My Time to Blossom

2011 Time to Blossom Conference Pictures

2011-07-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

The Time to Blossom photographer did a huge write up on her blog with over 100 pictures. Check it out:)

http://staceykayphotographyblog.com/time-to-blossom

2011 Time to Blossom Young Women's Conference is Ready to be Revealed!

2010-12-07T20:03:00.000-08:00

Click on the image two times and it gets huge.

There will be two conferences held the last two weeks of June in Mesa Arizona for girls 11-16.
The postcards are being sent out and the new website is complete. If you haven't seen it go to
http://timetoblossom.com I love the new look of the site.
Here's a picture of it.

You Can Change

2010-07-18T22:30:00.000-07:00

Don't let your past dictate who you are, but let it be a part of who you will be.
From My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Cutest Song- Cutest Video

2010-06-29T20:28:00.000-07:00

I Am A Girl - The Girls With Glasses Theme Song from The Girls With Glasses on Vimeo.

Time to Blossom Young Women's Conference Highlight Video

2010-06-29T19:54:00.000-07:00

Debbie Forrest and I came up with the idea to do a Young Women's Conference last June (2009). I have spent everyday since working 40 or 50 hours a week on it. It has been the hugest thing I have ever attempted in my life!!! Lots of work but so rewarding:) Debbie compared it to planning 5 wedding receptions at once. I think that is an understatement!

We had 250 girls and 21 counselors June 14-18 staying at the Mesa Hilton. We had lots of speakers with spiritual and inspiring messages, plus service and fun.

I am working on an hour highlight video right now and viewing all the footage of our event. I really believe we did change lives. The girls left with so much confidence and that was so beautiful to see. They actually blossomed:)

Whew....what a year!

Article in LDS Living Magazine

2010-06-17T15:24:00.000-07:00

New Young Women’s Conference Teaches Confidence and Values

Jena Peterson - LDS Living Back to Headlines
MESA, Ariz. — Debbie Forrest woke up at 2 a.m. last Saturday morning to go through 60 e-mails from mothers around the West.
“They just had a few last minute questions about the conference,” Debbie said, with her ever-present smile. She spent the rest of the morning polishing preparations to train 21 college-age women to be counselors for a group of 250 young women who arrived yesterday at the Hilton in Mesa, Arizona.

Debbie and co-founder Carla Jorgensen have been planning this conference, Time to Blossom, for over a year, having hatched the idea while on their way to a stake girls camp. The conference is taking place this week, and runs through Saturday, June 19.

“There is such a need to strengthen these young women before they get to high school,” Debbie said. “This age group is so important. They are our future leaders and have the potential to be powerful influences for good beginning right now.”

The conference was organized to reach young women who weren’t yet old enough for EFY, but who could still benefit from interactions with other women of faith and virtue.

“The counselors of these conferences are really the ones who make the experience amazing for the girls,” said Forrest. “We prayed for months and months that we would be able to find women who would be wonderful role models for these young girls.” Most of the counselors are returned missionaries or came highly recommended from their leaders.

Rachel Christensen, an 11th grade English teacher at Red Mountain High School in Mesa, found out about the conference from her bishop’s wife. “I am really excited to get a chance to work with the girls and see what a difference this makes in their growing testimonies,” Rachel said. “As a high school teacher, I see the lack of self-confidence and recognition of their divine worth. The consequences can be devastating and I know this can be a blessing for these girls. I’m planning on taking some principles – things like ‘looking for the good’ – back to the classroom.”

The planning was just as thoughtful and extensive, from coordinating a hotel that would accommodate each need, to a schedule that would entertain and uplift 250 girls with various personalities.

“We knew we needed some engaging and inspiring speakers, and activities that would give the girls the opportunity to build up their confidence,” said Debbie. “We want these girls to walk out of here knowing they are absolutely beautiful, unique daughters of God, and to have the strength to make decisions that reflect that knowledge.”

The conference will run for one week this summer and will continue in years to come, with Arizona serving as the program’s home base. Washington, California and Massachusetts have already requested the program for summer 2010.

On the Web: http://timetoblossom.com

http://ldsliving.com/article/220335/http://ldsliving.com/article/220335/

Reinventing Myself

2010-02-25T18:46:00.000-08:00

I wrote this post for the "Find Your Sock Yarn" website. findyoursockyarn.com/new-path-in-life/#respond

When I turned 40 my life was mostly made up of other people’s agendas. My time was spent working with my husband at businesses he started and enjoyed but were far from anything I was passionate about and my children filled the remainder of my time. I looked deep within myself and discovered the real me had disappeared. I was pieces of my friends, family and husband. I didn’t have my own hobbies and I certainly didn’t spend time doing things I liked to do. One day my husband said “What DO you like to do”? I had a hard time answering the question. I hadn’t followed my heart and allowed myself to do fun things of my choosing for so long I truly couldn’t think of what I liked to do.

I decided my life was passing me by and I’d better start living the life and mission I had come to the earth to fulfill. I started going to the library every week. I walked down the rows to see what interested me. It was always fun to see the topics I would come home with. I checked out lots of audio books. I put one in my car, kitchen and one in my bathroom to listen to while getting ready. That year alone I read or listened to 175 nonfiction books. I became a voracious student. I was finding out what I liked, what I got excited about, and even what I wanted to do with the rest of my life.

It hit me that my passion was to be a life coach and help others find their passion and become their best selves and I immediately signed up to become a certified coach.

This was the beginning of my new path in life. I was on a high with the possibilities of life. When I heard myself saying things like someday I am going to do this or that, I immediately got on the phone to sign up. I had always wanted to take ballroom dance lessons with my husband. Instead of waiting, I decided to sign up alone.Then I joined Toastmasters and registered for, Spanish and computer classes, all things that were on my someday list.

Each one of these was extremely scary to do, especially alone, but the confidence and exhilaration I felt after was like winning a race.

As my excitement and growth was taking off I was compelled to pursue my dreams. I wanted to help other women find the fire and excitement for life that I had found, so I began facilitating women’s retreats and seminars. I no longer listened to that voice in my head that said things like, “What will people think?” or “Who do you think you are?”. It didn’t matter anymore what others thought about me. I was following my heart. I will admit there were many days I would turn on my “power” play list to listen to songs like I’ve Gotta Be Me and It’s My Life. These and other songs gave me the courage to fight through the negativity of others and my own inner critic.

Now I hope to be able to pass along these and the other things that I have learned at my next event, which will be an LDS Young Women’s Conference that my partner Debbie Forrest and I are putting on this summer. It will be a program to empower teenage girls with the confidence and courage to be able to stand by their principles and values as they go through their difficult high school years.

I believe we are here for a reason. Trying new things may be scary but we need to follow our hearts, dare to dream and do the things that are burning within us – fearless of all consequences.

The Potential of Children

2010-02-08T21:50:00.000-08:00

“When we plant a rose seed in the earth, we notice that it is small, but we do not criticize it as ‘rootless and stemless.’ We treat it as a seed, giving it the water and nourishment required of a seed. When it first shoots up out of the earth, we don’t condemn it as immature and under-developed; nor do we criticize the buds for not being open when they appear. We stand in wonder at the process taking place and give the plant the care it needs at each stage of its development. The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains its whole potential. . . at each stage, at each moment, it is perfectly alright as it is.” – Timothy Galloway

The Most Incredible Scrapbook Room EVER!!

2010-01-18T10:15:00.000-08:00

http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-fonts/digital-artist-magazine-feature.html

She also has really cute free fonts you can download.

Remember to Take Care of Yourself

2009-12-17T08:44:00.000-08:00

If you are like me there are things that need to get done and lots of extra things you would love to do as well. If we aren't careful we miss out on needed sleep and of course eat too many treats.

Take a deep breath, count your blessings and have a little chuckle.

LDS Young Women's Conference

2009-12-10T08:05:00.001-08:00

A few reasons to consider signing up your daughter.
1. The highest quality EFY speakers anywhere!
2. Less expensive than other camps!
3. A meaningful Christmas gift. Instead of buying a gift for your daughter that will be tossed aside in a year or two. What she learns and experiences at the conference will stay with her for a lifetime.
4. It will be life changing and testimony building week.
5. Girls only! Girls will be able to learn and grow without the distraction of boys.
5. The entire curriculum is geared especially for girls 11-16.
6. If you live in Arizona you can save on transportation.
7. Girls stay at a hotel instead of dorms.

If you would like to view an enlarged version:http://www.timetoblossom.com/pages/Flier.htm

For more information go to:timetoblossom.com

Beehive Newspaper Article
For Young Women Age 11 to 16—It’s “Time to Blossom” By: Cecily Markland

Debbie Forrest (center left) and Carla Jorgensen (center right) sought input from their own daughters and from other young women as they prepared for the June 2010 “Time to Blossom” Young Women’s Conference. Photo by Daniel Kindt.

At a unique conference next summer, girls will not only discover that it’s “Time to Blossom,” they’ll be treated to a week of fun and festivities, instruction and interaction, and everything else they need to do just that.

With how-to’s of makeup, fashion and modeling, great entertainment, service opportunities and activities that will boost confidence, increase testimonies and help young women become the best they can be, the “Time to Blossom” Young Women’s Conference has been expertly designed to help girls between ages 11 and 15 “bloom and grow” in countless ways.

The conference cofounders, Carla Jorgensen and Debbie Forrest, both from Mesa, say: “We will be providing spiritual experiences, testimony building and strengthening experiences, service opportunities and the good feeling that comes from service as they bless the lives of those around them.”

They add that this life-changing week will empower teenage girls with inner strength, courage and confidence to reach their potential and find lasting happiness. “It is designed to help girls understand their self-worth and come to know that they are beautiful daughters of God, with powerful potential to make a difference in the world,” Carla says.

Debbie adds, “We want girls to realize that each one of them is unique and each one of them has their own mission and path in life and their inner beauty comes as they live into that mission and as they live true to who they are and develop the spirit from within.”

The idea for the conference began as Carla thought about her own13- and 14-year-old daughters and the things they face in today’s world. “I think girls are facing incredible challenges today,” Carla says. “If they don’t learn their worth, strength and power early, they could end up following the crowd.”

In many ways, Carla and Debbie were the perfect partnership for creating this conference.

As a student at BYU, Debbie had served as the ASBYU Women’s Vice President and was cofounder of the first BYU Women’s Conference, which attracts more than 16,000 women from all over the world annually. Debbie has served in numerous capacities in the community and the Church, including as a stake and ward young women president and seminary teacher and has organized five youth conferences. As a mother of seven children, Debbie was named the Arizona Parent of the Year in 2003 and the National Parent of the Year in 2004.

Carla started the “Time to Blossom” concept years ago to help women become their best through seminars and retreats. Now, as partners, Debbie and Carla will focus their energy toward helping young women grow.

For the young women’s conference, Debbie and Carla will bring together “outstanding mentor counselors for the girls to emulate” and speakers who are known for their abilities to relate to and inspire young women. A perfect example of the caliber of speakers that will be featured at the conference is keynote speaker, Lindsey Brinton, America’s 2008 Junior Miss.

The “Time to Blossom” Young Women’s Conference is scheduled for June 2010. All girls 11 to 15 are invited to attend. “There will be an emphasis on LDS standards and reinforcing the gospel principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” their Web site explains. “Our goal is to have the girls learn life skills and leave our conference with more confidence, more love for themselves and realizing outside and inside beauty make a perfect combination,” Carla says.

Debbie adds, “We want them to believe in themselves and know that whatever they can believe they can achieve.”

Registration begins December 1 and ends February 1 2010. More information is available at TimetoBlossom.com

Wish You Were There!! Pictures from Nov. Seminar

2009-11-12T10:10:00.000-08:00

Ladies called and emailed me saying first, "When is your next seminar?" and second they told me how they left feeling filled up again and ready to tackle life. I think a seminar is successful when the people leave having their mind expanded, their hearts touched, and soul fed. From the tears, the excitement and comments I really feel we accomplished that. If you are interested in hearing about our next seminar or the young women's conference (camp). Please send me a quick email to carlajorgensen@gmail.com, subscribe to the blog or visit timetoblossom.com

Rosemary said about the seminar:
The experience with you and the other three wonderful ladies was awesome last Saturday! Thank you for letting me know about the opportunity for it truly enriched my life. As I shared with you and a few other people---I felt like my soul had been fed. It felt good.

Kimberley said:
I am so happy that I went today, what a wonderful day it was!! I would like to go again, how often do you have them? It really was a spiritual and uplifting day and so well put together. Carla you sure have a great talent with this and what you have done, I am so impressed.

Put Yourself on Your To Do List

2009-11-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

As you all probably know by now my passion is to help women become their best. As I have done the retreats, I always have women say they would like to come but can't take off life for 2 or 3 days. So just for them I am doing a one day seminar with 3 of the women that have spoken at the retreats.

I want to invite you to an inspiring day. The seminar is this Saturday. I know you probably have lists and lists to do, But please consider putting yourself on that list. We are going to have fun and learn A LOT. The speakers are wonderful, knowledgeable women that have so much information to share. I hope you can come! I know you will be glad you did!

4 Entertaining and Insightful speakers will teach you:

1. The Power to Live Your Potential
2. Creating More Encouraging Relationships!
3. The Power of your Appearance
4. How to Overcome Fear and Live in Faith & Joy

It is going to be a really fun day. We will start with a drawing at 9:00 sharp. If you are in your seat, you can win an hour image consultation with Allison or a music CD "You're Worth it All," from Michele.

Enjoy meeting new friends as we eat a complimentary lunch together.

The Power of Your Potential

"This is a powerful musical presentation that will leave you
encouraged to better use your strengths and move ahead in positive ways in your life."

Michele Baer is the mother of six, a singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker. She has released 3 CD's, "Never Give Up-Songs of Faith and Family", and "Out of the Dust." Her newest is "You're Worth it All". She decided to write and record a compilation of special songs to lift and comfort those going through difficult trials. This is her best work yet.

She has a big heart and it comes through when you hear her messages of Hope for women. Michele is very involved in the community, serving as the State Director of Family Leader Network as well as producing numerous charity events. She received the American Mothers National vocal award in recognition of her ability to balance family, music and community service.

Hear selections at:
http://www.michelebaermusic.com

Creating More Encouraging Relationships!

This is an experiential workshop that will focus on foundational aspects of encouraging relationships! Participants will uncover their long range wishes for close relationships, become aware of basic brain research about stress, and experience and practice tried and true tools and skills to grow relationships, respectfully!! You won't forget this dynamic, interactive experience!

Dodie Blomberg, M.Ed, is a professional development coach with a passion for moving people towards a more positive outlook. Dodie is a Certified Positive Discipline Associate who supports and encourages teachers and parents to focus on children's strengths and assets, thus promoting cooperation and solutions. She is dedicated to promoting respectful relationships in homes, schools, and communities. Dodie gets the opportunity to practice her positive relationship skills as a Junior Scout Leader, an AFAA certified fitness instructor, a children's dodge ball coach, and especially as a wife and mother of two great children.
http://positivelydodie.blogspot.com/

The Power of Your Appearance

You will learn how to look your best and the power that it brings. You will never, look in the mirror again and say, "Does this make me look fat?"

Allison Johnson has a sophisticated and classic style. She helps others find their style, best looks and proportions. She is amazed at the transformation that happens to women on the inside by helping them with a few changes on the outside.

Allison has always loved clothes and what they can do for a person's self esteem. She believes we truly do reflect what's inside by how we present ourselves on the outside. We do that by what we wear. Every body can look fantastic. Every body-- not just the perfect size 4. Allison's passion is to help every woman find that beautiful diva inside and teach her how to look her absolute best by how she adorns her body.

Allison is graduate of Brigham Young University, a certified Image Consultant trained at the Conselle Institute ofImage Management, a style and fit expert, a past representative for a designer women's line out of New York City, and is very passionate about helping women reach their full potential.
http://allichic.blogspot.com/

The Power to Overcome Fear & Live in Faith and Joy

Jacqueline Olsen will teach us how to have joy and faith even during FEARFUL times. What does it really mean to seek happiness?
Can joy be a daily companion with turmoil all around? Faith is an action word...is it active in your life?
Did you know, the happiest of people are those who live without FEAR.
FEAR is the opposite of faith and hope. FEAR, ANGER and SELFISHNESS are counter-intuitive to FAITH, HOPE and CHARITY
You cannot be happy when your life is influenced by fear anger and selfishness.

Jacqueline Olson a successful entrepreneur and marketer has the gift of helping others reach their potential. Her absolute passion in life is to help others balance their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. She has lectured to thousands about creating wealth and abundance using EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), Being the Master Gardener of Your Thoughts and many other topics that involve self-mastery.

