Can Drinkers and Non-Drinkers Get Along?

In light of a recent facebook post, I am begged to ask the question, can drinkers and nondrinkers get along? After asking a neutral question, "What is your opinion on alcohol consumption?" and getting a surprising amount of comments. I am taking it to the blog. Here's the discussion:

Michelle Mayfield

My opinion/belief: I am completely against consuming alcohol in any amount. It has so many negative effects on your body especially mind. It can be addictive. It makes you do stupid things you will regret later. It's bad for pregnancy. It's bad for children. It's a bad example to children. It ruins families. I'm proud to say I've never consumed alcohol.

David Wenk:
Michelle i thought u were quitting?

Joy Anderson:
Its the best pain killer there is.

Joy Anderson:
I meant that short term, obviously.

Jessica Ashby Silvernail:
The only good thing alcohol can be used for is a disinfectant for some wound on the outside of the body-definately shouldn't be used internally! I don't believe in cooking with it; no matter if the alcohol is cooked out or not!

Michelle Mayfield:
Ha ha very funny David!

Michelle Mayfield:
How are u David? It's been a while. We need to double sometime.

Amy Spalding:
I'm a proud non-drinker, too! I have to laugh because so many people Mark talks to are against anti-depressants, yet they drink!!! Hello-that's called self medicating- anti-depressants are much less dangerous!!!!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
I think there is NOTHING wrong with it in moderation! It IS possible to socially drink without having a problem....of course I am not from Utah or LDS so my outlook is completely different. Plus, red wine is good for the heart:)

Michelle Mayfield:
I appreciate all the comments and different views I am just curious what my friends think:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Is it possible to socially drink without the risk of addiction? Is this all handed down from parents examples/lifestyles. Is it a $ making scheme?How do you know when you've had too much? What about around kids...and having it in your house, they are likely to get into it. Especially teens. What good does it do to be a social drinker? Does good come of it. And is a heart benefit the only benefit? It's seems to me the bad out ways the good.

Michelle Mayfield:
Amy that's funny! Very interesting!

Christy Farrer Howard:
There are people that are prescribed it, even being LDS, because it is good for your heart and arteries. But that is only a glass of red wine a day. That is also in moderation which is a huge thing. I believe it is possible to be a social drinker for some but others have a harder time not getting addicted. But isn't that true with all things? Shopping can be an addiction and can lead to debt and trouble. As is food which can lead to obesity. The word of wisdom says moderation in all things and I believe that applies to more than meat and the specifics that are in there that applied to that time period.

Britney Yates Redd:
My view is a person isn't defined by whether or not they consume alcohol but how they treat others bc some of the nicest and most caring people I know socially drink.

Brandon Whimpey:
Well Christ was perfect and he did partake of the wine. So is it completely wrong?

Michelle Mayfield:
On the flip side of that, alcohol can and sometimes does destroy the nicest, most caring people. Then they become mean, selfish, and nasty. This is not a discussion about whether people are good or bad or what defines or does not define them. This is a discussion about consuming alcohol and why people feel the need.

Michelle Mayfield:
Brandon the wine he partook of was grape juice/nonalcoholic. As was the sacrament wine in old times...we actually had a lesson about it at church today:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha...nice try at justification though!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
About the kids...why would I hide something that I don't think is wrong? It's not like I keep a bottle of wine next to the fruit snacks in the pantry...to me it's not even a question of right or wrong, I'm over 21 and I like it like I like my diet coke:).

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha funny & True...that makes sense. I was just thinking like kids want to be like their parents. Like my girls like to get into my makeup and lipstick especially, and yet they aren't old enough. They like it because i like it. How do you teach them not to do it until they're 21. If they're taught it's not bad for you why would they say no to friends who offer it to them in teenage years. Why if it's not bad for you do you need to wait till 21?

Michelle Mayfield:
I honestly don't think if you drink you are a bad person! I know a lot of people who drink and are good people. I do think alcohol is bad for you. But That's for me to think for myself and nobody else.

Annie DeStefano Yates:
It's like teaching them not to have sex before marraige....you tell them and just pray they listen! It's a personal choice...it's not for everyone!

Brandon Whimpey:
granted in the Bible there are more than one word translated from hebrew that we now use wine in place of. However, the wine that Noah drank excessivley in Gen 9:21 did cause drunkiness. And in those days without refrigeration how would you keep grape juice from fermenting. In Mat 9:17 we see they kept them only in bags of animal skin

Brandon Whimpey:
understanding the new or the old test is fun hu? I sure dont . I would be intersted to know what you studied today however, let me know

Joy Anderson:
Im kinda of the opinion in general anyone should be free to do as they please, so long as nobody gets hurt in the process. That goes for religious addicts too. Human beings are horrifyingly flawed creatures...we can addict ourselves to ANYTHING...and hurt many others, whether we intend to, or not.

