See You At The Top

See You At The Top

There may be times when you feel
as if you have taken a million steps towards
your dreams, and acted on your plans, only to find
yourself in the same place that you began from.
At times like this, you must not give up.

You must continue on striving. Though you may feel
lost, bewildered, and alone, continue to believe
in yourself and reaching the top. Do not allow discouragement and
doubt to blur your vision and wash away
your dreams. Visualize your way beyond the
detours, standstills, and obstacles.

You will realize your dreams. You have
worked hard and taken so many productive
steps in a positive direction that you are bound
to succeed. Whatever the hurt of the moment
may be, it will pass. Tomorrow is always a
new dawn. Today, you must pause, rest, catch
your breath, and then look ahead. Each step
will bring you closer to your dreams.The
rainbows and the love that you deserve are in
sight. See you at the Top.

"Our worst fear is not that we are inadequate, our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'who am I to be so brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous?' Actually, who are we not to be?

You are a child of God: Your playing small doesn't serve the world. There is nothing enlightening about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We were born to make manifest the glory of God within us. It is not just in some of us, it is in everyone and as we let our own light shine we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

~Marianne Williamson, her book "A RETURN TO LOVE", 1992\

I don't know about anyone else, but this really applies to me. 90% of the time I feel so inadequate in so many ways. How does a person not feel so inadequate? How does one get over that feeling when it's been there as long as that person can remember? If one always feels left in the shadows, how do you get over that feeling. How does one not let others make them feel inferior?
Have you ever seen "You've got mail?" I feel like Meg Ryan's character, when I'm in a situation, I can never say what I want to say. I always think of good things to say after the fact. I can never say anything clever in the heat of the moment. When I need to come up with something to defend myself I can't do it. It doesn't come until later in the day or a couple of days later.

Something New

I think I want to do something like this in my bathroom. Our bathroom isn't very big so I'm hoping that something like this will work. It'll take some time, but I definatly want to do something new. What do you think?

Room By Room | Bathrooms | Super bathroom storage
1 of 10 Next >> + click to enlarge photo	Better Vanity Try these easy (and pretty!) ideas to boost your bathroom storage. Bath storage begins with a generous vanity. We picked this one for its solid doors, adjustable interior shelf, and deep lower drawer. The vintage-style shelf and medicine cabinet on the wall above provide even more space for bath and grooming necessities. Next: M

VACATION TIME

So our family is going on vacation to Zions on Friday. I as so excited!! I think it's time all of us get a little R&R. The last couple of years my family has rented a cabin in Star Valley, but this year we've decided to go south. When we get back I'll post pictures. Both Braxton & Madison are getting bigger and doing so much.

Help

I am in some need of some serious help. I am really lacking motivation to do much. If anyone would like to get out and get some exercise, I would love to have you join me. I am available monday's, tuesday & wednesday mornings, and thursday night and saturday evenings. So please leave a comment or email me if you would be intrested in getting out and getting a little exercise. I will have to take my kids some times, but I would still love to get out and get some weight off.

Ranch Chicken

Ranch Chicken

Ingredients:
6 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can condensed cream of chicken soup
1 envelope ranch dressing mix
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sour cream
2 tbsp ranch dressing
2 tbsp flour

Spray crock pot with non-stick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in crock pot. In a small bowl, combine soup, ranch dressing mix, and water; pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low 8 hours or high 4 hours. Remove chicken from crock pot. Stir in sour cream, ranch dressing, and flour; replace chicken. Cover and cook on high 20 minutes.

Quotes

Make the commitment to live life and not just watch from the sidelines."

When you get to the top of the mountain, remember what you learned on the way up!

Shout Out For Moms!

I was reading a friends blog the other day and she had a post about a book that she says every mother needs to read. I definatly want to get it and read it. The title is: In Praise of Stay-at-Home Moms, By: Dr. Laura Schlessinger.
Since going to school for massage therapy and being married and having kids, I know why I want to do massage therapy for women. Women really are the hardest working people in the world. We do so much for others, especially our children, and so little for ourselves. I want every mother that reads this(which isn't many) to know that I admire them and love them for their courage to do everything in their power to raise the best kids they can. It's not easy being a mother, but it's the most rewarding when you child gives you a huge hug and the biggest chocolate kiss ever. So I commend every mother, especially my own, because she did everything to make us feel loved and special.

