Cami Jo Designs

Family History

2014-05-15T06:00:00.000-06:00

(Click on the Image)

If you would like more then click on the links below.

WinksArt Graphics

Dora's Digitals

Snip Snap Scrap Designs

Designed by Cami Jo

Brightly Street

One Scrap Happy Chic

KatLen Kreations

Granny Enchanted Part A Part B Part C

Part 2: Faith, Hope & Blessings

2014-04-17T16:44:00.001-06:00

Part 1 can be found HERE

Once I said my goodbyes I went into my car and drove home to get the kids ready to pack. My dear friend Andrea that was watching my kids at the time thought of an amazing plan. Her husband was going to drive with his car and I would drive with mine. So we were packed and out the door within 15 min. Since the weather was still raining we were going to have to go over a HUGE mountain pass and it was snowing through there. I wasn’t too scared because I was on a mission to get to the hospital. I slide a few times but I knew the Lord was with me. When we got to Heber I had the kids climb in Andreas car and she was going to take them to my sisters house. I then we on my way to Primary Children’s hospital.

I arrived just shortly after 9 pm and found Kyle was still in the same condition in the PICU as I left in Vernal. There plans were to do a spinal tap and then they were going to incubate him. Until they figured out what was going on. I remember as they gave the drug to semi-sedate him for the Spinal Tap he actually cried. Which to me was GREAT he was showing emotion and I needed to hear his sad little cry. They did the procedure and went out of the room to go check on something and they were going to come back. The sedation medicine they gave to him did the exact opposite. He woke up! He was still unable to really move and he could not talk But we saw his EYES. And that was the first tender mercy that the Lord gave me. He was up for a good 15 min. before he crashed again. I was happy to see his eyes. I didn’t know when the next time would be so I was celebrating the little things. They didn’t incubate him, The DRs came in and were just astonished. They were so surprised that he was awake and slightly moving his head up and down for yes or no.

I stayed with Kyle that night. We still didn’t know the cause of his sickness. So we were waiting it out and were going to get a MRI in the morning.

Morning came and we were excited Kyle started moaning. He was whimpering so we were asking him all kinds of question as to what hurt. We finally figured out that he needed to go to the bathroom. So Aj was in the room at the time and we sat him up and He peed in the container so they could calculate how much he went. As we sat him back down he curled up in a ball and threw-up on the bedside. This is what he always did when he was feeling sick. As that moment it was me and Aj in the PICU room along with Kyle were all alone. There was a Code Blue. You could literally feel time stood still. It was absolutely scary to thinking about the child in the other room. Aj and I just stared at each other and it REALLY hit home that a child in the other room wasn’t going to make. We could feel the peace and sense of craziness all at once. And this is when we both just lost it. We still had our son laying there still sick but showing more signs of life than he ever had in the past few days.

We still didn’t know at that time what was going to happen. We didn’t fully know what Kyle had. We did know that our Father in Heaven was watching down on us. I know he sent angels to help us. The neurology team came and did an evaluation. After all the intense testing including a MRI and EEG. The neurologist came in and discussed what Kyle had after reviewing his systems. We were finally going to get some answers. He was diagnosed with Acute post infectious cerebellitis. WHAT?!?! I didn’t know what that even was. I finally understand that it is a infection on the Cerebellum part of the brain. It focuses on your motor functions and balance. So the DR explained that Kyle had a LONG road ahead of us. They told us a good 4-6 weeks in Primary Children’s Hospital and then additional 1-2 months at a intense physical therapy rehab. They couldn’t tell how server until he was more alert. They said he would be in the Sleeping state for quite sometime. When they told us I don’t know if I was ready to believe them or not. It just didn’t click with me. I just felt that somehow we were going to be able to spend General Conference at home.

This was the time we let our family know about his condition. We were hopeful that he could make a FULL recovery. Kyle still was motion sickness when he got up so he really could only sit up for a short period of time maybe 1 min. before he would start throwing up. Later in the afternoon Kyle started waking up at random times. We were so blessed that he was alert and able to shake his head yes or no. We felt confident that he would keep continuing to improve. This is when Aj’s parents and my parents had come up and support Kyle and our family. We were blessed with the love and support of ALL or family and friends. We couldn’t have done it without there many prayers and faith.

When the DR came in and saw how Kyle would wake up randomly they were quite surprised. Because he was so stable they were going to move him to a new unit. We were blessed. We had just received a knew RSV baby patient in the same room and knew Kyle would not sleep well that night. They called down to the medical floor to ask and see if they could handle Kyle and his condition at such a early point. They said yes. So up we went to the new floor. We got settled in and Kyle was more alert then ever. He still did not talk but he could shake his head yes or no. That night Kyle threw-up. They were going to put a feeding tube down his throat if he couldn’t keep food down. We cleaned him up and then we went to bed. I went home with my parents to Mapleton where the rest of the kids were.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014

I woke up to breakfast in bed. My Dad made me eggs and pancakes for breakfast. I felt like a princess and realized that it was my birthday. Our plan that day was to take the kids up to see Kyle. I was debating on home to take them since I didn’t drive and there was not enough seats in my parents car. We decided on Front runner. The kids were SO excited to ride the train up to Salt Lake. We had always talked about riding the train before we moved out of Spanish Fork but never got around to it. So we rode the train and when we entered the hospital room. It was so good to see kyle looking around and watching mickey mouse. Kyle looked at us with a BIG smile and then looked at Carter. When the kids came in Carter said he needed to use the bathroom. He was talking to me but Kyle piped up and you could hear him faintly say., “There's a bathroom over their.” I just looked at Kyle in amazement. What a Night and Day difference. It was a sure treat to see him up. It took me by surprise that Kyle was able to say something.

