That "SOMETHING"

Of course there are the obvious aspects of being a healthy mama such as, the exercise and healthy eating. Maybe I'm a slow learner, but now that I am a mother to 4 and I've been doing it for 8 1/2 years, I am coming to realize that there are sooooooo many aspects of being a healthy mama. For me part of the struggle has been figuring out what makes me happy and completely fulfilled.

I've just always wanted that special connection and love that in my relationships that I just couldn't figure out how to explain or ask for. For me its just that "SOMETHING" that I just haven't been able to put my finger on. At times I would be frustrated and tell my spouse that I was feeling a certain way, but I had no way of explaining what he could do to help me feel better. I've had this communication barrier for years, that is until I started digging into a new book that my sister recommended to me called the 5 LOVE LANGUAGES.

This book has been taking me on the quest to figure out what makes me feel satisfied and complete in my relationships with others. It also helps me be able to figure out how to understand what others need in their relationships. I feel like its helped me to be a better wife, friend, and mother. Its been so fun and exciting testing the different things out on my relationships and seeing how the different techniques work on different people. I'm not finished yet, but I've pretty much figured out my own "love language." I've now been able to communicate my needs to my husband in a simple way that he understands, and it has taken our relationship to a new level of understanding, connection, and given me that "SOMETHING" that I just couldn't figure out before. I'm still working on pinpointing his "love language." He agreed to sit down and read through a few parts with me, so that is on my to do list :)

If you are searching for that "SOMETHING" that you find is missing in your relationships then pick up the book and read it individually or with your partner. I guarantee it can bring you joy and fulfillment if you put it to practice.


Here is a basic outline of the 5 languages~ What you need to do it pinpoint your language and then communicate that need to your spouse. Also, pinpoint their language and fulfill that need for them. Fill their "love tank" and it will make a huge difference in your relationship.

Words of Affirmation
Actions don’t always speak louder than words. If this is your love language, unsolicited compliments mean the world to you. Hearing the words, “I love you,” are important—hearing the reasons behind that love sends your spirits skyward. Insults can leave you shattered and are not easily forgotten.

Quality Time
In the vernacular of Quality Time, nothing says, “I love you,” like full, undivided attention. Being there for this type of person is critical, but really being there—with the TV off, fork and knife down, and all chores and tasks on standby—makes your significant other feel truly special and loved. Distractions, postponed dates, or the failure to listen can be especially hurtful.

Receiving Gifts
Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous—so would the absence of everyday gestures.

Acts of Service
Can vacuuming the floors really be an expression of love? Absolutely! Anything you do to ease the burden of responsibilities weighing on an “Acts of Service” person will speak volumes. The words he or she most want to hear: “Let me do that for you.” Laziness, broken commitments, and making more work for them tell speakers of this language their feelings don’t matter.

Physical Touch
This language isn’t all about the bedroom. A person whose primary language is Physical Touch is, not surprisingly, very touchy. Hugs, pats on the back, holding hands, and thoughtful touches on the arm, shoulder, or face—they can all be ways to show excitement, concern, care, and love. Physical presence and accessibility are crucial, while neglect or abuse can be unforgivable and destructive.

Rainy Day Blues

Not sure how you women who live in places where you are stuck indoors all day due to the weather live! This morning I was able to get out and go to the gym, but our weekly trip to the park was a no go due to the drizzle. Now that I'm home I just wanna be lazy, put the kids in front of the tube, and sit down and snack on yummy treats and do nothing at all. If this was a daily occurance it would not be so pretty to look at this body of mine. I would be overweight for sure, and not sure if I would be as positive as I generally try to be.

Is it just because I was bred to be a California girl? Do some women/mother's enjoy being indoor all day? Maybe that's why people in other states need huge homes with gigantic basements. When I was up at Ricks college in the freezing weather I put on the poundage quick! It was no pretty site (you can ask my hubby who would be glad to share with you that I had chipmunk cheeks after spending the year there).

Random post today, but that's what it on my mind. Until next time, I'll be hoping for my California weather to return soon.

Sleep and Weight Loss

A mother's life and sleep. At park days with other new mommies the questions about sleep always pop up. Is your child a good sleeper? What kind of sleep routine do you have them on? Etc... Another common subject is about weight. How did you lose that baby weight so fast? How do I get my waistline to go down? Or, I just can't seem to lose that last 5-10 lbs no matter what I do!

In the last few months I've been focusing on how to become healthier in several areas. Two of my main goals have been to get to sleep earlier and to have a continuous exercise routine. Funny, I've never thought of these two as related. I just thought getting more sleep would help me be less of a grouch each morning (which it does most mornings :).

As I stepped on the scale a few mornings ago I thought, how in the world is my weight still going down? I haven't changed anything in my eating pattern or exercise routine to cause that amount of calorie difference. Then I thought, the only thing in my daily routine that I have changed is my sleep pattern. So I wondered, could this "earlier to sleep, earlier to rise" sleep change be effecting my weight loss?

After some research online I found that my prediction is likely to be correct. No wonder it is so hard to lose those last 5-10 pounds once children enter your life! Sleep is hard to come by in those first months. Sometimes we must sacrifice time to ourselves in the evening and just shut our eyes.