More Summer Recipes

Chicken Caesar Wrap
Spin this classic salad on its head by combining its fresh ingredients into a tasty and easy-to-tote lunch wrap.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 tortillas (10”-12”), heated according to package instructions
4 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 bag Caesar salad kit (lettuce, croutons, dressing and cheese)
Cracked black pepper, to taste
2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped

Consider these additional ingredients: Crispy bacon bits, sliced tomatoes, olives, roasted red peppers or minced anchovies

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On a clean working surface, lay out the four tortillas. In a small mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and garlic powder, then spread over each of the warmed tortillas with a spoon.
2. In a separate bowl, toss together your salad kit’s lettuce, croutons, dressing and cheese. Divide the salad among the four tortillas, placing the mixture slightly off center on the tortilla.
3. Evenly divide up the chopped chicken, then top each tortilla with the meat.
4. Once dressed, fold in the sides of each tortilla, then lift the end closest to you and tightly roll up the tortilla in a forward motion. Rest the wrap on its seam and slice in half on an angle.

Tip: Using a bagged salad kit helps you bring together this meal on the fly, but you can cut even more time off the clock by purchasing a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked, thickly-sliced deli chicken breast at your grocery store.

Tip: Looking for lunch? The layer of softened cream cheese keeps the tortilla fresh—and never soggy—making this wrap perfect for night-before preparation. Prepare your wrap, leave un-sliced and wrap tightly in plastic wrap for storage in the refrigerator. In the morning, lunch is simply a matter of grabbing and going.

Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Creamy bleu cheese cools down hot and spicy buffalo chicken in this sure-to-please wrap.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 tortillas (10”-12”), heated according to package’s instructions
8 romaine lettuce leaves
1/2 cup celery, finely minced
1/2 red bell pepper, seeded and finely diced
1/3 cup chunky bleu cheese or ranch dressing
2 cups chicken, cooked and chopped
1/3 cup buffalo sauce

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On a clean working surface, lay out the four tortillas and place 2 romaine lettuce leaves in the center of each.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the celery, red pepper and bleu cheese dressing, then spoon generously over the lettuce leaves.
3. In a separate medium-size mixing bowl, combine the chicken and buffalo sauce. Divide the chicken evenly among the four tortillas, carefully spooning it over the vegetable mixture.
4. Once dressed, fold in the sides of each tortilla, then lift the end closest to you and tightly roll up the tortilla in a forward motion. Rest the wrap on its seam and slice in half on an angle. Serve your wrap with additional bleu cheese dressing and buffalo sauce for dipping.

Tip: Parlay your wrap into easy party food that’s sure to please the crowd. With a sharp knife, slice each wrap into 4 or 5 pieces, securing each with a toothpick inserted lengthwise across the pinwheel. Serve your appetizers with fresh celery sticks and addition bleu cheese dressing for dipping.

California Wrap
Inspired by the sweet, cool flavors of Japanese cooking, try rolling together crabmeat, rice and guacamole for your own variation on sushi.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 tortillas (10”-12”), heated according to package’s instructions
1 package (7 oz.) prepared guacamole
8 romaine lettuce leaves
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared wasabi paste, or to taste
2 green onions, thinly sliced
2 cups white rice, cooked
2 cups imitation crabmeat, found at your grocery’s butcher station
1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
1 medium cucumber, peeled and sliced lengthwise

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On a clean working surface, lay out the four tortillas and spread each with a thin layer of guacamole. Top each with two lettuce leaves.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, wasabi paste, soy sauce and green onions, then stir in the prepared rice. Evenly divide the rice mixture and spoon over the lettuce leaves on each tortilla.
3. In a separate small mixing bowl, lightly toss the imitation crabmeat with rice wine vinegar and spoon onto each tortilla alongside the rice. Lay 3 or 4 cucumber strips across the top of the filling.
4. Once dressed, fold in the sides of each tortilla, then lift the end closest to you and tightly roll up the tortilla in a forward motion. Rest the wrap on its seam and slice in half on an angle. Serve your wrap with additional soy sauce and wasabi paste for dipping.

Tip: If you have a ripe avocado on hand, omit the guacamole and use fresh avocado slices instead. You can also look in your grocer’s freezer for time-saving ready-cook rice.