The kids played and watched TV which they thought was really fun. Kyle was able to walk with heavy support to go to the bathroom. His moments of dizziness were starting to fade. When the DR came in for the day they were amazed at how well he was doing. We asked, With his progress doing SO well when could we expect him home. They said if he starts eating and keeping it down then it won’t be long. They said at his progress he can be home by the weekend. We were EX TACTIC! The kids went home with Papa and Nana back to Mapleton. My parents stayed with Kyle while me and AJ went to Cheesecake cake factory for my birthday dinner. It was very delicious. We came back to Kyle and he just ate some food then he started to throw up. Overall his day was good and it was fun too see.

Wednesday April 2, 2014

I slept at my grandpa’s house since it was only 10 mins away. I decided to wake up early and get back to Kyle since I left him he was a little sick from throwing up last night. Kyle wanted pancakes. We had been saying that as a bribe for quite sometime. Well today was the day he got pancakes. He got them and about 20 min. later he threw up. It was hard too see him still not 100% but still SO drastically good at the same time. We played card games then they came around for bingo for anyone that wanted to participate. He played and got to call on the phone if he got a bingo. He got a bingo and everyone was a winner. It was really fun for him. After that he was getting tired so he took a little nap. When he woke up he was hungry so we ordered him something. Aj went to the gym and I stayed with Kyle. That is when my parents showed up. Kyle said ‘ice cream cone’ I said ok we can call so you can order a ice cream cone. I had Kyle call because he really wanted too. I wish I would had videoed the call because it was the sweetest conversation.

Worker said, “Hello?”

Kyle, “Ice Cream Cone.”

Worker, “You want an Ice Cream cone?”

Kyle, “Yes”

Worker: “What flavor?”

Kyle, “Pineapple”

Worker: “We don’t have pineapple”

Kyle, “Vanilla”

Worker: “Ok, We will bring that in 15 min.”

The nurse was in doing his vitals and brought in the tray of food. He got a cone, vanilla ice cream in the container, and fresh pineapple on the side. I put the ice cream in the cone and He was happy. The nurse had been working there for over 10 years and she never knew that they had ice cream cones since it wasn’t on the menu. I believe the worker went down to the cafeteria to get a ‘Cone” I was just so happy that he was eating, talking and overall starting to feel better.

The physical therapist came and wanted to see if Kyle could walk from his room to the fish tank. You can see the video at how well he was walking. He couldn’t walk on his own but he was doing a TON better. We were telling the physical therapist that the DR are thinking he might get to come home on the weekend. She said That’s great. At this point Kyle may need to be sent him home on a walker. His balance is still quite off but he is making leaps and bounds. We had visitors from the Palmer's this afternoon.

I went home to Mapleton with my parents because I was extremely exhausted. Aj was the one who stayed with Kyle most all of the nights.

April 3, 2014

I got a text from AJ around 9 am telling me that we are going to be discharged today. I called him and said WHAT?!? How is that possible? Did he keep food down? Aj told me he was walking with no help at all. He was still a little wobbly but he did it all by himself. I was in shock. I knelt down and thanked my Heavenly Father for this miracle that happen. I knew if was because the faith of my family and friends and the many prayers that were offered to send him home this quickly. I know that is priesthood blessing was TRULY the source of medicine that helped him get better.

When I came to get the Kyle and AJ Kyle was rolling all over the bed and read to get out and played. Aj told me when Kyle woke up he was asking for Carter. He said he wanted his Carter for breakfast. It was pretty cute.

Kyle is now doing so much better. He is walking and running and acts like nothing has ever happened. We thank our Heavenly Father for giving us this tender mercy. We are So glad that our family was able to spend General Conference together as a Whole family. I remember telling my friends that I get to go home and BE TOGETHER and that was the best news EVER!

Since Kyle’s sickness I have been able to bear my testimony about the love of God and the priesthood here on this earth. It seriously has been an experience I will remember and the strength I grew from it.

Part 1: Faith, Hope & Blessings

2014-04-10T14:48:00.002-06:00

This story is written from my personal journal. please contact me about questions at abrightforce (AT) gmail (DOT) com

Part 1: Faith, Hope & Blessings

March 27, 2014

Thursday- Kyle came home from school telling me that his brain was hurting. He then said he got really cold. So he went and got his coat on and fell asleep on the bean bag. he was asleep until 6:45. We woke him up and had him eat dinner. He ate got ready for bed then he came out of his bed telling me that his belly hurt. I remember rock a bye him in our chair in my room. He calmed down and I laid him in bed.

March 28, 2014

I let the kids sleeping in a little today. When Kyle woke up I heard a thump. Kyle could not walk he was too wobbly. He then threw up what he ate late night. I had planned to go to SLC as a girls night for the evening. We had planned to go to the Scrapbook Expo. I told AJ that I was going to stay home. He didn't look normal for just having the stomach bug. He told me he would be ok. He wanted to take care of him and told me to go and have a fun time. So I drove to Spanish Fork were I went to Costco for the afternoon and then dropped it off at my sisters house. We had a great time going shopping at Kohl and IKEA and just hanging out.It was a fun break. Aj called me and told me that Kyle was going to have a priesthood blessing to get better. I asked AJ if I needed to come home? He said no sleep and we will see how he is feeling.

