I am not a crafty, creative person! I find inspiration from others in the creative department. I struggle with trying to make Singing Time awesome each week. This week was great, because we didn't have to worry about the program or Christmas. We could just sing fun songs! I kept it simple. I used Noah's ark and his animals. I paired a song and an action. I picked two kids and told them to each find a Lion. One animal had an action or who sang the song and the other had the song. Simple easy, but the kids love to find things around the room.

Sweet Potato, Chicken and Quinoa Soup

Whoever invented the Crockpot, is a genius!!! On crazy busy days they save me. I especially love the recipes that I can just dump and most of the ingredients I have on hand. This is such a simple and yummy recipe. I secretly wish I came up with it!

Sweet Potato, Chicken and Quinoa Soup

Cauliflower Fried Rice

So I'm going to be honest, I was not much of a cauliflower fan till my sister converted me. This cauliflower fried rice is amazing! Even my 3 year old and 1 year old loved it. The cauliflower takes on the flavor of all the other ingredients. AMAZING!
Cauliflower Fried Rice
1 tbs coconut oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tbs liquid aminos/soy sauce
1tsp minced garlic
1 tsp minced ginger
1/4 cup chopped carrots
1/4 chopped onions
1/4 cup chopped sugar snap peas
1/2 had of cauliflower minced

Directions: add oils to pan over medium heat. Saute onions, carrots, ginger and garlic. Saute till onion is soft. Add cauliflower and liquid aminos, add about a 1/4 cup water. Cover till cauliflower is soft. Add peas and enjoy!

 

Paleo Pumpkin Waffles

Yay for Fall!!! I am a Pumpkin fanatic! I am loving these waffles! Throw some dark chocolate chips in them and the kids love them too!


Paleo Pumpkin Waffles
2 green plantains
1 cup pumpkin puree
6 eggs
1 tbs coconut oil
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda

Blend all ingredients in a blender till smooth. poor into greased waffle iron. Enjoy!!!

PUMPKIN WAFFLES

Gluten Free Cliff Bars

My Scotlyn loves cliff bars and always wants a granola bar for her sneak a snack at school. These are tasty and Gluten free for Madeline.


Gluten free Cliff Bars
1 cup pitted dates
1/2 cup chunky peanut butter
1 cup gluten free oats
1 cup of rice chex
1 tbs chia seed
1 tbs flax seed
1 tsp vanilla
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Blend all but chocolate chips in a food processor or blender. Stir in chocolate roll on parchment paper and make into rectangles.

Pumpkin Cookies

I LOVE Pumpkin!!!! I love Fall!!! My friend Liz makes the best pumpkin cookies. I miss those yummy cookies, so I decided to clean them up and make them Gluten free. They are delicious!

Healthy Gluten free Pumpkin Cookies

1/2 cup coconut oil
1/2 cup honey
1 egg

2 1/2 cups gluten free flour mix
1 tsp. Nutmeg
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt

1 small can of pumpkin 15 oz
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients. I use a 1 inch cookie. Place on parchment or wax paper. They don't rise so they can be fairly close to each other. Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Paleo take 23-30 minutes

ATK Gluten free Flour Mix
4 1/2 cups + 1/3 cup whit rice flour
1 2/3 cup Brown rice flour
1 1/3 cup potato starch
3/4 cup tapioca starch
3 Tbs dry milk powder

I get all these ingredients in the bulk section at Winco and the potato starch at Sprouts.

Paleo Pumpkin Cookies

Everything else is the same just use:
4 eggs instead of 1
2/3 cup coconut flour in place of Gluten free flour

Not Enough

Who out there feels like they are not enough?
Who feels like they don't measure up?
Who feels like they are a failure?
Who feels they are an awful parent?

ME!!!! On all accounts!!!!

As a mother I feel like a failure everyday!!! I want to run and hide in the bathroom because I can't handle another minute of the crying, tantrums, poop, drama, flooded bathrooms, constant messes, craziness that my 4 independent children bring on a daily basis. I see other moms that look like they have it all together and I get depressed! Why can't I keep my house clean all the time, why do I struggle with LAUNDRY!?!?!  Why are my children so wild and crazy and I am scared to go anywhere alone with them? I am terrified that I will fail my children in some way! I want my children to grow up to be strong, independent children, who will lead and not follow! I want them to be strong in the gospel and great examples to others!

