I Was Magnetized

You heard right I was magnetized yesterday. Hubby and I had an opportunity to go watch a presentation of the NIKKEN Wellness Home products. It is a way of holistic healing done with magnets. For those of you who live in the valley of the sun -Arizona you can go check this out by calling Wendy Shelly at 480-266-4695. She doesn't put pressure on to buy just wants to spread the news of how to get healthy.
This was what I used with an explination of what it doesn, for probably 15 min. before the massage BIAXIAL MAGNETIC ROTATION

Energized from head to toe.

Nikken scientists achieved a breakthrough by reimagining the laws of the universe. They asked: What if a magnet, instead of a positive and negative pole, could act as if it had multiple poles, in every direction?

That was the beginning of Magnetic Biaxial Rotation. It’s literally revolutionary, using a patented rotation effect to produce a magnetic field that is dynamic rather than stationary. Nikken combined this with a soothing massage to help increase circulation, stimulate and help you relax. Try the Biaxial Body Energizer™ and the PowerMag™ — you’ll feel it!

We got a free massage that was done with magnatized products. We were also given the chance to try some of the different products. My knee actually felt better after the first thing I tried. Then durring my massage it was like my lungs were opend up and all of the sudden I could breath so much better. With the sinus infection it hasn't been so easy. I am trying the skin care products, True Elements, and will let you in on how they work out for me. I have majorly sensitive skin so I have to be very careful of what I use.
Let me back up to a little over 2 years ago Alan had hurt his ankle and was limping around for almost 6 weeks. He wasn't sure what had happened but it wasn't getting better with ice or heat. No insurance so no doctor visit. One of the guys he was working with mentioned trying out this magnetic thing. So he went over and gave it a try. Then about 3 days later he went and did it again and hasn't had a problem since.
The explaination of how the magnets work you can check this out HERE. It is an Eastern Medicine. As crazy as it sounds it has worked on many people. I guess I would compare it to acupunture minus the needles. Check it out for yourself.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Extreme Makeover:Me Edition Early

It's time for Extreme Makeover: Me Edition
It has been a good week not a great week just good. I have eaten a little better but I haven't been pigging out on junk food other than the Jack In The Box Oreo Shake oh boy that thing was great for PMS. I am such an emotional eater and sometimes it isn't till after I have eaten that I think about it. I have tried the stopping and waiting and I still do it most of the time.
I have not been exercising like I should but doing a lot more walking. I do better if I try not concentrate on the me too much and just keep busy and active. Does that make since?
I just took an Intentional Creation Assessment test and got the results. This is through Og Mandino . I had a discussion with one of their mentors and in the assessment I found out I am too judgmental of myself and want perfection from me and hold back from doing things if there is a chance I might fail or look follish. Hmmm..... Man it was right. So many times in my life I have been scared of doing something that I might not be able to do and avoided it. Time to change that thinking and progress. I think this is part of what holds me back. I work out for a while see a little progress and get a few comments of how I am looking good and then nothing for a while and I give up. This is going to be a challange for me to overcome.
This week assignment for the Etreme Makeover: Me Edition is:
Share with us a healthy recipe:
This recipe is not one I made up but one that a friend Janel made me one day for lunch when she became my mentor in fitness. The funny thing is I am not a big tuna fan but this is good I learned it is all in the kind of tuna you use.
Tropical Tuna Sandwich
Servings: 2
1 can (6oz) Bumble Bee Tuna in water, drained.
2 Tbsp. or less of Miracle Whip Free
1 Tbsp. crushed pineapple, drained
2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish (or not)
1 tsp. yellow mustard
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
4 slices whole-wheat bread
Directions:
In a mixing bowl, combine tuna, Miracle Whip, pineapple, relish, mustard and cinnamon; mix well.
Spread a portion of tuna mixture on 2 slicws of bread. Top with remaining slices of bread.
Lightly coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Place sandwiches in the pan and cook over medium heat for about 2 or 3 minutes on each side, until the sandwiches are warm and the bread is slightly browned.
Slice tuna sandwiches in half, serve and enjoy.
Like I said I am not a big fish fan unless it is coated, fried and there is a lot of dipping sauce but this sanwich is really good. Don't judge until you try it!
Working on the thinking change and add more exercise to my day for the rest of this week.
Tonight the Biggest Loser is on so I will be watching this. Have a great night!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Whatcha Working on Wednesday and Our Business

