For the Strength of Youth Posters

My dad has always talked to me and taught me about the For Strength of Youth standards, I mean ALAWYS.  He used to talk to me when I was in the womb about the LDS church standards I was suppose to live up to.  That may sound kind of crazy to some people but its true and it worked, they truly sunk in.  I could repeat them back to my dad from the time I could talk and used to tell others all the standards; and when I was faced with temptations I found my dads words popping into my head and affecting my choices.  Now I'm not saying that I never made mistakes or made bad choices, but I like to think I turned out pretty well thanks to my parents raising me the best that they could and teaching me the standards early.

image source lds.org

So when I found out I was pregnant with my first child I knew that I wanted these standards concrete in her head early so that when she was faced with temptations she would have a strong foundation in which she could make good decisions.  So I started teaching her in womb and I have not stopped talking and teaching both my kids the For Strength of Youth standards as set forth from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

That is why I decided to create posters for their bedroom wall, so everyday multiply times a day they can see them, I can see them and we can remember to talk about them all the time.

I only have girls so I made the posters to match my girls room, but don't worry I did not forget those of you that have boys.  In the boy posters some of the graphics are changed and the colors are changed.

Click Here to download the For Strength of Youth Posters - BOY

Click Here to download the For Strength of Youth Posters- GIRL

I hope you enjoy them and teach your children no matter how young or old these important standards.

30 Day Yoga Challenge

Alright here's the deal, if you have been reading my blog you know that I had cancer and now I'm trying to recover and get my life back to what it was before or as close to it as possible.  I have basically been doing nothing with my body besides lying in bed, sitting on the couch and light walking for the past two years due to health problems.  So you can imagine that I no longer have any muscles and I'm pretty bad out of shape.
 
The other night I was discuss my problem with my husband and he suggested that I start off simple with yoga.  I thought it was a great idea.  I used to do yoga everyday and loved it.  So I got up the next morning and did a yoga routine, well some of a yoga routine, ok like 5 min tops of the routine.  Pathetic, I know, but for real my body is way out shape.  The next day I hurt everywhere.  

image source dzogchen.gr

I decided that if I was going to truly get back into shape that I needed to set a goal and stick to it no matter what.  That is why I created for myself a 30 day yoga challenge.  Where everyday for 30 days I will being doing yoga.  I'm going to be starting off with just 5 min and build up to a 30 min workout, I hope.  And in the end if I do this I will get a prize, well my husband said he would buy me something special and surprise me.  I love gifts from my hubby so it is really good motivation.  Wish me luck. 

And if your like me and need a super easy easy ease-in to build back up your muscles and want to take my 30 day yoga challenge, I have posted my daily break down of minutes below.

30 Day Yoga Challenge
Day 1 & 2:  5 min
Day 3 & 4:  7 min
Day 5 - 7:  10 min
Day 8 & 9:  12 min
Day 10- 13: 15 min
Day 14 - 17: 17 min
Day 18 - 20:  20 min
Day 21 - 25: 25 min
Day 26 - 30: 30 min

No matter if you need to start off super easy and simple or if you can just jump right in and go for the gold, I really think doing a 30 day yoga challenge will help you feel great.  In fact I found an awesome website http://www.doyouyoga.com/challenge they have created a web video series of a 30 day yoga challenge.  I have done their videos in the past and they are really great.  They explain things really well and move a good pace.  You can also find their yoga videos on YouTube, just search 30 day yoga challenge or DoYouYoga.com

Miley Cyrus VMA performance rant!

Ok truth be told I did not watch the 2013 VMA awards where Miley Cyrus preformed in fact I had no clue it was even happening or what VMA stands for, however Miley caught my attention with all the news over her latest performance and I can't not help myself but write about it.  I tried to find a picture but all them were too inappropriate I was embarrassed to share them on my blog.  So sorry no pictures of the performance.

First off I wish Miley knew that she is A Daughter of God, and that she does not need to act, dress, or behave like she does to get noticed.  I truly feel bad for the girl living in a world where she feels the need to behave in such a nasty manner.  And it really makes me sick that we allow that to be aired on TV.  I'm also worried about all the girls that look up to Miley as a example and someone they want to be, let me just say that she is not a good role model and you should never want to become like Miley.

I really think that it is sad how young women are portraying themselves in this over-the-top sexual manner.  I feel like shouting to the world that being over the top sexual does not make you beautiful, that you are beautiful just the way you are.  You can be beautiful by dressing modest and acting in a wholesome clean way.  In fact, in my opinion young women who do dress modest and act appropriate are way more beautiful then does that choose not to.