March 29, 2014

I woke up around 8:00 am I was debating to go to the hotel gym but decided I just wanted to get ready. I text AJ to ask how Kyle was doing they didn’t wake up until 9 am. He said he seemed to be doing better. So we finished getting ready and went to the Scrapbook Expo USA. as we were pulling out of the hotel parking lot. I had a feeling to say a prayer. So I said one and we went on our way. We arrived and I could not believe how CRAZY the ladies at the expo could be. They are die-hard scrapbooks and I don’t think we will ever go back to scrapbook just to look around at the Venues.

We found our place and walked around. Then an hour into it Aj told me he was taking Kyle to the doctors. He later told me that he text-ed and Kyle was going to be admitted into the hospital for dehydration and he hadn’t gone to the bathroom since Friday morning. The next text AJ sent was, ‘when are you coming home?’ I text him back immediately and said ‘right now’ We finished packing our things and walked to our car. I turned to Melinda and asked her if she would say a prayer. I didn’t know the danger but I was feeling uneasy and wanted to feel better and comforted through a prayer. I did feel more at easy when we started driving home. We had to drive back to my sisters since I went to Costco Friday afternoon and left my fridge foods at her house. I made my way back home.

Aj was still waited to be admitted into the hospital I had a dear friend pick up the kids until I was able to get back home.

I arrived back home with Melinda by my side. I am truly grateful that she put her time to drive out with me and help me out. We originally thought that Kyle was only going to have to stay in the hospital for 1 night and we would get to come home. We kept waiting for Kyle to get up out of bed and want to play. He just laid there and slept.

I stayed with him for the evening then I came home and put the kids to bed. They fell asleep the moment I put them to bed. Then I sat with Melinda and chatted while we waited for her husband to drive her home.

March 30, 2014

I was waiting for Aj to call so I could go to the hospital in the morning and he could come home and get ready. At this time Melinda had left to go home since they needed to get back to church. I got a call around 10 am saying the DR had come around and they were going to wait and see if Kyle was going to get better. I came in and Kyle was still not 100% he looked actually worse then when I left him. Right now he didn’t talk or really open his eyes he just laid there. He was a floppy fish and had no control of his body. Finally, the nurse came in right when AJ had shown up with the kids. The nurse asked us if Kyle was normally sleepy? I said, NO. She told us she was going to go call the DR and see what he wants to do. At this time I had that feeling that I needed to take the kids home. So I took them home. As we were walking out of the hospital there was a HUGE gust of wind and lightning then it started to rain and pour. We didn’t get too wet but it was still crazy. This was right after the special fast for all religions to fast for the rain to come to Vernal. Their prayers were answered.

I was a little antsy but wanted to remain calm for the kids. I got the call from AJ saying I needed to come to the hospital ASAP. I needed to pack a bag for whom ever was going to fly in the life flight wing plane. My heart dropped not knowing what was going to happen. My friend here in Vernal she happened to not have any of her kids in Vernal since her husband just had a minor surgery on his knee. I called her and she was here within 2 min. She was such a blessing.

I went to the hospital with Aj’s clothes because I don’t think I would have done that well in the airplane. While I was gone, Kyle had a CT Scan and was not really responding to them when they were poking him for an IV. It was so scary to see your child laying there and you don’t know what was going on with him. Normally, when I have had hard time or trails I have always known the outcome or at least had the spirit guide my thoughts. This time I didn’t know. My faith was put to the test. I really didn’t know if I was ever going to see my sweet little Kyle again. That is when I met AJ and he came and gave me a BIG hug and told me We can do hard things. We have done it before, we can do it again. It helped but it didn’t give me the peace that I was searching for. When we came back to the room, Kyle had not moved. He just laid there with his eyes closed. I just wanted to see those eyes before he had to take off on the airplane. Aj called our home teachers to come down and give us a blessing. First they gave Kyle blessing which calmed me down a little. Then they went into a different room and gave AJ a blessing then, I was next. I wasn’t going to say no to the blessing but, I felt I wasn’t the one who needed it. The moment the blessing started, I had the peace I was looking for. I knew instantly that what ever happen would happen. That the Lord was mindful of us. AFter the blessing, The primary song that came to my mind:

My life is a gift; my life has a plan.
   
My life has a purpose; in heav’n it began.
   
My choice was to come to this lovely home on earth
   
And seek for God’s light to direct me from birth.

I had that feeling that everything was going to work out the way it was going to work out. I was blessed that we have the priesthood on this earth.(

A blessing given by a Melchizedek Priesthood holder, by the laying on of hands and by inspiration, to one who is sick or otherwise in need of special counsel, comfort, or healing. If the blessing is for the sick, consecrated oil is used (James 5:14-15).

I went back to Kyle side since he was going to be leaving for life-flight soon. When the flight crew came and took Kyle I wanted to see those eyes before they left but he was still not waking up. We wheeled him down to the ambulance and I got to climb in and say goodbye to Kyle I told him, “I’ll see ya when I see ya, Love you. Be Good” And I watched them drive away to the airport.

To finish the story READ HERE

Monday Motivator: Activity

2014-04-07T13:51:00.000-06:00

Monday Motivator: Activity

Here are some suggestions for burning extra calories during your day:

Walk to a water fountain (H2O is essential for losing and maintaining a healthy weight)
Walk to a colleague's office instead of calling or emailing.
Store things you need out of reach so you have to get up and walk to get them.
Walk to a park and eat lunch instead of ordering in.
Try to take standing breaks at home, too - whether you're talking on the phone or watching TV.
Take a walking break instead of a coffee break.
Do wall push-ups while you wait for copies.
Program your computer to alert you to get up for a short walk every hour or so.
Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Park a couple of blocks from work, increase your walking distance.

