Self Reflection

I am way behind on my blogging. I have so many posts I want to catch up on. From Halloween and on. Oh well.

As I sit here for a one brief, quiet moment, I am currently reflecting on my resolution to serve others that I'd made at the beginning of this year. I'm not certain I've accomplished what I've set out to do. I've definitely tried to reach out to others a lot more but I find myself not living up to my true potential. I feel like there is so much more that I can do that I'm not doing. Is it just me? Am I the only woman out there that feels she isn't living up to her true potential? I think I've felt inadequate now for too many years and my mental state needs to shift.

It's hard to. I find that the hardest thing about making changes is that the people you had a lot of things in common with suddenly don't share your enthusiasm anymore. I used to think, "they've changed." Maybe they have. But the more I think about it, the more I come to realize that maybe perhaps I'm the one that has changed. I'm the one that has moved in a different direction. And I pray and hope it's the right one and that others will follow. Because sometimes, I'll admit, it gets lonely.

I don't want to travel the road less traveled. It's not easy to blaze a trail. But I refuse to ignore the intuition I get. I refuse to ignore that nagging feeling that tells me to press forward though the climb ahead is long and tough. I've never in my life found anything that encompasses so many of the things of which I feel passionate about in this life. Forgive the shameless marketing, but it is truly how I feel. doTERRA is a tool for me to use now for all the things that I've longed to do. It lines up with too many things for me to ignore it. Everything from living a longer and happier life, being fit and healthy, finding emotional balance, using natural products for healing, and learning how to touch one another more often. Yes, in a world where ironically the sense of touch has become synonymous with anything perverse, I feel that many of us have forgotten how to use it for good. For reaching out to those who crave to be hugged and caressed to relieve the stresses they unknowingly hold on to. Why do we do this to ourselves?

We live in a world where extremes swing from one side of the pendulum to the other without realizing there is a way to balance it in the middle. I know this post probably seems very disjointed but it's just my thoughts for the hour. I'm on a mission. I'm determined to find a way to reach out and touch those who seek for it the most. I'm determined to finish off my year by finding as many as I can to serve, even if but for a small moment. And continue my service throughout my life. This resolution was not just for a year. For me, it was a way to discipline myself to not be afraid and to anxiously seek out those in need. I have no reason to fear. I'm on the Lord's errand and I know he will guide me through it.

Deep Breath. So here's to no fear, and a stronger resolve to do the things of which I've set out to do. Here's to strength beyond my own to help me in achieving my true mission in life. Here's to the Lord's patience with me and helping me to understand how to use it with kindness and true charity. I'm far from perfect. But by golly, I'm going to do my best to show him how close I can get. And hopefully, at the end of my life, I will have no regrets. No thoughts of "What If?" And feel thoroughly satisfied that I truly gave my best effort. Yes, I'm certain I will stumble along the way. But I will get up. I promise you that.

All right, back to work. :)

A Rant and A New Resolve

Lately, it seems, I come across as more and more controversial. Since this is my blog, I just wanted to take a moment to vent about my thoughts and ideas and perhaps share what it is I am doing that I am so passionate about lately.

First off, I don't appreciate being thought of as outdated, a witch doctor, an extremist, a fanatic, or any other number of names I've been called in the past for simply being passionate about the things that I share. I suppose a vast majority of this is aimed at the ones I love the most because family do tend to become your strongest critics. As much as I love them and would love for them to see things the way that I do, I realize it's not within my control, nor should I strive to control how they think. I forget this easily because I want nothing more for them but to be happy and not so negative about life in general. But what can I say. They're Velezes. In a way, I'm glad I'm a Huntington now. Jk.

I know my weaknesses. I try not to judge. But I realize that by pushing things on them when they're not ready for them, my ways quickly become like those of the adversary. I need a different approach. <<>>

So, I'm sure you're all wondering what I'm even talking about. Why on earth are my family members calling me a witch doctor? I can assure you I have not taken on ancient voodoo practices or anything of the sort. So what is it that makes me a "fanatic" exactly? No, it's not eating a highly raw/vegan diet, which I still strive hard to keep to btw.

