Hello America!

Last week I was officially sworn in as an American Citizen!  It was quite a process.  An expensive, time consuming, and long process.  But it was well worth it.  The ceremony was pretty cool.  There were 203 people sworn in from 50 + countries on every continent except Antarctica.  During the ceremony they let people share their personal stories of their struggle to get to America.  (I have to admit, I felt kind of lame being just a normal girl from Canada compared to all of them) 

Listening to the others share how grateful they were to be in a free country, with all the blessings found here really impacted me.  I am SO happy to be here, and to get my citizenship in time to do my civic duty and vote.  I have been listening intently to the Presidential debates, and learning about who and what are on the ballot.  I am really excited to participate in this years election. 

So, I just wanted to encourage everyone to use their right to vote.  Do not waste it.  Let's get educated about the candidates and issues that are on the ballot, not just the presidential candidates, but the all of the local and federal issues on the ballot.

We have a great system in the United States.  We get to participate.  So let's all do our part! 

Spotlight Day

New idea.  Once a month I want to showcase original work from you guys here on the blog on a special Spotlight post.  During our fun link exchange I learned how amazing and talented you are, and I'd like to show off your talents.  So, if you have something you'd like to share please email it to me at: focusedonthepositive@gmail.com

I'm looking for short stories, poetry, uplifting articles, art, photography, crafting projects, etc.   I'm hoping to get lots of e-mails, so be patient if your work isn't shown right away.  Yay.  I'm excited!  Aren't you?!?   Alright, off you go, be creative :-)

What's Cooking?

We were out of town these last few days, which means eating out a lot.  After two days of that, I longed for healthy homemade food.  So, here's what's for dinner tonight:

Homemade Broccoli Cheese Soup
Autumn Salad
Homemade bread (in the breadmaker- that does too count!)
Turtle brownies  

Want a peek?

 

PS- to make extra yummy brownies get the boxed brownie mix when they are on sale (10 for $10) and drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking!  I have caramel sauce on hand for ice cream sundae night.   

Let's Link Up!

Today I am curious.  Curious about you.  My friends, my readers.  Who are you?  What are your interests/talents?  What concerns do you have right now?  What do you do to be positive?  SO, let's get more acquainted.  Please use the comment section to tell me about yourself; and be sure to include your website info if you have any, so we all can visit you.

Come on friends!  Let's link up!

Not forgotten

Remember how I had been feeling for the last few weeks?  Well last night I read something that sunk in my brain and I had to share it.

"Nevertheless the Lord seeth fit to chasten his people; yea, he trieth their patience and their faith." 

Yes, that is what was happening to me.  My patience and faith were being tried.  I can attest He does do that.  Then it goes on to read: 

"Nevertheless- whosoever putteth his trust in him the same shall be lifted up at the last day."

Ok, I can do that, I want to be lifted up at the last day.  

So I kept reading, and here it is, the comfort of the scriptures, are you ready?  The next chapter says:

"And I will also ease the burdens which are put upon your shoulders, that even you cannot feel them upon your backs, even while you are in bondage; and this will I do that ye may stand as witnesses for me hereafter, and that ye may know of a surety that I, the Lord God, do visit my people in their afflictions.  

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord."   

PEACE.  Peace came to me while reading that scripture.  Ease my burdens.  Yes.  I know that he has the power to ease my burdens.  Not take them away, but ease them, and give me the strength I need to  endure them.   He does not forget us in the midst of our trials! 

Oh, how grateful I am for the scriptures.  It seems they are a simple way for God to speak to me when I need it.   How wonderful that we can communicate to God today!  That he hears our prayers, and that he lets us know of his abounding love for us.   If you need help in any way, I highly reccomend turning to the scriptures.  It is a great way to receive answers and guidance.  

The scriptures I have shared with you today are found in Mosiah 23:22, and Mosiah 24:14-15 in The Book of Mormon, which I am reading right now.  If you would like more information about the Book of Mormon, or a free copy of The Book of Mormon please click on the link below. 

Book of Mormon 

Simple Treasures Boutique

Hey guys.  You know I like to share cool stuff with you, and if you live in Utah you'll be excited about this!

Simple Treasures is excited to announce the Fall Simple Treasures Boutique Sept 19-20-21-22 at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington!  Grand opening Wed Sept 19 from 10am to 12pm.  Don’t miss complimentary treats and a fun treasure hunt!!

 If you’ve never been to a boutique before, this is the one not to miss!   Now in its 12th year, Simple Treasures is not only a boutique, it is the Ultimate Shopping Experience! With over 100 of Utah’s premier handmade crafters involved, the selection is phenomenal.   If you want to find the perfect gift or that “just right” item for your home, Simple Treasures is the place.  It makes a Great Girl’s Night Out, Mother-Daughter Outing, or it’s just a good date night event.  