Monday Motivator: Healthy Mind

2014-03-24T21:14:00.002-06:00

Monday Motivator: Healthy Mind

Long work hours... stress... some of us have turned to food! When we experience stressful events or negative emotions such as anxiety, anger, emptiness and sadness food can bring us temporary comfort. They don't call it “comfort food” for nothing do they?!
When we expect something to bring us pleasure and/or relief from distress, that expectation actually amplifies the rewarding value of food. This is what we call a “vicious cycle.” We can change this cycle!

First, change our emotional appraisal, or expectation of food to bring comfort (happiness, etc.) and “retraining your brain” to think in a different way. Draw towards what you want and push away from what is no longer desirable. Develop a statement that draws you towards healthy eating habits like this, “I feel great when I choose a healthy way to cope with my emotions!” Next, develop a statement that pushes away from using food as a coping mechanism. Something like “Eating to comfort myself actually makes me feel more miserable.”
Find behaviors to replace food. Develop a “Menu” that lists any pleasurable activities that you can think of and any comforting activities that you can think of. This way you will have a list of options that you can use to obtain pleasure and/or relief from emotional distress. Some examples of “Comfort Menu” items include: Deep Breathing, Meditation, Positive Imagery, Squeezing a Stress Ball, Giving Yourself a Hand Massage, Make a Stress Free Zone to Relax Within, Spend Time Outdoors in the Sun, Stretch, Take a Quick Walk, Listen to Your Favorite Song, Write Your Emotions Down, Light Scented Candles, Smell Citrus or Coffee, Talk to a Friend or Cuddle with a Pet.

Trigger & Strategy . You can use the items on your “Comfort Menu” to fill in as the new routine.

This should look like this: “When [identify the cue], I will [identify the new routine] because it provides me with [identify the reward].”
Here’s an example: “When I feel stressed, I will take a walk because it provides me with a sense of calm and peace of mind.”
Whereas the old automatic response would be to eat when feeling stressed, the new routine would be to take a walk. This planned response is a guideline for you to follow. Write it down. Read it. Practice it. We are going for progress, not perfection. Change is a process, not an event.

Seven daily essential mental activities to optimize brain matter and create well-being

Focus Time	When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.
Play Time	When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain.
Connecting Time	When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuitry.
Physical Time	When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways.
Time In	When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, we help to better integrate the brain.
Down Time	When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge.
Sleep Time	When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day.

The Healthy Mind Platter was created by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, Executive Director of the Mindsight Institute and Clinical Professor at the UCLA School of Medicine in collaboration with Dr. David Rock, Executive Director of the NeuroLeadership Institute. Images and articles were found here

Springtime: Project Life Papers

2014-03-20T12:52:00.001-06:00

I made coordinating with the colors. This is very bright and cheerful and I love the flow of the colors. Before I give you the links to the papers I wanted to tell you about my week. This week has been a pretty busy week for me so far. I am excited to announce that I will be in Utah for the Scrapbook USA Expo. I am tickle pink because I have never really been to anything like this. So if you want to see me now you have a reason too.

I think I love the colors so much I may even keep adding to this kit

Download HERE

Don't forget to pick up the Springtime: Project Life Cards

My Weight Loss Journey: Month 2

2014-03-18T09:05:00.000-06:00

Every Tuesday I am going to tell you about my progress and what I have been doing for the week to stay on track of what I want to accomplish. Since I started this journey back in January I want to catch you up so I can tell you exactly what I am doing now.

The month of January I was super motivated and started to go to the gym regularly and was eating healthy. So I was able to lose 20 pounds and feel better to move around and doing the small things.

I am striving to keep my goals and looking for a brighter future. It helps when you have a GREAT support system. My number one supporter has been my husband. He has helped me through the ups and the downs.

These pictures have been taken in the early morning so I have the best hair. (kidding) I just wanted to have a picture taken of my whole body of side and profile.My husband leaves at 7 am every morning I needed my pictures taken by him. So this is what you get. Ü I know my first month was going to be a little easier in having the weight fall off since I was changing my habits. Keeping to the habits has always been better for me.

Want to know my actual weigh follow me on instagram where I will show you exclusive pictures of my weigh loss journey. @cami_abrightforce

This month my main focus was eating healthy. Clean eating is what I have been doing. I wake up and eat either egg whites or greek yogurt. After I take the kids to school I go to the gym and exercise. After my exercise I have a protein shake that is low in carbs. but his in protein. For lunch I eat a salad with a variety of vegetable. For a afternoon snack I have either almonds or celery and dinner I usually have chicken.

Monday Motivatior: Diligence

2014-03-17T13:09:00.001-06:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Benjamin Franklin once said that "Diligence is the mother of good luck", so today we celebrate "good luck" that comes from diligence in eating small, balanced carb/protein meals. When we diligently practice this habit, we are "lucky" enough to know the healthy feeling of stable blood sugars, more energy, and the mental reward of choosing well and liking it!

Eat small, balanced meals every 2 - 3 hours

Eating small meals throughout the day is always going to be the healthy way to eat.
What does "balanced" mean? It means protein/carb balanced. Make each meal perfectly balanced

Balanced meals mean weight loss and weight maintenance. They fill you up, keep you satisfied, and help you lose and then maintain your weight.
Here are some fun things you can try to help make this a life-long habit.