My venting can only be attributed to one thing lately: doTERRA.

Okay, enough with the venting. A couple of months ago, thanks to a sweet friend and family member, I stumbled across a multi-level-marketing company that sells essential oils. You may be thinking, "Multi-level-marketing?!" I know. That's what I initially thought at first as well. I've used essential oils on occasion in the past but never really learned too much about them. I can't believe I thought I already knew everything there was to know about health and wellness. I feel like there is so much for me to learn that I could literally spend a lifetime trying to learn it all and not even know half of it. I guess that's the beauty of our purpose on this earth.

I know I haven't blogged much lately and I know that most of my devoted blog readers are usually anticipating photos of my babies, so, I'm sorry I have no photos at this time, but this new venture in my life is one I definitely wanted to take a moment to document as I begin making the journey down this road of health awareness I previously knew little about.

I am certain you will read many new things along with me as I share the things that I value most in this life. But please, if any of the stuff I share fascinates you even in the slightest, I encourage you to follow me. It has already changed my life in more ways than one. And I've definitely developed a new resolve in my life. To assist others in learning how to heal themselves, one Cancer, one Heart disease, one Diabetic, one Autistic, one Smoothie, one Juice, one Herb, one Oil at a time. Stay tuned as I share this sweet Gift of the Earth. :)

Daxton's Sealing

This angel-faced little boy Daxton, who was adopted by my sweet former roommate and her husband, was sealed to his family last month for Time and All Eternity.

They really are the most beautiful little family ever. It was a joyous occasion. Love you Tiff.

Adventures in Biking

As the summer and fall come to an end and the bitter winter cold settles in, I wanted to document this silly moment in our lives. Normally, Orion rides his bike next to me because technically, the bike stroller is only supposed to hold two kids, but since the maximum weight is 100 lbs. and my three kids together equal about 98 lbs. I figured I would do this for as long as I could. I'm kind of sad this will probably be the last year I get to do this with them because they surely had a blast riding like this all over Utah County. Next summer, they'll probably be too long and too heavy to all fit inside at the same time. But the image of three kids happily giggling with the wind in their faces is not a memory I want to forget. Orion actually came up with the idea one day. I was about to say no because it looked unsafe, but he just sat at the foot of the stroller so well that we decided to go for it. And it sure is a beautiful ride wherever we go. Especially at sunset, when it hits the mountains just right. <<>> Breathtaking around here. Funny thing is, this bike is a man's bike. I don't have one. Alex bought one a while back and has yet to make REALLY good use of it. But he's working on it. It's hard to mount the bike because with the seat at its lowest setting, my legs are still too short to have one foot on the ground with my weight into the seat. I have to lean really far over or just get off because I can't balance while stopped. While pedaling I have no problem. It's the start and stop that I have issues with. Maybe next year I can get a bike my size. Regardless, I've loved getting around this way all summer long. It's fun, good exercise, and saves on gas. What's not to like?

And these silly passengers were fun to drag around. To Grandma's house. To the temple. To Discovery park. To different neighbors' and friends' homes to deliver home-made fudge and coco-nutties to. Thanks you three for making exercise more fun this year. And yes, Hinckley has a pink binky. He loses the boy-colored ones all the time, so he gets to wear Chrysa's. Don't judge me. :)

The Best Salad Ever

Believe it or not, but after my five-day juice fast/feast, my body really wanted this. Boy was that the best salad I've ever had. I couldn't even eat that much of it. But it was the tastiest salad ever. I think my taste buds have changed a lot in the past few years. Interesting how a highly raw food/vegan lifestyle can do that to you. Anyways, it was one for the books.

Hinckley's First Year!

On September 28, 2011 someone in our little family had his first birthday! Can you tell?

Digging into a yummy vegan carrot cake with cashew cream cheese frosting. This cake is made over and over again it seems. I guess we love it.

A very moist and just delicious cake. And here's a one year video I made of Hinckley's firsts. I can't believe my baby is 1. Happy Birthday Baby!