Don’t miss Simple Treasures HUGE Fall Boutique Sept 19-22 at the Legacy Events Center in Farmington! And watch for special giveaways on our facebook page!

EXCITING DETAILS: 
Win a $50 Gift Card by texting the word “treasure” to 24587
W-F 10am to 8pm and Sat 10am to 6pm
$1 Admission
Central Checkout (shop all vendors, just pay once!)
All Major Credit Cards Accepted

 Sponsored by Simple Treasures Boutique

Truth

I've been in a little Funk lately.  Teeny Tiny.  Itsy Bitsy.  For no particular reason other than LIFE.   My husband had the nerve to leave the house and go to WORK and all the other activities he has.  My kids have the gall to make MESSES.  And that, my dear friends, put me in quite a FUNK.  I got tired of being the doer in the house.

I think everyone can relate right?

I've tried cleaning, reading, excersizing, eating, etc. to get out of this funk, but nothing has worked yet. Then I saw this picture and it sort of snapped me out of it for a brief minute.

Plus I got to talk to my BFF, and that always cheers me up, and I remembered that there are about a billion other moms/wives/women/people dealing with the same things I am.  And many have a much harder lot than I.

So I am going to attempt to be like a dandelion and break through the concrete that is my messy and sometimes tireless life, and have faith in knowing that one day it won't be so bad.   

However if you see me at the store with a cart full of ice cream and boxes of tissues, pretend you didn't see me :-)  

Birthday Goals

It's 7am the morning of my birthday and what am I doing? First of all I'm awake.??   Secondly, I am thinking about my life. Reflecting on the past year, and all of the wonderful things I have in my life. I thought I'd make some goals for myself for this next year.

Be me. Stop worrying about what other people think.

Be more patient.

Be easy going.

Visit the Temple more often.

There. That's it. A nice short list of thing's I'd really like to work on over the next year. Hopefully 365 days from now I'll look back and see even more blessings and personal growth. I am so very grateful today for all that I have. For the family I have. For my health. For all the experiences I've had in my life. I am grateful for life itself. It is a gift. May you have a wonderful day today as well.

Alive and Kicking

I know, I know, you've been wondering where I have been. No, I wasn't on vacation. I just have been in the middle of things and unable to write. Sometimes that's the way life goes.

Here is what's been going on:
Swim lessons
Our Beloved Dog died
We get a new Puppy
Training the new puppy
Cleaning up puppy messes
Stomach Flu for 1,2,3 of us

So there you go. With all of that going on it's been hard to get on the computer and write uplifting positive stuff. Thanks for your patience with me. I'm sure I'll post something fabulous in the near future. Until then, hope you are enjoying your summer!

Faith and Fasting

I am a fainter.  All it takes is skipping one meal, or being stressed, or nervous, or any one of several other circumstances and I will faint.  It has happened several times in my life.  I am used to it.  But it has yet to happen on a day when I am fasting. 

Wait, go back, what is fasting?  Fasting is not eating for usually 2 consecutive meals while concentrating your thoughts and prayers on specific needs.  Here is a great article on fasting if you are looking for more info.

In my religion we use the first Sunday of every month as a day to fast and pray.  We call it Fast Sunday.  So you see it happens quite frequently, which is why it's weird that I have never fainted on Fast Sunday.  Especially if it's a rare Sunday when I get up and share my testimony with the congregation, and I still don't faint.  Are you kidding me?!?  There has to be something helping me, strengthening me. 

I believe that the Lord is strengthening me when I excersise faith in him.  I have faith that the Lord will sustain me.  And he always does.  Each and every time.  Coinsidence?  I do not believe so. 

I am grateful that we can come closer to the Lord through fasting and prayer.  We can receive answers to prayers.  We can receive Divine inspiration directly from the God.  Fasting is a wonderful blessing.  I have faith in it.  I have seen it work in my life.  If you need direction, or answers, or just desire to come closer to God I invite you to try fasting with prayer.

Project: Sanity

I have been working on updating the systems in my life recently.  The summer schedule and cleaning system have been updated, and it sure feels great to be organized!  Now that the household things are under control, time to do a little work on the inside by reprograming my inner dialogue. Boy could that use a re-vamp!  

If it were possible I would hire a pep squad to live in my head and give my inner dialogue a lesson or two.  You see I am part perfectionist, (which is terrible because I make SO MANY mistakes and am always dissapointed with myself) and part do-gooder, constantly setting myself up to do too much, feeling unsatisfied with the quality of my do-gooding.  Ahh.  It's hard.  So many quirky issues living in my head alongside the will to do better.  Plus, I just say dumb stuff sometimes, and overthink things.

I don't think I am the only one like this though.  I am pretty sure we all could update the voice inside of us to be a tiny bit kinder, and a little less crazy.  Right?  But how do we begin?  How do I download a whole new way of thinking?  I don't know.  But I guess just wanting to change is a good start.  See, now my brain is thinking "Stop.  People are going to think you are insane.  Negative name calling..."  Oh man, this could be a challenge.  But I think it is a valuable one.  Because thoughts are powerful.

