A Love Hate Relationship

I set a goal in December to start working out and get in better shape. Its actually been something I've been setting since more like August, but I committed to it in December. On New Year's Eve, I found out a friend had the same goal so we committed to working out together every morning ... 6 days a week. We are doing P90x workouts.
We are into week 6 now. Here's the schedule ...

Yes, we really work out Mon-Sat and each workout is at least 50 minutes. Even with my 17 day trip to Houston, I've only missed a total of 3 days. I've never been this consistent with a workout program. As I tell Steve ... it's kicking my trash, but I'm sticking with it. I truly HATE yoga but have a love/hate relationship with everything else. Hate it while I'm doing it, love it when I'm done and hate it later that night and the next morning when I'm feeling all the muscles I worked.

Not sure I'm seeing much of a difference but I feel a difference in my strength. I can see muscle definition in my arms that I don't think I ever had - even in all my twirling baton and flag days. I was able to do almost all of the ab ripper exercises this week - a HUGE improvement over the first week. Its a good feeling. Gotta love it ... but man I hate it! :)

A cool quote

Saw this on a friend's blog tonight and wanted to share ...

"The happiest of people don't necessarily have the best of everything; they just make the most of everything they have."

Here's to making the most! :) Thanks Michele!

Happy 6th Birthday to my Ray of Sunshine!

Happy Birthday to my sweet little Jessica. I can’t believe our baby is turning 6!

There is so much about this little girl that I love. When I found out I was expecting Jessica, I was NOT ready for another baby and even cried when I found out I was expecting. BUT, I am so grateful she came to our family when she did. What a blessing she is!

Here are some things I love about this kid!

1. Jessica is this little ray of sunshine and can make just about anyone smile at any moment.
2. She is so smart. Her kindergarten teacher says she has accomplished all the goals for kindergarten and she loves to read and type on the computer just like her big sister. She enjoys doing adding with her sisters too. Her own homework kind of bores her so we always try to mix it up a bit for her.
3. She is and mature for her age and truly a loving little girl. She tends to play with very independent children at school but also loves chasing and being chased by the boys, including one little boy who she says she will grow up and marry some day ... he's the same little boy she has said that about for 2 years now!
4. She considers Taylor her best friend and loves to play with Tay and all of Tay's friends and considers them her friends as well (despite them being 2 years older than her). But she can also play very happily with Alyssa and loves Alyssa too. When asked who she wanted to invite to her party this year, she chose one friend in kindergarten and 4 others who are at least 2 grades above her.
5. She LOVES to play with friends. Even as mature as she is, if her friends are still at school or otherwise unavailable, she is just as happy to play with her friend or our neighbor's twins who are all a year younger than her. She just wants to play. And if all else fails, she easily entertains herself. She's just easy going.
6. Jessica LOVES to give hugs … she gives hugs to her church teachers (current and past - some she doesn't even remember having as a teacher, but knows she loves them), preschool/school teachers (even ones her sisters have had that she hasn't had yet!), neighbors, friends and family. She will get so excited when she sees someone she knows and run over and give them hugs. She gives daddy special hugs ... on his leg! It started when I'd give Steve a hug before he left for work in the mornings. She'd run over and try to squeeze in but because she was so little, she'd just hug his leg. Even now, she still runs over almost every time he is leaving and wraps her arms and legs around his leg and squeezes his leg.
7. Her giggle is truly contagious and she is the queen of funny faces. She LOVES to make others laugh. And I love to tickle her just to hear her laugh. It makes me laugh every time. She is very ticklish too - in some odd places like the fronts of her calves and just above her knee cap and of course all the normal places too - like under her chin, her tummy and her ribs.
8. Her smile just lights up the room - everyone sees it. When we got to go to see Cirque du Soleil's Alegria in Salt Lake City earlier this year, we manged to get VERY front row seats. She completely won the hearts of several of the actors. Its a somewhat interactive show anyway, and as characters would come out to the edge of the stage she would smile this cute little grin and wave at them and you could see their eyes light up. She had several of them waving at her during the performance. At the end of the performance, one of the main characters came down from the stage and gave her a little heart balloon that they had used as a prop. It was absolutely precious. Even these performers were captured by her smile and love.
9. Jessica isn't loving dance but she does love gymnastics. She loves music and loves to move to music but not so much the formal dance class. She has a little mp3 player that she got for Christmas and plays it almost non-stop and can really belt out many of the songs... including a talent show with their Barbies during Christmas break that included Where are you Christmas and the theme song from Cirque du Soleil's Alegria. She loves her family - including her cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents and loves getting to see them all. She often asks about family members she hasn't seen in awhile.
10. She likes to help ... whether it is in my office, making dinner or cleaning the house. She doesn't love to do her own chores, but if she can help someone else with something, she's ALL over that.