Jason Lynes:
wine in those days was totally alcoholic. so was the wine early Lds drank. love those mormon myths.

as far as my beliefs, I see it as a modern commandment. I've never had alcohol either, but look forward to a day where I can get sloshed up on some good wine or rum & coke. ha!

Tonya Scoffield:
Actually, the benefits of a MODERATE drinker opposed to a non-drinker include longer lifespan, fewer heart attack/strokes, less likely to suffer: hypertension, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, arthrits, bone fractures/osteoporosis, kidney stones, digestive ailments, stress, depression, parkinsons disease, pancreatic cancer, liver disease, hearing loss....and many others.
It thins your blood when you drink, which is needed by a lot of people. Also helps relax you after a stressful day.
Keep in mind...this is MODERATE drinks, not heavy drinkers.
The french, and many other cultures, use it also after dinner to help speed digestion.
I enjoy it for many different reasons...relaxation, to relieve tensions/aches/stress, to windown, etc. Plus, there is a certain amount of bliss as your sitting on the beach, watching the waves, basking in the beautiful sun rays, and enjoying an ice cold beer.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm thankful I know what I know. I'm glad I don't need a beer to enjoy a sunset and a beach. And most child abuse does involve alcohol. Thanks for your comment I respect your opinion, but that said we are totally opposite in our beliefs.

Michelle Mayfield:
Sex within marriage is part of god's plan. It is the regeneration of the earth. It is a required action for the sustaining of life as we know it. Alcohol is not.

Tonya Scoffield:
I didn't say I NEED a beer to enjoy the beach...but it is a nice compliment for some things occasionally. It was an example of why I enjoy it at times, as per your earlier statement "why people feel the need". But mind you...it is not a NEED, just something that is enjoyed at times.
And I wasn't talking about actual child abuse, I was talking about childrens abuse with alcohol...abuse meaning drinking irresponsibly and getting into to trouble with it.
And you are correct....Alcohol is not required to sustane life, and don't understand the pertinence of the comment as I never said it was. I was just simply listing some of the many health benefits of alcohol in moderation.

And back when Christ was born, what do you think they used for medicine, antiseptic, anasthesia...ect. = alcohol. And this "grape juice" they drank was fermented grape juice, otherwise known as wine.

Kenneth Swain:
WOW! I must be the devil.

Michelle Mayfield:
Thanks for your opinion Tonya. We are two very opposite people that's for sure! That other response was for someone else. I see your point and I'm very thankful for a prophet who receives revelation for our day. So we don't have to live like people did hundreds of years ago. I think alcohols one and only good use is medicinal, but that's a different topic. Hope your doing well and enjoying the Holiday!

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha Jason! There's some things I just don't want to know. I'll try not to remember that:)

Michelle Mayfield:
You said it Kenny. Not me! Lol

Tonya Scoffield:
also, most religious people I grew up around are the quickest to judge, the quickest to outcast, to belittle people...and are some mean awful people....because you don't have their same views.
then those who weren't are the first ones to let you in when in need, never judge, completely open-minded and loving people.
Anything can be "good" or "bad"....or turn people good or bad. Isn't that why we're here? Free-will, to see the person you become based on actions?

I don't believe that drinking is a sin....and have never been told it was. The only reason mormons believe you shouldn't drink alcohol, caffiene, etc is because it is addictive, affects chemicals in the brain and inhibits your "free-will"
But......chocolate is the same as these (among other things).
So why is it ok to eat chocolate, but you can't drink caffiene? Chocolate has caffiene in it and affects chemicals in your brain more than caffiene.
So why the picking and chosing of what is good and bad and who decided this and based upon what?

Kenneth Swain:
I like you Tonya!

Chris Mayfield:
This is a great string of thoughts.

I read in men's health that any alcohol including Light beer reduces your ability to burn fat by 40%. That kinda sucks. For that reason alone I would stay off the sauce no matter my personal beliefs.

Personally I am passionate about getting to a lean athletic form and keeping it. I know that many high profile figures have professed to avoid the stuff when they are trying to trim down. I'm sure they just go right back to it after meeting their goals tho. ... See More

As for the health benefits, it's so true that there can be some great benefits to red wine but there are also many great benefits from other things too that will give you the same results if you care about that kind of thing. I personally don't know of anyone who drinks red wine for it's health benefits. It's almost almost always for enjoyment, taste and so on.

For me personally I'm pretty sure I would be pretty addicted to drinking. It's probably a good thing for me that my religion keeps me in check on the subject.