I believe strongly that it is my role as a parent to help my children learn right from wrong and what is appropriate and what is not.  When I was growing up my parents would of sent me back to into my room change before allowing me out of house. Actually it started well before I had the choose what I was going to wear.  When I was a baby, infant, toddler my parents dressed me in the way that they wanted me to dress as a adult MODEST!  Which for my family included nothing sleeveless, backless, too short (bottoms like skirts and shorts had to come to my knees, tops had to cover my back when I bent over), too tight, and nothing that a rude, crude or vulgar images or saying on them.   If at any point you could see my underwear or bra I was not allowed to wear it.  Then as I grew older my parent never handed me money and allowed me to go out shopping for clothes on my own.  They said "Their Money, Their Rules".  I was alright with it, heck they were footing the bill for my clothes why not?  So I went shopping with my parents to pick out almost all of my clothes all the way up to when I turned 18.  I know call me crazy but its the truth.  I say almost because I did get a job at 16 and started earning my money so I did occasionally by clothes for myself without my parents around.  But by that point I really felt uncomfortable wearing un-modest clothing because of the way my parents raised me, which by the way is the same way I'm raising my children.  I truly believe that the rules and guidelines you give your children when they are small reflects and dictates how they act as teenagers and adults.

To sum it up  Miley crossed a line with her performance but she was not the only one involved in that performance, someone along the line should have the courage to stand up and say "No, that's not appropriate and we are not airing it on TV for children to view and see!"

My wish is that all young girls and women out there remember they are daughters of God and we need to act like it.  When I was in Young Women's we used to sing a song titled "Walk Tall, You're a Daughter of God"  and it really brings together all my thoughts so I'm sharing the word with you a the bottom of this post.  There is one line that really stands out to me and I hope and pray that all can remember our great worth and not sell ourselves short of it for a performance or peer-pressure or any other worldly temptation that may arise.

Walk Tall, You’re a Daughter of God
words and music by Jamie Glenn
96941_000_005

1. Right now I have a prayer deep within my heart,

A prayer for each of you there is a special part.

That you remember who you are and Him who lives above.

Please seek for Him and live His way; you’ll feel His love.

Chorus:

Walk tall, you’re a daughter, a child of God.

Be strong—please remember who you are.

Try to understand, You’re part of His great plan.

He’s closer than you know—reach up, He’ll take your hand.

2. Long before the time you can remember,

Our Father held you in His arms so tender.

Those loving arms released you as He sent you down to earth.

He said, “My child, I love you. Don’t forget your great worth.”

3. This life on earth we knew would not be easy.

At times we lose our way—His plan we may not see.

But please remember always—please—that you are not alone.

He’ll take your hand. He loves you! He will guide you home.

 

Copyright © 1995, 1984 by Jackman Music Corporation, Orem Utah. Used by permission. All rights reserved. These pages may be copied for incidental, noncommercial church and home use. Arrangements in simplified, solo, and trio available from Jackman Music Corp. (Original version printed April 1979.)

 

Beans and Rice, Rice and Beans!

My husband and I have been Dave Ramsey followers and fans for about 4 years now.  If you don't know who Dave Ramsey is you have got to check out his website, radio show, podcast, or books.  He give financial advice and in my humble opinion ROCKS!  When we first started out with Dave 4 years ago we had just lost our condo due to bad financial planning, my husband going back to school and only working part time, and of course the major housing drop.  Anyways we were in bad shape and lost as to how to ever pick ourselves back up from this mess we had created.  Then along came Dave into our lives.  We started on his plan and never looked back.  He has this baby step program that really works.  We had over $70,000 in debt because of two car payments, and 3 student loans, plus credit cards.  Within 1 year of following Dave and never wavering from the path, selling so much stuff we had only the essentials left, cashing out all our stupid investments we were able to pay off $14,000 of that debt.  We were amazed we swore we had changed we could see an end in sight.  We kept on going down the path but life came at us again and again.  Now today we only have our student loans left to pay off but our progress has slowed and we have lost steam.

So I started listening to Dave's radio show again and he inspired me like he always does to not give up and to get right back on the path.  The other day my husband and I talked and decided to rededicate ourselves to getting rid of the last of our debt and finally being free from the its bonds.  We created a new budget and cut out cost where ever we could.  We also are taking Dave's advise and living off of rice and beans, beans and rice.  Which are actually really good and we are starting to get very creative with.  Not to mention my 4 year old loves to eat rice and beans and is happy to eat them everyday.

