S'more Lovin

I never blogged about our big Relief Society Picnic last week that I was in charge of and so I'm back tracking life for today. It was a really fun and special evening. The them was S'more Lovin. And we wanted the women in our group to come away feeling s'more loved, beautiful and of great worth. We had a beautiful woman, Sadie Lish, speak on true beauty. She shared the great importance of really knowing we are children/daughters of God. It was a perfect way to start the night off.

To thank our Relief Society presidency (they'll be switching out soon, because of a move of our president) I designed and framed these little posters. "Look for S'more...." ways to share s'more love to others. It was displayed on all the tables.

An amazing woman in our ward made these decadent S'more Cakes! She is quite talented and these were a hit! 

We attempted a Marshmallow Chendelier above the dessert table. I loved this idea I had seen and wanted to pull one off. I would have loved a few hundred mallows hanging from it (I always want to go big!), but with the time permitted it turned out fun.

For our take home gift I designed a DVD for each woman to take home with her. I put together a video presentation with photos of ladies in our Relief Society and video footage I took at the Idaho Falls Temple. James helped me learn how to add text in and it turned out really fun. One of the sweet ladies on my activities committee has a CD burner, so her husband got them all set to go. It was a really special take home for the women. 

The song that the video goes with is one that my sweet mother gave me a long time ago; "It's what you give that makes you beautiful." By Cherie Call. It's lyrics were perfect for this evening and should be heard by women everywhere! 

Listen to the song here (I would love to post the video I made, but don't want to infringe on privacy of my ward ladies):

http://www.musictory.com/music/Cherie+Call/Beautiful

Best Soup Ever

So, like many of you, we have zucchini growing like a wild man! And I love it!!!! We've done the classic zucchini bread and zucchini boats (we used the last of my brothers yummy moose burger!) and then I ventured into the soup realm. And oh dear...we have discovered a favorite!! 

I found a make shift recipe online to go off of and then improvised and did my own version. We love having a garden!!! And even though everything has not grown perfect we've loved using what we got! Isn't it amazing how huge plants come from such small seeds!?

Spanish Squash Soup

Makes a BIG ol' pot :)

2 zucchinis (or one if it's abnormally huge!)

2 yellow squash

1 Tb olive oil

1 onion

2 garlic cloves

Bushel of cilantro (add to taste, it's James favorite, so needless to say we used lots)

3 ripe tomatoes (on the vine are my favorite, again add more or less to your taste)

1 small can tomatoe sauce (fill it with water 3 times as add at the same time)

2-14.5oz cans chicken broth (or 4 cups)

1 can black beans

1 can corn

1 can green chilies

Salt & Pepper to taste (James added a crank of pepper to his personal bowl)

Cubed cheese (I used Colby Jack), 1/2 pound

***we added chicken as well, it doesn't necessarily need it though (4 chicken tenderloins cubed)

1. Sauté your chopped garlic and onion with olive oil till soft (I like my onion reallllly soft!)

2. Add the chicken broth cut tomatoes, can of green chilies, tomatoe sauce and water. Bring to a boil and let it all just mix and fill your home with a delightful smell!

3. Turn heat down. Add chopped squashes, canned black beans and corn, and the cilantro. Cook for 10 minutes, or longer if you want it soft. **we added cubed chicken at this point cause we wanted to add some meat :), if you want it vegetarian style don't add it. 

4. Add cubed cheese at end and mix until it's mostly all melted in...then get your bowls ready cause this soup is yum yum!!!

*** we also served it with tortillas to dip in the soup, not necessary, but if you're obsessed with bread like me it's a great side :)

Picked our first ripe tomatoes from the garden patch!!!!! Mmmmmmmm!

Debt is a DISEASE!!!!

Everyone should RUN from debt like a mouse should run from a trap. It is dangerous and puts a man into bondage. Mind you, James and I are in a bit of debt for our home (older and within our means) and car (used), but we are making headway on making sure to pay off that debt before we make other big purchases. We don't buy new clothes, gadgets and toys we don't need, I hardly buy make-up (maybe 1-2 times a year), we are very cautious of how much we drive our car, James bikes almost every day to work (2.9 miles one way), I take a daily walk in our neighborhood with Jane, we have a strict grocery budget and rarely, if ever, eat out. We don't go on fancy vacations. We have bought maybe 4 outfits total for Baby Jane, the rest have been graciously given to us or hand-me-downs. We try to be thrifty with any purchase we make.

