Meeting Abby Rike from the Biggest Loser

About a month ago, I attended a Healthy Woman Event and met Abby Rike from The Biggest Loser.  She gave an amazing speech at the conference. She is the type of person that makes you feel like you have known her for years- even though you just met her. (photo from my new friend Pam w/ her iphone-thank you Pam!)
I just finished her book, Working it Out, and I have been so inspired and amazed by her story. It is definitely "a journey of love, loss, and hope" as it says on the cover.

If you don't know Abby Rike, let me tell you a little about her story. In 2006, she lost her husband, her little girl, and her brand new baby in a horrible accident. She spent 3 years trying to heal, but basically shutting down and not taking care of her health.  Years later, she found herself on The Biggest Loser. Abby was a high school teacher, and now she is a motivational speaker.

Her new book is raw, real, moving, filled with hope, love, and faith.

She helps us see that all of us have the ability to overcome anything with the help of Jesus Christ.

While I don't share her religious faith, I do share her belief in Jesus Christ. Whatever your beliefs may be, this book is very motivating and moving. After reading it, I want to be a better spouse, mother, friend, and take better care of myself physically and spiritually.

This is a great book, real, and full of hope!

And speaking of weight loss, my journey...well some of it- will be shared shortly on my weight loss blog:

Hopefully I'll have more on that soon!

Have a great weekend! Thanks for reading.

(All opinions are 100% mine. I was not compensated in any way or form for this post. It is purely my thoughts and opinions.)

Washing Our Windows {Judge Not}

This is a message we all need. My sister shared this, and I loved it.
 I know I have been on both sides of the window....

Today {& what I learn from my kids about being a mom}

Today looked a lot like this:

Sitting in a messy house holding a baby and watching CARS.

Most of my days are like this lately. I have been trying to tell myself, that I can do this even when I really feel like I can't do this anymore and this is really hard...

Then I taught a lesson today in preschool about The Little Engine that Could and we did this:

And I realized (once again) that I can do this. While motherhood may be the hardest thing I have ever done, I can do it .I can enjoy it.

Even though most days I want to do this:

My sweet little baby reminds me, that while somedays, some moments, and some weeks might be really hard right now, It CAN be done! I can do this...and I am reminded to do this:

And once again, my kids teach me, remind me, and inspire me to remember what really matters most. ♥

thanks for reading! oxoxo

Happy Easter Sunday

Wishing you a very Happy Easter Sunday!

Celebrating This

 Many years ago...  THIS happened to my life...

And here we are today 3 children later....and they are my whole life!

I love my husband and children so very much! :)

It's only going to get better from here!

Hoppy Easter to All my Peeps

Instead of the traditional bunny cake I make every year, I made a peeps cake instead. I am not a fancy cake maker by any means, but for about 10 years now, I have made a bunny cake every year for Easter- and was feelin' the Peeps vibe, so we made a peep version. (and it is not your regular cake mix under all that frosting...I'll share the recipe w/ you later.)

But the real meaning of Easter, for me, is all about the Savior.

Hear testimonies of Jesus Christ by clicking below.

He Lives

Hope all my Peeps out there, had a great Easter, or a Happy Sunday with family!

Empty Worries

Today I took the boys to the zoo. It was baby "D"'s first trip to the zoo. He seemed to enjoy being outside, the crowds, the animals, and the sunshine.

It was a pleasant few hours; free of worry and stress; no one was hungry; no one was making a mess; no one was crying; and for a moment, no one was sick. Everyone was happy. 

And what a sweet moment that was.

Upon arriving home, we received a phone call.

The doctor.

Reporting on the test baby D had this week.

Not the best news.

And the worrying starts again.

But he is still at home with us.

He isn't back in the hospital yet.

And we will pray he stays home with us for a long long time -free of hospital trips and doctor visits.

But I worry.

I worry for him- for his health, his well-being, for my other children, for my husband who works in a dangerous job to provide for us.

And I worry for others.

I worry about my sister's children who have the swine flu.

I worry about family members-their health, safety, and happiness and futures.

I worry that I haven't been the kind of friend to others that I would like to be.

 I worry that I am not being the best mother I can be-that sometimes my kids watch too much T.V.

I worry that I am going to be "f-a-t" forever even though I work at it trying to lose the baby weight.

I worry that I am not reaching my full-potential spiritually.

I worry for the future.

And I wonder, what good does all this worrying do? I need to be strong and not let worries empty me of my strength.

My baby is still going to be sick and most likely will end up in the hospital again. I need to be strong for him.

I believe my husband is going to be protected, I pray for it everyday.

