes everything.  When you decide with all your heart to be happy, you are calling upon the grace and the power of your original nature to help you out.  In truth, happiness is a choice less choice.  Why?  Because your unconditioned Self has already decided to be happy.  It want to be what it is.  So, when you choose to be happy, you are not trying to create something that does not exist; rather, you are choosing to be yourself again.
- Robert Holden

- Expect the best today so you recognize it when it shows up. - Cheryl Richardson

- Wherever I am, there is joy and laughter. - Louise Hay

- I am very good at giving encouragement and compliment to others.
- Louise Hay

I am willing to ask for help when I need it.  - Louise Hay

- I appreciate all that I am and all that I have.  Stop focusing on what you do not have, and shift your consciousness to an appreciation for all that you are and all that you do have.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- Today I will stop trying to control my relationships.  I will participate at a reasonable level and let the other person do the same.  I can let go, knowing that the relationship will find its own life-or not - and that I don't have to do all the work, only my share. - Melody Beattie

- Give yourself, and award today, or ask for a standing ovation.  Even if it's just for preparing a fabulous breakfast, getting the kids to school on time, or just breathing - we all need acknowledgment.  - Loretta Laroche

- I am willing to change.  - Louise Hay

- Indulge in pleasure whenever you can.  Eat dessert first, take a bath in the middle of the day, or watch a squirrel fall off a bird feeder.  - Loretta Laroche

- Love is my Gift to the world.  I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world.  How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine.
- Wayne W. Dyer

- I understand what I need to release and do so now.  - Louise Hay

- I am willing to forgive.  - Louise Hay

- "I accept the Christ within" means "I accept the beauty within me as who I really am.  I am not my weakness.  I am not my anger.  I am not my small - mindedness.  I am much, much more.  And I am willing to be reminded of who I really am."
- Marianne Williamson

- Some people chase happiness; and other people choose happiness.  It all depends how much time you want to save.  - Robert Holden

- The first time I heard the phrase "anti - aging formula," I thought, what's that?  Hemlock?  Anything that's anti - aging has to kill you, because if you're alive, you're aging.  Learn to accept and enjoy the preciousness of life and the fun you can have at any age.  - Loretta Laroche

- When you hold your emotions down or hold things in, you create havoc within you.  Love yourself enough to allow yourself to feel your emotions.  Addictions such as alcohol mask the emotions so that you don't feel.  Allow your feelings to come to the surface you may have to process quite a bit of old "stuff" start doing some affirmations for yourself so that you can do this easily, smoothly, and comfortably.  Affirm that you are willing to feel your true emotions and most important, keep telling yourself that you are safe.  - Louise Hay

- If you knew what was coming today you'd be smiling from ear to ear.  Smile and see what happens! - Cheryl Richardson

- Thoughts are the minds nutrition.  When we focus on our inspirations and concentrate our thinking in the direction of our desired objectives, we pave the way for great achievement.  Altering our thoughts alters our lives because our consciousness attracts and perpetuates what we think about, and what we believe,.  In other words, as we believe, so we achieve.  - John R. Demartini

-  I am willing to release my fears.  - Louise Hay

- Dreams are the number 1 way that your loved ones who have passed can come through to you.  Ask them to visit you in your dreams.  - John Holland

- Be sure that what's on your mind right now is something you're willing to experience in your life.  - Cheryl Richardson

- Loving others starts with loving myself.  If you don't love yourself, nobody else will.  Not only that - you won't be good at loving anyone else.  Loving starts with the self.  - Wayne Dyer

- Manage your mind.  Thought precedes emotion.  To feel good you must think good.  - Cheryl Richardson

- Abundance shows up in your life when you show up in your abundance.
- Marianne Williamson

- When you allow God to help support you you're in a better position to help other people.  - Doreen Virtue

- Today I will let go of my need to be in pain and to suffer through crises.  I ask God for assistance in moving as quickly as possible through my sad feelings and problems.  I ask for help in experiencing joy, peace, and gratitude every day.  I will accept what's good in my life today!  - Melody Beattie

- There are people looking for the exact skills and talent you have to offer, and you are being brought together on the cherboard of life. - Louise Hay

- Let go of your need to have more. When you stop needing more of everything, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life.  Since you're detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realize how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace.  - Wayne W. Dyer

- I bless others' good fortune, and I know that there is plenty for all.  - Louise Hay

- I am in the process of positive change.  - Louise Hay

- If you think something is missing in your life, it is probably you.  - Robert Holden

- This is a time of compassion and a time of healing.  Go within and connect with that part of yourself that know how to heal.  It is possible.  Know that you are in the process of healing.  Discover your healing abilities - those that are strong and powerful.  You are incredibly capable.  Be willing to go to a new level to find abilities and capabilities that you were not aware of so you can truly heal yourself on all possible levels.  You are Spirit, and being Spirit, you are free to save yourself... and the world.  And so it is.  - Louise Hay

- If there's someone you actively dislike, nullify the energy by praying for thier happiness for thirty days.  - Marianne Williamson

- "If you wait until you become perfect to love yourself, you'll waste your whole life.  You're already perfect right here, right now. - Louise Hay

May Facebook happenings

May 1, 2013:

Snow is such a lovely way to start the month of may. Welcome to Utah!