Let's talk about my poor husband! This man changes so many poopy diapers, changes his work schedule to accommodate me and my crazy life. Doesn't complain when I add another item to my list of things to juggle! Puts up with my constant whining and breakdowns. Folds Laundry!!! He's pretty amazing, right? Do I tell him that often enough, NO! Why? Because I am stuck in the "Not Enough" mode!!!

On my run this morning I was listening to the book "The Power of Vulnerability" Such a great book and I can't wait to listen to more! I had some AHA moments! We live in a "Not Enough" society! We are constantly comparing our lives to others. Do you want to be happy with your life?!? I DO!!!! Stop comparing yourself to others! As a coach I see this all the time! I do it all the time! I wish I looked like my amazing coach Missy and my good friend Crystal! WHY? I feel great! I am healthy and strong, have I reached all my fitness goals? No! Am I making progress? YES! We are all on our own journey in life! Don't compare your beginning to someone's middle!

I am going to change my "Not Enough" attitude, into a "Attitude of Gratitude" I don't know why I struggle so much with this!!! I know I need to, I want to, I have started so many gratitude journals. I am the type of person that has to be perfect or I quit trying! Awful, I know, I am a work in progress. I am going to start small. A dear friend told me that after prayer at night they say something they are grateful for. I am going to start doing that and tell each one of my precious children how much I love them and grateful they are mine! Before I go to bed, at the end of the crazy day, I am going to go over all the things that I did accomplish for the day and not dwell on the things that I didn't get done. I am going to express my gratitude to my husband!!! Maybe one day I will be successful at keeping a gratitude journal! Baby steps!

Whats for dinner?

My weeks worth of dinner and prep work done!

Whats on the menu?

Balsamic Chicken with sauce
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic
2 Chicken breasts halved
Bag 3 ingredients and freeze. remember to pull out of the freezer the night before
To cook, heat 2 tbs oil and 1 tbs butter in a pan and cook chicken about 5 minutes each side over medium heat. Salt and pepper each side while cooking.
Sauce:
When chicken is done remove from pan  and add:
1 lemon juiced
4 tbs Balsamic vinegar
1 cup chicken broth
Let cook down till it thickens



Chili Lime Chicken
2 Chicken breast cubed
3 limes juiced
1 tsp Garlic chili paste
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup liquid aminos or soy sauce
Marinate for an hour put on skewers and grill.



Buffalo Chicken
1/2 cup Franks Buffalo sauce
2 chicken breast halved
1 tbs Italian seasoning
Let marinate and hour or freeze
Cook: heat 2 tbs oil in pan. Cook chicken 5 minutes on both sides over medium heat. Serve on a salad with red wine vinaigrette


Sesame Chicken

Sloppy Joes

1 lb Hamburger
1/2 onion diced
1 red pepper diced
1 tsp steak seasoning
1 Tbs GF red wine vinegar
1 Tbs GF Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs honey
3 Tbs tomato paste
3 tomatoes diced or 1 can of tomatoes
Directions: brown hamburger with seasoning. Add peppers and onions and the rest of the ingredients. Let simmer for 15 mins. Serve over brown rice or veggies or Cauliflower mashed potatoes.

I saw this on a Dr. Oz show years ago, but I don't know who it was or if the recipe is exactly like hers.

Taco Bowls

I am making this with Beef chorizo and cauliflower rice over lettuce topped with grilled veggies and mango peach salsa!

My Favorite Shakeology Recipes

I am a chocolate Lover! Vegan Chocolate Shakeology is my favorite! Here are some of my Favorites:
I add a 1/2 cup of water to most of mine, when I want them a littler thinner
Frozen Hot Chocolate
10 ice cubes
1 cup almond milk
1-2 drops peppermint oil
1 scoop chocolate shakeology

Blend and enjoy!