So, needless to say, we are striving with all our might to not be in debt and to use our money wisely. Living without so that we can LIVE later! I have incredible Aunts and Uncles, and Grandparents, and parents who live this philosophy and are such wonderful examples to me. There is nothing more important than being wise and managing your money and how/what you spend it on in our modern world. For it is the greatest vice to goodness. Greed, debt, hoarding, jealousy, coveting, power, divorce, hate, pride...there are many things that root from money problems. It is a necessary evil and can also be used for much good. I know that there are many generous people who strive to use their money to bless the lives of others.

America has reached a cataclysmic debt and it seems it is not being addressed or taken care of. Does the government, President included, know that you shouldn't spend money you don't have!!!!? Couldn't you all go without raises, without paid vacations, private chefs, and all the other government job perks for a little bit to help with this out of control PROBLEM!? I think it is utterly ridiculous the way money is used and think that there needs to be some responsibility taught to these "adults" that run this nation. I don't care what people say about right wing, left wing, conservative, liberal...etc. FACTS ARE FACTS and the leadership running this nation right now are not winning the facts in my scope. Money cannot be ignored, debt can not be run away from or brushed under the rug. Families all over the country have to do without to save money, some lose homes, some work 3 jobs, some have little to eat....these are some of the hardships of not having enough money. But what hardships do the government officials face for being trillions of dollars in debt? Oh, they get to go on incredible vacations and be paid VERY well with added bonuses? That makes sense.....not!

I really feel strongly that our Nation, a Nation founded on great principles of freedom, responsibility, hard work, GOD, sacrifice, and honor is losing its culture of greatness. We are taking the goodness and trampling it underfoot. James and I just read our scriptures this morning after reading a family email about this debt problem and the chapter we read was perfect:

1 Nephi 19, particularly verse 7; For the things which some men esteem to be of great worth, both to the body and soul, others set at naught and trample under their feet. Yea, even the very God of Israel do men trample under their feet; I say, trample under their feet but I would speak in other words—they set him at naught, and hearken not to the voice of his counsels.

I know these are bold statements and this is entirely my opinion, you are entitled to your own. And I respect that. But I feel that we discredit our forefathers and doom our children with this irresponsible and frivolous spending behavior. It is wrong PERIOD!

PLEASE watch this short video, and read this short article. It will take less then 5 minutes of your time today, which is well worth it:

http://www.cnsnews.com/news/article/terence-p-jeffrey/706025967449751-federal-debt-7t-under-obama#.U-DemGYYubE.email

And to ease up and put a humor to this RIDICULOUSNESS!!!!! Watch this:

https://screen.yahoo.com/dont-buy-stuff-000000884.html


Also, this is a little bit from the LDS church on Debt (which is a large church that has NO debt!);

https://www.lds.org/topics/debt?lang=eng&query=debt

Rain

"Rain, rain, stay today, come again on any old day!"

We have been blessed with rain here in Idaho Falls two days in a row!!! And I love it! Days like these make me feel like I'm home in Washington again! There is something so peaceful about the sound of rain. James says it makes him feel like he's camping. The only downside of rain is hearing a drip drip leak from the roof! Our furnace installers have claimed to "fix" it three times. A tad frustrating since it never did that before our new furnace was put in! But back to happier rainy news...

The sound of rain makes me think of home, of wet pathways on a hike through evergreens, daydreaming, umbrellas, water drop rings in a puddle, our honeymoon, Singing in the Rain, and cobble stone streets in Salzburg Austria. It is a sound that fills my mind with memories. Like when our Indian TP flooded at Girls Camp :). It is a sound that us soothing , calming and reflective. I love this sound. Thank you for raining!

Sushi Family Night

We celebrated Family Night by going and getting James' favorite thing on earth: SUSHI! He loves, loves, loves sushi! I'm not quite converted. I've always had a hard time with chewy sea food. Fish, I can eat all day long, but octopus tentacles and shrimp I have a hard time with.  

The restaurant felt like we had truly walked into Japan. They even played classic music, had stairs going up and down to your table, a waterfall with a coy fish pond. They only bring you chopsticks, ONLY! So I couldn't cheat :).

Jane tried her first ginger, soy sauce and Miso soup. And LOVED sucking on chopsticks! Fun night out as a family!!