I can't stop the swine flu...but I can wash my hands like crazy and pray that the nieces and nephews who have it will get better. And they will.

I can try to be a better friend by serving others when I am able to and being appreciative of those who serve me.

I can let my children know I love them, by savoring the moments I have with them while they are little and still like me and like being home. I can turn off the t.v. and read to them more.

I can exercise, and eat better, and remember that this too shall pass, and someday I'll get my body back :)

I can pray. I can ponder. I can read the scriptures.

I can remember that "worrying doesn't empty today of its troubles, it empties tomorrow of its strength."

And most importantly, I can remember always that God is in charge. Trust in Him, and let your heart not be troubled. ☻.

Sometimes...

photo from beginning of sept. 09

Sometimes I feel like I'm missing something...



Like when I hear about people running and I am just sitting and I have lots of weight to lose.

(I haven't moved my body in 2 weeks and I miss running everyday....but I am still a runner, always will be ...just in a different way.)



Like when I hear about people traveling all over to fun places and having a great time with friends and family.

(I used to travel and really want to take my children on a family vacation, but right now we are just trying to get healthy. And I haven't seen most of my extended family members in years.)



Like when I feel lonely and am stuck in a hospital with my baby for days and I don't get to see my kids much at all.

(I really miss my other kids, and this has been really hard on them and us.)



Like when I wish just one of my many family members or friends would pick up the phone and call us to see how we are doing.
(And then a thoughtful aunt and sister-in-law send a card in the mail just because they are doing just that.)



And then sometimes I get in my car and it is quiet. And I cry.

I cry because I want that picture perfect life- the family vacation, the clean house, the perfect health and happiness...

The ones I read about everyone else having.

And then I read about others, and see others, who have lives full of sorrow and heartache, full of things I never ever want to see in my life.

And they are strong.

And they rise above the sorrow and the hardship and the pain.

And they LIVE. And they LOVE.



And then I cry because I am blessed. I have a pretty good life, not sometimes, but all the time.

EVEN if I spend a few weeks in the hospital with my sick child.

EVEN if I have a very messy house.

EVEN if I don't eat right and I have a ton of weight to lose.

EVEN if sometimes, I really want to go running, go to Disneyland with my children, and hug and kiss my husband....but I can't right now.



Sometimes, I remember, that God loves me and knows me. And He ALWAYS, knows what is best for us.

And when I remember that I CAN LIVE. I CAN LOVE.

All will be well soon.

And I have a pretty blessed life.

This Made Me Cry Because I Really Love My Family.

you just never know...

Today I threw up 5 times. I had no sleep last night, and it has affected the entire day in every way. And then I read about The Thrifty Chic passing away. This really hit me hard, because she had a new baby boy about the same age as mine. She was a mother, wife, and shared a lot of the same interests as me. She was my same religon and from my home state. I have never met Stacey. Just yesterday, I was admiring her car seat cover tutorial -which I plan to make. She will be missed by many, including me-even though I only knew her via blogging.

My heart goes out to her family and loved ones. Tonight there is a family missing their mother; there is a newborn baby boy crying for his mommy; and there is a husband who unexpectedly lost his wife. This family will be surrounded by memories of their mother, because she shared what she loved with her family- she created for them.

So because of this, I will hold and feed my crying newborn all night without complaining; and I will enjoy my other children's messes and screams; and I will not complain when my husband gives his best effort to help out around the house. I will count my blessings and be grateful for being alive surrounded by my children and husband-grateful to be their mother and wife.

Mother's Day Thoughts...

I recently found out a friend of mine lost her first born son. He was still born, even though she carried him full-term and there were no signs of complications. This isn't the first friend I have had that has lost a child. I have several close friends, who have had to go through such a loss. Sitting here, 32 weeks pregnant, with my third child, I am over-whelmed with emotions, and even start to worry about the health and safety of the child I am carrying. My heart goes out to people who have never had their own children, or who have experienced the loss of a child. Words cannot express how much my heart breaks for you and for having to go through such a loss. Although we have had our own share of complications with both our sons, I am so grateful for their health and strength and that I have been given the opportunity to raise them here on Earth. I truly believe things happen for a reason, and that God is in charge of each of our lives.