Also Dave suggested that we make some kind of tracking system, because the debt we have now is large and we pay on it all the time yet it feels like it is not getting smaller and that is why we lost steam in the first place.  So I have created a thermometer like they do for elementary school kids to fill in till they reach their goal, yup that what I did and put it on our fridge door.  Now we get to watch the thermometer fill up and fill good that we are eating away at that debt little by little.  Making the rice and beans taste even more delicious knowing that they are help us reach our goal! Then one day in hopefully the nearer future we can call Dave at his radio and shout out "We're Debt FREE!"  And what a sweet day that will be.

My thermometer only goes up to $17,000 and we have more than that to pay off so I plan on just changing it out and starting with a new one when we get to that point.  Or maybe I will make a better one that goes higher.  As for now this works for us and helps keep us motivated and I think that is what is the most important in our goal of becoming debt free.

Cinnamon Roll Maple Syrup

I make my own maple syrup and it is tasty.  I started making my own syrup because well I love pancakes and when my husband decided to go back to school well our budget to a huge hit and I needed to find ways to save money.  In fact that is a big reason why I started making a lot of different food products from scratch.  And now that my husband is out of school and we have more cash flowing into our house I still continue to make a ton from scratch because we like it #1.  #2 It saves us money, and who doesn't like that.  #3 It tastes great.  #4 It's fun to make things.  #5 Well I just wanted to add #5 because I thought it would round things out but I can't think of another reason at this time why I do it.

So back to homemade syrup.  First thing you need is some maple flavoring or even imitation maple flavoring, picture below is the kind I use, it also is where I got the recipe I adapted to make my maple syrup.

Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp. Water
1/4 cup Sugar
1 cup Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp. Maple Flavoring

Combine all the ingredients in a med sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 min.  Syrup will thicken as it cools.  Makes about 1 pint.

Now I was making this syrup one evening for dinner.  We often have pancakes for dinner cause we love them so much.  But as I cooking the syrup and making the pancakes I was thinking about how I really wanted a cinnamon roll.  O the cinnamon roll sounded so good at that moment but it was way to late to make them and I was tried.  So I got thinking if somehow I could make my pancakes taste like a cinnamon roll.  That's what lead me to create Cinnamon Roll Maple Syrup, and let me tell you it did not disappoint.  It was delicious and made the pancakes taste similar to cinnamon roll however I can not lie to you it was not as yummy gooey tasting as a cinnamon roll.  But ever since I have made the Cinnamon Roll Maple Syrup we have not gone back to just regular Maple Syrup.  So here is my recipe, hope you enjoy it as much as my family does:

Cinnamon Roll Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp. Water
1/4 cup Sugar
1 cup Corn Syrup
1/2 tsp. Maple Flavoring
1/2 stick of Butter
1 tsp. Cinnamon

Combine water, sugar, corn syrup and maple flavoring in a med sauce pan and bring to a boil.  Boil for 2 min.  Remove from heat.  Add butter and cinnamon combine well.  Syrup will thicken as it cools.  Makes about 1 pint.

As Sisters in Zion

I have always loved the LDS Hymn "As Sisters in Zion"  it has touched my heart and inspired me on numerous occasions.  So when I was preparing to teach my Relief Society lesson and it was on Charity and the Relief Society I knew I had to share my thoughts and the story behind this hymn with my fellow Relief Society sisters.  It is a touching story of the power women have when they work together to carry out the Lords plan.

The story behind the hymn "As Sisters in Zion":

Taken from http://tellmystorytoo.com/julie-rogers/sisters-zion

Emily and Julia Hill were 12 and 15 years old, respectively, when a cousin came to visit their prosperous home in England, sharing news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ restored to the earth in its purity. Julia was curious and Emily wanted to be baptized right away. Her parents would not give their permission.

Some time later, Brother John Halliday visited the Hill home and "bore such a powerful testimony" that Julia also requested permission for baptism, which her parents again denied. Julia moved to another town to work as an apprentice to a milliner and Emily was soon permitted to join her. The girls were baptized when Emily was 16 and Julia 19, the only members of their family of 11 children to do so. Four years later they accepted the call to gather to Zion in the Rocky Mountains of Utah.
They sailed to America in 1856 aboard the Thornton and became members of the Willie Handcart Company in Iowa City, Iowa. These very pretty single girls were given inducements from residents to cut their journey short across the 300 miles of trail through Iowa. Weeks later in their journey, soldiers at Ft. Laramie also tried to persuade the young women to stay, but Emily and Julia persevered despite the shortened rations and coming winter storms.