Tip: As a nod to nori, a mild, salty seaweed used in Japanese cooking, try making your California Wrap with spinach wraps instead of plain tortillas.

Tip: Try tossing shredded lettuce with a light mix of mayonnaise, cocktail sauce and a squeeze of lemon, then place it on a tortilla and top with cooked shrimp.

Beef and Potato Wrap
Meld together classic flavors—rare, savory beef, sweet potato salad and tangy Italian dressing—in this simple sandwich substitute.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes

INGREDIENTS
4 tortillas (10”-12”), heated according to package’s instructions
4 teaspoons coarse-grain mustard
8 romaine lettuce leaves
12 ounces rare roast beef, thinly sliced
4 teaspoons Italian dressing
1 cup prepared potato salad
Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. On a clean working surface, lay out the four tortillas and spread each with 1 teaspoon of the coarse-grained mustard. Place two romaine lettuce leaves on one side of each tortilla.
2. In a small mixing bowl, lightly toss the roast beef strips in the Italian dressing, then evenly distribute the meat onto the four tortillas, spooning it over the lettuce leaves.
3. Divide the prepared potato salad into four equal servings and spoon onto the roast beef. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Once dressed, fold in the sides of each tortilla, then lift the end closest to you and tightly roll up the tortilla in a forward motion. Rest the wrap on its seam and slice in half on an angle. Heat up a jar of beef gravy and serve alongside your wrap as a savory dipping sauce.

Tip: Your local deli offers several varieties of roast beef. Typically, they’ll be happy to let you sample them so you can find your family’s favorite.

Tip: Keep changing up the flavor by considering these tasty ingredient substitutions: try replacing your potato salad with mashed potatoes, veggie salad or coleslaw. In lieu of Italian dressing, try smothering the roast beef in tangy steak sauce. When you’re wrapping up the ingredients, let your imagination run wild.