And now we approach Mother's Day- the day we celebrate all mothers. I have always loved Mother's Day and love it even more now that I am a mother. I love my children. I love being their mother. I love being pregnant with another one. I also fear and worry for my children- for their futures, for their safety, for just about everything that will ever happen to them. I love the messes, the chaos, the loud noises they make, their cute smiles and laughter, the poopy diapers, the cute things the say-everything from both ends of the spectrum- it all brings me joy. There was a time when I did not have that- when my house was clean and spotless, and quiet and orderly. I often think back when I am cleaning up a poopy mess or spending a 1/2 hour cleaning up after a meal, or I am constantly hurting my feet on blocks and cars all over the floor, or doing loads and loads of laundry day after day, that these are the blessings of being a mother. And I love every single one of them.

Today my son woke up feeling very warm, and it turned out he had a fever. He wanted me to hold him (as pictured above). He wouldn't let me put him down. So I sat and held him, and enjoyed the moments of him clinging to me not wanting to let go. The laundry can wait. The vacuuming can too. My shower can wait also. :) Right now, for today, I am a mother and there is nothing more I'd rather be. I will hold my little one for as long as he wants me to, and I will savor every minute of it. This is why I love being a mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all women this weekend! Here are a few quotes about mothers that I love ;)

The moment a child is born, the mother is also born. She never existed before. The woman existed, but the mother, never. A mother is something absolutely new. ~Rajneesh

"There is no one perfect way to be a good mother. Each situation is unique. Each mother has different challenges, different skills and abilities, and certainly different children. The choice is different and unique for each mother and each family. Many are able to be “full-time moms,” at least during the most formative years of their children’s lives, and many others would like to be. Some may have to work part-or full-time; some may work at home; some may divide their lives into periods of home and family and work. What matters is that a mother loves her children deeply and, in keeping with the devotion she has for God and her husband, prioritizes them above all else." -M. Russell Ballard

“The biggest mistake I made [as a parent] is the one that most of us make. … I did not live in the moment enough. This is particularly clear now that the moment is gone, captured only in photographs. There is one picture of [my three children] sitting in the grass on a quilt in the shadow of the swing set on a summer day, ages six, four, and one. And I wish I could remember what we ate, and what we talked about, and how they sounded, and how they looked when they slept that night. I wish I had not been in such a hurry to get on to the next thing: dinner, bath, book, bed. I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” Anna Quindlen

"The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."

Why I Create

I rarely watch videos online. This one really touched my heart. Creating is a deep yearning within me. :) This video really puts being creative and those desires to do so in perspective. No matter who you are, this is definitely a beautiful message for all women who yearn to create! Enjoy!


Thanks Tara, for sharing this with me:)

7 hours of Doctor Visits and a Broken Arm

I never thought I'd have my 19 month-old baby break his arm. But that is just what happened. This has been a crazy week. I had a close call with a car accident, several sleepless nights, and we spent seven hours at doctor's offices today and came home with a beautiful blue cast.

I usually don't write about my personal life on this blog. But I am a real person, who sometimes feels that she isn't the best mommy; who often doesn't do her laundry or the dishes; who gets caught up in things that don't really matter; and who has moments where I realize what is important and what really matters.

This week has been full of those kinds of moments. Because of my beliefs,
tough situations become easier for me to handle. I don't know when my little guy broke his arm. He is a rough-n-tough little guy who is always climbing and always falling. I pick him up several times a day to comfort and hold him. And then it is back to business for him, playing and getting into everything. He must have a strong tolerance for pain.

I could blame myself, and (in a way I do), for being a bad mommy, and not watching him more carefully. I could wallow and feel sorry for the tough situations that surround me. OR I can realize it will all be O.K. His arm will heal with time. The situations that surround me will change and get better. God is in charge and He will take care of us.

I am grateful for these moments in life, when we are forced to stop, look to God, and realize what the most important things in our lives really are. As I look back on these years, I don't want to remember the "crafty crap" I made- it won't be cute in several years anyway. :) I want to remember the cherished moments where my children said something funny, smiled and giggled, and gave me hugs and kisses. I want to be there to experience all the joys these little ones bring into my life. These are the things I will cherish forever.

Sabbath 2/9/09

In the spirit of February-the month of LOVE- I found a great quote that went with the theme at church today. :)

"If we can find forgiveness in our hearts for those who have caused us hurt and injury, we will rise to a higher level of self-esteem and well-being. Some recent studies show that people who are taught to forgive become 'less angry, more hopeful, less depressed, less anxious and less stressed,' which leads to greater physical well-being. Another of these studies concludes 'that forgivenss....is a liberating gift (that) people can give to themselves."

This is from a talk given by James E. Faust, Ensign of May 2007. The entire context of the talk can be found here.
Even if you are not of my faith, it is an incredible talk that helps us see the universal principle of forgiveness and love :)

Why I LOVE being a Mom (LOVE LIST #1)

Since it is February, the month of love, I am going to post a few of the things I love :)

I usually don't post very personal stuff on here. I try to save that for my journal, etc. But lately my heart has been very full of gratitude for the incredible blessing of being a mother and wife.