Track your meals: There are great apps like "My Fitness Pal" that you can plug your food into (and you can scan bar codes!). They will show you how balanced your day is, you will see the proof of how balanced your eating really is!
Eat to be "not hungry," in stead of eating to be "full." Think about how you feel when you eat. When we eat every 2-3 hours, we don't need to have a large meal.
Practice sorting: As you come across foods, think about what category they fit in - protein (meat, eggs, dairy, beans, nuts...) or carb (fruit, bread, veggies)?
Look at labels: Turn over your food and look the breakdown. How many carbs? How many grams of protein? If something is mostly carbs, what you you eat with it to balance it? Think of each meal like a scale. How would you balance it out?
Balance others: Next time you make a meal for someone else, make it balanced. Or when you are out to eat, look at the meals around you - are others practicing this habit of health?

Even better?

Make your balanced choices from "low-glycemic" foods. They are even healthier, keep your blood sugars balanced, keep you more full for longer and keep the fat storage away. For instance, when eating low-gycemic, did you know strawberries are a much better choice than bananas?

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My Sunday: I am a Daughter of God

2014-03-16T12:30:00.000-06:00

Knowing who we are is vital when becoming what we want to become. We have been born on this earth by parents some may have grew up in a home that only has a mother or only has a father. You may have lived with or grandparents. We ALL have one thing in common. We are a child of God.

I am a child of God and he has sent me here. Has given me an earthly home with parents kind and dear. Lead me, Guide me, walk beside me help me find the way. Teach me all that I must do to live with him someday.

I believe that I will again live with my Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We are all in this together. Let's be a little kinder and a little softer with our voices. I am a daughter of God and having that knowledge has helped me become better. It has made me be more understanding of those around me. When people are not

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Free Grass is Greener template

2014-03-15T00:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome to my blog I hope you find everything you were hoping for. I love making templates and hope that you enjoy them as much as I make them. If you like me to keep making templates for free please donate a small portion to help me grow my love for freebies! Right now I am running my first 10k with my husband. I don't think I trained as much as I wanted too but it is a start.

DOWNLOAD HERE

Keep smiling Ü

Spring Time: FREE Project Life Cards

2014-03-13T11:06:00.003-06:00

Are you ready for spring?

I think I am ready? I am ready to get started with this journey that I have been taking if you don't know what I am talking about I am sharing my story about losing weight and getting healthy. I even posted my before pictures in all its glory. You can even find my weight picture on instagram.

Spring is about more than the weather, though that’s a lot to do with it. We all get that feeling winter has finally, definitely lost its grip and won’t be back for seven months.

Don’t get me wrong. I like winter. I like scarves and building a snowman with the kids and all that.

But an English spring is soft and warm and sharp like cider. It’s about the promise of good things to come.It’s about confidently putting the big coats and the boots back in the wardrobe, about cleaning last year’s grime off the barbecue and other acts of optimism.
Unlike the Budget or the Eurovision song contest or other similar annual occurrences, the coming of spring doesn’t depress you or make you wonder where the year’s gone.
It simply makes you cheerful about where it’s going.

Spring brings NEW life. and this is why I am excited to celebrate.

Here is a new Project Life Spring freebie that I have made. I love these and hope you can find some way to use them as you persevere your memories. I would love to see layouts just use the #abrightforcePL and you never know if you might get a another freebie from me. Enjoy.

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My Weight Loss Journey: Month 1

2014-03-11T10:47:00.001-06:00

How Did I let myself get so fat?

    This question has hit me like a ton of bricks. I was in denial. I just thought I was a little bit larger and in the mirror I didn't see any problem. I didn't see myself that it took the wind out of me when I climbed up the stairs. I didn't think I was unhealthy. I did some exercise and I ate what I wanted so why am I this big? I used to be fit when I was in high school. I played 3 sports during the school year and then had many camps in the summertime. I never really had to think about staying fit because I was constantly exercising and also eating what I wanted.

    In 2005, I was blessed with my first son. It was such a blissful time. I did gain over 75 pounds and vowed that if I had more kids I would watch more careful at what I ate. Because of my history growing up I thought if I exercised then I would be healthy. I would eat whatever I wanted. WRONG! I worked hard and got down 20 pounds from my goal weight. I was so excised. This is when I found out I was pregnant again.

   When I was pregnant with my twins, I was healthier and was able to bounce back to normal quickly. I had in my mind set that if I wouldn't have exercised so much I would have not had my twins so early (29 week 6 days) So I was on another mission to get my health in order. I got with in 25 pounds of my goal weight. I was happy and we were currently building our first home.

   I didn't think I would become pregnant so quickly after the twin but, I was blessed with my first daughter in 2010. I did my cycle again and got back down to within 40 pounds of my goal weight. I never quite got all of it off. I was finally blessed with my 2nd daughter and our 5th child in Sept. 2013. I am now on a mission to make it to my goal weight and become more healthy while I am at it.

The holidays came and this is the weight I found myself looking at the scale. That being said, it did make me think. Why? Why? WHY? did I let myself get so overweight? I never thought that I was of no worth. I have always believed that I was a daughter of God.

Did I ever let my weight define my self worth?

   In society you are only worth how thin you are. I have not once thought I need to be thin to fit in. I have always known I was a daughter of God. I always thought myself to be a pretty and happy person. I tried not to be conceded about it. I just knew I wanted to become healthy. I want to reach goals that could only be done if I changed my habits.

First, I saw a daughter of God. Second, I saw someone who wanted to be healthier. Third, I set the goal to make a difference and achieve my goal.

Why now?

Why not? I have always been considered over-weight my whole life. Now I have gone to far I now obese and if I continue with this cycle I my very well end up young and sick. I don't want that for myself or my family. I want to be as healthy and happy as I can be.

What was my turning point?

When I looked in my closet and none of my 'fat clothes' fit me any more they were too small. I knew I need to change and I needed to change NOW! I never thought negative thought about my body because I know it was a gift from God. I was thinking how am I treating my gift. If someone gave you a gift that is so precious and glorious What would you do with that gift? How would you treat it? Are you doing the best to keep your gift safe?