SUCCESS!

I went grocery shopping and didn't get frustrated or lose my temper. I was in a good mood the whole time. AND I had both of my kids with me, and went to multiple stores!!! SUCCESS!!! Just had to share.

A courteous canuck's parenting lesson

Have you ever had the realization that you are doing something wrong.  You thought it was the right way to do it, and have been doing it for years, and now realise it should be done differently.  How funny!  I just had that happen to me too!

So you know I'm Canadian, eh.  In my Canadian culture we are very polite.  We say please and thank you, we smile and say hello to passers by, etc.  That's just how we are.  It's a Canadian thing, and I have it bad.

If I ask you for something I ALWAYS say please, and when you do ANYTHING for me I ALWAYS say thank you.  Keep in mind that I am a mom.  And when you are a mom you have to tell/ask (tell for you normal people, ask for me the Canadian) your children to do things everyday, all the time. 

Here's an example of how I, "the Canadian" would request something of my child:
"Put your dishes in the dishwasher, please."
and then when they do it I say "thank you".
 And that's the drill for every request made.

Now in my mind I am only technically asking my children to do things, they don't actually have the option to say no, it is completely rhetorical.  I am just being nice and adding a please on to the end of my ..."do this"  because it is polite. 

Somehow my almost 6 year old started thinking that I AM asking her to do things, and she has started occasionally saying no.  Of course I laugh out loud, because it wasn't really a question, she just forgot that I am a nice person and that's what nice people do. 

So now I am rethinking this whole super-kind-please-and-thank-you-for-everything deal.  PLUS, the real down side is now she is used to hearing "thank you" for everything she does.  And I recently have come to the conclusion that people shouldn't have to be acknowledged for every little thing.  I really regret that I have done that to my oldest.  Luckily my kids are young enough that I can still change my system and correct any failures I have made. 

So the jist is, I am just a flawed Canadian trying to figure out this parenting thing amongst non-Canadians. 
So how do you let your kids know that you are the boss, while being a good example??
Please share your comments, parenting advice, etc.

Ode to Fathers

I am not a poet by any means,

but here is my Father's Day poem:

Ode to Fathers

Never afraid of big bad spiders,

Or teaching scardy cats to be bike riders.

Letting us beat you, or so we thought.

Eating the fish that together we caught.

Chasing away monsters from under the bed.

Giving your shoulder to my tired head.

Doing the dirty work that needs to be done,

to make sure the family gets to have fun.

You have a tough job, and I thought I should say

Dad's are amazing, so have a GREAT day!

Whether a father, grandfather, husband, or friend,

you men are important.
We are grateful to have you in our lives.

Happy Fathers' Day!!

Calling on YOU

Hey folks,

Don't know if you've noticed, but I've been a little busy lately, so I am asking for your help with the Warm Fuzzy's.  If there is a person in your life who is AMAZING why don't you write up a fancy article about how awesome they are and email it to me so I can put it on the blog!  Deal? Deal.  Here's my email: focusedonthepositive@gmail.com

Don't know what I am talking about?  Click on the Warm Fuzzy's link at the top of the page and it will all make sense.
Thanks!

What's Important

This was posted a while ago, but I thought it was worthy of reposting for those that missed it.

Here's what is really important to me. Warning, some of it is kind of deep, and/or touchy feely. I'm not talking about the superficial, or temporal. I am talking about if you really boil things down and thought about what is important in LIFE. Here's what is important to me.

First, having a personal individual relationship with God is beyond essential for me personally. Knowing and having faith in him.  Knowing that he loves me and hears my prayers, and that there is a divine plan, brings me so much peace and comfort.

Love. Being loved and letting others know that I love them. It is absolutely wonderful to feel like someone else here needs me, whether it's my spouse, child, or best friend. It's just good to feel love. It is also just as wonderful to give that love.

Being a good person is also important to me. Caring about others, helping people, having a good heart is important to me.

Having morals, beliefs, standards, traditions are all important. Knowing what you are made up of, and truly believe in is important, as far as knowing who you are (it's also helpful when raising children).

As I sit and think about what life is really about, so many things that had high priority seem completely insignificant. Every now and again it's refreshing to refocus, and make sure life is going in the right direction. I need to make more of an effort to tell the people I love that I love them, and to give genuine compliments more often to more people. Because I think our relationships are what we take with us when everything is said and done.

Those are my thoughts. They are my personal, individual thoughts. Thank you for reading them. I'd love to know what things are important to you. Please share your thoughts.

If I had a million dollars

As I was doing the usual stuff today, cleaning, cooking, etc. I decided what I would do if I were rich, well not so much do, more like buy.  Not a huge house, or boat, or fancy convertible mustang, I AM A GIRL and here's what I'd buy:

GOOD, STRONG, garbage bags.  The fancy ones, made out of the same stuff as spiderman's clothes!