News Flash: I found out yesterday at Fry's when you bring in your reusable cloth bags you get a .5 credit for each bag. Every little bit helps, Right?
Man this week is going by fast. Whatcha Working On Wednesday is here already. Today I have two kiddos home. E'lyse caught whatever it was that Gabby had or from someone else she is congested and feeling bad. Gabby's teacher told her yesterday that if she came to school and was coughing she was going to send her to the nurse to be sent home. She is no longer running a fever and is bouncing off the walls she just has a cough. Yet they get upset if the child misses. Oh well! Se la vie! I am seriously considering homeschooling next year for the girls. This in a major thinking process that has to be sorted through and prayed about.
Alan and I got up at 4:40. Neither of us could sleep and he had a major break through on something he was struggling with to figure out so he shared what came out of that and by then I was wide awake.
I have been working on typing up lists for the food storage and for my freezer inventory. On Saturday Coco and I cleaned out my big freezer and hubby rolled it out to the front and let it defrost and I then cleaned it out, reorganized everything and took notes of what was in there.
I went shopping yesterday for my two week cooking. I use to do OAMC (Once a Month Cooking) all the time and got out of the habit. But I decided with the business starting up we are going to need as much of my free time when hubby is home to work on projects.
We don't have a name yet for the business but I will tell you what we will be doing. First Alan has been in the construction industry since he was a little guy. His father built houses on the side and in the summer as he was a teacher and had to provide for a family of 9 children. My hubby is great at what he does. He is wonderful in math and able to figure out how things will look good and functional. He worked for a major home builder here in Arizona, Shea Homes. He built Shea's largest and most expensive homes. He quit 6 months after we had moved to Pinetop to be with the family full time instead of just weekends. He is a jack of all trades, some he is more proficient at but has sources to get information if need be. He is great with the customer of making them happy and helping with ideas. Our business will be remodeling, additions, and fix ups or foreclosure homes. Eventually we would like to flip houses and build speck houses, but that is down the road. I am more of the Girl Friday and someone to share and get ideas from. This is major exciting for us. His countenance has changed and has an enthusiasm that I haven't seen in a long time. It is great! I was even told last week at church that I had a glow about me. At first thinking "I'm not pregnant", I think it is a glow of positive energy I feel. We still don't have a name so if you want to add your idea I would love to hear them.
I have a bunch of prep work to do for my cooking along with some researching for the business, phone calls, kiddos to look after, wash and regular home blessings for my WWOW. Hope you all have a great day. I wanted to share this with you I think it is great.
"We often think of enthusiasm as caused by an external event. However, it can be generated from within, becoming an intentional action for transforming virtually anything in our lives. Enthusiasm can take the seemingly small, dull, boring, or unimportant and turn it into something new and magnificent. Learn to strengthen the muscle of your enthusiasm, letting the tiny become great, and you will reclaim your energy and passion." Anat Baniel

Look What I Got In The Mail

I had pre-ordered this book as soon as I saw it was coming out. This gal Crystal has a wonderful site all on food storage it is called Every Day Food Storage
And it is signed. I am really excited about this book. It starts with the basics and works it's way up. There are recipes too!! The table of contents goes like this: Getting your family involved, Creating your three-month supply, Building your One-Year Supply, Using powder milk, Using powdered eggs, Using Whole wheat, Using Dried Beans, Using Dried Vegetables and Fruits . WoW! It is plum packed full of wonderful information to help me along and help others.
Check out her site it has great recipes and videos.
Hope everyone is having a great Monday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Making Your Home Sing Monday

For this week to make my home sing of course I will do my Monday home blessings. I am going to work on a uplifting attitude. You know the saying,"If momma aint happy aint nobody happy." It is so true. I will keep a great attitude no matter what faces me this week . A smile on my face and positive thoughts. As I say this I know I will be challenged on this but this is okay. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Sunday

Today has been a good day. I woke up this morning at 5 and couldn't get back to sleep. I went downstairs and checked to see if the newspaper came. It hadn't. I love the Sunday paper and all the coupons. It is a major excitement for me to see what will be going on sale in the next few weeks. I had other things to do in my craft room that will soon be our office. So finally at 6:30 the papers were here and I got all my coupons clipped and put in their little spaces.
The day progressed and we had a wonderful breakfast that hubby cooked. A little later we went to church. We sat down I am looking through the program of who is going to speak and what is on the ward calendar and saw it was fast Sunday due to having Steak Conference next week. OPPS!! I forgot all about it not being next week. The meeting was nice it wasn't as noisy as it usually is.
After church we came home and I had put a roast in the crock pot about 6:30 this morning with the can of Diet Coke to make it moist and tasty. It smelled so good. I made mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls and apple sauce. I had some orange cauliflower cooking and for the first time in a long time I burnt it! AGH! I wasn't not a happy camper about this. But the rest of the dinner or late lunch was very yummy!
Yesterday Alan and I planted the garden. We are doing Gardening By the Foot minus the grid. We just imagined the grid was there. This is what it looks like so far
After lunch/dinner I went out and stuck a green onion that I bought from the market in the garden and 2 of the summer squash by the little plants in the center and came in calling for everyone to come look at the garden. They came running out and I said, "Wow we are great gardeners. Look at the squash is already growing and here is an onion too!" Dallas was starting to buy it for a couple seconds, Gabby runs over and is looking amazed at the squash (this is one of Gabby's favorite veggies) and then Alan started laughing. I am a dork but I have fun at it!
Then Alan and I took a very late nap. I defiantly have a sinus infection. I used my Neti Pot this morning and it burned to the point I wanted to cry. Then my nose would not stop draining. I would bend over and the continued water that was up there kept flowing. Sorry I hope no one was munching on a M&M while reading this. And the pressure behind my ears is crazy. It is that big pressure that you have right before a sneeze. So I am going to treat this infection and get rid of it fast I have way to much going on to be sick.
So that has been my Sunday. It has been a good one. Have a great evening. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Saturday Deals, Fries, Temple and Month Cooking

 I woke this morning feel a little better I think I have a sinus infection and starting of a cold, but I am much better than yesterday.
This morning Coco, Talmage and I went to Fry's with coupons in hand and ready to get deals.

This is what I got for $31.79.

There are 5 four roll pack of toilet paper (FREE), 4 Rice Quakes (Free), Milk was .99 cents limit 2, Tampico drinks $1.00 Capri Suns 5 of them, I got for .77 each with my coupons, McCormick sesoning 3 of them (FREE), 10 peanut butter enough for at least 2 months and finished off my year supply of shampoo & condiditioner for the girls. I had to do 2 transactions so I saved $33.77 on the first one with a 79% savings and on the second one I saved $68.42 with a savings of 76%. I was really happy with what I got. I am still learning.

 We then went to Superstition Ranch Market for veggies and fruit. I spent $25.27. We were out of all of our fresh veggies and fruit. If it isn't around I tend to snack on junk snacks.  We usually have 2 veggies at dinner every night so we do eat a lot of veggies. They had black berries and strawberries. Oh they smell so yummy I can't wait to eat some. 

