Service Warms the Heart

This past week was a rough one with trying to feel on top of things, simple things, in life. I know I may never be on top of everything I must and should do, that is usually impossible for all of us, but this week I have had overwhelming feelings of "focus on things of most importance!" Family and God are what I strive to put first in my life always and lately I have been pulled by so many things vying for my time. One thing that I have been grateful for this busy week though is that my little family and I had opportunities to serve. Service truly is a most important aspect of life. It helps you step out of yourself and lift others. Like medicine to a wound, service allows the soul life.

"Mosiah 2:17 And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God."

There were many opportunities we either sought out or were asked to do this week that allowed a spirit of service to fill our home. We were blessed to attend a baptism for a young boy in our Ward and to help with it. His mother, a single mom of three little boys, asked if I could help and I was excited to ease her burden. We got to make brownies, play the piano and I made his program. I was so happy to help with this important and special day for their sweet family. Baptisms are so important and I want my children to know that.

Mister James and I both had painting service. He went and assited others in helping a woman paint a rental that she was moving out of. I was so proud of him for taking time out of his busy life to go and serve. And then I got to paint some signs really quickly for a young woman getting married! I also got to design a poster with her and her husbands family quote. It was so fun to help her with her special day!

Some other moments were finally getting our "Boo Ghosts" out for this season. I love fun traditions of service and door bell ditching is a pretty awesome one! Then we donated our guest bed to a mother in need. She had been mentioning often how she needed another bed so her daughter didn't have to sleep with her and so we answered the plea. We have been meaning to get rid of that mattress and change up our back room for a while so it worked out.

I am so thankful for opportunities to serve and give of yourself. I love that as we strive to be the Lords hands and help others we in turn are blessed and helped. For service truly does lift the soul and helps you gain a peace and joy like nothing else.

Rhodes Rolls

Oh you cannot go wrong with cinnamon and bread and breakfast food! Tonight I go to host my second #tryazon parties and it was a blast. The company I showcased was Rhodes. I got coupons for #rhodesbread rolls and a link to recipes galore! I had no idea there were so many things you could make them into. I was drooling over all the recipes. Something I really love about the company #tryazon is that the parties are in person. There are so many things like this nowadays that are just online parties where nobody sees each other and it's just a big huge group chatting in text through the Internet. It is a marvelous world we live in and it has provided great opportunities for companies and individuals. However, I'm a bit old fashioned I guess. I really enjoy preparing my home to gather people together face to face. It is something out society is forgetting about. Being with people, having social interaction, talking in person  with each other, and just enjoying time together. This is a great reason why I really enjoy Tryazon. It is an opportunity to gather! 

For my recipe contribution I decided to make my moms famous breakfast cinnamon ring. This gooey treat was always made each Christmas morning for our annual Christmas Day brunch. Each year my mom would invite a family or two and an older single woman to brunch and there was always a sticky ring adorning the table. She made a beautiful spread of food and it taught me so much about gathering others together for good food and company. It is an important aspect of life to gather. I am very thankful that she taught me that important social skill and that I have followed (in a small way) in her footsteps.

To thank the wonderful women/families who came and supported me and participated in the evening they each got some Rhodes coupons and a new spatula. It was a lot of fun putting these little take homes together for my awesome guests. I always think it's important to thank those who you love and those who support you. Miss Jane often accompanies me to drop off thank you's I take to others. I hope I'll be able to instill that thanking nature in each of my children. Each family brought a dish to share as well in the feast. And I got to showcase the new microwave cinnamon rolls that Rhodes just put out. They are pretty quick and fabulous. It's an easy way to enjoy one roll and not eat ten at a time :), cause let's face it we all do that!

The Great Cinnamon Ring

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter (1 cube)

3/4 cup brown sugar

1tsp cinnamon

Nuts/Raisins

Butterscotch Cook'n Serve Pudding (1/2 of a 3 oz. packet)

14-16 frozen Rhodes Rolls (enough to zigzag the bottom of a bundt pan)

Instructions:

1. Heat and melt first three ingredients on the stove until all incorporated into a caramely texture.

2. Spray your bundt pan and line the bottom with your rolls. Just covering the base of the pan.

3. Sprinkle with desired nuts and raisins. And then sprinkle half of your butterscotch packet over them.

4. Drizzle your warm caramel mixture evenly over the rolls and then cover with a sprayed piece of suran wrap. 

5. Let rise till rolls are risen to the top of the pan, about 4-6 hours depending on the heat of your home.

6. Cook at 350 for roughly 30 minutes. If the tops getting too brown put a piece of tin foil on it the last 10 minutes of cooking.