I am so proud of this little girl. Many days, she is my little angel, my ray of sunshine on a stormy day.

Here are some pictures of her as she's grown up (sorry I didn't feel like digital scrapbooking 1-2 cute pages with all these pics so you just get lots of pics to look at).

Abt 2 weeks old About 3 months (look at those thighs ... is there any doubt as to why her nickname was "chunky"?
About 8 months old - again "chunky" cheeks.
1 year old - this was the beginning of her mischievious days - she and Taylor could get into things in a matter of seconds and I swear she would create a diversion while Taylor got into the pantry or on the coutners to get what it was they wanted and then try to hide it ... whether it was an apple off the counter or crackers or treats.
Just over 2 years old
About 3 years old (not long after she and Tay cut their own hair - something they have done about 3 or 4 times ... they just wouldn't learn their lesson - scissors were one of those things they'd create a diversion so the other one could get them)
Almost 3 1/2 years old - she LOVED this outift and would put it on for dress up until it was the length of a shirt rather than a skirt. She loves BYU Cougars! I think she's our kiddo who will enjoy watching sports with us.
4 years old - giggling after I've taken dozens of pictures of her funny faces before pre-school.
5 years old
Almost 5 1/2 cute as a button and knows it! 5 1/2 - last fall
Almost 6 (notice part of the bangs clipped back ... that would be the ones we are trying to grow out from another scissor incident last summer!) I truly love this little girl and am so grateful for the joy she brings to our family.

Happy Birthday Jessica!

Simple things

I love simple things in life that make me happy.

Recently, I had lunch with a friend. Not someone I've known a LONG time, not someone I'm EXTREMELY close to, just a friend that I'm getting to know and truly starting to love. It was nice. She knew I was having a hard time so just on a whim she invited me over for lunch the next day. We had simple sandwiches and just talked. It was simple and great.

I also recently had a craft day with another friend. This is a friend I've known for over 16 years but not someone I get to see a ton. I had a ton to do, but I had committed to going to her house (I knew she was buying supplies for me) so I went and was very glad I did. Again, it was simple, just her and some of her friends hanging out doing a craft around her kitchen table and it was great!

Very grateful for the simple things that make me smile and for the friends and family who share those simple joys with me.

100th day

If you are a mom of little ones, you may know what that means ... yep, it was the 100th day of school this week! Taylor and Jessica's classes both made a big deal about it, doing activities geared around 100. Its great counting for the younger ones and a fun way to kind of break up the winter blues that set in this time of year. Our kids haven't even been going out for recess this week because its so cold outside (well below freezing for the high) so you can imagine that teachers need fun stuff in their classrooms.

Anyway, I thought it would be fun to list 100 blessings ... to count my blessings and list them.
So I've done it and thought I'd share them with you.