Regardless of my own opinion on the subject it's a fact that substance abuse is a serious issue and has caused so much pain in a variety of ways. But that's in it's abuse not in it's consumption. That's really not the question you asked.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm not judging anybody!!!!! I've already said I don't feel consuming alcohol makes you a good or bad person. I haven't accused anyone. I feel it is bad for me that's my opinion, take it or leave it. And yes Kenny you and Tonya would be perfect for each other.

Michelle Mayfield:
Let's all agree to disagree . What's bad for me is good for you. Now go take a giant poo!

Jason Lynes:
let's discuss this further over some drinks. I know a place.

Tonya Scoffield:
ha ha...thanks kenneth.
and ha ha ha cousin....i didn't say you were judging me...just using an example of how even something as holy as religion can be bad depending on how it's used.
and this is a perfect example of how u cannot get someones full emotion from text. but your posts always do get me going. i love me a good debate though. keeps your brain going strong =)
and i don't need to poo right now. ;) he he.

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha! Tonya Kenny's cute! We really should set you two up!

Michelle Mayfield:
Jason that was so "Micheal Scott!"

Tonya Scoffield:
ah ha...well only of kenny lives close to redondo beach. =)

Michelle Mayfield:
Ditto Chris...you always say it better than me! :)

Joy Anderson:
<~~~also likes Tonyas opinion. I realize at this point we are beating a dead horse, but back to my point about humans being capable of being addicted to, or abusing others as a result of...I still have a testimony, but in my life I have been slapped across the face in the name of God more than once, and that has been far more devastating and ... See Moredestructive to me, than any of my bad moments in my wilder days. EVERYTHING in fair moderation, I think would be the key point to any side of this debate...would we all not basically agree? Its more about how it makes us do unto others as a result, whether it be booze, religion, dog poop, whatever.

Michelle Mayfield:
Why is it that being slapped across the face in the name of God is so devastating? Probably because it means so much to you. I feel God is the point of life. The reason we're even here. It would be devastating to me if I felt I was letting him down in any way. Good thing for repentance, for all of us.

I feel that most people that feel judged or get offended have low self esteem, probably attributed to guilt or ill life results from bad choices. Ive had people from my same religion offend me...but thats not going to take my testimony of its truth away. Usually that offensive person is having a hard time or needs a friend. And i just happen to be the one they take their frustration out on. I have rarely been offended by anyone in my religion btw.

Religion has rules and commandments and when you break those you are consequently judged, by God, Bishop, Priest, whatever leadership role is in charge.

People should be accepting of each other. Especially those who have fallen or don't know any better (basically all people), but it doesn't mean they should accept a bad behavior. I have friends that drink and I love and accept them, but I don't love and accept drinking in general.(per my belief that drinking is bad for you) People are not perfect. I am not perfect. God is perfect. Never judge a religion by it's people, because no one is perfect. But God and his teachings are perfect. Whatever religion you are...it would be a mistake to judge it by it's people.

Michelle Mayfield:
Free-will is why were here. But free-will is nothing without a path and plan back to our Father in Heaven. We were sent here with a our freedom of choice so we could choose the right and return to our Father in Heaven. Alcohol is a great way for Satan to take that free-will away. If you value a free-will, why would you want to risk it being taken from you?

Michelle Mayfield:
Chocolate doesn't remove your free-will. It doesn't make your senses dull to the point you don't know what your doing or saying. Caffeine in large quatities can be bad for you. But even in large quantities it doesn't take your Free-Will away. There's no picking and choosing, only facts. Too much choc on the other hand will make you FAT.

End of discussion so far...

Well can we get along? The Nondrinkers seemed to simply state their opinion, while the drinkers seemed to accuse the nondrinkers of judging, being mean, defining people, being non accepting, and being addicted to religion...which I'm not sure is such a bad thing.

Maybe deep down the drinkers know/have a feeling they are doing the wrong thing. This may be why they immediately feel judged. From all of the comments I think it's sad that nondrinkers are accused of all these things just to make the drinkers feel better about themselves.

It is true that you will most likely hang around with people who share your same values and beliefs. It isn't very fun for a nondrinker to be around people who drink. The conversation turns rank quickly, alertness is not equal between the two. I frankly don't want to see the drunk guy running around naked at the pool! And pretty soon you feel like your babysitting your alcohol loving friends. Not fun and cause for excuses not to hang out anymore.

When drinkers are with nondrinkers they have to hide the fact that they drink. They often say it's out of respect. That is sad they cannot be themselves for fear of being judged. And drinkers have a great fear of being judged. Maybe they should be worried a little more about the effects the alcohol is actually having on their lives. I've seen many people's lives ruined over drinking. Wives have lost husbands. Husbands have abandoned their families. Irresponsibility and partying. Alcohol often leads to drugs and spousal/child abuse. Drugs and alcohol lead to jail. I fail to see any good caused by drinking. Other than self gratification and a possible heart benefit, which can be made up for with proper diet and exercise.

