Friday, August 8, 2014

Transformation

     I became a Team Beachbody coach the end of May.  It has proven to be a great blessing to my family and I.  We have been trying for sometime to be healthier.  It is a slow but steady race we are doing here.  Here is a post from the facebooks about my transformation. 

     I look at myself every day and think how gross I look. Not because I haven’t gotten a shower, but because I think I am a total fatty. I know that I need to think POSITIVE thoughts because that’s how things change. I have worked so hard since 2003 or 2004 to get my husband through school that I FORGOT about myself! Who does that? Well, I do. 


     I got so busy taking care of my family and running a business that I didn't ever have time for myself. My hubs kept telling me to get a hobby or to do something for me… and guess what? I NEVER did. So, it continued for 10 years. I realized in December that I had not purchased socks for myself since my oldest child was born… I KID you not! (She is 11.5 now). I decided that it was MY turn. Heck yes… I KNOW now that I need to take care of myself more than ever! 


     After MANY trips to the doctor and all the symptoms I have, NOW is the time. After having many diagnoses from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome to Fibromyalgia to classic migraines and anxiety, ALL of these illnesses are HELPED with diet and exercise and ALWAYS less stress. I know that the diagnosis isn’t going to go away, but I want to help myself as much as I can without hurting myself more. I have loved these workout programs I have been doing this year! It is my year totally and completely. I notice the difference when I drink my Shakeology and do my PiYo or 21 day fix or just ride my bike. It simply amazes me how much better I feel. 


     So, with all that being said, I ordered myself a new dress from my Avon rep a few weeks ago in the size I thought I was… WELL, it came last week and I was so amazed that I ordered the WRONG size. The size I ordered was my size 7 months ago so I didn't think anything about it being TOO BIG! It was. It pretty much drowned me. I was astonished at how much progress I have made since February. There are SO many things going my way: I am losing weight, I STOPPED drinking THREE 52 ounce sodas A DAY, my skin is healthier, my hair is growing faster, I have more energy (for the most part)… I don’t eat junk food NEARLY as much and I can most of the time control myself, MY childcare business is BOOMING, I am branching out and am not as shy as I once was! 


     I have been working on my SELF WORTH this year. I love helping people and I want to help YOU to achieve you goals! The transformation I have seen with myself this year is just awesome!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

I am completely in love with these pictures.  Despite the circumstances, I think they turned out fantastic.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Can it be True?!

This idea was brought to us by Shannon.  She loves teaching preschool and is my right hand gal!!  The flyer is compliments of Kandice McDermott Photography!!!  Yay for awesome people!!  Mark your calendars for these dates if you are looking for a Christmas Shopping Date or a Holiday Party!!!

Thursday, October 10, 2013

We are not perfect people

Most days I feel I am an adequate mother.  I work 50-60 hours a week.  I provide food, clothing, love, discipline and friends for my children.  I work hard at my business, and I work hard at being a wife and mother, housekeeper, chef, chauffer, friend, upstanding citizen, member of our church. 

There are moments, however, that I feel so inadequate.  Those moments are when my kids put their hands over their ears for fear I will raise my voice.  I'm not a quiet person, so I tend to raise my voice more often than not.  I am just a loud person. I know this.   My kids know this.  However, when its more than just talking, my children know that, obviously.

I am given blessings and with those, I am always reassured that my children were sent to me for very specific reasons and I am the mother they need and they are the children I need. I feel like I am the most crappiest mother they could have and that they would learn what Heavenly Father wants them to know with some other mother.  I love my children to the ends of the earth... for eternity.   I am ever so grateful that they are mine.  I wouldn't trade anyone else's kids for more behaved children or more mild children. 

Tonight, we had friends over and EmmaLei and Allyson were allowed to stay up later than usual.  With this, I expected EmmaLei to have a difficult morning.  The difficultness we experienced happened this evening, when trying to keep my temper from exploding I ended up having to take her to her room and put her to bed while her friends were still here.  She came out screaming at me more than once.  It really bothers me when she yells at me like that.  I fight myself to not spank her when she does this. 

I understand there are difficult times when being a parent, and I understand that she wants to show her independence, but this was out of control.  I love my little girl so much, that I only want what is best for her and her sister.  I know that Heavenly Father knows what I can handle, and will push me to the limit of just barely breaking for my own good.

When situations like this evening arise, I feel like the worst mother on the face of the earth.  I have to be strict with her, otherwise she would run rampant through the streets.  I am only hoping that she ends up being a decent person.  I want her and Allyson to be upstanding citizens, productive members of society and to love Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ as much I do.  I only hope they grow to know how much I love them and how much they can really do in this world.  They are beautiful girls and have so much potential. 

