My favorite breakfast these days

Hi everyone! I have been away and I have been busy. We did some travelling (which I plan on posting some pics later) but I really just wanted to share with you my newest breakfast fav.

I have been juicing - and I LOVE it! But I decided not to purchase a juicer. When I watched the online videos comparing juicers I realized that my Vitamix blender and a nut bag (this is truly a bag that is finer than a cheesecloth and acts like a strainer-which I found at my nearest health food store) well, combined they produced the clearest juice. Plus my nut bag cost less than $8 and that was totally affordable.

Then, as I was walking through Chapters/Indigo with my girls I discovered Molly Sims new book. Inside was this amazing recipe for a green detox smoothie. Note- this is not a juice but I totally love it! My two girls love it too, which is saying something. My husband is not so fond of it...yet!

Molly also has a website/blog mollysims.com if you're interested. 

Well, until next time - let's continue to find happiness in our journey...

Say goodbye to Gluten? Whaaat?

No way. I can't believe it! I love wheat! I am doing a trial test (it has only been a week thus far) to see if I am gluten sensitive. My gut feels lighter that's for sure, as well as some of my ailments feel better, by far.

So in searching the web I have found a GF (Gluten Free) chocolate chip cookie recipe (which also uses egg substitute) and I like it. Yum. My sister-in-law says they taste like cookie dough, and who doesn't like cookie dough?

Try these ones from the Food Network:http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/the-chewy-gluten-free-recipe.html

I haven't as yet tried these but I like the pictures….

these are from all recipes.com

http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-Gluten-Free/

One thing to be sure of, when it says to spray your open - the first recipe does- you should do it, the cookies will spread out better. (By the way - chocolate has Gluten…look for GF)

One more recipe link and then I must go pick up my homeschool children from their art classes….

Gluten free flour for use in breads, pizza dough and hamburger buns from alittleinsanity.com

http://alittleinsanity.com/all-purpose-gluten-free-flour-mix-recipe/

I made the bread, but my flour had some homemade substitutions (I had less to work with in my packages and used my vitamin to turn the tapioca and sweet rice into flour) so it was ok but not quite as beautiful and high as hers. (Dang it all cuz I had just mastered my homemade breads a few years ago! Time to start afresh!)

Here is a list I also found on the internet for gluten free chocolate and candies:

http://celiacdisease.about.com/od/glutenfreefoodshopping/a/GFcandies.htm

Hope you are having fun on your journey…

green shakes

So, my journey as of late…anger. I have found myself angry at my dead husband a lot. (Poor guy, there's no rest for him on the other side of the veil, is there? ;)
I have had a great week and a terrible week at the same time. Some terrible challenges are here and will continue in my future but I also have had some wonderful things come too. One of which was listening to my husband (yes, my new and very much alive husband) tell others how much he loves me and why. Him standing by my side, loving me, sometimes defending me, sometimes protecting me makes our love stronger. So, that was very refreshing!
Now, having said this, it doesn't mean that when I heard the following song on the radio that my heart didn't break all over again.

I will see you again Carrie Underwood

Also today was a great work out! Did I mention that I am now a fully certified personal fitness trainer! Whoo hoo! I did it! So, my fellow training and wonderful friend and I had a magnificent work out. This is what I ate post training! It looks gross and it was yummy!

Found it at fitness magazine.com

I forgot to take the pic as I was kinda hungry…oops! =)

Journey well friends! Make good choices as this determines your future. =>

What are your organs telling you?

I went to a physiotherapist appointment with one of my children and was a pleasantly surprised that she would have these posters in her office about how our organs remember (mostly negative) feelings and that they hold onto them. She seems to be a really great physiotherapist and finds the source of the problem and treats that. (Again, not like so many medical practitioners who simply treat the symptom.) I am loving this new wave of taking care of the whole patient.

I took a few pictures to "prove" what I learned. Here's the link where you can purchase the poster from.

http://shop.barralinstitute.com/Product-List/Charts-and-Posters/Understanding-Your-Organs

The Heart:
fear of being abandoned
excessive attachment
fear of judgement
fear of way of dying
guilt
distrust
joy and happiness


The Intestines:
great need for security and protection
great need to talk
remarkably meticulous
hypochondria
tenancy toward exaggeration and theatrics
slightly
great generosity
mood swings
great faithfulness
obstinate


These were some interesting points to name a few.