It's okay to judge between good and evil for yourself...you have to. Unfortunately that may mean you don't hang around certain people very often. I do believe it's NOT okay to judge others, that's for God to do for all of us. Still you don't need to be like them, agree with them, or accept their behavior. We have to protect our beliefs and our families. The world is getting to be a more and more wicked place. Let's stand up for our beliefs. Let's choose the good that is still left in the world.

A Peek at Our Halloweek

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday! I just love the fall, the colors, the scents, the treats, the music, and dressing up. For one day children and adults come together to be anything they want. The fashion police take a vacation. Play and pretend dominate the agenda and all things fun and spooky can happen.

Here is your peek at our Halloweek:)

This was our hayride at J&J. It's so awsome because it's FREE! You get a free hayride and get to pick 1 free pumpkin per person. This was our third year doing this and it's now a family tradition. Horay for Hay!

Brooke was having fun tossing handfuls of hay off the trailer. Until it got out of control and hay was getting all over us.

Baking Halloween Sugar Cookies. I feel that no Halloween is complete without baking up some sugar cookies and letting the kids take out some creativity on them. Ok, and the adults. This year we made lots of colors of frosting...we had white, orange, purple, and green. Also, to get the proper amount of Scary and Boo into your sugar cookies, one must listen to Halloween music while doing this activity! It makes them taste better;)

Taylor decorating a bat cookie.

Be sure to do this on your free-day because your going to eat some!

Halloween

Presley was mixing up her witches brew.

Brooke was getting her Amadala on.

Taylor made a beautiful butterfly!

Happy Halloween!!!

Watch out John Travolta!!!

And that's a Peek at Our Halloweek

A Peek at Our Week

We finally fixed our swamp in the backyard. It all started thanks to our neighbors to the west and neighbors to the south. They both built up their yards higher than ours. We have had a permanent pond in the corner of our yard, as the water from all three of our yards collects there. My kids and neighbor kids are going to miss the swimming, fishing, boating, iceskating and mud fights...but not me. Last year Chris started fixing the problem by digging a hole to China. Or so he told all the kids. And they believed him. We had our neighbor kids convinced, and heard later from their parents how silly the children thought we were. They felt bad for us because they thought we didn't realize how impossible that would be. Ha ha! But this year we thought we would get a truck load of dirt and some gravel to fix it for real, and we ended up with four truck loads of dirt. Who knew it was that low. Chris got his way, we did a flower bed. I wanted grass, but I am glad we did the flower bed as it turned out really beautiful. I especially love the hydrangea and the rock path we did, and so do the children as they run around on it all the time. We wanted to create a little hideaway and it turned out just perfect.

We have been enjoying the rain even though it put a damper on a barbecue we had. We still had fun anyway! And it's forcing our kids to extreme measures. For example, they got into our bathtub. Let me explain, we have a big bath tub in our master bath. It is a really big jetted tub, great for mock swimming. So anyway, since it was raining and the kids wanted to swim and run in the sprinklers...they filled the bathtub. Taylor got in and splashed the girls (who were outside the tub) as if she were a sprinkler. Oh yes, it must have been great fun. But we had a mini flood on the floor and master bedroom wood floor. I'm sure this is going to cause me a few more wrinkles.

Chris is enjoying his work as usual. He has a great group of people to work with, who we both enjoy hanging out with even after work hours:) Chris had to drag us to the air show, but we all ended up enjoying it very much. Except, we didn't take water, food, money, or chairs so us girls couldn't last more than two hours. But it was fun. Chris went paint balling with his work group. Then we got to go out to eat as couples, at Sego Lily. It was really really good! I think Chris had an extra good week, well make that an extra good two weeks, due to the rain preventing him from mowing the lawn. But Today looks sunny so we'll see. Chris is loving the basketball finals as the Laker's are kicking butt! Go Lakers!!! Go Black Momba!!!!

Me I'm doing good. I need a vacation really bad, a big vacation, but it just isn't in the cards right now. Hopefully by the end of the year it will work out. I enjoyed the movie "Up" and I even cried. Yes, it's a bad sign when you start crying at the beginning of a movie. And to make matters worse one of my neighbors and her teenage son and his date sat by us...so embarrassing. Luckily, movie theaters are dark, and I blamed it on allergies. But it was a really good movie and if you haven't seen it...don't walk...run to the movie theater:) (I got that "don't walk run" from Rob btw. I wouldn't want to plagiarize) I have been driving little girls here and there, and doing homework, and cleaning and cooking etc. etc...but it's fun and I love my job. I seem unable to make decisions/answer questions anymore, I think it's because I answer a million questions, asked by a 4 and 6 year old, all day. I just don't have any answers left by the end of our conversations. I went shopping at hip and humble for myself and I love the dish soap "basil" it makes me happy every time I do the dishes. I also got some "grass" laundry detergent that makes me happy when I do the laundry. I got some really cute dish towels too. I also got some summer clothes. I had the most fun shopping for my girls summer clothes. I love summer!