7. Let set for about 10 minutes in pan and then flip over onto a serving platter.

8. Enjoy snarfing this one up, it's finger lickin' good!

We ended our evening with an outdoor movie! It was a blast. My cute Mister James set up a projector and we hung a white sheet on the back of the house and  it was so much fun to all cozy together in the crisp Autumn weather. We watched a short cartoon based off of a book called "Room on the Broom" and it was really adorable. We will definitely be doing backyard shows much more next year! So there you have the sum up of a wonderfully fun Tryazon party.

Mothers, Remember

Motherhood is hard. Period. It is not for wimps. It is not a contest. It is not a simple task. It is not a thing to be judged. It is not understood. Motherhood is beautiful. It is not glamorous. It is under thanked. It is the best privilege ever given. It is the most tiring position on earth. As I have been journeying on my motherhood trip for a few short under two years I have learned so much! There truly is nothing quite like taking on the role of motherhood.

As you step into the position you've received little to no "training" on how it all works, you have just gone through one of the most trying physical experiences on this earth, and you now have a little human being who needs you constantly. There is nothing that compares. It's overwhelming, honoring, humbling and daunting. As I became a mother of two many things happened. My love for my first child grew immensely and an added deep love for my second blew me away. But I also began to have advice, judgments and comments I never thought I'd hear from other women. 

My sweet Mister told me it's the "Remember Complex." We as humans (especially in this era I think) tend to forget and forget quickly. Sometimes forgetting is good. How can a mother want to go back and do child labor again? Because she forgets, in part, the pain and the struggle it is. But there is also the forgetting that it was hard for you to when you judge another mothers parenting or coping skills. We forget so quickly and can judge so swiftly.

During my whirlwind recovery after my second natural birth I have had endless comments made to me or behind my back that have overwhelmed and frustrated me. I would have women say (some who had met me seconds before) "you need to feed your baby" or "he's hungry" when little did they know I fed him only minutes before they are telling me this! No wonder people give up on breastfeeding these days. It's hard enough being your child's constant food source but then to have women tell you, like they know, that your child is hungry when they just ate can be extremely daunting and exhausting. Don't step in and be mom! Especially if you've had a baby, shame on you, babies cry about all sorts of things, it's not always hunger. Let the mom qualm and help her child in the way she knows best don't overwhelm her with what you think her baby needs. Be supportive and helpful to a mom of a new infant they are already going through a lot, they don't need you adding to the feelings of inadequacy they probably already feel.

Another frequent thing has been the overwhelming amount of people who will sit and complain about their stressful lives as you sit there running on maybe three hours of sleep, no shower for days, needing to feed your baby again, and not having a minute to be by yourself. Yes we all need vent moments and yes we are all busy in this life. But a new mother does not want to sit and hear someone talk about that. Instead it would be great if you asked them about their life and how the new babies doing or talk about positive things that will bring some happiness to a sleep deprived new mom and yourself! Talking about stress doesn't lesson stress and talking about your busy schedule doesn't make it less busy. Be in the moment when you are with someone, care about them and don't talk about yourself constantly. Step into others shoes and be a little more selfless.

A mothers job is the most demanding and important one. The most shocking comments I've had are ones that make it sound like I am incapable or that I should be able to do more. I serve in a presidency for the women's organization of my church which requires a lot of time and I give it a lot of thought, I am head over the activities for that group as well which is something I take very seriously, there are women I strive to go and visit each month for another church calling, I support my husband, make meals, mow the lawn, care for two small infants, clean my home, write articles for a cooking company to help earn extra money in our home and more. I do not need to hear through gossip that I am not doing enough or handling things well. There was a great quote a while back from a great man who stated the importance that we don't busy our lives so much that we forget the things of most importance. And that we seem to want to wear Badges of Busyness. It's not an accomplishment to be busy. Again women forget that the first few months of having a new baby is exhausting, stressful and SO important. I need support, rest and to have time with my sweet children. It is not about being busy, it's about doing the the things that matter and need your time and attention.

I write this to say, remember mothers!!!! Stop judging one another and help new mothers feel confident in their new addition. Don't provide more stress to another's already stressful life. We all need to remember more how to bring joy to another's life, to focus outside of our own selfie world and to never gossip about another. Remember to love! Remember to be compassionate! Remember mothers!

Two articles that helped me smile and know I'm not alone through all this;

http://news.yahoo.com/mum-diary-stop-telling-me-the-housework-can-wait-090231496.html

http://wearethatfamily.com/2015/09/parenting-is-hard-especially-when-youre-doing-it-right/

The Red Barn Pumpkin Patch

Today for FHE we went and picked out little pumpkins for William and Jane at the pumpkin patch. It was so much fun and the most beautiful day. We heard that Mister James' grandmother passed away this afternoon and after the news we decided FHE needed to happen earlier then planned to bring some happy sunshine to the day and it was perfect. Jane loved seeing all the pumpkins, riding in a wagon, running through the hay maze, chasing and laughing hysterically with the barn dog, and seeing the chickens. It was really special going back to the same patch we took her to last year and seeing how much more she could do this year! 

