Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Reflecting on the Past Year 2013

Well it seems that the year has gone as quick as it came.
Where to start....

Between mid-December and the End of January I went through one major and two minor surgeries. I am grateful to the ward members who helped with meals being brought in and rides to the hospital. It was a life saver because my husband had to work. His work does not have normal schedule, you know it better than I do. He works on call (25/8/367) as a Engineer for the Railroad. Because he considers it a privilege to serve his country, He still serves in the military reserves. I tell people about his non-schedule and many just do not get it. The difference between a deployment and the railroad is three nights or days a week. Those who are blessed with their husband each and every night, I sometimes envy you. But then again I remember, it takes people who are willing to sacrifice to preserve our freedoms. I am grateful my husband does this. I do not mind the sacrifice, because I have been on the other side of the situation being deployed and know just how lonely it can be. You miss your family so much. Thank you to tall who serve and now back to the year in review.
My recovery went fast for my legs, but the 'interior redecoration' took a bit longer. I was blessed to serve with the VFW as a committee member (for UT) of the National Women Veterans Committee to help our legislators realize that  caring for all of our veterans is important and equal care means different care for both men and women. I appreciate the Gentlemen who were with me. I was bit slow but they were ok with that. I was grateful to serve for the last few years both in the Post, District, State, and National Levels of the VFW. It was an honor to serve. I realize that life is a sequence of phases. As I fade into the background to renew and rebuild, Later I will come back and serve again. With Scouting it is the same. I have enjoyed the time I was allowed to serve, but that too must be another phase. I will always support both with my time and love. They both gave my life purpose and meaning when I needed it most. Now it is a transition to another phase where I prepare to move to larger more focused service in the future and to slow down at the same time. I thank The LIFE Business for that future. They will give us the opportunity to serve and help others. I thank  my Essential Oil family, we are small but we will grow and be strong. I look forward to my future Essential Oil family members and our LIFE Business Family members.

My children have grown a lot. John being the youngest has been  my greatest joy to be able to see him grow. He has graduated from Primary to Young Mens and ordained a Deacon. To watch him Pass the Sacrament was a joy, because reminded of my other sons who did the same. He is growing into a young man who is service oriented. I am proud of him.

Edward has grown bunches and is 6+ inches taller than me. He has grown in his character and knowledge. He is still all boy though. He has become a great servant to others. He can be a very good example of how to treat others. I am proud of him.

Dorothy, our rose among the thorns, has turned 18. We are now doing background checks and fingerprints on prospective young men. Just kidding, because she would be upset with us doing match making. We will let the Master Match Maker take care of that. I mean he did set my husband and I up. It has worked out for the last 22 years of our honey moon. She has been blessed  with long lasting friendships because of her trip to Europe summer of 2012. She learned and grew so much. We are blessed by sensitive and kind heart. She will make a wonderful missionary and later a wife and mother. We are proud of her.

Hyrum has been working hard to turn his life around working 2-3 jobs to take care of his obligations. We have not had contact with him since summer 2012, but have had reports from his grandfather and My Aunt Kay. We love him and miss him. He is always in our prayers and will never leave them. WE are proud of him for turning things around and taking responsibility for his life.

Joseph has about 6+ more months on his mission in the California Los Angeles Spanish speaking. We look forward to his call Christmas day. It is not too much longer. The time has flown. I only wish I could describe how growth through the time before his mission and during his mission. We know he has a purpose and mission that is bigger than he even knows. We look forward to watching as his story unfolds.

To watch my husband David has been so wonderful. To see the light in his eye burn brighter. I give thanks to Oliver and Rachel DeMille, Ian and Emma Cox, and The LIFE Leadership Business. The change in our family is amazing and I hope will begin to show in how we act, behave, and interact. I know David will succeed and we will be debt free and able to be a blessing in many lives.