Songs of Praise

This last General Conference Alex was asked to come join the men's choir in the priesthood session. After realizing that it meant I would almost never see my husband on Sundays because they would practice for about 3-4 hours after church, and what a fun little opportunity it would be, I told him he should go. I want my children to always remember that their Daddy sang beautiful songs of praise to our Heavenly Father on this day. It was difficult to get some good photos because the conference center is so huge. This was on their dress rehearsal night. I struggled to keep my kids from running up and down the aisles all night but somehow I managed. If you've never been able to sit right under the organ and choir, it's truly such a different experience than hearing it on television. It really feels like concourses of angels singing. When I wasn't chasing my silly children, I did get a few moments to sit and enjoy their singing. It was quite beautiful and filled my soul.

Yes, I am quite pleased with my hubby for volunteering so much of his time to sing so that many could hear and hopefully be uplifted and filled with the spirit of each hymn. And I want my babies to always remember what a great example he is to this little family.

Here, you can see him at 2:02 minutes quite clearly.

At 2:24 you can see him above the conductors head and slightly off to the right.

And between 30-38 seconds on this one.

The Ucedas, Velezes and Huntingtons

A lot of family on my mom's side is slowly migrating to Utah it seems. And so our gatherings as family has slowly begun to grow. Here is just a fun photo we tried to get the whole family into by setting the camera timer on. Taking such photos are sometimes chaotic. But always funny. No where near as chaotic as Grandpa Larson's 100th Birthday Bash and Family Reunion though. The parts of my family that are in Utah are still rather small.

I'm Grateful for . . .

It's true. Every person we come across in our lives has touched it. Whether the experiences shared are positive ones you can be inspired from or negative ones we can learn to avoid. But I'm not posting to talk about any negative things. This sweet girl above, my former roommate, Debbie, is one of the sweetest and wisest girls I know. She knows quite a bit about soil and vegetables and different plants. I believe frugality is one of her talents also. And she's a very giving person. It's funny. Back in the day, I always poked fun at her "silly hobbies" never realizing that one day, some of those would become some of the things I am most passionate about. So, I'm grateful for Debbie, for inspiring me in ways I might not otherwise have ever known.

This summer, Alex has gone through some crazy job transitions and has finally started to settle into a really promising one. But while all this was going on, money was tight and so our budget got tighter. Debbie's father-in-law apparently has a huge garden and had plenty to give away and so I was really excited when she asked if anyone wanted some because her kitchen looked like a farmer's market. I'm sad I only got an after picture, but twice this summer I walked away with a trunk full of fresh, home-grown produce. The picture above is what was left after I had raided her kitchen. She probably has no idea but for weeks, we literally thrived off zucchini and summer squash in salads and veggie stews. It was really yummy and literally saved us from having to go into debt to feed our family. So I'm grateful for Debbie's father-in-law.

She also linked us up to a guy who taught a wild edibles class out in Eagle Mountain. That was probably one of the most educational, fascinating, and inspiring classes I've ever attended. I had no idea Utah had so many wild edibles flourishing all over. I learned quite a lot, gnawing away at some plants with very unique flavors along the way. The above plant is called dock. It's quite like lettuce with a limey flavor to it. Super yummy.

This is the part that grows above the leaves so you can tell they're dock.

This happens to be amaranth.

And this is some kind of wild sage.

We learned that sunflower petals are edible and they taste good too. Just like sunflower seeds. Well, the texture is different. It's a petal but they taste just like the seeds and are great for throwing on salads.

We also came across wild spinach or lambsquarters, so named because of how fat they made a sheep's rear end grow. Interesting bit of info.

Also, the state flower, the sego lily, is completely edible and super nutritious but don't let anyone in Utah catch you eating one. It's apparently illegal. Who goes around eating sego lillies anyways? But they grow in other places outside of Utah too in case you're craving a sego lily.

