The Journey Continues

My journey on the de-clutter road continues. It has been slow and not always encouraging. But I am trying to move forward more often that backwards!

My positive progress is I have officially lost 15 lbs of body clutter! SO happy with this. I'm a little behind, but how can I not feel joy at finally hitting 15 lbs lost? Now I will work on the next 5 and see where that leads!

My home clutter seems to be moving out at an even slower pace! But I made progress this past week in that we started painting the office. It's getting cleaner and hopefully by the end of the month we will be done.

Our bathroom is at a stand still again because my Dad has gone up north for the summer. He hasn't been feeling well and I've been worried about him. He puts so much pressure on himself and I sure don't want to be the cause of him having bad health!  We did figure out the tile and as soon as we figure out the measurements we will start buying it.

My guilt issues have totally increased... bad - very bad. LOL! But I will just have to keep working on this. *sigh!*

All in all I feel good about my goals for 2012. I think this if the first year that I have actually continued the process past Feb! I'll just keep enjoying the journey and try to forgive myself for not moving forward as fast as I'd like!

Easter

I'm just a little behind, but here is a sampling of Easter. Our Easter starts on Easter Saturday with Easter baskets full of candy and treats! No matter how old you are there's a basket waiting for you on Saturday morning!

Vaughan's basket

Hillary & James basket

Heather's basket

Heidi's basket

Holli's basket

Hope's basket

I have a lot of fun putting these together! In the "good 'ole days" we would color eggs on Saturday. But the girls seem to have mostly outgrown that activity! Not so much because they don't enjoy doing it, but because they are too busy to stop what they are doing to color the eggs! :)

Easter Sunday is one of my favorite days of the year. I like to get the girls new Easter dresses. They usually need them in the spring and so it seems appropriate! I like to coordinate us as a family. Usually, the first dress we find ends up being the color scheme for the year. This year it was Heidi's dress - yellow and gray!

We took these pictures after church in our back yard! Holli was creative and put the camera on a tripod - using the timer! It was funny watching her run to get in place!

 Later that evening we went to Randy and Tiffany's for our Moore FHE and Easter gathering. Of course we had to have our traditional Easter Egg hunt! Here are some of my cute nieces enjoying the hunt!

Ellie and Brooke

Ava

Lainey

Dad and Mike visiting

Brian and Marc and others visiting

Our dessert spread! Mmmmmm

Bob, Missy and Heather

Time to empty all those eggs so they can be used again next year!

Ava and Heidi

Pink Lemonade cookies made by Heidi for our Moore gathering!

This year there was a little damper on the fun because my Mother wasn't feeling well. They ended up taking her to the hospital for what they thought might be a stroke. She ended up staying in the hospital for three days. After MANY tests they decided it was dehydration. It was a scary and worrisome few days. We all learned much from the experience. Mostly, how much we love our Mother and how fragile life can be.

Despite the scare, we had a great Easter and enjoyed being with each other and celebrating the life and sacrifice of our Savior! I'm so grateful to Him and to know that because of all He suffered for me I can return to be with my Heavenly Father and be with my family for eternity! 

I'm NOT going to use the "D" word!

You know what I mean... It has 4 letters. Starts with d ends with t and somewhere in the middle is an i e.

I really don't like the D word. In fact I try very hard not to use it. But sometimes it's just easier. And then someone gave me another way to say it that sounds SO much better "healthy eating plan".

I know, I know it takes longer to say. But I'm ok with that. Maybe I'll burn a few more calories! hahaha!

Yes, this post is about my "healthy eating plan". I started a journey in January to de-clutter many things in my life. So far I'm doing pretty good. It's a stop and go process. Here a little there a little. But I'm starting to feel some progress in my home.

However, the whole body clutter thing just wasn't happening. I've been thinking and even praying a little about what to do. I had been hearing about a "program" that I was considering, but it was a lot expensive... So I wasn't really considering it. But I kept getting nudged in that direction, so I finally asked some questions about it - not sure how to "afford" it. But I finally took the leap feeling like I had the Lord's blessing. I decided to give it a month...

In the first month I lost about 3 lbs. I was a bit discouraged, but something told me to keep doing it. I decided as long as I could come up with the money I would keep going... by some miracle I had the money and I decided to go another month.

The weight loss wasn't so hot. But the inches were what convinced me to try another month. In 4 weeks I lost 3" in my waist, 1/2" in each arm, 1" in each thigh and 1" in my hips.

Not too bad.

I start week 7 tomorrow and I have lost 8 lbs. (I won't measure for a couple more weeks!) To say I am on top of the world would be an understatement! Whoo hoo and all that!