Now I want to wish you all a very
MERRY CHRISTmas
and a
Prosperous New Year.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Many things are fermenting

I have been learning the traditional art of fermented foods. My first experience with fermented foods was in college. My roommate was Korean. She made kim chee. It was really spicy. I liked it a lot. Over time and a visit planned by the military to Korea deepened that craving. Although when pregnant I could not stand it. I have tried over the years to make kim chee. I always ended up with a molded mess for the compost heap. I just gave up up and paid $6 a jar (read as a single sit down snack). Finally a great break though came as I learned about the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome). I was going to try this for a 2 year stint and they suggest you play with the recipes until you have making these foods down before beginning. In the process I have had to locate raw milk, organic veggies, sources for dairy kefir grains, water kefir grains, sourdough starts,  kombucha SCOBY (symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeasts) plus start and a yogurt start. That is done. I started slowly-and in this order.

Well I have source for raw milk-Johnny's Dairy in Riverdale $5 a gallon may be thought to be a bit steep. But it is worth in my opinion, I have not been able tot drink milk in years since the birth of Hyrum our second. It cause major intestinal distress. I can tolerate cheese and cottage cheese, a small amount of ice cream. But as of this past year, I have been able to work on drinking a 1/2 c. (4 oz. or 125 ml) once a week to a full 1 c (8 oz. or 250 ml) to 1 1/2 c (12 oz or 375 ml) of raw milk. I actually about 2-3 times week have homemade egg nog 8 oz raw milk, 2 pastured chicken eggs (our hens), and then fresh grated nutmeg from the nut itself. This is a natural high protein snack and settle my tummy for the night.

I started a square foot garden. We ate out of that all the first summer we had one. Other than that we frequent farmers markets or roadside stands or the organic section of the stores. In our new home we have tried to have garden but the soil needs to be replenished. We are going to experiment with the Mittlieder method. We just want good fresh veggies. I want them year round so I am still studying this now.

I have obtained sourdough, Kefirs and kombucha starts, but sadly I have not taken good care of these pets in the past and lost them.

I have started many sourdough starts with yeast, gluten-free flour and water. thought he yeast did not like me and I have done the get from the air method, but would end up with mold if I did not catch it fast enough.

I have now been able to successfully keep a kombucha start alive for  almost a full year now. My kombucha smells and tastes like apple cider vinegar. It is a heavy detoxifier so start with only  a little at a time.

The dairy kefir I have had to save form the brink of the compost or chicken feed. We give a lot of this to the dogs and it keeps their system on track.

I am still working on the water kefir, which interestingly looks like gummy bears. Which scared me at first because it smelled like beer. I admittedly dumped the first one because of it. now I know have to make very good lemonade from it and a cream soda.    

Yogurt is so simple now. All  do is take room temperature milk stir in room temperature yogurt(no added starches or anything-I got organic yogurt from Smith's and froze them in ice cube trays 1 tablespoom portions. I take 3-4 cubes thaw then add to the quart of raw milk stir and keep warm as instructed. Incubate and viola, we have fresh yogurt. I save a little bit for the next batch. It is runnier that store bought, but I can always strain off liquid to get it thicker or make a greek yogurt out of it.

Kim chee is simple. I usually am eating within five days. Napa cabbage, Daikon Radish garlic, Green onion, Ginger root and red pepper to taste.

I have learned to cook out of necessity, with multiple food allergies, but they are slowly being taken care of thanks to a healing diet and supporting essential oils. I have incorporated the GAPS diet Priciples and practices into my lifestyle versus doing a radical diet for two years, and it is working.