The girls had volunteered to assist a young new widow, Martha Campkin, with her five small children. It was the only way Captain Willie would allow Martha to join the company. Martha and her little ones all arrived safely in the Valley of their hopes. When Julia’s health broke down on the trail, Emily and friends pulled her in the handcart. In a blizzard on October 23, 1856, Julia collapsed from hunger and exhaustion at the summit of Rocky Ridge. It was Emily who lifted her from the snow and got her going again. Both girls survived and raised large families.

Brother Halliday had given Emily a Priesthood blessing before she left England in which he prophesied "she should write in prose and in verse and thereby comfort the hearts of thousands." Emily’s life fulfilled this promise and she was hailed by Orson F. Whitney as the "possessor of a poetic as well as a practical mind . . . Her busy pen has brought forth many meritorious productions." Emily is best recognized today as the author of the words to "As Sisters in Zion." (See hymn 309, "Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints", music by Janice Kapp Perry.) Originally 10 stanzas long and titled, "Song of the Sisters of the Female Relief Society," the words were sung to the tune of the hymn "Hail to the Brightness of Zion’s Glad Morning (see hymn 42 in same hymnbook)."

Having left a situation of wealth, education and privilege in England for the sake of their newly embraced faith, one verse from Emily’s original hymn reflects the lifelong efforts of both of the Hill sisters:

The Lord hath established the cities of Zion, The poor of His people are trusting in Him, He makes us a source for His poor to rely on; Oh! Shall we not brighten the eyes that are dim.

2 John 1:13 The children of thy elect sister greet thee.

I wanted to share with everyone her original words so I made this cute full sheet handout, Enjoy!

Canning 301: The Pressure Cooker Method

OK if you have mastered Canning 101: The Boiling Water Method and then you are ready for the Pressure Cooker.

You will need:
A Pressure Canner
Rack for cooking
Timer
Tongs
Jars and Lids
Food to Can

Prep your food and your jars.  See Canning 101 for steps.

Pour 2 to 3 inches of boiling water into the bottom of the pressure canner.

Place jars on rack set at bottom of canner.  Jars must not touch the bottom of the pot.

Fasten pressure canner lid.

Turn heat to maximum.  Let steam exhaust for 10 min.

When the first inch of the steam jet is nearly invisible, close the vent.

At 8 lb. of pressure lower heat slightly.  Let pressure rise to 10 lb.

At 10 lb. pressure (or according to your recipe) start timing.  Hold pressure for full canning period.  Adjusting the temp as needed.

Remove canner from heat and let cool.  Do not pour cold water on it or remove the lid.

When pressure is zero, open vent, then lid.  Tilt lid slightly so the steam will rise away from you for safety.

Set jars on rack or towel leaving space between them.  Tighten lids if needed.  Allow to cool completely the check lids to ensure they sealed.

Store canned items in a cool dark place, and enjoy!

I found this handy dandy picture explanation on the web so I thought I would share it with you.

When I awoke....

The first thing I remember when I started to wake up was the nurse telling me that Kendra was beautiful.  I said Kendra?  Don't let Ryan name the baby!  Then I went back to sleep.  Again when I woke another nurse said Kendra is beautiful.  Again I said Kendra?  No, no, no that is not her name!  Don't let Ryan name the baby!  Then I feel asleep again.  I'm not sure how long I was out but when I awoke the third time I was a little more lucid and asked how the baby was?  The nurse again told me that Kendra was fine, and this time I said where is Ryan?  He is not allowed to name the baby!

In Ryan's defense because everything was so rushed we had not talked naming the baby.  I just assumed we would talk about the name before making anything permanent.  When I talked to Ryan about the name he said he had already texted, emailed, and told everyone that her name was Kendra. Then with that they brought the baby in and I finally got to see and hold her.  She was beautiful and healthy I was so happy.  I was worried because she was a month early and the amniocentesis results came back that her lungs were not ready that she was going to have all kinds of problems but I was holding my perfect little baby girl and she was healthy.  No tubes hooked up her and no visible problems.  Then because I wanted to have some say in her name I agreed to live with Kendra but changed her middle name. And just as I was holding Kendra for the first time my mom walked in to my room and held me.  I was so happy she was able to be there.

 

Minutes later doctors nurses kept coming in to check on me and my doctor, Dr. Hancock said that they were still running some test on the cyst but that it did not look cancerous to him however there were some abnormalities that they were looking into.