1. My husband, Steve
2. Alyssa
3. Taylor
4. Jessica
5. parents
6. extended family
7. My Savior & the atonement
8. Our Church and the people in it who serve each other
9. prayers - answered and unanswered
10. forgiveness
11. faith
12. hope
13. love
14. scriptures so we can find answers and learn to be like Christ
15. being a citizen of the USA
16. a warm, clean (most of the time) home
17. feeling safe and secure in my home
18. my neighborhood - its truly the best
19. friends from my childhood in Lompoc
20. friends from my high school years in NC
21. friends from college and work
22. friends from my neighborhood some of which are almost family to us
23. the cute, sweet kids that are my kids' friends
24. soldiers who defend my freedoms
25. police and other public service professionals who keep me safe
26. good health for me and my family
27. a reliable car
28. teachers who care about my kids (school, church, dance, gym)
29. a friend to workout with every day
30. my business - including all the systems Steve and I have put in place
31. really great clients to work for
32. an awesome assistant who not only helps me tons in my biz but loves my girls so much
33. continued growth in my biz
34. fun technologies like blogging, Facebook, texting & email that make it easier to keep in touch with friends
35. spring - with the new life, flowers and hope that it brings
36. summer and all the fun outings with my kids
37. camping, especially with friends at the lake
38. fall - with the colors and crisp autumn air
39. college football - especially a good game where my Cougars win!
40. tailgatine before games with friends
41. snow - a freshly fallen snow and the amazing peace it brings
42. Christmas - the joy, love and fun of it
43. Christmas cards - catching up with old friends and seeing pics (which will hang on our pantry all year long)
44. education - for my degree and that experience and for continued learning opportunities
45. service - being able to serve others and do good
46. chocolate and yummy treats
47. sushi
48. good food in general
49. date night - spending time with my husband
50. hiking in the summer
51. being outdoors and seeing the beauty God created
52. the majesty of the mountains I see every day
53. crafts - fun time doing them
54. craft time with my girlfriends either at a home or Crafter's Corner
55. sweet little "love you" notes from my girls and my husband
56. traveling - the time we spend together experiencing new places - history, nature, culture
57. WorldMark - our timeshare
58. learning about places we go, people, events, history etc
59. good books to read
60. family videos to help us remember all the special moments
61. taking a nap and feeling rested
62. carpools
63. good examples for my kids to follow (good older kids around the neighborhood)
64. playing games with friends
65. puzzles - I love them
66. compliments from others
67. the sound of water - a water fall, the rain, the ocean, a creek or river
68. parties with friends
69. traditions - old and new
70. surprises
71. music that makes me happy and at peace
72. hugs and kisses from my girls
73. food storage that has helped us get by
74. scrapbooking
75. pictures that remind me of the past
76. happy memories and experiences
77. a rain storm especially with lightning
78. fire flies (even though we don't have them here - they seem almost magical)
79. watching movies in our theater
80. sweats and warm blankets to curl up in
81. being reminded of the "every day magic" around me
82. being able to volunteer at the school
83. parents who love being grandma and grandpa and who take our girls
84. Steve having a band to drum with
85. having food on the table for every meal
86. getting new clothes once in awhile
87. inspiring stories of others who rise above their challenges
88. girls' night out
89. quiet time at home
90. bike rides in the summer
91. finding a good deal, freebie or bonus offer
92. positive quotes, uplifting thoughts
93. getting dressed in an outfit that makes you feel great with hair and makeup looking great
94. massages
95. doctors and medicine for when we are sick
96. a good shower and brushed teeth
97. smiles
98. laughter
99. the journey ... finding joy in it
100. comments on my blog (had to throw it in ... hint, hint, hint)
     

I challenge you to think of 100 blessings in your life. As I did this, my heart was filled and I do feel more peace and happiness.

Positive Affirmations

After I blogged last night, I thought about why I have been such an emotional basket case recently and then when I read a comment a friend left this morning, it dawned on me. I have been focusing on the fact that we've been dealing with a drastically reduced income for 17 months rather than focusing on the good and the positive in our lives. When someone asks me how we are doing, I fall apart because I have focused on the negative too much lately. Its time to reset that and focus on the positive.

Being affiliated with the Mary Kay world has taught me the value of using an affirmation that you say several times a day to affirm what you want to achieve and feel. We've all heard the saying what you think about you bring about ... similar concept. Do any of you have some positive self-talk that you do? That's what an affirmation is.

Until about a year ago, I viewed my business as this "little" thing that I did despite the fact that Steve always encouraged me to build my business and even bragged to others about the fact that I have a successful business. But as we've gone through our trials the past year, I've come to realize how successful it is and how "big" it is in our lives. I feel very blessed to get to run my own business AND be able to do what I really enjoy AND work with such TRULY AMAZING women that I do AND I do it all from home!! It can't get much better than that for me. I came into my business in a round-about way but I know I learned so much along the path and that I was guided to be here. Anyway, despite all that, there are still days when I don't want to work or do much of anything for that matter, so I created a positive affirmation awhile back for my business and thought I'd share it.

"I have created a successful business that is constantly growing because of my

DAILY efforts, VALUABLE services and my dedication to meeting the needs of

each individual client. I am focused and disciplined in my work. I love talking to people

on the phone. Abundant blessings come to me and my family every single day."

When I dug it out from the other piles of stuff on my desk today, I realized I need to expand it to include more of my entire life, not just my business. So ... this is what I'm adding to it.