Friday, November 8, 2013

October the Month of Conventions

It is the first full week in November, and I am recovering. I have been so blessed in my life. In January 2010 I was invited to the Metabolic Blend Launch at Noah's. This one event has affected my health in a very great way. I waited until the end of February to sign up and begin experimenting with essential oils. I knew of essential oils and had used them on  and off along with herbs. I still do. My past experience had not boded well, because I had used other essential oils with out success. I know I had been approached by more than one company but did not 'feel' right with the approach. I did not want to actively sell something I did not believe in or could not use myself. During the time between February 2010 through October/November 2012. I began to progressively use more of the essential oils, though I was not very experienced, only knowing I could use them topically and aromatically. I started looking at our situation overall. I did notice some subtle changes. It was a very stressful time in our home. One of our older sons had made choices that made his life and our life more difficult, during that summer he went to find his path. We pray he is happy where ever he is and in whatever he is doing. Our oldest left on his LDS Mission serving in California Los Angeles Mission Spanish speaking. That left three kids. 22 Chickens, two Nigerian Dwarf whether goats, two cats (in the garage) and two dogs at home. In November my desire to share what I was learning through the internet became stronger. I found a local Wellness Advocate/IPC and asked if I could join her group. I did. I was an Orphan IPC it was simple. I was then linked to (now a very good friend) Lillian. She has been mentoring both my daughter and I in using the oils. Her wisdom is beyond, what I can describe and I learn something new from her every time we meet. She has given me gentle correction, as needed (sometimes often). She has been a listening ear helping me see the something I missed. She has helped our knowledge grow about the essential oils-It is phenomenal. Her coaching has given me the confidence to share what I am learning more. I attended my first Essential Oil Convention October 2013. WOW. 12,000 people tickets sold out in less than a month. Then they brought in the live stream because of demand for the knowledge that is gained, there were 6,000 plus who watched the general sessions at home. Next year 2014 this Essential Oil company has both the Energy Solutions Arena (the old Delta Center) and the Salt Palace Reserved for convention. I did my ticket already. But guaranteed they will sell out again. Well my head was swimming from that one and I was ready to go share some more. There was a period of just over two weeks and it went by fast and off to the next convention. It was for LIFE.

LIFE? I meant to say The L.I.F.E. Business. (Living Intentionally for Excellence). Background to this is I have home schooled my kids using the canned ham method. I got a program for math, science, etc. worksheets-ugh! Then I discovered the 4-year-plan I rotated Science-Literature-History on a 4 year cycle.
I had a list of suggested books to read with my kids. We loved doing the Science experiments and reading and acting out history. Reading books was hit and miss with which one s the kids liked. During this Iw as also working on my Bachelors Degree. Yes going to college by day and homeschooling by afternoon or night. It took lots of work, but I had the frame work. Thank goodness. During my last term in school via the Salt Lake Home Educators Group I learned about Thomas Jefferson Education through the Face-to-Face with Greatness seminars sponsored by George Wythe College from Cedar City, UT. I attended all three of these seminars. The last one was had the most impact though it was the weekend after 9-1-2001, For me because I an a veteran and my husband stills serves now. The friends I got to know over time in those seminars-Dr. Shannon Brooks and Oliver DeMille, I consider to be friends who helped me turn down a very different path. They opened education up for me in way I had not thought of-I read a lot of books anyway but to direct the what I was reading int the way they were suggesting was short of mind-boggling. I took what was suggested to heart and I combined it with the four year plan. I was able to get fresh new books and perspectives for myself and my children. Now you are wondering what does all this have to do with a convention.

Welll... the beginning of this year my husband and I began discussing our future, our grandchildren, and the radical changes being made in our country. It is not the same one I grew up in. My husband had reread my TJEd Library and figured out he needed a mentor. I told him to write to Oliver and ask for advice. Well he waited and waited and waited. So I finally did what any good wife would do and contacted Rachel (Oliver's wife) I explained the situation and we discussed back and forth. Once I had done this I let my husband know what he needed to do. He wrote an email to Rachel who discussed it with Oliver. They in turn recommended and excellent young man whom they knew personally was receiving great mentoring-Their son-in-law Ian (married to Emma). David and Ian had meetings as regularly as the Railroad would allow. Oliver and Orrin Woodward had released Leadershift. David and I attended a seminar at which Oliver presented the 9th Key and signed books. My husband finally met Oliver and he was intrigued the spark of light went from a small flicker to a full flame. About a month later, Ian closed out one of his sessions asking to meet with both David and I-we agreed. As the week progressed we discussed back and forth what the meeting was about. Many theories abounded-we will not expound on those now. But the day came and Ian Introduced us to the Life Business. At it's core and center is building community, That community works together to live principles that are natural law. Those principles are discovered through reading, studying, and then associating one with another, edifying and learning together. This brings us to convention the end of October.

Fall Leadership Convention was totally awesome! How inspiring well worth the ticket. To learn about the humble beginnings of all of the founders and those who are Roundtable and Policy Council Members. My head is so full. I can't wait to get the recap. Especially Tim Marks-'There is a bat in your bathroom.' The big take away was dream the impossible and it is possible as long as you work toward it. The materials have a life changing effects on lives of individuals, marriages, and families. Focusing on the 8 F's -Faith, Family, Finances, Fitness, Freedom, Friends, Following, Fun. I will try to discuss this more later.