I suppose I was just really excited to share this info. I wonder how much money this would save a lot of people if they knew fresh produce was growing wild and available almost anywhere. And people that get lost in the wild could probably live for days just foraging for such plants. Crazy. I think many members of the church could benefit from a wild edibles class, not just for good health, but as a survival method. On top of food storage, you could also have fresh things to pluck and consume free of charge. I've always wanted to learn more about foraging and am thrilled to keep on learning. I would love to spread the word about this and help others learn about wild edibles some more. So, among the many things that I'm grateful for, this is just one more. New knowledge and wisdom that sets me free and allows me to think beyond the box a little. Thanks so much Debbie for sending me that link and for sharing with our family so many fresh goodies. Both Alex and myself were so excited for it all.

Farewell to Dustin and Alyssa Groff

As a side note, before I begin this post and in case anyone outside family was wondering who Uncle Elliot was (because of the previous post) here is a picture of Elliot with his beautiful little girl.

Lillian up close.

Sweet smile.

Tate with a mischievous grin.

This was a while back, but a small family gathering came together to eat yummy food and bid Alex's cousin Dustin and his wife Alyssa farewell. They are now in California. We didn't spend nearly enough time with them. We should have but it was nice to get together one more time before they moved on to their newest adventure in life.

Some snapshots of cousins eating together.

Dustin and Alyssa. Hope all goes well for you two out in Cali. We'll miss you.

Like Uncle Elliot

Hinckley's hair was starting to look messy enough that I figured it was time to give him a nice clean cut look. His FIRST haircut.

See, around the ears and the neck. Shaggy enough to me.

I thought he looked adorable with a new clean cut look.

Upon showing this to Orion we asked him, "Now are you ready for your haircut?" His response was a very set in stone, "NO!"

Me: "Why don't you want a haircut like Hinckley's?"

Orion: "Because he looks like Uncle Elliot."

Apparently he didn't want to have his head shaved as short. I guess he's finicky about his hair. I must admit though, his response made me laugh. No offense to Uncle Elliot. Kids will be kids. So here are the boys with their haircuts. Hinckley's was pretty short. We made sure Orion's wasn't quite as short.

Revelations

So today, Hinckley has started to take a few steps on his own without us getting him started.  He is twelve and a half months old.  Orion walked at eleven months, and Chrysalis at nine.  The interesting thing about it is that Hinckley has been physically capable of walking since about eight months.  But, even though he was physically capable, he was not ready.  I would venture to say that most parents have observed the same tendency with their children.  Prior to my little revelation, I thought that this was more of a baby tendency.  However, I've learned today that it's a human tendency.

I have a revolutionary idea that I've been "trying"to work on.  Which means I've been thinking about working on it, but haven't actually worked on it.  When I think about why I haven't done it yet, I really have no good excuses.

Here is what I now understand: I'm no different than Hinckley.  The analogy goes even further.  As we have tried to help Hinckley walk, we have used many words and gestures of encouragement.  Certainly, he doesn't understand all of our words or gestures, but I know he feels their meaning.  At the same time, I know that I don't understand and internalize everything Heavenly Father does to answer my prayers, but I can feel that he wants me to actualize my idea, or at least work towards it.

Another common trait is that, if Hinckley were only brave enough to fall, he could be walking within a day.  At the same time, if I were only brave enough to fall, I could probably have the idea up and running faster than I, or many other people, could even dream of.

How frustrating!  To understand all of this, yet to still not know how to go about doing my idea!  If anyone can give me some advice about starting up a business, or about where I can go to learn about starting up a business, I would be EXTREMELY grateful.

Ended Juice Fast a Couple Days Early

Well, today would have been day six of my juice fast but I broke it last night with a huge salad. After five days of juice, salad never tasted SO GOOD. But I've learned a couple things about myself in the process.

1. I eat emotionally a lot. And I have a tendency to eat out of boredom. Even though I was only drinking fresh juices, I wasn't starved. Yet, every time I put the kids down for naps, I almost instinctively was at the pantry searching for crackers before I remembered I wasn't eating.