Taylor has been doing really well at school. Getting her assignments done on time and turning stuff in without me nagging her. She and I enjoyed a Mother Daughter activity yesterday. It was so cute. It was about becoming the "Best You." We had a guest speaker who had her leg amputated and told her story of faith and inner strength. It was beautiful and so good for these mini Young Women. Taylor enjoyed a field trip to "This is the Place Monument." Taylor learned how to square dance and is really good at that. She performed the square dance in her school "Spring Fling" and she was happy to have a "cute" partner. She is looking forward to her ballet recital on the 18th. She rides her bike to school almost everyday with a group of friends and loves doing that. She is getting really tan even though I put sunscreen on her everyday. She has such beautiful skin. I think she's lucky to have blond hair and still maintain an olive complexion. She is also getting ready to turn 10 in a month.

Brooke is getting her two front teeth and I think she's grateful for that. She has been enjoying kindergarten, but still asks me to pick her up early if I can. She is also getting excited to dance in her ballet recital on June 16th. Brooke danced to splish splash in her school's "Spring Fling" she did a really good job splish splashing. Lately she's been trying to get Chris to take her bike shopping so she can start riding a bike to school with Taylor. She has expensive taste, so we're saving up. She keeps busy playing outside and coloring. Brooke learned to do a front flip on the trampoline. She has also been busy doing homework and reading to get ready for her Kindergarten Final.

Presley has been my little buddy while the girls are at school. She will be even more of a little buddy this next year as Brooke goes to school for a full day. Presley is thinking about starting ballet this year and getting excited for that. She is trying to learn to make her bed, but gets very frustrated that it doesn't turn out perfect. Another perfectionist I'm afraid. She pretty much lives in a swimsuit even with the rain. She is just glad she is allowed to wear them now. She enjoys coloring and jumping on the trampoline and is attempting to do a front flip, but still lands on her head a bit. As far as coloring, she colors way outside the lines, even so far that it ends up on the furniture I'm afraid, but we're working on boundaries:) Mostly she spends the day being cute and saying cute things.

And that's a peek at our week.

Gym Guru Says

I forgot that I gave all of you my blog address. Oops! I've been really busy enjoying my good life and totally forgot to post info about working out for you! Let alone anything for the past few months. So sorry! Recently I wrote an email to a friend and I thought it was a good brief summary of things to know to get you started! So here you go.

I have a handout and Hollie Warlaumont has a couple handouts, from enrichment night! I would be willing to sit down with you and talk to you about your fitness. I am available Tues & Thurs between 1-3. Or Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. Let me know what I can do!

My experience is 17 years of working out. I've learned the most from my personal trainer, took some weightlifting classes in high school and college and read some books. I am no certified personal trainer, but I do have some life experience in this area. The best thing you could do if finances allow would be to hire a personal trainer. I know some good ones if you're interested. Or go to llfit.com

I also suggest you get a Gym membership if you don't already have one. There's really no better way in my mind, because you get all the equipment you need, time away from home for yourself, and possibly some new friends, not to forget that cute figure and healthy body. Plan on 3-4 days of cardio 30mins minimum and MOST IMPORTANT...3-4 days of lifting WEIGHTS 30 min minimum! Change your weight lifting workout every 6-12 weeks, you always have to trick your body into working for you, the darn things are so dang efficient! Also I take a week off of lifting weights every 6 weeks, your body needs this time to recover and restimulate.

Womens Fitness Magazines have some good workout ideas in them as well as recipes and healthy ideas, but again a personal trainer would be perfect at setting it up for you! I also really like the book "The Abs Diet" It has my exact way of eating in it and a workout you could probably use to begin with. I also like the books "Body for LIfe" and "Eating for Life," they have eating ideas and "Body for Life" has a good beginner workout in it.
The NUMBER ONE WAY you can lose weight is EATING healthy. Eating healthy doesn't mean eating less it just means eating good foods at healthy portions. 6 small meals are best...Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Hollie's handout helps with this a lot!

As far as motivation...I've always liked this quote by Lance Armstrong that goes like this: "Pain is temporary, quitting is forever!" So get to it!!! You're all welcome to email me or call me as well! My phone number is on the ward list and my email is mayfield.michelle@gmail.com Good Luck!

Love Your Gym Guru
aka Michelle

Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!?

I love this clip on utube! You gotta check it out! It has changed my perspective a little. It's called "Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!"