151 Things That Make Me Happy!!

These aren't in any particular order.
1. my family
2. the church
3. new notebooks
4. running
5. our dog
6. beautiful sleeping kids
7. new books to read
8. homemade bread
9. noodles and mashed potatoes
10. cold shower after a run in the heat
11. hot baths on cold winter nights before bed
12.AUTUMN!! need I say more?(October: the month to exhale the hot, stuffy lazieness of summer and inhale the cool, brisk life of fall.)
13. hot wassel at christmas time.
14. campfires and camping
15. pancakes
16. horses, and dogs
17. bike rides with Braxton
18. my moms strawberry jam and bread
19.baskets
20. massages
21. trying something new with my kids
22. baking/cooking with Braxton
23. when it's raining and you have nothing but baking to do.
24. listening to Braxton & Madison giggle!!!
25. scented candles
26. very rare moments by myself, even if it's in the tub or shower for 10 min.
27. disco music
29. music that's so powerful you just want to cry
30. smores
31. my moms homemade chili on a cold autumn afternoon(of course with her bread)
32. the sound of bagpipes.
33. corn on the cob and tomatoes from the garden'
34. kids swimming pools in the back yard.
35. CHOCOLATE
36. cookbooks
37. garage sale bargins
38. birthdays
39. sitting in a hot tub in the middle of winter
40. christmas trees (decorating them is fun to)
41. sledding in paradise
42. cinnamon rolls and hot chocolate
43. picnics in the canyon and on our patio furniture
44. sunrises and sunsets
45. tart lemonade
46. Grandma Bette's lemon pie or lemon bars (she makes them with lots of lemon flavor)
47. the library or bookstore.
48. our wood burning stove
49. our future wood burning cook stove that I hope to have one day. Why I don't know.
50. vacations
51. tea kettles
52. meals I don't have to cook
53. being outside
54. being in the woods, away from everything.
55. the cabin in the woods that I wish I had
56. homemade applesauce
57. going to the movies and having popcorn and mike & ikes
58. hand me downs
59. homemade soups, tomato, vegetable, cauliflower & broccoli
60. cast iron skillets and dutch ovens
61. leaves in autumn
62. going to bed to the sound of sprinklers
63. Grandma's homemade vinegar taffy
64. Grandpa's homemade scrapple
65. homemade doughnuts
66. piling blankets on the bed to help stay warm.
67. homemade gifts
68. old books and old things given to you as a gift from a grandparent.
69. cooking hot dogs over a fire
70. sweaters in autumn
71. hosting small parties or get-togethers with a few friends or family members.
72. doing something new in your house.
73. ordering pizza when you don't want to cook
74. a setting of serenity and comfort
75. North Carolina!!
76. suprise parties
77. baskets full of letter writing supplies
78. egg nog
79. having 5 different projects going on at the same time.
80. having a million ideas in your head that i'd like to accomplish.
81. making lists of the things I'd like to accomplish
82. actually accomplishing things on my list
83. swimming at the lake or a pool on a hot day, with no one around to see me in a bathing suit
84. warm robes and warm slippers on a cold saturday morning making breakfast.
85. listening to Braxton play outside with our dog penny
86. listening to Madison talking to whoever in the mornings
87. hiking with friends
88. the room I wish to have that is full of books(wall to wall books)
89. pay days
90. sitting on the Blue family front porch on the Catawba Indian Reservation SC, waving to everyone that passes by.
91. awesome friends that have stuck by me from day one.
92. music boxes
93. the ocean that i've only been to once, but hope to see again and play in with my kids
94. big fluffy towels when you get out of the shower
95. the idea of tea, even though i don't drink it. I guess i like tea sets and the idea of getting dressed up to spend an afternoon with the ladies.
96. tennis
97. houses by the lake with not very many people around
98. the smell of coffee
99. popcorn balls from two older couples at halloween time.( memories of trick-or-treating)
100. Rentfro Ice Cream
101. the ranch in malad idaho
102. Duke the horse at the ranch in idaho
103. light houses, i would love to go to the coast and see them. Don't ask me why.
104. being carried from the car to bed when we got home from grandma's house.
105. nutmeg graters, a friend's mom has one and I love it. We'd make pies and use the nutmeg grater. great memories
106. sparkling cider in wine glasses
107. journals or diaries
108. aromatherapy
109. binders for specific things, different subjects for each one. I have about 10-15 binders for several different things.
110. cake batter
111. card games, which i don't play enough of.
112. sidewalk cafes
113. donating blood
114. going out to dinner
115. someone else cooking me dinner at home
116. Christmas morning with my kids
117. dream books, books filled with treasures
118. The Star Spangled Banner!!!
119. strawberry colada's, virgin of course
120. picnic baskets, full of everything you need
121. japanese lanterns
122. walking up flights of stairs to get to the place you need to be.
123. clothes lines
124. hushpuppies
125 pickled eggs
126.business cards
127. big beach balls
128. drive in movies
129. root beer floats
130. moms malts
131. Grandma Robison's roses
132. southern hospitality
133. southern houses
134. babbling brooks
135. water fountains
136. meditation
137. the smells of autumn, baked goods, cinnamon, nutmeg, etc.
138. antique hunting
139. thunder, when no one gets hurt.
140. frisbees
141. kites
142. norman rockwell art
143. pot lucks
144. nuturing your own spirit.
145. granola cereal
146. warm wool socks
147. fruit salad
148. spaghetti and garlic bread
149. relaxing
150. getting flowers
151. clinking of ice in a glass

Pretty Good

Awesome!! We complain about the cross we bear but don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.


Whatever your cross,
whatever your pain,
there will always be sunshine, after the rain....
Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;
But God's always ready, to answer your call....
He knows every heartache, sees every tear,
a word from His lips, can calm every fear...
Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,
But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...
The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,
to give you His grace, and send you His love.
May God fill your day with blessings!!


Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle!

Getting Organized

I wanted to start getting organized and came upon this article. I hope someone else besides me can find it helpful. -- Amanda


Get Organized Now! Newsletter
by Maria Gracia
http://www.getorganizednow.com
End Morning Madness

Whether you are married or single, have children or no children, getting ready in the morning can be very challenging to say the least. Putting a little routine into the day can make all the difference in turning a chaotic morning into one that is calm, smooth and more streamlined.

1. Rather than doing it in the morning, prepare lunches the night prior. Packing lunches after dinner can save you several minutes of valuable time in the morning so you can sit down and eat a good breakfast. Divide cheese and cut vegetables and fruit into small plastic bags that can be grabbed in the morning. Put individual packages of mayonnaise or mustard in lunches so sandwiches won't get soggy standing overnight. Put soup or chili into individual serving containers.