2. I actually enjoy searching the Bible dictionary for interesting bits of history.

3. I like juicing with other people more than I like juicing by myself.

4. I actually have more energy when I juice and don't eat as much food. Interesting. Didn't think I would.

5. The taste of vegetable juice is actually becoming addicting and I crave it. Same with coconut water. It's really sweet. It didn't always taste so sweet to me. Probably because my taste buds were adapted to refined sugars. But it's starting to taste sweeter to me for whatever reason.

Well, that's what I've learned on my first juice/detox fast. Do I plan on doing it again. Yes. Hopefully next time, I can last a week. And my Beloved. Well, he lasted a full three days. I was quite proud of him. Didn't think he'd make it past two. But I appreciated how long he kept up. And I owe a thanks to Marissa for helping to keep me accountable.

My newest goals are to juice every day for at least one meal. I find that one juice a day is a great substitute for vitamins and minerals. And drinking it more consistently may curb my appetite a bit.

October 6, 2011 - Juice Fast Day 4

I'm considering breaking my fast today. Maybe not.

Interesting bit of info that I learned while reading one of my books:

"Green vegetables such as kale, cabbage, collards, and broccoli, plus some non-green vegetables such as cauliflower and turnips, are called 'cruciferous' vegetables." This I already knew. What was insightful was what followed: "They are named for their flowers, which have four equally spaced petals in the shape of a cross--hence the Latin word crucifer meaning 'cross-bearer.' "

Dr. Joel Fuhrman then proceeds to explain the important compounds of such veggies to both boost immune function and protect our cells from developing into anything cancerous.

I guess this simply struck me. I never knew what differentiated cruciferous vegetables from all others. The symbolism that can be found in plants created by deity is absolutely astonishing to me. A plant that our Divine Designer has created and that carries such a beautiful symbolic flower can heal us from everyday ailments.

Just my thoughts today. Other than that, my juicer and I have become best friends. That's all I do all day. But it's getting easier. I'm getting faster with clean-up. Oh, and Alex is on Day 3. Still doing it. Still determined. He woke up at 214 lbs. today. Down from 229 lbs. Considerable weight loss. And surprisingly, he's not starved either. I'm impressed with his commitment to all of this. It makes it easier for me.

My sweet friend Marissa is juicing with me in the mornings. She's not quite doing a sole juice fast. More of a juicing and raw foods cleanse. But I'm super proud of her discipline as well. She's keeping me on track with my own goals. Always good to have a friend tag along on difficult journeys.

October 5, 2011 - Juice Fast Day 3

Felt good in the morning. Had a bit of a slump mid-day and close to the evening, I was wanting to give up. But I had a coconut's worth of water and I suddenly felt better again. Amazing how much those young Thai coconuts can revitalize you. Good source of electrolytes perhaps. It wasn't always the best taste. But it's growing on me. And the juices are starting to taste better too. I woke up this morning at my pre-pregnancy weight of 132 lbs. That's a happy side effect. But as exciting as this was, weight loss is no longer my ultimate goal, the way it used to be when I was in high school or college.

October 4, 2011 - Juice Fast Day 2

In case anyone is interested, these are my two new favorite books. I've been reading a lot lately to keep my mind occupied. I really enjoy Dr. Fuhrman's research. He was actually a professional ice skater back in the day. How he turned to medicine? He had an ankle injury that refused to heal and when a doctor suggested a new experimental procedure to cut slashes into the muscle tissue to force it to heal itself faster, he'd simply decided to turn to a more natural approach. Which worked so much better, he decided to get a degree in medicine. But unlike many (mind you, I said "many" and not "all") doctors in our modern medicine world, I truly feel he is a caring doctor giving people correct information, rather than another prescription to suppress a symptom that is warning us of further underlying problems in our body's own system.

The question of the day: How is the fast going? Okay, I was warned. The second and third days of a juice fast or any type of fast are hard. Your resolve is tested. Since it's still a juice fast, I'm certain I'm still getting plenty of nourishment. I haven't felt starved at all. But the urge to snack on things is definitely there. Especially when I pause to get a moment to think about food. If I'm busy, it doesn't seem to bother me as much. That definitely tells me something. I need to keep busy. Maybe I haven't been as busy as I thought. Training my mind to focus on other things is hard. I've been reading a lot.