So my body clutter goal is finally happening. I feel like "maybe" I will actually be able to feel better AND look better.

I feel like I have more energy and I'm thinking clearer. Weird.

I don't really have a weight loss goal... I just want to look better. I'm not looking to be skinny. I never have been. I don't really think I'll be able to wear the same size I wore in high school. I'm ok with that. I just want to feel good and quit envying my friends and family that seem to not "feel" their age!

I have learned some things about me on this journey:

I LOVE food. Not just the eating, but the preparing. I miss making treats for my family. It is who I am.

I actually eat pretty healthy. I have all my life. But I've been a meal skipper - and then I snack or grab things that aren't good choices to keep my energy level. Not so good.

I was becoming a sugar addict. I still have a little problem. But I am learning to eat less of it and making better choices.

Because my choices are better, my family (kids) choices are better. We aren't eliminating treats, just not having them as often. Although, old habits are hard to break - and I'm ashamed to say my kids Easter baskets will have as much candy as ever... I tried. Really.

Now I'm trying to figure out how to keep me from eating any! LOL!

My plan for my "healthy eating plan" is to keep going until the end of June. Then I will re-access. For now I will enjoy the journey and I look forward to the time when people other than me will notice! LOL

Darn Perfectionisms!

Sometimes I think I should just quit blogging!
I never seem to do it much anymore!
I want to.
But then I realize I don't have any pictures to illustrate with.
And when I start I always take more time than I think I will.

And besides - I'm the only one who reads it, right?

So do I do it for me? Or for others?

I guess that's what I need to decide!

Hmmmmmm.

Guilty as charged.

My quest to rid myself of clutter in 2012 continues. One of the things that clutters my life is guilt.

Guilt. Blek. hate it.

It feels heavy. It makes me sad. It slows my progression and paralyzes me.

I have been suffering with this malady for much too long.

It's time to rid myself of this parasite!

This is what I have learned so far:

1. No one makes me feel guilty. It is my choice. So, if it's my choice then I choose to let go of the guilt.

2. Some of the reasons I feel guilty is because I'm not doing things I "should" do. This guilt is caused by my conscience trying to motivate me in the right direction. Unfortunately it doesn't always work for me. So to conquer this form of guilt I'm just going to DO IT. Yep, almost too simple. I chose my top guilt causers and made a plan. Then I am going to be kind to myself if I'm not PERFECT and look at my improvement and not at my failures.

Here are my should do's that have caused me the most guilt:

1. Temple attendance
2. Personal scripture study
3. Family scripture study
4. Exercise
5. VTing

So far - so good.

Operation Clutter is marching along!

(I am only blogging this for me - to hold me accountable and to notate my progress!)

My Shower Epiphany

Epiphany - Moment of striking personal realization or insight.

That is what the dictionary says. I would change it to: Moment of striking personal REVELATION AND insight.

So grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who hears prayers - no matter how small or simple He answers them.

I had an Epiphany today. Doesn't matter which definition you go by, but I want to give my Heavenly Father complete credit. And thank Him.

I've been feeling increasingly frustrated with my life - my surroundings. I feel frustrated with myself, disorganized and out of control.

With the new year approaching I feel like I should be coming up with some kind of plan. Goals. Resolutions for the new year. What am I going to accomplish? What do I want to improve?

The problem: I have SO MUCH to work on. In every aspect of my life.

I could feel myself becoming more and more overwhelmed. On my days off of work it's been harder and harder to get out of bed and "face the music".

But time isn't slowing and now here it is... Friday, December 30th. What have I accomplished towards starting the new year off on a good foot?

Last year I faced 2011 with trepidation. I learned a few days into the new year why and it seemed the whole year was filled with trials and from those trials many blessings. I don't hate 2011, but I don't mind 2012 coming. In fact I look forward to 2012 with much hope and encouragement.

Not that I can stop time or anything, but it feels good to be looking forward to the new year, instead of dreading it! *smiles*

Today I have been unmotivated and feeling like I was wasting lots of time. But mostly feeling like I'm not doing what I should be doing: Planning for the new year. Then a thought came to me to ask Heavenly Father's help. So I did. Just a simple request - "what should I do? what do you want me to do?"

I love knowing that my Heavenly Father knows my heart. He knows me. He doesn't need fancy words or dialogue. Simple. Sweet.

So I got in the shower at 3:30pm to start my day. L.A.M.E. I know. And that's when it came to me.

Clutter.

On word - simple but SO big.

That is what I need to work on.

