Convincing Chanelle

LOC - Being a good steward

2012-02-09T13:51:00.000-08:00

The next step to the Law of Creation is being a good steward over your currents give and prove you are worthy of more responsibility.
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My children are always wanting more toys, but don't take care of the ones they currently have. {To be honest, some of the problem is me, as I've not done the greatest job teaching them how to ... but that is changing!} When they ask for a new doll or Lego set my first thought is, "Great, another thing to pick up." So, I very rarely buy them new toys. Of course, I'm always telling them that if they kept their room clean and respected what they had I'd be more than willing to buy them more.

Isn't it the same way with our requests for more from Heavenly Father? We ask for a larger house, but don't keep the one we have clean or in good repair. We ask for a new car, but let the current one go months without an oil change or rotating the tires. We ask for a new outfit, but don't fold the clothes we have {which if we did we would learn we had two weeks worth of pants ... true story with my son.}

How can He grant us with more and bigger when we negelt what we have? He can't. So when our prayers aren't answered we need to first look and see if we are doing everything possible to be ready for the answer.

Also, along with being a good steward you have to prove you can handle more responsiblity. After all, that is what bigger and better is ... just more responsiblity. The more toys you have {I'm thinking adult toys now: atvs, electronics, boats, etc} the more bills and up keep you have.

Here's a quick example of how it works:

I want a greenhouse. A big one ... even a conservatory, one day. I can pray all I want, but I've learned that if I prove to Him that I will take care of one and actually use it, he is more willing to help me create it in my life; and quicker as well.

So, what do I do? I begin small by starting seeds in a windowsill. I transplant the seedlings and harvest the fruit in the fall. By doing that, I just proved I'm willing to do the work ... but let's say I found my plants didn't get quite large enough and fruited late in the season. I now need a way to give them more light, so I pray and show what I have done with my time; I open up my heart and ask for a way to provide more light and possibly a larger area to grow more types of plants. I also ask for a way to afford it, either by finding extra money or a good deal.

Because I've done the work and proved I was ready for more responsiblity I then find a three hundred dollar grow rack with lights and accessories for only fifty dollars in the local classifides. Sweet!

This is a true story. The Lord provided because I proved myself. I don't doubt that one bit. Now it is time to continue proving myself by getting the seeds planted in time for the next harvest{which is NOW!!}. If I continue on this path one day I will not only have the large greenhouse, but the conservatory as well.

I believe it ... 100%!

To quickly wrap up, what was today's lesson?

Be a good steward over your current gifts; then prove you are ready for more.

Sounds too simple? The theory difinitly is. The practial is a little more challenging, but it will bring you every good desire that the Lord agrees you should have.

Now go do your dishes and prove you are ready for remodeling the kitchen ...

{I'm preaching to myself, no one else ;) }

2012-01-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

I'm spritiually dry heaving. All the things I want to create are stuck inside ... all the things I want to say ... want to create ... I can't get them out. It is so frustrating. Part of the problem is due to fear, part to a lack of knowledge, and another part to the lack of tools.

Life is like that sometimes ... but, the number one thing is to remember to not give up.

I'm preaching to myself, not to you.

Above is a practice of my future header. There is a whole story behind it and it might change and evolve over time, but at least I'm working on it.

I thought I would share it to show that creating is not always easy ... sometimes it takes fortitude to not give up. I will get it right and be pleased with it ... it's just a matter of when.

Counsel with the Lord

2012-01-22T22:30:00.000-08:00

Life: A complex combination of emotional and physical experiences.

I don't know if any of us will ever really understand it on this sphere, but this I've learned ... we have more control then we believe. The next step of the Law of Creation is to Counsel with the Lord.

Our Lord has given us the right to make our own realities, but as we do it we have to remember to counsel with him. He knows us. He can see the consequence of each choice we stand to make. That is why after you have decided what you want and begin to envision it, you need to get down on your knees and ask if what you want to accomplish will bring you happiness in this life and the next.

I have done this many times. Most of the time I feel confident with my choices and that they do me well. But, occasionally I have felt that I need to take a different path ... make a different choice. I don't think that the first choice was necessarily bad, and if I really persisted He would grant me my wish, but it was something that he knew wouldn't bring me the deep seated happiness that I was looking for.

At that point, it is hard to have to rethink my choices ... sometimes it takes a month or longer to get my thoughts back together and make a new plan. During that process I ask for guidance on ideas ... I don't know why, but it always surprises me when I get the answers. I then pull those ideas together and decide again on a new plan ... which I take back to the Lord. I tell him my new plan and once again ask if it will bring me happiness.

I personally believe that is how the Lord would have us live our lives ... not in always asking for what he would have us do ... because isn't what he wants us to do is learn to make choices for ourselves? To become creating beings? I sure think so. Besides, how many times have you asked what he wants you to do and you still feel lost? Doctrine and Covenants 9:7-8 helps to make my point:

7 Behold, you have not understood; you have supposed that I would give it unto you, when you took no thought save it was to ask me.

8 But, behold, I say unto you, that you must study it out in your mind; then you must ask me if it be right, and if it is right I will cause that your bosom shall burn within you; therefore, you shall feel that it is right.

Everything I do in my life is on purpose. Not because I think the Lord wants me to do something, but because I decided, for myself, what I want and then I verify it with him.

It is such a simple step, but will take you on the right path. Remember - Always counsel with the great creator!

Be a Good Steward is the next step in mastering the Law of Creation.

This picture is me having fun ... creating ... I wish I had better tools to create with, but until I do I'll

experiment and keep my brain ticking. I'm still working on a header ... again ... I wish I had better tools.

2011-12-25T22:00:00.000-08:00

{My parents gave Dave and I a "Widows Mite," or lepton,

which will be a great addition to our other coins.}

Merry Christmas and Hello! I know it's been a while since I've blogged ... I have my reasons why I've been MIA ... but I think I'm on the verge of spilling my guts on this wonderful place once again.

So how has your Christmas been? Mine was wonderful ... Time with family, good food, going to church and listening to gorgeous Christmas music ... I think my favorite day to celebrate Christmas is on Sundays. It's been pure bliss.

{I'm still a bird freak. ;) }

So what's been up with me the last few months? Well, if you are an old timer here, you know that I've been doing some deep and dark soul searching. I don't know why I do that, but I do. I guess that is just what you get when you get me.

Like it or leave it. ;)

I grew a garden this year that did so-so because of our cool summer, but I finally grew a watermelon and got to eat it! That was a feat in and of its self!

I've started thumbing through seed catalogs and am super excited for the coming growing season ... I've got big plans.

{Did I mention I was still a bird freak? Dave gave these to me for Christmas ... I was so excited!}

I still can't write or take pictures well, but I'm willing to keep on trying ... always convincing myself that I can do what ever I want!

I have a little online shop : Hover : selling crochet patterns and other accessories. I'm having a lot of fun with it, except when people try to lie their way into getting a pattern for free. Makes me sad that there are really people out there like that.

{Bridger wearing one of my creations, Merriweather.}

I'm still trying to convince myself that I don't have to justify why I do things ... I think that will be my goal for 2012 ... To know what I believe, believe what I know, and then not let other's opinions cause me confusion. Isn't that one of the beautiful aspects of life? That we each get to create our own realities? I sure think so ... and if you don't, well, that is fine ... I still feel the same. ;)

I'm going to make another list of goals for 2012. One of my goals for this site is to clean up old posts {so if you want to read them you better do it now ... or they will be gone forever! ;) } I WILL create a header. This year! Maybe I'll invest in some fun programs to help me do it. Maybe I'll keep it amateur looking. I have decided yet, but I WILL have a header!

That's a little of what's been up with me.

Well, I'm exhausted. Good night and God bless you!

{We had a very happy, fulfillling day ... so much that he feel asleep on the floor ... something he never does.}

2011-12-21T21:27:00.000-08:00

I've tried the "Curly Girl" method of taking care of my hair in the past, but I recently learned a couple tricks that I didn't know of ... all I have to stay is WOW! My hair was air dried for this picture. I normally have a soft wave that I have to fight to look decent, but today I have a strong wave and some complete curls.

And get this ~ I haven't used shampoo in a week ... only conditioner. I was so afraid of going "no-poo" but my hair and scalp look and feel amazing. For the last year or more I've had a mildly itchy scalp I haven't been able to cure ... but it hasn't itched all week. It is such a relief.

I'll go into detail of how I did it in another post ... I am just so giddy that I had to share a little of my excitement.

Envision

2011-05-23T19:40:00.000-07:00

{The pictures have nothing to do with the post. They are posted to appease photo hungry
grandparents. LOL ~ For scouts we built catapults with simple and humble supplies.}

The other half, the powerful half, of Decide and Envision what you want is to envision what you have decided on. Doing it is simple when times are good and takes fortitude when times are tough, but it is so important to always do.

What exactly do I mean by envision? Basically, I'm giving you permission to live in a dream world. I'm telling you to live your life as if the things you want are already yours. When you walk around your house literally see the things you want with your spiritual eyes. When you talk to someone see the person who you want to be.

Still sound confusing? Here's an example ~

I want new couches for my upstairs living room. When I sit on my current ones I don't think, "Ugh! These are so ugly and worn out." I think while stretching out, "This leather feels so good while reading my book." I honestly feel the soft, supple nature of leather under my fingers and against my back. {I want leather couches if you hadn't notice.}

While spraying them with Frebreze, I don't think, "These stinky old couches really need to go." But, instead I think, "Crisp leather smells so good."

Sounds silly? It is. But, it works! In so many ways. First, it helps you think positively about the life around you. Second, you are creating the very thing you want. Because it is fresh on your mind you can fulfill your dream when you get extra money.

Uh-OH! Did I just hear your mind say, "Extra money? Yeah right! That never happens." Tell your mind to Hush! I only allow positive thinking here. ;)

{We left the scouts to figure how to build them on their own and then we planned on helping them.
Each one figured it all by themselves and even added some pretty cool twists.}

Actually, you will be surprised how willing Heavenly Father is to help you get new couches if you really need them. I've needed other things more, so I am still envisioning my leather couches, but they will come, once it is the right time. I don't doubt that.

Now, if you think about it too hard, leather couches are kind of a superficial thing to create. But, if it brings beauty to your world and all the other parts of your life are in order, what is wrong with envisioning and creating a beautiful house? Nothing. ;)

Use envisioning for everything ~ just don't get all fanatic on me. Even though I'm giving you permission to live in a dream world you have to stay connected to this one enough to pay the bills and feed the kids. But, remember seeing what you want with your spiritual eyes first will make it possible to be seen with your physical eyes.

There are so many examples of where envisioning helped people achieve what they want.

Like Corrie Ten Bloom and her sister ~ While in concentration camps they envisioned building a place for victims to come and heal from their suffering. After being released, Corrie was floored when a beautiful, large building, that fit their dreams to the smallest detail fell into her lap.

Well, we all know where it fell from, right? Right. From Heavenly Father. Through his power she was able to envision and create the very place where she soothed many tortured souls.

Another example is one of my favorites from the fictional story, A Little Princess. The "princess," Sara Crewe, is a believer in the "magic." She believes that just before anything gets to hard to handle the magic saves her.

She lived under the care of a hardhearted mistress that put her to bed without food and very little clothing. She was in despair, shivering from the cold and even though very tired, she tried her best to dream of sweet things. Here's what she dreamed:

"Suppose there was a bright fire in the grate, with lots of little dancing flames," she murmured. "Suppose there was a comfortable chair before it--and suppose there was a small table near, with a little hot--hot supper on it. And suppose"--as she drew the thin coverings over her--"suppose this was a beautiful soft bed, with fleecy blankets and large downy pillows. Suppose-- suppose--"

Something beautiful happened ~ a stranger, viewing her through a skylight saw her state. He crept in once she was asleep and laid blankets over her frail, cold frame. He lit a fire in the barren grate and dressed the room with rugs, lace, dishes, hot food, and clothes for her to wear.

She awoke from her dream of simple wants to a world full of more than she had ever expected. She never lost faith even when times were the hardest and was rewarded for her steadfastness. This is exactly what Heavenly Father wants to do for each of us!

BTW ~ There is so much more to this little story and I believe that every girl and woman should read it. It is truly life changing ~ at least it was for me.

So again, once you decide what you want envision it to the fullest. You will be surprised at how much you can create!

Counsel with the Lord is up next! Thanks for reading!

{Check it out! They all work and there are four flying marshmallows! :) }

Decide and Envision

2011-05-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

{I found this cute little dress at the thrift store and thought it
needed something more, so I crocheted a bolero jacket and made
the fabric flower to spiff it up. You like? I love! ;) }

Have you ever listened to someone say that they don't like what their house looks like? What their body looks like? Their car? Their personality? {If you've ever heard me say these things . . . I'm sorry . . . I'm not perfect and am still learning!}

What happens after they take a breath from all their complaining and you ask them what they do want? More often than not they say, "Oh, I don't know! I just don't want this!"

Right?

Well, this brings us to our next "step" of Decide and Envision what you want.

Think about it ~ How can we expect to create our little world when we don't even know what we want it to look like?

I know! It's a mind blowing thought, isn't it? ;)

For some reason the natural man is very adept to seeing what we don't want. It takes courage, patience and fortitude to really, really, know what we want. If we plan to do anything with our lives we must commit to Decide what to do with it.

{Is she looking for birds? Or just being silly? Either way, she is a Cutie Pie!}

This is where the fun really begins. Think about all the day dreams you've ever had ~ what did they look like? Look through magazines, drive around neighborhoods, read inspiring books, watch your heroes. Constantly doing similar activities help us to see what we find beautiful and useful in this life.

As you do this take notes of what you find; jot down why you like certain things; explain to yourself who you want to be and why. Also, cut out pictures from the magazines and take pictures of things you like in the world around you.

Don't be afraid to decide down to the very detail of your choices.

What do you want your house to look like? What function will it provide for your life? Do you want a studio apartment with a balcony garden or a ranch house with acres to grow Christmas trees on? White cabinets or knotty alder ones? A red bedspread or soft, powdery blue one?

{This is the face that says, "Mom, there is a spider web on the tree. I don't like spider webs!"}

What profession do you want? Do you want to teach ballet to adorable four year old little girls or design store fronts? Maybe you want to find hidden pyramids in Mexico or breed horses. Perhaps you want to be mother who has the most important job of all ~ raising stalwart children who can benefit society with their honesty and compassion.

What kind of person do you want to be? What talents and traits do you want to strengthen? Do you long to paint inspiring pieces of art or sing like an angel? Do you want to uplift and cheer the elderly or comfort children from dysfunctional families? Do you want to inspire others to turn to their Heavenly Father for all good things or heal those who suffer physically and spiritually?

What do you want? Who do you want to be? What are you going to create in this little reality of yours.

DECIDE!!!

And be specific!

{It was a bit windy, which made for a couple cute pictures anyways. :) }

Once you decide what you want stick to it. Put the pictures on a vision board; if you can't find a picture, write down on a pretty piece of paper what it is and post that.

Here's something I've learned over my few years of putting this into motion: Do not ask for money for the sake of asking for money! That is too vague and in my opinion only feeds the vanity of the natural man.

Instead, know what you want the money for and then ask for the certain thing.

Money is a tool and remember to treat it as such. If you treat it as an all powerful entity you have forgotten your God. Use it only to achieve your goals and you'll be surprised how freely your Heavenly Father is willing to give to you.

Side note ~ I have found that asking for a specific amount that has a noble cause is perfectly fine. But, when it is given to you use the money for that cause! Show Heavenly Father that you understand the purpose of money and will use it as you promised.

Don't rush this step. It is important to clearly know what you long for. You are practicing to create your heavenly world with each thought and choice you make here on earth.

Treat life as that: your world. I'll say it again ~ what do you want your life {world} to look like? Consider your home, apartment, room, where ever you live, to be your own world. What will you create it into?

Decide!

Have fun! I'll discuss Envision next ~ sorry to keep you hanging. ;)

P.S. Enjoy this step until you know what you want, but don't forget to come out of the dream world. You have to start to make it real after all! ;)

{I LOVE this picture, even if I accidentally chopped off her hands. LOL}

Note ~ Don't make assumptions of what all this includes or doesn't include until I'm done with all the steps. There are so many dynamics to the Law of Creation, some I clearly understand and others that are still a tad bit vague, to be honest. But, even after these posts I might still have to make CD's to include all my thoughts. There are a LOT of them! Thanks for reading!
.

I lied . . .

2011-05-13T09:39:00.000-07:00

{Someone didn't want to be hugged. LOL}

I thought I was done with Be Aware of Your Thoughts, but I'm not.

Being aware of our thoughts is not just thinking positively about the things we want in our life ~ We have to think positively ALL the time, about EVERYTHING.

Do you think He would really believe us if we were to say, "I am thinking positive and I know you will give me my desires, if it is your will. Please bless me." and then judge others or ourselves with nasty negative thoughts or words? Heck no!

So, to prove that we are ready to create our own little reality, we must have kind {positive} thoughts towards ourselves and others.

None of this smiling with flattering words to someone's face and then think as they turn away, "Ugh! Why does she do what she does? It is so annoying. She doesn't make any sense to me."

Well, of course she doesn't make sense to us! We aren't in her head. We haven't lived her life. We can't judge her for anything she does. Instead we should love and accept her.