I am not a young mother. I did not get married until I was in my 30's. I had a career and got to do many things in my 20's-which looking back was an incredible blessing. My heart sometimes seems to skip a beat when I think of the incredible blessings I now get to enjoy- of being a mommy. Now here are a few of the reasons I LOVE it- since it is the month of l-o-v-e. :) I'll try not to be too serious and sentimental! :)

1. YOU GET TO DRIVE A MINIVAN if you choose-AND NO ONE LOOKS AT YOU FUNNY-ok so maybe they look at you funny if you have a van full of kids, but you don't care. (I love our Honda Odyssey)

2. YOU CAN WEAR SWEATS ALL DAY if you choose- and it is just expected. I actually hang up my nice sweats and try to keep them stain free. Yes, there is such a thing as nice sweats. :)

3. YOU GET TO DO ENDLESS PILES OF LAUNDRY. Joy joy joy!! And you get to stare at endless piles of laundry that still need to be washed....such as it is in my case these days. :)

4. GOING TO THE PARK CAN BE A DAY OUT ON THE TOWN. Who knew the park could be so much fun?

5. YOU CAN WATCH SESAME STREET AGAIN...and it is O.K. You are not considered weird for doing so, since your 3 year old watches it with you.

6. IF YOU ARE REALLY ON TOP OF THINGS, YOU MIGHT GET A NAP SOME DAYS. OK so I am not that on top of it, but a nap sure would be nice-and there were days - when I had one child- when I actually did get a nap- oh those were the days!

7. YOU GET TO MAKE STUFF. Since you are not working full-time, you can make crafts and stuff (sometimes I call it the other word- c-r-a-p) - well anyway you can learn new things you never had time for. Plus you can cook homemade meals-- on the good days :)

8. ENDLESS HUGS AND SMILES AND KISSES FROM YOUR KIDS- even slobbery ones are still the best things ever!

9. YOU CAN MAKE EVERYTHING ALL BETTER IN SOMEONE ELSE'S world--- kissing the cut better, putting a band-aid on it, stories, hugs, kisses, rocking in the rocking chair, you suddenly hold the magic touch!

10. YOU GET TO STEP ON TOYS AND HURT YOUR FEET-- there was a time when my house was spotless- no toys to step on or pick up. No longer the case around here- but it is a blessing- stepping on toys and hurting your feet, bending over and hurting your back as you clean up the blocks. A real blessing - (no seriously folks, it is!)

I think 10 reasons is enough for now. I seriously love my little guys and love being a mommy.

"The Hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world."

Sabbath 1/25/09

I have not been enjoying my Sabbath posts lately, but I really enjoy quotes. So I am going to start posting a quote sometimes on Sunday, to help me and hopefully you too ;) This quote came from a CES fireside I watched on BYU T.V. a few weeks ago. You are welcome to download this quote if you like and print it out. Be aware, that it is in a 12 by 12 inch format, so you will most likely want to size it down to print it out. Happy Sunday ;)  PLEASE don't copy this, or publish it on your blog without LINKING back to me and giving me credit. THANKS :)

Sabbath 1/11/09

"Keep CHRISTmas with you all through the year"

The Nativity and Breath of Heaven

One of the most memorable Christmas season's I had, was spent as a volunteer missionary and tour guide for my church.
Here, we shared with people every night, the true meaning of Christmas with this shortened version of this video clip called The Nativity. This is the only copy I could find online, and the original audio is not there. I personally like the original audio that goes with this, but this song is beautiful, Breath of Heaven, by Amy Grant. It is a little long- five and a half minutes, but is worth watching- a definite true reminder of the real reason for the season. (If you are not of my faith but would like a copy of this video, I can get you one with the original audio for free....just let me know :)) Or you can request one on your own for free, and several other free videos about the Savior by clicking here.

Sabbath 11/23/08

"I have been blessed, with so much more than I deserve. I thank God for what I've given at the end of every day...." -Martina McBride

photo -spring, 2008

Sabbath 11/16

"For the Beauty of the Earth"

I know where you are it is probably gray, snowy, cold, etc.

But where we live, this is what we saw yesterday. We have a great park in the center of town that has this amazing rose garden with all types of different roses. The roses bloom usually about in April. I was surprised to see so many still there-some looking better than others-but roses nevertheless-in November!

We enjoyed walking around and smelling the different varieties. We love this rose garden-a little oasis in the desert.