As for anything further on this matter…I cannot tell. I do not know. Happy on your journey yet?

Healthy

Hi! I went to a naturopath the other day! I kept telling the doctors my symptoms for years, with always the same answers. So, today was a new experience. He explained how we needed to find the problem not just treat the symptoms. He took over an hour to meet with me. I returned home, mixed up my "cocktail" and within an hour had results! I have had some personal troubles with a health issue for years. Now I will continue with this new "magic potion" (lol) for a few months and see if things continue to get better.
Another thing I found most interesting: he asked me a very personal question about my late husband and then explained some things on that level. Wow! For a professional to acknowledge a personal spiritual matter was incredible. I know that God created science, not the other way around. I know that there are many levels to improving and maintaining health. The question he asked  (and I am not willing to share with you as of yet my answer) was: "Do you talk to him?" At first I thought he had misunderstood that Brian was dead  ;/

On that note I thought I would share with all of you, a great piece of advice he gave me. When working through the stages of grief, you may find that you bounce around from one to another. (The stages of grief are not linear.) Bargaining, to anger, denial, back to anger…etc. (Which I know already), however, okay, let's make this easier… I am stuck in the anger stage, it will drift into the back ground and then resurface. He said for me not to think I am failing because I have already dealt with "anger" but that my body has healed enough to bring "anger" (insert your own stage of grief) back to the surface to cope and work through again for a while and will continue to do so until I have found my inner peace.

Here's another point to consider and I share to help…He mentioned that until I have worked my way through all the stages of grief and found this inner peace, I will not be able to give "my all" to my new hubby, and to let him know that it is not him. It is my grief and my healing process that contribute to the depth of our relationship. This rings true for me. I love him so much but because I hold onto anger, and sometimes bargaining… they consume me and take up "my love space."


Here are the 5 stages of grief. Remember you can grieve over the loss of a pet, divorce, or a stressful trauma like hearing you have cancer.

1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance

This may be a helpful link: grief.comhttp://grief.com

I found these wonderful pictures on the internet and wanted to share them with you.

Here is what the artist had to say about this…

After my father died, I received a great desire to paint a picture of the Spirit World, a gift of peace for my family and yours. On the right side, in the lower area by the tunnel, family and friends are saying goodbye to their loved ones who are going to earth to be born. On the left side, family and friends gather together to welcome their loved ones back home into the Spirit World; They have come through the tunnel of darkness into the light.
http://www.ldsart.com

(I absolutely LOVE this picture of our Savior, Jesus Christ)

Liz Lemon Swindle says this about her art.

Surely the Savior knew from an early age the path that lie ahead of Him, yet He was not discouraged or dismayed. He went about doing good and filled His life, and the lives of others, with joy and happiness.

I am inspired by the story of Reverend Henry Lyte. Henry´s father abandoned the family while he was a young boy and his mother died shortly after. In addition to being orphaned at an early age, Henry struggled throughout his life with poor health - yet all that knew him commented on his cheery temperament. His final contribution came just three weeks before his death. Though he was dying of tuberculosis, Henry was still determined to give to others. He rose from his bed and penned the words that would become the cherished hymn,

Abide with Me.

Abide with Me!
fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens.
Lord with me abide.

When other helpers
Fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, oh,
Abide with me!

Certainly none of us can walk through life free from illness and despair, but we each can decide how we will respond to those trials that come. This painting reminds me when trials come that I can choose to retreat into myself, or I can choose to reach out as the Savior did and bring happiness to others. Only selfless sacrifice can we ever hope to abide with the Lord.

And I searched long and hard to find these. I knew they were out there but I had no idea who the artist was. His name is Doc Christensen. Here's his link DocBox.org

I know that the Savior watches over us and I know that there are angels very, very close. AS they say, "There are angels among us."

Bullying

Goodness, this is a huge problem!