After this we went to the Holsum Backery Inc. Outlet. I got all the bread for the week for $18.75. I am going to start making my own bread again to save on that money there. With lunches for 6 people every day we go through a lot of bread. The bread there is really good and great price. They have the 9 Grain for $1.69 a loaf that is normally around $4. I know it is better for us and fills us up with good nutrition instead of just yucky fillers.

 

I am doing my own experiment with Burger King fries. These were bought and picture was taken on Friday April 24, 2009. The first picture is of them wrapped up in the napkin after I took them out of the container. They are kind of greasy but not to bad. They will be kept in this same napkin as I do my experiment. I will be taking pictures and keeping you updated on them. 

 Today I an exciting day for my niece and her family they are being sealed as a family in the Washington D.C. Temple
 

This is the closest one to where they live in Pennsylvania. I am so happy for  you Savannah, Jess, Pantera and Zeke.

Today has been buys since we got home Coco and I emptied out my freezer. I am going to make a list of what all we have in there and make dinner off of it. I plan on doing a one month cooking like I use to do. With starting a new business and summer coming I want all the time I can get and not be raising the electric bill along with heating up the house.

Hope you all have a great Saturday evening. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

WAAAAAAAAAA

That is me crying. I woke up this morning with a list of things to do today. I got out of bed and a major headache started in. I just kept waiting for it to go away. )This is what I usually do instead of taking a ibuprofen right away.) I have been up for 4 hours and I had to give in. I am aching all over and having chills. I am getting sick!! Off to take Zicam and lay down with Gabby who is still home. She is doing better other than her cough that is really nasty sounding. Maybe after a little nap I will feel much better.
Have a great Friday day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Silly Kid

Yesterday when I took E'lyse shopping Alan had called me to see when I would get home. I had just got to the second store and he was working on the watering system for the garden and needed something so he took Gabby with him since she was home from school. They stopped to get a drink and she started coughing and the clerk said that the Icee should help with that cough. Alan said," Yes and I think some chicken nuggets from McDonald's would help too." Gabby looks up at him and says,"Mom said we can't have McDonald's". She looks down then back up again quickly with her eyes wide and says,"But, we don't have to tell her!" Stinker! She didn't get McDonald's. You may ask why. I was watching a You Tube video and the guy that filmed the movie," Super Size Me" did an experiment with some of McDonald's food. He placed certain items seperatly into glass jars with lids. The kind that they use to have in 5 and dime stores with candy in them. Anyway so he put in some of McD's and then a burger and fries from a street vendor. This is all in New York City. After 10 weeks the McD's fries still looked fresh. That just made me sick to think of what that is doing to our bodies.
If you like McDonalds that is fine I am just telling you why I will no longer eat there or take my kiddos there. PLEASE! Don't write me nasty comments for my opinion as I said it is MY opinion and decision.
I am tempted to do this with other fast food resturants and see how long it takes them.
I can't believe it is Thursday. I am feeling a little scattered and need to get back to the routine. Being gone most of Tuesday and Wednesday threw me off. Gabby is still home with a cough and slite fever off and on. I think she likes being home. So for today I have wash to do, kiddos to take care of and some cleaning off the front porch. Off to get my jobs done. Have a great day!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Extreme Makeover: Me Edition

To join in go to {aefilkins}
This week's question:

Share some of the music that you work out to. What helps you rock it!? What gets your blood pumpin?

For me it would have to be some of the following:
(Old) Van Halen with David Lee Roth
Billy Idol
Prince
Kiss
Pussy Cat Dolls
Aerosmith
Kiss
Spice Girls
The Go Go's
Beyonce
Justin Timberlake
It depends on what I am in the mood for.
This week I am focusing on food choices and drinking more water. Stupid Diet Coke I got addicted to it and I can't stop!!! HELP!!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

Whatcha Working on Wednesday is today! I am late posting due to not being home. Coco and Talmage came over bright and early this morning and visited for a while. E'lyse had a late start day. We had told her we would get her some new clothes she is outgrowing hers and they aren't modest enough for our liking so today was a perfect day to take her shopping. We first went to Wal-Mart. I had to get some lunch supplies and she wanted to check out their shorts. She found 3 pair that are adorable and 1 cute blouse with 4 under-shirt camis. We then went to Goodwill because I wanted to look around. For those in Arizona if you go to www.goodwillaz.com you can pring off coupons for the store. I saved $10 there today and got some cute blouses for her and a skirt for me and 3 casual shirts for me too. They were name brands too and I hate spending full price for clothing especially for myself. We then went to Ross. We hit the jackpot there. She got some blouses, 2 skirts and a sweet little brown and blue skirt suit. The skirt has polkadots on it and is as sweet as can be. We had fun! It has been a while since she and I have done anything like this together. She is usually with friends or busy. I took her to school and came home.
I started my wash for the day and did some straightening up around the house. I still have to work on the budget and business plans to go over with Alan. Planning on a simple cool dinner since it is so hot here for tonight. Alan is getting the soil preped for the garden as I said before "I don't do the heat", it really makes me sick to my stomache. And you may ask why I live in Arizona? Because I can't get hubby to move and right now this is where the Lord wants us. So the AC is on and I am good.
Off to get work done. Have a great afternoon. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