As the owner of two wellness clinics, she has helped hundreds lose unwanted weight and successfully keep it off, an accomplishment achieved by addressing cravings and behaviors associated with food.

vitalsolutionsmd.com

Come and Enjoy the Day with Us

Learn, Eat, Laugh and Connect

Time: 9:00 to 4:30

When: Saturday, Nov 7, 2009

Where: Vital Solutions Office
4220 E McDowell, Suite 103 Mesa, AZ 85215

55 Days till Christmas

2009-11-01T18:58:00.000-08:00

The way I see it we have 2 choices. Pretend Christmas is 4 weeks away, get everything done and have time to enjoy the month of December with the family, making memories or enjoy the next 4 weeks and end up like the lady in this poem.

See Mother, Funny, Funny Mother

See Mother. See Mother laugh. Mother is happy.
Mother is happy about Christmas.
Mother has many plans. Mother has many plans for Christmas.
Mother is organized. Mother smiles all the time.
Funny, funny Mother.
See Mother. See Mother smile. Mother is happy.
The shopping is all done. See the children watch TV.
Watch, children watch.
See the children change their minds.
See them ask for different toys.
Look, look, Mother is not smiling.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother sew.
Mother will make dresses.
Mother will make robes.
Mother will make shirts.

See Mother put the zipper in wrong.
See Mother sew the dress on the wrong side.
See Mother cut the skirt too short.
See Mother put the material away until January.
Look. Look. See Mother take a tranquilizer.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother buy raisins and nuts.
See Mother buy candied pineapple and powdered sugar.
See Mother buy flour, and dates, and pecans, and brown sugar, and bananas, and spices, and vanilla.
Look. Look. Mother is mixing everything together.
See the children press out cookies.
See the flour on their elbows.
See the cookies burn. See the cake fall.
See the children pull taffy. See mother pull her hair.
See mother clean the kitchen with the garden hose.
Funny, funny Mother.

See Mother. See Mother wrap presents. See Mother look for the end on the scotch tape roll. See Mother bite her finger nails. See Mother go.
See Mother go to the store 12 times in one hour.
Go Mother go. See Mother go faster. Run Mother run.
See Mother trim the tree.
See Mother have a party.
See Mother make popcorn.
See Mother wash the walls.
See Mother scrub the rug.
See Mother tear up the organized plan.
See Mother forget gift for Uncle Harold.
See Mother get hives.
Go Mother go. See the far away look in Mother's eyes.
Mother has become disorganized. Mother has become disoriented.
Funny, funny Mother.

It is finally Christmas morning. See the happy family.
See Father smile. Father is happy.
Smile Father smile.
Father loves fruit cake.
Father loves Christmas pudding.
Father loves all the new neckties.
Look, look. See the happy children. See the children's toys.
Santa was very good to the children.
The children will remember this Christmas.

See Mother. Mother is slumped in a chair.
Mother is crying uncontrollably.
Mother does not look well.
Mother has ugly dark circles under her blood shot eyes.
Everyone helps mother to her bed.
See Mother sleep quietly under heavy sedation.
See Mother smile.
Funny, funny Mother.

Don't you feel sorry for her? Have you had Christmases like this? I have. I have also had Christmas's where I got on the ball early and enjoyed the Christmas season.

Tomorrow I am making a list and start checking it off so I can have everything done before Dec. 1 and celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with my family. Will you join me?

Be-YOU-tiful and Believe in Yourself

2009-10-20T11:08:00.000-07:00

I bought this tag at Hallmark. It says Be YOU tiful. When you except yourself and celebrate YOU, you ARE beautiful. When you love yourself and become who you really are, you are happier. When you are happy, you radiate beauty from the inside out.
This is one of the messages I hope to get across at the young women's conference.

LDS Young Woman's Conference

2009-10-08T20:09:00.000-07:00

As some of you know I have been working on an LDS Young Women's Conference scheduled June 14-18 2010. It is amazing how much work needs to be done this early! The good news is I partnered up with Debbie Forrest. She is the most amazing person I have ever met. I put her picture and bio at the bottom of this post. It is inspiring just to read about her!

Anyway.....We have been working on this for the past 2 months and are getting really excited to tell everyone about it. Our first fliers were printed today. I am putting the info from the fliers on this post so you can be the first to read all about it!

We would love feedback on this.

June 14-18 2010
Conference will be held at a hotel in Mesa. We are negotiation on that right now.
This life-changing week will empower teenage girls with inner strength, courage, and confidence to reach their potential and find lasting happiness.

Time to Blossom is a unique experience, designed to help each young woman:

o Understand her self-worth
o Know that she is a beautiful daughter of God.
o Discover her powerful potential to make a difference in the world.

This conference will help each young woman believe in herself and know that whatever she can believe, she can achieve.

Registration begins Dec. 1, 2010 and ends Feb. 1 2010. Space is Limited.

Young women will experience a fun-filled week with training in:

+ Goal setting, character building, leadership
+ Self worth and personal strength
+ Developing inner and outer beauty
+ Modeling, etiquette, poise, social skills
+ Wardrobe, hair, makeup
+ Health, fitness, nutrition

Plus, the girls will:

+ Experience the joy of service
+ Participate in testimony-building spiritual experiences
+ Have a fun comedy night, pajama party and movie night
+ Learn from professional speakers and role model counselors
+ Enjoy a fashion show
+ And more!

Debbie Forrest

Debbie grew up in California and went on to pursue her education at Brigham Young University. In college, Debbie served as the ASBYU Women's Vice President and co-founder of the Annual Women's Conference held at BYU. She also served as the Regional Vice President for the United States in the Intercollegiate Association of Women College Students. It was at BYU where Debbie met and married her husband, Bill Forrest. Following graduation, they moved to Connecticut where Bill began working for Life Insurance Marketing Research Association (LIMRA) and Debbie founded an image consulting firm. In 1984, they moved to Southern California, where she became a full-time mother, which has brought her the greatest joy in life. In 1991 they moved to Mesa, Arizona, where they now still reside.

Bill and Debbie were blessed with seven children and founded their family on principles of leadership and service. After Bill's passing in 2000, Debbie continued to encourage her children to be involved in their schools, church and community. Debbie would agree, of all her achievements, the most important ones are those that appear in the lives of her children. The Forrest children are church service missionaries, Student Body Presidents, Eagle Scouts, honor students, entrepreneurial winners, athletes and musicians. As a family, they have served extensively with various charities, scouting troops and religious groups. They have also traveled abroad to help impoverished families in Honduras & Mexico.

In 2003, Debbie Forrest was recognized as the Arizona Parent of the Year and in 2004 she was named as the National Parent of the Year in Washington, D.C. In addition to her national honors, Debbie has served in her community as the PTO President and has organized fund-raisers to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for schools and non-profit organizations. She has served as the community Block Watch President for seventeen years and a scout leader for over five years. Debbie has served in her church as a stake Young Women President, ward Young Women President, teacher of 11 year old girls, and has been in charge of 3 stake youth conferences. She has also participated as a speaker at many events across the United States.

Debbie's drive to make a difference in the lives of those around her has made her a dynamic force that has benefited the people, programs and organizations with which she has been involved. She is excited for the opportunity to organize and participate in the Young Women's Conference, and especially looks forward to interacting and strengthening the incredible young women who will participate in the program.

What did I tell you, she is awesome!

I am working on the TimetoBlossom.com website. It is up but not finished. If you have any questions about the camp I would love to answer them:) Email me at carlajorgensen@gmail.com

Self Esteem in Teenage girls

2009-09-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

As my 2 older daughters were going through their teenage years, I could see how their self-esteem took a beating year after year in high school. Pressure came from all sides. These years are especially brutal for girls.

Women, in general, had lower self-esteem than men, although both genders have identical high levels between the ages of 9 and 12. "During adolescence, girls' self-esteem dropped about twice as much as boys'."

At that time I read a book called Reviving Ophelia. It is a book about what girls go through during these years. It says girls are their true selves at 12 and year after year they quit being themselves by trying to be accepted by their peers. They give up their likes, style, hobbies, talents etc. to fit in.

Reviving Ophelia discusses the painful identity crisis many young women in American society experience as they pass from childhood into adulthood.
Girls become “female impersonators” who fit their whole selves into small, crowded spaces. Vibrant, confident girls become shy, doubting young women. Girls stop thinking “Who am I? What do I want? And start thinking “What must I do to please others?”

Here are some sad statistics:

1 in 2 teens who have been in a serious relationships say they've gone against their beliefs in order to please their partner

92% of teen girls would like to change something about the way they look, with body weight ranking the highest.

70% of girls ages 15 to 17 avoid normal daily activities such as attending school, going to the doctor, or even giving their opinion "due to feeling badly about one’s looks."

Only 2% of women describe themselves as “beautiful”

While only 19% of teenage girls are "overweight," 67% think they "need to lose weight"

90% of eating disorders are found in girls

Happy Constitution Day!

2009-09-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

This is the most important movie I have watched in recent memory.
wimp.com/thegovernment/
It is a 10 min. movie on the difference between all forms of government including Democracy and a Republic. I hope people will watch this as a family and discuss the kind of government we have. I will admit I didn't know what an Oligarchy was, and it is the most popular form of government.

Pay it forward

2009-09-07T12:44:00.000-07:00

The expression "pay it forward" is used to describe the concept of asking that a good turn be repaid by having it done to others instead.

I remember when I was 16, driving back from Kanab Utah to Arizona in my Volkswagen bug. I didn't understand that 115 degrees and not checking the water was a bad combo. My cousin and I ended up breaking down on the side of the road. A very nice man came and towed us to a gas station and then took us to a motel. We asked what we could do for him and he said just help someone else in the same way that I have helped you. I have always remembered him and what he said.

Kyle and I have stopped to help many people to make good on his request.

This video has a great message. What if we all payed it forward today?

My Song in the Night

O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night,
Come to us with Thy tender love,
my souls delight.
Unto Thee, O Lord, in affliction I call,
My comfort by day, and my song in the night.

O why should I wander, an alien from Thee,
Or cry in the desert Thy face to see?
My comfort and joy, my souls delight,
O Jesus my Savior, my song in the night.

My song in the night, my song in the night,
in the night, in the night, in the night.

Finding your Passion

2009-08-26T14:41:00.000-07:00

For one week pay attention to what makes you smile, what jazzes you up, touches you and excites you. You can always tell when someone is passionate about something, they become very energetic and excited when they talk to you about it. Watch yourself. When do you get animated? This is a huge clue. When you were 12 what did you like to do? What inspires you?
What part of the newspaper do you gravitate to? If you could only go to one section of a bookstore or library what section would it be?
What upsets you about the world, and you would change if you could? What are your natural talents? How do you want to make a difference in the world?

How to Find Your Passions

Step 1. Make a list of 10 things that would give your life joy, happiness, peace, passion, and fulfillment. Don’t look ahead. Take your time and think deep. Close your eyes and picture your ideal life. What are you doing? Who are you with? Where are you? How do you feel?

Questions you might ask yourself:
1. What kind of family life would be your ideal?
2. What kind of atmosphere and home would you like to live in?
3. What would you like to spend your time doing?
4. Where would you like to visit and with whom?
5. What kind of income and job would you like?
6. What kind of people would you like to spend your time with?
7. What legacy would you like to leave?
8. What kind of service would you like to give to the world?

Examples that others have written:
1. Living in a beautiful home in which I feel completely at peace.
2. Working in a nurturing environment.
3. Enjoying perfect health with lots of energy, stamina and vitality.
4. Having fun in everything I do.
5. Spending lots of quality time with my family
6. Working with a supportive team of people who share my values.
7. Looking and feeling great.
8. Having knowledge, tools and wisdom to deal with experiences.
9. Working at what I love.
10. Giving back to the community.
11. I am in control of my thoughts and my life.

Remember, passions are how you live your life. Goals are things that you achieve.

Make your list.

1._________________________________

2._________________________________

3._________________________________

4._________________________________

5._________________________________

6._________________________________

7._________________________________

8._________________________________

9._________________________________

10._________________________________

Step 2. Compare the items on the list to identify which are the most important ones to you. Ignore the “score” line for now.

a. If you could have number 1 or number 2 which would you choose?

b. Continue comparing the one you choose with the next number on the list until you go through the entire list. Then write the one you chose as number one on the next page.
(For example, if you compared the first item on the list to the second, and you chose the second, then you would next compare the second item to the third. If you again chose the second item, then you’d compare the second item to the fourth and so on, always comparing your choice to the next item on the list.)

c. Start again, comparing each item, always keeping the one that’s more important. When you get to the end of the list, write the choice that remains as number two. Go through the list again and write the remaining item as number three and so on until you have identified your five most important elements.

d. A really important point to remember is that if you get stuck and can’t decide which item is more important, ask yourself, “If you could be number one and not number two, would you prefer that? Or, “If you could be number two and not number one, would you prefer that?”

Today’s Date _____

My Top 5 Passions Score

1.___________________________________ _______

2.___________________________________ _______

3.___________________________________ _______

4.___________________________________ _______

5.___________________________________ _______

Total Score _______

Now that you’ve identified your top 5 passions, let’s figure out how aligned your present life is with what you love.

Next to each of your passions, put a “10” if you currently are living this passion to the full extent you desire, or a “0” if you’re not living it at all.
If you aren’t yet a 10, but you’re on the way there, put a number between 0 and 10 that reflects how much you believe you’re living that passion.

As you score each passion, be honest with yourself. The purpose of this exercise is to help you align yourself with your passion.

As you score each passion, see how that score feels inside. Does it feel right? If you feel like it may be a little high, drop it by one and see how that feels. If it feels a little low, raise it by one and see how that feels. Keep adjusting until the number feels like it really reflects your life right now.

If you are truthful with yourself as you score your passions, you create the ground for creating what you really want in your life. Your score on each passion tells your subconscious mind how much attention that part of your life needs.

Okay, go back to your list and score your passions.

Now add up all five scores and multiply them by two.
(For example, if your five scores total 45, then your Passion Test score is ninety—45 x 2 –and you’re VERY close to living the life of your dreams, as you define it.)

You now have the information you need to begin making the changes in your life that will lead you to 100. Write these down in your journal or on your mirror and evaluate how much time you spend living a passionate life.

One of my passions is flowers. I am happy when I have them around me:)

Wardrobe Makeover

2009-08-10T20:30:00.000-07:00

Do you love to look at makeovers? I do. My favorite show on TV is "What not to Wear". I love to watch women that don't think fashion is important go on the show and completely change their personality and confidence level because they look good on the outside. Missusmartypants.com just put up one of their makeovers. I think she did a nice job buying pieces that mixed and matched. She looks 25 pounds lighter just by buying the right clothes..missussmartypantsmall.com/StyleArticle/BRENDA.pdf

Here is another post I used from their website. It is about cleaning out your closet. If you need know how and motivation go to this link.
http://mytimetoblossom.blogspot.com/2008/05/closet-purge.html

Jessica seems to have gotten every fashion rule wrong.

TIPS TO REMEMBER from Allison Johnson Image Consultant

1. Dress Your Age.
2. Dress for Your Body Type.
3. Just because it looks good on your friend doesn't mean it will look good on you.
4. Don't save it for a special occassion, wear it now.
5. Remember: Fit, Silhouette and Proportion!
6. Classic never goes out of style.
7. Buy better quality Classic pieces and inexpensive (cheap!) Trendy pieces.
8. Light colored fabric shows shoddy and cheap workmanship, so if want to scrimp, buy less quality pieces in dark colors.

Girls Camp Service Project

2009-07-25T14:12:00.000-07:00

We made homemade boxes out of scrapbook paper. They are very easy and super cute.

Here is step by step directions.

Each box was tied with a bow and a homemade tag that said things like, May Your Dreams Come True, Dream Big, You Can Do Amazing Things, Live Your Dreams, and Dare to Dream.

Inside the box we made fresh water pearl stretchy bracelets. Each one had a charm hanging from it that said Hope, Love, Faith, Courage,etc.

We had 220 girls each making one. They were so cute all together. We had bags and bags of them.

Debbie Forrest and I were in charge of this activity. She decorated the room all princessy.

We are donating these to Fresh Start Women's Center in Phoenix.
wehelpwomen.com
We went and toured the facility and were really impressed with everything they have to offer. They have a Doctor, Lawyer, Career Counselor, Library, Computers with Internet, Classes, an Image room where they give haircuts and clothes. It is a one stop shop for any women who needs help getting a job or starting a new life. Check out their website they are doing an important work.

What are We Waiting For?

2009-06-22T21:06:00.000-07:00

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
Mark Twain

I am a big believer in dreaming big. Sometimes my dreams of changing the world, helping women or finding purpose and meaning in what I do gets some snickers but I don't care. I would rather dream big dreams.