I love this! Lighthouses are so symbolic. I love them and what they stand for. My bathroom is lighthouse themed. I collect lighthouses. They are just beautiful, and make me smile.

This just makes me smile!

May 2, 2013:

Never underestimate the power of gentleness and sensitivity - these qualities will help you navigate the forest of your life, and are expressions of powerful instinctual energies that not only help you survive, but also help you thrive. - Steven D. Farmer

That really resonates with me. It's ok to be gentle, and sensitive.

“Don’t be gloomy. Do not dwell on unkind things. Stop seeking out the storms and enjoy more fully the sunlight. Even if you are not happy, put a smile on your face. ‘Accentuate the positive.’ Look a little deeper for the good. Go forward in life with a twinkle in your eye and a smile on your face, with great and strong purpose in your heart. Love life.” –Gordon B. Hinckley

Great advice President Hinckley!

Good, beauty, and positive is always there. Look for it!

God bless America!

May 3, 2013:

I love these 2 quotes: "There are only 2 ways to live your life. 1 is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle." - Albert Einstein "Stay open all hours for miracles today" - Robert Holden I am going to take Mr. Einstein's and Mr. Holden's advice and live as though everything is a miracle and stay open all hours for miracles!

Now that is funny! =)

May 4, 2013:

What is the deal with people lately? I swear heads are going to be rolling. Mistakes happen, but i'm sick of it happening with our money. Adding a number on, or not taking an extra number off can make a big deal people. We were audited back in march saying that we owed $1150. There was a mistake made and we still owe money, but not $1150. The IRS was supposed to subtract $500 from that. We got our new total in the mail a couple of days ago, and they still said that we owed $1103. I was a bit ticked when I saw this. We had to call again to get it taken care of. It turns out someone only entered in 50 instead of 500. They only took away $50 from the $1150.
Then this morning I checked my bank account. I see an e-check to Kohls for $222.13. I was again ticked. I recently went into the store to pay my bill of $22.13. Now I have to go in and get it taken care of again. Wasting my time. For crying out loud people! Be more careful! Your mistakes could cause some serious damage. What if I didn't have money in my account to cover that $222.13? A bounced check with added fees, and who knows what else. Double check your work. Geewhiz...

I have been thinking a lot about my friends lately. I love my friends, they make me happy, and I love spending time with them just as I do my own family. I consider them part of my family. 
I smiled when I came across this quote:
" Friends are the siblings God never gave us." Mencius

I'm so thankful for my Soul Sisters, and my Soul Brothers, and that you are a part of my life!

May 5, 2013:

Breathe in the best of the day. Breathe out everything else.

May 6, 2013:

Make it your intention today to be so happy you almost feel guilty, but not quite. 
-Robert Holden
I am choosing to be happy.

Change your thoughts, change your life.

May 7, 2013:

I wish I lived closer to my Sister. I don't talk to her as often as I should. She is a busy person. When I get to talk to her it rejuvenates me, but makes me miss her more.

Try counting your blessings instead of counting the things you don't have, especially before you go to bed. When you put yourself to sleep with thoughts of the wonders in your life, you honor the world and the people around you. - Loretta Laroche

Be grateful for the things you do have! I have started a gratitude journal. I write in it just before I go to bed. It does wonders for me to see how blessed I have been throughout the day.

May 8, 2013:

You know I really like working out by myself in the comfort of my own home. I have been working out, but it's been a struggle. Lately I have been going over to a friends house (it's been 3 days total that I have gone) to work out at someone else's house. It's out of my comfort zone to do that. I have to say that it's been very motivational for me especially today. I did a workout that I haven't done in a long long time. It felt good to be able to do the whole thing without stopping. It felt good to be able to motivate my friend to keep going. It felt good to get my heart rate up. It felt great to feel and be strong! It's all very liberating! =)

Stop wasting your time with worry!

Today I will stop trying to control my relationships. I will participate at a reasonable level and let the other person do the same I can let go, knowing that the relationship will find its own life - or not - and that I don't have to do all the work, only my share. - Melody Beattie
I really really like this! I keep getting bogged down worrying about if I'm doing enough, or not enough, or just being annoying or pushy. I want to do my share, and quit putting it all on my shoulders. I am attracting people into my life who really want to be with me, and who will help share the load. I am attracting like minded people. I am attracting people who love and support me.