Cherry Amaretto

10 cherries pitted
8 ice cubes
1 cup almond milk + 1/2 cup water
1 scoop chocolate shakeology
1 drop almond extract

Almond Joy
1 cup almond breeze almond coconut milk
8 ice cubes
1 Tbs shredded coconut
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology

Peanut butter Yumness
1 cup almond milk
8 ice cubes
1 tbls almond butter or peanut butter
1/2 banana
1 scoop chocolate Shakeology

Mason Jar butter and Pioneer Day

I am the Primary Chorister in our ward and on Sunday I did a Pioneer themed Singing Time. I dressed up as a Pioneer and had the Primary search for covered wagons and shake butter. It was the first time I had made butter in a mason jar and it was a lot of fun. They got to taste it on a slice of homemade bread.

Mason Jar butter
Quart size jar
1 pint of Heavy Whipping Cream

Poor Cream in jar secure lid and Shake! It took 15 -20 mins. When you see that the butter has formed, drain the butter milk, press the butter gently to get rid of all the milk. That's it! Enjoy your fresh butter!


















My family always goes to the Days of 47 Float Preview. It is where they bring in all the floats in the Expo Center and you get to walk around up close and see all the amazing work that goes onto making the floats. My Kids favorite this year was the T-Rex float.

I am truly grateful for the amazing strength and faith of the Pioneers. I cry every time I read a journal or hear a story of the heartache that so many went through. Yet, they still pushed on had had amazing faith. I want to weather my trials in my life with the same amount of faith the Pioneers had.

3 Day Refresh

Are you stuck at a Fitness Plateau? Do you have muffin top and love handles you want to get rid of
I am a clean Eater, Gluten Free and mostly Paleo. I have had 4 kids in 5 years and my problem area is my stomach. I have been able to get down to my pre pregnancy weight every time, but my stomach is stretched out and has a little pooch. I was frustrated. I could feel my core getting stronger, but still  wasn't seeing the definition. Last Month while I was at Summit, they announced a new product. The 3 Day Refresh! I was excited! I got it and tried it when I got home.
I loved it and my results! I wasn't starving! I wasn't Hangry! I didn't have to juice everyday. They give you plenty of Breakfast, lunch and dinner options that everyone can find something they like.
I am Starting a 3 Day Refresh group on August 4th. We will start with the 3 Day Refresh and finish off the month with clean eating. This is a great way to break bad habits and learn to eat clean! The group offers motivation, support, accountability, and a great place to meet new people! Leave me a comment if you are interested or find me on Facebook.

Clean Eating Menu and Prep

     

	B	S	L	S	D
M	Quinoa w/ applesauce, cinnamon and chopped pecans	Apple and nut butter	Chinese chopped Salad w/ chicken	Veggies and hummus	Pizza
T	Omelet	Low fat cottage cheese with fruit	Spinach salad	Celery w/nut butter	Haystacks
W	Banana pancakes	Green Smoothie	Red pepper Quinoa Salad	Steamed broccoli w/ garlic and EVOO	Lemon Chicken and asparagus
T	Coconut Blueberry chia muffins	Greek yogurt with berries and granola	Mexican bowl	Cucumber salad	Balsamic Pork
F	Oatmeal w/ flax seed Almond milk and berries	Banana and nut butter	Mango quinoa Salad	Nuts and dark chocolate	Meatloaf
S	Ham and egg cups	Peaches and cream	Italian Salad	Cucumber roll ups	Stuffed peppers
S	Apple chicken sausage Breakfast hash	Chia pudding	Veggie stir fry over rice	Veggies and healthy ranch	Lettuce Wraps(i use 2 mangos instead of jelly)

Printable Menu 

Most of the Meals you can click on and it will take you to the recipe. It it doesn't have a link and you have a question feel free to ask.
Peaches and cream I use coconut milk and a little bit of honey.
Spinach Salad I mix spinach, strawberries, red onion and walnuts with a little bit of balsamic and EVOO
Mexican Bowl is Rice and beans with fresh Pico or a clean salsa feel free to top with avacado
Veggie Stir fry is your favorite veggies fried in coconut oil and Liquid aminos
Cucumber roll ups are thinly slice cucumber with your favorite deli meat
Cucumber Salad sliced cucumber, diced red onion, salt and pepper splashed with Rice vinegar
Healthy ranch I make a ranch seasoning I found on pinterest and mix it with greek yogurt
Haystack rice topped with chicken, veggies and gravy