This pumpkin spot truly is the best in town. It is ADORABLE!! They have a train you can ride, a corn and hay maze, tons of pumpkins, wagons to load up, a huge hay and pumpkin tower with a tree in be middle and all sorts of fun! I love the festive feel it brings to fall time to visit a pumpkin patch. 

I don't know what William thought but he sure was good the whole time. He loves being outside and in the sunshine. I think he is going to have such a blast running around with his sister some day! They are really going to be the best of buds. I love this little family of mine and treasure days like today when we can bring sunshine into each other's lives and make memories that will last a lifetime and beyond.

Conference Tent

Each Conference we have made a fort, set up our tent and now we get to enjoy it in our family TP. And we always make sure that the doors are facing a temple. This is in reference to an amazing man named King Benjamin in the Book of Mormon. He was a very righteous man and wanted all his people to hear the words he shared and so many gathered in tents to listen. And their doors were opened to the temple. I love this symbolism in our lives. Are our hearts, intentions, focus and desires facing the temple/eternal lasting goals? I want my children to understand and realize that every choice they make can bring them happiness or sorrow, and they have the power to steer they're life where hey want it to be. And by listening to prophets and apostles of God they are being blessed with the proper road map to that happiness they seek.

Growing up my faithful mother and diligent dad would take all 6 of us kids, dressed in Sunday clothing, to the church for all four sessions. That means 4 hours on a Saturday and then another 4 hours on a Sunday. Looking back I am amazed at my parents dedication and am so thankful for what I learned from that. Conference is special and important, and an opportunity to show reverence, respect and appreciation to our Heavenly Father.

Along with our tent tradition is making Mountains. This delightful breakfast truly is our house favorite and now that we have chickens we can make it lots! But it's especially wonderful for Conference. The temple is often called "the mountain of the Lord" and so it seems very fitting to eat mountains as our tent door is open  to the temple.

During these pregnant and early child bearing years it can be hard to get to the temple often. I yearn to be there more but know there is a time and season for everything in life. Our temple here in Idaho Falls is under a renovation and so we can't go in and serve there for a while. But even walking along its grounds brings strength and peace. We are so blessed to live near so many temples. 

Another favorite thing about Conference Sunday is the food. I always like to try and make sure there is a special meal on Sunday's already, but something extra special is always fun! We made the most delicious butternut squash alfredo recipe and a cinnamon chocolate cake. Oh that pasta was heavenly! Definitely a fall keeper! 

Oh how I love eating, being with and having edification with my family. It is so important to gather oft and be reminded of life's most important truths and to refocus our lives to do the things that matter! Our lives are busy and it is easy to get lost in the hustle bustle of everyday things. But we can rise above that and really live our lives with the full potential they're meant to have. As another conference has come to a close I am reminded of beautiful truths on the power and importance of motherhood, the divine worth within each human being, the crucial need to stand for truth, the blessing of repentance and forgiveness, and the joy that comes from wearing your life out for the Lord. He has very faithful servants striving to teach, lead and guide us back to Him. How thankful I am for a living prophet, apostles and the men and women of His church! Hurray for General Conference.

Come Listen to a Prophets Voice

We have had our first day of Conference for the LDS church. You do not need to be a member to watch and hear these great messages, hop online and listen! The talks today were beautiful, inspiring and comforting. Having a living prophet on the earth today is incredible, he truly is the watchman on the tower and the mouthpiece of God. I love President Monson and his counselors and all the great men and women who serve so faithfully on the Lords errand.

We got invited over to my dear fiends home to watch he first session and enjoy brunch. It was delicious!!! She made baked French toast and her husband helped make eggs, hash browns and bacon. We brought our blendtec and whipped up a Caribbean Passion smoothie. It was an amazing breakfast...I think I could have eaten 5 plates :)!

Can't wait for another day of talks and enrichment. I'll write more of my thoughts after its all over! But for now just know that I know Christ lives, I know His true church is on the earth today, I know that His prophet speaks truths we need to hear!

October 1st, Hurray!

Warm scones, gray cloudy sky, leaves changing colors out the window, bats getting hung up, pumpkin scent going through the house...yes it's a happy October 1st! These blueberry scones are simply the best, my mom gave them to me for my birthday and they are magnificent! So light and fluffy and so delicious. We also broke open the raw honey I was given as well. What a spectacular breakfast to start the day.

Jane and I had fun putting bats all over the front room and even a tattoo of one on her arm. She was quite intrigued by it. I love decorating for holidays and the season of awesome holidays is just beginning! Fall and winter are such special seasons. I get so giddy when they come around again I feel like a little kid when Halloween and Christmas arrive! It's so much fun to decorate, eat festive foods and be with family.

I made my first successful GREEN green smoothie! Usually when I make them they turn out brown and look like swamp sludge. This one was a perfect witch skin green! And it was so yummy to! Must of been Halloween luck ;)! Happy October!