The other day, someone I love was being bullied, I suggested this person send this link to their texting bully. And then consequently, keep sending this person something uplifting about the Saviour each time they were cruel. One of two things could happen, (I figure)…1. They could realize they need to repent and come closer to Christ, or 2. This bully would get tired of reading about the good word of Christ.

Here's the link too…https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYVvE4tr2BI&list=PL4E784EC0770935C0

Maybe this will help you or your children.

Net =>, still working hard on this journey…..

My 7 Points for Bettering Yourself.

Well, Happy New Year to You Too!

Apologies everyone, December is always difficult for me. (As with many of my fiends) December is when I slip into a reflective, sad, space missing my late hubby Brian.  Not only is it Christmas but his birthday is 5 days before. We still celebrate it, to honour his life and that brings me comfort. I go into a place where I think too much and then spend too much time entertaining myself - usually by wasting time with app games, TV and movies…just to stop thinking. I secretly hope someone will remember Brian's birthday too, without my prompting (and one family did, thank you) and want someone to love me and rescue me from my sorrow, but that is not my reality. So, I pray like crazy (sometimes in a not so reverent manner), finish December and take a deep breath. I know I cannot stay in this place. It is not healthy and no one but the Saviour can save me. Then I find myself picking up new good, wholesome literature (thank you to a new friend and her hubby who just gave me my latest book about Christ) that draws me nearer to my Maker, and I start afresh. My journey to be happy continues.

Just like exercise - which goes by the way side in December, -as does eating right =( , if you quit or mess up your diet, just pick right back up and continue. Like when you first learned how to ride a bike!

(poketo.com)

Here are my tips on how to be your best self:
(Remembering that we are all imperfect and make mistakes)

1. The Lord. Make Him a Priority and He will draw closer to you as you draw closer to Him. If the God of this world, our Saviour, Jesus Christ, who was perfect, without sin had to descend below all things - how can we not also expect to have our own trials of faith? Each trial sanctifies us, purifies us so that one day we too can be perfected in Christ. In other words, we need to have our imperfections, our impurities leave us through trials to become who we truly are.

http://www.lds.org

SPECIFICALLY: Read your scriptures, say your prayers and get to church. 

2. Sleep. Get enough but don't over sleep. (7-8) In this way you can wake early and get lots accomplished in your life.  Try to go to bed early to wake early. 

sheknows.com

3. Exercise. A little is better than nothing. Try to work up a sweat for at least 20 minutes a day. Make exercise fun. (It can get boring, especially when you go by yourself.) Switch it up, change what you're doing. Run outside in the fresh air. Do push ups in your room. Skip. Do yoga. Walk briskly. Anything. Exercise improves your health. I helps clear your head. In fact, after Brian died I ran everyday. It was what kept me sane when my world had fallen apart. I even cried loads of tears while crying..which made me have to stop occasionally to see where I was going! ;) Exercise is great for sadness.

sheknows.com

4. Stop eating refined sugar. You'll not only see the foggy brain lift, (which is why December can be so sad- we eat sugar and get moody) but you will also lose weight. .

5. Eat Right. Eat lots of veggies, and eat fruit. Chose lean meats. It's better to not eat processed foods like sandwich meat, prepackage foods…eat foods that you can make yourself. Plus, eating at home instead of fast food or restaurant food saves the budget and the belly.

allsortsofpretty.com

6. Drink water. Lots. Cleans out impurities and makes skin look fabulous. Helps with the next point too…!

http://carolalt.com/2013/10/water-follow-up/

7. Poop. Yup. I said it. I'm sure my kids are shrinking in the corner! By eating well, drinking water, sleeping and exercising you should be able to "go". This isn't always the case so see your Dr. You may just need to cleanse out the candida (yeast) inside your gut. Some is good and needs to be there but we have too much in us from the way we eat,  too many yeasts and sugars (natural or refined) the pills we take..etc. You should clear your bowels daily.