Hopefully it was interesting til next time.....

Sunday, September 22, 2013

The Seasons are Changing

I woke early this Sunday morning contemplating things in my life. As I was doing this I perused my email. Then looked up to refresh how to put on a wrap skirt. The I perused facebook a post came up from  I Support President Thomas S. Monson. Stating the easiest way to share our testimony was to like the BOOK of Mormon-Another Testament of Jesus Christ. I have been doing that, but sometimes I think it is too easy that way too. I ended feeling like should go into the website for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. As I did this I noticed the up coming General conference the first weekend in April and then Women conference Saturday September 28th I will watch both from home with my daughter (if she does not have plans with the singles ward Relief Society). Then I looked to the sidebar and saw the First Presidency message Saints for All Seasons I read it through and found it talked about adversity in life and how it helps us recognize the good also. I know we must face trials, but we do not have to sink so far into them that we cannot see the beauty around us. There are days I have my hard times and then there are days that are really good. I know they are to teach me and help me grow. I am thankful for Heavenly Father has blessed me with my husband, my children, and all those who have had influence in my life. He has blessed me with much and I know my trials could be much greater than they are. I know he has a plan for me and Ia m still discovering it. As it unfolds, it is  almost like a gift at Christmas there is some excitement and expectation....it may be big, it may be small, it does not matter because it came from Him. It is the perfect gift I need at that time to complete the task before me. In the future he will bestow more and I wait in anticipation.
I know this will be more with the times that lay ahead. They are not going to be easy, but if I see the good around me and be a part of that good. My family and I weather the storm together in greater unity and harmony. We will be stronger for it. I know I need to enlarge my circle and get to know more about those around me so I can see where I can serve them better. I am very grateful to my neighbors who help when they can and provide guidance as I relearn and refresh memories of the past.
Sunday morning time almost time for Church....only 14 Sundays and we are back to a 1 pm start, I can sleep in until 8-8:30 am ( we still have animals to care for).

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Title of Liberty and the Constitution

Today has been one of those days... I could not seem to concentrate and the list before me look like a mountain that was just to big to climb before the snows set in. I finally went and prayed about things and laid my heart out for Heavenly Father and then to receive his answer I turned to the scriptures. The Book of Mormon specifically the same one I turned to 2 nights ago before bed. Alma 46:12  I ended up sitting down at my computer then looking at Facebook and knew what I had to do...
Here is the result
 ....he rent his coat;and he took a piece thereof, and wrote upon it-"In memory of our God, our religion, and freedom, and our peace, our wives, and our children;"-and he fastened it upon the end of a pole. (Alma 46:12, The Book of Mormon)
I have just finished watching 'A More Perfect Union: America becomes a Nation' a recreation of events of the Constitutional Convention. A document which has stood for over two hundred years. It weighs heavily upon my mind how many freedoms we have lost in the name of security. How many of our Congressional representatives in the Senate and House Elected by popular vote give a lip service to the citizens saying they support this way of thinking then choosing to vote the other way; Because of an agreement to get another piece of the pie(Money). No, it is wrong to sell you soul to a lobbyist or to say things to get votes. This applies to both National and State representatives. Some treat citizens as children who need to be looked after and told what to do. There are some who believe they need to be told what to do. Then there are those who do not believe this. I am one of those who believes I should have a voice and a choice. Our representatives need to hear our voices on the National and State Level loud and clear.  WE care. WE are watching. WE do VOTE. Who among you who read this today will repost this to your wall, your National and State Representatives wall? Will you stand with me and tell them the will of the people? Will you repost this for the world to see? It is your choice…..
I made this challenge to all who read my post and I just completed this to the best of my ability.
- The only National Leader I could not post this to was Sen. United States Senator Mike Lee all of the
others were open for posting. Now for the state level.
- I was able to post to Rep. Menlove, but not to Sen. Knudson. I sent him a Personal message requesting
him to post to his site. Curious though I could not message United States Senator Mike Lee there was no
option for this on his page. Maybe Sam Fidler can get him to post my comments above?
Now the question with those I share my blog here would you repost this?