Printable Shopping List

I can honestly tell you when I plan and prepare it makes eating throughout the week a lot easier. I know it is work that one day, but it makes the rest of the week run a  lot smoother and faster.
I want to share some of my tips with you. I shop at Sprouts in Wednesday., Double ad Wednesday! I check the sales for the week and plan my menu around that. I got to stick to a budget! On Tuesday they post the ad for the upcoming week, so I check the ad and plan out my meals. On Wednesday morning I hit the stores. My Mom and sister make a day of it. We swing by Winco to hit up their bulk section and then head to Sprouts. When I get home I throw all my produce in the sink with a 1/10 solution of vinegar and water. I let them soak an hour while I put away groceries. I then rinse them off and let them dry on the counter on a towel. Now it is time for slicing and dicing! I place them all into tupper ware and stack them neatly in my fridge. My fridge stays nice and organized! I also use more veggies, cause lets be honest I get lazy and cutting veggies is work that is easily forgotten when making dinner.

I run Clean Eating groups monthly. If you need a little more help message me at my Facebook page.

Apple chicken sausage Breakfast Hash

I am a little obsessed with Sprouts fresh made sausage. I love their apple chicken sausage. It makes for a yummy breakfast.

Apple Chicken Sausage Hash
1 lb apple chicken sausage
4 yellow potatoes or 2 sweet potatoes diced
1 pepper diced. (I use what ever color I have)
1/2 onion diced
1/2 bunch of asparagus cut into inch pieces
4 eggs

Directions: Brown sausage, then add potatoes, onions, and peppers. Cover and cook till potatoes are soft. stir occasionally. Add asparagus and cook till tender. Move mixture to toe side of the pan add some butter or olive oil and cook the eggs. Mix it all together when eggs are cooked to your liking

Stuffed Peppers

I love stuffed peppers. Especially in the summer. There is a little family farm down the street that grows the most amazing  peppers. I love to sneak in veggies in this recipe. My kids don't eat cauliflower, but I put it in this recipe like it is rice and they never know.

Stuffed Peppers
1 lb ground beef
1/2 onion diced
1 can of olives
1 tbs Taco seasoning
1 tbs olive oil
3 cloves garlic minced
1 small head of cauliflower shredded to look like rice
6 peppers for stuffing

Directions: Brown the beef in a skillet add onions and taco seasoning. Add a little water if it is dry. In another pan place olive oil, garlic, cauliflower and a half a cup of water in a pan. cover and let steam and let cook till tender. remove lid and brown it for a minute. Add cauliflower to the beef and add olives. Stuff peppers and top with cheese if desired. Bake at 350 for 15 minutes till peppers are soft. I can't eat beans or corn, but feel free to ad those if you like!

Chinese Chopped Salad

This is a family Favorite. My Grandpa requests it all the time. Throw some grilled chicken on there for some protein and you are set. 


Chinese Chopped Salad
1 small head of cabbage chopped
Toasted slivered almonds
Cilantro
Green onions



Dressing: 
½ cup olive oil 
¼ cup rice vinegar 
¼ cup chicken broth 
¼ cup honey 
1 tsp sesame oil 
½ tsp salt 
½ tsp pepper

Balsamic Pork

This is such a simple clean recipe. It is my go to when I have a busy day ahead of me. Pair it with a sweet potato with coconut oil and cinnamon and your favorite vegetable.

Balsamic Pork
3-4 lbs Pork( I use chops, roast, and loin with this recipe)
1/2 cup Balsamic Vinegar (pomegranate infused is yummy)
1 tbs honey
3 cloves of garlic minced
1/2 onion sliced

Directions: Put all ingredients in crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours and low 4-5 hours.

Red Pepper Quinoa

I love Quinoa! This is such a light summery dish! Perfect for a BBQ or make ahead for lunches.