{...getting so big.}

A couple of days ago I had the chance to put this idea into motion when I chose to be kind to someone that was rude to me. Now, this woman was really irritated with me. I didn't do anything, per say, she just had a differing opinion from me and made it very clear how she felt. I totally could have taken the defense and got upset. But, instead I gave her a spiritual hug and forgave her for not understanding me. Hey ~ how could she have? She didn't know anything about me or why I do what I do. As I walked away, I was really impressed with how I reacted to the difficult situation.

Then the little devil on my shoulder taunted me, saying that I didn't deserve to be treated that way. It whispered in my ear, "You were nice to her; why couldn't she have returned the gesture? And all over a different view point. Isn't that what America is for? Land of the FREE? FREE to choose?"

Not being perfect and sometimes very weak, I gave in to the negative thoughts and whined to my mother and a good friend. Subconsciously, I wanted to show that woman I was better than she thought I was. But, all I did was hurt myself, not her, for soon afterward the guilt came.

Before, I had been forgiving and forward moving, not letting what happened get me down, but I took a step backwards as I allowed her actions to affect how I felt about her and the situation.

I have since regained love and acceptance for her.

(Nope ~ Sweet Pea still wants nothing to do with her big sister. But, I love how Cutie Pie never let it bother her. She just kept on smiling and trying to love Sweet Pea anyways. She is a wonderful example to me!}

Another aspect of thinking positively is being kind to yourself. Just as it is important to think positive things towards others, the way you feel and talk to yourself has a profound effect on the Law of Creation.

Start paying attention to your "self talk." What do you say to your self? Is it positive? If so, then wonderful! Keep it up!

But, if you find that you are always saying negative things to your self, STOP TODAY. Look at who you are and forgive your self for not being perfect. Remind your self that even though life can get rough you are a good person, that tries hard to do what is right. Give your self a hug. Learn to really enjoy and understand who you are.

This is the bottom line ~ you are a Child of God. If you can really learn what this simple proclamation means you will find so much peace. It doesn't guarantee your life will be perfect and free of suffering, but you will have comfort knowing that you are never alone.

{Check out my side note, below, to learn a little about this picture.}

Love your self.

Love yourself.

When you see your reflection, say "Hi. I am you. I like you. You are a person that does so many good things. You are beautiful ~ in more ways than one."

Give yourself a hug, not just physically, but spiritually as well. Find a small spark of peace in your "gut" and let it grow until it fills your whole body with warmth.

Do it.

The next time you see your reflection.

You'll be surprised at how much your self needs a little love and tenderness from you.

Does it sound impossible to think positive ALL the time, about EVERYTHING? Don't worry, it isn't ~ though doing so is a daily battle. But, if you stay true to yourself and never wave the white flag your Heavenly Father will bless you more than you will ever recognize.

Now I have to make it clear . . . we use the Law of Creation everyday. Whether we realize it or not. For good or bad. But, having our thoughts turned to our Father, and on a positive path, will allow us to manipulate it to our desires, if it is His will.

Now go and love yourself! Love your neighbor! Think positively!

{....getting so big, too.}

BTW ~ Aren't their feather clips adorable? You can easily make them yourself. But, if you aren't a bird freak like me and don't want hundreds of feathers flying around your house, you can buy them in my Etsy shop. They are so cute!

More BTW ~ to my friends that how I've wanted chickens . . . I finally have them! Well, kind of. After talking to my neighbor about them one day he decided to build a coop and raise chickens. But, there is more. He said that he bought a few extra for me and I can have some of the eggs when they begin to lay. We are also considering putting a door in the fence so I can let them in my yard to eat bugs, especially the grasshoppers! They have been so much fun and I feel totally blessed! Ask and you shall receive!

More BTW, again ~ I found this old post of mine tonight and it fits perfect to show how and what to think about yourself. I want to go to the gym ~ yeah, right.

More on BAOYT

2011-05-10T21:21:00.000-07:00

{Me and my kiddos on Mother's Day morning.
These pictures have nothing to do with the post. They are just something to look at. ;) }

If I haven't made it clear yet, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints or am more commonly known as a Mormon. I love my Bible and have found many references to the Law of Creation in it, but I tend to read my Book of Mormon more. So, I will quote from it more often than not. This post is no exception.

I'm not quite done with Be aware of your thoughts. To recap what I wrote yesterday I'll say "if you think it, you'll get it."

The reason the Law of Creation works this way is because Heavenly Father has also given us the Law of Free Agency which allows us to make our own destiny. Now is our time to prepare and practice being creative beings. I don't know exactly why ~ maybe it is easier to create with a body then with a spirit alone.

Anyways, allowing us to create our lives is a blessing from Heavenly Father as he wants to give us all that we desire, especially our righteous desires.

In 3 Nephi 14:7-11 we read:

7 Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.

8 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and to him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, who, if his son ask bread, will give him a stone?

10 Or if he ask a fish, will he give him a serpent?

11 If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?

How beautiful is that? And clear? I really don't have much to add to it. It speaks for it self. Our Heavenly Father is more than willing to give good things to his children {us} if we just ask.

{You gotta love a sappy card that makes you cry!}

Not only does he give us all the good things we ask for, but like I showed in my past post he will give us what ever we ask for. Honestly, what ever it is! Don't believe me? Well, would you believe if the prophet Alma told you so? Here it is {Alma 29:4-5}:

4 I ought not to harrow up in my desires the firm decree of a just God, for I know that he granteth unto men according to their desire, whether it be unto death or unto life; yea, I know that he allotteth unto men, yea, decreeth unto them decrees which are unalterable, according to their wills, whether they be unto salvation or unto destruction.

5 Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blamless; but he that knoweth good and evil, to him it is given according to his desires, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience.

WOW! According to Alma, Heavenly Father gives to us according to our desires!

It has to be said again ..... to him {you and I} it is given according to his desire, whether he desireth good or evil, life or death, joy or remorse of conscience!

What are your desires, or thoughts, asking for?

{My Mother's Day gift ... if you look closely she is holding a bird. I've been working for over
a year on a header for this blog with the exact image of this figurine.
I think I'll use it as a model and finally get myself a header. ;) }

These words are powerful in and of themselves, but when you understand the context behind them, they are even more powerful. Alma had just finished saying that he wished he was an angel and could speak with the trump of God. He felt that by wishing so he was asking for too much ~ that he should be grateful for what God had given him. But, he still longed to cry repentance unto his people, for when they softened their hearts and followed God, he found his greatest joy.

Now, who can remember what happened to Alma?

Here, I'll remind you:

19 Behold, this we know, that he {Alma} was a righteous man; and the saying went abroad in the church that he was taken up by the Spirit, or buried by the hand of the Lord, even as Moses. But behold, the scriptures saith the Lord took Moses unto himself; and we suppose that he has also received Alma in the spirit, unto himself; therefore, for this cause we know nothing concerning his death and burial.

How beautiful is that? Alma received the wish of his heart! Now, let us learn from his example. Let us clearly know what we want and create it ~ being it is the will of the Lord.

But, remember ~ Heavenly Father is more than willing to give us anything we want. Here's one more scripture for you {Moroni 7:26}:

26 And after that he came men also were saved by faith in his name; and by faith, they become the sons of God. And as surely as Christ liveth he spake these words unto our fathers, saying: Whatsoever thing ye shall ask the Father in my name, which is good, in faith believing that ye shall receive, behold, it shall be done unto you.
I can only read that as clearly as it is written. And if Christ said it, I believe it. I plan to ask for all good things at the same time watching my thoughts so that they match my desires.

OH! I just remembered a little tidbit from the book Laddie. In it, Little Sister had something that she wanted to ask God for. She was waiting for the perfect moment to show Him her faith, but He surprised her by answering her prayer before she even asked for it.

How many times does this happen in our own lives? Heavenly Father is aware of all our desires and gives to us more than we realize.

Now that we know how important it is to watch our thoughts, let's learn how to actually use them and create what we want. Decide and Envision what you want is the next step. It's coming soon.....

{Bud reading Peanuts Mother's Day comics to us.}

You know, this is kind of scary ~ putting myself out for you all to see. My thoughts make total sense to me, but I'm afraid I'm not very good at putting them in these short little posts. If you have any questions about what I've said, please don't be afraid to ask. And BTW ~ Thanks for sticking around this long .... it means a lot to me.

Be aware of your thoughts

2011-05-09T13:55:00.000-07:00

{The pictures and ideas have a connection . . . keep reading to learn how}

Let the fun begin with my Law of Creation ideas ~ At least it's fun for me, as the details of their theory, when applied with practice, is what makes anything and everything possible.

Now, do you remember our "steps?" If we were to build a house with them Be aware of your thoughts would be our foundation. This is because everything we think of, if thought of enough, becomes our reality.

And your life, your current reality, is what it is because you created it. Either knowingly or unknowingly. This is how it works:

If you think you don't have enough money to pay the bills, guess what? ~ Ask and You Shall Receive

If you think you are too fat/too thin ~ Ask and You Shall Receive

If you think telemarketers always call you ~ Ask and You Shall Receive

If you always get the best parking spots ~ Ask and You Shall Receive

If you have the best friends in the world ~ Ask and You Shall Receive

It goes on and on and on . . .

Makes more sense why the prophets warn us to watch our thoughts, doesn't it?

You have created your reality. It is true. Sit back and think about what your thoughts are and then look at your life. Here some examples from my life:

When I first moved to Utah I had a dream to live were I currently do. Not the exact house, but the exact area. For years I would drive the streets of this little town and envision myself being able to drive them everyday, being a part of the people, living under the gorgeous mountains.

I didn't know when it would come, but I knew it would come some day.

Guess what? You got it . . . Ask and You Shall Receive

When we found this house I was floored how everything fell into place. It was finally time that my dream {or my thoughts} were allowed by Heavenly Father to be made tangible.

I have countless of examples of things I've created by watching my thoughts. Some of them I've already shared with you: Here, here, and here.

As I'm learning how to live by the Law of Creation I'm creating more and more quickly ~ a little too quickly sometimes. It's like a snowball effect and I have to really watch my thoughts.

We are now to the connection between the post and the pictures ~

A few months ago, while driving home one night {yes, I was driving my lovely streets ;) } I watched a family of about 5 raccoons cross the street right under a light. It was eerie. Nothing I had ever seen before.

As I sometimes go too deep after an interesting side note in life, I began to wonder where they lived. Where they ate. Where they slept. I even came home and told Dave about it. But, time went by and it became a cataloged memory in my mind.

Well, guess what? YEP!!! Ask and You Shall Receive

About two months ago we began to hear random thumps in our wall. We thought it was maybe mice, but it sounded too big. We weren't able to figure out where the sounds were coming from even after searching around the whole house.

Then two weeks ago I was up late when I heard little squeals and chirps coming from the same wall. I quickly looked online for a recording of raccoons and received my confirmation that I was learning where the critters lived, ate, slept . . . it was in my wall! LOL

After searching the house again, we found the mother had made a nest in the chimney flue to our basement, which we didn't even know we had.

It took the two weeks to find a way to keep the mother out then Dave opened up the wall and pulled them out of the flue. They were so cute. So cute!

The girls had a blast watching them and we pulled Bud out of school for a couple minutes to show him before we took them to the animal control. Yes, it's true. My poor heart breaks that it has to be like that, but we can't have raccoons living in our house.

Now, do I really think that I "created" them and that is why they chose my chimney over the thousands of others? I don't know. But, most likely. After all, I've been challenging my ideas and this is too big to be just a coincidence. And that flue has been open for over 35 years and never had raccoons in it.

So, I've learned that I really have to be aware of my thoughts.

Here's a question for you: What do you want your life to look like? What experiences do you want to have? Do they match what your life looks like right now?

If not, start watching your thoughts and with the Law of Creation you can have almost anything you want. Even things you really don't want ~ like raccoons in your chimney. LOL

Small disclaimer ~ I have a TON of more ideas on just being aware of your thoughts. Some things happen to us because of the free agency of others. Some things happen as pure accident or because we belong to a telestrial world, where there is suffering and pain. BUT there is so much we have control over just by changing our thoughts. Even the things that are brought into our life by others, or by default of our world, can be changed and created into something else. I have so many more ideas on all this ~
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Seven Steps...

2011-05-02T12:29:00.000-07:00

Knowing about the law of creation, for me, is wonderful in and of its self, but I can't let it stop there. For, if I really believe in what I've learned then my quest must continue until I have reached my destination. This is what I'm learning {or what I believe at this moment....which could change as my knowledge and experience increases}:

Heavenly Father created all temporal things, spiritually first. {Moses 3:5, D&C 29:31} He made a vision in his mind's eye of how it would look ~ whatever it was ~ mountains, plants, animals, man. He had matter at his finger tips, but couldn't form it until he decided upon his finished product.

He then made a verbal proclamation of what he was going to do {Moses 3:6, Mormon 9:17}~ it was the first step in getting the idea on the outside of Himself. Basically, he was making the blueprint for his finished product.

He then formed matter to his desire and breathed life into his creations.

Now, being that we have a veil in front of our eyes, we don't know the specifics of how he built this world. I believe he used universal laws ~ His laws ~ the laws that he put in place for there to be order and beauty.

So what does all this mean to us? Not much . . . unless you look to his actions for a type or example. Of course we don't have a full knowledge of combining elements and matter, as he does, but we can tap into our Heavenly Father's power, according to his will. That is why he sent us here ~ to gain experience and to practice creating, knowingly or unknowingly {a.k.a. free agency}.

These are the pure, basic steps of creating anything: First envision it in the mind, then map it out, gather supplies and build it according to your plan. Finally, take a rest and enjoy the work of your hands.

But, how do we REALLY do it? Today? And tomorrow? How do we, humble and immature beings, take a spiritual thought and create it into a temporal, tangible thing?

I believe there are seven steps to creating anything. Yes, seven...the magical number...the number meaning completeness. ;) And they really aren't steps, because they must be done in unison. Like a house is kept together with a foundation, walls and a roof ~ they are all necessary to support each other. So, steps isn't the best description for these ideas, but it is what you get for now.... LOL Here they are:

♦ Be aware of your thoughts

♦ Decide and Envision what you want

♦ Counsel with the Lord if what you decided on
will bring you happiness and is according to his will

♦ Be a good steward over your current gifts ~
Prove you are worthy of more responsibility

♦ Live your life so that you can take
advantage of opportunities

♦ Be Patient

♦ Give thanks to the Lord for all you have

♦ Serve others

I'll go into detail about each step next since this post is longer than I am comfortable with. I have a hard time with long posts . . . don't know if that is good or bad.

Disclaimer . . . these are my ideas. They are my reality. I do not claim to know everything or say that my way is the only way. And in all reality they are very simple ideas . . . you have heard many of them before. I only know that I have challenged these ideas for over 4 years and have learned a lot. But, again . . . they are mine. If you decide to not agree with me, you've just created your own reality and exercised your free agency . . . . which is the beautiful thing about this world we are on . . . but, if you chose to disagree with me then my ideas will hold some truth behind them. ;)

BTW ~ I might delete all this once I'm done. But, I have to get it on the outside of me. I was going to write a book or make CD's, but I'm tired of it stewing inside of me. I just need it out. . . then I can move on.

Law of Creation

2011-04-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

{Bison on Antelope Island}

I've hinted off and on again about my ideas on the Law of Creation, but never came out and said anything before today because of 1. I was afraid and 2. I wasn't ready.

But, I must not let fear keep me from moving forward. After all, I have planted the seed (see Alma 32) and found that it is good ~ now it is time to nourish it into a fruit bearing tree.

So what is the Law of Creation according to me? Let me start from the beginning:

Over eight years ago I began a journey . . . I didn't know where I was going, but I was determined to blaze a trail to a far off promised land.

Of course I'm being silly by using a metaphor, but in all reality, this is what happened. I wasn't happy with my life. I felt like I had no control and more important, no vision of what I was to be or where I was to go. Feeling this way lead me to pray constantly in which I was directed to book after book, person after person. But, sometimes I make things harder than they need to be and after all I had read or heard I still couldn't see the whole picture ~ I had become lost in the jungle, so to speak.

Then four years ago my sister told me about a TV program she had watched. She briefly explained what she saw and I got all excited. I believed everything she told me as I had been reading about the exact principles while on my journey. I begged her to tell me more about it and she said it was all in a new book and DVD called the Secret.

I fell in head over heels ~ I bought the DVD and book, joined the online forum, watched all the Youtube videos I could find, and more. I finally had a name and connection to what I had been learning: the Law of Attraction.

Besides thinking positivity, I learned that if I asked the "Universe" for anything and believed that I would "attract" it, the Universe would bring me the item. No matter what it was.

From that point on I worked on purposely attracting things into my life. Some things worked, some things didn't. I thought it was just because I was new to "attracting" things. But, as time went on some of the ideas just didn't ring quite true.

For example, almost all the people on the forum would state that they were bringing to themselves certain lottery numbers. It was kind of funny to see a page of numbers in everyone's hope of making it big. Or some people would say that they were attracting to themselves a tall, dark and handsome/beautiful person within the next month.

When they didn't win or meet that person they asked the mentors what went wrong. They were answered with Maybe you didn't believe it enough . . . Really concentrate on a clear image and try again next week.

I thought, Really? Is this really how it works? There has to be more behind it.

So once again I began to pray and read the scriptures or in romantic terms, I again set to the trail, this time with a roughly drawn map.

To make a long story short, I met my destination when I learned that:

The Law of Attraction is not a law of the Universe, but of God. And by saying it is the Universe that gives all, politically correct minded men are trying to describe a wonderful law of God to godless men.

And there was more.....