Aluminum foil more than 25 feet in length.

Name brand everything.

The largest sized Ketchup that fits in my fridge.

ALL of the things to make all of the things on Pinterest that I haven't made yet.

Towels.  Lots and lots of fluffy towels.  And maybe a towel warmer :-)

A DYSON VACUUM  ahh....only in my dreams....

A never ending supply of Kraft Dinner (should be no surprise to my loyal viewers)

A Cricut machine.  Don't exactly know what it is or does, I just know that as a female I want one.

And.... Drum roll please

A Secret room built in my house, with a secret lock system that only I know, that I can fill with whatever I want.  Crafts, tons of frilly pillows that serve no purpose, and perhaps a hot tub. 

That is what I would do if I had gobs and gobs of money.  'Cause I'm fun and practical like that.

Something's New!

Guess what??  We are going to start putting ads here on the blog.  Small, valid ads that you folks might be interested in.  I know, you don't really care, but it's exciting for me.  So, please spread the word.  If you or someone you know want to place an ad click on the new handy dandy "Advertise" page and you'll  receive all the info you need. 

In other news, I would like to open the "Warm Fuzzy" page up to the viewers.  Instead of me talking about awesome people I know, I'd like you to write a Warm Fuzzy about someone you know.  So if you have someone worthy of a Warm Fuzzy, please write something up and email it to me at focusedonthepositive@gmail.com

Also, we have a Facebook page.  For those of you who are fans, head over and like us on Facebook.  You'll receive fun messages and all the latest "Focused" news.  

Today's Topic: Housewives and Homemaking

There was an interesting conversation going on over at
Amber May Be that I thought you might want to be involved in.  Click on the link to get the whole story.  Basically, there is a movement brewing to re-name the term "Homemaking", with the thinking that it is outdated and old. 

The word homemaking is not a commonly used term anymore.  Why?  I don't know.  But I have several guesses.  I'm not going to go into that now.  Here's what I want to discuss, the meaning of Homemaking has evolved, just like everything else does over time.  Does that mean we need to  update it, rename it?? NO.  Should we rename the television because it doesn't look like it did in the 50's?  No.  That would be silly.  We should be openly talking about what the term Homemaking really means today. 

The oldfashioned definition suggests that you have to wear a frilly apron and be standing ready with a plate of freshly baked cookies to be a Homemaker.  False.  As are many of the other thoughts about what homemaking is.  SO, what is it???

Amber had a fantastic description at her blog ..."homemaking is a sacred calling. Homemaking is pouring love into your home and life and kids. Yeah, a big part of it is cooking and cleaning and decorating, but it’s also promoting a beautiful spirit. You don’t have to have kids to homemake. You don’t have to be a stay at home mom. You don’t have to be female. You don’t even have to own your home. All you have to do is try to make your living space a comfortable and happy place to be."

I like that.  Let's write up a new definition for Homemaking and be proactive in spreading that info around so that people are proud to call themselves Homemakers. 

What do you think Homemaking  is?  Give us your definition please.

Two Deep Trenches

I love gardening.  I love planting things and watching them grow over time.  And I'll admit it, I get attached to them.  It's almost sad that they have to be eaten, but not that sad.  Yum Yum. 

This year we are gardening the REAL way, with trenches instead of just random veggies everywhere.  I feel much more like a farmer now.  he he.   I love it!  I have come to learn that this layout has quite a purpose.  We soak the baby plants with a trench on either side, so that the roots are fed deeply and thoroughly.  Makes sense, huh!

Now, you know I like to think symbolically.  Any guesses as to what I am going to relate this to???

The structure of families. Think of the plant as the child, with two loving parents (trenches) to help it grow.

I love that the structure of families (idealy) is: two parents with the same goals, ie; supporting, loving, teaching their children. I believe that can have a great affect on the success of that child.  Likewise, extended family and close friends can also be that second trench.  Their role is extremely important.  Children need secondary support. 

I am grateful for the structure of families. 

Here is more about what I believe regarding families:
The Family: A Proclamation to the World

These are my personal thoughts and beliefs.  The are not meant to hurt or offend anyone.  Thank you for taking the time to read them.  As always, please comment. 

Focused's One Year Anniversary!!!

I can't believe it's been 1 year already! 

In the last year this little blog has had several wonderful accomplishments.  We have received views from dozens of countries all around the globe, some I've never even heard of.  We have reached over 4000 views (for comparison my other private family blog has only had 180+ views, which is about what I was expecting). We have our own Facebook page.  We were also blessed to have linked up with some really great blogs, (Amber May Be....).  We also were recognised and received a lovely award from Letters from Launna.
What a year!!!

I am just overwhelmed and flabbergasted with all that this blog has done.  Especially when I think about why I even started this blog in the first place.  I just wanted to improve myself.  I simply wanted to make goals for myself and actually achieve them.  I knew that I wouldn't follow through unless I told other people my goals.   Then thought, hmm... maybe other people might want to join in my goals with me. 