 

After several doctors, nurses, and interns checked on me and the baby.  I was finally able to get some peace and quite with what felt like PAINFREE for the first time in a year.  When they would ask me how I felt I always said "GOOD, GREAT, VERY LITTLE PAIN".  One doctor said I was the first patient he had ever talked to after birth and major surgery that described themselves as PAINFREE.  But after being in the pain I was in for so long I did really feel great.  Until I had to move then I realized yes I still have pain but I was hopeful that it would go away once I fully healed from the surgery.  Life was good.

 

Until I went in for my 3 week post surgery check up with Dr. Hancock....

Canning 101: Boiling Water Bath Method

I love canning, it is so much fun.  I love to can with friends and family it makes it so much nicer.  It is also a lot easier to do than you may think.

What you need:
Canning Pot with Lid
Mason Jars
Rack or Basket for Canning Pot
Timer
Tongs
Cooling Rack or Towel
Produce to Can

The water bath method of canning is only good for foods that are high is acid (apples, tomatoes, peaches, and pickles).  If you want to can foods that are low in acid (beans, meats, corn) then you will need to use the Pressure Cooker Method.

First of all everything needs to be really clean.  The jars, lids, and produce (or whatever you are canning).  So wash everything.  I really like to put the jars and lids into the dishwasher so they getting super cleaned and up to an hot enough temp to kill anything that may be on them.  And then I give my fruits and veggies and quick wash to remove any dirt or particles.

Next is the fun part.  You get to make whatever it is that your canning (applesauce, peaches, pie filling, jams, etc.)  Coming soon a post of some of my favorite canning recipes.

Once you have prepared you produce then you pack it into your jars.  It is important to leave enough headroom (that is the space at the top of the jar) for the product to expand to.  Usually most canning recipes will tell you how much headroom you need.  You want the produce packed into the jars pretty tight.

 

Wipe the rim of the jars so they are really clean, then put lids on them.

 

While you are prepping your produce you also want to prep the water.  By filling your canner halfway with hot water.

Then load your jars into a wire basket or onto a metal rack.  You don't want the jars touching the bottom of your pan.

Next add boiling water to 2 inches above jars.  You don't want to pour directly on the jars they may crack.

 

Cover the canner with a lid and bring the water to a rolling boil, start the timer.

Reduce the heat, but maintain a rapid boil. Add more boiling water if needed.

When processing time is up, remove jars immediately with tongs or the entire basket.

Tighten lids if needed.  Set jars on a towel or rack leaving space between them.  Do not touch till cooled.

Don't forget to check to ensure the lids have sealed by pressing the center of lids once cooled.  If it pops then it has not sealed and you will have process it again.  If there is no pop then it has sealed.  Hooray, canning success!

 

The Whirlwind of Doctors and Birth

After the ultrasound showing that my cyst was now so huge that it no longer could be measured I was wheeled off to room to wait, not allowed to leave the doctor office but just wait.  I was so glad my dad was with me at this time because I was in a fog of emotions and pain, I could only remember parts of what the doctor were telling me.  A team of doctor were quickly assembled to review my case and consult on the best path for me to take.  They determined that by the weekend I would need to deliver the baby and have the cyst removed.

Since I was not full term I was sent to the Hartford Hospital to get a amniocentesis done, so they could determine if the baby's lungs were going to be developed enough for delivery.  This time Ryan took me to the hospital and we got a little turned around so Ryan stopped to asked the police/security at the Hospital where we needed to go, without stopping to think we found ourselves with police escort to the valet parking.  Where security meet us at the car and I was then whisked away by them left to wonder where Ryan was but at the same time not worried to much I knew he would find me, he always does.  In the end we made it together to get the procedure done.  At this point my pain level had increased 10 fold.  The narcotics were no longer working and breathing cause so much pain that I had a constant flow of tears running down my face.  I was mess.

After preforming the procedure the doctor asked me if she could call my doctor and let him know how much pain I was in.  She said if you were my patient I would deliver you right away regardless of what the results of the test were.  As I waited in the hospital bed being monitored after the procedure and waiting for my doctor to let me know what I needed to do next, all I wanted was to have my mother by side.  Ryan was great however the nurses showed him some techniques he could do to help lessen my pain and he called my mom who left immediately to be with me.