I have to admit I have been a complainer, but I know better. I am human after all!

Pros and Cons of Life in a Whirlwind.

The word to describe my life for the last six months to a year is Whirlwind. I feel as if I am standing in the middle of one everyday. With things to do, places to be, Husband to love, kids to take care of, chores, bills to pay, callings to fullfill, errands to run, fighting children to deal with, friends to hang out with, fun things to do, illnesses to deal with, movies to watch, books to read, and many other things. Everyday I am to be here or there, do this or that, remember this and that. Every two hours I usually have some place to be or someone to pick up. So are the pros and cons of life in a whirlwind.

Consequently I have become a jumpy person. Nervous and tired. Not quite myself. Late to almost everything. How do other Moms cope? The other day my kids ran downstairs to play, and I was grateful for the break. Not 30 seconds after they got downstairs they came running back up the stairs screaming bloody murder. "MOM, MOM, MOM x3!!!" My heart began to pound and fear and tension took over my muscles. Whatever could be the matter? A giant hairy spider? A dead body? A leaky pipe bursting to flood our basement? A child in danger? A stranger in the house? No, not any of these, fortunately. My children have inherited their Father's great enthusiasm and expression of feeling. They were running up to tell me the Amaryllis had bloomed, and how beautiful it was. Dragging my limp, over adrenalized, body downstairs to look at it, I realized, no wonder I am a nervous anxious mess. You would have thought someone's arm had suddenly fallen off, or something, from the way they were screaming.

You should know that I love plants and especially flowers. I do a lot of gardening and it does make me happy and excited every time a plant thrives and blooms a new bloom. I guess my kids know that. It's cute to see them appreciating some of the same things as me. I really do appreciate all the excitement and joy my children and husband express 24/7, but I have got to find a way to cope with the anxiety it causes me. I am such a mellow calm person, but life in a whirlwind has changed me some.

I have found peace in reading scriptures and ensign, when I find a spare moment, which is hardly ever. I have tried taking a little nap midday, but life rarely permits. I do yoga! Hopefully my mind will rewire and I will get used to life in a whirlwind. Maybe a time miracle will happen if I keep praying for it.

I found relief from the whirlwind yesterday, as I attended the Draper Temple open house. I don't have words great enough to describe how beautiful it was or how good I felt being there with Chris and our Girls. I kept feeling guilty that we didn't invite more people to come with us. I had so many thoughts and peaceful feelings. We had a reserved time for 12. I was thinking, we would get to the chapel, get on the bus, and we'd be in the temple, look at it, and get back in no time. Wrong, we had to sit and wait 1 hour before we got on the bus. The only bad part of the experience, but as I was sitting there I reflected on life before earth.

We must have had similar impatient feelings, anxiety, and anticipation. Joy and happiness, excitement and wonder. How happy we must have felt as we learned our number had been called and it was finally our turn. Relief that the wait was over and something wonderful was about to begin. How our Heavenly Father must have felt sending us off knowing full well whether we would return or not, and that final farewell till we would meet again. I can't imagine sending my child somewhere knowing they would not return to me, and at the same time the joy I would feel knowing they would return.

I also felt the power of the spirit in the temple so strong the minute I walked in. I was having a very hard time choking back the tears as they were trying to escape. Each painting was so beautiful and good. Every corner and cranny was so intricately planned. The chandeliers were so sparkley, like a sparkle and shine I've never seen before. And the Brides room, where future Mom's of little girls will go one day, to help their precious daughters get ready for their greatest covenant ever...a temple marriage. The sealing room where we looked at each other in the eternity mirrors. What a magnificent experience to stand there with your Husband and children and see the future of a family sealed. Moving to the celestial room, the most beautiful and brightest of all. I realized the great worth of living righteously can only be glimpsed upon in this world.

I am so grateful for my whirlwind life and know there is a great reward ahead as I do my best. Try to be happy. And live righteously.

I also have to note that Brooke kept telling us she was starving and that we had forgotten to feed her. Chris and I tried to deal with and distract her for an hour, until at last we watched the video about temples and were directed on how to proceed. In which we were informed there would be cookies at the end. Brooke lit right up, sat up, and smiled saying :"Cookies! After we see the Temple! Okay!" She didn't whine at all after that, and she seemed to have a marvelous time. And yes she was the first to seek out and get her cookie at the end.