Pshaw.  RIDICULOUS.  I mean, it might be a good idea, but no one really cares about me and my silly goals.

I shared my idea with my Bestest Best Friend, who (like she always does) cheered me on and encouraged me to follow through.  (Endless thanks Bud!)

And so I did. 

Never expecting to actually gain an audience (other than my BBF and some family members).  Never expecting to receive such a refreshing joy from the writing process, and reading all of the comments, and accomplishing the goals, etc. etc.  I never expected any of the wonderful things that have happened to me and my life, from having a blog. 

So THANK YOU.  Thank you for being interested in my thoughts.  Thank you for sharing this blog with your friends. Thank you for participating in the conversation and the goals.  Especially during the many hard times this past year.  Life was much easier to get through when I was able to talk about it and connect with others going through similar things via the blog.  Thank you for buoying me up and being so kind. 

Thank you to these awesome websites for their support.  If you have never visited them before, please do.

http://www.ambermaybe.com/

http://goodnewsau.com/

http://lovingeverysecond.blogspot.com/

http://thehappyscraps.blogspot.com/

http://www.mormonmommyblogs.com/

http://purebloggers.com/

http://lettersfromlaunna.blogspot.ca/

Thank you friends and viewers for all you have taught me this last year.  Here's to many more uplifting experiences together!

With Deepest Gratitude,
Maria @ Focused on the Positive

M.O.M

I thought I would post a few pictures in honor of Mother's Day.  They say it better than I do.  Enjoy.

She is clothed in STRENGTH and DIGNITY
and she laughs without fear of the future.

Motherhood

is a choice you make everyday

to put someone else's happiness and well-being

ahead of your own

TO TEACH THE HEARD LESSONS

TO DO THE RIGHT THING

even when you're not sure what the right thing is...

and to forgive yourself

over and over again

for doing everything wrong.

Donna Bell

This is not just for Mothers, but for all women.  We all have special talents and abilities granted to us that provide great blessings to those around us.  We are all special. 

I am indeed grateful for my mother, mother-in-law,

and for the opportunity I have to be a mother. 

May you share your love for the women in your life. 

Let them know how important they are to you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Our First Guest Post!

Dear Focused friends, do I have a treat for you!  We are lucky enough to have a guest post today.  It's from Amber over at Amber May Be...  

She is a quite a talented blogger, and I know you will enjoy this post!  Make sure to head over to her blog to check out all she has to offer.  You won't regret it.  Not only is it full of uplifting posts, she also has a plethora of great crafts, and recipes as well.  Her blog is @  http://www.ambermaybe.com/

Here's her post.  Enjoy!!!

Keeping the Broken Glass

Do you ever feel like a broken glass? I do. I experienced this feeling a lot during this last semester. With morning sickness, pregnancy fatigue, upper division courses, a major surgery in the family, work, and a husband  to take care of I had a full plate. There was so much to do and there was never enough of me to go around. At a time when I had tons of tasks I had no motivation to do anything. All I wanted to do was curl up on the couch and take a nap.

Towards the end of the semester as I was washing a large mound of dishes I started creating a mental to-do list. I don’t know why we women do this. We can always think of more things to put on our list than we can physically accomplish. I started to overwhelm myself as I kept repeating my list over and over.

Suddenly I was jolted back into reality when the glass I was washing shattered. It was a cheap glass bought at a dollar store and decorated with blue snowflakes. I once had six of the same glass but with the loss of this glass I was down to one. I had been careless and put the cold glass in some very hot water. The glass just couldn’t handle the heat.

I picked the pieces out of the soapy water, and I empathized with the cup. I felt like I was breaking too. The glass broke because the water was too hot, and I seemed to be in a similar situation. I fought back tears as these debilitating thoughts came to my mind. My husband was doing homework in the other room, and I didn’t want to put him through another one of my “pregnancy breakdowns”, so I tried to keep my emotions as quiet as possible.

As I struggled to continue the dishes I prayed for understanding and hope. Then I remembered the lesson my husband and I had just given to the 8-10 year-old Sunday school class we teach. The lesson was about Job and in it we explained to the children that the Lord makes us strong through our trials. We showed the children my wedding ring and asked them how the diamonds in it were made. We explained to them that through many many years of heat and pressure coal turns into diamonds.

The thought crossed my mind that the Lord did not make me out of cheap glass designed to break as soon as it hit hot water. On the contrary, the Lord intends me to be something far sturdier and infinitely more valuable. The Lord intends me to be a diamond, and tough times now will only mean a stronger me in the future.