This is my first picture of my weight loss journey. Yes, I am afraid and ashamed to admit that I am indeed 250 pounds. But, I don’t think I would get the respect if I didn’t be true to myself. I am VERY self cautious about putting my large self out there. I want you to know that we are not only. I know we can do this together. Come cheer me on as I take this journey from flab to fit! My main focus is to become healthier for my family. I know I can do it. So here we go.

Come follow me as I am going to make 4 running goals to accomplish
-Run a 5k
-Run a 10k
-Run a Half Marathon
-Run a Marathon

Monday Motivator‏: Just say NO

2014-03-10T08:59:00.002-06:00

A scientific guide to saying “no”: How to avoid temptation and distraction

Learning how to say no is one of the most useful skills you can develop I found, especially when it comes to living a more productive and healthy life.
Saying no to unnecessary commitments can give you the time you need to recover and rejuvenate. Saying no to daily distractions can give you the space you need to focus on what is important to you. And saying no to temptation can help you stay on track and achieve your health goals. In fact not being able to say no, is one of the most biggest downfalls that successful entrepreneurs claim as their own key mistakes.
But how do we actually get past the urgencies of everyday life and avoid distraction, so that we can focus the things that are really important to us?
It seems like a big task, I wholeheartedly agree. And yet, research is starting to show that even small changes can make a significant impact for a better way of saying no. In fact, here’s one change you can make right now that will make it easier for you to say no, resist temptation and improve your productivity and your health:

How to Say No: Research Reveals the Best Way

In a research study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, 120 students were split into two different groups.
The difference between these two groups was saying “I can’t” compared to “I don’t.”
One group was told that each time they were faced with a temptation, they would tell themselves “I can’t do X.” For example, when tempted with ice cream, they would say, “I can’t eat ice cream.”
When the second group was faced with a temptation, they were told to say “I don’t do X.” For example, when tempted with ice cream, they would say, “I don’t eat ice cream.”
After repeating these phrases, each student answered a set of questions unrelated to the study. Once they finished answering their questions, the students went to hand in their answer sheet, thinking that the study was over. In reality, it was just beginning.
As each student walked out of the room and handed in their answer sheet, they were offered a complimentary treat. The student could choose between a chocolate candy bar or a granola health bar. As the student walked away, the researcher would mark their snack choice on the answer sheet.
Here’s what happened:

The students who told themselves “I can’t eat X” chose to eat the chocolate candy bar 61% of the time. Meanwhile, the students who told themselves “I don’t eat X” chose to eat the chocolate candy bars only 36% of the time. This simple change in terminology significantly improved the odds that each person would make a more healthy food choice.

Makes sense right? Now the findings didn’t stop there, here is what happened next:

How the “Right Words” Make It Easier to Say No

The same researchers were also interested in how the words “can’t” and “don’t” affect our willingness to say no when faced with repeated temptations and distractions. After all, most of us can turn down a candy bar once, but eventually we slip up. Similarly, you might be able to focus on your work when you’re pressed for time, but what about avoiding unproductive behaviors on a daily basis?
In other words, is there a way to say no that makes it more likely that we’ll stick to good habits and avoid bad ones? You bet!
The researchers designed a new study by asking 30 working women to sign up for a “health and wellness seminar.” All of the women were told to think of a long–term health and wellness goal that was important to them. Then, the researchers split the women into three groups of 10.
Group 1 was told that anytime they felt tempted to lapse on their goals they should “just say no.” This group was the control group because they were given no specific strategy.
Group 2 was told that anytime they felt tempted to lapse on their goals, they should implement the “can’t” strategy. For example, “I can’t miss my workout today.”
Group 3 was told that anytime they felt tempted to lapse on their goals, they should implement the “don’t” strategy. For example, “I don’t miss workouts.”
For the next 10 days, each woman received an email asking to report her progress. They were specifically told, “During the 10–day window you will receive emails to remind you to use the strategy and to report instances in which it worked or did not work. If the strategy is not working for you, just drop us a line and say so and you can stop responding to the emails.”
Here’s what the results looked like 10 days later…

Group 1 (the “just say no” group) had 3 out of 10 members who persisted with their goals for the entire 10 days.
Group 2 (the “can’t” group) had 1 out of 10 members who persisted with her goal for the entire 10 days.
Group 3 (the “don’t” group) had an incredible 8 out of 10 members who persisted with their goals for the entire 10 days.

The words that you use not only help you to make better choices on an individual basis, but also make it easier to stay on track with your long–term goals.

Why “I Don’t” Works Better Than “I Can’t”

Your words help to frame your sense of empowerment and control. Furthermore, the words that you use create a feedback loop in your brain that impacts your future behaviors.
For example, every time you tell yourself “I can’t”, you’re creating a feedback loop that is a reminder of your limitations. This terminology indicates that you’re forcing yourself to do something you don’t want to do.
In comparison, when you tell yourself “I don’t”, you’re creating a feedback loop that reminds you of your control and power over the situation. It’s a phrase that can propel you towards breaking your bad habits and following your good ones.
Heidi Grant Halvorson is the director of the Motivation Science Center at Columbia University. Here’s how she explains the difference between saying “I don’t” compared to “I can’t”:

“I don’t” is experienced as a choice, so it feels empowering. It’s an affirmation of your determination and willpower. “I can’t” isn’t a choice. It’s a restriction, it’s being imposed upon you. So thinking “I can’t” undermines your sense of power and personal agency.