A Peek at Our Week

We celebrated 4 Birthdays. James, My Dad, Quinn, and Julie. Soon to celebrate Kate's Bday. Holy Birthdays. People really like May and June I guess, if you know what I mean :)

We went skiing at Powder Mountain. It was so much fun, except for the part where I fell off the tow rope. It's not my fault I wasn't looking...and the handle was swinging back and forth enough to grab my left leg only. I'm not sure if you're familiar with tow ropes, but that's a bad thing. You kinda want both your legs involved and preferably your hands holding the handle. We also had fun following each other down the hill and watching each other try out the huge snowboarding jumps. My favorite was when I got scared and slowed down too much...stopping right at the top of the jump. Everyone was laughing, including myself. I eventually got a little braver and got some air, but not as much as the guys. A big thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Trump for planning this trip and paying for all of us! That was so nice. And for providing the yummy hot cocoa, chili, donuts, breadsticks, and veggies. So Yummy :b Another big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for buying Tay her cute skis, boots, and poles, she loves them, that was so nice. All in all it was a great trip.

We had a big wind storm and one of our umbrellas perished, snap. But most of the Garabage and leaves that had been piling up blew away. I feel bad for whoever's yard it all ended up in.

Chris and I bought Britney Spears tickets, finally, after several attempts. It's hard to buy all your friends tickets and your own and coordinate everyones price range and seating preferences. But we finally managed it and we are already excited!

Taylor and Brooke went back on track Monday. They are happy to be reunited with school friends. Taylor's hives have cleared up. Taylor did so good skiing. A lady at the bottom of the hill came up to me and said: "Is that your little girl? She is so good and fast, how long has she been skiing?" Me:"This is her second time." Lady: "No way! She must be a natural!" Me: "Yep"

Presley is enjoying having me all to herself again. Her new thing is asking "And then what?" She needs a rundown of the day ahead so she can be prepared.
Our conversation on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Presley 3yrs:
Presley: "Where are we going Mom?"
Me: "To the gym."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going to pick up Brooke."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going home to eat lunch."
Presley: "Can I have tuna and pickles? I like that!"
Me: "Sure! I know you like that."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are taking Brooke to dance, after I get ready."
Presley: "Can we go to Grandma's while Brooke is at dance?"
Me: "Maybe? I really need to pick up our car from it's oil change, so I don't know if we'll have time today."
Presley: "Oh ya and give this car back? (we had a rental car) And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to pick Brooke up from dance."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going grocery shopping."
Presley: "Can I get a treat?"
Me: "If you're good!"
Presley: "I will be...And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going to pick up Taylor and Maddy from school."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going home to read and do homework and jobs."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to clean up and start making dinner."
Presley: "What is for dinner."
Me: "Chicken"
Presley: "Yuck"
Me: "I know, but it's good for you!"
Presley: "Can I have yogurt and milk?"
Me: "Sure"
Presley: "It'll be my last milkie, I promise."
Me:"Kay"
Presley: "And then What?"
Me: "Bathtime"
Presley: "Barbies?"
Me: "No" (but they always convince me, everytime)
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Reading time, then scripture time."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then time to go to bed."
Presley: "Can I take books in my bed?"
Me: "Yes"
Presley: "Okay"
She does this every morning, our conversations varying according to the events planned that day.

Hope you enjoyed your peek at our week;)

Summer Starved

We are going stark crazy waiting for Winter to end!
What up?
We are definitely "Summer Starved!"

When you start decorating your snowman with corn pops for eyes and a stacker pickle for a mouth...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you lay out your swimsuits and start trying them on...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you go shopping for summer clothes on a snow day...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you layout in your basement...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to play in the carpet like it's sand...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to float on a blue blanket...you know you're Summer Starved.

When you're hangin on the beach in your basement...you know you're Summer Starved.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH...SUMMER WHERE ARE YOU?
Maybe we just need to move to Florida or better yet Fiji!

A Peek at Our Week

Well it's a little blurry, but let's see if I can recall...

Chris got stuck in the snow at a Maverik parking lot. He had to abandon his car there and have me come pick him up. When we returned to pick it up, after work, it was gone. They had it towed 15 minutes before we got there. To make a long and weary story shorter, we finally found it at an Ogden towing company. And $141 dollars in cash later had our car back. So needless to say, but I will anyway. We former faithful Maverik users are boycotting Maverik. Chris has been working night and day. He's very busy from every angle. We finally got a break though, as Chris planed a trip to Sanctuary Day Spa, for the both of us. It was a surprise for me on Valentine's day. Chris fixed our garage, it keeps breaking, but now it only goes to a foot above the ground. So you have to wait and push the button again to get it all the way down. Chris killed a mouse with a cardboard box. He is planning a trip for us to get away, much needed, sometime this year hopefully.