It’s interesting to note that I wasn’t immediately comforted by these thoughts. I knew that they came from the Lord and I knew that I was his beloved daughter, but I still felt the frustration of the day, and I still felt a certain amount of empathy for that glass. It wasn’t until later that night as I knelt for prayer that I finally experienced that sweet wave of peace that only the Holy Spirit can bring. It wasn’t until I had let go of my worldly worries and focused myself on God that my previous thoughts came to mind and brought me solace. I kept the glass. My husband tried to throw it out once, but I quietly took it from the garbage and placed it near the sink as a reminder of my lesson.

Over the rest of the semester I continued to struggle with my never ending load of schoolwork, housework, and of course work-work, but I looked at the glass and remembered that the Lord is by my side every step of the way. This life will never be easy, but we will never be asked to do it alone. I’m so grateful for that, and I hope I can keep it in mind through the next few months of pregnancy. With graduation and a baby due so close together I know it won’t be easy. That’s why I’m keeping my broken glass.

Don't forget to check out her blog and show her some love!  http://www.ambermaybe.com/

Fumbling Resilience

I have a one year old. She is in the constantly-fumbling-and-falling stage. She has been walking for a month or so now, but still pretty much falls down once every 5 minutes, give or take.

I am lucky enough to stay at home with my kids, and watch all of those fumbles. But watching her fall down so often, as an observer is a little.... frustrating. Yesterday while watching her fall for like the millionth time I wondered, "Why isn't she discouraged?  Why does she keep getting up and trying?" 

We start off as such determined little people.  But, with time, we start to buckle to discouragement.  This reminds me of the references in the scriptures to "be like little children".  I see why we are encouraged to be like a child.  They are loving, constantly learning, and unwilling to give up.

I am grateful that little children are resilient. For if not, we probably would end up like the people in WallE.  Not walking, but floating around in our multi-tasking chairs.

So let's try to be more like children; undiscouragable, full of hope and love for all.

Mystery Solved

Recently there have been quite a few mysterious things going on at my abode, to which I have shrugged my shoulders and said hmmm???  BUT during our recent car trip, we found out all of the answers, which I found hilarious!  HA!

The mysteries included:

1. The dog's food dish has been fully devoured every day.... hmm.. she must be having a growth spurt - do dogs have those?

2. The air conditioning in our car is not working..... Not great when we are in the desert and the kids can't feel any a/c.  I suppose the car is not new anymore.  Time for a tune up.

3. Every time I get into the car it smells like dog food.  I haven't bought dog food in 3 weeks. hmmmm, strange.

4. Every morning the dog is super hungry!  Didn't she know she just ate an entire bowl of dog food last night?

You want to know what happened and how it's all connected? 
While getting ready to depart on the long journey back home my husband is cleaning out the car before loading it up. 

He notices some dog food in the glove box. 

ODD.

He starts cleaning it out. 

There are HANDFULS and HANDFULS of dog food. 

So much, that he has to go to a car wash to vacuum it all out.

Here's a piece of info that might be helpful.  The dogs bag of food and dog dish are in the garage, right in front of the car which is also in the garage....

SO apparently, there is some small critter gathering our dogs food every night, and has made our car it's own personal storage unit.  Thus blocking the a/c from the vents.  Thus leaving the dog dish empty every morning.  Thus making the car smell like dog food every.single.day. 

So I have invested in a Rubbermaid container to now store the dog food in the garage, and the dogs dish is currently back in the house, under the close supervision of our 1 year old. 

MYSTERY SOLVED!  I don't know why, but I find this hysterical.  Life is funny some days, eh!

The Bird

I had a memory flash into my mind the other night from my childhood. There was a bird, I don't remember what kind, and for some strange reason it flew into the window of our house. Crashed right into it.  I suppose it didn't know there was glass. Then, it got up and did it again.  Just kept crashing into our window.  Over and over, again and again. This went on for quite some time. 

I was only 10 or so, and watching this happen made me sad and quite confused. Why was the bird doing that?  Didn't it see it was hurting itself?

Last night as I was thinking about this memory I realized that must be how Heavenly Father feels watching us. I'm sure he too thinks, "Why do they keep doing that?  Don't they know they are going to get hurt?"

I think he feels deeply emotional watching us in the midst of our trials. He loves us. We are His children.

Likewise, our Savior has gone through all of our pains, when he atoned for us. He knows how we feel. He felt the same pain, both physical and emotional.

It is my belief that we are not alone. The two most important people that there are; Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, are going through our ups and downs along side us.

Anyways, those are my thoughts today. As always, please share yours.

Small and Simple Things

"Behold, I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass;" Alma 37:6 
                                                                                                 
I LOVE this scripture.  I really do.  It makes life seem easier.  It reminds me that I can accomplish even the hardest of tasks, by doing the best that I can, a little at a time. 

My husband is training to do a HUGE hike.  It will be many miles long over great elevation and terrain changes.  He has been training for several months now, and is prepared to accomplish this challenge, but he wouldn't be ready now if he didn't start out with small steps (literally). 