"I have great faith in my Heavenly Father and He is there constantly to support me when I am in need. I seek out opprtunities to serve, give and love others more. I feel peace and balance in my life and I create a happy, positive and peaceful environment in my home for my family. "

An update from us

We are still trucking along ... not many changes to report. My business is still doing well, and we feel very blessed to have continual growth in that area. I went to Houston for a conference my clients all attend. I did a booth for 8 days (plus drive down and back and setup). In prep for my booth, I was reviewing the past couple of years. I realized that in 2008 and 2009, I maintained but didn't really grow. I saw ups and downs for those two years but in the end, had almost no growth. But in 2010, I saw about a 60% growth, which made me feel so blessed. Because of my booth, this year looks to be equally as promising. I had a 28% growth in January ... yes, just in one month. It was great. The drawback is I've got a ton of work to do to get all the clients setup. Not a bad problem to have though.

Steve continues to work very hard in audioShare but we are still looking for investment money to really launch it off the ground. He is also starting to do some "technical" consulting and work for individuals and small businesses. He knows phone systems, computers, networking and printers. He's also interested in offering a monthly service to small businesses to maintain all their technology in their office. We are hoping he can find a few projects every month to help us out a bit. So if you know anyone who needs a technical expert, send them our way.

Its been a very emotional journey the last 17 months or so. But the last month or so has been REALLY tough. Not sure why, maybe its just the length and intensity of this trial. Maybe its because of the holidays. Maybe its the intensity of the stress I've been under. Maybe its how buried I am with work so I feel overwhelmed all the time. Who knows. But for whatever reason, I've been a cryer lately, pretty stressed and not as much fun to be around. I'm doing my best to stay strong, have continued faith, keep my spirits up and focus on our blessings and just keep things going. I'm working on it so don't give up on me. I truly appreciate all the love and support from so many of you.

The girls are growing like crazy. My baby turns 6 on Monday. I can't believe how big she has gotten. Jessica's in kindergarten but really plays up in age. She considers all of Taylor's friends HER friends and was heartbroken when Tay got invited to a birthday party and she didn't. She is very smart and probably a little bored in kindergarten but doing really well. She dances (but complains every week about having to go) and is definitely bored in her dance class. She started out behind the other girls but has caught up quickly and surpassed them and is more mature than they are (thus the bored). Her teacher is trying to keep her excited and involved, but Jess says she doesn't want to take next year. She also takes a little gymnastics class and LOVES that. She loves to help around the house too, which is fun. She's my ray of sunshine. She loves to smile and make others smile.

Alyssa is in 5th grade, and going on 13 or 15... A little attitude that goes a LONG way. :) She loves to dance and learn. She loves projects and getting hands on. She is excited to get to babysit for little bits here and there for her sisters. She likes to help when she wants and loves to be in charge. Not my personality at all. :) She is strong willed and excited about everything. She loves to be involved and really tries to help our family. She's always looking for coupons and freebies to help us stretch the dollar. Just recently she and Taylor have started getting a long a lot better which is nice. Its been fun to see them grow into their friendship.

Taylor will be 8 in June and is loving 2nd grade. She has grown up so much, its amazing. Sunday she gave a talk at church. She stood up there and read 3-4 big paragraphs with no problem at all ... she wasn't shy about it. Everyone could hear her very plain. She still has times when she mumbles, especially when she leaves messages for her friends, but she has really come out of her shell and sometimes astonishes me at her ability to talk. We're still working with her on a daily basis with her eating problems. She has not made much improvement but she does know that no matter what she does we're still going to make her try something so that's progress, I guess. For awhile she was keeping a list with all the foods she was trying. She liked to tell her school class about it too. She filled an entire steno notebook page front and back with different foods she tried (she was bribed by Karianna). :) She also loves to help around the house. Yesterday, she cleaned my kitchen without being asked. I asked her to unload the dishwasher and after she finished, she vacuumed the run under the table, cleaned the table off and set it for dinner, then swept all the rest of my kitchen just because she felt like it.

So, that's the scoop on our family recently.

A new "do"

I know I've been a little absent from the blogging world recently (ok, so a lot for quite awhile - not just recently)... Sorry. I'm not going to try to catch up or even promised I'll post much right now, but I wanted to put a couple out here to keep you all updated.

First, I got a new hair do today. Thanks Dani! Its shorter in the back than I've had before but a similar style to what I had last summer. Here's a couple of pics of me.

And you can really see how short the back is in this next picture.