I came to learn that bringing things into our lives was not a matter of attracting, but instead one of creating.

After all, we have been told our loving Heavenly Father longs for us to be like him ~ righteous, loving, and creating beings. If we believe this to be so, then we also have the power to create. We can not be beings that simply BE and expect all we want will come to us. We have to be beings that CREATE, just as Heavenly Father creates. I feel it is our responsibility to study, learn and put that creation into motion.

And by taking responsibility for our lives we stop being the slothful servant, waiting for direction, and instead begin to move forward, always consulting with the master creator, our Heavenly Father.

This is my goal . . . to learn how to create a life that will bring me great happiness and satisfaction. I've been working on it for the last few years and challenging my ideas; I still have a lot to learn and change, but luckily I have the greatest mentor of all.

{My handsome Bud}

Dream Big

2011-04-26T20:47:00.000-07:00

I have had a dream for years that I've tried to make a reality, but have never quite did it out of fear.

Last September, I made one attempt as I recorded ten minutes of myself talking about my ideas. My plan was to get comfortable speaking and be able to clearly share my thoughts. Well, guess what? I listened to it for the first time, tonight. Kind of pathetic, huh?

What kept me from listening to it sooner? I was afraid I had slurred my words. I was afraid I didn't make any sense. I was afraid that people wouldn't want to hear what I think.

But, after listening to it, I learned that my speech and thoughts were perfectly clear and I enjoyed being reminded of some ideas that had been spur of the moment. Listening to it gave me confidence that I really can share my thoughts. I'm excited and pumped.

I don't know when I'll be done with it, but don't worry.....you'll be the first to know. ;)
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Best of both worlds

2011-04-19T20:08:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, while hiking to Patsy's Mine with the cub scouts, I saw a rock that I had to have. We didn't have a shovel so I marked the spot in my mind and determined to return. You can see it in the picture above ~ it is bottom, dead center.

Looks like just a simple rock in the road, doesn't it? Well, looks can be deceiving.

When Dave asked me what I wanted to do tonight, I immediately said, "Go get the rock!" He agreed and up the hill we went.

Isn't he wonderful? It reminds me of another rock he brought off the mountain for me last year: Dave is my Hero! Luckily this rock was just a couple digs with a shovel and a heave-hoe into the truck....which Dave did all himself....isn't he wonderful? Can you tell how much he loves me? ;)

On another note, I've been thinking about my interests a lot lately. I enjoy doing girly things like sewing, cooking, some crafts, but I also love to do more rough and tumble things as well: bushwhacking, rock-hounding, camping, hunting, off-roading, etc.

Loving to do these type of activities can make life frustrating since I'm a young mother and don't get out on the mountain as much as I would like, but I try my best not to complain. After all, I really have the best of both worlds ~ little kisses and loves during the day and rocks and legends during the night.

Not only that, but I get to share it with my little ones as they either ride their bike all over the mountain or look for their own rocks.

This made me giggle last night ~ Dave gave Cutie Pie a deer bone and she became ecstatic saying, "My first deer bone! Thanks Dad!" LOL

So why did I have to have this rock?

This is why! Just look at it! It is gorgeous! And covered in copper ore. And larger than I had thought. And the reasons could go on.

I really do have the best of both worlds! ;)
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A slow coach turned topsy-turvy

2011-04-14T07:13:00.000-07:00

{My sister and Bud standing in what we believe to be an Indian Medicine Wheel}

Yesterday, I had high hopes of crossing off a to-do list that included cleaning the kitchen and downstairs, doing the girls laundry, going grocery shopping, and working on an old project. Instead I squandered my time by day dreaming.

As evening came, guilt overcame me and I scrambled to at least get the downstairs picked up and plan something for dinner. Then the power went out and I felt caught in the dark, literally and spiritually. Dishes sat in the sink and dirty clothes huddled in the hamper as we ate a humble dinner of hot dogs and canned peaches.

All evening, I pondered my situation ~ if I had just taken care of my responsibilities things would have been different. Instead of hunting for the girl's sweaters, I would have known right where they were. Instead of piling new dirty dishes on top of old ones, I could have cleaned up quickly. Instead of hot dogs, we would have had a real dinner {because the power went out just after I would have been done cooking}.

{Center of wheel and Bud in the background}

I found this quote today:

These slow coaches think that to-morrow is better than to-day,

and take for their rule an old proverb turned topsy-turvy—
‘Never do to-day what you can put off till tomorrow.’

~ C. H. Spurgeon ~

I have been a "slow coach" and procrastinating what I should do today until tomorrow.

Having the power go out also taught me how blessed we really are. I've heard people in the past say we need to be more grateful for the simple things in life like electricity, running water, grocery stores, etc.

But, I'm learning those aren't the simple things. Those are the luxuries. And are we really grateful for the abundance of time these things provide for us? Do we use that time to improve our talents? Teach our children the gospel? Feed the hungry? Clothe the naked?

The other thought that went through my head was, sure, yesterday was just one day, but do I live my life so that I'm prepared for something more permanent?

What if, like coastal Japan, we loose our power and water supply for good? Do we have a proper food storage or the means to grind wheat without power. Wait! What about a way to cook the food!

What if our homes were destroyed and we had to live off the land? Do we know how to? Are we prepared for anything? I mean after all, just because things are good today, doesn't mean there is an guarantee they will be good tomorrow.

{Dave holding an icicle that looked like a blade. I love this picture.}

Please, don't misunderstand me as I don't think that running around screaming "The sky is falling! The sky is falling!" helps.

I believe that we should not fear, but instead recognize what is happening around us and take it to heart. We should ponder the lessons we learn and put them into action.

If we don't have the means to take care of ourselves, and I mean really take care of ourselves, then why not start today to make it happen? We can still enjoy life while preparing our lives. And if we never have to use the knowledge or tools we prepared, then all the better.

At least we were prepared.

Now, excuse me while I go do today what I was supposed to do yesterday.....
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Just a quicky

2011-04-12T22:39:00.000-07:00

{I think the underside of my porch is so beautiful!}

Okay, it's late and I should really be in bed, but I have a hankering for a quicky.

What?

Shame on you! I'm talking about a quickly written post, not what you are thinking of!

But, thanks for the laugh! ;)

So, I've been doing some major soul searching.......When do I not search my soul?......and things are slowly making sense to me.

Plus, I had an abscess on my leg that I healed with a combination of controlling my thoughts and eating cooling and drying foods! Not to mention the gout like symptoms in my feet that are starting to go away. Crazy cool, huh? Now to fix the rosecea on my face. I can do it! I am healthy. I am whole.

So, how do I know how to get rid of an abscess? Well, over five years ago I had to have one opened on my hip that was an inch and a half deep. The nurse stuffed 18 inches of gauze into my side! I determined from then on to never have one again. A year or so later it tried to come back and I began to positively talk to myself and the next morning it was gone! No kidding! No lie! It was totally cool!

The one on my leg was a little bigger then the one that tried to come back and took about a week to get rid of, but it is gone. Phew! Having gauze pushed into your skin is NOT fun. Now I just have to clear FOR GOOD the thoughts that have been creating them! {They usually show up when I allow myself to wallow in sorrow.}

Positive thinking from here on out!

That was a fast post, wouldn't you say?

Was it good for you?

It was what I needed.

Ahhhh! That's not what I meant......

;)

{I love the lichen and red together! So simple, but so pretty!}

Disclaimer ~ Even though I'm a crazy woman, if you have an abscess, or any kind of illness, make sure you see a doctor! Don't take my little experience to justify not going....

Going Deep - Confidence vs. Pride

2011-03-09T22:39:00.000-08:00

{On my recent trip to see family, we visited Signal Hill just outside of Tucson, Az.}

I long to be a confident person. To be sure of who I am and my purpose in life would, I think, bring peace and happiness to my soul. I believe that I could accomplish every righteous desire I had, if I knew exactly who I was and never questioned my abilities.

At times, I feel I might be gaining that confidence, but then fear takes over and I wonder if the only thing I've gained is pride. This sparks within me a battle between good and evil and my thoughts spin as I contemplate the fine line between confidence and pride.

To understand their differences I looked up the two words in a dictionary. This is what I found:

con-fi-dence (noun)

1 a : a feeling or consciousness of one's powers or of reliance on one's circumstances confidence in her ability to succeed> confidence>
b : faith or belief that one will act in a right, proper, or effective way confidence in a leader>

2: the quality or state of being certain : certitude confidence of success>

prīd (noun)

1: the quality or state of being proud:
a : inordinate self-esteem : conceit
b : a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
c : delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship pride>

{Symbols meaning either something came down or to go down something}

I learned that confidence is an inward awareness and conviction of ones ability to accomplish his goals or responsibilities, but pride is a justification of ones abilities because of outward praises or ideal circumstances.

One is independent, the other co-dependent.

What do I mean?

Well, because of Confidence's confidence it doesn't need praise or compliments from others to know it can do something. It calmly knows what it is capable of and does it. It can stand independent and be happy.

But, to feel of worth, Pride needs validation from others that what it's doing is good. If it doesn't get it, it either looses the gumption to do anything or acts up to get the attention of others. It is dependent, or co-dependent, on those around it to feel happy.

One is calm and powerful, the other excitable and influenced.

We all would prefer to be confident over prideful, wouldn't you agree?

{Most of the clan}

Now, let's say you and I gain it ~ what a wonderful thought that is! We are either well educated or have the expertise in a given field to tackle any task before us. Maybe we {I} are wives and mothers that don't let the cares of others enter our home and have faith that we know what is best for our families and go about doing it confidently.

But, then little by little we start to believe that we are the best at what we do and wonder why others don't do it the same. We try to "help" others gain what we have ~ after all, we have it good, right? We are confident. We are powerful!

Or maybe we see that Mrs. So-and-so's house always looks clean ~ spotless clean. And while our homes are attended to there is no way they are spotless. We start to worry about how we aren't living to our potential.

We either glorify or beat up ourselves according to the outward things that we do. Our confidence has been turned into pride ~ for concentrating on ourselves and worrying about every little thing that we do or don't do, is also form of pride. Bummer!

The trick to keeping confidence is you must remember your Maker, knowing that it is only because of Him that you are. By staying humble you gain the confidence of what you can do, but recognize that there are others that can do it just as well or sometimes better. By turning our thoughts away from ourselves and onto HIM we keep confidence.

Now here's the kicker ~ it sounds all fine and dandy in theory ~ it is the practice that is hard.

But confidently, I say I can do hard things!

{Me next a symbol that is supposed to represent a burial site}

Arizona Bird Freak

2011-03-01T12:24:00.000-08:00

I didn't take many pictures on this trip to Southern Arizona and it is something I'm regretting now. There were all kinds of birds and one morning while sitting at the kitchen table my mother and I watched this American Kestrel until it flew away.

I really, really wish I had a telephoto lens and you are going to get really, really tired of hearing me say it. ;)

True Love

2011-02-14T07:15:00.000-08:00

Ahhh . . . . True Love.

Romantic music, flickering candles, sultry kisses and everything underneath and in between have been used to express it.

Even though I feel these things are essential to a healthy relationship I don't think they are what makes one so. They are the extras, the bonuses, the frostings on the cake.

True love is Devotion ~ choosing to stay with the one you chose and who chose you. It is making things work when life gets tough; it is giving up habits for the sake of your loved one's comfort.

True love is Service ~ a husband who changes a dirty diaper when his wife is sick with the flu; one putting the children to bed so the other can take a shower; one lovingly letting the other enjoy a hobby alone when it cannot be shared together.

True love is Patience ~ recognizing that no one is perfect and showing patience for the other's imperfections is a true way to show love.

True love is Real ~ movies, music, and the media would have you believe that love has to be exciting to be real. I've learned that because true love is real, it is exciting.

Happy Valentines to all who have a true love ~ I hope you get some frosting with your cake. ;)

Morning Friend

2011-02-11T08:03:00.000-08:00

The birds were out in full force this morning and I was in heaven. This Downy Woodpecker was enjoying looking for bugs in my tree. Being about the size of a sparrow they are the smallest of woodpeckers and have the sweetest little call that I enjoy all winter as they flit from branch to branch. I just wish I had a better lens to capture them with ~ they are so petite and pretty.

For Me

2011-02-10T08:39:00.000-08:00

I'm back.

I thought this journey had met it's destination, but I was wrong.

There's so much I want to share . . . . thrifty finds galore . . . . treasure hunting finds . . . . recipes. . . . deep thoughts . . . . wildflowers . . . . and more.

And I found out that I'm not as convinced as I thought I was. I'm a person that is always struggling to believe in herself ~ no matter how much others believe in me. This is one relationship that needs a ton of nurturing. Blogging {a.k.a. journeling} allows that for me. Convincing Chanelle is for me and me only. If others enjoy it, then that is a plus, but this is a place for me to create all the crazy things that go through my mind.

Want to know something? I love to read my blog. Seriously. I go through my old posts and am reminded of things that made me smile, things that made me cry, and things that inspired me. I'm reminded of who and what I am.

Does that sound egotistical? If you say, Yes, then I say, Think what you will, for you will never really know me.

If you say, No, then I say, Let's travel together on this journey called life.

What a beautiful ride it is.

♥ Chanelle

Waiting for the End

2010-12-26T16:23:00.000-08:00

I wasn't as convinced as I thought. See my comeback here -> For Me

Well, I think this blog has come to its end.

Over the last year I've finally been convinced of what I needed. Sorry I never really shared exactly what that was. Maybe one day I will. But, until then I've taken up a new adventure:

I'm starting a small in home business making custom stitcheries.

I will still blog about everyday life on my new blog, but it will be much more neutral ~ or in other words, there will be a whole less whining. ;)

Thank you for reading Convincing Chanelle and giving me your support. It meant a lot to know that I had someone who would listen.

If you have enjoyed this blog, I think you might enjoy Chickadee Dee {my new blog} as well. After all, I will be the author of it and I can only be truthful to myself. So, if you like, please join me over there.

My new blog: Chickadee Dee

My etsy site: Chickadee Dee Custom Designed Stitchwear

The hardest part of ending is starting again.

~Linkin Park

Here are a few of my stitcheries:

Thanks again!

~Chanelle

Feeling Knitfy

2010-11-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is the second hat of the week so far. I'm having a blast designing and creating, even if it means tearing out stitches and starting over.

This beanie is super thick and warm: my hands were kept toasty as I made it.

Isn't she getting big? We went to visit Grandpa Jack in the hospital on Saturday and you should have seen her expression when we were in the elevator. It was precious. Just as it began to go up or down her eyes became HUGE and a smile slowly spread over her face. After a few rides, she knew what to expect and would giggle each time we entered an elevator. Simply precious!

Why do they have to grow up so quickly?

I could kiss her chubby cheeks all day long; she is such a bundle of joy. And her new beanie fits her so well. ;)
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NT Roasted Winter Squash

2010-11-11T21:10:00.000-08:00

One night, while walking the produce section of the grocery store, I had a hankering for winter squash. So, I bought four kinds: a sweet dumpling, acorn, kabocha, and ambercup squash.

I lined a cookie sheet with aluminum foil and preheated the oven to 400 degrees. As the oven heated up, I cut the squashes in half and cleaned out the seeds. {Which was very hard to do on the Kabocha}

I was in the mood for something sweet and exotic, so I mixed equal parts of coconut milk and maple syrup. BTW ~ You will not need as much as I made, in the above picture. A quarter to half of a cup of the mixture would have been enough for the four halves.

Before I put the squashes in the oven, I brushed them the coconut milk and maple syrup mix.

I then placed them cut side down, popped them into the oven and roasted them until tender. The ambercup and sweet dumpling were done within 20 minutes; the acorn took about 35 minutes; and the thickest parts of the kabocha took almost an hour.

Once they were done, I poured more of the coconut milk/maple syrup mixture in the centers and ate them up. It was the yummiest flavor ever! And NT to boot. {NT stands for Nourishing Traditions, which is a philosophy of eating whole foods.}

My favorite squash was the sweet dumpling. Its texture was so smooth and flavor was outstanding. My least favorite was the ambercup: it was grainy and not as yummy. It was very simple to make and I would love to know what you think if you try it.

Have fun eating!
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Lovin' Knit

2010-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

{I LOVE my old fence in winter!}

Cold weather makes me want to drink a big cup of Teeccino {recipe coming soon} and knit a scarf. Or in this case, crochet a wee sized, hot pink, neck warmer and beanie for Cutie Pie.

{And I love Cutie Pie's new beanie and neck warmer,}

My goal was to get something that would match her coat, but add some pizazz, and I think it worked. Her new set looks perfect and so cute.

{but I love this hilarious, pint sized jar of cuteness the most!}

More Ask and you shall Receive

2010-11-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Months ago, I posted ideas on how I wanted to change my kitchen to make it more inspiring. One item I really wanted was a wall decor I found on Amazon.com that was absolutely beautiful, but had a hefty price ~ I put it on my vision board anyways.

Well, ask and you shall receive.

After just a couple months of looking at the picture every morning, I found the exact wall decor {without sconces :) } at Hobby Lobby and paid less than a third of the Amazon.com price. How cool is that?

Next step is to remove the silly country boarder and paint the walls.

.................{Amazon.com wall decor}....................

That's one less thing on my vision board ~ Now comes the fun of finding something to replace it with.

{My new iron wall decor. See my bulletin board in the background? I still LOVE it!}

Rebirth

2010-11-04T14:26:00.000-07:00

Through the Circle of Life, Mother Nature cares for her own;
Human Nature cares for hers through the Atonement.