I also love this scripture because it reminds me that I can help others in small and simple ways.  Sometimes we don't do things because we think it's not big enough.  It's my belief that small things can be big.  A smile, a pat on the back, a call to check on someone can have a great impact even though it is a small act of kindness. 

May you find comfort in knowing great things can come to pass through small and simple things.  If you are facing a daunting task, take a deep breath, and a small step.  Before you know it, it will all be behind you.

Please share some of your experiences of either giving or receiving small acts of kindness, or accomplishing a goal/task/trial through simple steps.

Oldies but Goodies

I have noticed that there are some new friends of the blog. Here are some of my older posts for those of you who may have missed them, they are worth checking out . Enjoy!

In Case You Were Wondering

What's Important

Beautiful Moments

Where's the Drive?

A Gift for Yours Truly

If you have an article you'd like me to post email it to me at focusedonthepositive.@gmail.com

Limitless Potential

It's not who you are that holds you back, it's who you think you're not.

I used to think several things about myself that turned out to be incorrect.

I'm just not a great cook
I don't have many talents
I am too shy to make new friends
and so forth

Then one day I asked myself  "Well, why not?  Why can't I cook?"

So, I learned new techniques and recipes.  And you know what?  I can cook yummy meals.

Then I asked myself "What would I like to do?"  I decided to try sewing, painting, knitting, etc.  I just gave them a shot.  Wouldn't you know it, I am co-ordinated enough to do it.  AND it's fun. 

So don't limit yourself.  We all have great potential.  Don't let the only thing holding you back from awesomeness be YOU. 

AND the talents that we attain are not only for us, but for others as well. Someone else might benefit from your sweet smile, or freshly baked bread.

Changing it up

I don't know what's happened to me, but I have gone from a Hamburger Helper kind a girl, to a made-from-scratch? I can do that!  kind of girl.  I'm sure Pinterest has had a lot to do with it. 

Anyways, here are two of my new favorite recipes that don't involve opening a box.  They are mighty tasty!



Dijon Chicken Linguine with Chanterelle Mushrooms

This is my new favorite meal.  I didn't use the kind of mushroom they called for, I used cremini, and it was still divine! Click here for the recipe Dijon Chicken Recipe  Also, instead of wine, I use chicken broth.



Banana, Raspberry, White Chocolate Chip Bread!

Oh my.  I love this bread!  You have to try it!  Here's the link to the recipe Banana Bread 

To see more of my favorite recipes follow me on Pinterest.  Happy Eating! 

Sunday Enlightenment

In church today there was a talk that I really enjoyed and I thought I would share with you what I learned.  The topic was finding our own solutions to our own problems.  They suggested we find these solutions through the experiences found in the scriptures, specificly writing down our questions then read looking for  answers.

As I wrote about in a previous post trials are a part of life, not a punishment.  SO if we follow the advice of the speaker today we learn that we shouldn't just wait around for our trials to go away. I know sometimes we think we need to be patient and things will change in His timing, but it is OK to find our own solutions, and then pray about it and DO IT.

I just love that thought!  We don't just have to sit around thinking "this is what I am supposed to go through" and wait for it to go away.  We can do our best to find our own solutions, pray about it, and if the answer is to do something about it DO IT.

Anyways, I was enlightened today at church.  I hope you find this thought as helpful as I did.  I know we are ALL going through hard situations and I wish you the best in finding your own solutions!

A Winter Poem

To Winter with love


Oh how I love winter,
the glistening snow,

watching icicles drip

and sipping cocoa.

I love to hear children

all giddy with joy

 a ball of snow in hand

and a sinister ploy

Come here mom,
they say with such grace

as they throw that snow ball

smack dab on my face.

        
           

I love warm breakfasts
like bacon and eggs.

But I do find redundancy

 in shaving my legs.

One more thing winter
I like my scarf and my hat,
but wearing all these layers
kind of makes me look fat.

So how long is winter

is it almost over yet?

It's pretty and all

but I'm ready to SWEAT!

L.O.V.E.



I'll admit it.  I am a mushy, gushy, huggy, lovey type of person.  I love to love people.  I love hugs, and snuggles.  I don't like to hold in an "I love you", or "I like you".  I'll give you a hug or a pat on the shoulder if I feel like it. 

I have this inner desire to let people know that I care about them.  And I'm kind of glad that I do because it seems to help most people and you know what it makes me feel good too. 

I know I am different in this way from most people, and the trend seems to be hold in your emotions, don't show weakness.  But I don't see anything wrong with being warm and affectionate with those you care about.  I don't see emotions as a weakness.  OK, so I don't walk up to strangers and hug them, but I'll give a friend a hug.  I'll take an extra minute to tell someone I admire them. 

I hope you enjoy this Valentine's Day as much as I do.  I hope you feel loved, and share your love with others.  In my opinion Valentine's Day is not necessarily a romantic day,  it is a day to tell people you care about them.  So, instead of waiting around for something special to happen to you, let's be the one doing something special for others, friends/family, etc.  Just like I told my daughter this morning, make sure you tell everyone you care about that you care about them. 