In other words, the phrase “I don’t” is a psychologically empowering way to say no, while the phrase “I can’t” is a psychologically draining way to say no.

How You Can Apply This To Your Life

One can have no smaller or greater mastery than mastery of oneself.
—Leonardo Da Vinci

There are situations everyday when you need to say no to something. For example, the waiter who offers you a dessert menu… or the urge to skip a workout and stay home… or the distracting call of texts, tweets, and updates when you should be focusing on something important.
Individually, our responses to these little choices seem insignificant, which is why we don’t make a big deal about telling ourselves that we “can’t” do something. But imagine the cumulative effect of choosing more empowering words on a consistent basis.
“I can’t” and “I don’t” are words that seem similar and we often interchange them for one another, but psychologically they can provide very different feedback and, ultimately, result in very different actions. They aren’t just words and phrases. They are affirmations of what you believe, reasons for why you do what you do, and reminders of where you want to go.
The ability to overcome temptation and effectively say no is critical not only to your physical health, but also for your daily productivity and mental health.
To put it simply: you can either be the victim of your words or the architect of them. Which one would you prefer?

This Article is by James Clear he does a lot of his writing about research and I think he has just nailed this one.

March signals the hope of Spring no matter the weather of the day. That ties in with our healthy habit focus of avoiding the yo-yo diet cycle. It is so easy to fall into those "diet" mindset traps and feel like you are "cheating rather than choosing", restricting rather than creating! We are the architects of our own destiny, happiness, and health. We use this program as the foundation, walls, and structure of our creation. We don't abandon our home because construction is completed. Just like any home, when construction is complete, we move in, maintain, and improve our surroundings. We invite guests over and enjoy it with others. So it is with creating optimal health! There is no absolute destination!

Come back soon because I am going to tell you about my real life and healthy eating..

My Sunday: Let your light SHINE free printable

2014-03-09T15:34:00.000-06:00

Welcome! How is your Sunday going? I want to uplift and inspired those around you. Every Sunday I want to give you a thought that has really inspired me recently or just something I really enjoy.

For Church, we had Stake Conference today. This is where were our local congregations are called wards (or branches for smaller congregations). They are organized geographically and members attend a ward or branch near their home. Because in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints all the teaching materials are consistent throughout the wards and branches, a person will be studying the same lessons no matter where in the world they attend church. The spiritual leader of each ward is called the bishop (or the branch president for branches). He is a member of the congregation who has been asked to serve as a volunteer in this position. A group of wards forms a stake, and the leader of a stake is a stake president. “Stake” is not a term found in the New Testament, but is taken from Old Testament tent imagery in which the “tent,” or church, is held up by supporting stakes (see Isaiah 54:2).

What they talked about in our Stake Conference was hastening the work of the Lord. As the speakers got up I was inspired by many of those that are working hard to talk about Jesus Christ, to others. We also must recognize that Satan-The Great Deceiver is trying in all his power to make us miserable. Doesn’t this make you want to be Happy? Doesn’t this make you want to strive to live better? Yes we may all have our bad moments (I may have more than I would like too) where we lose sight of what is really important. That is where our Savior, Jesus Christ makes us happy. He WANTS us to be happy. He paid for the price of my sins through the atonement. I want to BE better because of him.

We have all been challenged at times in our life; this is where we can grow. I have recently moved to a place I don’t know anyone. Most of our family is 6-7hr drive away. I really have to rely on the support of our ward family. Because I have moved, I feel this urge to help more. I want to be a better. I want to help those around me. I know I was starting to get in a bubble in my last area. I really LOVED that bubble. I really loved that I could send my kids out to the neighbor’s home and know that they were going to be loved and taken care of. I really loved that if I needed anything I could turn to my neighbors that I call my friends.

But Since I have moved, I have spent more precious time with my children, I have been more open to those around me that I don’t know. I have been a better wife and mother. I have jumped out of my comfort zone. I have stepped into a new place that I am trying to love as much as my last home. Where Home is, that is where your heart is also.

I want you to help take the plunge and help those around you. If you haven’t seen a neighbor lately, Make time and go over and meet them or visit with them. Your heart will be blessed. You will be blessed. You will have a greater desire to do GOOD!

I have made you a little printable that are one of my favorite scripture. It was actually my first scripture I memorized when I was 8 years old. It is near and dear to my heart.

Download HERE

FREE Printable Sunshine journaling cards

2014-03-04T10:38:00.002-07:00

As I am waiting eagerly for the spring to get here I thought I would make you some printable journaling cards. If you don't know what to you them for you can use them with your favorite pictures. I think I have made the switch to Project Life in digital scrapbooking. These sure make me happy just looking at them. If you like these and want more let me know and I can see what I can do.

Download HERE

I hope you enjoy this fun freebie!! Please take a moment share this post on Pinterest, Facebook and Twitter if you'd like to see more kits like this from me in the future. :)

Gluten-Free Death by Chocolate Recipe

2014-03-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

What You'll Need:

1 (19- to 21-ounce) package brownie mix, batter prepared according to package directions
1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (see Options)
2 (3.9-ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to package directions
8 (1.4-ounce) chocolate-covered toffee candy bars (such as Skor or Heath), coarsely crushed
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

What You'll Need:

1 (19- to 21-ounce) package brownie mix, batter prepared according to package directions
1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (see Options)
2 (3.9-ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to package directions
8 (1.4-ounce) chocolate-covered toffee candy bars (such as Skor or Heath), coarsely crushed
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

What You'll Need:

1 (19- to 21-ounce) package brownie mix, batter prepared according to package directions
1/4 cup coffee-flavored liqueur (see Options)
2 (3.9-ounce) packages instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to package directions
8 (1.4-ounce) chocolate-covered toffee candy bars (such as Skor or Heath), coarsely crushed
1 (12-ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed

This is one of Aj's favorites since we got married. Now most of you know I am not gluten-free but I now have a gluten-free husband. I try to learn how to make our familiar recipes and turn them over to gluten-free deliciousness. This is sweet and you will be wanting to make this over and over again.