This quote sums up my feelings pretty well.

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered with failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the grey twilight that knows not victory nor defeat."-- Theodore Roosevelt

Today is the day to take action on something you have said you want to do someday. It only has to be a phone call or google search but take a little action to move yourself forward one of your dreams:)

Do Something Fun and Unexpected

2009-06-15T07:43:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the video Anne. I got this off of Not Entirely British. http://networkedblogs.com/p6117785

This reminds me of having spontaneous fun. Why are we so stiff sometimes. Look at the audience that enjoyed and started clapping and the people who were stunned into watching. Which one would you rather be?

You have to make opportunities fun and fun up opportunities!

I remember watching Mama Mia the movie. It was the funnest movie I have been to in a long time. These older than me ladies dressed up, sang, danced and ran through the streets singing and gathering others as they went.

I went to the movie with a bunch of women and as we were coming out of the movie everyone was saying how fun it would be to dress up and sing some of those songs. I was feeling it too. It seemed I had grown too old to dress up and be goofy, too scared to put on an 80's outfit and sing and dance outside. But the dream was still planted. How could a respectable, 45 year old mother of 5 do such a fun, crazy thing? Then it hit me. If I did it at a retreat people might go along with me. I could have my crazy fun and allow others to do the same.

So we did. Yes it was scary. Yes it was out of my comfort zone, especially when Jodi led us from a very secluded place over to the street where people could actually see us.

Elenore Roosevelt said "Do something everyday that scares you."

Good Advice. It was exhilarating!

Be Goofy today and do sometime fun and unexpected.

June 2009 Retreat

2009-06-10T21:31:00.000-07:00

I just got finished with a retreat. I changed it from a women's retreat to a family retreat. It was MY family. My mother, 2 brothers and 3 sisters came. We had a wonderful 5 days together in Scottsdale. My sister Amy put a few posts on her blog about the retreat so why reinvent the wheel right? Go to her blog and you can hear about some of the things we did.
http://schoolofgoodenough.blogspot.com/2009/06/stewart-retreat-1.htm

http://schoolofgoodenough.blogspot.com/2009/06/stewart-retreat-2.htm

I took everyone to Jodi's Blossom Salon for makeovers. Jodi cut my mother's hair really cute. She loves it!

Shari taught us a health class, took us on a field trip to a health food store and showed us all the glorious foods we could be eating. Shari's class was one of the highlights for my family. They are all going to try to eat less sugar and fat. Shari's demonstration is life changing. I wish everyone could see it. (We are going to do a day seminar in Sept. or Oct. so maybe she can show you then.)

Here is the email my sister Amy sent to me. No wonder it took me a few days to recover. Just the letter alone makes me tired. If you ever come to one of my retreats don't plan on laying around relaxing. I try to put in as much as possible in the time I have.

Dear Carla,

That retreat was one of the nicest things I have ever been to. On my way home I typed up all my notes "Goals" "To Do List" "Websites to check" "Things to put on my blog" "Things to Buy" plus pages and pages of journal. I had at the top of my to do list "Thank Carla".

The 3 guest speakers were great, very knowledgeable and enjoyable. Jodi made me look cute. The condos were beautiful and spacious. I'm so glad our brothers were able to be with us. Cheryl and Cindy were the happiest I've seen them in a long time. Everyone was fun to be around.

I loved your story of junkyard girl, and how you changed. That is a great example.

You thought of everything, so much food and snacks and crafts and lesson plans and books, exercise equipment, and on and on.
Just thinking of all the pounds of supplies you and your family had to carry from your home to the condos makes me tired.

I got an aquamarine ring from Mother, and although I hate to wear jewelry, I have been wearing the ring everyday, and every time it bugs me, I look at it and think it is so beautiful and say to myself "I am going to change. I am going to do the hard things because they are worth it." So my goal is to actually do the hard things that I haven't done: I hate to paint, so my walls are beige. I hate to put up curtains, so I live with the ones that came with the house, etc. I need to change all those things so I'm surrounded by the stuff I love instead of putting up with stuff I dislike.

I bought organic milk because I don't want Zac and Wayne drinking estrogen anymore. And I won't buy lunch meat with nitrates anymore. I have to go on that website and print out the most important vegetables and fruits to buy organic, and start doing that.

I bought the prettiest water glass because it was gorgeous and I wanted to drink my ice water from a gorgeous glass. I finished my strengths board, but need to print my photo then it will be done. I put words on it that arent' true yet but they will be: author, patternmaker, gardener.

I wore high heels to church on Sunday and to graduation instead of my flat sandals. I am going to buy some nice slacks and some new neutral pumps and a black pencil skirt to go with my vintage jacket. I have a whole new understanding of what it means to look nice.

I got a bowl and 20 buttons and yesterday I went up the stairs 20 times until I had dropped all the buttons in the bowl. I found a camping pad and sat on it and did 10 crunches and 10 girl push ups. I've got to look online and see if I can find a trampoline. You gave me good ideas.

You really provided us with new ideas, presented in a fun setting, and it really changed my life.

Amy

(Thanks Amy for such a nice letter!!!)

Here is one of the assignments I gave to the retreater before they came.

http://schoolofgoodenough.blogspot.com/2009/05/top-ten-values.html

Our Worst Fear

2009-05-17T17:54:00.000-07:00

"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be so brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are we not to be?

You are a child of God: Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Marianne Williamson, her book "A RETURN TO LOVE", 1992

My Son Jacob is Going on a Mission to Japan

2009-05-10T16:32:00.000-07:00

I have been in a bit of a funk for the past few days. We took our only son to the MTC on Wed. Jacob is serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints for the next two years. He is going to be in Japan and I won't be able to see him until May 2011! I am grateful we spent an amazing week together before he went. He is a dedicated, wise, mature, and spiritual person. I really look up to him and know he will be a great missionary.

He will be at the Mission Training Center until July to learn the Japanese language.

I didn't know it was going to be so hard to send him off. He wanted to go, he planned for it for years, we had 4 months to get him packed, get his passport/Visa etc. but when it was time to say goodbye it was sooo hard. I have been thinking about him like crazy and it has only been 4 days! I know he will be blessed and we are so proud of him for putting his life on hold to serve the Lord.
I am feeling lots of compassion for the soldier's families who send off their loved ones. I can't imagine being a father or mother getting deployed to Iraq for a year. What a heartbreaker! I am very grateful we have volunteers that put their lives on the line to fight for our freedoms!

Quotes for Women

2009-04-17T18:15:00.000-07:00

Inside every older person is a younger person -- wondering what the
heck happened.
- Cora Harvey Armstrong

Inside me lives a skinny woman crying to get out. But, I can usually
shut her up with cookies.
(Unknown)

I prefer Twinkies to PopTarts because they
don't require as much cooking. -Carrie Snow

I don't do dishes and I don't do windows. I don't do
dishes because I have a dishwasher. And I don't
do windows because they don't fit in the dishwasher.

Old age ain't no place for sissies .
-Bette Davis-

Thirty-five is when you finally get your head together and your body
starts falling apart.
- Caryn Leschen

Naomi Judd- I am fond of saying that my door is always open and my mind is never closed.

We could never learn to be brave and patient if there were only joy in the world.
–Helen Keller

There is no beautifier of complexion, or form, or behavior like the wish to scatter joy and not pain around us.

Audrey Hepburn's "Beauty Tips"
For attractive lips, speak words of kindness.
For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run his/her fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed; never throw out anyone.
Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of your arm.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, and the other for helping others.

This is my beautiful sister Cheryl in 1972.

Fun Mom Songs and How to Raise Independent Children

2009-04-03T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hillary Weeks

Mom Song Anita Renfroe
Anita is incredibly creative and fun and I did enjoy the video, but I started thinking about how this is a very real parenting style. I have been around moms like this. It is exhausting for the mom, and the kids totally tune out. It is true that a mom's work never ends, but do our mouths really need to run like this all day? Picture having to watch this video everyday. How long would it take for you to start ignoring her? How capable is a child that has to be told everything to do and micro managed on every aspect of his life? It actually cripples him.

I remember a friend of my daughter commenting on the fact that my two little girls could make toast and a peanut butter sandwich at age 3 and her 13 year old brother still couldn't make a sandwich. My style of parenting is a more hands off approach(except for lots and lots of hugs). The concept is....anything the child can do for themselves, I let them do. Some of the things this includes are: keeping track of their own appointments and carpools, reminding me about their activities (not the other way around), making their own appointments, doing their homework and reports by themselves, waking up and getting themselves ready for school, learn cooking and start doing their own laundry at age 8.

Do you know children whose parents were depressed or disinterested and the child had to become the adult? I don't carry it THAT far. But the principle is still there. The kids will rise to the occasion. If we give them responsibility they will become responsible.

My theory is that I am raising a child to be completely independent by age 18, with every skill necessary when they are thrown into the real world. This means they need to have self management, be able to cook, clean, shop, manage money, earn money, manage time, be a hard worker, know life skills. If I do everything for them, I get tired and they learn very little. If I am always doing everything for them, when they move out and don't have me around to help them, they won't know what to do or even how to think. I know it might sound selfish to have your children do so much but I have seen the results. I would rather have them doing too much for themselves now and find the real world easy than the other way around. I think my older kids can tell you that there wasn't much of an adjustment period when they moved out. They felt like competent adults at age 12. This method develops confident, competent human beings. Instead of me being a worn out, do everything for everyone mother, who nobody listens to, I have more time and my kids become independent. Which method do you prefer?
Authors note:
I don't want to come off looking like I'm the perfect mother. I do think there are many styles of parenting. Here are the comments from my grown kids. Mindy said "I agree that I was very independent, but I also wished growing up that I had a mom that took care of me more. But, maybe that's just me, and I definitely wouldn't be who I am today if you were any different." And Jade said that she didn't like going to the grocery store as much as I made her go. Maybe the real point of this post is to remember to have moderation in all things:)
Here is another perspective. I believed that kids should do their own reports and projects and I didn't help them with these, but I was talking to my sister the other night and her fondest memories were helping her children with their projects. I can see that it could have been some fun family time if that was the intention.
I know each of us do the best we can. For me it is helpful to hear how others view things, so I can choose the best way for me. Hope these ideas helped.

Loaded Questions and Apple Survey

2009-03-25T22:18:00.000-07:00

Jade and Josh are big game players. They got a new game called Loaded Questions. It is a really fun party game for 6 people. You read a question like, if you were to write a book what would it be on? Everyone answers anonymously and the person whose turn it is has to guess who wrote the answers. It is a pretty fun game that I would recommend.

While we were playing the game Jade brought over 15 different apples that we all tasted so we could figure out our favorites.

Here is the results:

Honeycrisp 1
Golden Delicious 1 sweet and sour
Pink Lady 2
Pacific Rose 2 sweet rose taste
Ambrosia 2 sweetest vintage taste
Fuji 2 crisp
Gala 3 no flavor
Braeburn 5
Jonagold 5
Cameo
Red delicious worst
Macintosh worst
Rome worst

You're Invited to a Women's Retreat June 3-5 2009

2009-03-11T17:20:00.000-07:00

As a life coach I have learned so many wonderful ways to help women and I'm so excited to put them to use at another retreat. My dream is to help women find their passion, live their purpose and find more joy and love in their relationships (which means putting themselves first sometimes).

I believe when women are able to get away for a day or two, they come back refreshed and their children and husbands appreciate them even more. It is a win win situation for everyone. The retreat is a way to get away, learn, deepen friendships, dream bigger, and have fun too.

I hear from women all the time about the guilt they feel when they take care of themselves. They think they are being selfish if they spend any time or money on themselves. They can't bear the guilt. You don't have to feel guilty. You deserve to put yourself first sometimes and get replenished and renewed. It isn't selfish it is healthy. Do you know what happens when you give EVERYTHING to EVERYONE and never yourself? Pretty soon your bucket is empty and you don't have anything left to give. Can't we see that when we are happy, balanced and fulfilled we have more to give, and we are setting better examples for our daughters? I see women all the time signing their children up for camps, classes and buying clothes for their kids, never thinking that those things are important for themselves too. I could go on and on about this subject because I am passionate about women taking care of themselves. If it is your time to have fun and renewal please consider coming to our getaway.

The retreat is June 3-5, 2009 at Marriott Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge in Scottsdale. Here are some pictures of the resort.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos/phxcv-marriotts-canyon-villas/ It is a very beautiful, upscale resort.

There will be lots of classes, great food, activities, crafts and socializing. After the last retreat was over several of the participants asked if they could come back to another one. (Their testimonials are toward the end of this post)

Let me introduce you to the retreat instructors.
This is an amazing team of professional women who are knowledgeable and passionate about what they teach.

Shari Lyon. She is a wellness coach and licensed massage therapist. She is passionate about her slogan of “live well, eat well, be well.” The only thing that makes her happier than living a natural health lifestyle is helping others make great changes in their lives so that they too can experience “wellness”!
She has completed many, many hours of natural health education, has earned a BS in holistic nutrition and is currently working on her MS in holistic nutrition. She has trained in EFT, Chinese cupping, reflexology, and aromatherapy. She has also completed the requirements as a certified natural health consultant.
http://sharilyon.com/

Michele Baer is the mother of six, a singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker. She has released 3 CD's, "Never Give Up-Songs of Faith and Family", "Out of the Dust" and her newest (came out April 2009) is "You're Worth it All." She has a big heart and it comes through when you hear her messages of Hope for women. Michele is very involved in the community, serving as the State Director of Family Leader Network as well as producing numerous charity events. She received the American Mothers National vocal award in recognition of her ability to balance family, music and community service. Hear selections from http://michelebaermusic.com/

Dodie Blomberg, M.Ed, is a professional development coach with a passion for moving people towards a more positive outlook. Dodie is a Certified Positive Discipline Associate who supports and encourages teachers and parents to focus on children’s strengths and assets, thus promoting cooperation and solutions. She is dedicated to promoting respectful relationships in homes, schools, and communities. Dodie gets the opportunity to practice her positive relationship skills as a Junior Scout Leader, an AFAA certified fitness instructor, a children’s dodgeball coach, and especially as a wife and mother of two great children.
http://positivelydodie.blogspot.com/

Allison Johnson just got back from a two week training at the Conselle Institute of Image Management. She is about to burst waiting to teach you all the things she learned. (I can't wait!)
She has a sophisticated and classic style and helps others find their style, best looks and proportions. She is amazed at the transformation that happens to women on the inside by helping them with a few changes on the outside.
Allison has always loved clothes and what they can do for a person's self esteem. She believes we truly do reflect what's inside by how we present ourselves on the outside. We do that by what we wear. Every body can look fantastic. Every body-- not just the perfect size 4, Victoria's Secret body. Allison's passion is to help every woman find that beautiful diva inside and teach her how to look her absolute best by how she adorns her body.
Allison is a graduate of Brigham Young University, a flight attendant for 22 years, and is a professional Image Consultant.
http://allichic.blogspot.com/

Jodi Hatfield is the owner of Blossom Salon and Boutique on Main St. in Mesa. She is a creative genius and she is our designated fun maker. Jodi has a great eye for flattering hair styles and colors and has great taste in clothes and interior design. She keeps busy by remaking vintage furniture, designing children's bedrooms and having fun with her husband and daughters.
http://blossomsalonandboutique.blogspot.com/
http://hatfieldfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

Carla is the President of Time to Blossom Coaching and Retreats. She received her coach training from Adler School of Professional Coaching and has been coaching for 2 years. She is a life long learner, especially in the area of personal development. She and her husband of 27 years have 5 children and have owned many businesses together. She brings all of these experiences and knowledge to her coaching.
She has a passion for helping women live fulfilling meaningful lives.
http://timetoblossom.com/

The cost of the 3 night Scottsdale retreat is $335.00. This includes all classes, food, activities, crafts and accommodations.

The retreat is 6/3-6/5, Wed-Friday. The retreat activities are over Friday night but you are welcome to spend the night and checkout at 9:00 am Sat. morning.

Here is what you missed at the last retreat.

Jodi had little signs on the doors of the main rooms so it was easier to know where to go. One room was called the fun room. It was for line dancing, picnic, future self exercise and our dancing queen training. There was also the girl talk room. That was for our workshops and cooking class. And our fabulous yum yum room where we had wonderful meals, a candlelight dinner, crafts and a little dancing on the table.

Fun girls

Two of the teachers, Dodie and Michele, looking gorgeous! That night Michele gave us an inspirational talk of word and song. She writes music of hope for women. I love to hear her tell how and why she wrote the songs. Then of course the best part is hearing her sing them.
We were lucky enough to hear 4 of the songs that are going on her new album that will be out in a few months. I love these songs so much, I will let everyone know when they are finally available.
Dodie did some life coaching and taught a few classes including Top Card.