http://www.everydayhealth.com

http://www.longheh.com/constipation1.html

8. Learn. The more good "stuff" you put into your brain, the less "bad" thoughts can come in and disturb the peace. For example, whenever I am reading a book about the Saviour, I am filling my head with "good" and not allowing criticism for others or myself to get planted there. When I am reading about nutrition, or learning how to quilt, seeing someone else's needs (with love, not with expectation of reward)…We are never to old to learn something new. Keep challenging your mind. Have you not heard the saying,"You reap what you sow?" If you want to be happy in your journey then plant good thoughts and actions into your heart and mind. Otherwise, weeds will grow and destroy all the good.

http://www.fitbrains.com/brain-health/

http://www.fitbrains.com/brain-health/mental-stimulation

Again, I am not perfect at this and find my challenges hard. Who doesn't? So, if you are a normal imperfect person that wants to be better - then let's do it. Don't be hard on yourself. We all fall, but what makes us truly great is when we pick ourselves back up and start again. I love you for trying! 

Love this Anatomy link

I just had to share…if you're looking for a site that is truly helpful for learning your mooskals! (muscles) then check this out! You can scroll your cursor over each highlighted muscle to check what you already know! (Or don't)

Shapesense

Have fun with that and let me know what you think!


Have a Happy Journey Today!

Fitness Inspiration

After sharing a fantastic girl's morning out with my best friend, we started talking fitness and she shared this amazing story that I'll share with you. But first, take at look at this shake…

I got this recipe from Kelly's blog, eat-yourself-skinny.com 

Not bad, but today I "tweaked" it a little. I put in vanilla protein powder and 1/4 cup of skim milk. It looked creamier like this…

My other girlfriend makes veggie shakes for her kids because they don't like eating veggies in her house. Why not? Gotta have 'em.

Okay, are you full of suspense? This lady is remarkable. I hear that she gets up at 2:30 am, starts by reading her scriptures and then goes for a run before hitting the gym- she's 76 by now! And she started when she was 50, after her sister died. Okay people, what's our excuse? We are probably gonna live a long life, so why not give ourselves every opportunity to be the best we can be - with faith, good works, eating right and exercise! luv ya ;)

Ernestine Shepherd

Here's her site - http://ernestineshepherd.net

Let's all be happy in our journey…if you need to, begin today! Way to be Ernestine!

Piña Colada Protein Shake

Oh My Goodness  This Is Good!

Try this out on a hot sunny day. I ended up making a double batch and froze my leftovers. When you partially thaw and then re-blend it - it becomes a Piña Colada Frosty!

Here's the link: Clean Piña Colada Protein Shake

(again this came from the Oxygen Magazine that I'm loving! Cut 'n paste baby ;)

The only amendments I would suggest is maybe a little less cottage cheese and more protein mix as it can taste a little "cheesy" for some :) as well make sure to put your ice in at the last minute as it tends to not be icy enough.  But otherwise - yuuuuummmmmy! A guilt free indulgence!

Ready in 5 minutes • Makes 2 servings

Ingredients: 

• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained, or
• 1 cup pineapple juice
• ½ frozen banana
• ½ cup skim milk
• 1 tbsp shredded coconut
• ½ scoop vanilla whey protein powder
• 1 cup ice cubes

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a blender and process to a smooth consistency.

Nutritional Breakdown: 49% carbs, 41% protein, 10% fat.

Nutrients per serving: Calories: 210, Total Fats: 2.5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 15mg, Sodium: 60mg, Total Carbohydrates: 25g, Dietary Fiber: 2g, Sugars: 19g, Protein:22g, Iron:1 mg

Realize Your Potential

Have you ever wondered what you were supposed to be "when you grew up"? I still wonder that. In fact, have you ever wondered what your talents were, how to find them, magnify them - use them in the way that you were designed to?

No Way?! Me too! So, while reading in my trainer's study guide, I came across an account of this man, Clarence DeMar -"Mr. Marathon". He ran in more than 1000 long distance traces, entered the Boston Marathon 34 times -winning it 7 times and finishing in the top 10, 15 times! This next part is what I want to achieve (somewhat, I'll explain further later on). He also worked nights as a proofreader for a New England newspaper, ran a small farm, taught classes at a reformatory for boys, as well as fitting in time to train and stay in shape for all his cross-country races! Wowee! He stayed fit his whole life until cancer took over and Heavenly Father called him home.