It's A Go and A Bunch Of Things

It's a go! Hubby and I are starting our own business. There are so many decisions and plans to make it is wonderful. This feels so right and what the Lord wants for us at this time. More to come on this later.
Gabby has been home from school yesterday and today with a ferocious cough and nasty sounding nose. She loves being at home with me it is really funny. She has been laying around a lot and if you know Gabby she is not one to lay around she is one to bounce off the walls. She is a bundle of energy.
The Reset button was a great idea. Eating has been good. Not so much on the exercising other than a lot of walking. I know this counts but isn't the full 1/2 hour to 45 min. of cardio but that is okay it is all good. I hope all of you who pressed yours are doing great with it. You can check in on my Healthy Habit blog with me or here if you want. I will be putting more information regarding the health ideas and such on it.
I am feeling a little craft deficient lately. I haven't done any crafts and it is so sad. I need to put some time in on some scrap-booking or painting or making something beautiful tomorrow.
Last night for Family Home Evening we had a cook out. Meaning Alan did the cooking outside and we ate inside because I am a wimp! This week has gotten much hotter here in Arizona. It is trying to get to the 100's and I don't do heat very well. I am a cold weather gal. So the AC has been turned on and cooling off the family. After dinner we watched a good movie called "Faith In Potatoes". It is a little hard to hear all the conversations due to the guys great Scottish accent. Yummy just like Sean Connery! Anyway it is a good movie that has a great story and the scenery is pretty. It is set in South Africa. I know you are probably asking how did a Scottish guy end up in SA. You have to watch the movie to find out.
Today Coco watched Gabby for Alan and I while we went to the Temple. It was nice to go it has been a little too long for me since I was there. It was very peaceful and quiet. It made me very sleepy. he he Then we went out to lunch for Mexican food at MiAmigos. (Missed seeing your there Janey!) I love their chips and salsa, but it gives me really bad breath. So worth it though.
For tonight the kiddos have mutual (this is a youth meeting in our church). We are having a simple dinner and planning. Off I go to finish up wash and get dinner going. Tonight is also the Biggest Loser so I will be watching that too. Have a great evening! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Extreme Makeover: Me Edition

I decided to join this great idea "Extreme Makeover: Me Edition" with a fun and beautiful host Amber . Each week she will post a question and we report to post how we are doing. The question for this was posted last week and funny enough I answered it too last week. It was basically this: What are you going to do this week after the big Easter weekend to get back on track? This was my answer Restart Button. It is Spring and time for a fresh start. No mindless eating for me.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Shelf Reliance Give Away

If you go here Modern Molly Mormon you can have the opportunity to enter the giveaway for THRIVE food storage This is the food storage product I did a couple reviews on here and here . This product is awesome. I really, really, really want to win this one. But good luck to all of you who try. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Weekend Update, Home Making Monday and Menu Plan Monday

Warning!! This is a post from a scatter brained lady. The things you read will be out of order due to the way things just kept poping in my head as I was writing this.
My weekend was good. Considering that Friday night we were getting our dinner prepared for our date night. The kids were all at friends houses and just as Alan went out to lite the grill my cell phone rang. It was one of the mall cops calling to tell me my daughter,E'lyse was there and was being loud and obnoxious and needed to be picked up. I couldn't believe it, not that I didn't think my child would be that way but she was suppose to be at her friends house watching a movie. I asked if it was a joke, he said no. It turns out her and her friend decided to go to the mall even though Alan and I said no. I knew they were going to meet boys there and that isn't allowed. Sure enough I was right. We decided to let her sit on what her consequence would be for her stupidity for a day or so. I honestly was too mad to give her it that night. She would have had no privileges till she was 18. The first thing I did was to take the cell phone away from her. I know now her life is ruined. he he I just don't understand parents taking a teenagers word that her parents said she could go to the mall with the older sister and her boyfriend who are only 16. Why not give me a call to make sure it is alright? I guess I am odd that way I wouldn't do that, I know how teenagers can be.
We had a very long talk with her on Sunday and changes are underway for her. Still no cell phone and won't be one for a very long time.
On Saturday Alan built 1 of our garden planter boxes.
We obviously still need to fill with dirt and get the planting done. There is nothing like fresh tomatoes from your own vine.
Sunday was a good day. In Sacrament it was the Young Women s presentation . E'lyse gave a good talk. In fact all of the girls did a good job.
During our Sunday school time we went in and talked with our Bishop regarding Dallas' blow up last week. Dallas acts as if nothing happend but there are issues that need to be delt with for things to be more loving and comfortable feeling in our home. Bishop Kempton is truly an inspired man. He has so much love for the youth in our ward and he knows Dallas so well. He gave us some wonderful advice on dealing with Dallas and his fit last week. He helped us so much with his words of wisdom and guidance. So once again the winds of change are coming to this family with Dallas. I have such a great respect and love for our Bishop and all he does for our ward and the time he takes to listen and help. It is wonderful!

I don't want people thinking I have terrible kiddos they are normal. They occasionally make dumb decisions. As do I. I love them no matter what. My hubby and I are trying to raise them the way our Heavenly Father does with us. We don't always ask or listen and he lets us fall flat on our faces but always loves us no matter what. I do struggle with the parenting of teenagers. I just wish I could keep them under my wing and not let them get hurt or make major mistakes, I know that is not what I am suppose to do though. So I pray and listen to advice from other parent's, our Bishop and do what feels that would be best for them.

Homemaking Monday Tip:
Daily prayer and communication with our Father in Heaven can make things so much better. Like any relationship we need to keep the lines of communication open with him. He is there for us. He hears our prayers and loves each of us. Take the time it is so worth it.