Of course Dr. Hancock said that I needed to go right away to the Manchester Hospital without stopping, where my team of doctors were being assembled prepping for my delivery.  When we arrived I no longer could move on my own accord.  Things were moving so fast, I was so scared.  It was not how I had envisioned my birth.  I wanted to do a all natural water birth with no stress where everything goes exactly as I planned and the baby was healthy with no complications.  But instead I found my self hooked up to IV with even heavy drugs/ narcotics being pumped into me and signing my life away when I consented for them to do a C-section and major surgery removing whatever they felt needed to when they got in there.  Things like having a full hysterectomy, removing my gallbladder, my appendix, along with all kinds of other body parts.  Also I had determined the best thing for me to do was to be completed knocked out.  Which meant I would not remember the birth of the baby but it allowed them the time to take care of the cyst removal and whatever else they needed to do.

I remember there was one intern who kept coming in with all my doctors prior to the surgery and he was so excited.  He told me that he was the lucky intern that got picked to follow my case.  He said that all the other interns really wanted my case because it was rare.  Thanks intern you really know how to calm a persons nerves.  They prepped me for surgery, Ryan gave me a blessing.  My dad brought Emily by to see.  I gave hugs and kisses to all and was told that my mom would be here before I woke up for surgery.  And with that I was taken away.

The OR was so cold.  They lifted me onto the operating table, extended my arms outstretched and strapped them down as well as the rest of body.  The anesthesiologist asked me what music I wanted to listen to I choose country.  He turned the music on.  I looked to my left and saw about 20 interns filling into the OR as happy and excited as Christmas morning in the pack the one lucky intern who was in my room earlier.  As turned back to look at Dr.  Hancock he said they were all so excited to get to see not only a C-section but major surgery.  And I heard their teacher or the doctor in charge of them start explain how this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for them.  I'm just glad I could provided that experience for those interns. 

Then shaking because of the cold Dr. Hancock told me that normally they would wait tell I went under to prep my belly but that they needed to now before I went under so that the could deliver that baby the fastest as possible.  They did not want the baby to get any of the anesthesia drugs, so they had to be fast he said.  Then they proceeded to wash my belly with even more cold stuff.  I was shaking so much and was so scared.  I wished I could see Ryan and that he could stroke my face and calm me down, but he was not allowed in the OR.  The assured me he was waiting right outside the OR and that the baby would be taken to him as soon as it was delivered.  So I focused on Taylor Swift singing "It's a love story" and I was gone.

Photos + Quotes = Elegant Greeting Cards

I love graphic design, actually design of anything.  I think I have a pretty good eye for what looks good and what doesn't.  Plus I love quotes and feel good statements.  So... I combined the two and created this series of greeting cards from photographs either I took or my friend Amy took. 

I made them on the computer in a program called Publisher by Microsoft.  The program already has in it a greeting card template (that's where I got the idea, to make my own).  I simply put my photograph into the template, found my favorite quote, did some basic graphic design stuff, added a back logo, and BAM the result is elegant greeting cards for any occasion.  I printed a whole bunch at once so they would be ready for me to use when needed.

Great gifts for tons of different occasions (bridal shower, weddings, birthdays, house warming, etc)

Hurrican Coming Pregnant, Help Is On the WAY!

I was now 5 months pregnant and living in a strange new place called New England.  I prayed for help to be able to find some doctors who would be able to help me manage the pain of the cysts and deliver my baby.  Through a series of different outlets I found my self walking into Dr. Hancock's office.  I did not know it at the time but Dr. Hancock just happened to specialize in ovarian cysts, although he had not seen cysts as big as mine in a pregnant women ever he assured me that I was in the right place at the right time.  A peace came over me and for the first time in my pregnancy I allowed myself to believe that I would not lose the baby.

Time went by and I tried to do the best I could everyday.  Which was typically this:  I only went up our stairs to get outside once a day if I even did that.  I stopped doing housework.  As soon as Emily came home from school I would put a movie(s) on for her until Ryan came home from work.  (Thank goodness the school program Emily was enrolled in at that time was full days everyday of the week.)  I played the Ipad to take my mind off the pain.  I read a lot of books to do the same.  I continued to try to attend church every week but it usually came down to me only making it about twice a month, so our home teachers started to bring me the sacrament.  Also I stopped cooking meals or shopping, so the Relief Society was bringing in meals twice a week if not more.  And when Ryan was not home Emily stepped up and was really good about getting me water and bread.  I really don't know what I would of done without her she is such a sweet girl and took good care of me.  And that is how life went until I was 7 months pregnant.