The word clutter represents pretty much everything that is frustrating me. Boy, does He know me.

After thinking of that word the thoughts just started flowing. I knew what I needed to do - well, mostly.

But now I have a one word plan. Simple. I can apply it to everything that I want to do - my spiritual self, my physical self. My family, work, church, home - MY life!

Awwwww - I have direction. I feel peace.

Best of all I know it's what HE wants me to do.

Amazing how everything falls into place when you put your life is His hands. Now I just have to DO It! (Another amazing man's Motto - Pres. Kimball)

I feel good.

Lesson learned.

The MOST wonderful time of the Year!

Is.... Fall of course!

I'm enjoying it immensely! It's actually a little cooler - which gives me hope that someday summer will end!

We started fall break today. (Monday - Oct 10) We don't have a lot planned. We are kinda sad that what we wanted to do isn't going to happen (trying not to whine!) But we are still going to have fun!

Vaughan and Heather still have to work. Heidi still has school. But Holli, Hope and I don't really have a schedule!

Today (Monday) we did a little cleaning, grocery shopping and I took Hope and Holli with me to PT. Hope - to get checked out on her "scoliosis" that the school thought she might have. {Nope} she doesn't! I already figured. Holli - cause she's having some problems with her ankle in ballet. Marc isn't sure what's going on, but we eliminated a couple of things.

Tonight we made personal pizza's and caramel apples! Yummers! And watched 17 Miracles! (break out the kleenex!)

It was fun!
(Above was written on Monday - The Rest of the post is being written AFTER the fun!)

Of course we spent the evenings playing games. What game? Settlers of course! Is there any other game? Well, not to my family! hahaha! I like to read and listen in to the conversations while they play. It's pretty funny!


On Wednesday Hope made sugar cookies! Mmmm yummy! She is becoming a good cook!


We tried all week to plan a day trip somewhere. Our choices came down to:

1. Tucson - the Sonoran Desert Museum
2. Flagstaff - various things to see.

By Thursday I thought I was going to go crazy because I couldn't get anyone to decide on something. I like to plan - anticipate the fun. That is half the fun after all!

Finally, on Thursday night - late. We decided on Flagstaff. Mostly because the weather took a turn for the worse. It got HOT! We knew Flag would be much cooler and I really wanted to see Fall! We still couldn't decide on what we were going to do in Flag. So we decided to just get up there and we would decide later.

I dropped the whole planning idea for the rest of the weekend and just enjoyed the scenery and company (my girls and Vaughan) and relaxed.

It was one of the most fun trips I've ever been on! (I'll post about our trip complete with pictures next!)

All in all - Fall Break was seriously Wonderful! Now it's time to get ready for the holiday trilogy!

Enjoying the Journey

Don't you just love this time of the year? I do!

Here in Mesa it's finally getting a little cooler - not so much during the day! But it's definitely more enjoyable!

I'm having fun planning for the next few months. I LoVe the holidays. I've been cleaning up a storm. I'm trying to dejunk and declutter! (Who says you have to wait until Spring?)

We are trying new treats like applesauce cake, apple cider floats and licorice caramels!

I made a fall wreath and I'm planning some fun changes to my fall decor. I'm wanting to keep things a little simpler - but I'm meeting some opposition from my girls. They are big TRADITION supporters! ha ha ha!

We started planting our Fall garden this week! We have plans to plant our winter lawns this weekend. I can't wait! I LOVe out winter lawn. Last year we didn't plant and it was the saddest winter ever! I can already feel the grass between my toes and taste the yummy veggies!

I'm starting to feel a little more a part of my ward. And I am enjoying watching Hope make new friends and feeling comfortable with the changes in her life! It's so fun to watch your girls grow and learn new things!

Miss Holli is almost done with a sewing class that she is taking and will be able to wear a beautiful purple dress that she is making soon!

Yep, there is lots of reasons to be happy! I'm trying to find joy in the journey and appreciate the little things! Sometimes I wish we could take a family vacation or do something amazing making memories along the way! But then I remember every day is an opportunity to make a memory! You just have to decide what kind of memories to make! I choose Joyful ones! (well most of the time!)

I {heart} Our Church Leaders

I don't remember the last time I enjoyed the General RS Broadcast as much as I did last night! (Maybe last year?!)

It was amazing. President Uchtdorf's talk was just what I needed.

How come whenever I hear the words "your Heavenly Father loves you" Or "your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you". I feel like crying - and sometimes I do.

What tender sweet words to remember. I want to remember the feelings I felt forever.

Tomorrow I will be listening again - (thank you DVR) while I do laundry and all those wonderful homemaking things that I get to do (and love doing, by the way!)