Menu Plan Monday: (In no paticular order)
Kentucky Ham Hot Borwn
Sliced Cucumbers

Chicken Cordon Blue
Peas
Salad

Taco Mac Salad
Vanilla yogurt with Apple slices and grapes

Tater Tot Casserole
Corn
Five Cup Salad

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Tomato Soup
Salad
Orange slices

Date Night

Roast
Mash Potatoes/Gravy
Green Beans
To make my home sing today I am bringing in a spirit of happiness and full of positive attitude.
Being that today is my day for major home blessings I better get to work. Have a great day!
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Looking Up

As I woke up this morning with what felt like a pencil being shoved into my right ear, I have another ear infection. I got up and got lunches finished up, kiddos off to school and I just couldn't stay awake. Hubby and I were to go to the Temple this morning but I couldn't stay awake. I am one of those people when I have an infection my body just wants to sleep. So I listened to my body and went back to bed a little after 8 and woke at my phone ringing at 11:45. Told you I was sleepy. I feel a little better, still sleepy and not a ball of energy but I did manage to get my hair done and dressed. With all the work I got completed on Monday I have been left with just quick home blessings this week. Things are starting to look up regardless of my ear ache!
A while back I had a dream (literally) that hubby and I had our own business. The only problem was that hubby wasn't interested and I didn't know what kind of business. This was about 2 years ago. Well he is thinking more and more about being his own boss and starting up a business. He has been in deep thought about it too. We were eating lunch together and he started talking about what part if any I wanted to play in this and we came up with some great ideas. Now we have to take it to the Lord to see if this is what we are suppose to do. The type of businesses my hubby wants to do, he is great at and I feel could be very good for him and our family. We will see what comes with it.
I was reading an article on Spring cleaning that has to do with health and I loved it so I wanted to share them with you I will also be sharing them on my Health blog. I think these are wonderful.

A Clean Slate-PRESS RESET

Posted by Cathy Lang in General on 8 April 2009

Show of hands:

How many of you had a New Year’s Resolution to exercise more?

...my hand is in the air.

How many of you have fallen short of that goal or abandoned it all together?

...my hand is in the air.

Yes; professional personal trainers get a little off track and have to set fitness and weight-loss goals, and yes; even trainers get caught up in the day to day of life and have a little trouble sticking to our fitness resolutions.

2009 got off to a bumpy start for many of us so I say it’s time to PRESS RESET!

Spring is a time of re-birth…out with the old, in with the new…spring-cleaning…whatever cliché you want to use applies.

PRESS RESET on not only your resolution, but also the way you approach fitness altogether. Stop thinking of ways to exercise and think of ways to move. Every little bit helps-even the fun stuff! Clean out those negative connotations of fitness as a chore.

Some people need the solitude of dedicated time to walk, run, dance, meditate, hike, swim, etc on their own. For those of you who don’t have the inclination or perhaps just don’t have the time to be away from your family play tag with your children, go bowling, look up a walking tour of your city that a tourist would enjoy and explore your city as if you were visiting for the first time.

The same way that every forkful of food or ‘I’ll just have 1 bite’ can add up to extra pounds, every minute you spend moving your body adds up to a fitter, trimmer, healthier you.

The chill of winter is now gone..

Posted by Deborah Vineberg in General on 31 March 2009

The chill of winter is now gone and spring is upon us. The days are getting longer and it is the perfect time of year to "unpack" and "stretch out".

By "unpacking" I mean taking a look at those issues that you may have been holding onto all winter, and consciously deciding whether to keep them or let go of them. Spring is a time for new things and shedding old grudges, old promises or old hurts may help you to feel much lighter.

I use the term "stretching out" to refer to doing things outside of your comfort zone. This means trying something new; an activity you've always wanted to participate in or a piece of clothing you never had the guts to wear. Spring is the perfect time of year to 'try on' a fresh, positive and hopeful outlook.

Weight loss can be extremely difficult. If you can start off by feeling a little lighter by "unpacking" and "stretching out" you have already jump-started the process.

Deborah Vineberg, Psy.D.

And last but not least:

Spring is here, NOW SPRING BACK TO LIFE

Posted by Dr. Doron Katz in General on 30 March 2009

It has been a rough winter with cold temperatures and a frigid economy, but little by little, things are beginning to turn around! Individuals are beginning to purchase again, banks are starting to lend and homes are being built - we are even starting to hear faint whispers of companies hiring again. Trust me, things are still tough - I have seven good friends out of work each with 3 - 5 children - and many of the patients that I am seeing daily in my medical offices are requiring intensive counseling to deal with their financial and familial stressors.

Life stressors often push fitness and nutrition to the side. But why do we do this to ourselves? The weight battle often results in feelings of helplessness and depression - which is the last thing we need right now! In tough times, we need to recognize that there is nothing more important than our health; Without it, we're in trouble. So pick yourself right up and get outside and exercise, go meet with your nutritionist or your doctor, and get back on the path to success and healthy living. And don't forget to log your progress in our Facebook application.

For the record, about three months ago, I got tired of telling patients to exercise without doing it consistently myself. I was tired of feeling bloated and being out of shape - it had been a year since I last exercised - I started slow walking a mile or two every other day and am now walking/running 5 - 6 miles four times a week! Over and over when I "prescribe" exercise, I hear that "I have no time." One thought on this point - Once you get into a rhythm of exercise and healthy eating you will make sure to find time because of how good you'll feel. Amazingly you'll be more energized and will require less sleep - you'll feel less sluggish and all of a sudden there will be time you did not know you had. Not to mention, better interpersonal relationships, more confidence and a brighter outlook on life!