My friend has told me about a boy her daughter knows, he too has focus and energy galore.  He made the decision to get out of a dark place and become more of who he was meant to be. He wakes up very early, reads, exercises, volunteers, helps in coaching of other kids sports, has time to travel…he is a meagre high school boy.

Age doesn't seem to be a factor now does it? Nope. Desire. Yes. Fitness and Focus. Absolutely!

This is my plan for growth. You can call it change if you will but I prefer growth. We all face changes every day. What we choose to do with those changes, because we have agency (choice) is where we can grow or atrophy.

Part A

Stay fit. Exercise daily. (Eat healthier) Keep my body and mind strong and active. When we exercise we allow more oxygen to flow throughout our body, making us have more energy, helping us to act as though we have taken "happy pills".  Therefore, by exercising I am allowing myself to have more energy to accomplish more things, and the brain power to be more alert, attentive and wiser in what I learn and choose. (And as a woman, less prone to being emotional…? Ha! We shall see, just ask my husband in 3 months ;)

Part B

Our True Identity 

Part C

"Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail." 

Pres. Henry B. Eyring

Look at this amazing true video.

"We can follow and accomplish our dreams in life. Anything is possible." Kuha'o

"God knows our gifts. My challenge to you is to pray to know the gifts we have been given, to know how to develop them and to recognize the opportunities to serve others that God provides us."

 Pres. Henry B. Eyring 

This is my Part C that will ever be a work in progress until I am called back home. I desire to know my gifts. How to recognize what I may have but have not been fully aware of, how to develop my talents/gifts and how to use them to serve others. I know that my Heavenly Father has a great plan for me, and for you. My hope is that we strive to reach our full potential and be who we were created to be here on this earth to the best of our capabilities. I can't do that slumping on a couch, or laying in bed. (Although there may be times - just don't stay there). I hope to have more energy, better health and to go forward with faith. 

Although, since I have now posted my goals to the world, I am sure that the Adversary will try to thwart my efforts in this great cause. However, I will press on.

If you are searching too, I hope together our knees get tough from all our praying and seeking. Here's wishing you all the best as you seek to…

Be Happy On Your Journey!

Staying fit?

Our home is under construction. Well, the way we eat is. Some days are more yummy than others, and once again, I see that you can't please everyone!

We had this last week and enjoyed it so much we are having it again.

You can find it here and more "clean" recipes that are yummy…

Turkey Burger and Sweet Potato Chips

Turkey Burger and Sweet Potato Chips Ready in 30 minutes • Makes 2 servings

Ingredients

• Non-stick olive oil spray
• 1 medium sweet potato, sliced thinly (1/8″ thick slices)
• Sea salt, to taste (optional)
• 8 oz lean ground turkey
• ¼ cup salsa, divided
• 4 slices tomato
• 2 Romaine lettuce leaves
• 2 whole-grain, thin burger buns, toasted

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray. Spread sweet potato slices on baking sheet and lightly sprinkle with sea salt, if desired. Bake 20 to 25 minutes until cooked through, stirring once halfway through.
2. Meanwhile, lightly spray a large saute pan with olive oil spray. Mix ground turkey with 2 tablespoons of salsa, divide in half and form each half into a patty. Cook patties over medium-high heat until lightly browned on one side (approximately 4 minutes). Flip burgers over and continue cooking until done, approximately 3 more minutes.
3. On half of each bun, place a lettuce leaf and 2 tomato slices; place burgers on the opposite bun and top with remaining salsa (1 tablespoon each). Place lettuce and tomato side on top of burger and salsa and serve immediately with the sweet potato chips.

*********************************************************************************************

Wondering what a yam is vs a sweet potato? Check out the Globe and Mail. Still need to be sure? Check out about.com, this one has pictures to make it clear at mikes daily apple.