Still, making rice and beans with tomatoes tonight for my kids, which normally doesn't look as appetizing was hard not to salivate over. I just kept on drinking my juices and tons of water. I'm starting to think I might only make it to day four or so. Still, I'm determined. My digestive tract could use a break to clean house. One day at time. That's how I'm doing it right now. Is it all that hard? Not terribly. But my emotional connection to food is what seems to be suffering the most. Coming face to face with my addictions and telling them who is in control is not easy to do. Alex has joined me today and so today is his Day 1. We'll see how long he lasts. Either way, it's kind of nice to have a few people on board to do this with. Even my kids drink the juice. And it's not exactly the most palatable juice. Of course, they're not fasting.

October 3, 2011 - Juice Fast Day 1

So I've decided to start a day early. I wanted to start a day early so that I could break my fast on Sunday. I intend to break my fast with a lot of raw foods. And slowly work my way back into the heavier grains.

This will be a quick post. But wanted to keep track of my journey. Today is day one. Had my three servings of veggie juice and a whole coconut's worth of water, along with other water. So far, I feel good. Nothing great. I'm not starved. Just bored. I've discovered I tend to eat out of boredom at times. So it's hard to fill the void. Temptations are around every corner. I'm reading a lot and trying to squeeze in my bike rides and yoga.

The hardest part about doing a juice fast is having three kids who are not fasting. And since I prepare their food, it's hard not to lick my fingers when something spills on me. Mom habit I suppose. I lick everything up. Can't waste it I guess. Well. Here's to hoping day two is better. I want to enter a painting into the LDS Art thing. I think I will start working on it tomorrow. My concept has already been done before. But I want to perfect it. Perhaps I will post it later. Anyhow, this gives me a goal to work on while I fast.

Orion Gives The 6th Article of Faith

And here is the latest thing he's done in Primary: The 6th Article of Faith.

I printed off his article of faith and prepared to be by his side in case he needed my help. He insisted on doing it all by himself this time. Kids grow up too fast. It makes me want to cry sometimes when I realize how independent he grows each day. He sure knows how to make me smile though. I love this silly kid to pieces.

There Is Safety in Following the Prophet

Orion's First talk. I've been meaning to post this for a while now but just haven't gotten to it. Orion gave this talk back in March of this year. His first in primary ever. Sorry, the picture quality and sound is so poor. I brought my camera but the sweet lady I asked to tape it said it shut off on her and she didn't know how to turn it back on. She used her little camera instead. Still, you can hear most of it. I'm copying the talk below so that you can read along with him if you'd like. It's also for our family record I suppose. I was so pleased with how well he did. He wasn't shy at all. Not like I used to be.

Anyways here's his talk:

There is safety in following the prophet.

Noah was a prophet in the Bible.

He told the people to repent because a big flood was coming but they just laughed at him.

So he built a big boat and put his family and 2 of each animal on it.

Those who didn’t listen to him perished in the flood.

This is Lehi.

Lehi was a prophet in the Book of Mormon.

God told him that Jerusalem would be destroyed.

He left his wealth and riches to live in the wilderness for many years.

Heavenly Father kept Lehi and his family safe.

Joseph Smith is a latter day prophet.

He translated the Book of Mormon and told us to read it.

There is safety in reading the scriptures.

Reading the scriptures can bring us peace and comfort.

We still have a prophet today.

His name is Thomas S. Monson.

If we listen to him carefully, we can all be safe too.

I leave you these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Total Body, Mind, Spirit Makeover

I've had a few counseling sessions and they've been rather productive. More so than I thought they would be. I don't know what I was so afraid of. I'm silly. I've been re-introduced to and encouraged to read Dr. Laura. I've read her books before and love her. I must admit I needed this reminder. Recommitting to all this is great. So along with therapy lately, I'm going to be really focusing in on my health. My overall health. And just plain learning how to be happy.