My challenge to you mommies is to try to fit a little more sleep into your night. I know its not easy (especially if you have new babies or teenagers). Give it a try and let me know if you see the same effects I have seen in the last 2 months. If nothing else, maybe you will be a little slower to snap at your hubbies or children in the morning.

Happy ZZZZZZZZZZZZZs!!!!

Women's Conference

Last week myself, my sister, and 2 good friends traveled to Utah for a women's conference put on by BYU and by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. I had the most wonderful time spending 2 full days being uplifted by wonderful speakers and spending time with my friends and sister. Every once in a while a mommy just needs a few minutes to rejuvenate and speak to other adults.


What's interesting about the trip is that the night before I left I was up all night with my 3 year old while he was sick, and I actually didn't feel too well when I headed out. I was determined and prayed that I would have a great time, and it worked :) Despite calls from home hearing from my sick husband, and hearing that even my baby was sick I was able to focus on the positive and take in the experience. Along the way we even encountered problems with my car! As the snow fell and my car wouldn't start I laughed and stayed positive. I was surrounded by positive people, and that really made all the difference. From this experience it was reaffirmed to me that being around people who are positive helps me to be the same way.

If you are feeling in the dumps and those around you are feeding your fuel of negativity and making it worse~stay clear! Surround yourself with positiveness and make an extra effort to be that person who you would want to be around. It can truly change your life if you stick with it. I have seen myself and felt myself become a different person in the last 2 years or so, and I believe that surrounding myself with positive people has truly been the key.

Have a great day.

Creativity~give it a try

I've been enjoying making little creations of my own lately, and its really brought me a new level of joy and satisfaction. There is something about trying new things and making something new that really makes me feel proud and makes me feel just, good.

For inspiration, the following are excerpts from a talk from a leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and goes perfectly with my challenge for the next couple weeks~

TO CREATE SOMETHING!!!! It can be anything. Please share your creation with us :)


"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before.
Everyone can create. You don’t need money, position, or influence in order to create something of substance or beauty.
Creation brings deep satisfaction and fulfillment. We develop ourselves and others when we take unorganized matter into our hands and mold it into something of beauty

You may think you don’t have talents, but that is a false assumption, for we all have talents and gifts, every one of us. Creation means bringing into existence something that did not exist before—colorful gardens, harmonious homes, family memories, flowing laughter.

What you create doesn’t have to be perfect. So what if the eggs are greasy or the toast is burned? Don’t let fear of failure discourage you. Don’t let the voice of critics paralyze you—whether that voice comes from the outside or the inside.


The more you trust and rely upon the Spirit, the greater your capacity to create. That is your opportunity in this life and your destiny in the life to come. Sisters, trust and rely on the Spirit. As you take the normal opportunities of your daily life and create something of beauty and helpfulness, you improve not only the world around you but also the world within you."


Here are a few of my latest creations.

Easter Chick Cupcakes (found the idea online and recreated it)

My/my friend Andrea's first fondant cake, and the cute little girl was partially my creation too :)

A birthday plate all signed by London's 1st birthday guests.


A plate for my nephew's upcoming baptism/birthday to be signed by guests. A coordinated creation with my sister Janell :)

Go out and create :) Report back so we can "borrow" your cute ideas :) Thanks!!!

Fun Fact

I got an email from my gym saying it was time for my annual renewal, and as I was searching online for the place to pay I fell upon the CLUB VISITS button. I clicked on it and it told me all the dates I have visited in the last year. Interesting to see what months were nil to those that were full of activity.

So, if you are interested here is my record of how many times I visited the gym each month over the last year.

2010
April-0 (month London was born)
May-4
June-8
July-1
August-3
Sept-3
Oct-10 (month London turned 6 months and could be taken to the gym for care)
Nov-8
Dec-8
2011
Jan-16 (started the Shed 5 Fast challenge)
Feb-15
March-15
April-3 (the month is not over, but the kids were on spring break so I'm far behind)

Of course I did other forms of exercise like videos, jogs, a couple of park workouts with friends, etc... Nonetheless, thought it was interesting to look at and see which months of more exercise related to things going on in my life. If you frequent the gym, check out your # of visits. :)

The Healing Medicine

Thought I'd share for those of you who are still reading this blog. This weekend was just one of those weekends. Too little exercise, too many sweets, and a sicky hubby to take care of.
When monday rolled around, I had all 4 kiddos home (spring break), and a sick hubby to take care of. We also have lots of fun plans on the calendar for the entire week, so I knew I wouldn't be making it to the gym much. I just didn't feel good because I hadn't gotten that dose of exercise my body is used to and just craves now. So, instead of making it to our planned parkday right on time I decided to hit the gym hard and I feel sooooo much better!
Exercise to me is a type of healing medicine that only costs time~so worth it!!! Makes my mind more clear, my body healthier, my attitude positive, and helps me enjoy the moments with my family so much more.
So, next time you are having a bad day think about what you are needing, perhaps your answer will be the same as mine was today :)