At that time my sister and her family came to stay at our house overnight on their way home from visiting my family.  When they were getting ready I lost it.  The pain by this point was so much that all I literally could do was get out of my bed (with help from Ryan) make it the my chair which was about 5 feet away and not move again until bedtime that night.  I would cry if I had to go to the bathroom which also was about a 7 foot walk away from my chair.  It took everything I had to make it to the bathroom and back to my chair and that was with help.  I would have to hold it if Ryan was not home to help me because I could not make it on my own.  I was on heavy medications at the this time but the pain was so bad that all the narcotics were doing were taking the edge of the pain so I would not cry non-stop all day everyday.  When my sister saw my condition she asked me if I needed any help. 

Help was exactly what I needed.  Stupid of me I thought I was dealing was dealing with life just fine, until she asked me and I realized how much I did need help.  So Heather being the sweetheart that she is sent her dear husband home alone and stayed with her two kids to take care of me and my family.  Needless to say it was very difficult for her but I was and will always be very grateful for Heather's help during this difficult time in my life.  Heather doing her sisterly duties at this time alerted my family about my condition, which in turn started a chain reaction of help and concern.  One thing I love about my family is that they truly care and are willing to doing whatever they need to do to take care of one another.

Heather had figured she could probably stay only about 2 weeks with me because she needed to get home to take care of some business.  She had arranged with my dad to come down and stay with me after that until I no longer needed any help.  Well the pressure was building the kids were not playing well together and Heather being a new mom was basically not getting any sleep or rest.  She was a trooper but on top of all that was going in our house a Hurricane was coming.  With the threat of the Hurricane Heather decided she needed to leave that night and get home as soon as possible.  So my dad dropped everything and left as soon as he could that day but he had a 6 hour drive ahead of him in bad weather.  And unfortunately since Heather sent her husband home alone she did not have car so her only way home was to have Ryan drive her half way where she was planning on meeting her husband which left me home alone with the threat of a Hurricane looming down on New England.

I knew that if it got bad there was going to be nothing I could do to save myself expect pray for help.  Luckily nothing happened to our house and Ryan and my dad both arrived within minutes of one another back home to house safely and we were able to weather the storm with no damage the power only went out for a minute.  All was well for now.

My dad was a big help and went with me to all my doctor appointments and took me outside and shopping.  He would get me a wheelchair to ride in wherever we went and would push me around where I wanted to go.  It was so nice to be able to get outside again. Then we went for me regular OB checkup and noticing that the pain had increased dramatically since my last visit they decided to do a ultrasound to see if anything had changed.  It was exciting for my dad to get to see the baby.  When the ultrasound tech left the room to get the doctor my dad asked me where the cyst was because he could not see it very well.  I showed and told him, basically it was taking up the entire screen and going into the next screen that is why he could not tell.  It was huge.  I knew at this point that it was not good.  The doctor had told me before that everything would be fine as long the cyst stayed at 8cm and did not get any larger than that, well this was measuring well beyond 8cm.  In fact it was to larger for the tech to even measure it.  And just like that a fast paced whirlwind of commotion started.

Magnets, Magnets, and more Magnets!

I have always been jealous of all my neighbors cute magnets, so I decided to end the jealousy and make my own.  It was so easy, I have no idea why I have waited all these years to make them.  I love making them so much I made 54 the first time, then I remembered that I forgot to document how to make them so you to could enjoy the magnet craze.  That made another 15.

I would of made more but my husband said that we had plenty of magnets and unless the homeless or some shelter was in need of fancy magnets I really need to stop.  I only agreed because I have no more room on my fridge to hang more.  Which gave me another great craft idea for later, a magnet board. That thought gave me another idea, I could make magnets for all my friends and family for gifts.  Which lead me to thinking I could teach it the girls I work with at my church (I'm an LDS Activity Day leader/ Primary teacher for the 10 & 11 year old girls and I know they would love cute fancy magnets). 

Plus maybe the homeless and/or shelters really do need fancy magnets, and I'm all about service. 

I hope you enjoy making them as much as I have, and if your not crafty or don't have the time to make them I do sell them at my shop.  Everyone of them is handmade with love by me.

Click photo for larger image.

Journey to Connecticut

Ryan's company gave us 2 weeks to prepare before we needed to be in Connecticut.   2 Weeks!  We had so many things to take care of.  I relied on the Lord in all things.  I knew it was where He wanted us to be because every morning I would wake up with a plan of things I need to get done to help us on our move across the country.  I would look at my list, start at the top and pray for help and guidance to be able to take care of the task.   And quickly I would be lead in the direction I needed to go and things were being handled.  Even though I was super sick during this time I was able to help get us on the path and take care of the things I needed to take care of. 