So, there are some discrepancies. The above therefore would be yam chips, not  sweet potato chips, correct? However, both are yummy. When you've mastered how to make them perfect would you be willing to share? Just send me a comment at the bottom. ;)

And funny fact: 

My kids were whining that they had to try something new, how they hated it, it was yucky. But then something fantastic happened! They tried it and with a mouthful of burger said, "Actually, these are good." Ha! Mommy's everywhere can rejoice. Whoop whoop! :)

Protein Shake

Trying to eat better is no easy feat. I have noticed that by cutting out most, if not all of my sugars, foods are tasting exceptionally sweet. Yogurts & spaghetti sauce for example taste too sugary, and that ice-cream cake gave me a head rush! :}

Here is a sample of one meal I have eaten. I am only 5 weeks in to this new eating plan, so you may note that I still have a small amount of salad dressing, I used 1 egg to my egg whites (cuz after my 12 cups uncooked = 1 cup cooked spinach mistake and  my egg white lunch I can't stomach an all egg white meal- not yet!)

Lately I have had the same thing for breakfast everyday and I really love it. My mixer makes it nice and frothy with no weird bits floating around.

Protein Shake (from Oxygen magazine):

1 cup skim milk

1 banana

1/4 cup strawberries (a medium strawberry)

1 scoop protein powder

1/4 cup rolled oats (not the quick kind)

juice from an orange (I use a quarter of an orange and squeeze it in)

Lately I have been adding 3-4 leaves of baby spinach too. 

The Other Day's Protein Shake:

(Made by me so not sure of calories etc)

3" of a banana

4 leaves of baby spinach

2-3 small strawberries

a few slices of fresh mango

1/4 cup of rolled oats

1/4 of an orange - squish out the juice

I think I will try this one next...

Spiced Apple Protein Shake

from Oxygen  Women's Nutrition Fitness Magazine

I also have enjoyed a new way to eat a wrap. I forgot where I found this one…sorry.

One multigrain wrap (the most fiber filled one you can handle)

1/4 cup of greek yogurt, plain (the zero fat kind, of course) This is your dressing or "mayo"

2 cups baby spinach (instead of lettuce)

4 oz cooked chicken breast (not processed sandwich meat and not the fast frozen kind, those are loaded with sodium) This is about half a chicken breast

1 small sized tomato 

Roll 'er up and enjoy getting healthy!

And… get this! This is such a big deal for me…I ate fish. Yup.. I haven't eaten fish in almost…woah I almost let you know how old I really am….suffice it to say many many years. :> My Kevie made me salmon on the barbie and I ate my whole portion. I must really want to be healthy. Koodos to my children and guest who ate it too. Fish is not a popular thing in my family at all. :/

Stay tuned maybe I'll share more healthy eating tips with ya!

Marriage - Keep Things Fun

This is very unlike me to post this type of blog, however, it has come to my attention that some of you would like to know some of the wonderful things my late husband and I did to have such a fairytale relationship (and now, of course, how Kevin and I are building our own magic). It's for you ladies (and you know who you are ;) that I write this, hope it helps.

I am not perfect, but those of you who knew Brian, knew we had an amazing marriage, one that many can't even dream about. Now, Kevin and I are truly patterning our lives in a way, that we too are building a marriage to talk about. So… what are some of the special things…? There are so many, but let's get right to the point!

(highball.deviantart.com)

1. Make your marriage fun! It was fun when you dated so why does that have to stop? Kids, you say? Well, we have kids. SIX of them. You must make time for each other. Why? Because you WANT to. If it's 5 minutes in between taxing children, then stop and snuggle or give a hug. Pay attention. Ask about your days, give a kiss...

Tell him he's cute, funny, sweet, romantic…when he is of course. He could just be sleeping and looking so peaceful, give his cheek a little kiss and when he's awake tell him how adorable he looked.

If you can't afford to go on dates, (which should be once a week- your marriage is an investment), create them at home. When the kids are in bed, turn off the TV, put a blanket down, drink some sparkling apple cider, TALK, remember that? Ask how his day was, what he dreams about doing and how you can work towards achieving those goals. Dream together. Rub each others feet, run a bath, read a book taking turns. Lay on the couch together for that show and eat popcorn. Be close.

Run to the door when he comes home and give him a big hug. Tell him you are glad he is home. (Because you are! He can lighten your load, he makes you smile, you got married for many reasons, remember them?)