Red Pepper Quinoa
1 cup of uncooked quinoa - I cook it in my steamer with 2 cups water and cook on white rice setting
1/2 red pepper diced
2 Tbs red onion diced
1 Tbs  cilantro minced
1 clove garlic minced
1 lime juiced
1 Tbs evoo
Cumin, salt and pepper to taste. Add jalapeno for a kick!

Italian Veggie Salad

Italian Veggie Salad
1 English or Armenian cucumber diced (they are really long)
2 Roma tomatoes diced
1 can of olives sliced
1 bunch green onions diced
1/2 green pepper diced
1/2 red pepper diced
1/4 cup Italian dressing (I use Annies all natural and gluten free)
Toss it all together and enjoy!

Meatballs in Chili and Raspberry Sauce

My family loves Meat balls! I don't make them very often, because they are full of sugar! I wanted a clean, healthy meat ball recipe that my kids would eat. This recipe was a success! It is full of veggies and no white sugar or high fructose corn syrup. Our favorite Meatball recipe uses Chili sauce and Grape jelly. Most grape jellies first ingredient is some type of sugar so I went with Simply fruit Black raspberry jelly. This brand uses juice to sweeten and preserve rather than all the sugar. I made a healthy chili sauce, with out all the sugar.

Meatballs in Chili and Raspberry Sauce
This is a large recipe. I only use half and freeze the rest for an easy meal later on. Start by making the Chili sauce, while simmering make your meatballs. When meat balls are done place in a crockpot. Poor half the chili sauce if you are freezing half the recipe, over the meat balls. Put the whole jar of jelly in the crockpot, cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.


Chili Sauce
6 Tomatoes
1 red pepper
1 green pepper
1/2 onion
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup cloves
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. cloves
1/4 tsp. nutmeg

Dice tomatoes, peppers and onions. Place diced tomatoes, peppers and onions and all other ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Let simmer for 45 minutes. Use an immersion blender if you want a smooth sauce, not necessary.

Meatballs
2 lbs. ground beef
2 lbs. italian sausage
1 diced onion
2 cups spinach chopped
4 eggs
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp garlic powder
2 Tbs. Worcestershire sauce
2 Tbs. red wine vinegar

Mix all ingredients in a large bowl. Roll in to balls, place on baking sheet. Bake at 350 for 20 mins.

Printable Recipe

Ethan turns 4!

I love my sweet Ethan! He is a determined, strong willed child. He does everything he can to get what he wants. He is the sweetest little boy and gives the best hugs. He is always cracking us up with the funny things he says. He loves to go to pre-school and just started soccer and loves it. He has to be doing something, he loves to go places, anywhere, just loves to be out. He is 30 lbs and 3' 3".
This year for his Birthday he wanted to go bowling! Bowling with the kids is so much fun! They love it and it is hilarious to watch. So much fun!






We always do Sunday dinner at my Parents or Grandparents.
I always make a cake for the kids Birthday. Ethan Loves the movie Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. So this year My mom and I made him a Willy Wonka cake covered in Willy Wonka candy and  a chocolate water fall. Ethan loved it! Ethan loves the Macadamia nut turtles that you can get from Costco. My grandpa buys them and we bust them out for Sunday games. So cute Grandpa Great got Ethan is own box, labeled it so his dad and grandpa stay out. I keep them in the Pantry and Ration them, or he would eat the whole box! He had a great birthday and was spoiled by Great grandparents, grandparents and aunts. He was such a crack up and all he asked for this year was a lock and key, he has been obsessed with keys. Grandpa hooked him up with his own.

Valentine's Day and Meatloaf

Valentine's Day is not a big celebration in our house, but this year some cute neighbors invited me to do "14 Days of Love". So cute! You make 14 of the same Valentine and then you switch with 14 ladies in the neighborhood, so you have 14 different valentines to give your husband. The whole family got involved in hiding and giving Dad his valentines.
Grandma and Grandpa Little came over and brought the kids giant Kisses!
That night we had a Valentine's dinner as a Family. We had Heart Meatloaf. Mark loves Meatloaf, I have never been a huge fan, so I have tried different ways to make it. My mom has Mastered it, in a healthy gluten free recipe. It is the best in the crock pot!