Anyways, I had a real awful experience of being a mother this evening.  I love my girls and hope they know that.  I tell them daily that I love them.  I know I'm not perfect and there is always room for improvement!    

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

2013 Primary Program

     "Some say I have my mother’s eyes. My smile comes from my dad.  My freckles come from Grandpa, and all this makes me glad. I share the curls in my hair with uncles whom I love. But the truth of who I really am comes from up above. A child of God is who I am, a child of royal birth. My Father up in heaven sent me here to earth. As I take this journey and try valiantly each day, I know He watches over me and listens when I pray. So if the path gets thorny and the way feels not so clear, I remember who I really am and that takes away each fear." (Cindy Maybon, “Who I Really Am,” Friend, Feb 2008, 7)
      This year in primary we have been learning that we are Children of Heavenly Father.  Knowing that we are children of God helps us understand that we are never alone.  As we strive to keep the commandments, always make good choices, and pray for help, we can become more like Him.  We know that Heavenly Father loves us that He has a plan for us so that we can be happy and return to live with Him someday.
**Song: I am a child of God (1st verse only)**
I am a child of God, and he has a plan for me.  I accepted Heavenly Father’s plan. 
I know that God is my Heavenly Father and He knows and loves me. I am created in His image.
       In Romans Chapter 8, verse 16 is says “The spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God.”
God is my Heavenly Father. He knows and loves me.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
Heavenly Fathers plan is a plan of happiness.
I have agency, and I am responsible for my own choices.
1 minute talk---of where you had to use your agency to make a choice.
The earth was created for Heavenly Fathers children.
      In John Chapter 3 verse 16 says: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
**He sent his son**
Heavenly Father sent his Son to die for us.
Because Heavenly Father did that for us, He has asked us to have faith, and hope and to live like His son.
What does the Father ask of us?  To live like his Son.
I am __Name of Child_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
Jesus Christ created the earth under the direction of Heavenly Father. My favorite creation is__child's favorite creation__.
The Fall was part of Heavenly fathers plan.  I have been sent to earth to gain a body and to be tested.
I can live with my Heavenly father again if I __child answer__.
I can live with my Heavenly Father again if I __child answer__.
**Song: MY Heavenly Father loves me**
Jesus Christ is our Savior. Savior means __definition by child__.
Jesus taught the gospel.  One of my favorite stories of Jesus is __child's favorite story__
Because of Christ’s Atonement, I can repent and live with God again.
Because Jesus Christ was resurrected, I will be too.
I am thankful Jesus was resurrected because __child answer__.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
**SONG: If the Savior stood beside me**
Jesus Christ restored His church in the latter days.
      D and C 35:17 “I have sent forth the fullness of my gospel by the hand of my servant Joseph”
up to a 2 minute talk on the First Vision
Priesthood Authority was restored to the earth by John the Baptist and Peter, James and John.
Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon and restored the gospel back on the earth. 
**SONG: Follow the Prophet.**
The Prophets teach us to live the restored gospel.,
      In Amos 3:7 it says “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealed his secret unto his servants the prophets.
The living prophet leads The Church under the direction of Jesus Christ.
Prophets teach me to pay tithing.  Prophets teach me to live the Word of Wisdom.
The prophet teaches me what I must do to live with God again.  I will serve God with all my heart, might, mind and strength.
Jesus Christ taught us how to serve others.  When I serve others, I serve God.  Prophets and Apostles show us how to serve.
The living prophet leads the church under the direction of Jesus Christ.
1 Minute talk about what you learned from General Conference.
1 minute talk of and experience of when you followed the prophet.
I will follow heavenly Fathers plan by being baptized and confirmed.
      In 3 Nephi 30:2 is says: “come unto me, and be baptized in my name, that ye may receive a remission of your sins, and be filled with the Holy Ghost.”
1 minute talk on her baptism and confirmation (from someone that got baptized this year)
1 minute talk on her baptism and confirmation (from someone that got baptized this year)
The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right and wrong.
When I take the sacrament, I renew my baptismal covenants. I know that I can repent and be forgiven when I make a mistake.
**Song: When I am baptized**
The family is an important part of God’s plan.
In the Proclamation to the World, paragraph 7 it says “The family is ordained of God”.
Heavenly Father planned for me to come to my family.  One thing I like to do with my family Is __child answer__.
The Priesthood can bless and strengthen my family by __child answer__.
Heavenly Father wants me to marry in the temple and have an eternal family.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
God gave me a family to love me and teach me.
Each member of my family has a divine role.  Family prayer strengthens my family.  Family scripture study strengthens my family.  Family Home Evening strengthens my family. 
My family is stronger because we go to church together.
As families we are sealed together forever in the temple.
**SONG: Families can be together forever. **
Heavenly Father hears and answers my prayers.
      D and C 112:10 “Be thou humble, and the Lord thy God shall lead thee by the hand and give thee answer to thy prayers.
My favorite scripture story about prayer is __child answer__.
My favorite scripture story about prayer is __child answer__.
Heavenly Father wants me to pray to him often- anytime and anywhere.  I can even pray to him at __child answer__.
please tell of a time when Heavenly Father answered a prayer.
I am _child's name_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
**SONG:  A child’s Prayer**
       D and C 59:5 “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, with all thy might, mind, and strength; and in the name of Jesus Christ thou shalt serve him.
I am __child's name_.  I am a _dancer, athlete, musician_. But most importantly, I am a Child of God.
1 minute talk- tell of an experience when you were able to serve someone and how it made you feel.
1 minute talk: tell of an experience of when someone served you and how you felt.
Heavenly Father has asked us to let our lights shine. I can be a light to others by sharing the gospel and my testimony with my friends.
When I live righteously my friends will see the example I set.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
I am _Name of Child_.  I am a Child of God.
In Job 19:25 it says, “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth”.
       In Psalms 82:6 it says, “I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High.”
       In Mosiah 4:15 is says, “But ye will teach them to walk in the ways of truth and soberness; ye will teach them to love one another, and to serve one another”.
       In D and C 14:7 it says, “And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God.”