I heard this from a friend years ago, and I think it is great. Decide together that if the clock has all the same digits (2:22, 11:11) you will think about each other.

Hold hands.

Wink at him in the store.

Tell him he looks good in those jeans.

(dreamstime.com)

Smile your infectious smile and walk away. (So he can remember a happy You leaving, not a grumpy,  tired out, stressed out Mom and wife- even though you may be)You wan tour smile embedded in his brain. ;) (Not some other smiling woman he saw that day)

When you are grocery shopping together have fun. Kevin and I will throw and catch the produce, the boxes, the cans (he catches, I throw). Grab hands and push the cart in unison. His left hand and your right pushing but other hands locked up tight together.

Wrap your feet around his when sitting at the table, or on the couch. Be close but give him space. Let him have his freedom and you'll find he will appreciate you for that and enjoy the time the two of you share together more.

Are you dancers? Who cares? Grab his arm and dance with him in the kitchen while the spaghetti boils. Or groove in the store.

Sing the lyrics of a perfect song (whether you can sing or not, doesn't matter) that fits you both at that moment.

2. Serve each other. Put a fresh towel out for him when he goes to have a shower. Put toothpaste on one another's toothbrushes morning and night. When you see it, know he's thinking about you. If he forgets just tease and remind him.

Tickle tackle. Tackle him on the floor or the bed - the kids love getting involved trying to be the winner. He'll love the attention from you.

There are lots of ways to serve one another, just look around and find things that he would do that you can do for him. Make his lunch, or breakfast. try to always have supper together. If he will be late, fix his plate so he can just eat it as soon as he gets home. Sit with him and chat while he eats.

3. Play hard to get! Ha! I love this one. (Ladies it works, just try and keep at it) Ok, when did he try his hardest? When he needed to get your attention! Be the first one to say goodbye on the phone. Don't be a nag and call all the time. You are busy too. Have a life. Get out and be independent. But, when you are together relish in it. (You don't know how long you have with each other. I thought I would grow old with my best friend Brian, and I was unpleasantly surprised. Now Kevin and I will sit in rocking chairs together.)

If you serve him all the time and he is not serving back, my suggestion would be to be inconsistent. Keep him on his toes. If you always kiss and hug him when he comes home, maybe if you were a little busy one or two times, he would notice and miss you, but then do it the next time.

4. EXERCISE. Yup. This will release "happy pills" and you'll find you have more energy, you are the happy woman he fell in love with, your intimacy will improve, you'll feel good about yourself and exercise keeps your thoughts in check. You will be more positive. A good trait to have.

4. Lastly, be honest. Not cruel honest, like if he's had too much garlic, but heart felt honest. I have found that telling my husband the scary truth makes what was difficult to say dissolve and become resolved. Develop trust and be best friends.

This is my opinion, and my experiences tried and true. Everyone is different, but you asked me what I did and do... so - Good luck! I want you all to know that I may not write about this again, as it is very personal and right out weird to type this to strangers, but I want you all to have what I enjoy. It is cheesy? Absolutely! (I love cheese!) But if you are so happy why would you care even a smidgen what others think? Let them be grouchy or jealous. You just be happy. Guard your marriage. Enjoy one another's companionship while you can. Your family is your greatest treasure. I wish you all the best of luck.

Me and my Kevie

Marriage - Keep Things Fun

This is very unlike me to post this type of blog, however, it has come to my attention that some of you would like to know some of the wonderful things my late husband and I did to have such a fairytale relationship (and now, of course, how Kevin and I are building our own magic). It's for you ladies (and you know who you are ;) that I write this, hope it helps.

I am not perfect, but those of you who knew Brian, knew we had an amazing marriage, one that many can't even dream about. Now, Kevin and I are truly patterning our lives in a way, that we too are building a marriage to talk about. So… what are some of the special things…? There are so many, but let's get right to the point!

(highball.deviantart.com)

1. Make your marriage fun! It was fun when you dated so why does that have to stop? Kids, you say? Well, we have kids. SIX of them. You must make time for each other. Why? Because you WANT to. If it's 5 minutes in between taxing children, then stop and snuggle or give a hug. Pay attention. Ask about your days, give a kiss...