2. The same goes with your briefcase or purse. Put your keys, briefcase and all of the other things you will need for the next day in the same spot every evening so you can just grab everything and go in the morning. If the kids need certain things for sports or other activities, make sure they have them ready and all in the same spot the night before so the morning is not spent searching for something missing.

3. Plan out your wardrobe in the evening. Lay out everything from your undergarments to your accessories that you plan to wear. Ask your older children to pick out the clothes they plan to wear and have them lay them out as well. If some of the articles of clothing need ironing or mending, do it at this time.

4. Coordinate bathroom schedules with the people you live with. Fighting for the bathroom causes frustration and zaps you of the energy you need for the rest of the day. Discuss and designate times for everyone to use the bathroom in the morning. Consider showering and washing your hair the evening before. This way all the grooming you will need to do in the morning is to wash up, put on your makeup, and comb your hair.

5. Consider getting a low-maintenance haircut. Did you ever time yourself to see how long it takes you to do your hair in the morning? If it is taking you a long time to wash, dry and style your hair every morning, perhaps a simpler, more wash-and-wear style is in order. Talk to your hairdresser or barber and get a few suggestions.

6. Invest in a coffee maker with an automatic timer. Otherwise, set up your coffee maker the evening before. Then all you need to do in the morning is turn the machine on. If you're a tea drinker, put out your favorite bags in mugs in the evening or keep a small basket or container on the counter with a small assortment of bags. Set out your insulated travel mug near the coffee maker so you are ready to take a cup of coffee on the road with you.

7. Planning ahead is important for larger projects. As soon as you find out about an event at school that you need to prepare something for, make note of certain dates. After making a list of the things you will need, make a note of the date you will be purchasing the supplies. Also mark the date you will start preparation depending upon the size of the project. Lastly, mark the date of the event with a list of everything your child will need to take to school for that project. This way you won't be scrambling to make dessert or sew a costume for a play the morning the child needs to take it to school.

8. If you have young children, use the morning television programs strategically. Save a favorite program as a reward for when clothes are on, breakfast has been eaten and all of their things are ready to go.

9. If you tend to be groggy and forgetful in the morning, make a list the night before and tape it to your refrigerator or in another prominent spot where you will notice it. A dry erase board attached to your refrigerator is a good option. There is nothing worse than getting out on the road only to realize you left an important file at home. Avoid this by keeping a to-do list handy and check it regularly to make sure you have taken care of everything.

10. Wake up earlier. This may not be something you want to do, but it doesn't have to be much earlier, say 15 minutes. If your mornings are just too packed, you may need a little more time. To make up the difference, consider going to bed a little earlier as well. Remember that getting a good night's sleep is very important in helping to give you that good start to your day.

Only 2?

So far I only have 2 takers for the homemade gifts. You don't have to make something for others in order for me to make something for you. Just leave a comment and I'll make you something.

New Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Pita Pockets
1 package pocket pitas
2 t. white vinegar
Juice of one lemon
1 1/2 T. dried oregano
2 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. black pepper
1/4 c. water
1/2 c. olive oil1 t. rosemary
1 T. chicken base or bouillon
6-8 chicken breasts
3 tomatoes, diced into chunks
lettuce, shredded
1/2 large yellow onion (optional--I don't like raw onion)
1 c. feta cheese

Cucumber Cream Sauce:
1 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 small plain yogurts (or about 1 1/2 cups)
2 T. mayonnaise (don't use low fat or fat free, it doesn't taste as good)
Juice of one lemon (or more if you like it lemony)
1 1/2 T. dried dill
salt & pepper
1 t. garlic powder

For added flavor in your pita (if you are a saucy person like me), you can add Ken's Lite Ceasar dressing. The flavors go perfectly together.

Place chicken breasts, olive oil, rosemary, chicken base, lemon juice, thyme, oregano, vinegar, salt & pepper, and water in a crock pot. Cook on medium high heat for 4-6 hours, or until tender. When cooked, shred chicken into large chunks. For cucumber sauce add the above ingredients and chill. In the pita pocket put the chicken, cucumber sauce, tomatoes, feta, and lettuce. Serve with an extra squirt of lemon. Yum!