Shari teaching her wellness class.

Our candlelight dinner eating Shari's gourmet healthy food.

Jodie teaching us line dancing. Yes, we eventually got dancing pretty well. We had to watch her for awhile first.

I didn't get a picture of Allison teaching her fashion class but she was fabulous! She gave us all some great information and motivation. I have heard reports of people buying shoes, altering clothes and buying new foundation garments. Whoo hoo!

It was fun seeing everyone's goals in pictures as the women made dream boards. I got reports from the ladies that they have hung up their strengths craft and dream boards in their closets and bathrooms so they can see them everyday.

This was the Top Card activity that Dodie facilitated. Many women said this was their favorite part.

We made a craft using the strengths the women discovered about themselves. They all turned out unique and pretty.

The food was awesome. Here is the panini bar we had the last night. We also served roasted red pepper soup, tortilla soup and a yummy salad.

The wonderful women who came to my first retreat.

Here is what the participants said:

Retreat Testimonials

I had a wonderful two days and loved every minute of it. It was amazing!!! I loved the lessons you taught and the lessons that I learned about life and myself. You are an amazing person and I appreciate you sharing so much of yourself with us. I really had a wonderful time and would totally love to do it again. Thank you!! I truly enjoyed all of the women that spoke, sang and danced. It was a once in a lifetime activity. Thanks so much, ~Patrice

I loved the retreat on so many levels. I know this sounds trite, but it really did change my life. Thank you so so so so so much!!!! ~Lisa

In addition to staying in beautiful facilities, meeting some amazing people, and eating delicious food, my favorite part of the retreat had to be the focus I came home with. With the skills I learned and the discoveries I made, it has been easier for me to realize and give attention to those things that are most important in my life. -Colette

I left the retreat feeling fed both physically and emotionally. I learned so many new things, but didn't feel soo overwhelmed that I wouldn't be able to get any of them done. I hope to add a nice protein shake to my breakfast. I think about the start of my 100 goals all the time, and think about what I might be able to accomplish. I bought a new pair of shoes to help update my wardrobe. I have my strengths picture in my closet, where I see it every day, and my poster is hanging there as well. It was so fun to share, laugh, and learn in a beautiful place with women that I felt completely safe with. ~Denise

I learned to cook healthier, dress smarter, act wiser, enjoy music, be more goal oriented and finding my ultimate passions. The pursuit of happiness is up for the taking. My horizon has been broadened. Thanks for the experience. ~Meri

Our retreat with Carla Jorgensen was a weekend of friendship, learning, opening our minds to endless possibilities, goal setting, being inspired and lots of fun. I went home knowing I have a purpose and could 'BECOME'.........~Valerie

If this sounds like something you would enjoy, let me know.
carlajorgensen@gmail.com

Oatmeal Cake

2009-03-05T06:13:00.000-08:00

My kids and grandkids came over for a little evening birthday party. Mindy made me oatmeal cake. One of my favorites.

Oatmeal Cake
1 ½ c. water, boiling
1 ¼ c. oats (not quick oats)
½ c. butter
1 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar
2 eggs
2 tsp. vinegar
1 ½ c. flour
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. soda
½ tsp. salt

Topping:
½ c. evaporated milk
1 c. brown sugar
½ c. butter
1 ½ c. coconut
1 tsp. vanilla
½ c. nuts (optional)

Pour boiling water over oats and ½ cup butter; let stand 20 min. In large bowl mix sugar, brown sugar, eggs and vinegar; mix well. Mix together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; add to wet ingredients. Mix well and pour into cake pan. Bake at 350 for 40 min. in a 9 X 13 pan. Mix topping mixture in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Pour over warm cake.

Jack, me and my birthday roses look quite coordinated.

Here is the amaryllis Jade and Josh bought me. I can't wait to see it bloom. She got it from http://whiteflowerfarm.com/84838-product.html

Fun ideas

2009-03-03T10:50:00.000-08:00

I snatched these pictures off of my cute friend Wendy's blog. This is her at a halloween party she threw for her grandkids.

This is how she welcomes her new grand babies at the hospital. What a fun thing to have on your hospital room door.

This was a grooms cake with chocolate covered strawberries. YUM!!
Thanks Wendy for the inspiration!

Cheryl Richardson ~ Life Coach

2009-02-22T21:49:00.000-08:00

Cheryl Richardson's is a famous life coach. She has written many books. Finding Your Passion is the first one I read which started me on the journey of becoming a life coach.

This was on Good Morning America and Cheryl is talking about how important it is to say no and put yourself first. You can't give to everyone else if you don't replenish yourself.

http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/story?id=6891972&page=1

TimetoBlossom.com ~ My New Website

2009-02-20T14:25:00.000-08:00

I am getting some things loaded on my new website. timetoblossom I haven't figured out how to put pictures on very well yet. It seems like there is a learning curve on everything I try. I guess that means I am growing. It just seems like at some point things would get a little easier.

I just reserved 3, 3 room villas in Scottsdale for another retreat. I haven't announced it yet but the details are on the website. timetoblossom.com/pages/scheduledretreats.htm
There are only 15 spots and 6 are already filled. I will be sending out an email announcing it soon. Let me know if you want to come to this one or be on the email list for future retreats. Email me!

I have been busy this month getting new business cards and brochures made.

Disregard the blog on the card for now. I can't seem to get it to work right. Eventually I am going to move everything over to this site to make it easier.

Here is my coaching and retreat pamphlets.

I have been taking pictures of things for the blog but have been busy with other things this month. I WILL start posting again.

Connie Sokol - Life Coach

2009-01-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

We can become good at things or knowledgeable about topics, if we put the time into learning them. I remember Hyrum Smith, inventor of Franklin daytimers saying...if you want to be successful, do what successful people do. It is that simple. The people that are experts on a topic have spent years learning that topic. I am convinced that you can learn and become quite good at things, if you study and practice them for 3 months straight.
I had never been on a blog until Feb. 2008. 3 months later I had 2 years worth of entries and taught a class on it. We don't know what we are capable of doing until we try.
What if I chose gardening. What if I visited nursuries, checked out library books on gardening, started working my soil and visited expert gardeners. How good do you think I could become if I did this 3 hours each day for 3 months? I would practically be an expert.

The 3 months are going to pass by anyway.
What is something that interests you, that you could start learning about?

Carla

This is a newletter I received from Connie Sokol, a successful life coach that lives in Utah. I believe what she says.

Hi Ladies,

I happened to catch Malcom Gladwell, columnist for The New Yorker, on a KUED interview as he shared the concept of "deliberate practice". In his research of successful people, he discovered that most of them--no matter their profession, hobby, or pursuit--had in common one main thing. They had each "practiced" about 10,000 hours, which equals to about 10 years.

In relation to society "greats" such as Michael Jordan or the Beatles, what made them successful is that they got an early start. But early or late, if you put in your 10,000 hours of deliberate practice, meaning focused efforts and fine-tuning weaknesses, you will be a success in what you choose. Does this mean after almost 16 years of mothering I should be a stellar mother?!

Consider what you love to do currently and WOULD love to do in the future. Start now, a bit here, a bit there, gathering your 10,000 hours of deliberate focus. And who knows what you can do to change the world!
All my best,
Connie

Matting with Wallpaper

2009-01-02T10:02:00.000-08:00

My son in law Josh gave me this beautiful drawing of Thomas S. Monson. His brother Jake drew it. I had know idea Jake was such a fabulous artist. He does faux painting for a living. I think he may be missing his calling. He is a fabulous artist. Thanks Jake and Josh! (Check out the wallpaper matting)

I was at a wallpaper store trying to find some great paper for my retreat craft project. The scrapbook paper I bought worked but had to be pieced because it was too small. I told the lady what I was doing and she said that they give away their discontinued books for free. I love free:) I took home 5 books. I ended up using quite a few to re-mat different pictures in my house.

Here are some of the pages I tore out. I cut some in different sizes to use in place of scrapbook paper. The lady told me the paper is acid free. I haven't used it to know if the glue backing is a problem. My kids usually use my paper for school projects and posters before I get to them so they are going to have a hard time choosing now. I got some really cool paper!

Here are two more pictures that I covered the mats on.

Had to Stop

2008-12-26T17:58:00.000-08:00

You all know by now that I am a flower lover, so it won't surprise you that when I drove by this house I had to stop and take a picture. Look at this cute yard. The brightest, happiest mix of flowers I have ever seen. Click on the picture so you can see the cute Santa by the door, the french awnings and the gorgeous flowers!

This house is by a friend of mine. I was going there at night and again it blew me away and I had to stop. The scalloped lights with the bright round lights inside each one. How adorable is that! Who is this cutest lady? If the outside is this cute, what must the inside look like?

Outside dinner- Birthday Party

2008-12-12T21:33:00.000-08:00

Jade, my party planning daughter, came up with a really fun idea. She got 6 couples together and made a dinner group. It is run kind of like bunko. Two times a year you host a dinner party at your house. You bring the hostess $20.00 to help out with the food and decorations. Instead of going out to dinner you get to know these other couples, be in their home and get to go to a party a month. Sounds like a great thing for these newlyweds to do. My two daughters are in the same dinner group. Jade put it together and she was the first one to start. She went all out of course with decorations, yummy homemade food, favors and games.
The next night it was my 14 year olds birthday so Jade decided she could duplicate the party she did with her friends the night before. It was quite a treat for all of us to go in her backyard where her husband had made a table for 12 out of plywood. It was covered with a beautiful tablecloth and fancy china. She put on a 4 course meal.

Spinach, candied walnuts, dried cranberries, feta cheese, pears and homemade poppyseed dressing. So good!

Butternut Squash soup that we all love. The recipe is a few posts back. She also had good bread with homemade herbed butter in the left corner.

Lemon herbed chicken, sweet potato casserole (recipe from Thanksgiving post), scalloped potatoes, and mashed potatoes. Our family loves potatoes.

Texas Sheet cake by request from the birthday girl.

Jade is a dish collector. She has several sets of china, fancy dishes and antiques. She bought herself these 12 days of Christmas dessert dishes a month ago.

I thought this idea was pure genius. They put revolving heaters under the table. We wore jackets to dinner and we stayed toasty warm.
Here is what else I wanted to pass along. This originated from my famous quilter sister Amy. She does back to back Christmas parties. She makes double the food, decorates once, and the house is basically cleaned from the night before party. She will do one friend party, a neighbor party or church party. It is a really brilliant idea.
Just like Jade's party, it was a lot of work for her friend party and just a little more work for us to come over and be treated like royalty. Thanks Jade!!! We would love this to become a family tradition:)

Tiffany & Co. Keychain

2008-12-08T21:18:00.000-08:00

My visiting teachers are the best ever! First of all they have not and will not miss a month. I get the message every time they see me regardless if it is a lunch date, a drop by gift or a sit down in my living room visit.
What great women I have coming to see me!
This month Lori Costello and Shelly Brown stopped by to drop me off a little Christmas gift. I couldn't believe what they handed me. It was from Tiffany's! How fun it was to open such a beautiful box and find a CTR key ring inside. I feel so spoiled.
Thank you ladies!!!!!! You are amazing!!!!!!!!!! Love you!!!!!!!!!

Paying attention to our Strengths

2008-12-02T20:57:00.000-08:00

Sorry I haven't been posting very faithfully. I have lots of things in the pipelines but no time to put them all together (picture, correct English etc.) I have been so giddy about my retreat that it is all I can think about and spend time doing.

Here is one of the assignments I am having the ladies do before they arrive. I posted it last April. Here is the link if you haven't done it yet.

http://mytimetoblossom.blogspot.com/2008/04/www.html

This is one thing I got from taking the test. My #1 strength is creativity, ingenuity and originality. I use ingenuity constantly. I am always looking for the fastest and best way to do things. It has always been kind of a game for me to see if I can improve how things are done. I really never knew that I was unique in this area. After it was brought to my attention, I realize that this is a gift of mine.
What is funny is that this strength of mine is also one of the things that drives my husband crazy about me. When he is doing a project and I walk in I instantly see a better way. He says that he doesn't care and doesn't always want to hear that he is doing it "wrong" or not efficiently.
I think the main point of taking a test like this is for personal awareness. See what your strengths are and how you use them. Maybe you use yours too much like in my case with my husband and can tone it down a little.
You may want to look at the last one on the list, which is an area you can improve.

When you know yourself better, you can choose the best ways to use your strengths.

The Best Yams I Have Ever Had!

2008-11-24T18:03:00.000-08:00

Makes a 2 quart casserole, serves 6 to 8 people. Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Bake 6 to 8 yams, enough to make 3 cups after being mashed.

Mix and beat until smooth:
2/3 c. sugar
1/3 c. butter
2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
1/3 c. milk
Add yams into the mixture.

Topping:
½ c. brown sugar
¼ c. flour
4 tsp. butter
2/3 c. crushed pecans
Spread over top. Marshmallows optional.

Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.
My husbands family weren't big on yams when I first got married. To make Thanksgiving meal complete I brought them every year to their dinner. I inevitably would bring home half a dish because only my family ate them.
One year a friend gave me this recipe. I brought it to the inlaws and they have been eating them and asking for them ever since. Yummy! I'm making them this week:)

Twilight- The Movie

2008-11-21T22:53:00.000-08:00

Heather Stone siteinstone.blogspot.comis friends with the author of the book Twilight. Heather rented a 300 seat theater for the movie that came out today.
Jodi Hatfield and I made some cute York peppermint pattie handouts for the ladies in line and told them about Jodie's store and fashion show, and about my coaching and retreats. It was so fun being able to speak with so many fabulous ladies in one night.

I gave away a retreat in Heathers raffle and Mindi was the lucky winner.

If you aren't able to go to the retreat Dec. 18 and 19th, email me so I can let you know when the next one is scheduled. carlajorgensen@gmail.com

Here are my hopes for the retreat:
Women will go home feeling happier
Loving and appreciating themselves more.
Have some "me" time to fill up their buckets.
Do fun things they haven't done for awhile.
Learn things, grow, journal, set goals, great tips
Life changing craft projects
Be entertained
Connect with others

I Want You to Meet my Retreat Team

2008-11-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Shari Lyon. She is a wellness coach and licensed massage therapist. She is passionate about her slogan of “live well, eat well, be well.” The only thing that makes her happier than living a natural health lifestyle is helping others make great changes in their lives so that they too can experience “wellness”!
She has completed many, many hours of natural health education, has earned a BS in holistic nutrition and is currently working on her MS in holistic nutrition. She has trained in EFT, Chinese cupping, reflexology, and aromatherapy. She has also completed the requirements as a certified natural health consultant.
http://sharilyon.com/

Michele Baer is the mother of six, a singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker. She has released 2 CD's, "Never Give Up-Songs of Faith and Family", and "Out of the Dust." She is currently working on her third. She has a big heart and it comes through when you hear her messages of Hope for women. Michele is very involved in the community, serving as the State Director of Family Leader Network as well as producing numerous charity events. She received the American Mothers National vocal award in recognition of her ability to balance family, music and community service. Hear selections from http://michelebaermusic.com/

Dodie Blomberg, M.Ed, is a professional development coach with a passion for moving people towards a more positive outlook. Dodie is a Certified Positive Discipline Associate who supports and encourages teachers and parents to focus on children’s strengths and assets, thus promoting cooperation and solutions. She is dedicated to promoting respectful relationships in homes, schools, and communities. Dodie gets the opportunity to practice her positive relationship skills as a Junior Scout Leader, an AFAA certified fitness instructor, a children’s dodgeball coach, and especially as a wife and mother of two great children
http://positivelydodie.blogspot.com/

I admire Allison Johnson's sophisticated and classic style. She helps others find their style, best looks and proportions. She is amazed at the transformation that happens to women on the inside by helping them with a few changes on the outside.
Allison has always loved clothes and what they can do for a person's self esteem. She believes we truly do reflect what's inside by how we present ourselves on the outside. We do that by what we wear. Every body can look fantastic. Every body-- not just the perfect size 4, Victoria's Secret body. Allison's passion is to help every woman find that beautiful diva inside and teach her how to look her absolute best by how she adorns her body.
Allison is a graduate of Brigham Young University, a flight attendant for 22 years, and is a professional Image Consultant.
http://allichic.blogspot.com/

Jodi Hatfield is the owner of Blossom Salon and Boutique on Main St. in Mesa. She is a creative genius and she is our designated fun maker. Jodi has a great eye for flattering hair styles and colors and has great taste in clothes and interior design. She completes our retreat team.
http://blossomsalonandboutique.blogspot.com/
http://hatfieldfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

Women's Retreat

2008-11-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

As most of you know I have been training to become a life coach for the past 2 years. I have learned and grown a lot since then. My passion is to help women find their passion and live their purpose. The best way I thought of to do this, is to put on retreats for women. I want women to be able to come to a retreat for a weekend and get their buckets filled. I want women to leave with new ideas, deeper friendships, more love for themselves, bigger dreams, be rejuvenated, and have the time of their lives.
To insure success I have put together a team of amazing women that are passionate about what they do and teach.
Michelle Baer
-Singer, Song Writer, and Inspirational Speaker
Dodie Blomberg
-Professional development coach, Positive Discipline Parent Trainer and Fitness Trainer
Jodi Hatfield
-Blossom Boutique and Salon Owner, Designated fun maker and creative genius
Allison Johnson
-Image Consultant, Personal Shopper and speaker.
Carla Jorgensen
-Success coach, President of Time to Blossom Coaching and Retreats, passionate about helping women discover their greatness.
Shari Lyon
-Wellness Coach, Nutritionist, Trained in reflexology therapeutic massage, essential oils and much more. Her slogan is "live well, eat well, be well."