Tell him he's cute, funny, sweet, romantic…when he is of course. He could just be sleeping and looking so peaceful, give his cheek a little kiss and when he's awake tell him how adorable he looked.

If you can't afford to go on dates, (which should be once a week- your marriage is an investment), create them at home. When the kids are in bed, turn off the TV, put a blanket down, drink some sparkling apple cider, TALK, remember that? Ask how his day was, what he dreams about doing and how you can work towards achieving those goals. Dream together. Rub each others feet, run a bath, read a book taking turns. Lay on the couch together for that show and eat popcorn. Be close.

Run to the door when he comes home and give him a big hug. Tell him you are glad he is home. (Because you are! He can lighten your load, he makes you smile, you got married for many reasons, remember them?)

I heard this from a friend years ago, and I think it is great. Decide together that if the clock has all the same digits (2:22, 11:11) you will think about each other.

Hold hands.

Wink at him in the store.

Tell him he looks good in those jeans.

(dreamstime.com)

Smile your infectious smile and walk away. (So he can remember a happy You leaving, not a grumpy,  tired out, stressed out Mom and wife- even though you may be)You wan tour smile embedded in his brain. ;) (Not some other smiling woman he saw that day)

When you are grocery shopping together have fun. Kevin and I will throw and catch the produce, the boxes, the cans (he catches, I throw). Grab hands and push the cart in unison. His left hand and your right pushing but other hands locked up tight together.

Wrap your feet around his when sitting at the table, or on the couch. Be close but give him space. Let him have his freedom and you'll find he will appreciate you for that and enjoy the time the two of you share together more.

Are you dancers? Who cares? Grab his arm and dance with him in the kitchen while the spaghetti boils. Or groove in the store.

Sing the lyrics of a perfect song (whether you can sing or not, doesn't matter) that fits you both at that moment.

2. Serve each other. Put a fresh towel out for him when he goes to have a shower. Put toothpaste on one another's toothbrushes morning and night. When you see it, know he's thinking about you. If he forgets just tease and remind him.

Tickle tackle. Tackle him on the floor or the bed - the kids love getting involved trying to be the winner. He'll love the attention from you.

There are lots of ways to serve one another, just look around and find things that he would do that you can do for him. Make his lunch, or breakfast. try to always have supper together. If he will be late, fix his plate so he can just eat it as soon as he gets home. Sit with him and chat while he eats.

3. Play hard to get! Ha! I love this one. (Ladies it works, just try and keep at it) Ok, when did he try his hardest? When he needed to get your attention! Be the first one to say goodbye on the phone. Don't be a nag and call all the time. You are busy too. Have a life. Get out and be independent. But, when you are together relish in it. (You don't know how long you have with each other. I thought I would grow old with my best friend Brian, and I was unpleasantly surprised. Now Kevin and I will sit in rocking chairs together.)

If you serve him all the time and he is not serving back, my suggestion would be to be inconsistent. Keep him on his toes. If you always kiss and hug him when he comes home, maybe if you were a little busy one or two times, he would notice and miss you, but then do it the next time.

4. EXERCISE. Yup. This will release "happy pills" and you'll find you have more energy, you are the happy woman he fell in love with, your intimacy will improve, you'll feel good about yourself and exercise keeps your thoughts in check. You will be more positive. A good trait to have.

4. Lastly, be honest. Not cruel honest, like if he's had too much garlic, but heart felt honest. I have found that telling my husband the scary truth makes what was difficult to say dissolve and become resolved. Develop trust and be best friends.

This is my opinion, and my experiences tried and true. Everyone is different, but you asked me what I did and do... so - Good luck! I want you all to know that I may not write about this again, as it is very personal and right out weird to type this to strangers, but I want you all to have what I enjoy. It is cheesy? Absolutely! (I love cheese!) But if you are so happy why would you care even a smidgen what others think? Let them be grouchy or jealous. You just be happy. Guard your marriage. Enjoy one another's companionship while you can. Your family is your greatest treasure. I wish you all the best of luck.

Me and my Kevie