What you will need to make this recipe:

- 1 (19-21 oz. pkg.) Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake mix prepared according to package directions
- 2 (3.9 ounces) packages instant chocolate pudding, prepared according to package directions
- 1 (8 oz. pkg.) Heath or Skor Toffee Bits

You may also buy 1 (12oz) Cool Whip instead of making homemade whipping cream.
- 2 q. Heavy whipping cream
- 2 c. Powder Sugar

What To Do:

1. Preheat oven and bake cake batter in a 9 x13 baking pan according to package directions; allow to cool completely (TIP: Put the cake in the freezer for at least 1 hour to make it more moist)

2. While The cake is cooking I like to make the pudding mix according to the package. Then stick in the fridge until we assemble.

3.Use fork/toothpick to prick holes on top of cooled cake.

4. Make you favorite homemade whipping cream (I will put a tutorial up) or use Cool Whip

Now here is the time for the assembling part.

5. Break up cake into small pieces. Place 1/2 of brownies in bottom of the trifle dish or large glass serving bowl. Cover with half the pudding then one-third of the crushed candy and half the whipped topping. Repeat layers and top with the remaing crushed candy

6. Cover and chill at least 2 hours before serving. I like to refrigerate over night. Refrigerate any leftovers. If you have any left Ü

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Hope you enjoy!

Question? Comments?

Wait, What? Twins? Part 1 "I'm Pregnant"

2014-02-22T22:42:00.003-07:00

Yes, I have twins but this story it's not what you think.

"I am on cloud 9." wrote from my journal entry in August 2007. At first when I found out I was pregnant with #2 I was ex-tactic! My hubby and I prayed that we could have another child very close in age to #1. I always wanted my family to be very close together. I figured my oldest boy & this future baby would be about 3 1/2 years apart. I was grateful that #1 would be my big helper but, I didn't always feel that way.

Four months after #1 was born I was ready to bear another child. (Labor was as smooth as butter! It obviously didn't affect me too bad.) So every month we tried but every month we failed. I failed! After 2-3 months of no success I started searching the internet for answers on helping me get pregnant faster. These are some of the things we tried.

-I first had to figured when I ovulated, that was a little difficult since I don't have regular RED

periods.

-I took my morning temperate testing.

-I went to the dollar store and bought 20 ovulation tests so we could better determined when our

best chance was.

I knew I didn't have fertility issues since it was so EASY to get pregnant with #1. The longer we tried the harder it was on me. I was grieving every time I took a test it was like a part of me died. I couldn't take another pregnancy test just to tell me, NO! I remember thinking, "What do I need to do to get this child here with me?" I never wanted to tell anyone that we were trying to have a child, because it was admitting that we were failures.

Then the questions came #1 was 18 months. "So, When are you going to have your next one?" "Looks like #1 needs a sibling to play with." Seriously, If you only knew, I AM TRYING!! I am sorry but, you just don't ask those questions. They can be piercing at times and hurt just the same as taking a pregnancy test. I was lost. I had no hope. Then, I prayed!

Thanks so my Heavenly Father he answered my prayers, in a way I didn't expect. Instead of thinking about my failure status I re-focused my energy on myself. I was currently over-weight and not happy. I wanted to DO something about it! I started exercising, eating healthy, and being active. I started to become HAPPY again. I started to forget that I could take control and that I was in charge of my body. Heavenly Father gave me a gift, my body and I was going to LOVE it. The weight didn't come off right away. Hours and days of hard dedication of exercising and eatting right. I was satisfied with being BLESSED with one child. I gave thanks to my Heavenly Father.

After six months of lifestyle change, I found out! Hesitant to take a test, I found out I was pregnant with #2.

Follow me at Facebook or google+ and you will know first thing about the next part of this series.

Keep Smiling Ü

Update...Long time no post! FREE TEMPLATE

2014-02-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Hello-Hello-Hello

Well it has been more then a while since I have last wrote on this blog. Somehow all my posts were deleted so I am saddened that I don't have all my freebies up. I hope slowly I can get some new freebies along the way.

As of right now I am not going back to designing/blogging a little. I found that I love to make templates and layouts. I think I am going to stick with that for now.

You may DOWNLOAD it HERE

Keep coming back for now Keep smiling Ü

About Me

2014-02-01T20:34:00.000-07:00

I’m just a gal who loves to make stuff! This blog of mine is my outlet for all things creative.

We live in a small town and the nearest Target is 3 hours away (THE HORROR!). Sometimes I struggle with small town life – mainly because I miss yummy restaurants and good shopping – but overall, it’s pretty great. We feel safe and the people are so friendly. So there ya have it! I’m a wife, mom, and small town resident who loves to make beautiful things

I may talk about my religion because I am very proud to be a Christian! I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day saints but, you may know of the Mormons. First and for most, I believe in Jesus Christ! I believe in his atoning sacrifice that he made for me and for all of you that I can live with his and my Heavenly Father! In the Temple I was sealed for time and all eternity to be with my family forever. So not only in this earthly life will I be a family but also in our life after death

Thanks for stopping by I hope you can stay awhile. If you have any questions, comments, or concerns Please ask. Thanks.