Aztec Princess

2010-10-22T11:24:00.000-07:00

As a young teenage girl, I tried to appease an insatiable desire for Aztec history with piles of library books and hours of studying. Spreading the books across my bed I would memorize the names of their pyramids, ancient gods, kings and traditions. I couldn't get enough.

Like it does, life went on and my heavy studying of ancient history was put on hold so I could take care of my little ones.

But, I never lost the love and recently stumbled upon a vintage sterling silver and abalone pendant from Mexico City with an abstract Aztec Sun Stone. I made it new again with sterling silver and amazonite beads, and have considered putting it up for sale on my Jessica Akers Etsy site, but I think it just might stay in my possession for a while.

After all, it makes me feel like an Aztec Princess.

Deer hunting and funny trees

2010-10-19T14:19:00.000-07:00

Dave has been deer hunting for the last week and we went up to see him for a little in between his hikes.

As we visited, Cutie Pie had a blast playing her "drum" and making up songs.

Bud stayed with Dave for the weekend and learned what it was like to be one of the big boys. In this picture, he became frustrated with me because I scared a squirrel that he was attempting to shoot. Oops! Sorry!

Cutie Pie was so bummed that we didn't stay and hunt as well and in her nightly prayers she said, "I'm so sad that dad gets to hunt and I have to come home!" Don't worry, Babe, you'll get your chance when you are older.

And of course I had to take pictures of the crazy tree carvings. Dave actually took most of these, but he knew I would enjoy them. And I did! This insane tree would not be fun to hike up on!

Life might suck for some, but ....

...others find something to love and cherish.

And what's up with B & D's creepy eyes?

This one is my favorite. Can you read that top message? It is an very unique dare that says, "Try to pee above the line." What some people come up with! LOL
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Ziltch

2010-10-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have no desire to blog. Nope. None. Ziltch. Nada. Nothing.

The interest has been sucker-punched out of me. I hope to be able to get back on my feet and share more posts about wildflowers, mining history, my thrifty finds and deep thoughts. And I really want to share the recipe for my Teeccino drink that I'm so excited to cuddle up with on a cold night.

But, not yet. Maybe soon. Yes. Soon.
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Recipes of Life

2010-10-04T07:27:00.000-07:00

{Do you see this as a dark and gloomy day? Or as an opportunity to see the many beauties of this world?}

Which recipe of life do you use?

Recipe #1

1. Pour a handful of life's hard experiences into a large bowl.
2. Pour in a little melancholy.
3. Mix until well combined and pour into your soul.
4. Bake until hardened by unforgiveness.
5. Once done, pull out your sadness.

Recipe #2

1. Pour a handful of life's hard experiences into a bowl.
2. Pour in a little prayer and scripture reading.
3. Mix until well combined and pour into your soul.
4. Bake until softened by forgiveness.
5. Once done, pull out your happiness.

Hope

2010-10-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

Light breaks through the most ominous of clouds,

bringing hope to all it envelopes.

Susceptible

2010-09-30T13:55:00.000-07:00

I have lied.

To myself;

To you.

I was not who I claimed to be.

At least not then;

Not at that time.

Under the influence of a Beast

I was dark.

And filled with pain.

Anger ran the length of my veins.

Self Loath was my friend;

She stole the color from my life.

Guilt, her mother,

Blocked the warmth of light.

Their grasp was strong,

Comforting, in a way.

But they too lied;

I see it now.

The Toxic Trio

Will influence me no more.

To myself,

To you,

I no longer lie.

Reality of Dreams

2010-09-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

Do you hate dreams that mess you up emotionally? I do and they are a frequent occurrence in my world.

Sometimes I wake from dreams where I couldn't get away from an alien species taking over the world. Other times I am trying to help save a group of strangers from a mind controlling government. Once in a while an old boyfriend will pop in wanting me to leave Dave for him. {Which I never do, but the attention is fun. ;)}

This morning I woke from a reoccurring dream that this time threw me a curve ball. A very good curve ball.

New

The pieces filled my mouth.

Some were large, but most were so small it was difficult to spit them out. Using my tongue, I mixed saliva with the course substance and spit into my hand. A tear fell as I stared at what looked like eggshells in bubbly snail slime.

It was another tooth.

Blindly washing my hands I looked at my fear stricken reflection in the mirror. When will this stop? How many will I loose? Why is this happening to me?

I looked for my mom in the crowd as I stepped out of the restroom.

"I lost another one."

"I'm so sorry, sweetie. But it will be okay."

"Okay?? I've lost five teeth. I'm going to have to get dentures. I'm too young for dentures!"

I tongued the spot where my tooth had been and felt the sharp points that were waiting to disintegrate.

All around me people were laughing and having a good time. Sure, it is easy to enjoy life when things are going your way. Laughing isn't painful when you have no worries.

But, I was falling to pieces. Literally.

I faked a laugh when Michael told a joke; lied to Emily when I told her I was doing well; hid a tear when Blake shared his good news.

Then it happened again. A sixth tooth turned to dust as Rob gave me a welcoming hug. I grinned a toothless smile, keeping my lips tightly pursed. Motioning I would be right back I once again made my way for the restroom.

What the hell? A second tooth broke while the first was still in my mouth; I burst into tears as I pushed the door open.

This is too much. I can't do this. This is just a bad dream. A bad, reoccurring dream. Wake up. Chanelle, wake up!

I watched the tears fall into the sink and held the broken teeth in my mouth. I wasn't ready to give them up. They were supposed to be mine, after all.

"Chanelle, are you in here?"

I quickly spit out what I could. "Yeah. I'm over here."

"How many is it now?"

"Seven."

"Good. You're almost done."

"You know what is happening to me?"

"Yes. Once your mouth is cleaned look and see what's there."

I cupped water into my mouth and washed out the remaining pieces. Looking at my tear streaked face I opened my mouth. It was full of toothless holes.

"Look down inside."

Tilting my chin downward, hope rushed through my veins. I saw teeth.

Beautiful, pearly white teeth were just beginning to break through the gums. I had teeth.

My glance went from my teeth, to my mom, and back.

"You have made it and you will be stronger for it."

My eyes met hers and I smiled.
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"I'll look for Bigfoot"

2010-09-19T21:38:00.000-07:00

{My big and handsome Bigfoot hunter.}

"You look for deer and I'll look for Bigfoot."

That is what the son of a crazy woman says as his family drives off the mountain at dark.

Yes, I profess to be that crazy woman. And to believe in Bigfoot. Why else would my son look for him among the trees? He has been taught that Bigfoot is real. And alive. Maybe even in great numbers. Maybe not. No one really knows.

But, I believe they are out there. Papa Bigfoot, Mama Bigfoot, and Baby Bigfoot. One extra big happy family.

Even though I have not seen one yet, I live in a Bigfoot hot spot. He has been seen in the neighborhood directly east of here more than once and on the mountain range above my house a couple handful of times.

{Only people this crazy would believe in Bigfoot!}

One evening, a family was driving up the same mountain road we took tonight when the father slammed on his breaks. He was frozen, locked in a stare down with a large, upright creature as his family sat motionless watching the beast. Eventually the creature gave up the game and disappeared into the trees. The family headed back home, never forgetting the close encounter with what they believed to be Bigfoot.

Another time a man was hunting deer on top of Francis Peak when he saw one of the large, hairy beasts. Neither one of them stuck around long enough for even a casual greeting.

And you can imagine the emotions that went through a woman, as she was running one night at dusk, when she also saw what she thought was Bigfoot?

So you see? He has to be real.

{This picture has nothing to do with Bigfoot. It was posted solely for the fact that my hair looks so dang good. ;) }

Like I said before, I have never seen Bigfoot, but I have had an experience with him.

Well, it is actually Dave's experience, but husband and wife are supposed to be one, right? So I can claim some sort of ownership of the story, right? Right. At least I like to believe so. ;)

Anyways ~

Two years ago Dave was driving up a road in the Ashley Mountains when he began to wonder if he had taken a wrong turn. The road was very rough and winding through private property, when two hunters on ATVs came from the other end of the road. Dave stopped them for a moment.

"Does this road take me to Smith and Morehouse?"

"Yep, keep following it up the mountain and you'll get there. Say, you didn't come up here alone did you?" Asked one of the two hunters.

"No, I'm meeting friends that are already at camp."

"Good thing. This is Bigfoot country, you know?" said Hunter #1.

"Yeah, it's spooky back there. You really don't want to be alone." Hunter #2 confirmed.

"Really? Well, thanks for the help."

Dave laughed at their serious faces and mention of Bigfoot. But, over the next couple of days he felt what they were talking about. A heaviness loomed in the air. Birds weren't chirping; squirrels weren't chattering; there was no sound at all.

A year later we were watching the news when both our jaws dropped. The anchor had announced that a team of Bigfoot researchers were coming to Utah in the exact area that Dave had been.

Don't believe me? Go and see for yourself.

{They are a little crazy. But then, they are their mother's children.}

Call me crazy. Call me wild. You will not offend me. I have my convictions and will not be convinced otherwise.

Bigfoot is real.

Bigfoot is alive.

End of story.
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The Learn Series

2010-09-16T11:00:00.000-07:00

In the past, people have asked why do I spend so much time learning. They inquired of what degree I will gain from it; what do I plan to do with the knowledge I am gaining; who will hire me with what I have learned.

From their comments, I assume they feel learning is only for those attempting to get a job or looking to impress others. They claim they are too busy to read and that they will go back to school when their kids are older. I say, why is "school" the only place for learning? Why can't we be learning all the time. It definitly makes life more interesting and bearable.

The questions I have received has spurred what I am naming "The Learn Series." In five posts I will explain why my nose is almost always in a book or looking things up on the internet. I hope you enjoy it.

The Learn Series

I love to learn ~ I find life immensely interesting and I want to learn everything about it. Knowing that isn't possible, I'll die trying.

I read to learn ~ I believe learning from others experiences, whether factual or fictional, will help me form the person I want to be.

I need to learn ~ I may not be able to lead a country or design a rocket, but I am doing something just as difficult - raising children.

I live to learn ~ I don't want to be someone that just merely goes through life paying the bills and feeding the kids.

I create to learn ~ I can learn all I want, but if I never put the information into action I will never know what works and what doesn't.
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2010-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

Keep your fears to yourself,
but share your courage with others.

~ Robert Louis Stevenson

Wildflower Series - Spider Milkweed

2010-09-14T14:32:00.000-07:00

Erotic § Wild § Exotic

Ascending the golden hill warmed by a setting sun, she heard her name whispered, "Danaus Plexippus, I am here. Come to me, my love." Her heart raced and skin flushed. Quickly, she rounded a large stone and found him waiting. She could not resist him. He had been formed by the Gods; his coupling stars promised eternal love. Embraced by his touch she tasted his sweet, intoxicating nectar. Summer had found her with a new love; a new obsession. His name was Asclepias Asperula, or Spider Milkweed.

Whew! I think I need a cold shower after writing that!

I began my own love affair with this unique plant when its balls of green and purple interlocking stars caught my attention. I didn't have a clue of what it was so I came home and searched through my books. Once I knew I couldn't get it out of my mind. What a plant! What colors! I had to have it.

One of the things I learned was Spider Milkweed is poisonous to every creature except for the Monarch Butterfly larvae, or Danaus Plexippus, which in turn makes the butterfly poisonous to birds.

Even though it is poisonous, local Indians used all parts of the plant. The unopened flower buds were used to sweeten soups and tenderize meats as boiling the plant in water is the only way to neutralize the poison. {Please do not try it at home!} They also made a paste from its sticky sap that cured a myriad of skin conditions, including warts and ringworm.

In late summer, Spider Milkweed produces pods full of silk tufts. Each tuft is attached to a single seed hoping to catch the east wind.

Indians and early settlers would collect the silk to stuff pillows for their beds. I think this is a great idea since the silk is super soft, but it would take a large amount to fill a whole pillow worth.

I found some Spider Milkweed in seed when Dave and I took my parents to see some local pictographs. Giddy with excitement, I took this silly picture of myself with my new seeds.

Now I can continue our affair in my own yard, which will give me another reason to take a cold shower in the middle of summer. ;)

Disclaimer ~ Do not eat anything unless you positively know what it is. There are plants out there that will make you sick or even kill you. I can not, and will not, be held responsible if you get sick when eating wild plants.
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Thrifty Finds

2010-09-14T11:32:00.000-07:00

{Before, with one pot painted}

After a long break of no thrift shopping I totally scored on my first time back in the store. This post doesn't include everything I found from that one trip and I'll share those in another post since there are already so many pictures.

But, one of the finds I was excited about was this little pot trio. Originally it was bland and boring so I painted it red and sanded down the edges to give it an aged look. It also softened their appearance even though it doesn't really show in the picture.

{After, filled with plants}

I filled them with two snakeskin plants and one white cyclamen. I have completely fallen in love with snakeskin plants and am now learning how to propagate them. My plan is to have as many as I desire with never having to buy another one again.

Of course I couldn't leave the store without a few books. I was especially excited about Anne Bronte's Agnes Grey as I am almost finished with her sister's book, Villette. I have also been wanting to learn more about the healing properties of stones and Feng Shui and guess what I found. Yep, you guessed it ~ Ask and you shall receive!

I found these urns which have found a plant friend and are now filling corners of my home. I also found a new frame to compliment the other ones {one & two} for my bedroom shrine. The above picture represents a total of $4.50 that I spent. I can live with that! ;)

One of the other finds that had me giddy was this bunny themed shelf. It will receive a new coat of paint and be put in the girls room to go with the English garden theme I am creating in there. It will go perfect with the bunny hooks I bought in the past.

I am really enjoying how my house is coming together and enjoy even more that I am saving money at the same time. Woohoo!

Wildflower Series - Chicory

2010-09-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

The chicory plant has pretty little lavender colored flowers that open at sunrise and close by noon. Native to Europe, it has naturalized in North America and can be found growing along roadsides, in uncultivated fields and rocky paths.

Chicory is one the earliest recorded herbs being first mentioned in the Ebers papyrus around 1500 B.C. The Egyptians used it in soup and ground the dried root to make a bread.

It is a diuretic, laxative and a general tonic helping to clean the liver and gallbladder and in turn cleaning the blood.

Even though I have never tried it in its wild habitat, roasted chicory root is a winter favorite of mine. Every morning, including some evenings, you will find me brewing a cup of Teeccino, an herbal coffee substitute made with chicory. My favorite flavor is Vanilla Nut and I actually stock my year supply with it ~ LOL.

Once it gets a little colder I'll share my recipe with you as I have it down to a science ~ two tablespoons of this, one tablespoon of that, boil three cups of water for an exact amount of time and you have the perfect drink to go with a good book on a cold night. Ah, I love chicory!

Disclaimer ~ Do not eat anything unless you positively know what it is. There are plants out there that will make you sick or even kill you. I can not, and will not, be held responsible if you get sick when eating wild plants.
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Exotic Bird Farm

2010-09-13T10:54:00.000-07:00

I have had the dream of growing a Christmas tree farm, but I think I know what I really want to do after visiting the Monte L. Bean Museum at BYU ~ I want to raise exotic birds. Peacocks, pheasants, quails, ducks ~ anything with beautiful feathers.

What will I do with them? I really have no clue. Maybe sell the feathers to fly-fishermen or let bird hunters harvest them. Those are just a couple ideas. I really only want them because they are pretty. And birds. Is that too selfish of a reason?

Honestly, I don't know why I hadn't thought of it before now, but it probably is because I have no experience raising animals. Yep, none. I had a dog for three months before I became pregnant with Sweet Pea, but I don't feel that really counts. She was a stubborn Boxer/German Shepherd mix that wouldn't listen to me and I didn't know how to "whisper" to her.

But, birds are dumb, right? Where else would the insult bird-brained come from? So, if I pick a few hardy species and maybe I can make it happen.

OH ~ here is another idea: I could eat the eggs. That is it! Instead of {or along side of} chickens I will raise the exotics for their eggs. Then they will be beautiful and useful. Not quite so selfish now, is it?

But, I must not get ahead of myself. After all there will be poop to clean up and foxes to avoid. {Ooooo...foxes....maybe I could raise those, too. ;) }

One day I will be ready to raise gorgeous exotic birds, but of course it is not today. Darn! Cutie Pie and I were becoming so excited over the idea.

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Our Moab trip

2010-09-10T07:51:00.000-07:00

Remember my vision board post from about a month ago? One of the things I put on it was a picture of our last Moab trip scribbled with "Moab Labor Day Trip 2010," meaning that I wanted to go back there this year. Putting it on my vision board was a total pipe dream as we didn't have any of the money saved up and I didn't know how we would get that much in so short of a time. But, I put it up anyways and looked to the future not worried how it would turn out.

Well, you know how these posts go as they are getting predictable ~ Ask and you shall receive.

Within the first two weeks after putting it on the board we had most of the money saved up and all of it by the end of August. The crazy part is none of the money came from our regular pay checks. It was all extra so it went to creating family memories!

We arrived in Moab Friday afternoon and hit the trail right after checking into the hotel. The first trail of the trip was Hell's Revenge. It had lots of slickrock fins and cliffs, which made it adventurous but super scary since I am afraid of heights. My eyes were closed much of the time.

Saturday morning we did the Behind the Rocks trail which took all day. Behind the Rocks is one of the most photographed places around Moab as it is absolutely gorgeous, but ee were very glad to see blacktop by the time it ended.