Sweetheart

 

Last night I went and sat with a beautiful, spunky older woman who suffers from dimentia. Her sweet husband was running the popcorn stand at the Rodeo and wanted someone to be home with her while he was away. I took the night shift while Jane slept. When I arrived she had PBS on and was watching a Verdi Opera. It was so fun to sit and watch this incredible (and very long) piece with her.

It got me thinking a great deal of the values and culture of the past as I left their sweet humble home. Families are all about strengthening relationships and loving one another! 

First of all the great music of that era seemed to always be singing of Christ. When I think of the exquisite talent and time that went into music of long ago it makes me kind of laugh at how much garbage is produced and listened to today. Where is the value of humanity in media today? Mind you I love modern tunes as well (I don't only listen to boroque ;), but I am grateful my parents and college taught me to appreciate all types of music.

Then on the courtesy and love of the past. So much love filled this couples home. They have lived years together and done so much for one another. As I was leaving out the front door I heard the sweet husband say, "well how are you sweetheart?" In a tender and thoughtful voice that melted my heart. I know every couple has little pet names for one another but this is one of my favorites. I'm so grateful I got to witness that true love moment.

Remember to always cherish your sweethearts.

These were the lady singers of the opera, check out that curly blind hair! Woah!!

Wealth of Health

Being overweight has always been a struggle of mine and there are specific comments and moments in my past that stick out as defining me as the "the fat one." I've always tried to combat it and strive to be ok in my own skin, but it can be hard when a woman looks in the mirror and doesn't admire or feel good about what's looking back at her. 

Over the years I have really wanted to feel better and look better. And not until this past month have a felt like, "Carolyn you can do this!!" James has been that changed mindset. He is my cheerleader, coach, chef, trainer, tracker and love. He is the one who always says I'm beautiful and MEANS it. He is the one who pushes me to go a little farther on a jog, or a little longer on a bike ride. He supports and is by my side in everything I do. It is still though, especially when you stay the same weight and you're working SO hard to eat really well (even passing desserts up at special occasions) and exercise lots. 

That is the challenge; remembering it takes time and that it's better to think of becoming a healthier you than a drop dead gorgeous you. Because that is the whole goal: gaining long term healthy habits that will keep me strong for my children and grandchildren. And so that is why when I feel like throwing in the towel or just sitting down to a whole container of really chocolatey ice-cream I have to kick in the "long term perspective." 

There are those moments of "Wahh" when I see a post pregnant woman already a stick figure, or when those exercise-health nuts are wearing their short shorts (cause those obviously help you exercise better ;), right) at the gluten free grocery isle...when I feel like this is totally not worth it. But again the long term goal and loving a healthier me is what kicks my feet back in gear. I won't ever be the "perfect" image of what a "fit" woman in today's culture "should" look like, but I am going to become my healthiest and happiest self and that's what matters.

My Mister James and I have been gathering tools to help us succeed. First came a new scale that connects to our smart phones and tracks our weight. It's really neat and knows who is standing on it, smart little contraption. And then came running shoes. This was fun cause James has never had a new pair of running shoes, his whole life! He was adorable the first time he took them for a run! Then we got a bike trailer for Miss Jane, a new bike seat for my cheap bike, a helmet and a bike rack. All these tools have gotten us active and out more! 

Then a friend, Kristi, invited us on a 5 Day Clean Eating group on Facebook. We took the challenge and have loved it. We've gotten some great ideas for recipes and have learned again the great inportance of well balanced meal planning. How grateful I am for a man that loves to do things with me, without his support none of this would be happening!

I want to be able to tell my children, "You can do hard things, stick to your goals!" Because that is a very important lesson to learn in this life. If you make a goal be committed to it, fulfill it, surpass it. And when you screw up, dust yourself off, get back up, smile and start again. No one is stopping you but yourself. And so, this journey of health and fitness continues and I seek inspiration and tips from others I admire greatly in their personal wellness goals as well. There are so many strong and courageous souls out there! Encourage them, cheer them on and support them in their struggles and causes!!!

Love,

Carolyn

**photos included are some motivational pieces I made of food we've grown or made, and then meals from our 5 Day journey! I made a goal poster as well so Mister James and I could check things off once we accomplished them! If you'd want one made for you or your family I can make you a customized version for $5!