Michelle had a severe hives attack and is now on 5 different meds to control it. Don't know what I'm allergic to, and have no way of finding it out. We had a family fast and it helped a little. I'm still waiting for an answer to my prayers. Getting a little desperate though. I got a nice surprise from Chris for Valentine's Day. A trip to Sanctuary, as above mentioned. I had no clue where we were going. Chris threw me off with a trip to Barnes and Noble for hot chocolate and a red velvet cupcake. It was fun and I enjoyed looking at some hair style books. Then we went for a walk and stopped in front of the spa. I had fun helping my kids make and deliver Valentine's. Took my girls to get a pedicure and manicure, it was so fun! My girls loved it and can't wait to do it again. Thought about shoveling, then decided not to. Cleaned a lot. Attempted laundry, but it keeps pestering. Went to the dentist, had no cavities, but had to get a few cracked fillings redone. Made some quilts, still working on mine. Got a new workout. Got some new swimming suits. I am so ready for summer, and hopefully that vacation Chris is planning!

Taylor lost two teeth, two days in a row. The toothfairy knows our house well now. Tay is enjoying being off track. Played in the snow. Broke out in hives, the same as her mom's. Her Mom is pulling her hair out trying to solve this! Tay went skiing with her 4th grade class at Snow Basin. It was her first time and she loved it. We are in the process of planning a trip for a ski day in the next few weeks. She is enjoying ballet, and has snuck a few treats to her class to share with her friends. Meanwhile, Mom is wondering-where did all the ramen noodles go?

Brooke had a Valentines Party at school. She made valentine's for her friends, and got a lot in return. Brooke has also been enjoying her break from school. Brooke and all of us went to the U of U/BYU/SUU/Texas Women's Gymnastics Meet. We had a lot of fun, Chris was a trooper. Afterward we took the girls to buy a treat. Brooke picked out cheetos and a propel. On the way home she fell asleep with her hand in the bag of cheetos. Colored on various items with permanent marker, denied it, but unfortunately she spelled her name on every thing, and miss spelled Taylor's on a few others. She made a quilt with her Grandma. Pink, her old blankie, went to Blankie heaven.

Presley had a Valentine's Party with some of the other 3 & 4 year olds from her sunbeam class. They decorated sugar cookies and exchanged valentine's. Presley was feeling shy so I had to pass hers out. They played a find the heart game. It was cute and fun. Prez enjoyed jumping on the couch, bed, other couch, and off the chairs and stairs. She is big into jumping on and off things. Prezi watched a movie, with her mom and sisters, in the basement. We popped popcorn in our popcorn popper. She had her mom go get her a drink 4 times. She is a big drinker, of milk and water that is. She also had to go to the bathroom 4 times during the movie. Presley is hoping her teeth will come loose soon so she can get money from the toothfairy.

And that is a peek at our week!

Gym Guru Says

Did you know 80% of your fitness is determined by what you eat? That's right 80%! The other 20% is made up of your genetics, weight lifting, and last, and most least to affect your fitness, cardio.

So like the old saying says, You are what You eat.

Freaking Safari

So my Husband told me the music on our blog was crashing some friends computer. So until I figure out how to solve this unfortunate problem. I am deleting the music.

All I have to say is Freaking Safari!

Goofy Moms

When I was growing up my Mom loved to Goof Off by playing music loud and dancing around. We became lovers of music and dance because of my Mom. When we were bored or stressed and sometimes just for fun, for laughs and giggles, she would often put on Love Potion # 9, by Tijuana Brass, and we would start dancing. This was a sure way to cheer us up or make a hard day better! I have fond memories of laughing and dancing to this song. I truly believe laughter is the best medicine. I am continuing the tradition with my girls. On hard, crazy, stressful days, or just for fun...we turn up the music and get our energy back with dance and giggles.

So...if your wondering about the song that comes on our blog first, that's what it is all about. Moms and kids Goofing Off.

Dedicated to My Mom
-Thanks for always making life fun:)

The Beauty of People

I have always been fascinated by people. The way their hair hangs and moves. The way their eyes twinkle or sag. The wrinkles on their faces, that show the joy and pain they have endured and enjoyed. The young and the old. The small and the big. The differences in emotion in men and women. The way people look when they think and contemplate.

I truly believe the eyes give you a glimpse of the soul. You can see so much in a persons eyes.

It is interesting to me that even though not one of us is exactly alike, we are all seeking similar things. To be loved, accepted, needed. To see beauty, to be warm, to have no worries or troubles. To be good, feel good.

We recently got a world map and have been looking at it. It intrigues me that there is so much land, but people crowd together. They find a place...make it a city...and huddle together. For example, New York, Paris, L.A., London, on and on...even in our own little cities we huddle together. We seek friendships. We in a way, cuddle together and keep each other company.

I was recently introduced to "50 people 1 question" I loved it! It's amazing how different we all are, but at the same time how similar we all are. So check it out and enjoy the beauty of people!

Gym Guru Says

My favorite comment from 5 different people I've met at the gym in the last 9 years...
"Why do you workout? You already look amazing!"

Think about it.
-Gym Guru