Gluten Free Meatloaf
1 lb ground beef
1 lb Italian sausage
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1 handful chopped spinach
3 cloves of garlic minced
2 eggs
1 Tbs Worcestershire sauce
1 Tbs red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder

Sauce:
1 8 oz can tomato sauce
1 Tbs honey
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp parsley

Directions:
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl till combined. Put in the crockpot, I shape it so it is an inch away from the sides of the crockpot. Cook on low for 6-8 hours. 30 mins before you are ready to eat. Combine ingredients for the sauce and poor over the meat loaf. Cook for remaining 30 minutes. You can also take the meatloaf out of the crockpot, poor the sauce on and broil on low for 15 minutes in the oven. I like how it gets a little crispy

Mango Ginger Stir Fry

Mango Ginger Stir Fry

Sauce:
1 mango diced
1/2 cup rice vinegar
1/4 cup liquid aminos, soy sauce, or coconut aminos
1/4 cup honey
1/2 inch fresh ginger minced

Stir fry
2 large chicken breast cubed
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbs coconut oil
1 tsp sesame oil
1 /2 head of cabbage shredded
1 red pepper diced
1/2 onion diced
1 head of broccoli

Prepare sauce by blending all ingredients in a blender. Saute chicken and garlic in the 2 oils over medium heat til chicken is done. Add the sauce and veggies, cover the pan till veggies are cooked. I like my veggies crunchy! I like spicy, so I add a tsp of garlic chili paste. Serve over rice noodles or zucchini noodles.

Paleo Banana Nut Muffins

Paleo Banana Nut Muffins

2 ripe bananas smashed

4 eggs

1/4 cup honey

2 Tbs. coconut oil

1/3 cup coconut flour

1 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 cup pecans

Mix all ingredients. Bake at 350°. I use mini muffin tins and it takes 15-20 min.

Paleo Fish Tacos

My Sister spent the summer in Alaska. She did a lot of fishing and sent us home some of her catch. I have never been a big fish person, but now I love it! I love salmon, halibut, ling cod! So yum! This recipe is super easy and so yummy!

Paleo Fish Tacos
2 fish fillets, I used ling cod, but you could use
Mahi, or halibut or your favorite.
2 limes squeezed
1/2 chopped cilantro
2 cloves garlic minced
salt
pepper

Directions: salt and pepper the fillets. Put lime juice, cilantro and garlic in a 8x8 pyrex dish. Coat the fish in the mixture and leave it in the dish up to 30 mins. Grill the fish till it flakes, but isn't dry. I use a George forman during the winter. Wrap in lettuce top it with your favorite toppings. We love it with Mango Salsa
and guacamole!

Paleo Spicy Orange Chicken

I love it when I have a meal that everyone eats and there are no complaints. Rarely happens, but this recipe was a hit. It is sweet and spicy, but not too spicy! If you are not paleo just use soy sauce instead of coconut aminos. My kids eat it with rice noodles, Royal Blossom brand. No leftover tonight!

2/3 cup Orange juice
1/2 cup rice vinegar
3 Tbs coconut aminos
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp. chili garlic paste
2 cloves garlic minced
1 tsp ginger minced
1 Tbs. coconut oil
1 tsp. sesame oil
1 1/2 lbs Chicken cut into bite size pieces
1 red pepper diced
1/2 onion diced

Directions: In a sauce pan add orange juice, vinegar, coconut aminos, honey and chili garlic paste. Let it bubble on medium heat for 5 mins. remove from heat. Brown ginger and garlic with the coconut and sesame oil. Add Chicken. When chicken is done add the sauce, peppers and onions and let it simmer for 5 minutes. Serve it over steamed cabbage.

No Candy Valentines

I am all for the no candy Valentines, and they are way cuter than the candy ones! But, lets be honest here, I do not have a single crafty bone in my body. Every Pinterest project I have attempted has been a fail. So have you seen that pinterest post with all the pinterest pictures and then the persons attempt at it. Ya that's is me. So I love those amazing, crafty people who share their cute ideas and their templates that I can just print off. :)  I have found some cute ones and wanted to share.