Saturday, August 31, 2013

Introduction Continued

Let me review:
First, I am a daughter of God and Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Second, I am married and love my husband.
Third, I am a mother to only 5 children.
Fourth, I wish I knew where to start this one.....
Everything else jockeys for this position....
Home school, Church, Our Farm, Our LIFE Business , Scouts, Hunters Education/NRA, VFW/Military and so much more.

Home school will come top of the list next week, We start reading per subject of the month and working on the basics we all need. Reading(history, literature, science), writing(grammar and spelling), and arithmetic(mainly the basics-adding, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

But Farm chores are a part of that too (Animal husbandry). Irrigation is Monday afternoons. it means fetching the water, unless one of our kind neighbors releases it. Checking gates up the line to insure they are closed so we are getting our full time and allotment. Sometimes this does mean helping a neighbor who is unable to attend to his irrigation and taking care of it for them. It is always good to serve. The kids get to feed and water the chickens, goats, cats, and dogs. We just got new chicks from a neighbor. They are cute fuzzy golf balls. We will be slaughtering some chickens because they are just mean to the others and we figure they will make good stew pot chickens. We will slaughter the rest next summer or fall, as our new flock will getting ready to lay. Gardening of course is next on the menu, Trees, fruits and veggies. Lots to do.

Household chores ( household care and economics) like anything else are like pulling teeth. But they eventually get done. My house is very lived in and we try to keep it neat until 'Mud'season-this is in the Spring when it rains and the dogs and kids track in mud and we sweep what seems like almost constantly.  We are still trying to put in grass, but we have to move the goat/chicken coop first for the winter.

Church and religious activities are always important and always apart of school. Luckily this is where scouting falls in, I am thankful the Church and Scouts are still partners in helping to bring young men to Christ.  

As you can see all of these come together, now I have to pick and choose. Our businesses come into being the next big thing. We try to give quality time learning as much as we can about leadership materials and the essential oils. I try to attend mentoring calls on a daily basis with those above me and contacting those I work with on my team hoping to answer any questions they may have. I try to help my husband with his business too. We are in reality partners in each others business, we have an interest in having each business succeed. We want our financial freedom so we can help in moving the mission of  freedom forward and keeping our great country free.  Everything I do all works together into the big picture. Just fitting all that reading  is not easy, or the listening, or the associations I am building.

I think that is a good introduction and you will just have to keep up to find out more. I'll have to decide if I am going to have a specific format or just be random (designate subjects of the day). Blog once a day or every couple of days.

May Heavenly Father bless and keep us all.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Introduction

This has been something I have been avoiding, but at the same time I knew I needed to do. The itch to blog in this particular arena has been slowly picking away at me since March this year. I have had a couple other blogs, but they were related to professional interests and other hobbies. This blog is more about general life and what I am reading, listening, who I am associating with, and where I may be not coming up to the mark. It will be guaranteed to be eclectic, but informative. I will try to do some essential oil education, personal training and standard nutritional advice; But it should be noted-What I do personally for my diet and fitness needs, are different from my scope and practice in the Fitness Professional arena. I cannot advise you in a professional setting to do exactly what I do. We are all unique individuals and have requirements that we must discover individually.

First, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and do believe and do my best to live within the Principles set forth. I learn for myself and pray about how to apply those principles. Because we need to find the balance in what Heavenly Father wants us to do, which is not always the same for everyone. Sometimes the rules are different and they are fair.

Second, I am married and love my husband. He is my greatest example for why I strive to be better. I am not perfect, but neither is he. We both must look past our faults to love one another. We do not try to change each other, We try to change ourselves into the person we want to be.

Third, We have children, only 5, and I do love each and every one of them. One off on a mission, another doing his own thing, the third just turned 18 and she is still at home, the fourth a smart sensitive young man, and last but definitely not least, the baby who is often creating the scenario for or talking about the great battles and equipment of World War II (Please bring patience and cotton balls-he takes after his dad.).

More introduction later, kids are still lazing the day away and farm chores need to be done.