And you know how it goes with kids ~ the minute you get on the highway they whine, "I have to go to the bathroom!" Well, Cutie Pie started her whining the minute we got on the BTR trail. I offered to help her go in the trees, but she would have nothing to do with it. We tried over and over to no avail and she decided to just hold it. Which she did. For over eight hours. I now know that she can really hold it until the next rest stop when she says she can't.

We took Sunday easy and just cruised around the area looking at sites we haven't seen before. And of course we stopped and looked at pictographs. It was fun knowing a little of what they meant and seeing how they corresponded with the region. I think in the future I'm going to need one whole trip dedicated to pictographs, but I don't think Dave would go for it unless they are way out in the boonies.

On the way out of town we stopped at Hole in the Rock which is a 5000 square foot home carved out of the mountain. It was amazing and I've decided that's what I want to do. No, I don't want to live in a rock, but I do want to be completely creative like its builders {or carvers}. They were always making something interesting and unique. I loved it.

I think the first place I'm going to start is by making a header for this blog. It is something I've been working on for a while, but am so intimidated by. I've just got to get it done! We'll see how much longer it takes me. At the rate I'm going it won't be done for another year! LOL

Anyways, we had a wonderful time in Moab and now the picture on my vision board will go in my "Created Folder" for me to remember that if I want something and Heavenly Father agrees to it, then I shouldn't doubt and it will come. Sometimes faster and easier then I expect.

Hmmmm ... Now the question is what should I put in its place? ;)
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Slaying dragons and raising exotic birds

2010-09-08T07:43:00.000-07:00

{During the first week of school we visited the site of the original Salt Air building. Located on the edge of the Great Salt Lake, Salt Air was a large dance hall, swimming area and amusement park in the late 1800's. Wasn't it grand in its day?}

I have been away on a month long journey while enjoying family, creating all kinds of things and slaying dragons. Did you miss me? I have sure missed you!

Even though I have missed my blogging world, I took the time to reflect deeply inward. Do you ever do that? Do you ever step back from life so you can view its fine details? I sure do and that was exactly what I did.

{The lake was a little stinky and Bud enjoyed hamming it up}

During my reprieve I learned more about myself and found a couple dragons hiding in the recesses of my character. They can be such cankerous beings, causing all kinds of drama. But, little by little they are loosing the battle and hopefully will one day be conquered for once and all.

I am sorry to say that I am not ready to expose all the deep and dark dragons of Chanelle with you just yet, but you might get a limb here or tail there. And in all reality, my dragons are quite tame as I try so hard to do what is right. But, for me they are still angry dragons and must be conquered.

{This is what Salt Air looks like today. It is a sorry site of what once stood there, but at least the owners are attempting to keep the history alive.}

And don't worry ~ my soul searching this month wasn't all gloom and doom. I also found some very beautiful and awe inspiring beings inside of me {let us call those traits exotic birds! ;)}. There is so much power in each of us that I don't even know where to being. Hopefully over time I can express it in a manner that you can understand.

Why do I want to share it so much? Well, I am going to get a little personal here and tell you a tid-bit of my Patriarchal Blessing. It says that as I open my mouth and declare the blessing that have come to me, and declare my knowledge of the gospel, much joy and satisfaction will come into my life.

And who wouldn't want joy and satisfaction?

I know! It can be very irritating to understand what I am saying since it is super vague and written in code. But, just wait. I'll make more sense as I share more and more.

Okay ~ That is enough of the dark and deep side of Chanelle for now. Next post will be a bright happy one of how we afforded to go to Moab. WooHoo for blessings!

fun, Fun, FUN!!!

2010-08-13T07:41:00.000-07:00

{I peed my pants! :0 }

What a way to start the day off!

I became so excited about going to Lagoon that I peed my pants. My kids pointed while they laughed and my husband had the look of "Really? You couldn't have waited?"

Nope, I couldn't.

{Sweet Pea pointing at her stamp}

Okay, I'm pulling your chain. What really happened was quite more boring.

On the way to Lagoon I had a bag of drinks on my lap that had come out of a cooler. Since they were ice cold I could feel my leg going numb, but didn't know it was wet until I stepped out of the truck. Luckily, I have come a long way with my confidence and I pushed Sweet Pea's stroller through the front gate with my head held high.

As my pants dried, we made our plan of attack: let the kids ride all they want, go home, eat dinner, leave them with a babysitter, and go back for some alone time. It was heaven! Everyone got what they wanted and we didn't have to deal with overly tired kids at the end of the day. Pure heaven! Did you get that I was in heaven?

Except for when I was truly in the heavens as I had a reminder of how scared I am of heights.

{Bud and Cutie Pie in bumper cars, if you couldn't tell ;) }

Lagoon has an overhead tram that takes you from one side of the park to the other and I was terrified the whole time. Sweaty palms, loss of breath, tunnel vision, tingling legs ~ the whole works.

And I learned that Dave isn't as chivalrous as I had thought for he kept rocking the seat.

"Stop that! Get your hand back in here!" I yelled.

He just laughed, "Conquer your fear! Look out and let go of the bar."

"Nope!"

"Look, you couldn't fall off if you wanted too."

"I said Stop That! Sit back in your seat! You are going to make me fall!"

See what I mean? NOT chivalrous!

Couple of the highlights of the day came from Cutie Pie. The first was when I asked, "Are you ready to go on some kiddie rides?

Her jaw dropped, "They have kitty rides? Where?"

I giggled and thought it was our fault for being Utahan that she misunderstood me. LOL

The other highlight was when we were on Rattlesnake Rapids, a ride that goes down a "river" of rapids. At one point we hit the river just right and a wave of water came over the side landing on Cutie Pie and Cutie Pie only.

Drenched, she said, "I don't like this anymore." You had to be there to get the whole effect, but I laughed so hard as I hugged her tight and tried to absorb some of the water onto my clothes. {I'm almost crying with laughter right now thinking about it again! LOL }

So, we had a fun, Fun, FUN day and again am so grateful to my Heavenly Father for this little break from reality. Do I really have to come back?
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In suspense no longer

2010-08-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I have been jumping off the walls excited since yesterday morning. Yes, it was Bud's birthday {Happy Birthday, Kid!}, but something else happened and I won't keep you in suspense any longer ~ We got dirt cheap Lagoon tickets.

Of course, this is a purely self centered post as it only benefits my family and I'm totally bragging, but there is more.

The last time Dave and I went to Lagoon was twelve years ago and my kids have never been, except when Bud went once for a school field trip, but other than that we haven't been. It's not that we haven't been able to afford it, but we haven't wanted to afford it. It's a pricey park for its size.

I find it weird, but Lagoon has been on my mind all summer. I've really wanted to go, but again didn't want to spend that much money. Two weeks ago, Dave and I finally decided that we would save up some money and buy season passes next year {since they pay for themselves after two visits}. Not giving up on the idea, or being jealous of friends going, I stayed hopeful that Lagoon was in my future.

Ask and you shall receive!

Well, my Heavenly Father is very generous with me, because I get to go and not spend an arm and a leg. I'm so excited! HeHeHeHeHeHe! And not just for the tickets, but also because I didn't even put Lagoon on my vision board and I still got it. And don't you think for a minute that I question who the tickets came from.

Time to go have me some fun! WooHoo!

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Consumed by Passion

2010-08-09T10:21:00.000-07:00

{This picture is titled "The many faces of Chanelle in a modified Princess Leia hairdo."}

{To get the full affect of this post listen to Paramore's Decode as you read it.}

Do you know how to spell passion? I do. T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Yep, that's right. Not what you expected, was it?

So why is it spelled that way? Well, a person full of passion never rests; they never know a quiet moment. Their mind is constantly moving, spinning, creating. Electrical brain waves jet back and forth, weaving complex fabrics of light. Every new idea is quickly classified and given a connection with the old. Passionate people go through a lot of trouble just to learn one little fact.

Also, people of passion feel intensely. One minute they are passionately kissing their lover and the next they are throwing their favorite hardbacks at his face. {That comment has nothing to do with me as I would never throw my favorite ones. ;) } There is rarely an in-between for people of passion. They are either on or off, like a toggle switch.

~ A man who has not passed through the inferno of his passions has never overcome them ~

Carl Gustav Jung

If not used appropriately, Passion will consume its host in a flash of flames. But, if the passionate person can learn the value of compassion she will rise from the ashes renewed, like Phoenix. Her intense feelings will be used for the good of others and not at her own expense.

That is my goal for I am a passionate person.

Now, don't mistake that for bragging. Honestly, I wish I could quiet Passion's voice in my head. Shut up, I'm trying to think. Leave me be ~ Can I have a moment to myself? Just one small moment?

But, after listening closer I recognize the voice and it is my own. Passion is my authentic self trying to get through. It is yelling, hitting, begging to be let out. She coaxes me, You can do it. I know you can.

And you know what? I know I can, as well. It won't be long now. {Insert a crooked smile and small giggle}

{Back side of hairdo.}

Thankful for simple things!

2010-08-06T05:54:00.000-07:00

{See the clean floors in the background? Bud agreed to clean them if I bought
him a lego set that he didn't have money for. So of course I jumped on it! LOL }

In 2009, Our Home was my favorite book of the year; inspiring me to shoot for the moon when it came to my family life. Its message is inspired by higher beings and spans time. I honestly feel that if every person not only read, but followed this book, America would be a very different place. I constantly pick it up and look for reminders on how to make my house a home.

And though I love my paper back version, I was just thinking how I would love an original hardback copy. {I am a hardback freak, after all. ;) }

Ask and you shall receive.

Well, guess what I found at the thrift store the other day? YEP! Not only is it a gorgeous hardback from 1900, but it is revised with extra chapters. The last paragraph of a new chapter titled, Religion in the Home, states:

From the home school the children go out to establish other homes. May we give them such a model that they can do no better than to follow it. And may all our learning and living prepare for higher and still higher promotions.

That is the sum of why I homeschool. But, you know what is beautiful? This quote doesn't only apply to homeschoolers ~ it applies to every family and home in the world.

This little gift from my Heavenly Father has made me feel so completely blessed. Heavenly Father is mindful of all our wants, even the smallest and simplest of ones.

{If would like to read Our Home by C.E. Sargent, you can buy the paper back version from Archive Publishers or read the newer version online: Our Home. I also found some older versions on Abe Books.}
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My vision board

2010-08-05T07:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, here it is. Wait, you don't know about it, do you? Last night on Facebook I told everyone that I was working on my vision board. You have seen some of it already on my Dream Home and Garden posts, but I decided to make it more tangible; something that I could see on a regular basis.

I learned about "Vision Boards" almost three years ago when I read the Secret, but Dave and I have been doing something similar since we married. We would write our goals down on pieces of paper and then I'd frame them for us to see every day. It worked very well and even though we were struggling newlyweds, we got almost everything we wanted.

One thing that I'm working on is getting back to the size eight I was before becoming pregnant with Sweet Pea. It felt so good to be strong and healthy. I was actually able to lift my cast iron pan with one hand and not drop it while emptying the food. {It's the simple things that make me happy.} Plus, my clothes were fitting so well! ;)

This is my absolute dream home! I have no clue how long it will take me to get, but I'm positive I'll have it in this lifetime. Even if it is on a smaller scale. Actually, I don't care about size ~ I only care about design and functionality. It must have certain rooms which will include a LARGE library! ;)

And not all the items on my vision board are material. I would really like to make a habit of reading the scriptures every night as a family, but I always forget about it until everyone is in bed. So, this way I'll have a daily and nightly reminder and hopefully be able to take this goal off the board.

I've been working on Bronte's Villette for over six months and would really like to finish it ~ so, it is up on the board. And I want to make dinner five nights a week and eat out only once ~ that would help me get to a size eight, don't you think?

So, what does your board look like?
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Grave Walker

2010-08-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Grave Walker, Dead Talker
All can hear, but not all listen
Happy times, sorrows gone
Children back in our arms
Grave Walker, Dead Talker

Grave Walker, Dead Talker
Generations shown in lichen
Time passing, still waiting
For when we will be together
Grave Walker, Dead Talker

Grave Walker, Dead Talker
Tread lightly on our hallowed ground
Voices low, silent thoughts
By chance, a whisper you might hear
Grave Walker, Dead Talker

Grave Walker, Dead Talker
Grieving for your little ones gone
Loving them, kissing them
We're watching them 'til your return
Grave Walker, Dead Talker

Grave Walker, Dead Talker
Separated by death we found
Won't be long, Though it seems
We long to be with you again
Grave Walker, Dead Talker

{l-r: Ryan, Mom, Daniel, Andrea and me with the headstones of our great+ grandparents in 1997}

This post was inspired by all the times my mother would have us walk cemeteries to find our ancestors graves. I am so very grateful to all those that went before me and long for the day we reunite. It will be one big family reunion. Oh, joyous day!
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Rock on, Baby!

2010-08-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

{This is an absolutely horrible picture ~ I don't look sexy, I don't look cool, I just look
like a plain freak. But, it makes me laugh, so it's what you get. LOL

And here's a tidbit ~ did you know the "Rock On" hand sign is actually the sign of the Devil?
It is also the sign of the horned owl, which in some cultures is the animal of the underworld,
or H E Double-hockey-sticks. So, it brings the hand sign right back around to representing
the devil. I actually have my thumb underneath the fingers and gave it with my left hand,
which I think means I belong to an occult and I just cursed you. BWAHAHAHAHA!!!}

Okay ~ on with the post:

I've been learning something about myself that I'm not proud of. You know how I regularly state I'm strong and can do amazing things? Well, when I am around other strong people I cower. Tail between the legs and all.

For example, yesterday a powerful, strong, and gorgeous lady told me that she loved reading my blog. {Thank you again, BTW!} But, instead of holding myself high and accepting the compliment, I gave excuses as to why I can sound moody sometimes. I felt insecure and wondered how I would ever compare to her.

Later in the day, I recognized what I did and was greatly disappointed with myself. If I think I rock then I need to live up to it. None of this, I rock when no one else is around. None of that, I rock on my blog, but not in real life. If I believe I can do all things, then I need to know I can do them, too. Right?

I think I have issues with praise because I'm afraid it will go to my head. So even though I enjoy kind words, I don't let myself accept them out of fear of becoming conceited. I want to remember it is only because of my Heavenly Father and his allowing me to borrow a little of his power that I am able to do anything. I don't ever want to forget that! And I tend to beat myself up so I won't.

But, at the same time I don't believe Heavenly Father wants me to that. I mean, how much good can I do if I'm always beating myself up? So, I DO rock! I CAN do anything I want {permitting He agrees}. WE all rock! And just because we don't believe it at times doesn't make it not so.

You are all afraid of giving me compliments now, aren't you? ~LOL~ Don't be. I'm working on correcting this backward behavior and I promise to hold myself high when you compliment me. But, not too high, of course. ;)

WE Rock! ROCK ON!

{This is my generic puffy lipped, Facebook picture. I was in a strange mood when
I took it, but I honestly don't get why girls post thousands of pictures of themselves doing it.
It looks quite silly. Oh, and so does the sideways smile ~ So silly! and not pretty!}

Baby Bird Freak

2010-08-01T19:33:00.000-07:00

{Dave found a baby sparrow to my delight}

I want to sing like the birds sing not worrying
about who hears or what they think.

~ Rumi
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I get everything I want! {aka I am so blessed!}

2010-07-29T12:09:00.000-07:00

I have to share how much I appreciate the blessings from my Heavenly Father and what he has been teaching me about the Law of Creation.

I know I drop the phrase, Law of Creation, every once in a while, but I have been learning what it means and how it works for over three years.

Because of what I've learned, I look at money as a tool to bring me opportunities; a friend that gives me what I want. I usually have enough for everything I need and some extras. But, the last few months I've been sweating about paying the bills, buying school supplies {Yes, homeschoolers need supplies ~ lots of them!}, and filling my year supply of food. I have wondered where I was going to get the money as it felt like there just wasn't enough to do it all.

{Cookies, anyone? Cutie Pie sure wants some.}

Frustrated and scared, I prayed for help and was quickly brought right back to what I've been taught. So, I adjusted my priorities {as you have seen} and put my trust in the Lord. At first, I didn't know how I would afford these things, but I knew if I did what was right I would have them.

And guess what? Just this week we received an unexpected check that will cover all the school supplies, some year supply items and a couple other expenses.

I know I sound a little cocky sometimes by saying this, but I get everything I want! Honestly, Heavenly Father is really willing to give us everything we want if we do what he asks. I feel so completely blessed!

More precious than gold

2010-07-26T09:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday we had the opportunity to meet Dale Bascom, author of Following the Legends, and experience some of Utah's rich history.

The day began with Dale handing each one of us a pan with a little sand from Nevada in it. We copied his movements as he gently shook the pan and let the water wash out the lighter materials, showing small yellow blobs. Yep, you guessed it, we were learning to pan for gold and Dale was kind enough to let us keep the few nuggets we found ~ Thanks Dale!

As they watched me pan, Dave and Dale joked how they didn't think I would ever recover from this fever. And I think they might be right ~ I've been dreaming in gold! Oh, someone please help me! {LOL}

Dale also showed us a piece of Utah history that was found in the Uintahs ~ a silver bar forged by the Spanish.

Years ago, Spaniards came here looking for gold and silver to ship back to their homeland, but some of it never left the mountains. Hence, the above bar.

Just think of the stories it holds ~ by listening to its tale I could write the most thrilling short story ever! Heck, I could write a novel!