Doron Katz, MD

Have a wonderful Friday. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Thursday

Thank you once again for all the comments on my pity party post. After feeling a junk food hangover yesterday I am doing better. I woke up feeling a little blah but got much better the more I got busy. I also ate better too. I just think that every once in a while we need to cry and get it all out of our system. I tend to bottle things up and then all of a sudden something send me over the edge. I don't usually share so much about it but I felt I needed too. I don't want to be a downer type of person I want to be an uplifting and happy person. I do appreciate all of the sweet bloggers who share their true feelings and what is going on. I look at it this way it is like a good therapy session but it is free!
Coco and I went to run errands yesterday and had a good time. I was happy with the skirts and blouses I got at a great price at Burlington. That store is wonderful!
Today we are going to go to the new Goodwill store. We have been saying we were going to go and time just seems to get away from us so today is the day.
Faith has been so excited she has been getting ready for the play "Twist of the Tongue" that her and the drama club are putting on at the end of this month. She is constantly talking about it, singing the songs and practicing her part. To the point I know the words too!
The thing with Dallas is better. He started talking to me the afternoon after he had not talked to me in the morning. E'lyse told him he was being an idiot and he was lazy. He got mad at her but changed his tune with me. It was all over me cleaning his room and finding an R rated movie that he had borrowed. It was the Saw II. We do not allow or even watch R Rated movies ourselves and that is certainly not allowed in our home. I just feel it brings on bad, evil feelings, evil spirits and actions. We have been told by our Prophet to keep our minds and mouths clean and this is just crap being added. There was more to the situation when he unloaded on me that is what really hurt. It will have forever changed our relationship but I will love him no matter what.
I am looking forward to the weekend. I don't have any plans but I am grateful it is on it's way.
So off I go for now. Have a great day! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Pity Party For ME is Over

After I calmed down from the drama of having my heart broken on Tuesday I really needed some new clothes to wear. I love buying clothes for my smaller self, but I am not that yet so I have to buy for myself as I am at this time (not so small) . I got a beautiful Spring dress with a lovely light cream sweater, a pastel green blouse, a green striped blouse and was so delighted with them. I got home feeling a little better from the retail shopping. I decided to try the clothes on. NOTHING fit! I was so upset that I started eating anything salty, sweet and fattening. I polished off the rest of my Easter Basket goodies that my hubby got me along with 2 or 3 cans of Diet Coke and a water bottle. I then faced the bloated feeling with a stomach ache and head ache from my binge eating. I was hating myself. Feelings of disappointment flooded over me. I then watched The Biggest Loser and felt even worse about myself and what I had eaten after seeing Tara looking so good in her make over. My pity party lasted till I went to bed. I fell asleep and woke up with a major sugar & junk hangover. I have completely fallen off the healthy eating band wagon. HELP!!!
I know what I need to do and have to get my plan to get my act together and Just DO IT! Pray for me. I was doing so good and feeling so good.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

BFF

Today is the day of the week the little girls get out of school early. Faith went to the girls little friend that is our next door neighbor. Gabby wanted to have one of her new best friends over to play. This is what I saw them doing: This is Gabby on the left and Emma on the right.

(Yes I know the weeds are crazy out there!) I just thought this was so sweet. Gabby asked if she could use a blanket or two outside. I said sure thinking they were going sit on the trampoline. I was surprised to see them on the ground and blankets around them. It was 68* outside not cold enough for blankets but I guess they didn't care.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Cute Giveaway to Enter

Over at The Handmade Housewife she is giving away this to one lucky winner. I think it is beautiful and she has many others in her etsy store of different materials. This one is so classy. It is called the "Debutante." So go check it out but I am going to win. (I hope!!) Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Happy Easter

Happy Easter to everyone! Let us all remember why this day is celebrated.

Because of his sacrifice and resurrection. Let us rejoice. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

My Brothers Day

(Picture was stolen from Meredith's blog.)
I wanted to send a shout out to my big brother Mark.
I affectionately call him "My Markie". Mark is a great guy, brother, father to his 5 children, husband to his sweet and blunt wife, Renee' and grandfather to 5 grandbabies. He is 51 today! Mark is the siblings that I have the most in common with religion, political and lifestyle . He is a happy, intelligent and interesting person too! Mark lives up north in Arizona and I only wish I was half as intelligent as him. He has a great memory especially for the scriptures. I admire him for this. He is also the one who got me listening to Rush Limbaugh so many years ago. Thank you for that Mark. Mark was also the one who intrudced me to my hubby. Big thanks for that one! He is also one of my best friends. He has a great sense of humor and is much better at telling jokes than I am.
Happy Birthday Mark! Have a great one. Love, Bobbi Jo

Pink Saturday

It is a beautiful & rainy Pink Saturday . It has been a couple weeks for me to post for Pink Saturday life just seems busy doing this that and the other things. So for my share today on to my Pink contribution Sweet little Pink Bunny!
Pink plastic eggs on sheer Pink table runner.
Doris Day's dress on my new movie and
Pink delicate lace on one of the daughters Easter baskets.
My day consists of the usual cleaning and prep work for Sunday, the girls and I are going to help with the cleaning of our church building. Alan and Dallas had a job to go do this morning. Later today after home blessings are taken care of we will be coloring eggs. Hope you all have a wonderful Pink Saturday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

5 Things

I know what you are thinking. First I am not to be found in blog land and then 3 times in one day. I was tagged by my sweet niece Angela . So here are my 5 Things

5 Things I was doing 5 years ago:

1. Being a mom to my 5 children.
2. Setting up house in Queen Creek
3. Worrying about turning 40
4. Being amazed at the number of people moving to Queen Creek
5. Being amazed at how many times they split a ward and having 13 baby blessings on a Fast Sunday.

5 Things on my list to do today:

1. Make dinner
2. Feed dogs
3. Do another load of wash
4. Make list for coupons
5. Walk

5 Things I would do with a million dollars:

1. Pay off bills and debts
2. Buy a house somewhere cooler like Pinetop or Utah
3. Start a business with Alan
4. Move my parents to a nice retirement community
5. Put money away for missions, college and weddings.