I'm so grateful for inspired leaders and for my knowledge that I have a Heavenly Father who loves me. I wish everyone knew this for themselves! What a blessing!

(and guess what? I just googled Forget me nots and here is Mesa AZ we can plant them in October! Guess what I'm planting next weekend?)

My B(ee) Boy!

Have I mentioned that we have bee's? Yes, the real kind. The one's that make honey! It has been quite the adventure. We are learning so much. Vaughan has taken on the project of learning and caring for them full force!

How they came to be: I received an email about "someone" looking for yards that he could set up some beehives in. He would pay for everything and we would get 1/2 the honey. Sounded too good to pass up!

I emailed back and told him we were interested. He came and checked out our property and we were APPROVED! A few months later he came and set up the hives.

This is how they looked pre bee's! The week before we were to get the bee's (sometime in May) we noticed some bee's flying in and out of one of the hives. Weird... apparently a swarm decided to take up residence! So funny.

Unfortunately, when the bee's "arrived" some of the "bee kits" really struggled. And they lost many of them. It was so sad to see all the dead bee's. So they put a "healthy" kit in the one hive and a struggling one in the hive with the other bee's that had moved in. I'm happy to say both hives are doing Awesome!


Our hives are thriving and are twice as tall as they were in the beginning. Our beekeeper comes every month and checks on the bees and makes sure they are healthy and happy.


This is Vaughan and our beekeeper friend at one of our monthly hive check ups. Vaughan put this trellis in - complete with plants to create a barrier from balls and wandering kids! Thank goodness he did, 'cause one of our dust storms picked our trampoline up off the ground and smashed it into the trellis. It broke parts of the trellis, but no harm to our bee hives! I don't think our bee friends would have been very happy!

In July he pulled the feeder box off of one of the hives and found the bee's had started making honey in it. (They weren't supposed to) So he gave us the honey.


It was fun to get to taste the honey and sample the honey comb! Yummy stuff! I can hardly wait to harvest the honey. It's so mild and yummy.

If anyone wants to come check out our bee's and show your kids come on over. Vaughan loves to give field trips! It's pretty safe and he is careful with the kids!

My Favorite 4th of July celebration

The Fourth of July 2011 was spent a little differently than in the past! As it got closer to the day reality set in that we would not be traveling and that I really wasn't feel well enough to do anything too adventurous!

BUT I still wanted to have fun and spend time as a family and make some memories! I got a little idea and I started sharing it with my kids. It went something like this: This year for the 4th of July everyone is going to come up with some food idea for our celebration. If possible, it should have a 4th of July theme.

I told the girls I had seen some fun ideas on blogs and if they needed any ideas I would happily help them!

To be honest, I thought I would be met with some complaints. I didn't really expect that everyone would participate. I prepared myself to be disappointed. (Not very confident, huh!)

This was my most favorite 4th of July celebration ever. Honest. The ultimate best.

Everyone participated. The creativity was amazing! Even the ones that don't usually participate.

Case in point:

Exhibit A.
This is one of my favorite pictures. Yep, our sweet Heather really got into it! Came up with her own idea. Bought the ingredients and went to work! Look how cute her American Eagles turned out...
She - will never really know how happy she made me! LOVED IT!The other girls were great sports too! Heidi came up with Red, White and Blue roasted potatoes! They were really yummy. And yes there are blue potatoes. It almost ended up as red and white potatoes - but Grandma Moore came to the rescue when she found some blue potatoes and brought them over that day!


Hillary made a YUMMY fruit pizza that looked like the flag! Beautiful and delicious all in one!

Hope made these fabulous Rocket Dogs! And yes! they sent you to the moon and back they were so good! Pretty cute too - she had very little help! I was so proud of her!


Somehow I neglected to get a picture of Holli and my Mom! Holli was a life saver cutting the watermelon (a must have for any summer celebration) and wrapping the corn on the cob in foil for the grill! My Mom made a yummy carver's salad and Vaughan grilled the chicken and steak for us!

I saw these cute ideas for some drinks and put those together. (Something I could do sitting down!)
The red white and blue drinks AND the pop rock rimmed glasses! They were fun and added alot of festivity to our meal! I also had a cherry pie in the freezer and made a cute bunting to garnish it with!
I had spent the day cutting and gluing the bunting and the cute banner I found on the internet.
Then James did his part and got the laptop to work on the tv and we watched my Dad's favorite movie "High Road to China". It was so much fun. And a very special way to celebrate this amazing land we live in! We made lots of special memories. It was a day I will never forget!