I was planning on doing my first retreat Jan 2009. But I was able to get some fabulous rooms at Marriott's Canyon Villas at Desert Ridge in Scottsdale for a great deal so I thought I would just go for it. I know it is a crazy time of year! The retreat dates are Dec. 18 10:00am to Dec. 20 9:00am.
http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-photos.mi?marshaCode=phxcv&pageID=HWHOM
This is a 3 night package. The retreat is 12/18-12/20 (scheduled activities), the third day 12/21 is included for those who choose to stay an extra day to relax at the resort or shop nearby. The 2 day retreat includes classes, food, fun, a life changing gift, and a more enriched life. The 3rd day is complimentary but includes no food or activities. If you want more info email me carlajorgensen@gmail.com.
You take care of everyone else all year long. Let us take care of you! If you can't justify treating yourself to such a fantastic event, give me your husbands email and I will tell him how much you deserve it. I'm sure he would appreciate a Christmas gift idea that you would love.

Motherhood is Hard Work

2008-11-04T14:57:00.000-08:00

My daughter, her husband and two year old have been staying at our home while they are looking for a house to buy. This is the same daughter that had the baby on Halloween. It is hard being a mother. It is a wonder that so many of us do it again and again.
Baby Jack is adorable and fun to cuddle but he is a full time job. We all go through several outfits a day with the throw up and diaper leakage.

This is me with my 4th and 5th child. They are 13 months a part. I look at this picture and feel a little sorry for myself. The truth is I just did what I needed to do and I didn't think that much about it. Now that I have free time, and my children are independent, I look at my former self in amazement. Where did my energy come from? How did I do all the motherly duties? How did I keep up? I'm not sure. I think the energy must come with each additional child.

It has been 12 years since this picture was taken. I had to sacrifice a lot for my big family but it was all worth it. I have the rest of my life to pursue my goals and dreams and I am finally finding the time to attempt some of them.

We women can do everything, just not everything at the same time! Do the best you can in the season that you are in, so when you look back you will have no regrets.

Halloween

2008-11-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

My daughter Mindy had her baby on Halloween morning. They named him Jack, he was 8 lbs. 3 oz. She had a great experience with her new doctor, Dr. Christina Brass-Jones at the new Banner Baywood hospital. It went so smooth I highly recommend both.

I had so much fun being Sarah Palin for Halloween. I couln't believe how many people came up to me at a church party and wanted to talk about politics. I had a ball!

Butternut Squash Cream Cheese Soup

2008-10-30T10:26:00.000-07:00

Butternut Squash Soup

6 tablespoons chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter
6 cups butternut squash, cooked
3 cups water
4 cubes chicken bouillon
1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

In a large saucepan, saute garlic, onions and seasonings
in butter until onions are tender.
In a blender, puree cooked squash, water, bouillon and
cream cheese in batches until smooth.
Add squash mixture to seasonings in saucepan, mix well
and heat through. Do not allow to boil.

*If you (or your family) do not like onions, you can blend the onions/seasonings in with the squash and they won't even know they are in there!

I didn't grow up eating butternut squash. The first time I realized I liked, was when I ordered butternut Squash ravioli with cream sauce at a resturant. It was years ago and I still remember how much I liked that meal.
My daughter Jade is the one that found this recipe. I am a soup lover anyway but this one over the top. You have to try it to believe it. She even worked out the calories on a cup of it and it is only 180 calories. I still find this hard to believe because the cream cheese makes it so thick and creamy. She also mentioned how few of us eat yellow veggies.
She brought this over the other day in a crock pot to a family gathering and I fed it to my grand-baby. It makes a great baby food too.
This recipe is great for this time of year!

I just made this soup and tried a new technique. I cut the squash in half, cleaned out the seeds, put back together and wrapped in foil. I cooked them at 350 for an hour and 15 min.

After they cooled I peeled them. It was similar to peeling a peach, very soft.

Painted Furniture

2008-10-27T18:27:00.000-07:00

Here is my daughter painting her furniture.

For about $5.00 worth of semi gloss paint, we took a pretty ratty looking dresser and made it quite pretty.

Keeping America Free

2008-10-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

I was taught by my mother what a blessing it is to be an American. I grew up with a reverence for this land and a love for our country.
I grew up in a home where I was taught constitutional principles. It was in an era where we didn’t know if the communists would take over America or if we would win the cold war. My father was constantly reading political books and discussing the topic with any who would listen.
My father is now 78 and was in the hospital for open heart surgery a few months ago. He told me that he enjoyed asking the different nurses their take on issues (he enjoys debating).
He was talking to one nurse. She was really curious about all the things he was saying. She asked him how she could learn more. He said the first and best step would be to read the constitution. She said, ”Who wrote that book? Who’s the author?”
This was hard to hear. He knows that America will not stay free if it’s people don’t even know about the document that created our Republic.
Have you ever watched Jay Leno when he does man on the street interviews? He will ask someone questions like, who is the Vice President or why do we celebrate the 4th of July? It is frightening. People can answer pop culture questions, but none about politics or history.

"The national budget must be balanced. The public debt must be reduced. The arrogance of the authorities must be moderated and controlled. Payments to foreign governments must be reduced, if the nation doesn't want to go bankrupt. People must again learn to work, instead of living on public assistance. Who said it, George Bush, John McCain, or Newt Gingrich?
No, that was said by Marcus Tullius Cicero in 55 BC. Just before the Roman republic fell to Julius Caesar and the long decline of Rome began. About the same time the delegates were debating the limited powers of our Republic in Philadelphia, a scholar of the ancient world, Alexander Tyler, warned of the dangers of democracy and the arc of civilizations, when he said this: (the origin of the quote is disputed, but the logic has a razor sharpness.)
"A democracy cannot exist as a permanent form of government. It can exist only until the voters discover that they can vote themselves money from the public treasury. From that moment the majority always votes for the candidate who promises to give them the most, with the result that a democracy always collapses over loose fiscal policy followed by a dictatorship".
The average age of the world's great civilizations has been two hundred years. These nations have progressed through the following sequence:
From to spiritual faith;
from spiritual faith to great courage;
from courage to liberty;
from liberty to abundance;
from abundance to selfishness;
from selfishness to complacency;
from complaceny to apathy;
from apathy to dependence;
from dependency back again into"

My father quoted me this last paragraph after he told me the story about the nurse. He had forgotten who the author was. I was able to find it on the internet. I agree with my father that we are heading from apathy and complacency to dependency.

"In the end, more than freedom, they wanted security. They wanted a comfortable life, and they lost it all; security, comfort, and freedom. When the Athenians finally wanted not to give to society but for society to give to them, when the freedom they wished for most was the freedom from responsibility, then Athens ceased to be free and was never free again."
If you enjoyed the indented article above you can read it in its entirety on this blog.

http://thepatriotman1787.blogspot.com/2008/02/republic-if-we-can-keep-it-civics-101.html

This is a painting called The Old Man Wept by my favorite artist Del Parson. If you click on the picture to enlarge it you can see tears coming down Benjamin Franklins face.
If you want to read the constitution go to
http://www.usconstitution.net/const.html

A Message for all women

2008-10-17T07:30:00.000-07:00

This was emailed to me. I googled it and was unable to find the original source. I hope the author doesn't mind me sharing it.

WHY WOMEN SHOULD VOTE
  This is the story of our Grandmothers and Great-grandmothers; they lived only 90 years ago.

Remember, it was not until 1920 that women were granted the right to go to the polls and vote.

The women were innocent and defenseless, but they were jailed nonetheless for picketing the White House, carrying signs asking  for the vote.   And by the end of the night, they were barely alive.  Forty prison guards wielding clubs and their warden's blessing  went on a rampage against the 33 women wrongly convicted of  'obstructing sidewalk traffic.'  

(Lucy Burns) They beat Lucy Burns, chained her hands to the cell bars above  her head and left her hanging for the night, bleeding and gasping  for air.

(Dora Lewis)  They hurled Dora Lewis into a dark cell, smashed her  head against an iron bed and knocked her out cold. Her cellmate,  Alice Cosu, thought Lewis was dead and suffered a heart attack.  Additional affidavits describe the guards grabbing, dragging,  beating, choking, slamming, pinching, twisting and kicking the women.
Thus unfolded the 'Night of Terror' on Nov. 15, 1917,  when the warden at the Occoquan Workhouse in Virginia ordered his  guards to teac h a lesson to the suffragists imprisoned there because  they dared to picket Woodrow Wilson's White House for the right  to vote.  For weeks, the women's only water came from an open pail. Their  food--all of it colorless slop--was infested with worms.

(Alice Paul)  When one of the leaders, Alice Paul, embarked on a hunger strike,
they tied her to a chair, forced a tube down her throat and poured
liquid into her until she vomited. She was tortured like this for weeks  until word was smuggled out to the press.  

 So, refresh my memory. Some women won't vote this year because-  -why, exactly? We have carpool duties? We have to get to work?  Our vote doesn't matter? It's raining?  Last week, I went to a sparsely attended screening of HBO's new  movie 'Iron Jawed Angels.' It is a graphic depiction of the battle  these women waged so that I could pull the curtain at the polling  booth and have my say. I am ashamed to say I needed the reminder.  All these years later, voter registration is still my passion. But the  actual act of voting had become less personal for me.  Frankly, voting often felt more like an obligation than a privilege.  Sometimes it was inconvenient. 
My friend Wendy, who is my age and studied women's history,  saw the HBO movie, too. When she stopped by my desk to talk  about it, she looked angry. She was--with herself. 'One thought  kept coming back to me as I watched that movie,' she said.  'What would those women think of the way I use, or don't use,  my right to vote? All of us take it for granted now, not just  younger women, but those of us who did seek to learn.' The  right to vote, she said, had become valuable to her 'all over again.'  HBO released the movie on video and DVD . I wish all history, social studies and government teachers would include the movie in  their curriculum I want it shown anywhere else women gather.
I realize this isn't our usual idea of socializing, but we are not voting in the numbers that we should be, and I think  a little shock therapy is in order.   It is jarring to watch Woodrow Wilson and his cronies try to persuade a psychiatrist to declare Alice Paul insane so that she could be permanently institutionalized. And it is inspiring to watch the doctor refuse. Alice Paul
was strong, he said, and brave. That didn't make her crazy.   The doctor admonished the men: 'Courage in women is often mistaken for insanity.'   We need to get out and vote and use this right that was fought so  hard for by these very courageous women. Whether you vote democratic, republican or independent party - remember to vote. 
History is being made.

Mom Jeans- Saturday Night Live

2008-10-15T20:39:00.000-07:00

This is a classic!!

I have been so caught up in politics and news of the economy, that it is starting to get to me. I need a little more fun and frivolity and a little less TV and news watching.

Chewy Chocolate Brownies

2008-10-11T20:00:00.000-07:00

My daughter just made these brownies from a recipe at becomingbetty.blogspot.com . She loves this website and has found some really good recipes! Check it out!

Man-Catcher Brownies
3 cubes unsalted butter
2 cups cocoa powder
6 eggs
2 cups sugar
2 cups brown sugar
2 Tbs. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. kosher salt

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add cocoa and stir to combine. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Mix together the eggs, sugars, vanilla and cocoa mixture. Add flour and salt and stir until combined. Don't overmix. Spread batter evenly onto a greased jelly roll pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes at 350, or until a toothpick, inserted into center, comes out clean.

*She cooked these in a 9X13 pan which made them very thick. It takes about an hour.

This is the best brownie recipe I have found.

Organize your Refrigerator

2008-10-07T17:57:00.000-07:00

I have these turn tables in my refrigerator. It allows me to move the shelf way up and put more things on that shelf.

Forever Strong

2008-10-03T15:39:00.000-07:00

Forever Strong, is an inspiring movie worth supporting. I for one have a hard time giving Hollywood my money just to watch religious bigotry and no moral values portrayed on the screen. This movie shows accountability for bad choices, character, high values, forgiveness, and taking a higher road. It doesn't have bad language and has a very good message especially for teenagers. (Don't drink and drive, do , cheat on tests, and dishonor your family)
It is based on a true story of a coach that didn't want to just turn out good athletes, he wanted to turn out good human beings.
This movie opened in select cities last Friday. Hopefully people will support this good movie to send a message to Hollywood that we would like more movies like this one.
http://www.foreverstrongmovie.com

Christmas Tip #6

2008-10-01T11:15:00.001-07:00

First of all, this is where I got all the cute Christmas clip art. http://antiqueclipart.com It is free.
Here is my theory on wrapping paper. Costco or Sam's club usually has wrapping paper that isn't all the way Christmas. It is usually silver, cream or gold. I buy the huge bolt of it, not the cheap rolls that wrap one gift each tube. I leave it in my gift wrapping area and use it year round for weddings or showers. I like the simplicity of one paper and not having to store Christmas paper year round in my storage room. This year I bought gold. It might not be as fun looking as all the different papers, but it does look uniform and classy. (I think.)
When I was young, I knew a lady who rewrapped all the gifts that came into her home with the wrapping paper she used for her gifts, so every gift under the tree matched. Believe me I don't care that much about uniformity . It is the simplicity that I am looking for.

I also use Christmas gift bags year after year. What I do is leave that gift in the bag that it came in and knot it closed. I then put it in a plastic grocery bag and tie it closed. It is almost impossible to untie those bags. This helps keep the gifts a secret. It is like a little padlock. I put tissue paper over, to cover the tackiness of a grocery bag so it looks nice. At my house if I put an item in a bag and just put a piece of tissue paper over it, my kids would peek.

Here is the damage I have done so far. I will put bows on them when I am ready to put them under the tree. I am already feeling in control of the Christmas season instead of it controlling me.
Good Luck with your preplanning.

Christmas Gift Ideas-Christmas Tip #5

2008-09-26T22:24:00.000-07:00

This is one of the nicest and most meaningful gifts I have been given. My daughter saw this idea at someone's house and made one for me on Mother's Day. She later gave one to her dad. I have them both hanging in my bathroom.
Here is how she made it. She printed out words about us in different sizes and fonts and printed them. She cut them out and glued them on a piece of scrapbook paper and framed it with frames that were in my basement. It didn't cost her any money and it was a big surprise. It is fun to see what she thinks of us and the spelling makes it that much cuter. If you click on it, it will enlarge.
I think adding one of these pictures to a kid's bathroom would be a real self esteem booster. I know it makes me feel good every time I read it.
Hanging above my son's bed, where only he can see it, are vinyl letters that say We're Proud of You. I thought that when he saw it, that he might take it down but it has been up for 3 years. He gets made fun of a little when friends see it but it is still there. Every one thrives on love, attention, affirmations and good words said about them.
This would be an easy, inexpensive gift to start working on for Christmas gifts.

I know there are some really creative people out there. If you do this project will you send me a picture? I would like to do some of these for my kids. Thanks!

This is one of my favorite "neighbor" gifts. It is a scripture printed on top of a printed flower picture. It was made on the computer and printed on nice paper. I put it into a fancy frame and it sits on a table in my entry way.

I love these inexpensive vinyl letters.

Here is a list of games my family likes
Cranium
Apples to Apples
Whoonu? (We played this last night. Fun for anyone who can read. You get to know what each other likes.
Phase 10
Pit
Uno

Gift Exchanges- Christmas Tip #4

2008-09-24T21:55:00.000-07:00

This year what if you tried to simplify a few things. If you normally have to buy everyone you know a gift, what if you picked names this year? What if you were able to buy less more meaningful gifts?
I was in an extended family gift exchange for years.
At one time I was doing a gift exchange with my mother in law's family (7 gifts) and my father in law's family (7 gifts). I not only had to buy 14 extra gifts, but I had to wrap them and mail them all over the country. I did this ritual every year. Why was I buying a gift for an uncle in Florida and a cousin in Iowa?
I finally got brave and told the people in charge that I wasn't going to be in the gift exchange anymore. WOW! What a relief!!! Did I really get away with it? Yes,...... Nobody cared! ..... I would stress myself out every year and all I had to do was say NO. It's amazing how that little word can work.
If you love that type of thing do it. If it is a headache and makes your holidays no fun, opt out.
So far I have not changed my mind, but if I ever do, I'm sure they will let me back in. Maybe it is time for you to step out of a few of your have to's.