Peel the love!











This is my fave! My kids love cuties!


Fruit Valentines


Love the cute fruit sayings!

12 No Candy Valentine's

We did the bouncy balls last year and the kids loved it!

20 No Candy Valentines

Finding Joy in a world full of Poop!

Last year I struggled with motherhood. I was pregnant with my 4th, 4 in 5 years. I didn't think I could handle another kid, I was still getting the hang of 3. I love each one of my children with my whole heart and I worry daily about them. I want to be the best mom and an amazing wife. I have had a heard time finding joy in all the chaos. I was a very ambitious college student, I worked hard and have always wanted to get my degree. I had plans to travel and experience life, but then I met my husband and married at a young age. I still went to school, then I had Scotlyn and schooling slowed, then I had Ethan and schooling stopped. I still want to finish and earn that degree, but it's not going to be for a while. I have watched my sisters and sister in laws achieve things I am envious of. World Travel, College graduates, missions, and spontaneous trips. I have had to change my priorities and learn to be grateful for the many blessings I have! I have 4 beautiful, healthy, happy children! I have an amazing Husband who works hard so I can stay at home with our children. I have amazing family members that live nearby and are willing to help out when I need a break. I have an Amazing Mother who is so knowledgeable and I who have an amazing friendship with!

This year, 2014, my number 1 goal is all about me. It has taken more sacrifice on my part, less sleep, but it has been worth it! I want my children to see a happy mom. I want to set the tone in our home. I want to find the joy in every little moment. This all requires me to make better choices and start doing! I get up at 4:45 am and I take care me. I workout, which helps immensely with my sanity. I really feel it on those days I sleep in and miss my runs. I read my scriptures and read personal development. I know Personal Development, Hahaha! I was a critic, but give it a chance, you will love it! I am more prepared for my day when it starts with prayer and scripture. I am at peace and more in tune.  I get so much done before my sweet little monsters wake-up! I have learned so much this last month about myself and I love the new me!

I have made goals to build people up and compliment others often. I know so many amazing women, who inspire me daily and they probably have no idea how I feel about them! I am going to let everyone know how amazing I think they are. I am going to choose to love everyone and never judge. No one knows the struggles that others go through. I don't want to be judged and have people think I don't appreciate my family! I am going to let everyone know how thankful I am for them.
Now, how to deal with a 5 year old Drama queen. A 3 year old sugar addict who won't eat anything healthy and throws a fit when I won't let him eat bread, cereal and cookies all day long. A CRAZY 2 year old, who has food sensitivities and is currently potting training, and has no problem touching poop! Have you ever seen Baby Mamma? The part where she licks her boys finger that had chocolate on it. And the friend asks "What if that had been poop?" With Madeline you would never lick her finger it is most likely poop! I have had poop thrown at me, I have had it handed to me in a bowl, pot, towel. She has even used the play kitchen sink as a toilet! I have found it painted all over the bathroom. She is very independent and want to do it all by herself and so I leave the bathroom and she can make a mess real quick!  And the poor girl is the size of a 1 year old, so getting on and off the toilet is tricky. Last, but not least a 7 month old Angel who gets put on the ground a lot. Lillian is the sweetest baby and just knows that I love her, but I can't hold her right now.
I most definitely do not have all the answers and I am far from perfect, but I have learned to be more grateful. When I am frustrated I try to think of all the things I love about my children. I walk away for a moment and come back when I am calm and try to talk to whoever is upset. I have learned to rely on my Savior. When one of my kids is throwing a fit I take that moment to try to understand their feelings and for me to keep calm, then I try to talk to them and I say a prayer with them and tell them that Heavenly Father is there to help us. It usually calms the situation. I have had a hard time turning to the Lord for help, he is the first I should turn to. He knows what I am capable of and for some crazy reason thought I needed to have 4 crazy kids in 5 years. In one of the Personal Development books I listened too, it says to take a moment to write down everything you did that day and are grateful for, don't worry about what didn't get done or your failures. Focus on the good!
I am far from perfect and I have my days , but I want to look back on this post and remind myself to find the joy in the chaos and focus on that!