 

Happy Valentines Day !!!

Finding Peace

And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.   Helaman 5:12

Life has been insane lately.  Seriously.  But let me tell you, when I am in the middle of those winds and storms I am SO grateful for 2 things; my family, and my belief in Jesus Christ. 

Here's what I find interesting about that scripture, it says WHEN, not IF the devil shall send forth....  It is a given that we will be tested and tried.  It's part of the deal.  Oddly enough, I find that kind of comforting.  I am not being tried because I am being punished, but because that is part of life.

Anyways, that's what I have been thinking about lately.  There is peace in the scriptures.  May you be blessed through your storms as well.

Think happy thoughts

Watch your thoughts; they become words.  Watch your words; they become actions.  Watch your actions; they become habits.  Watch your habits; they become your character.  Watch your chatacter; it becomes your destiny. 

I went to the dentist this week.  I have been having headaches, and tooth pain and wanted to find out the cause.  The dentist said there was nothing wrong with my teeth, but I have been clenching them so tightly that it has been causing these headaches.  (Not my migraines, just regular headaches) 

For 4 days I had been suffering terrible pain and getting no sleep because of my own actions?  That made me think about how our disposition can affect our physical being. 

I had been concentrating on my stresses and letting those thoughts get to me.  Those negative thoughts turned into negative actions (clenching my teeth) leading to physical pain. 

So even though life is tough sometimes, I am going to try to think happy thoughts and make an effort to keep my disposition pleasant and hope that it will lead to less pain. 

Funny how something so small can really affect you!  So, everyone KEEP SMILING and think happy thoughts.  No frowning, no clenching. 

Sharing = caring

If I find something that I love I like to share it.  SO, if you haven't heard of Pinterest, let me take a moment to share this with you.  Pinterest is a website that gives us the ability to "pin" anything we see on the web, and collect them on our own page for whenever we need them.  Thought I'd share some of the wonderful things I have found there.


Dry erase, b/c every day there are new things we love about each other

There are SO many yummy recipes on pinterest!

 

 For the laundry room

SERIOUSLY AWESOME!



I want this!

  

I'm doing this above my bed, pretty and inexpensive!

So, if you enjoyed any of these cool ideas and you haven't joined the Pinterest craze, perhaps you should head over there and try it out.  You can always check out more of my pins by clicking on the red Pinterest button here at the blog. 

 

The Extras

Hey, look up.  You see the pages above this post?  Did you know there's even more cool stuff on this blog?  I have updated them recently just for YOU!  There's a new "Weekly Challenge", and "Warm Fuzzy".  Feel free to browse through everything.  And don't forget, this blog is I N T E R A C T I V E...  meaning, you can comment, or email me your thoughts and I can post it for you.

PS
Here's an awesome quote from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  "All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence."
Have a lovely day friends!

New button

I finally figured out how to make a blog button.  Yeah, I'm not computer savvy.  Oh well.  Make sure you take my new button with you to your blog!  Thank YOU for checking out my little blog and keeping up with me.  If you like us make sure you sign up as a follower, or to receive my posts in your email.  Oh, and if you're new make sure you check out my favorite posts!  There are some good ones!  Have a great day folks!

Megan the Animal Rescuer!

My daughter had quite the experience a few weeks ago.  In the little city I live in we received some snow.  Apparently there are some birds who are still flying south for the winter, (shouldn't they have arrived south a long time ago, it's the middle of winter...?). 

Anyways, hundreds of them landed all around town due to the snow fall.  Not knowing this, I went out in my back yard to tell my dog to stop barking, and see her scaring the begeebees out of one of these birds.  Well, Megan goes into rescue-hero mode, and wants to save the poor little bird.  However, she is quite upset, and afraid, that her own dog might eat the bird, (In reality the dog is not much bigger than the bird, not really going to happen).

So Megan is chasing the dog, and trying to calm down the bird, and all in all handling the situation pretty well for a 5 year old rescue hero, except for the spurts of frantic crying. 

This continues until daddy gets home, and of course he knows exactly what to do.  Dad and daughter rescue the bird from the terrible dog, put it in a large rubber maid container of safety, and take it to the rescue shelter, which, by the way was packed with tons of cars dropping off these birds. 

Now Megan considers herself an animal rescuer, and is quite proud of herself.

 Megan taking good care of the bird.

On a side note, the next day she said maybe we should have taken the bird to "Bulldogs Meats" (our local make-your-own-meat store.  We drive by the signs for it on our way to school every day, and DADDY told her in a kid-friendly way what they do there).  I asked her "um, didn't you want to rescue the bird?" After all she did have a huge meltdown about our dog eating it.  Then she remembered, and was happy with her actions.  Yay! 

The End.

Just because

Saw this and needed it.  Thought, if I do maybe someone else does too.