Neighbor Gifts-Christmas Tip #3

2008-09-22T19:17:00.000-07:00

In my area we exchange gifts with other families. Some are my husbands friends, my friends, neighbors, people at church, piano teachers etc. These gifts are usually either homemade plates of goodies or a gift for $5.00 or less. This year I really hit the jackpot! My daughter was in Chicago shopping at a Bath and Body Outlet Store. She called me and told me about these ceramic gingerbread houses that have 2 different oils to make your house smell good. They were regularly $24.50 and were selling them for $3.99. I called the store and asked if they could mail them to me and so they did. They sent me 24 of them. Here are the boxes. I can't show you what they look like because my friends read my blog and I want them to be a surprise.

How easy was that?? No thinking, no driving, no cooking. They are super cute, nice and with shipping comes to $5.00 each. One huge headache off my shoulders.
Today's tip is to decide on the "neighbor" gifts. Buy them, wrap them and put them away. If you make goodies for neighbors, you can buy the plates, ribbon and even write the cards.

Pictures and Cards-Christmas tip #2

2008-09-20T09:34:00.000-07:00

This would be a great week to pick out Christmas cards and schedule your pictures to be taken (If that is a tradition of yours).
The first 12 years of my marriage I had our family pictures taken like clock work and sent out the cards on time. It was a real struggle getting my husband and some of the kids to go along every year. I would have to cancel the appointments and reschedule them at least once. It wasn't enjoyable for me, so I let that go. I gave up the perfect family routine. You know there is no rule that says you have to do pictures and cards. If you enjoy it and like it, do it. If you are doing it out of obligation or perfectionism, give it up for a year or two. No one will care. It is your joy and happiness that matters.

My friend Launette bucked the system a few years ago. She sends out her family newsletter every Valentines Day. It looks like the ones you see at Christmas but it is on heart or love paper instead of Christmas paper. I wish I had thought of it. She sends her love and I catch up on her life. When I receive several family letters and card in the mail on the same day in December, I have a hard time sitting down to read and enjoy them. It is such a hustle and bustle time of year. I don't savor and appreciate the cards as much as I do when I get Launette's Valentine letter.

What time of year is best for you to send out pictures, cards or newsletters (if at all). It is important to stay in touch but who says it has to be in December.

100 days Till Christmas-Tip #1

2008-09-16T09:31:00.000-07:00

We have 100 days left until Christmas. This may sound like a lot, but not for me,
I celebrate 2 daughters, a son in law, a husband and a son's birthday within 2 weeks of Christmas. I can get stressed out if a don't do a lot of pre-planning. This means doing everything I can before December. If I am worrying about Christmas duties, I can't celebrate birthdays and the true meaning of Christmas.
One year I got my Christmas shopping done in August and I didn't step foot in the malls all of December. It was too weird. It didn't even feel like it was Christmas. So in my opinion, that early is a little extreme.
I do think it is nice to get as much done before Thanksgiving as possible. So I have between now and Nov. 27 to get everything done. I like to mail my Christmas packages out the day before Thanksgiving when there is no line. I also like shopping in the stores with few people and easy parking.

For the next 6 blog posts I am going to give you tips to prepare early so you can enjoy time with your family. Here is your first one.
www.flylady.net/images/HCJ2003.pdf
Fly Lady has a booklet about getting ready for the holidays.

72 Hour Kits

2008-09-13T19:04:00.000-07:00

I was watching CNN this morning speaking about the hurricane that just hit Texas. They said that 4 million people are without electricity. They mentioned that when Katrina hit some didn't get their power back on for 3 or 4 weeks.
I heard the frustration in the leaders voices about the people not evacuating and now they have to spend there time rescuing people.
He also mentioned the fact that FEMA has told ALL Americans to have 72 hours worth of bottled water and food in their homes. He said that Salvation Army and the Red Cross and the government cannot do everything for everyone.
To me it is common sense to have this on hand. We see everyday somewhere in the country catastrophes happening. We need to do our part to help ourselves.

My mother made these kits at her church. These are 72 hour kits. If you have one of these for each person in your family, 2 liters of water, and cash tucked away, you can rest at ease.
(Click on the picture to see them up close)
This is what is in the containers.
Day 1
2 granola bars
1 juice box
1 pkg soup mix
1 pkg crackers (peanut butter or cheese)
1 beef jerky
1 pkg. ramen noodles
1 pkg cocoa mix
5 pcs candy
3 pcs gum
1 fruit roll up
Day 2
2 pkg.oatmeal
1 pkg cocoa
1 beef jerky
1 pudding cup
1 can soup
1 pkg crackers (peanut butter or cheese)
1 fruit roll up
5 pcs candy
3 pcs gum
1 pkg peanuts
Day 3
2 pkg oatmeal
1 pkg cocoa mix
1 beef jerky
1 pudding cup
1 can soup
1 pkg crackers (peanut butter or cheese)
1 fruit roll up
5 pcs candy
3 pcs gum
1 pkg peanuts

My daughter, her husband and baby were in Oahu, Hawaii when an earthquake hit on the Big Island. She heard about it on the radio. At the time I was speaking to her no one knew if it was going to turn into a tsunami.
She was very nervous because they had moved from one apartment and was heading to another. She had thrown away a lot of food and hadn't had much in the refrigerator because she didn't want to move it. They had only $17.00 cash and all the stores were closed and the power was out. The gas pumps didn't work and they could only pay with cash because the credit card machines didn't work.
She had a cell that could be charged with the car so I could talk to her, but not help. She bought junk food at a gas station and was very worried about the baby with not much formula.
If she had these little kits, the water and cash she wouldn't have been so panicked.
Lucky for them the power was restored in about 24 hours. She and I learned a valuable lesson to be ready in case of unexpected emergencies.

Michele Baer/ Read Nie Nie Blog/ Flip Camera

2008-09-12T16:48:00.000-07:00

Michelebaermusic.com

This is Michele Baer singing at a fundraising concert 2 nights ago. The song she sang is called Hold On.
The concert was for Christian and Stephanie Nielson who were survivors of a plane crash a month ago.
Stephanie (a blogger),http://nieniedialogues.blogspot.com/was burned over 80% of her body.

I have seen her button on many people's blogs so I know she is a very popular blogger. Check it out and pray from them. They have 4 little children.

I apologize for the quality of the video. I bought the flip camera, thinking it would be easy to video things and put up on the blog, but in this case the quality isn't good. I still wanted you to hear my friend, even though you can't see her very well.

Fast Way to Cook Bacon

2008-09-11T16:12:00.000-07:00

Open a package of bacon and slice the whole block up and put in a pan to cook. As it gets warm the pieces start falling apart. I stir a little but don't really have to turn it.

If you are cooking bacon to use in a salad or even a sandwich this method saves a lot of time. If you cut it up and put it in a pan it all cooks evenly and you don't have the messy job of crumbling it after.

Can you see that each piece is crisp and there are no burnt pieces and no raw pieces.

When I cook for my family, I am looking for speed and efficiency over how pretty it looks. If you think it looks tacky on the plate you could throw it in scrambled eggs.
I cook the whole pound at once and can use it later in the day or week. This cooking method can save 10 or more minutes.

Proper Portion Sizes

2008-09-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

What a great idea Amy Roskelley had when she invented this simple plate. I saw this in a magazine a few weeks ago.

We have been conditioned to put a large piece of meat on a plate and add a roll and small portion of vegetables. When in reality it should this way, large portion of vegetables and small portion of bread and meat. After seeing this, when I dish up a plate of food, a picture of her plate pops into my mind. I think she is onto something.
Teaching our children proper portion sizes will help it become natural for them to eat this way.
Amy, owner of superhealthykids.com was quoted in the Utah Valley magazine below.

One of her habit changes was not so much about the food she served her children but the plates she served it on. Amy found that she was better able to teach proper portion sizes by giving her kids sectioned plates."A balanced meal should be half fruits and vegetables,"Amy says. "I didn't want my kids to grow up with mac and cheese as the main part of their meal with a couple piesces of broccoli on the side."
And then she took the sectioned plates one step further.
" I thought, 'It sure would be nice to have pictures on the plate,'"Amy says. 'That way the kids are the ones to say, 'Hey mom--I need more vegetables on my plate,'"

Even if you don't buy one of these plates, it is a good idea to teach our children the message, and maybe even have a picture like this on the table for a while as a reminder.

Naomi Judd

2008-09-04T11:04:00.000-07:00

I enjoyed reading Naomi's Breakthrough Guide. Naomi Judd is such a sweet, unpretentious woman. After high school, life got really rough for her. This is page 24 of her book.
In that moment of truth in front of the mirror, I saw that I was more than a battered face; my life had a greater meaning than the choices I'd been making up to that point. I began to see that choices are sacred. God created us and gives us the opportunities to make choices. This means that we can become cocreators with God in deciding our future.
I didn't fully realize it then, but I've since come to understand that there is an invisible, spiritual world. As we make inspired, conscious choices, we're opening up to infinite possibilities.
There was another Mirror of Truth the night of my beating. Behind the front desk at the sheriff's station where I went to seek help was a two-way mirror. I could see only myself, but on the other side was an invisible source of help and support. I found this out only a few weeks later when I took Wynonna's Brownie troop on a field trip to the station.
So it is true with God. He is always there, invisible but all knowing and available for us to turn to.

This is now one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it!!!!!!

Words to live by

2008-09-02T22:33:00.000-07:00

"To celebrate growing older, I once wrote the 45 lessons life taught me. It is the most-requested column I've ever written. My odometer rolls over to 90 in August, so here goes: " -Barbara St.George, aged 89.

1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good.

2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.

3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.

To see the other 42 go to All My Kids 123 Blog. It is worth it.
http://allmykids123.blogspot.com/2008/08/words-to-live-by.html
Wouldn't it be great to take the word or an 89 year old and not have to learn all of these lessons the hard way. I found some of them to be very profound

"How do we fight off a bear with a baby on our back?!!"

2008-08-31T09:07:00.000-07:00

My last post of Sarah Palin jogging in front of the Mendenhall glacier reminded me of the day my husband and I hiked there.

This was the glacier by my sister’s house when we lived in Juneau.

It is a massive beautiful piece of ice so big and cold it is blue. This is a very old picture so you can't see the color. You can hike next to it without a jacket in the summer.

There is a trail to hike up the mountain next to the glacier. My husband, our 1 year old on his back, and I headed up for a nice day activity. It rained almost everyday but this day it was 70 degrees and sunny . There was a nice trail to follow with signs pointing to the 3 mile or the 7 mile hike. We thought the signs were a little confusing but thought we picked the right way. Pretty soon we noticed that the trails that we had been following were branching out, taking us crazy places and we knew somewhere along the path we had taken a wrong turn. At one point it was so muddy there were no more trails.

After 6 or 7 hours, finding ourselves lost in Alaska’s wilderness, we both started to panic a little. We started talking about bears. What if we run into one? We started being really quiet. We found out later this is the opposite of what you should do. If you come upon a bear and frighten him, he might kill you. We were suppose to yell and make as much noise as possible to scare wildlife away.
We were climbing over fallen trees and falling down ourselves because of the muddy ground. I suggested an idea and we would go with it until we exhausted that idea, then we would go with my husbands idea until it didn't work. It was getting dark and we knew it would be cold at night, probably rain and we didn’t even bring jackets. We didn't know if anyone even know where to look for us. The worst and scariest part was having our baby with us. How could we fight off a bear with a baby on our back?!!

I remembered going one direction and getting excited because we thought we recognized it. We were walking and walking feeling quite optimistic when we came to a dead end, a cliff that had a 300 foot drop off to a river below. We were stumped. We had been walking for hours and didn’t have a clue where we were. I asked Kyle which way he thought it was and he pointed to the right and I said I think it is to the left.

We had no one to ask except the Lord. I said a prayer and as soon as I finished, I immediately knew exactly the way home. It was clear and I was confident. I told Kyle I know how to get home! We went the direction of my prompting and we came to a deserted log cabin that we had passed earlier in the day. In front of it we could see the paths and we saw where we had taken the wrong turn.

We made it home safe that night. Besides our daughter getting a sunburn she thought it was just another fun day.
I have no doubt in my mind that my prayer was answered that day and I am very grateful.

Getting to Know Sarah Palin

2008-08-30T21:13:00.000-07:00

I enjoy learning about successful people especially women. I am not pushing her as a candidate. I'm saying," Look at this powerful mother of 5!" Incredible! What are her secrets? As you will read she normally runs 7-10 miles a day. In my experience successful people exercise regularly. I wish it weren't the truth but I think it is.
This article came directly from the Wall Street Journal Magazine. I enjoyed hearing what she eats, how she exercises etc.

WSJ. Magazine
Gov. Sarah Palin: Midnight runs and caribou dinners
Coming Saturday Sept. 6 in the debut issue of WSJ. Magazine, a conversation with Gov. Sarah Palin about her unusual workout and fitness routine. Preview excerpt
By JEN MURPHY
August 29, 2008 8:26 p.m.

Brian Adams for WSJ. Magazine
Gov. Sarah Palin has always been a runner. Her parents were marathoners and high school track and cross-country coaches. "Running was a family affair," she says. "I didn't have much choice. Thankfully, I've never tired of it."

Gov. Palin, a mother of five kids, says exercise is still very much a "family thing." She and her husband, Todd, also an athlete, named their first son Track because he was born in that sport's season. Gov. Palin (above, near Mendenhall Glacier, outside of Juneau) and her family live in Wasilla, about 45 miles north of Anchorage.

Workout

"Conventional running is my sanity," Gov. Palin says. Having recently given birth to her fifth child, the governor is trying to get back to her old workout routine. She was running 7 to 10 miles almost every day but switched to aerobics classes at her gym when she became pregnant. She has worked her way back up to running three miles every other day.

In the summer, when it's always light, she'll sometimes run as late as midnight. In the dead of winter, when it's dark, she sneaks in an afternoon run, or else grudgingly runs on the treadmill at home or at the gym in the evening. Gov. Palin keeps dumbbells at home, but she says most of her upper body strength comes from snowmobiling with her family. "It's the best upper body workout you could ever have," she says. "You're maneuvering through hundreds of pounds of powder." (Todd is a four-time champion of the Tesoro Iron Dog, the world's longest snowmobile race.)

Brian Adams for WSJ. Magazine
Gov. Palin in Juneau, Alaska
Diet pitfall

"My family and I eat a healthy diet heavy in wild Alaskan seafood, moose, caribou and fresh fruit," she says. "I guess my biggest pitfall is breakfast. I know it's the most important meal of the day but I still haven't bought into it. I hate to admit it, but a skinny white-chocolate mocha is my staple in the morning."

Workout gear

"My ideal fantasy is to be running on a hot dusty road just wearing running shorts and some kind of top that wicks away sweat. But in reality I'm running in 20-below temperatures, so I wear layers of fleece and always a good outdoor waterproof trail shoe. Right now I've been running in Nike Air Structure Triax. And I always wear sunglasses. My kids tell me to put them on so I don't freak people out when they see me with a goofy hairdo and no makeup."

While I'm working out

"I'm thinking about my next speech. I usually write my best speeches and letters [in my head] while out running. That is my inspired time."

Postworkout food

"Nothing. I just drink water."

Workout pitfall

"Being pregnant every few years. If I get lazy and go weeks or months without exercising it's not because of circumstances but because I'm being less disciplined. Shame on me."

My High School Friends

2008-08-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

The picture to the left was taken in high school. Top to bottom, Lorna, Colette, Davina, and me.

This is Colette, Me, and Lisa on a high school ski trip.
We have been friends since we were 15. We have gone through the same stages in life together. For sanity sake, when our kids were little, we would meet every week at a park in the winter and a pizza place in the summer. (Seems backwards I know but I live in Arizona). As the kids got older we would meet for lunch once a week. We found that once a week was just what we needed to get advice, get things off our mind and catch up with each other. We also made sure we fit in one girl trip each year, usually to Calif. This was always the highlight of my year.
You all know that a vacation with the husband and the kids is really not much of a vacation for the mom. In fact, I just ran into a young mom of 5 and she said she just got home from a vacation. She said she needed a vacation from her vacation! I can relate. The reason girl trips are so great is that you are only responsible for getting yourself packed. The agenda is shopping, movies, out to eat and of course lots and lots of talking. If you have never been on a girl trip you should try it. We have even gone an hour away and got a $100.00 hotel room and split it 4 ways, so cost doesn't have to be an issue.

