Perspective

It's been ages since I've sat down to write out my thoughts and feelings. It's probably because I can't ever narrow my thoughts down enough to even write a title..Recently though, I've been thinking a lot about perspective. When my father in law, Pat, passed away last year, my perspective on everything had to be evaluated. This gospel I've lived and believed in for my whole life, was it actually true? Of course I've  gotten that answer before in my life many tines, that the gospel of Jesus Christ is in fact true, but I'd never truly been tested on that fact until July 30 of last year. The conclusion that I eventually came to is that our Heavenly Father loves us beyond measure, and certainly beyond comprehension. But what does that actually mean for me? I have to believe that what happens on this earth truly will transcend from this life to the next, that what I'm doing today actually matters.  I believe with my whole heart that reading the Book of Mormon every day  with my family is the absolute best thing I can do as a mother and wife. I know that it helps each one of us keep the spirit close throughout the day, I also know that even more than that, it's preparing us in ways we don't yet know to see God and Jesus Christ again. When I realized this, eternal perspective made so much more sense to me. Our lives are so much more than this mortal existence. The tricky thing is that mortal existence is pretty tough. I feel like I'm in a constant fight with at least one of my kids, some  days just making it to bedtime seems daunting, feeding my family can feel overwhelming, keeping the house clean is a whole other issue. So now my daily battle is making sure my mortal existence is matching up with my eternal perspective. I pray that I'm doing all I can to ensure that my family will all be together forever after this life is over, but that what  I'm lacking will be made up for. Most  of my daily prayer consists of thoughts and questions about my kids, because if we're being honest, am I ever doing anything right as a mom?! Just kidding, kind of. Being a parent is a hard thing to figure out.. but if Heavnly Father loves me more than I can comprehend, then that also means that he loves Landon, Chloe, and Jackson more than I love them.. which frankly seems impossible to me because they are my world. BUT, since I know that it's true, I know that He has placed an immense amount of trust in me to raise them, and that even on my worst day I'm doing better than I think I am.  I'm thankful for that kind of knowledge in my life, and I'm thankful that the hard times that have come from losing someone who I love and respect so much helped me learn, and helped me grow closer to my Savior.

Peanut Butter Protein Bars

I am obsessed with this recipe, and special shout out to my friend Kathleen for introducing it to me! I make these bars once every few months. I love them, My husband loves them, and MY KIDS even love them. They are super healthy, but they taste like a treat! It's a great after school snack because it keeps those little bellies full all the way until dinner. I hope your family enjoys these yummy protein bars as much as mine does! 

PEANUT BUTTER PROTIEN BARS

2 1/2 cups natural peanut butter

1 1/2 cups honey OR agave

4 cups oats

1/4 cup wheat germ

1/4 cup flaxseed

2 cups protein powder

Mix all together and spread on a parchment lined cookie sheet. Chill in the fridge and then cut into squares. I like to keep half in the fridge and half in the freezer. You can also get creative and add craisins, chocolate chips, nuts, etc, Enjoy! 

Xoxo, 

Michelle

October 2016 Meal Plan + Printable Calendar!

I've had the itch to be better at posting my monthly menu on my blog, as well as yummy recipes so here I am doing it. Please hold me accountable. Ask me for recipes, ask me for anything! I'm excited about this months meals, they're hearty, healthy, and cozy since its finally starting to cool down here in phoenix...and by cool down I mean 80 degrees.  I've had a lot of interest in my monthly menu, and so many of you have told me you just copy mine as it is! I'm flattered, really! So you'll find a copy of my month with my meals already written out, or I've also left one blank so you are free to choose! I usually leave all Saturdays blank, we are pretty spur of the moment on the weekend, and any other days that are blank just means we have other plans and I don't have to cook, holla!

P.S. I'll be posting recipes soon, please be patient with me! I don't really know what I'm doing.

BLANK october 2016 calendar

COMPLETED october 2016 calendar

the tray that changed my life.

Ok so the title of this post maybe sounds a little dramatic. I promise its not. Are your kids like mine? They ask for snacks all. day. long. they are always in my face in the kitchen when I'm trying to make dinner. They always want crackers or granola bars or cookies or candy or cereal or bread or anything else with a lot of refined sugar in it. and I WOULD GIVE IN AND GIVE IT TO THEM BECAUSE HELLO, GET OUT OF MY FACE. but seriously, giving them snacks like that usually hushed them up, and it quickly solved my problem. UNTIL dinner came around, and they didn't even touch it. BUT WHY AREN'T YOU EATING, YOU ASK FOR FOOD ALL THE LIVE LONG DAY. ok I'm getting dramatic, but again, it was a real life problem. My kids actually could live off bread alone if I let them. Anyway, I was talking to my friend Kathleen one day about this issue, and she heard this idea from a friend of hers and this is what has CHANGED MY LIFE:

Have a tray of fresh cut fruits and veggies out a few times a day when your kids are whining for a snack, especially while you're cooking dinner. Then if they DO get full, they're full from fruits and veggies! 