       There are children who live all over the world. They may wear different clothes, eat different food, speak other languages and live in homes different from ours, but we are all Children of God and he loves us all very much.  President Hinckley said in a 2003 General Conference “Never forget, my dear young friends, that you really are a child of God who has inherited something of His divine nature, one whom He loves and desires to help and bless.” We, the Primary children of the __ ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, are willing to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places.   We want to keep the commandments.  We want to share His gospel with others.  We know we are children of God and want to return to live with Him someday.  May each of us learn that we are important and loved – and that each of us is a child of God.
**SONG: I am a Child of God**

 

 

 

Monday, September 30, 2013

More Blessings... How can that be?!?

I have been contemplating all of our blessings we have received in the last couple months.  Its just a subtle reminder that we are children of our Heavenly Father.  He knows each one of us, and only wants happiness for each of us.

We have had little blessings... and when they all come together, they are for the bigger picture. We now have food on the table, sufficient for our needs.  We have extra money coming in due to the jobs Jason has now.  2 jobs... that's right.  The first one is substituting and the second one is PSR.  The 1st one isn't as regular, but it helps a great deal!  The 2nd one is part time, but pays really well. All in all, we should be making our bills now without any problems and even catching up!

We have been given a few of the necessities recently and have been ever so grateful.  Things have fallen into place that I would never have even imagined would. We now have food to last us throughout the winter and that has NEVER happened before. Its basically the staples, but that's ok. We also will be able to afford to stock up on our food storage which will better our situation as well.  I guess if the Zombies do take over, it can be a party at the Jones!

Blessings come in disguises. some come with broken windows or furnaces.  Others come with gifts or kind words from a friend. I do have to say that my blessings also come with huge trials placed before me.  

Nothing has come easy for us.  I have had to earn everything I have.  I wouldn't change anything.  I am hoping that from my learning and trials and my example, my kids will learn from them and grow above and beyond what I can provide them with. 

I know we are blessed.  The Lord will not give me more than I can handle.  Although, I do think He "toe" that line!!! 
  

Monday, September 16, 2013

I have written something on here 3 times tonight trying to convey how I feel about things right now.  There is a lot of anger, hurt, fear, frustration, love, compassion, and generosity that has been recently shown to us, but still, the sinking feeling wont go away.  I feel like we are drowning a slow painful death.  not with any particular reason for this feeling.  its quite frustrating to feel like this.

Recently, at my grandmothers funeral it was shown that we don't matter.  We were just people that happened to be a funeral. Its such a depressing thought to know what had taken place there.

Jason has 2 jobs.  Thank heavens.  Maybe Christmas wont be so sparse this year.  maybe we can regain our once AMAZING credit report.  Maybe people will stop calling us for money.  Maybe I can answer my phone without having a panic attack.  Maybe our bills will be paid on time every month now.  I can not express how much burden this has lifted from me.  I no longer have to work 18 hour days everyday.  Its only once a week I work late.  every other day I am off at a decent hour.

I know that Satan is trying his damnedest to tear us apart.  He is working night and day on us.  Its really an eye opener as to what lengths he goes to for that. we have started to at least read the scriptures every night and pray as a family every night... and since we decided this, we have maybe done it 4 times in the last 3 weeks.  We are trying to do what is right but its still falling short of what needs to be done. I feel its a failure on our part. 

anyway, the things i want to say cant be said, and if they were said, it would just be jumble for everyone else. i know these trials are for a reason, but i want my life to be calm and happy and no more hardships.  <---hahahah, right?