The next adventure of the day was spent in Diamond Fork Canyon with carvings that are suspected to be of ancient origin. One is a beautiful, complex sun face and the other is a smaller, but very precise sun. The larger sun face has been there for many years as it was known by the early settlers of Utah valley.

Do you think the suns tell of treasure? Some do, but only time will tell if so.

From there we went over the mountain to see some tree markings and what we had thought was a mine, but we found it was most likely an old water well. Bummer!

A Friend is a treasure.
More precious than Gold,
For love shared is priceless
And never grows old.

Now, I have to make something clear. Even though I've been having a blast chasing the gold stories of this state, I haven't really lost my mine. HAHA! I meant to say my mind.

If you will notice in the picture below, I am not alone. And as I think about my place in all of this, I'm reminded that I already have the greatest treasure of all ~ my family. We get to see and hear things that other people never do, together. We are creating solid relationships by finding common interests.

Just tonight I asked Bud what he wanted to do on our Mother & Son date and he said, "I don't know. I really just want to hear more histories. Maybe go to a museum or something like that."

So, we walked the cemetery while I told stories of the people that settled this area. As the night progressed our conversation turned to how the choices we make affect the outcome of our life.

And it was all because of a little gold fever.

Maybe being sick isn't such a bad thing ~ after all, I'm finding treasure in unexpected places.

And hey ~ if in the process I find a little of the yellow stuff, that's even sweeter. ;)
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The Just Man Sins

2010-07-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

{The Spanish were known to leave heart shaped rocks over or near their mines to
remind them where they were. I found this one on an old mine dump the other day
while hiking and though I don't think it is Spanish, it definitly caught my interest}

This week went by so fast I didn't post a single thing ~ Well, at least not on my own blog. But, instead I wrote a short story for an online contest.

I understood that not being a writer meant I wouldn't have much a chance, but I couldn't resist when the subject revolved around three jewels. I immediately saw myself in the late eighteen hundreds looking for lost treasure and had to write about it. {Think it comes from all the treasure reading I've been doing lately? LOL} So I gave it a shot and wrote this little blurb:

The Just Man Sins
by Chanelle Jones

“Was this really necessary, Jack?” Henery said, as he lifted their partner’s body onto his horse.

“What? Do you have a problem with the way I handle my business?” Jack grunted back.

“Your business? As I understood it, this was a partnership with equal shares.”

“Well, today is your lucky day as your share has just been increased. Now, help me clear out these rocks.”

“No, I’m out. Done. It’s not worth it, anymore.” Henery said, mounting his horse. He was disappointed in his friend, his brother.

“Henery!” Jack squared his gun on Henery. “It’s just you and me, Brother. Help me move these rocks and we’ll have everything we want.”

“Jack, put down your gun and go get your precious treasure.” And with a click of his tongue the horse obeyed.

“You can’t leave me here alone. We’re in this together, remember?” His voice trembled, but his hand was firm. “Turn around!”

A shot rang through the air, hitting Henery in the shoulder. As Henery landed on the ground a second shot spun past his head. He grabbed his gun and returned a shot to Jack’s chest.

Grief stricken and bleeding, Henery rode into town a lonely man. But, before he left the mountain he carved a reminder to all who happened to see it: When treasure is in your midst, even the just man sins.

I didn't make the finalists round on account of it not sounding "organic," but I had fun and it was great practice. Maybe I'll do it again some other time, but for right now I've had my fill of writing fiction. It's much easier to whine about my life ~ ;)
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Falling off mountains in a fever of gold

2010-07-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

{See the above rock? Doesn't it look like a profile? Some say that the Spaniards would use markers
like this to lead others {in the know how} to their mines. Do you think my rock could be telling of
lost mines or is it just a natural formation? If anything, it is interesting to wonder about.}

On Friday, I was stricken with a gold fever which led to hours of fitful research and sleepless nights. Knowing the only cure was to see things up close and personal, I called Dave at work and asked him if he wanted to go hiking the next morning. Luckily, he accepted {he didn't really have a choice ;) } and we hiked our arses to the top of the mountain.

On our way up, Dave left me alone as he scouted the area. After a little while, I attempted to follow him, but the only thing I did was get myself stuck on a cliff. Terrified I was going to fall I began yelling for him to come and save me. I'm stuck! Save ME! Save ME! He bounded down the mountain and lifted me to safety as if I was as light as a feather.

{An old Mine that is now filled in ~ notice the dip in the ground under the green grass?}

Being on that ledge, with the valley below me, took me back in time to when I was five years old. My family and I were hiking in Zions National Park, and being a child full of spirit and energy, I was skipping down the trail. My grandfather kept chiding me to slow down and hold his hand, saying if I didn't I was going to fall off the mountain.

Well, I didn't and I did. That is, I didn't take his hand and I did {almost} fall off the mountain. I don't remember how I got there, but what I do remember is being happy one minute and full of fear the next as I hung over a cliff; one hand on the railing and the other in my grandfather's hand.

He had sensed the danger of my falling and grabbed my hand just as I went down. It was terrifying and from that point on I held his hand as tight as I could. That is how I felt after Dave lifted me to safety and I would not let him out of my sight the rest of the morning.

{Another old mine}

Though, my spirits were lifted when Dave found an old mine and a hillside covered in copper. And I don't know how he does it ~ We will be hiking along and all of a sudden he finds some great spot. He does it all the time and I like it. We filled the backpack with as much as Dave could carry and brought it off the mountain. It isn't the greatest quality of copper, but it makes beautiful yard art with all of its blues and greens.

{The rock I carried off the mountian and a rattlesnake skin Dave found. I was SOOO glad it was only the skin!}

Here is a little funny ~ I learned why people could be falling off a mountain, but still be trying to grab their gold {or in my case, copper}. It was very steep up there and more then once I began to fall, but all I cared about was my stupid rock. I didn't care if I broke my leg, as long as my rock made it home. I think I need to reset my priorities ~
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Buildings Then and Now

2010-07-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

While doing some research today, I found pictures of old Salt Lake City and was amazed at how it has changed. I'm sad to say that I feel it has changed for the worse when considering its architecture. See the grand homes lining the far side of the street in the above photo? Well, they were removed so someone could put up ...

... these apartments in their place. The apartments aren't that bad looking, but they definitely don't have as much character as the homes.

And this beautiful place, called the Templeton Building, was torn down for ...

... this boring, cold, unattractive building.

And this one makes me the saddest! It was called the Gardo House and was supposed to be Brigham Young's home. He was building it to have an appropriate place to entertain the many important guests he had, but he died before it was finished. Isn't it gorgeous? It was torn down ...

... for the Eagle Gate Plaza. I'd much rather have the Gardo House!

There are a few buildings that have lasted the years and look very similar to their originals. I personally like the above building better ...

... than the new one, but they haven't done to bad of a job expanding these apartments.

And I love this little building with its ornate ironwork in the windows. ...

... It doesn't look to bad today, but it is missing some of the artistic touches it once had.

But, not all buildings in Salt Lake City have been down graded. This building hasn't been touched and is so beautiful to drive by ~ it is the Cathedral of the Madeleine.

And of course, the most beautiful building in the whole city is the same as when it was finished in 1893. For those that don't know it is the Salt Lake Temple and belongs to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have personally been inside it and think this is the only building that gets better with age!

I am loving all the interesting tidbits I have learned recently. It's makes Utah feel more like home.

The pictures were gleaned off the internet at random places.
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I pray I have the courage

2010-07-15T09:02:00.000-07:00

How few there are who have courage enough to own
their Faults, or resolution enough to mend them!

~Poor Richard

The Ugly Duckling

2010-07-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

The other day, I contemplated the plight of the "duckling" in Hans Christian Anderson's tale, The Ugly Duckling, as he was pushed from one society to the next. In the duckyard, the place of his birth, he was ruthlessly chided by the other birds. Dejected, he left the duckyard and found some geese who were tolerant, but unaccepting of his differences. After months of suffering in the cold of winter he was taken in by a poor peasant, whose wife swung at him with fire tongs because of a misunderstanding.

During this time he had gained the idea that his injustices were due to his unbecoming looks. He was alone and lost, physcially and spiritually.

That's kind of how I feel right now.

But, there is a slight difference between the two of us.

He was not aware that time would bring him happiness beyond his dreams and that the opposition he faced would make him into a glorious swan, beautiful beyond measure.

I, on the other hand, have been told by Anderson and those around me that I have yet to come into my own and that my dreams will become reality as I work with patience. I know what my potential is and I believe I can do great things, as we all have the ability to do.

I try my best to hold on to this belief as the little voices begin to whisper, "Your work isn't worth as much as so-and-so's. You can't really do those things for you are imperfect; you are ugly, you are Ugly, YOU are UGLY." {No, I'm not "hearing" voices ;) }

But, I know this isn't true ~ I feel it is so deep inside of me. My heart knows it belongs soaring the skies with the swans and in time my gray down will be exchanged for radiant white feathers. I know this. But, the harsh winters of my life make me forget the truth of my worth. Frost and hunger create hardships that blind me from what I am capable of doing.

So even though I'm struggling right now, I know that it won't last. Spring is winters successor and I will conquer the darker side of me.

Today this video of Uchtdorf's talk was going around Facebook and I found it to be timely as I was just pondering the same ideas. I hope we can all remember who we are ~ sons and daughters of God ~ and make it through the hard times of life, until we are swans.

P.S. ~ I have such mean, evil demons. As I wrote this I felt that I was sounding self centered; only thinking of my own woes. Please know that I really am trying to correct my faults and I share all this because ~ because, I actually don't know why, dear reader. Maybe there are others that at times feel similar. Maybe it is a way for me to see it all in front of myself. Maybe I'm just plain sharing too much TMI.

I hope that what ever I'm doing, people will see that I don't try to dwell on the negative. But, since there must be "opposition in all things" the negative does happen and this is how I work through it. I will not stay this way. I will rise up and start posting happy, cheerful oddities again. Thank you, dear reader, for being patient with me as I work through this.
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My life is full of weed --- uhhh, I mean WEEDS!

2010-07-13T10:17:00.000-07:00

{These "weeds" are really wildflowers and I can name almost all of them. :)}

My yard is full of weeds. Tons of weeds. So, yesterday morning I began pulling, chopping, and raking at those nasty life robbers. I only have half the front yard done, with lots more to do, but it feels so good be cleaning it up, again.

As I worked, some thoughts come into my mind about my current condition ~ my life is not only full of physical weeds, but spiritual weeds as well.

You know when I said that I was going to finish some big projects and make something of my life? Well, that has been all talk and the only thing I have done is sit at this darn computer and day dream. Hours have gone by while my house and children have been neglected ~ Now, don't go and call the CPS. Everyone has been fed, bathed, and diaper changed.

But, instead of spending quality time with them, I hired a nanny by the name of Comcast Cable. And I have noticed that my children were suffering in her care. For days, they have been at each others necks, bickering and fighting over the simplest of things. No amount of discipline was correcting their behavior, so I have decided that Miss Cable must be fired.

{Buttercups in front of an aspen grove}

Back to being serious ~ I don't think watching movies and blogging is wrong, but as that has been all we have been doing, the spiritual weeds of sloth, filth, and neglect have taken over. And I don't like the way it feels.

If I want a beautiful yard, home, and family life I must organize my time better. I must stop whining and complaining and start working. ♫ ♪ Put your shoulder to wheel, push along! ♪ ♫

If want the blessings that I ask for, I must be a worthy steward. So I'm off ~ off the computer; off to clean; off to laugh with my babies; off to keep pushing forward.

BTW ~ Sorry for the little tantrum I threw yesterday. Sometimes I feel life is unfair and I have made habit of being vocal about it. But, thank you, my dear friends that love me unconditionally ~ you have no idea how much you mean to me.

I promise to not let others bug me and the first step to achieve this is to take care of my responsibilities. For I am unhappy and insecure when I don't do the things I'm supposed to, but no one in the world can touch me when I do what is right. {To bad I constantly have to be reminded of this and don't just magically change once and for all ;) }
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White Buffalo in Park City! BABAY!

2010-07-10T10:11:00.000-07:00

WOW ~ Do I have a lot to share! Friday night was so much fun and crazy insane. If you are my friend on Facebook or Twitter you would know that I saw the White B uffalo in Park City. And what a show it was!

Thinking the show started at 8PM, I made Dave and our friends nervous as I drove through Salt Lake's construction. Don't ask why I was driving. Okay, I'll tell you ~ Dave worked his tail off to get home from work on time and was super tired, so he asked if I would drive. I don't think he'll do that again knowing I was so excited. I was a "mad, mad {wo}man" behind the wheel on the way there. ;) But, we got there right on time to find out the White Buffalo wouldn't be taking the stage until 11:30PM. {That was a bummer} So, we decided to walk main street instead of sitting in a empty, dark club.

And you guessed it ~ I had to see some of the history of what was our nation's richest silver mining camp at one time. {Did you know that Park City is a semi-ghost town? That means people currently live and work there, but no longer for the reasons why the town was established.}

The only place we really had time for was also the place I wanted to see the most ~ John Bogan 's boarding house. Bogan built it in 1904 to provide passing through miners with a bed, but miners weren't the only people that stayed there.

One night, Park City was rattled to its bones in what was thought to be an earthquake, but as residents met in the street, they found the steps of Bogan's boarding house lying in a pile of rubble. They soon learned that the abusive husband of a one of the borders, ignited dynamite under the stairs as a way to get back to his wife for taking their children from him. He was arrested and I hope the mother and her children lived a peaceful, happy life afterwards.

While on our walk, our cards became even luckier when a local ghost tour stopped at Bogan's place and told how room number eight became haunted. Just so you know, this little old hotel now holds my interest even more. {Yes Mom, we will make sure we take the tour when you are in town. They said it is scheduled every night at eight in the evening. ;) }

Now, back to the White Buffalo.

Well, let me start a little before that.

When we were window shopping, a skimpily dressed red head came running up to us and put on a show. She claimed to have forgotten where her car was and walked with us as she looked for it. Once she "found" it, she did a funny little act of opening her clutch and dropping a couple coins. I immediately noticed the "dropping of the handkerchief" scheme and you can believe my relief when Dave quickly offered to pick them up, preventing her from bending over. Isn't he a gentleman? He later told us that he caught on to what she was doing and didn't care to see her pick them up herself. It was crazy weird!

Once at the club we bought virgin Mojitos, which have now become my favorite drink. The blend of mint and lime is so yummy. And don't worry, we really did buy them virgin. ;) I think we were the only ones there doing so, but we had to some how keep our good Utah Mormon image ~ I mean, we were already in a bar/club. {BTW ~ I had no idea how funny drunk people were to watch. I guess I live a sheltered life, but I'm not complaining.}

With drinks in hand we plopped ourselves in front of the stage. A guest performer played first, and even though he was good, I was a little bored because it wasn't my style of music. BUT ~ when the White Buffalo finally took the stage it was worth every minute of the wait.

Quick story {actually, I think it's my third or fourth one of the night ;)} ~

We had to fight to keep our spot. Literally. As people moved closer, we stepped right up to the stage. But, half way through the show two guys butted their way in front of us, into the only spot available ~ a two by one foot space between two speakers.

I had had the perfect spot and now I had two very tall, drunk, sweaty men so close to me that I was leaning into Dave to avoid from smelling them. But, they didn't stay there long. I worked up some courage, tapped them on the shoulder and said, "I'm so much shorter then you are and I can no longer see. Plus, I waited all night to be here. Can you please move down to the other side where you aren't blocking my view?" They answered me with a "Tough ~ deal with it" look.

Luckily, my chivalrous husband came to my aid and told them to get moving. The one became confrontational, but the other, being smarter, said, "We're not looking for any trouble. We'll move on." {Darn right, you will!}

So once again, I had my coveted spot back and I enjoyed every minute of it.

End of story ~

I've been thinking ~ why do I enjoy {I was about to type "love" :p} the White Buffalo so much? I mean, his music doesn't reflect any part of my lifestyle: I'm not homeless; I'm not a drunk; I'm not a stalker; I'm not in love with a hooker; and I'm definitly not a mad man {well, maybe I'm a mad {wo}man ;) }.

But, I think what gets me is the rawness of his voice and lyrics; I love the passion he plays with. And I definitly love his power of story telling through music. Plus, he writes a killer love song!

And I may not resemble the characters of his songs, but he has a way of making them seem real and believable.

What a crazy, insane, wonderful night it was!

Sending out my thanks to: Dave, for being my personal bouncer; the Loy's, for being such great friends and coming with us; the White Buffalo, for doing what you do; and to my Heavenly Father, for helping us to get there in one piece.

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Hidden bird nest

2010-07-09T10:30:00.000-07:00

We had so many great adventures on our last camping trip! It was really hard to come home, but we were all in desperate need of showers. At one point Bud found this little Dark-eyed Junco nest. The mother was so petite and beautiful, but she didn't want her picture taken.

Juncos build their nest on the ground with the protection of a rock, or like this mother chose, a tree. It was so well concealed we didn't know it was there until Bud saw her fly out of her hidden nest. The nest is just to the left of Cutie Pie's hands. Gosh, do I ever love Mother Nature and of course ~ birds!

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Crazy tree art

2010-07-08T07:48:00.000-07:00

There are lots of tree markings in the area that we went camping; some of them were kind of boring and others were quite intriguing. The above carving reminded me of the Hispanic sheep herders that used to frequent the area. It must have been his way of saying, "I was here."