I've been giving in to too many sweet treats lately. Sugary breads, pastas, crackers and Costco's churros. Don't even get me started on that one. Just too addicting. I suppose I have a strong emotional bond with churros because it was a treat my Dad and I would always enjoy every time we went to Disneyland. But they're way overpriced there. I think they're up to $3.75 a churro now. At Costco, the bread on the inside is softer, the outside is crunchier, the cinnamon and sugar are way sweeter, and for just a buck, the churros are way bigger. I guess they've marketed their product well. What can I say? I'm an addict. To sugar. And it's definitely taken its toll on my health.

I'm going to be embarking on a week long juice fast. I believe I will be starting on October 4th. I have a friend who has asked me to do it with her, and since I've been wanting to do it for a long time now and have been putting it off, I've decided that October 4th, is as good a time as any to start. At least I won't be doing it during the holidays.

Anyways, just wanted to document my latest health craze. I think it will be a good way to reset my body, clear out toxins, and re-energize my cells. I'm determined to do it. I've been given a special recipe by my cousin who did a three week fast herself along with colon hydrotherapy. She swears she never felt better. And I must admit she looks better. Her skin glows and she looks way healthier. So, Romy you're my inspiration.

In case anyone is dying to know what I will be drinking for a whole week this is my specific plan:

3 times a day I will be having freshly made juice of:

-3 carrots

-1 celery stalk

-1/4 of a cucumber

-1/4 of a beet

-1 slice of radish

-2 dandelion leaves

-1/2 chard leaf

-1/2 kale leaf

-1 brocoli spear

-1 handful of cilantro

-1 inch square of ginger

-pinch of salt

-pinch of cayenne pepper

1 Time a Day:

-1-2 ounces of wheatgrass juice depending on my needs.

-1 young Thai Coconut's water for extra electrolytes.

On occasion throughout the week I might have:

-1 Cup of carrot/orange juice

And plenty of water every day.

Along with all this, I intend to get out for regular bike rides every day, the way I've been doing with my kids dragging along in the bike trailer. Gotta make the most of the sunshine that's left. I will also be focusing on playing as often as I can with my kids. Even if that means that my laundry will turn into the Sierra Nevadas. And I really want to focus on my spirituality a lot more. If I'm really going to try to make myself over, I'm going to focus on all three aspects of health and overall wellness. Body, Mind and Spirit. So here goes. Our bishop has encouraged our ward on several occasions to read the scriptures for an hour a day. He calls it the Hour of Power. I've succeeded on some days. But I haven't been consistent. Throughout my cleansing week, I would like to make that a focus. I will strive to read ONE HOUR a day.

Anyways, just wanted to write down my goals. Yet again. Here's to recommitting. Here's to my Makeover.

Remembering 9/12

Warning in advance: Please forgive the random thoughts all piled together into one post. Just things I need to get out and be honest about.

Okay, some of you may know I've been dealing a bit with some post partum depression. I don't know if it's the hormones that kick into place whenever I wean my babies but it surely seems to be a trend. I've almost reached a year of nursing Hinckley and I just started giving him a bottle to make things a bit easier for myself. But it seems that whenever I do this with my kids (yes it happened with Orion and Chrys also) I go into PMS to the 10th power. Anyone out there know what this could mean? I've often wondered if I might have some vitamin or mineral deficiency. Perhaps it's that I've recently begun to exercise again. I know. I don't know what takes me so long. Perhaps it's the chaos and stress of dealing with my parents' health. I worry and stress over many different things and don't cope well. That might explain why my eyes get extra hazy. I can literally feel the pressure of tightening muscles behind my face and in my neck and shoulders.

Whatever the reason, I know the solution is NOT in prescriptions. And so I refuse to see doctors that might even mention the idea of having to take a drug of some kind. I don't enjoy pretending that everything is okay when a plethora of destructive emotions is running rampant. I need to be honest with myself and others in order to move forward because denial can be very destructive. So without getting into too much detail, I've decided to get some counseling, continue getting up to bike ride in the mornings with my kids, try to squeeze in some extra yoga practices, read my scriptures more regularly and just plain find things that make me laugh more often.