May 9, 2013:

Give yourself an award today, or ask for a standing ovation. Even if it's just for preparing a fabulous breakfast, getting the kids to school on time, or just breathing - we all need acknowledgment. - Loretta Laroche

It's nice to be acknowledged, cheered on, and appreciated. I think I am going to give myself an award today! =)

May 10, 2013:

If you knew what was coming today you'd be smiling from ear to ear. Smile and see what happens! - Cheryl Richardson
SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE ☺☺☺☺☺☺ SMILE

May 11, 2013:

Thank you for all of the birthday wishes! You guys are amazing and have made me feel loved, appreciated, and acknowledged. I really really appreciate it. It has been a great day, and it is only going to get better. I'm so excited Matt is taking me to a Piano Guys Concert tonight at Abravanel Hall! My Mom is watching the girls. What a great date night birthday present don't ya think?! =)

This was by far the best birthday ever!!! One of the best days ever!!! Words can't even begin to describe how I feel. The Piano Guys were amazing! Jon Schmidt and Steven Nelson totally inspire me. I didn't want the concert to end, and was a bit sad when it was over. Next piano guys concert we are taking McKenzie and Madisynn with us. I love feel good music, i'm thinking I need to update my Ipod again.

May 12, 2013:

Happy Mother's Day to all of you wonderful women all over the world! I'm so thankful to have so many amazing examples of motherhood all around me past, present, and future. Enjoy your day ladies! I am so thankful to be given the opportunity to be McKenzie and Madisynn's Mom. It is very rewarding!

May 13, 2013:

Expect the best today so you can recognize it when it shows up. - Cheryl Richardson

May 14, 2013:

Another mistake made with money. Is my patience and attituded being tested? I checked my bank account today like I do daily. I see a charge for redbox for $25.56. I knew that wasn't right. We always return our DVD's the next day or two. I always make sure that the screen says return was successful, and wait till it goes back to the home screen before leaving. I called Redbox customer service to see what movie it was, and why we were being charged this amount. The guy I talked to was very nice, and easy to understand. Thank goodness!

He gets the information he needs to be able to help me. He tells me it is a movie rented on April 19, 2013. He can't tell me the name of the movie because I'm not the card holder. It's against the law to release that information for privacy reasons. Frustrating, but I can see why. I told him that we always return our movies. He asked if I had gotten an email return confirmation. I told him we probably did, but I didn't remember. I quickly checked and their was no email. I probably deleted it.

I asked him if their was anything he could do to get our money back. He says well I could give you some free movie codes. I didn't want that. He asks if I knew where we had returned it. I told him that it was most likely the Reams right by our house. He then tells me that they could send someone to go check and see if the DVD got stuck. He gives me a transaction number and tells me to call back on thursday. I said thank you for your help, and hung up.

I hung up feeling a little frustrated because I didn't know what movie it was. Matt was asleep and I didn't want to wake him up. I didn't have to wait long though because Matt just woke up about 20 min ago. I told him about the situation, and he called back. He was able to get it all worked out, and money refunded. 

On April 19th we had about 4 free promo codes. Matt and the girls went to use one of the promo codes. The girls wanted to watch Ice age 4 so they got it. It wasn't until they got back in the van when Kenzie looked at the movie in her hand and says what movie is this. Matt looks at it and it is not ice age 4. It was some pg-13 movie that probably wasn't appropriate for kids. Matt and the girls walk back and return it, and use another promo code on the other kiosk redbox at the store. That time Ice Age 4 came out.

We did return the movie the next day. When Matt talked to the lady she said the 2nd ice age 4 movie was returned, but not the first. Obviously, since it was totally a different movie that came out! I'm just glad that it all worked out, and that we didn't have to pay for a movie that we don't even own.

Love is my Gift to the world. I fill myself with love, and I send that love out into the world. How others treat me is their path; how I react is mine. - Wayne W. Dyer

I always try and tell myself to think before I react. Sometimes it doesn't always work out that way. I do try though to make that consious effort. Remember Jesus said to Love everyone; so do it, love everyone!

Dentist visit today was successful. No tears shed, nobody was hurt. It was all good! In fact the girls were so excited to go. Maddie kept asking me if it was the dentist time yet for about a week now. Matt and I were the only ones dreading it. I was looking forward to talking with April. She is the best dental hygienist ever! She is so calm, sweet, and gentle. I love that she remembers that I have sensitive teeth, and that she always goes out of her way to make us feel comfortable. I love that she is always the one to clean our teeth, and that she is happy to see us. Anyways, the girls had no cavities. Matt had his same 2 from last time, and I think 1 new one. I had just a cracked filling. That's not my fault right? It doesn't count!

May 15, 2013:

Pessimists may be more accurate, but optimists live longer. - Loretta Laroche
Be an optimist! It's a better way to live life. =D

Yes! I love it! LOL =D

May 16, 2013:

You're always alone, but you're only lonely if you don't like the person you're alone with. - Wayne Dyer
I enjoy my own company. =D

May 17, 2013:

When you stop needing more of everything, more of what you desire seems to arrive in your life. Since you're detached from the need for it, you find it easier to pass it along to others, because you realize how little you need in order to be satisfied and at peace.
-Wayne W. Dyer
Let go of your need to have more.