These are some of the faces that can be found in the canyon. Some are Mexican looking; some Indian. There are a couple with girls names and it makes you wonder if they followed their men to this place or if the men were just dreaming of them back home. What ever the story was behind them, you sometimes get the feeling you are being watched. Creepy!

This sheep herder is a little cocky ~ he says that he is the "one and only, a little of gold." And then lists two ladies names along with his declaration. I wonder if they felt the same way about him ;)

The above carving is from a disgruntled sheep herder. He named his employer by name {which I chose not to share since he is well known in the area} and called him some pretty nasty Spanish names. The herder called him a thief of the money, social security, and all the workers who have.... He doesn't explain himself very well and leaves his major issue hidden, but makes it very clear he did not like his boss.

This is one of the older tree markings, dating to 1933. It was made by the lover {wife} of "Ray" who is related to the employer on the last tree. At least someone had something nice to say about someone else.

I thought this Cross Fourchee was beautiful. It was used on English coat of arms from the medieval times and I wondered what it was doing here.

This made me laugh ~ Cody, Chris, Jer, Jake, and Zack are "stoners for life".....

....but, Bob is "sober as a judge" in 1977 and "still sober" in 1979. LOL

Now we get a little personal ~ I carved our initials back in 2001 and they haven't fared to well. It was much cleaner looking years ago.

This tree has Dave's mark from 1996, two years before we were married. Above his initials is a skateboard and the Pennywise symbol. Did you know he was a skater when I met him? No, not the trendy version that is popular today, but a real California skater. He started skating at 13 years of age, when it was actually an uncool thing to do, and after all those years he was good! He once cleared 10 steps in one jump on the UofA campus. But, he is an old man now and took up wheeling since skating reaks havoc on his knees. {Love ya, honey ;) }

Now the best for the last. This sheep herder must have either been very bored or very creative, because he left these gorgeous drawings in random areas...

.... Here is another. So pretty!

Hope you've enjoyed some of the trees we saw this weekend. I know we sure did.
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Wildflower Series - Leafy Jacob's Ladder

2010-07-07T11:22:00.000-07:00

This pretty little flower, called Leafy Jacob's Ladder, covered the meadow next to our camp this weekend. I loved its gauzy petals and fern like leaves. Jacob's Ladder is normally purple, but here in Utah we only have the white variety and it only grows here. Guess, that makes us special ;) It received its name because the leaves are supposed to resemble Jacob's ladder mentioned in Genesis 28:11-19.

I wasn't familiar with the story of Jocab's ladder so I took a moment to read the few verses and was reminded of a dream I had as child.

In this dream, my father and I walked up to a very tall wall with ladders placed along its width. My father started to climb, effortlessly making it over the top of the wall. I, on the other hand, struggled to make it up the rungs. Sitting on the ground crying, he came back to comfort me. He said I won't be welcomed to stay, but if I followed him I could see what was on the other side of the wall.

Taking his hand we walked into a very large, lush garden. There were colors of all shades, flowers of all kinds, and animals of all species. It was beautiful.

I woke up, wishing I had made it to the top like my father, and I've never forgotten it. Since that dream, I try every day to climb the ladder, no matter how hard it is. I will make it over the top. I am able. I am strong. I am powerful.

Dear reader, I hope you don't think I'm being cocky. Remember, sometimes I need convincing. All I'm doing is reminding myself of the truth. I can do all things with the Lord. All things.

This little flower means so much more to me now.
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Burn, Baby, Burn!

2010-07-07T05:02:00.000-07:00

{Memorial Hill in Midway. This was our view for the firework show!}

Over the July fourth weekend we headed out of town and enjoyed some fresh mountain air. The weather couldn't have been any more perfect. We didn't need jackets the first night and the kids crawled out of their sleeping bags, complaining they were hot. We went for hikes, watched the deer and persuaded Dave to not climb into a sink hole. Plus, I took lots of fun pictures to share with you ~ especially of tree art. It is so funny what some people will carve.

{We waited for 3 hours to get our front row seats. But, it was worth it!}

Even though we were up the mountain eating tin foil dinners and smores, we didn't want to miss the American tradition of a good firework show. So we drove into town and watched fireworks in one of our favorite places ~ Midway, Utah.

Midway fires their fireworks off the top of Memorial Hill, a place "dedicated to those who have served in any United States military conflict while a citizen of Wasatch County." You couldn't find a more patriotic place to fire them from and though it might not be the grandest or longest show, it is definitely the most entertaining.

{Look at those BLUE eyes!}

Just before dark, firefighters line the hill in preparation for the night. As the show begins everyone "ooos and awws," but soon they let out "a hoop and a holler" as the hill catches on fire. It is like watching an old time silent movie where men panic and run into each other as the firefighters scramble across the hill to put out the fires. This was the second time we've seen Midway's show and it was just as hilarious as the first time.

I hope you had a wonderful 4th of July weekend as well. And judging from all of your pictures on Facebook, I can assume that you did. Happy Birthday America! God bless you!

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Lost in time

2010-07-01T10:27:00.000-07:00

{Dave found some mud when I had to see the top of the mountain.}

Where have I been? I have asked myself the same question lately. In reality, I've been busy with swimming lessons, weeding, cleaning, studying and camping.

But, in irreality, I'm lost in the small mining community of Park City, Utah between the years of 1884 and 1907. My husband and I not only manage a small mine, but also run a boarding house for local miners. It is a hard life, but we wouldn't have it any other way. The dear Lord has been kind to us and I believe he will continue to bless us if we keep our hearts in the right place.

Why do I do it, you ask? Why do I forgo society's acceptance of hooped skirts and ringlets for men's trousers and french braids when at the mine? Why do I, along with my husband, hike countless of miles looking for a new ledge with an outcropping of ore? Why do we dream of the legends of old coming true?

{Me in reality, camping at Strawberry Reservoir}

For riches and wealth, of course ~ gold, Gold, GOLD!

Please forgive me dear reader, as I am being a bit factitious. Yes, it is true that I pray daily our men will find the mother load vein that we are hoping on {it helps to pay the bills, you know ;) }, but I know this might never transpire.

So again, why do I do it? The answer is simpler then you would believe ~ I do it for the chase of seeing things that most people never will have the opportunity to see. For example, just the other morning a mule deer fawn bounded away from us covered in its white spots. {That is true and happened in reality.}

I do it because reality is work. WORK, Work, work.

But irreality is fun, exciting and exhilarating. Those are the things I live for. And because of that, I've been lost in time somewhere between 1884 and 1907.

{Bountiful Skyline}

~ This post was inspired by the life of John Bogan, the prospector who originally found the Silver King mine in Park City, Utah. Between the years 1884 and 1907 he worked on finding a copper and gold vein at the Rhymney mine in Farmington, Utah. He died before it could be achieved and the mine was closed down.
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Wildflower Series - The Sego Lily

2010-06-25T14:11:00.000-07:00

If you know me very well, you know that I love the great outdoors and all the beauties that it provides. But, did you know that I love learning about wild edibles?

While we were dating, I once baffled Dave as I picked an aloe vera leaf and ate it. It was so much fun to watch his puzzled look as I carefully separated the white pulp from the yellow sap. But, he must not have been to weirded out, because he asked if he could try some, too. {Maybe he's a little crazy, like me. ;) }

Last week, when we were looking for pictographs the hills were dotted with Sego Lilies. The Sego Lily is a delicate little flower whose head is way too big for its body. The outer petals are the color of purest white, while the center is beautifully designed with yellows and pinks. I've always wanted to make a little bouquet of them for my kitchen table, but they are Utah's state flower and it is against the law to pick them. {Bummer, huh?}

The other thing that I would like to do, but can't, is eat its bulb like root. It is said to be the size of a walnut and taste like a sweet potato. Local Indians ate its roasted root while telling their children the legend of the Sego Lily:

Many, Many suns ago, the Indians lived in great numbers in these valleys of the mountains. They grew corn and berries in abundance, but as they increased in yield the Indians vied with one another to see who could gather the most food for the winter living, when snows were deep and days were cold. Then they warred, and the tomahawk took the place of the game stick, and many Indians were killed. The Great Spirit was displeased and sent a heat over the land, and the corn and berries dried up. The children were left without food, and the sky became dark with great clouds for many moons; the wart refused to yield, and the sands blew over all the land. The Indians sorrowed and prayed to the Great Spirit. One day the sun shone brightly, and up on the hills the people saw a little plant, growing everywhere, even in the canyons, and far above to the very peaks. The Great Spirit had heard the prayers of the people, and when the Indians tasted the root they knew that the Great Spirit had saved them from death. So ever after they never fought were the lily-bulb grew, and they called it the little "life-plant" of the hills. {1}

Surrounding Ute tribes allowed Mormon pioneers to settle the Salt Lake valley because it was considered neutral land between them. Do you think it was because of the Sego Lily's presence? I sure do.

From 1848 to 1849, the Sego Lily played a major role in the pioneer's lives. When they had difficulties establishing their crops they turned to the little "life-plant" for sustenance.

Elizabeth Huffaker shared her experience with the pretty little plants:

In the spring of 1848, our food was gone. My husband had killed some wild game and by means of salt brought from the lake I was able to dry and preserve enough to keep us from starving. Along the month of April we noticed all the foothills were one glorious flower garden. The snow had gone, the ground was warm. We dug thousands of sego roots, for we heard that the Indians had lived on them for weeks and months. We relished them and carried them home in bucketfuls. How the children feasted on them, particularly when they were dried, for they tasted like butternuts. {2}

They gathered them by the bucketfuls? WOW! There weren't enough of them the other day to do that, but I can see how a loving Heavenly Father provided food for his children in times of need.

Maybe one day I'll find one in Arizona or Colorado and then be able to eat it. But, probably not. I guess that is one plant I'll never get to try ~ unless I'm starving ;)

{1} Levi Edgar Young. The Founding of Utah. Charles Scribner's Sons; 1924. Page 8-9.

{2} Larry Sagers. http://www.larrysagers.com/weeklyarticles/pioneers_planted_late,_harvested_little_-_and_almost_starved_to_death_97-07-24.html

Disclaimer ~ Do not eat anything unless you positively know what it is. There are plants out there that will make you sick or even kill you. I can not, and will not, be held responsible if you get sick when eating wild plants.

Something better than Fame

2010-06-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

Gosh, I sure felt a little exposed this week with all the attention I received.

What? You didn't hear about it? Well, then you really need to become my friend on Facebook. I tend to update my FB profile more often than my blog and this was a fun filled week for me.

First, I was asked to present my project, which is currently called "The Law of Creation," at a small gathering of ladies Thursday morning. I thought I was going to be nervous, but instead I felt very comfortable explaining how it works. {And to be honest, I had a TON of fun!}

Second, I was mentioned on the Bloggernacle {under Blogging reasons}. This was exciting as it brought a few more people to my humble, little blog.

And third, Shmap Tucson Guide asked to use one of my photos on their website. I won't be paid for it, but they give credit where credit is due.

So, even though it was fun getting a taste of the limelight, I felt a little front and center and I haven't decided if I like it or not. {But, judging from the fact that I'm now gloating about it I must like it to a degree. ;) }

This I do know ~ A couple months ago I prayed for help with making my thoughts on the "Law of Creation" into something tangible. And my prayers were answered.

Of course it took work. And lots of it. I sat in front of the computer creatively brainstorming, copying and pasting sentence after sentence; I wracked my brain for ideas. But, nothing really came, so I put off doing any real work on it.

Then last week I received an email. The email ~ asking if I wanted to be part of the presentation group. At first I thought, "Heck NO! My thoughts are a jumbled mess and who would be interested in it, anyways. It's just my own version of the Law of Attraction. Everyone has heard about that before."

But, somewhere deep inside of me I knew that if I didn't say "yes" I would be going against everything I preach. I recognized this was an answer to prayer and it might not come again if I didn't get my butt in gear. And guess what? My presentation went great and now I have a way to share my thoughts.

I know that I won't be made into a celebrity after all the attention this week {honestly I am relieved by that}, but I experienced something even better. I saw the "Law of Creation" in action as I made known what I wanted and was given a way to make it happen.

One of the ladies left me the italicized quote, below, as a comment on my feedback sheet, which lead me to look up the whole thought:

“Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents and meetings and material assistance, which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it. Begin it now.”

Because I know I am not alone I will be able to create the dream life I want. And I know this because it is already in motion. What a beautiful creation it is! {I am a little biased.}

A Little Extra
A friend helped clean my house this week {Thank you, BTW! You are the best!} and I'll finally finish organizing and cleaning the rest of it. I only have three rooms left ~ the year supply/craft room, Sweet Pea's and my room. I will finish them!

Plus, I had planned to postpone planting raspberries until next year, but I was given some for dirt cheap and they are in the ground! So things are coming together even though a little slow.

We are at it again

2010-06-20T19:44:00.000-07:00

Three weeks ago, Dave saw a mark on a rock that he thought was possibly Indian made and decided he wanted to bring the "expert" back to see what she thought about it. Yes, I said she. He flatters me as he knows, as well as I do, that I am not an expert. One day I wouldn't mind honoring the title, but I think it will take many, many days until I can.

The above red line, covered in modern graffiti, is what left him questioning, but I immediately knew it was Indian. {He really needs to give himself more credit.} I originally thought it was a directional marker, but upon spraying it with water we saw a triangle shape with more lines above it. After quickly examining it, I looked at the rest of the rock and found some very faint red spots.

Out of curiosity I sprayed them and my jaw dropped as the rock came alive with markings. The above photo has been enhanced to show the quadraped figures in red. It will take study and time to find out what it means, but I have my ideas at this point. Are they right? I have no clue. That is why only time will tell if I'm on the right track or not.

I have "painted" over them to show what I can see at this time. Some of it is badly faded, so we might not know the whole story, but I'll chase it as long as I can.

Sweet Pea and Bud came along looking for the hidden treasures, but Cutie Pie stayed with a friend and played girly things. We decided to leave her behind because it was a rough hike and she would not have made it on her little legs. I'm looking forward to the day when we are all together and searching the mountain for legends. What fun it will be! We will be the "Indiana Jones's" finding mysteries and having adventures. ;)

And I have an issue to take up with those Indians if we chance to meet in the next life ~ Why did they have to write on cliffs? I mean, really, were they hoping that the people coming to read the centuries old story would fall to their deaths? Why couldn't they have found a nice flat meadow that bumped up to a rock? It would be so much easier on my nerves.

{Bud holding on for dear life as the wind attempts to blow him off the mountain}

We are now planning a hike to the next location and hope that it will lead to more details to this and the past panel ~ What were these people doing? Who were they? What were they trying to say? Hopefully time will tell her tale.

OH, BTW ~ If anyone has heard about the rumor of Spanish ruins under Cherry Hill in Kaysville, PLEASE email me! I am having a very hard time validating it or not.

For example ~ I asked the woman of a rock shop located behind Cherry Hill about it and she said, "Well, that would be impossible since there was an orchard here long before the amusement park." I stared at her and tried my best not to giggle while I thought, "Umm, the ruins would have been here long before the orchard." So you see? I'm having a very hard time!
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Why do I blog?

2010-06-14T10:14:00.000-07:00

Why do I blog? That is a question I've asked myself many times and have answered many different ways. Here are a couple very honest reasons from the past:

• Once my motive was to become ridiculously wealthy from all the ads I posted. HAHA! I soon realized that was joke! Especially when only fifteen people read my blog ~ Thanks for reading, BTW ;)

• Another time, it was to receive lots of praise in the form of comments. Again, that is hard to achieve when only fifteen people visit your blog ~ LOL

• I felt I had a profound message that must be shared with others. Yeah, I can be a little cocky sometimes ~ sad, but true.

• I have even blogged because I had an imaginary competition going on with other bloggers. This was probably the silliest and shallowest reason in my three years of blogging.

• It was a way to show my out-of-town-family-members what was going on with us. This is probably the noblest reason, but then a little pride gets in the way and I wonder why it has to be the only reason I can blog.

So I ask myself again, what is the real reason why I blog? Why do I have to share way too much TMI about myself and my family? Why do I love writing about the mundane and the exciting. What am I trying to fulfill? What is my blogging purpose? What do I have to offer you, the reader?

Well, this is what I believe it to be:

• It is a method to get all my thoughts and ideas out of my being with out driving my neighbors batty. If you are reading this, you do it on your own accord right? Well, as a child I talked and talked and talked and talked. I didn't care what color, age, sex or religion, etc., you were ~ if you seemed like a nice person you were my friend and I would talk your ear off. I would learn all about you, your family, your interests, your skills and in exchange you would learn all those things about me.

Even though I couldn't hold my tongue as a child, I'm not like this an adult. There have been too many times that I've been told to "Shut up" or asked why I talked so much. It eventually wore me down and not being strong enough to let my own personality shine, I withdrew from the world.

So blogging is my way of expressing myself without feeling like I talk too much ~ though sometimes I wonder if I write to much ;)

• I love life and everything about it. All beautiful and wholesome things interest me. Dave was once asked what he loved about me the most and he said, "You never know what to expect from her." And it is true. One minute I'm making/selling my own beauty products and the next I'm following Indian legends. I love to learn. And since I love to talk, you get to hear about what I learn. If you choose, of course. ;)

• I'm using my blog to keep myself in check with goals I want to accomplish. Writing and making known what I want/what I want to do is the second step of creating anything. The first being to think about it.

• I have to blog because I'm an excellent whiner. Dave gets really tired of listening to me whine, so sometimes I let it all out here; and I'll never know if you find it boring and stop reading, so it works great for the both of us.