I know, it sounds SO SIMPLE, and it is, but then I thought ok I like the idea but how realistic is it that I'll cut up fruit and veggies and put them nicely on a snack tray for them EVERY DAY? For me, not that likely, so Kathleen and I did a quick (but thorough) amazon search for the perfect veggie tray/platter and we found this:

I typically keep celery, carrots, and cucumbers in there ready to go, I replenish those every 3 days or so,  and then quickly cut up an apple or orange when I put the tray out for the kids. I make ranch dressing to keep in the dip container and it lasts us for about a week. My kids like peanut butter with their apples and celery so I put a little bowl of that out as well. It has saved me so much time, and I really enjoy giving them snacks now because there is no limit for how much they eat. I find that I'm also eating more fruits and veggies because its out and its easy and quick. 

This particular tray is excellent because its not too big and it fits so nicely in my fridge, and I love that the dip container is separate. You can get it for less than $10 on amazon, and free shipping if you have prime. I've converted a lot of people to this idea and it makes me really happy. so enjoy and spread the word. 

xoxo, Shell

My Sweetest Landon

I hit the jackpot when God let me be this kids momma. He turned 5 a few weeks ago and I'm still trying to wrap my head around how that happened. I really love the stage he's in right now, it is SO fun. He's old enough to be pretty independent, but still wants his mommy, loves to snuggle, says really funny things, and a lot of things that really aren't funny but he thinks are hilarious, and he's just all around a really really good kiddo. His primary teacher and preschool teacher have each told me on multiple occasions how sweet our Landon is, and that he lights up the room. I'm pretty sure my heart swells about a million sizes when I hear things like that.

Currently:

His favorite song is "buy me a boat" by Chris Janson, and it's one of my favorite things to hear him sing it with a little country twang. 

Pretty much anything that Logan is into, Landon is into.. camping, hunting, fishing, trucks, football, biking, bows and arrows, and working out. Logan loves having his little buckaroo. 

Technically he doesn't take naps anymore, but about 3 times a week he's asleep on the couch by the time 2:00 rolls around, it's probably a good thing he's not in kindergarten yet ;)

He's the best brother to Chloe, and only sometimes complains that he has to share a room with her, haha..But who can blame him? After all she likes to sing herself to sleep. 

He loves taking bike rides to the park or to QT for a treat, and I'm pretty sure 100 degree weather doesn't phase him because he wants to be outside riding his bike all. the. time. 

He's obsessed with avengers, transformers, and cars. He's going to be iron man for Halloween and he takes that roll VERY seriously. 

About a month ago I was having one of those days where I was just exhausted. I was having too many contractions, and overall wasn't feeling good. I told Landon I was going to take a nap while Chloe slept, and that he could come lay with me or watch a show, he chose a show. As I was walking to my bed he said "Hey Mom! Make sure you have some water, if you need some water!" I kind of laughed and said "Thanks bud, I'll get some if I need it" and about 45 minutes later I woke up and looked over at my night stand to see a tall glass of ice cold water. I walked out to the living room and Landon said he was worried I might forget to drink water so he decided to bring me some. I cried a little, and snuggled him for as long as he'd let me. Things like that happen all the time with this sweet boy, and not just to me. He helps Chloe get dressed and brush her teeth if she refuses to let me help her,  he constantly tells the people he loves that he loves them, and he brings so much joy into our home. We are so lucky that he's ours! 

Our Family Mission Statement

A New Year

2015! Can you believe it? Time is flying and I am pretty excited to start the new year. I feel more refreshed and inspired than I have in past years and overall I'm just ready to implement new things in my life, and continue with some things that have really been a good addition to my life this past year.

1)Attend the temple 24 times. It seems like a hefty goal, but with our schedule and the fact that the new Phoenix Temple is literally just a few minutes from our house, I know it's possible. I'd like to go once a month by myself, and once a month with Logan.

2)Become familiar with Family History. I just got called to be a family history specialist in my ward, and yikes! I honestly don't even know where or how to begin, so cheers to a new adventure! I really am excited.

3)Exercise 3 times a week: This is probably going to be the hardest one for me. I'm terrible at it. And just so ya know, just because you have cute workout clothes doesn't make the task any more fun. I've tried it. Any other tips to getting my booty of the couch? Let me know.

4)Keep my car tidy: Also a toughy for me. The last thing I want to do after getting kiddos out of the car is hauling the load of nonsense into the house that has accumulated during the (usually very short) drive. BUT I'm going to try to make my kids more accountable, its their crud gosh darn it! OK, some of it's mine.. I tend to hoard water bottles and sweaters.

5) Read 1 book a month: I used to love reading. My teachers used to have to tell me to put my book away during class. My stupid phone takes up way too much of time these days, and I miss a good page turner. I hope at the end of this year I can say I read more than 12 books, but like I said, realistic goals.

Some things I'd like to continue are:

1) Reading the Book of Mormon daily. This is my favorite. Reading it every day will change your life. I promise. There is a (negative) difference in my mood, attitude and thoughts when I'm "more than 24 hours away" from the Book of Mormon. Start now, start with one verse a day if you have to. If you only give yourself one goal this year, let this be it.

2)Read 1 LDS general conference talk each night with Logan: We started doing this about 6 months ago, and I am so happy we did! I get so much out of the talks, and I learn something new all the time. We do each session of conference including the women and priesthood meetings.

3)Weekly menu planning: I plan 5 meals a week Monday-Thursday, and Sunday Dinners. That leaves friday for date night, and saturday is usually something random anyway. It has made grocery shopping a breeze and it's wonderful that I don't have to think of what's for dinner every night.

There you have it, share your goals with me! And happy 2015, I feel good about this year.

xoxo,
Michelle