If you haven't gone to see Kung Fu Panda 2 with your children yet, please do. That movie is deep. I've seen it a couple times now and find it rather amusing, thrilling, and touching all at once. Not to mention, the hours of creativity that have gone into the film. I've always wanted to go into Computer animation myself. But priorities changed for me. That doesn't make me appreciate it any less though. I love the clever jokes that are thrown into such films in order to appeal to the wider audience of kids at heart. And that is what I'm struggling and desperately trying to find these days; my child within. I need to lighten and loosen up no matter what silly trials our family may be going through. I've decided I have too much to be grateful for to NOT be happy.

I've thought a lot about 9/11 and how blessed I am to live in a free country. No matter how bad it seems to be getting, I know my history and am pleased to be a part of it. I know who the founders were and what they stood for. I know they put their trust in God and that they were inspired men. I am blessed to have a loving husband who wants to help me to heal and three wonderful children who actually encourage me to smile. I have too many wonderful reasons to be happy. I think about those who've lost members of their families in the events that took place, and I have no reason to frown. My family is all still with me. And I know better. I know that deaths are not the end. And though I miss my grandparents, I know they are happy and want me to be happy also.

Through all this, I've had thoughts of ending my marriage or even my life. I know I would never have the courage to go through with any of them, nor would I ever want to put my children through such an ordeal, but arguments arise and situations such as this do escalate and I refuse to let the adversary win. I know without a shadow of a doubt that he knows me. That he knows my weaknesses and wants nothing more than to make my life miserable. But I also know that my Heavenly Father knows me even better. And that if I put my trust in him, that he will help me to overcome my weaknesses. I need to Remember him in all that I do. Because I know how easy it is for me to forget. I know how easy it is for people in general to forget what happens in history and to repeat past mistakes. So this post is about Remembering. Remembering those who fought to keep our country free. Remembering that there are still those who fight for justice and freedom today. Remembering that with God, all things are possible. And remembering that after 9/11, there was 9/12. And people do pick themselves up by the bootstraps to start anew after a fall. And knowing, I CAN DO THE SAME.

Take Flight

Music: Flight of the Bumblebee by Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov

Choreography: Ligia Huntington

Some days a simple outing to the park with my children leaves me feeling more than frazzled.  As my young children take flight to explore this world, I'm often left wondering why God didn't bless me with an extra pair of arms. I could get so much more done that way. That crazy out-of-control feeling was my inspiration (as I'm sure most other moms can relate), so that's what I tried to capture with my silly dance on film. Plus, I was really yearning to somehow artistically string together the simple pedestrian movement of my kids. I explored the movement with many different kinds of music, but somehow kept coming back to Flight of the Bumblebee. So I figured, it fit.

Untitled from Ligia Huntington on Vimeo.

Kids at Play

Sometimes, I watch how kids play. They are so interesting. Sadly, the moment I feel I've got a good photo shot, they move. But in my quest to take more artistic photos, here's what I got. Chrysa rocking back and forth on the sidewalk for a few minutes.

Orion describing the importance of not touching spiders except with sticks.

The girl Orion says he wants to marry, because, and I quote, "She tells me what to do, but she does it nicely. Not like you, Mom." His words exactly.

Her younger brother.

Orion splashing around all over the place.

Their little friend from church who was the only one willing to smile at the camera at the time.
The kids' little cousin McLane lounging with his beautiful Momma by the pool.

Hinckley worn out from all the commotion.

Baby Tuff equally worn out.

And Chrysalis hanging from the rails at the pool before splashing into the water.

Fresh From the Garden

Fresh roma and cherry tomatoes. Ripe off the vine. I can't emphasize enough my excitement over fresh, organic, home grown produce. It's heavenly to the taste. And the kids had so much fun plucking tomatoes. There are still plenty more. These are some of the first fruits of our labor. Thought we'd share our excitement.

Chrysa is holding a bunch of collards and swiss chard. Green smoothie and wraps time.

And here's a short film of how our silly children eat their collard wraps.