5 Places I've lived:

1. Pennsylvania
2. Buckeye, Arizona
3. Las Vegas
4. Lakeside, Arizona
5. Queen Creek, Arizona

5 Jobs I've held:

1. Waitress
2.Prep-cook
3.Model
4.Physical Therapist
5.Teacher for Chapter-1

5 Things I want to be doing in 5 years:

1. Welcoming Dallas home from a mission
2. Watching E'lyse graduate from high school
3. Welcoming more grand babies to the family
4. Watching my children progress and love life as the grow up
5. Be a happy loving wife, mother, grandmother that is still full of joy for life and laugh a lot

5 People I tag:

1. Coco
2. Meredith
3. Savannah
4. Jaclyn
5. Janey

Have a great evening. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Yogurt Recipe and Smoothies

I was asked by a couple of you about my homemade yogurt and smoothies. I got my homemade yogurt recipe from Candy at Welcome To Keeping The Home. This is the recipe How to Make Yogurt

Making yogurt is easy - especially if you do it in a slow cooker, or crock pot, as shown below...

NOTE: Start the below process in the evening, before you make dinner. This way, your yogurt will be ready the next morning, when you wake up.

INGREDIENTS:

-1/2 cup of store bought, natural, active/live culture, full fat (not low fat or fat free) plain yogurt. (This will be your starter. After your first batch of yogurt, you can use 1/2 cup of some of your homemade yogurt as a starter instead.)

-8 cups of whole milk. Pasteurized and Homogenized is fine, but do not use ultra-pasteurized.

HOW TO MAKE IT

1. Pour the milk into a crock pot, and turn the crock pot on low. Leave it alone for 2.5 hours, cooking on low.

2. Turn the crock pot off, leave the cover on, and let the milk sit for 3 hours.

3. Mix the yogurt starter into the milk.

4. Put the lid on the crock pot, and then fold and put a heavy bath towel over the crock pot to insulate in the leftover heat (leave the crock pot turned off), and go to bed.

6. The next morning, you'll have yogurt waiting for you in your crock pot. :-) Home made yogurt is thinner than store-bought.

7. Pour the yogurt into a container, cover it, and put it into the fridge. Let the yogurt fully cool down to the fridge temp.

8. Then, if you'd like to add fruit to your yogurt, put a few cups of chopped fruit (of your choice) into a blender, and blend. Then mix the blended fruit into the yogurt and return it to the fridge to cool back down to fridge temp.

If you'd like a thicker yogurt, then strain the yogurt through a double layer of cheese cloth, letting the yellow whey liquid drip through the cloth, and into a bowl. Do this for an hour or two, and you'll have a thicker yogurt. Straining the yogurt makes Greek Yogurt.

As far as the smoothies are concerned I mix what sounds yummy and healthy. I use yogurt and fruit. Adding honey or Stevia for more sweetness along with wheat germ too. One of my favorites is the orange juice with banana! I have a list of 165 smoothie recipes I got from a group I belong to. On the green smoothies I am still experimenting with them. I try different ones from the Green Smoothy Challenge . There are some good ones that I have tried and liked. But it is more to a persons taste of if they like the taste of one vegetable over the other. Hope this helps out. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Busy But I Am COOL

I have been busy lately. By busy I mean more busy than usual it seems. Out running around and getting things checked off my TO DO list.
Tuesday Coco and I went to Wal-Mart to get items for her freezer jam. We went back to her house and made the jam. When I went home I made my freezer jam.

Then yesterday Coco, Talmage and I went to the Superstition Ranch Market to get fruit and veggies for smoothies. Coco was tired by the time we got back to my house and she took a little nap while I made smoothies to have ready in the freezer. There are different flavors so they all have different letters for what is in them. I also had oranges to squeeze for smoothies to have on hand I put the juice in ice cube trays and then put them in the big freezer bags.
. Last week I froze bananas and strawberries to put in smoothies. Now I need to make more homemade yogurt.
Now the part of being COOL! Coco shared this idea with me that she had seen on a blog so I had to go get two for my pantry doors so now I am WAY COOL!!
This is a nice thing to have. I can keep smaller items in them that are kind of odd balls and they are readily available. Loving getting my house in order.
There is so much more to do still. I worked on organizing my coupon book yesterday and putting in the tabs and such. SHEESH what a bunch of work that was. But it looks too cool and nice to be organized.
This morning Alan and I went to the Temple but got there and it is closed. ARG!! After all the stress to make sure lunches were ready and people were covered to get the little girls off and it isn't open. We had a nice drive anyway.
I am off to get Easter shopping done. I am so far behind this year normally I am done by now. Hope everyone has a good day. I am hoping to check in on my blog buddies later today.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Food Storage Site Giveaway

Over on Food Storage Made Easy they are having a giveaway for this wonderful food storage binder.
The drawing will be made on Thursday April 9th. This binder will help you to get and keep organized with your food storage. This is what is included in the binder:

• Instructions for how to make it cute and functional, exactly like ours!
• ALL 26 Baby Step Checklists (no more waiting for the next list!)
• 100 pages of detailed information about each of the ten Baby Steps
• Our very best posts, handouts, and extra information
• All the spreadsheets and documents you need to plan your 3 Month and Long Term Food Storage without needing a computer
• Recipe Appendix including all 33 recipes that we encourage you to try out in the Checklists
• Sections for additional research and personal notes to be added in
• Cute cover pages and dividers (because you know we have to make it fun)

This is a $17 value but worth so much more. Go check it out and put your name in the drawing. I am really wanting to win this one. Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Weekend, Homemaking Mondays and Menu Plan Mondays