Here are my friends as they look today. Lisa, Colette, Lorna and Me. Do we look better now or with the Olivia Newton John headbands?

Travel Tip

2008-08-25T20:37:00.000-07:00

I have basically been out of town the whole summer. It has been quite the challenge to keep up with this blog. I'm excited to get home and get back to normal.
I spent 7 hours in the Salt Lake airport yesterday. I won't go into ALL of the gory details..... Ok I will mention a few.....3 airplanes got cancelled, I was on and off of 2, there was a woman shoving match next to me on the plane in the isle, I had to go to the ticket counter 4 times to get new boarding passes, was personally escorted by a TSA agent through security, and they called in 4 police officers to keep peace because there were 200 people in line.
I thought it was interesting to watch how different people handled the same problem. Some freaked, some thought of better ideas, some were bullies, some had to complain to people even when they knew those people couldn't do anything to remedy the problem.
I thought to myself, since everything was handled at home and it wouldn't be a problem if I didn't get home that day so I used it as a good excuse to catch up on my to do lists, blog ideas, Christmas lists, and I wrote an hour seminar. After being out of town for 4 days I knew when I got home I would have to cook, clean, unpack etc. This was 7 hours of bonus time for myself. I watched CNN, read a good magazine, met a new friend and made plans for the next 3 months.
I did learn a great travel tip during this fiasco. We were on the first plane and the pilot stood up front and announced that the door wasn't closing properly so they were calling maintenance. We sat on the plane while they were fixing it for an hour. All of a sudden the lady next to me said they cancelled the flight! She saw the first class passengers standing up to get their luggage. She got out her itinerary with the 800 number on it and called the airline with her cell phone. She said "I am on Flight 5 and it has just been cancelled, can you put me on the next flight to Phoenix." By the time she was off the plane she was set. She didn't have to stand in line for hours. (This was the 3rd flight cancelled.) It was a brilliant move on her part and one I will do next time. Me and about 5 others ran out though security and got our tickets changed to the next flight before our planes passengers got up to the front in line.
The airlines are cutting back on flights so this scenario is going to happen more and more. My son just spent 3 hours in one of those lines in Boston when his flight was cancelled 2 weeks ago. I didn't know how to help him then.

Reba McEntire-Is There Life Out There

2008-08-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7Bd3y_Ip4Q
You tube won't let me embed this link. Copy and paste into the address bar.

This video is from 1991. If you can get past the hairstyles and clothes this video is pretty inspiring.

My favorite part of the song is about trying something foolish, doing something crazy, getting away and doing something for herself. She loves her family and doesn't want to leave them but she wants more.

She's always lived for tomorrow
She's never learned how
To live for today
She's dyin' to try something foolish
Do something crazy
Or just get away
Something for herself for a change

Is there life out there
So much she hasn't done
Is there life beyond
Her family and her home
She's done what she should
Should she do what she dares
She doesn't want to leave
She's just wonderin
Is there life out there

It is smart to do some of your dreams while still raising your children, like going to school and getting a degree. When you take care of you, you're happier and better able to take care of others.

The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman

2008-08-21T14:52:00.000-07:00

In the book The Five Languages of Love by Gary Chapman you can find out what ways help you feel loved. At the end of the book there is a quiz that you and your spouse can take. These are the answers.
Words of Affirmation
Quality Time
Receiving Gifts
Acts of Service
Physical Touch
Different people feel love in different ways. One might feel love from compliments, one from gifts, one from doing nice things for the other. Everyone interprets love a different way. Once we find out the way our spouse feels love, we can be more effective. Instead of giving them love the way we would want it, we give them love how they want it.
For instance, one of my love languages is acts of service. I would love it if someone cleaned the kitchen, cleaned my car or ran an errand for me. This would show me that I was really loved. If I were given a gift it wouldn't mean as much to me. My other love language is words of affirmation. If I get a card that says really nice things I keep forever. This might be the complete opposite of someone else.
A clue to finding out what someone's love language is to see how they show love to you. I have a daughter that loves to throw parties, decorate and buy gifts. I can assume that is how she would like to be treated in return.
The book is to help you find out what the other person's love language is, so you can show them love in their language not yours. My husband's language is quality time. He just likes to hang out with me. He doesn't care if I am serving him or buying him stuff. Because I know his love language I make sure that I don't get too busy and ignore him.
When we are not showing others love their way we are just spinning our wheels.

For those of you who's love language is words of affirmation you are going to love this idea. I gathered up all the cards and notes that people have written me and I put them in a scrapbook. Now whenever I need a little boost I can go to this book and see all the nice things people have said about me.

Chicken Pot Pie

2008-08-19T16:43:00.000-07:00

I make this when I have leftover chicken and potatoes. These are the ingredients pie crust(pillsbury is better than the store brand.), cream of celery soup, cream of chicken soup and evaporated milk. (If you use beef instead of chicken, use cream of mushroom soup.)

Add cut up chicken, mixed vegetables and potatoes.

Mix 1 can cream soup with 1/2 can evaporated milk. I was making 2 pies so I did 2 soups and 1 milk. Stir together. (You can stir the potatoes, chicken and veggies so you know how juicy it will be.)

Pour on soup mixture and sprinkle with lots of Laury's seasoning salt.

Cover with the other crust. Smooth milk on top of crust and salt it generously. Cut a hole in the middle of crust.

Cook at 350 for an hour and 10 minutes. If the top is getting too brown I move it to the bottom shelf or cover the top with foil. You don't want to undercook it or you will have a raw crust.

You can basically put any meat and vegetables inside this pie. It is a hit no matter what combination I do. I got this recipe from my sister in law. It is yummy!

Water Storage

2008-08-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

What if you had to go without water for a few days? I live in the desert and wonder what would happen if something went wrong with our water supply.
I just received a pamphlet in the mail from my city. It says that FEMA recommends every family in America have a 2 week supply of water.
This is from the pamphlet-
Rule of thumb: One gallon of water is needed per person per day. With careful rationing, this amount would be sufficient for drinking, food preparation, brushing teeth etc. An additional 1/2 gallon to 1 gallon per person per day would allow for hygiene care.
They recommend cleaned and sanitized two-liter soda bottles or heavy opaque plastic. Do not use milk jugs or juice bottles. They cannot be cleaned well enough and can crack and leak after a year or two.
I have saved some 2 liter pop bottles. I have them in the back of storage room shelves and in the back of cabinets. I also refill bleach bottles for washing hands. I know I couldn't live with myself if my children were hungry or thirsty.
My sister was without water for 2 days in N.C. She had water stored in pop bottles too. She was the only one in her neighborhood that had water and could use a toilet because she was able to pour water in the back of the tank. She went through 60 bottles before the water was turned back on.
With the world as crazy as it is right now, a little water stored away sounds like a reasonable thing to have on hand.

Dove Beauty

2008-08-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

When I first started coaching I assumed that I was the only one that was unsure of myself. The people that were in my first class were 2 MBA's, 1 PHD, 1 President of a well known company, a motivational trainer, and a professional speaker that traveled the world speaking. Then there was me, a housewife and mother.
Was I ever intimidated. These women were the people I had always dreamed of becoming but because I wanted to stay home with my children, I hadn't done all of those grandiose things.
When I started coaching, I found one thing in common, no matter how beautiful, no matter how successful, no matter how confident on the outside, when you speak to people heart to heart, everyone has insecurities and doubts on the inside, some people just hide it better than others. This was eye opening to me.
When I see this photoshopped billboard it makes me sad. There are so many women who feel bad about themselves because they look at fake perfect people in magazines and on TV and know they don't look like that. They compare their morning face with no make up and hair done, to this billboard model that isn't even a real person.
Why do we continue to read magazines with airbrushed faces and photo shopped bodies? It only makes us feel less confident.

As I skim through fashion magazines, I unconsciously ponder on what qualities I can fix with myself. For a few hours, after looking at the glamorous pictures of celebrities and cover girl models, I become much more aware of my flaws. My sense of self may be dampened for a few hours, until I hit reality.

What I and billions of other females around the world are being fed is a lie.

Boston Globe columnist Ellen Goodman said, "The big success story of our entertainment industry is our ability to export insecurity: We can make any woman anywhere feel perfectly rotten about her shape."

I wholeheartedly believe this. Research conducted by Stanford University and University of Massachusetts found that 70 percent of college women say they feel worse about their own looks after reading women's magazines. Another study by Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that the more frequently girls read magazines, the more likely they were to diet and feel bad about their body shape.

Ladies, these magazines are ruining our self-esteem. I won't go out on a limb by being so broad as to say that everyone is affected, but ... This was written by a college age girl.

Let's quit buying the magazines that make us feel inferior.
The only person we should be comparing ourselves to is our self.
Are you being the best you, you can be? Not perfect, but a good version of yourself?
Are you following your dreams? What have you been putting off that you would love to do and would make you feel fulfilled?
Are you being authentic? Do you follow the crowd or are you being your true self?
Are you doing a little better than you did last month? Baby steps are great!
Are you taking care of yourself? Are you in need of a haircut or color, new outfit, gym membership, massage, pedicure, nap, lunch with a friend, movie, an hour at the library, a song from Itunes?
Do something nice for you. You deserve it!!

Complications of Lasik

2008-08-14T23:23:00.000-07:00

When I had Lasik it consisted of cutting a flap with a laser, lifting the flap and using another laser to shave off some of my eyeball so I would be able to see 20/20. I had the surgery and it was the easiest procedure ever. The only problem was that I still couldn't see very well. They checked my vision and scheduled me for an enhancement. The enhancement is the same as Lasik except they don't have to cut a new flap they just lift it.
I was still pretty satisfied until 2 years later a white spot appeared on my pupil. I started wondering what if I was going blind? What if they can't fix this? That is a pretty scary thought. I went in and they told me that cells were growing under the flap. This only happens to 10% of patients. I went in and had the procedure again. They were able to rip the flap back and wash my eye and the flap to remove the cells. Sorry to gross you out. (They do give me Valium so I didn't really care what they were doing to me.)
I went in for my last appointment and they said the cells had come back. This only happens to 3% of patients. So tomorrow I go in for my 4th surgery. They give me Valium, painkillers, sleeping pills and I sleep for 24 hours straight.
The doctor did give me some comforting information. He said if the cells come back again he either has to glue or stitch my flap down. Yikes!!
After contemplating having no sight. A few surgerys are no big deal. I am thankful for my eyes. I am thankful I can see. You never know what tomorrow will bring. Be grateful for the things that are going well in your life.

Pink Berry

2008-08-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

While I was in California I got to try Pink Berry. It is a very natural tasting frozen yogurt. We went there with friends and absolutely couldn't get over the stuff. We each ordered a medium and then had to go back and get a large. We could have eaten it all night. Needless to say we went back the next day and the next day. We spent more at Pink Berry than we would have spent on Disneyland tickets.
We think it tastes like either frozen Dannonactive or Kiefer. It is something you have to try to believe. It is 70 calories per half cup.
Since we have been home in Arizona we are bummed that they don't have one here. They only have them in California and New York.

This is one of the large yogurts with mango and shaved ice on the bottom. They are huge but don't fill you up at all.
Who knows what's in these that makes them so addicting?!
http://www.pinkberry.com

California Trip

2008-08-11T00:01:00.000-07:00

We went to California on our annual trip with 8 families. Most of us stayed at the Marriott New Port Coast Villas timeshare. We ended up going to the beach 4 days, shopping and movie 2 days. My kids have a blast because they can hang out with kids their age.

Here is our group around the fire pit. We met there several nights.
Going to California is about making memories and having traditions. We have been going with the same families for years. Newport Beach, California is our favorite place to vacation; Great weather, shopping, the ocean, Disneyland, Knottsberry Farm, Lego Land, Los Angeles is close and has the garment district, Jay Leno, and China Town.
Plenty of choices to keep everyone happy.
My husband brings his bike and the husbands (and Kimberly) all ride 1-3 hours a day. They are training for 2 big races coming up.

John Edwards and My Husband

2008-08-08T22:58:00.000-07:00

Since John Edwards is all over the news, I thought I would show you a picture of him with my husband. Last year Kyle did a bike ride called Ragbrai. It is a 7 day ride across Iowa. When he got to Hampton to spend the night at his aunts house, guess who was also staying there? John, his wife, kids and entourage. John had come to ride a few miles of the race for publicity. Kyle wasn’t a supporter of John Edwards but thought is was fun hanging out with them. He gave John the bracelet he is wearing and told him how the bike ride worked. It was funny because Kyle’s aunt and uncle had to leave to go pick up their son in law at the airport, who was coming home from the Iraq. Kyle was left there by himself with the Edwards group all morning.
Kyle was on the computer working and Edward’s little boy Jack age 7 came up and said that he needed the computer. Kyle said I’m using it right now but he could use it when he was done. A few minutes later the little boy came back and said I NEED the computer. Kyle said hold on…..Jack’s dad was running for the President. There were yes men all over that jumped when John or the kids said anything. The kid wasn’t used to someone saying no to him. Finally Kyle finished up and let Edwards son on the computer and guess what he did? He got on webkins and started playing. Can you believe that?
Lance Armstrong was riding Ragbrai, so Trek, Lance's sponsor brought over new bikes for the whole family. John was scheduled to ride with Lance that afternoon.
The kids were so excited to try out their new bikes that they kept asking Kyle if he would take them for a ride. Their dad was too busy so Kyle ended up taking the kids for a ride around the neighborhood.

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

2008-08-08T20:37:00.000-07:00

A few years ago when these first came out, my sister Amy was so excited after using a magic eraser that she bought and mailed each of our sisters one. When I got it I started cleaning door handles, door jams, baseboards, scuff marks, dirty walls etc. I think I cleaned with it for a couple of hours.
My kids like using them so much that they ask me to buy them at the grocery store so they can clean walls and baseboards with them. If you haven't tried them you have know idea how fun it is. You actually go around hoping to find more grime.
My sister said that she discovered them when she was getting ready to move. She assumed she would have to repaint most of the walls in her home. She said after washing the walls with the eraser almost all of the rooms looked as good as new. It even erases crayon.
I told my friend about them and she bought the heavy duty ones and cleaned all the grout in her kitchen. I won't tell you how many hours she spent but she said it turned out beautiful.
Have I convinced you?? Thanks Amy!! I love it when I get turned on to new ideas that are inexpensive and practical, don't you? If you haven't tried one, it is DEFINITELY worth $2.99. They are in grocery stores, home depot, drugstores etc.

Summer Homework Packets

2008-08-07T21:11:00.000-07:00

I made 45 homework packets each at the beginning of the summer. My daughters still have one left. I thought I didn't make enough but the number worked out about right. Some summers are busier than others. Here they are working on the packets on the airplane. I have hopes that it keeps their mind in a learning mode.

http://mytimetoblossom.blogspot.com/2008/05/summer-homework.html
At one time in my life I thought it would be fun to homeschool each child, one year each. I thought it would be a good time to bond and teach them all the things I love and believe.
I did a semester with my oldest. It wasn't what I had hoped. I did learn something from those months though. Instead of me teaching them during the school year, I decided I could teach them in the summer. The best of both worlds. This is how my homework packet idea started.
When the kids were little we would do gymnastics, piano, read and memorize poems. I taught them to read and memorize math facts. Two kids were doable. After 3 it got to be too time consuming for me so I created the packets.
I made packets appropriate for their ages. We could still read stories, do gymnastics, and learn songs together but they could do their packets alone.
I only have two kids left in school. Their summer routine is 15 min. piano, 15 min. packet, 15 min. cleaning job (clean anything they want in the house), and their bedroom and bath clean. When all of this is done they can do whatever they want the rest of the day. It sounds like a lot but it is only 1 out of 12 hours each day.

Packing for a Trip

2008-08-05T23:01:00.000-07:00

It feels like I have been traveling all summer. I am getting pretty good at packing and thought I would share my method. I get all my clothes and lay them on my bed usually biggest to smallest. I don't fold them I just lay the shirts flat with the arms outstretched. After all the pants, shirts and sweaters are laid on top of each other, I pile the things that can get wrinkled, swimsuit, coverup, pj's, underwear, socks etc. at the top of the pile.

I fold the sleeves around the bundle.

Then I fold the clothes packet in half.

Here is the suitcase opened after getting to my destination. Some of the clothes are actually less wrinkled than when I put them in.

Here is how I pack my carry ons. I use a rolling carry on bag. I used to get so tired carrying my bag and purse through 2 airports, that I would be cranky by the time I got through.