• And I still blog to keep my family up-to-date. I get emails from my dad when I don't post enough pictures of the kids. So here are some for you, Dad! Love ya!

That is why I blog now ~ for fun and to have a creative outlet for my oddities! I've taken off all the ads {except on my beauty blog, which is in desperate need of an update} and given up the race to be the coolest blogger. Convincing Chanelle is all about that ~ Convincing me that I can do this thing called Life.

So, what do I have to offer you, dear reader? I'm sorry to say I'm not quite sure. Many people write blogs for a certain audience, but my subject matter changes so often that I can't cater to any one group. Hopefully, you find something interesting while you are here. Well, I guess if you made it this far down you do. Thanks.

And don't worry ~ even though this blog is written for myself, you now know that I love to talk and share what I learn, so I don't mind one bit if you come along for the ride. All fifteen of you! :)
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Upheavel Inside and Out

2010-06-12T19:12:00.001-07:00

The east winds hit us very hard today causing an upheaval of trees and branches in our neighborhood. Our property's trees lost a few branches, one over 8 inches in diameter, but nothing too major. Here is Bud in front of the large spruce that was uprooted near our city hall.

This was a huge tree, wasn't it? Or as in Utah, we would say it was a "uge" tree. Just like we say "crick" instead of creek, or "wrastle" instead of wrestle. OH, Oh! What about how we swallow our T's? Like when we say "kih-in" for kitten, "moun-in" for mountain, or "buh-in" for button?

Even though I moved a lot as a kid, my family just happened to live in Utah when I was learning to speak. Somewhere along the way, probably from primary and school friends, I picked up the trait of swallowing my T's. It would not have been a problem except that my dad was a news anchor when I was growing up and it drove him nuts. He would constantly correct me, "It isn't kih-in! It's kit-ten! Why do you swallow your T's?"

It wasn't until years later when I was talking to one of Dave's cousins about their new baby boy, named Dalton. I said, "Dahl-ton? That is really cute." In which the mother quickly corrected me, "It isn't Dahl-ton, but Dahl-in." It all clicked and for once I felt at home here in Utah! LOL

But, back to the storm ~ I was really okay with loosing a few tree branches, but when I saw my peas I was completely bummed. Remember the picture I took of them just the other day? If not, here it is: Thrifty Peas. Hopefully they will get enough nutrients to finish the peas that aren't done.
There was upheaval inside my house as well, today. If you are my friend on Facebook you would know that I recently bought some sourdough starts. {If you aren't my FB friend, click here: CC FB.} These are my Alaskan sourdoughs, one whole wheat and one white wheat. The whole wheat start got a little overzealous and spilled all over. It made for a sticky clean-up.

I did get a chance to make sourdough pancakes and pita bread before it exploded and they were SO YUMMY! The recipes need perfecting and then I'll post them. They are so yummy I can't help, but to share them.

Well, I hope your day was a little less eventful than mine. But, then again, a little upheaval is kind of refreshing.
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Eensy-Weensy Spiders and the Bug Lady

2010-06-11T03:00:00.000-07:00

Any act often repeated soon forms a habit; and habit
allowed, steady gains in strength. At first it may be
but as a spider's web, easily broken through, but
if not resisted it soon binds us with chains of steel.

~ Tryon Edwards {1809~1894}

The above quote is timely since I'm working on creating new habits, but instead of whining about my dirty house, I'm going to tell you about my relationship with spiders. {I can just see you jumping up and down with excitement ;) }

While my brother and his family were here, we found a spider in my living room and I yelled for Dave to come kill it. My brother looked shocked and asked me what had happened to the "Bug Lady." The question sent me spinning into the past when I couldn't stand to see a bug squished.

It all began when I was about eight years old and a huge orb spider crawled into my personal bubble. Scared it would bite me, I grabbed the closest thing possible and squished that not-so eensy-weensy spider. Guts went flying everywhere, coating everything in its way, including me. Once the fear left, I felt guilty for prematurely taking its life and I vowed to never kill a spider again. Even if it stood looking at me with huge fangs.

Over time, my family quickly learned to call out, "Bug Lady, there's a spider in the kitchen!" And I would come running to its rescue with a cup and a piece of paper. I was a spider's best friend.

Sadly, I no longer am. I don't know when my feelings towards spiders changed, but I don't plan to start rescuing them again. Don't get me wrong ~ I'm grateful we have spiders. They keep order in the universe by eating other bugs. But, if I find one in my bubble {a.k.a. my house} today, they don't stand a chance and down the toilet they go.

Maybe if I teach one of my kids the doctrine of the Bug Lady, innocent lives will be saved. Until then, they better stay outside and continue posing for my camera.

Thrifty Peas

2010-06-10T06:00:00.000-07:00

Here are my peas! They are so beautiful, if I may say so myself. Well, I guess I just did. Maybe I'll say it again ~ they are so beautiful! They did exactly what I was hoping ~ they got big :) Remember how small they were in April? Of course, you don't. You have more important things to remember. I'll give you a reminder of how big they were ~ look at the bottom of this post: Mystical Rain.

Aren't babies adorable? I could have taken a picture of a full grown, plump pea, but this little hooded beauty was irresistible. But, I bet you are tired of hearing me brag about my peas, so....

...on to my latest Thrifty Finds ~ I found these pillows to put on my outdoor couch for $1.75 a piece! If I'm lucky enough I'll find some striped ones, too. {Crossing my fingers}

I've also gained a few garden friends for a couple dollars a piece. Above is a pigeon...

...and a rabbit ~ the only kind I allow in my plants...

...and a toad to scare away grasshoppers. I don't know if his presence really will do that, but I like to believe it will. He is guarding my open-pollinated romaine called, Jericho, which was bred in Israel and can take more heat then most lettuces. This is my first year growing it so it will be interesting to see how far into summer it lasts.

Update on Family Shutdown
Well, I fell off the Family Shutdown wagon and my house is a mess again. At least the important parts are deep cleaned so it will just take a quick cleaning to get it back in shape. But, I think my major problem is organization. So, now I'm brainstorming on how to keep it in order~

The Devil's-Darning-Needle

2010-06-09T12:07:00.000-07:00

The dragonflies are back and I couldn't be happier because they eat mosquitoes! Yes, they do! I've been wanting to build a little pond in my back yard where I could house a toad, a turtle, some fish and dragonflies as all-natural bug control. That sounds funny, doesn't it? I want to grow bugs to get rid of bugs ~ Strange, huh?

But, seriously, dragonfly larva eat mosquito eggs by the mouthful and an adult dragonfly can take out an adult mosquito in mid-flight. So they are more then welcomed to fly around me during twilight.

Dragonflies didn't always have such a warm welcome from the human race. Old legends tell of them being able to sew up children's ears, hence the nick-name Devil's-darning-needles. They also had the reputation of being snake doctors for it was thought they could bring a snake back from the dead. Ugh ~ that's one tale I'm soooo glad isn't true.

Whatever people thought of them at one time, I'm glad to know they have become our endeared friends of summer.

In summer-noon flushes
When all the wood hushes,
Blue dragon-flies knitting
To and fro in the sun,
With sidelong jerk flitting,
Sink down on the rushes.
And, motionless sitting,
Hear it bubble and run,
Hear its low inward singing
With level wings swinging
On green tasselled rushes,
To dream in the sun.

~ Lowell

Jeepers, Creepers, where'd ya get those Peepers?

2010-06-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

This is a true story. A truly bizarre story. A story that might just give you the heebie-jeebies. But, true none the less ~

Ten years ago, Dave and I were hunting elk near Strawberry Reservoir when we stepped into a twilight zone.

It all began when we were walking down a canyon and saw two other hunters below us. Instead of being upset that we weren't the only ones on the mountain, we decided to take advantage of the situation and slip into a grove of trees. The plan was to watch and see if they spooked any elk our way.

We quickly and quietly moved into the dense grove of pine trees on our right. Their trunks were so close to each other we were required to squeeze through them, shifting our bodies back and forth. As they gave way to more room we looked up and saw the live, dense trees were surrounding a tower of ancient ones, long dead. Barren of needles they gave the feeling of openness; we could clearly see across, but not out of the grove of dead trees.

I don't remember who noticed it first, but looking to the ground we saw the bones of a large animal at our feet. The skin and fur were no longer there; just bare bones laying in place of the once breathing animal. While trying to determine what kind of beast it was our eyes scanned the forest floor and found another set of bones. Then another was spotted, this time with the spike antlers of a bull elk. We whispered back and forth as we moved around, counting ~ one, two, three, four, five, six, seven elk had once laid there.

Questions ran through our minds ~ What were they doing here when they died? Are they winter kill? If so, why haven't coyotes and bobcats scattered their bones? Where are we? What is up with this place?

As we discussed the oddities something came flying at our heads making us duck for cover. We straightened back up and on the branch directly in front of us was the tiniest owl we had ever seen. Its overly large eyes were questioning us, "Whoooo are you? What are you doing here?" It would cock its head as it scanned us up and down.

We stared back with a mixture of emotions running through our veins. Not wanting to spook it we held as still as possible, but Dave was just behind my shoulder and I had to see if he saw it too. I slowly turned my head around and looked at Dave, fully expecting the owl to fly away. He mouthed, "Don't move." Wanting to see the owl again, I slowly turned my head towards it and shuttered as I met its piercing eyes.

It felt as if the three of us were suspended in time, each eyeballing the other. Finally the owl lost interest and flew off leaving us alone with the bones. Dave and I didn't waste time studying the grove and left as fast as possible. Once again we found ourselves squeezing through the outer trees. When outside, we looked back at the trees baffled by what had just happened.

Even though it happened many years ago it is an experience that won't leave me be. Every once in a while I think about it and wish fear hadn't taken our hearts. Maybe we could have discovered a new time portal to the underworld. Or learned how the elk cross from this life into the next. Maybe if we had tried to speak to the owl it would have answered back. I've thought about returning many times to investigate it, but quickly decide I'm really okay not knowing.

{Northern Saw-Whet Owl by Me, Chanelle Jones 2010}

Note: After doing some research I've decided the only owl it could have been is the Northern Saw-Whet Owl which are "strictly nocturnal." This event happened about eight in the morning.

Seeing Green and Saying Prayers

2010-06-01T17:38:00.000-07:00

These are two of my 19th century lettuces that are relishing the cooler weather. May Queen is on the left and Tom Thumb on the right. Isn't Tom Thumb adorable? It is full grown and so little ~ perfect for one person's lunch.

{May Queen}

Dream Home
Today, I drove out to see a house in Morgan that had almost every criteria of what I want in my dream home. It was simply perfect .... except for the price.

When I called the realtor I told her we couldn't afford the house, but would still love to see it. To my surprise she and the owner agreed to show it in the next half hour. So I gathered up the kids, threw on some mascara and drove out there as fast as I could {with keeping somewhat near the speed limit, of course}. After we finished the tour, the realtor said she never shows a house to someone who can't afford it, but felt as if she should this time. I wish that meant I was getting the house, but alas I don't think it does. Though, I have an idea of why she felt impressed to show it to me.

I recently realized that while I've been formulating every detail of my dream home I haven't formally asked my Heavenly Father for it. So a couple days ago I began praying, sharing with him all that I want, asking if it would bring me happiness and be something I could have. I received a strong "Yes" and then asked if Morgan was okay to accomplish this in, but I didn't receive an answer.

{Cutie Pie and Tom Thumb}

I've learned that the Lord doesn't like slothful servants. He wants us to study things out and make a decision of what we want. We are then to ask if it corresponds with His will for us. So after not receiving an answer I began to study cities around our area ~ their histories, location, price, etc. During this process I decided to call about this particular house, which lead to viewing it.

As I walked through the front door I waited to know if it would be mine or not, but nothing came. Nothing ~ I was blank with stupor of thought. Which is something I really hate since I know it meant the house wasn't for me.

{May Queen}

Trying to ignore the feeling, I toured the house by myself hoping for a different answer. As I began something said, "go out the front door and start there." I hesitated thinking that was silly. Again the feeling came and this time I listened. As I stood on the front porch I looked over the Morgan valley. It was colored with green spring grass, blue skies, and pockets of red earth. It was simply perfect. I quietly asked if this was were I was supposed to be and an overwhelming calmness, followed by tears, came over me. I know Morgan will be my home one day.

And that is why I was shown the house ~ I've done the work and received a confirmation that my dream was good and would become a reality. Some time soon {in the Lord's time} my little heirloom vegetables will be growing in my dream home's garden.

Keeping from going batty

2010-05-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

{Like my nice and organized bookshelves? ;) }

You see the above picture? I'm not wearing any foundation. WooHoo! For the last year or so I've had to wear it to help hide a rash that has covered my face and it has been driving my batty. Even though I don't mind wearing a powder to control oiliness and even out tone, I hate foundation. But, after just 5 days on this cleanse my skin is doing so much better. It's still a tad bit red and inflamed, but nothing like it was before.

I'm also finally starting to feel somewhat normal. Even though I still have mood swings I feel so much better. {Thanks Mom for listening to me this morning as I cried} You know what is crazy-in-sane? I haven't had any bread today. And I'm okay with that. Crazy-in-sane, isn't it?

So what did I eat?

• The juice and pulp of one lemon in 8 oz of water
• Breakfast ~ Two eggs, sunny-side up, and half a cantaloupe
• Snack ~ A large glass of a chilled Teecinno, Yerba Mate, and Stevia blend with a bit of cream
• Lunch ~ A scoop of stevia sweetened rhubarb and strawberry compote in plain yogurt {To be honest the compote wasn't very good. That's one concoction I'm still working on}
• Dinner ~ Nachos: ground beef, black refried beans, cheese, more then 1/2 an avocado, salsa, sour cream, and tortilla chips
• Bedtime Snack ~ Tazo Sweet Cinnamon tea sweetened with Stevia and a little cream

And I feel great! I had a few sugar withdrawal pains, but nothing like the first two days. So, do I plan to ban bread forever? NO! I love bread way to much. But, I don't have access to really great bread right now so I don't want to eat it and exasperate my yeast problem. I ordered some sourdough starts yesterday that will most likely arrive next week, then I can make pita bread, bagels, rolls, sliced bread and all kinds of yummy delights, but not feel like crap after eating them because they will be soaked or slow fermented.

Hopefully next week I can actually finish my Family Shutdown and try to keep from going batty, too.
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High-jacking my post

2010-05-27T08:46:00.000-07:00

If you noticed in my whiny post the the other day, I mentioned that I'm learning how to read old Indian writings. It's a love affair that began 20 years ago when I would borrow every book possible about Egyptian and Central American cultures. As I got older I became interested in more local histories ~ I wanted to be an archaeologist so bad, but a very wise man told me it was no way to raise a family and didn't make money.

Even though I knew he was right, I couldn't completely let go of the interest. If you're my friend on Facebook you would see proof of that in our Lover's Moab Trip pictures from 2008. In between off-roading and hiking we stopped at every petroglyph and pictograph possible. I wished so bad to have known what they meant, but thought I never would. Then about 6 months ago I found people that could actually read and understand the glyphs and I am now learning from them and seeing mysteries unfold before my very eyes.

I think it is funny how life pans out ~ I've lived against these mountains for over 12 years and it wasn't until the last couple of months that I learned we have pictographs in our canyons. They have been so close, yet so far away.

But, not anymore. Last night Dave, Bud, and I went and saw a small panel in the canyon above our house. It was a very steep trail and on a cliff's edge so I'm not going to disclose where they are on my blog. If you are itching to see them I'll tell you how to get there, but I can't be held liable if you fall. Yes, it was that scary of a climb. {Plus, there was a skunk's nest in the rocks behind it ~ Peeuuu!}

We were able to get a couple clues from the symbols, which we followed to no avail. Either it will take more time to figure out or there are important facts faded from years of erosion. But, it was still a great adventure and a major workout!

Which brings me to my first off-topic subject ~ Why is it that you can feel like you have lost so much weight and clothes are fitting better than ever, but then you see a picture of yourself and you're like, "Ugh! I'm still fat!"

{The pictographs are just to the right of my head in this picture.}

Dave was having fun taking pictures of my butt while I studied the pictographs {NO, I will not post them!} and I asked "WHY? Why would you want to take pictures of my butt?"

"Because, I like it!" He said and which I responded, "Well, at least one of us does." ;)

I've been having a hard time loosing this baby fat. But, it is really my own fault. Which brings me to the next off-topic subject ~ I have an addiction.

"Hi, my name is Chanelle Jones and I'm addicted to sugar."

I have been having a hard time functioning doped up on sugar, but haven't been willing to accept it was bad as it is until now. On Monday I started my candida cleanse. It's a very mild cleanse, but the effects have been awful! I'm always hungry, my skin itches, I have headaches, mood swings, muscle aches, trouble focusing and so much more! But, it will be worth it, right? I'm actually already getting better. The symptoms aren't quite as bad as the first two days and some of the depression is starting to subside ~ WooHoo! So, it's obvious that I'm healing...

Which takes me to my next off-topic subject {Yes, I'm high-jacking my own post} ~ Because, I'm healing right now my Family Shutdown is way behind. But, that's okay. Sometimes life happens that way. The major parts of my house are done and I know that soon I'll feel great and be able to continue organizing my life. In a way, I am still organizing by cleaning out my body. So I can't be too hard on myself.

Well, this was a long winded post and sometimes I really do share to much TMI, but then this how I talk in real life so it's how it should be here too, right? Until next time ~
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