This weekend was a good one. I didn't get all that was planned but that is cool. Alan ended up working on Saturday so the planter boxes didn't get done or any of the other projects I needed him to help me with. But work is good to have!
Coco and Talmage came over to hang out. It was a good day in all. Saturday night Alan, Kyle and Dallas went to the Priesthood Session of conference. After they were done Dallas went out on a date. Alan and Kyle went and got a bite to eat. Coco and I were going to wait to eat with them but we were so hungry we ended up going to get Sonic. So the guys went out for fish and chips and came home with flowers for us. I know I have a great man! Sunday we watched conference. Coco and Talmage came over and then Kyle after work. I made dinner, brownies with walnuts and divinity covered chocolate. Oh my good but sooooo sweet!
Now it is Monday and on with my week.
Homemaking Mondays: Establish a house of order. I found this little saying that I love
"Out of dreariness
Into it cheeriness
Come we in weariness,
Home."
By Stephen Chalmers
This is one of the things I have been working on lately is trying to establish a house of order. Most people are more productive and happier in a home where thing are orderly, systematic, and reasonably structured.
I am reading a great book called The Ultimate Career The Art of Homemaking For Today, by Daryl Hoole and Daughters. It is a book on being a homemaker and taking pride in our great calling.
There are many blogs and sites to get organized but we each need to tweak them to make them fit our lives and families. Look around for ideas write them down and then make a plan with them. Use them for a while and see what makes thing easier for your life.

Menu Plan Monday:

Beef Taco Skillet
Mexican Salad
Corn

Beef Stroganoff
Green Beans
Rolls

Chicken Enchiladas
Left over Mexican Salad
Fruit

Turkey
Mash potatoes with gravy
Veggies

Homemade Pizza
Salad

Date Night

C.O.R.N. Clean out the fridge night!!

Off to get kiddos to school and workout. Going to the Ranch market to get fruits and veggies, quick shopping trip to Wal-Mart for items on my list and home to make freezer jam, do wash and other house blessings. Have a great Monday! Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Holy Snap It's a Shaq Attack

It is Friday and what a nice day it has been. Here in Arizona it is a wonderfully breezy day and hubby was off work this morning. We had a good breakfast together, worked on our first things first planning and then did the budget together. It is hard to make a budget when you aren't sure how much you will have coming in or if you will have a job then next week. But fear not I have the greatest faith in our Heavenly Father that things will work out and all will be well. We had a nice lunch together and then he had to go off to a side job he has been working on. See the Lord knows what we need and will provide.
During lunch I got a text message from Dallas with this picture:
This is Mr. Shaquille O'Neal of the Phoenix Suns. He was my favorite basketball players when he played for the Lakers. He is a reserve police officer in Tempe, Arizona. Shaq went to the EVIT school where Dallas is in Fire Fighting, to give a talk to the students. Now Dallas is a tall boy at almost 6 ft. tall and he chopped off the top of Shaqs head because he is so tall. Dallas was about a foot away from him in this picture.
This is Shaq on stage . I thought this was really cool that he would do this for the school.
Tonight is date night. Hubby might be taking the little girls to the movies in the early evening and then when he get's home we will do our date night.
This weekend in our church is General Conference. I am looking forward to this weekend it is always a wonderful time to be filled with the spirit all weekend with uplifting and informative information that betters us if we put it into effect in our lives. Durring the break in between sessions we are building a large planter box for our garden, similar to this one of Coco's . I am excited to get a garden in.
Just to fill you in on what has been going on Thursday was more organizing and homeblessings. I am very happy to get our house in order.
Off to read blogs and get caught up on what is going on with all you wonderful people.
Hugs, Bobbi Jo

Whatcha Working on Wednesday

Gabby was doing much better with no breakouts this morning so she went to school. She had scratched herself so hard in her sleep that behind her poor little knees there are major scrapes and she said it hurts to bend her legs to far. I felt so bad for her it did look really painful. We put on some medicated anti itch lotion and it seemed to help.
The schools here in Arizona are having the AIMS testing starting today. I think they should have planned it state wide that when they have the students all ready to take the test the yell out APRIL FOOLS!! And don't make them take the test. I think it would be funny.
It's here again Whatcha Working on Wednesday . I have my needs and wants ready for today. I decided what I would do is work 20 min. then take a break and come back and work on that way throughout the day with every 3rd time I do something that is a want to do (craft project or something along those lines). Kind of a little game with myself. I have some major organizing to do all over the house. I am not happy with the way it runs so things need to be moved and improved, clutter thrown away or given away, with those things that I or the family just doesn't' love anymore. I also am working on this project that my daughter Coco had. She had this great idea (not sure if she came up with it on her own but I love it) to save space and have DVDs in an orderly fashion use a CD case and put all the movies in it and get rid of all the bulky cases. Movies that are a PG-13 Rating (these can only be watched by the 13 and above crowd with Mom and Dad's approval) will stay in our room. This is the bag of those cases
Dallas wanted the cases so I am taking out all the extra little flyer's and the picture part on the case like this. There are some of my favorite movies so I decided instead of throwing the covers away I am going to make a collage with them for my craft room.
This is the case for the family movies I then have one like this for the PG-13 and Christmas & Holiday movies. I also have one that is half this size with my exercise DVDs in. I think this is a great way to save space and keep things organized. Now what to do with all of those VHS movies that are taking up space?
I am all caught up on wash, kiddos are at school so it is time for me to bless my home and myself. I will be listening to Mindy Gledhill sing for a while, As A Man Thinketh book on CD and The Rush Limbaugh show throughout the day.
I also wanted to share a book I started yesterday called "The Jackrabbit Factor The Story" by Leslie Householder . You can get it as a free E-book download at the link. It is real good so far.
Well speaking of jackrabbits I am off like one to get to work. Have a great Wednesday. I will try and check in later. Hugs, Bobbi Jo