You are allowed to bring on 1 bag plus one personal item. They never say how big your purse can be. I bring the biggest purse I own. I put my regular size purse inside the big purse and can take way more stuff. I pack magazines, ipod, homework packets for the kids, notebook, snacks, beach hat etc.

This reminds me of my worst trip ever! Kyle and I took our 5 kids to Hawaii, at the time they were 15, 11, 8, 2 and 1. We flew from Arizona to California to fly out there. The plane was delayed 6 hours. After waking up early, a 6 hour delay, a 5 1/2 hour fight to Hawaii, carrying 2 babies and diaper bags through 3 airports. I was literally wiped out for days.
I learned a huge lesson, #1 to rent the carts that hold all your bags and #2 have rollers on everything. This includes each child with their own rolling carry on.
Had I planned better and taken care of myself, it could have been a great trip. Instead I tried to be superwoman and leave the house perfectly clean, pack the kids, load the car, carry the luggage, not rent the cart for $2.00, pack the kids and bags in the rental car and go to the hotel for a complete breakdown. Does this sound familiar to anyone? Why do we try to do so much?

The Secret Garden-Branson Missouri

2008-08-02T22:49:00.000-07:00

I met with Bobigene the owner of the Secret Garden in Branson while I was in town. She owns a romantic clothing store for women and children. I own a children's jewerly business and have been selling my jewelry to The Secret Garden for the past 7 years.
Bobigene the owner was dressed in white linen wide legged crop pants with ruffles on the bottom. She wore white patent leather ballet flats with scalloped edges. She had a lacy shirt and jacket with pens and a flower broach on her lapel. Her hair was up in a big clip and reminded me of a southern belle. She topped off the outfit with several sparkly necklaces, rings and bracelets.
I admired her for "HER" style. I saw the joy she finds in living life "her" way. She also owns the store next door. It is romantic home decor.

This is a dress similar to what she carries in her store. She showed me a dress that was twice as ruffly and feminine as the one above. She told me that her friend goes grocery shopping and around town in the dress. People always stop her and ask if she just came from a wedding. She says, "No this was just hanging in my closet and I thought I would wear it:)"
Isn't that fun? I picture Bobigene and all of her friends playing dress up everyday. Looking in their closet and seeing what to wear, what makes them feel happy, not what other people say is in style. They have a style all their own.
As I was looking around her store, I told Bobigene about my coaching business and how I was trying to look more professional and not wear so much pink. She looked and me and said WHY?
I was stunned. I said I don't know. (I have read about professional dressing. The other coaches look like corporate America and I don't. )
If my mantra is "I've Gotta BE Me"....... Why am I buying manly business suits?. Why don't I have my own fun style?
I ended up buying one of her silk ribbon broaches. She had about 50 to choose from. I thought since my company is called Time to Blossom Coaching that maybe I could wear flowers on my lapel like Bobigene.

This is the other thing I bought at her store. She doesn't have a website or I would send you there. If you ever go to Branson look her up. She is a fun lady with great stores.

Branson, Missouri-Silver Dollar City

2008-08-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

I just got back from a family reunion in Branson, Missouri. It is kind of like Las Vegas for those of you who aren't familiar with it. There are magic shows, a circus, impersonators, variety shows. comedians, Spirit of the Dance etc. There are a lot of hillbilly type billboards on the way into town. It is middle America at it's best; clean shows and entertainment for families.
I grew up in Oklahoma and have been to Branson 4 times. We love it.

Just like Las Vegas the whole town is lit up and the buildings have themes.

My favorite part of Branson is going to their theme park, Silver Dollar City. It is similar to Knott's Berry Farm in California if you have been there.

It is very clean, pretty and has the best food of any Theme park I have been to. The other nice thing about the park is that there are mature shade trees all over the entire park. We were in the shade most of the day.
These flowers were all over the park.

Another bonus of Silver Dollar City is that inside you can go down into Marvel Cave. It is a wet limestone cave under the Ozark Mountains.

My mother, four of my 5 siblings and some of the kids met in Branson and had 4 days of fun together. When I told people where I was going I got blank stares. I don't know anybody that has ever been there. It is a shame that more people aren't familiar with the town. It has more things to do than you can do in a month and the people are great too:)

Girls Camp Service Project

2008-07-28T21:49:00.000-07:00

I went to a girls camp with 300 girls. A couple of ladies and myself were in charge of a service project that the girls would do. Here is what we came up with and what we did. We decided to have the girls write letters to the soldiers. We decorated the room very patriotic. This picture is one of the walls. The other walls were covered with patriotic scrapbook pages and flags hung on clotheslines. It looked amazingly good. When each group of girls came in I had patriotic music playing. I gave them an inspirational message about how blessed we are to live in America and what sacrifices the soldiers make to keep us free.

We showed them how to make this homemade card. They picked 3 quote cards to put in their letter and then wrote the letter. The quote cards were really up beat inspiring quotes that a soldier would like.
I read many of the letters the girls wrote. Each one of the cards I read made me tear up. The girls really got it. One of the girls said that this was the best thing she had ever done in camp in 6 years. WOW, that is amazing!

These are the songs that I had playing. I think this made a huge difference in the feeling that was in the room.
1- America the Beautiful - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
2 - God Bless the USA - Lee Greenwood
3 - God Bless America - Celine Dion
4 - American Soldier - Toby Keith
5 - Letters From Home - John Michael Montgomery
6 - You Raise Me Up - Josh Groban
7 - Battle Hymn of the Republic - Mormon Tabernacle Choir
8- Hero- Mariah Carey
9 - There's A Hero - Billy Gilman
10 - Arlington - Trace Adkins
11 - Homeward Bound- Allyse Smith

"If I Were Brave" by Jana Stanfield

2008-07-26T17:55:00.000-07:00

I just bought this song off of Itunes. I liked it so much I found a youtube video for you to enjoy too:) Have a SPECTACULAR day!!!

Are you familiar with her? I had never heard of her until last week. Is there any other songs you recommend?

Marriott Park City Summit Watch

2008-07-24T23:46:00.000-07:00

Utah has the most gorgeous flowers and weather in the summer.

We went to Park City and stayed at the Marriott Park City Summit Watch resort timeshare with another couple. Our kids were in sports camp while we hung out at the resort. Here we are eating outside on a balcony of one of the restaurants. Below you can see some of the balconies down Main Street.

This is me outside one of the shops on Main. The town has a fun feel, lots of great restaurants and fun shops.
Here are the other pictures I took of Park City. http://lastminuteluxuryresorts.blogspot.com/2008/07/marriotts-summit-watch-at-park-city.html

Help for the Homeless

2008-07-22T15:28:00.000-07:00

How many times have you pulled up at an intersection and seen a homeless person with a sign and didn't know what to do? My daughter and her in-laws had a family gathering. Each brought items that a homeless person might enjoy. They created bags to put in their car to pass out when they saw people in need. The bags had a water bottle, 2 granola bars, a pkg of crackers, Cambells Soup to Go or a pkg of tuna and crackers, small cup of applesauce, and a Ramen cup of noodles. She said they calculated it up and it came to about $3.00 a bag.
I thought it was a GREAT idea. Thanks Jade:)

New Blog Design

2008-07-19T10:18:00.000-07:00

What do you think about the new blog design? I think Daphne at Parasol Designs did a great job. It is me to a T. I hope the women who aren't girly girls can still read my posts through all the pinky frou-frou (definition-Fussy, Ostentatious ornamentation) I am writing this blog as a way for others to get to know me and at the same time get to know myself.
I am in the business of coaching women to be their best. I feel that the more we get to know our true selves and live into it, the happier we can become.
Years ago I read a book, Daring to Be Yourself by Alexandra Stoddard. My eyes were opened to the choices we make everyday. What kind of pen do I write with? If someone were to see it, would they say, "Oh that must be Carla's pen it looks just like her?" When someone comes into my home does it show my personality or is it just what is in style right now? If you are someone like me that loves certain colors do you have them splashed here and there throughout your home or are you letting trends dictate the colors? After reading her book I decided that I would look inside myself and ask what is my style? What colors do I like? What kind of furniture, cars, food, designs, flowers etc. do I like? When I have to buy something like a pen, which one is the perfect "me" pen, not just any pen. When we start appreciating our unique likes and dislikes and start having things around us that reflect our uniqueness, we start feeling happier. When we can love ourselves for who we are, life becomes more full.
Too many women are chameleons. They wear what others wear, do their hair the same, decorate the same. No wonder so many women loose themselves and start wondering who they are. They are loosing themselves to the groups likes and dislikes. It is riskier to do your own thing, but by doing it, it helps you find and appreciate yourself more.
I know my blog is not very business like. If I were to go to other coaches blogs they would look VERY different than mine. My motto for myself is I've gotta be me. I have found joy in finding myself. I could look like other coaches with a business looking blog but then I wouldn't be practicing what I preach. I believe there is only one me and only one you. If I am not going to be me, then who will?

2008-07-16T18:47:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I wake up grumpy...............Other times I just let him sleep:)

I saw this in a gift shop and thought it was worth a blog post.

Window Display

2008-07-14T14:28:00.000-07:00

Click on this picture to enlarge it. These are laminated pieces of scrapbook paper hooked together with rings hung on a rod. This is soo cute. It might be a cute idea hung behind a bed. Hmm

Organizing Papers

2008-07-12T09:52:00.000-07:00

My husband is not one of those naturally organized people. I have helped him organize things and helped him create systems for his papers. We start businesses and sell them. That means we are buying properties, fixing them up, hiring, and running one business while we are, selling and finishing up another business. Long story short HE had piles and piles of papers. I say he because a few years ago I started working on my own career instead of being a partner with him. His papers had become soo overwhelming he wasn’t able to touch them. I offered for months to do them together but he wouldn’t do it. Finally because we needed to get things to the accountant, I began.
As I was putting like items together, and labeling file folders, I started handing him little stacks of papers that only he knew about. I worked on the rest for 12 hours straight. The problem was he had active papers and inactive papers together. This actually made him think all the stacks were things he needed to do, when in reality some of the items were old and just needed to be stored away. I put all the items that he rarely needs in a filing cabinet, (travel, keepsakes, cycling, laptop phone, properties, church, titles). And boxed all the items dated before 2006 and put them in the basement. We whittled the stacks down to one plastic container with files in it. I cannot tell you the difference in his demeanor from morning till the evening. The quantity of papers he was shuffling through was really weighing him down. I feel guilty that I didn’t help him sooner. I felt like if he wanted to do it with me I would, BUT if he wanted me to sit there and do 12 hours of paperwork while he went on a bike ride NO way! Looking back I can see it was just too big of a job for a person that hates paperwork and organization. What a difference in his stress level!!!!
What is great about men and women is that they compliment each other. What I am good at he isn't and what I'm not good at he is.
He did leave me a little note this morning it said, “Thanks for all the paperwork you did today! You did great! LOVE YOU!”

Freezing Tomatoes

2008-07-10T09:15:00.000-07:00

The tomatoes in our garden got a little out of control last week,

We put them in boiling water for a minute to loosen the skin.

Here are all the tomatoes with the skin ready to peel off.

This is what they look like up close.

Here are the peeled tomatoes. I just stuffed them in jars and poured there own juice over them and put them in the freezer.

Whenever I make a dish that calls for canned tomatoes I will get out a jar. They will be a little mushy so I will probably blend them before I put them in things.

Westin in Scottsdale

2008-07-08T22:53:00.000-07:00

My husband and I own LOTS of timeshares. We use them and we rent them. Last weekend someone only rented part of the week, so we took the kids to Scottsdale and hung out at the Westin. In my opinion timeshare renting is the only way to go when you are traveling with the family. In general the timeshares we rent have 3 rooms. One king bedroom, one queen bed and hideabed bedroom, and a large family room with hideabed, dining, kitchen and washer and dryer. We mainly deal in Marriotts. They are very clean, upscale 5* resorts with all the fitness rooms, pools etc. with activities for the kids. By renting timeshares you can stay at nicer places, with more room, for less money. The best part is a private bedroom without kids in it.

Enjoying a hammack under the trees by the pool. I LOVE hammocks.

Here is one of the bedrooms

Bath with separate tub and shower.

Family room

Kitchen and dining area.
Check back later because the prices right now are the highest of the year.
lastminuteluxuryresorts.blogspot.com

It is NOT Selfish to Take Care of Yourself!!

2008-07-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

"If you are not taking care of yourself, body, mind, and spirit, the people in your life don't get the best you, they get what's left of you" Lorraine Cohen

When I coach women I find lots of them that do too much for everyone else and forget themselves. I hope something in this post can help you to know, YOU ARE IMPORTANT AND YOU ARE WORTH IT!!

I have learned that when I am a person that can do everything myself, people will let me do EVERYTHING, even when I'm exhausted.

When I don't have an opinion on the restaurants, vacations, and movies I go to, guess what? Other people pick where they want to go. It is my own fault when I end up at a sushi restaurant when I hate sushi.

Women don't have any problem buying new clothes, classes and camps for their kids but some don't save any money for clothes, classes and girl trips for themselves. If you don't think you are worth it, your children will begin to think you aren't worth it either.

Have you known women who think they are worth a manicure or a new outfit? Everyone else knows they deserve it too.
Don't you want your husband and children to have one of those mom's and wives that think highly of themselves, have opinions and think they deserve a nice life too?

People get treated, how they treat themselves.

You can only love others as much as you love yourself.

Think you are worth it and others will think you are worth it.

Have an opinion and others will admire you for having one.

Jewel has a song called Stronger Woman
My favorite line in the song is
Well tonight, I’m going to be
The kind of woman I’d want my daughter to be

We have to model the kind of person we want our children to be. We want them to know that women and mother's are important. We want our daughters to treat themselves as an important valuable person, not grow up to be martyrs or doormats. When we are respected by our husbands and children when they grow up they will expect respect as well.

Here is the chorus of Jewel's song.
I’m gonna love myself more than anyone else
Believe in me, even if someone can’t see
There’s a stronger woman in me
I’m gonna be my own best friend
Stick with me till the end
I won’t lose myself again, never, no
Cause there’s a stronger woman
A stronger woman in me.

Hawaiian Baked Beans for the 4th of July

2008-07-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

I put rings of green peppers, onions and pineapples in. It gives the beans a great flavor and people can pick out which things they don't like.

Hawaiian Baked Beans
4 large cans pork-n-beans
1 lb. bacon cooked and crumbled
1 large onion sliced
1 large bell pepper sliced
6 T. worcestershire sauce
14 oz. ketchup
1 c. brown sugar
1 large can pineapple

Cook 3 to 4 hours. First half with lid on, 2nd half open at 350 degrees.
People WILL want this recipe it's one of my favorites!!!!

The first time I had this was 20 years ago at a family reunion. I got the recipe from my Aunt Pat. She has 11 children so the recipe makes a lot. It easy enough to half if you aren't feeding a crowd.
Let me know if you try it:)

Kids and Candy

2008-06-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Last Oct. a cousin came to stay with one of my kid's friends. This girl hadn't eaten candy for 10 months. She made a deal with her dad to not eat candy for a year for a cash reward. My girls were really impressed with this idea. On Jan. 1st my girls came to me and asked if I would do a similar deal. My son hadn't drank any pop for 3 years since his track coach told him how bad it was for runners. So all 3 decided to do the deal. No pop and no candy for 1 year for a cash reward from mom. I knew I couldn't do it, so I figured I wouldn't go broke doing the deal. I thought the kids might learn some valuable lessons, even if they could only do it for a month or two. They would learn that it was ok to try something different, to not do things when everyone else was doing it, how to conquer peer pressure when their friends were trying to get them to eat candy, how to put off immediate gratification (pleasure of candy), how to have a very long term goal. It seemed like a great idea to support. 2 of my kids are still in the contest. Whenever they go to a birthday party, school or church activity they give all their candy to me. I am shocked at how much candy is given out to kids!

How to NOT Gain Weight

2008-06-26T13:32:00.000-07:00

DO NOT try Haggen-Dazs Vanilla Honey Bee Ice cream!

DO NOT find your closest Krispy Creme donut shop.

DO NOT have 2 children that decided not to eat candy for a year and gives me all of theirs. (Next post I will tell you about this)
DO NOT have a very nice sister in law that sends you homemade truffles.
I got on the scale today and I'm up 4 pounds. DANG!!! I thought I was getting away with these indulgences.
Do you have a food that I should definitely NOT try?

Just for Fun

2008-06-24T22:24:00.000-07:00

This blog suneday.blogspot.com is my daughters friend Rachel and her sisters. They show lots of products and fashion. Both of these pictures came from their site.
Gorgeous!!!!!

This originally came from domino magazine.