Of course many many thanks goes  out to all my family and fiends that helped me along the way I truly could not of done it without them.  And just like that we found ourselves riding across the country in a moving truck facing the unknown future with optimism.  After about day 3 of driving I started to really get into a lot of pain again.  It was very taxing on my body to make that drive. 

I forgot to mention that also at this time my little sister Heather was about to have a baby at any time.  I was excited because of the timing I was hoping I would be able to be there for her birth.  She was scared because she really wanted to do a natural birth and wanted me to be there to couch her through it.  Well we were somewhere in Nebraska when my sister called and said she was having strong contractions and would probably have the baby soon.  Ryan and I talked about and thought maybe just maybe if we drive all night without stopping we could make.  But as I mentioned earlier the drive was extremely taxing on my body and I needed the overnight stops to be able to make it the next day.  So that was not really something we could do.  Only a few hours later Heather called and she had delivered her beautiful baby girl all natural and did an awesome job without me there.  I was so proud of her.

Also at the same time my parents were moving to Maine.  So by the time I made it to my sisters house my dad was there and I was done traveling I could not get back into the truck again.  When I saw my dad all I could was cry on his shoulder.  I did not want to leave his arms.  It felt good to be with my dad and out of the moving truck.  I was in pain I was sick.  I could not even hold my new beautiful niece because I was too weak and every movement hurt me.  So I ended up staying for a week at her house.  While Ryan, my dad, and Ryan's sister Autumn went to Hartford to move us in. 

After helping us move in my dad went on to Maine.  And Ryan and his sister came back to get me and Emily.  Together we went on to Hartford and lived in a Hotel for 2 weeks until being able to move into a basement apartment in South Windsor.  With all of stuff in storage.  I was finally able to sit down and not move for a while.

My Adventure of Cakes & Decorating

I love decorating cakes.  I have always been fascinated with cake decorating and wanted to take a class to learn how to do it, but just never seemed to have the time (or the money).  Then one day I was visiting my cousins in Idaho.  I love my trips to Idaho they are always full of exciting new things.  My cousin Hailey was learning how to decorate cakes for one of her personal progress goals.  Personal Progress is a program in the LDS church for girls between the ages of 12-18. She was learning from my great aunt Sharon wwho is a awesome cake decorator and has been doing it for years.  So I asked her to teach me what she learned and how to decorate.  My sister had just had a baby and we decided to decorate a cake for the baby blessing.  Also in town was my Aunt Kristi's Mom, she is also another amazing cake decorator so I got some quick lessons, learned some neat tricks and I have never looked back.  Here is the first cake I ever decorated, for my sister's baby blessing.

Second cake I made for my daughter Emily's 1st birthday.  I learned how to layer cakes, added a filling, and colored the cakes pink and purple (her favorite colors).  It was super yummy!  I know she would of loved more if she had not been so distracted by the fun gifts she got and having all her family & friends in one place, way too many things and people to play with.

My friends sons 5th birthday cake.  I tired some different pipping techniques and made a swirled chocolate & vanilla cake, it looked really neat when you cut into it .  "Under the Sea" was the theme for his party.  The one thing he wished for on his cake was a dolphin.  Wish granted! 

After that there was no stopping me.  I tested and tried several recipes for making cakes from scratch, discovered my favorite and started stacking cakes.  My cousin Eva was my very first paying client.  I made her 10th birthday cake.  I loved how it turned out, some of my very best work.  Oh, and she loved it as well.

My cousin James asked for a less elaborate but super yummy Oreo truffle cake for his High School Graduation.  The result was so rich only a teenage boy could devour multiple slices of the cake.  The rest of us ate a small sliver and loved it.  Next time I think I will make it a little less rich, even though James thought it was perfect.

After so many successes with my cakes I thought I was unstoppable.  My husband asked for a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup cake for his birthday.  I thought no problem, I was wrong.  I got too adventurous and while it tasted really good, it looked super bad.  Nobody complained and my husband was so happy to have his favorite candy in cake form.  Overall I gave myself a pat on my back for good flavor.  The cake plate was literally licked clean.

And with 10 months of planning and preparation, and hundreds of revisions I made my cousin Libby's 16th Birthday cake.  She loved it, it was everything she ever wanted and MORE, complete with a fountain.  It was my first Topsy Turvy cake and carving cake, a skill I think I can work on.  You can't see all my mistakes because I covered them up with decorations, but I will improve over time with more practice, and hopefully won't need to cover my mistakes with decorations in the future.

Since then I have taken a small break in cake decorating to pursue other hobbies, plus there has not been any really events calling for a fabulous cake recently.  But when the call come I will be there, trying out something new, you can count on that.