Love my beautiful, fun, crazy, family!

Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce with Zucchini and Asparagus

I am super excited about this recipe! I love garlic, lemon and asparagus combination. My Husband loved it!!! So if you know my husband he is not much for healthy food. He would rather have regular noodle over my zucchini noodles. I was honestly prepping myself for my husband to say "this is super healthy" and only eat a little and say "this is not a keeper". But he didn't, he actually said "add this to the list!"


Garlic Lemon Cream Sauce with
 Zucchini and Asparagus
3 cloves of garlic minced
1 Tbs. ghee or clarified butter
1 lemon juiced
1/3 cup coconut cream
1 bunch of asparagus cut into 1/2" pieces
1 zucchini made into noodles

Directions: Saute the garlic and the ghee on medium heat till garlic is golden brown. Add lemon juice and coconut cream. Add asparagus and cook for 5 mins. Remove from heat and add zucchini noodles and toss. I topped ours with grilled chicken.


We made peaches n cream smoothies for dessert, with the leftover coconut cream.

Apple Cinnamon Nut Clusters

I love nuts, but let's be honest they get old real fast. They make great snacks on the go so I wanted to make something that had a little more to it than just nuts! My kids love this recipe too! My son would eat the whole pan, if I let him! I don't know how people keep boys full, Ethan is asking every 10 minutes for something to eat. It is a full time job trying to keep that boy fed!. I am scared for when he is a teenage boy! He is that kid that will sneak stuff and eat it under the table. Crazy, hungry kids!

Apple Cinnamon Nut Clusters

1/2 cup almonds

1/2 cup walnuts

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup coconut flakes

1 cup dried apples

1 Tbs. cinnamon

1/4 cup honey

1/4 coconut oil

1 tsp vanilla

Directions: Place almonds, walnuts, pecans, coconut, dried apples and cinnamon in a blender. Pulse till nuts are chopped. melt coconut oil and Honey in a sauce pan. Once melted add vanilla and nut mixture. Stir till combined. poor into a 9x13 plyrex and press it down. Bake at 350 for 15 mins. if they are not golden brown yet bake a little longer. Let them cool. When it has cooled, take a spoon and break it up into clusters. I keep them in the fridge so they stay nice and crunchy.

Pineapple Coconut Curry

I love curry! I am always looking for a good curry! I loved the pineapple in this recipe! I think next time I will try with mangoes. So,I am not a cauliflower person. I know, how can you be paleo and not like cauliflower. I have tried it as a rice substitute, because curry without rice is just sad. But I still haven't found a Paleo rice I love. So instead I chopped up some zucchini and threw it in there.

Pineapple Coconut Curry

2 large chicken breast

2 Tbs. coconut oil

2 tsp. minced ginger

2 cloves minced garlic

1/4 cup diced onion

1 can coconut milk

1 24 oz. can of pineapple drained-save the juice

2 tsp. red curry paste

1 tsp. tandoori paste

salt to taste

Directions:

Cut up chicken into bite sized pieces. Saute coconut oil, garlic, ginger, onion and chicken till chicken is almost done. Add 1/8 cup pineapple juice, curry and tandoori paste stir in. Then add the coconut and the pineapple and simmer for 15 mins.

Why I am a food snob!

I have always been a fan of healthy eating. I went to school in Physical Education and loved all the nutrition classes. I am a true believer in what we eat either feeds disease or fights it. My Family has lots of food sensitivities and the last couple of years I have struggled with stomach issues. I have a very sensitive stomach,  my mom is Celiac, and my sister is lactose and is sensitive to soy. We discovered the Paleo lifestyle and live it 90% of the time!  A lot of Paleo people say you can cheat, but you will be reminded of why you eat Paleo. I can attest to that! I have regretted many cheat days.
My 2 year old is gluten free, About a year ago she had diarrhea for weeks, her skin was like sandpaper, and she didn't sleep. It was miserable for everyone. We took her off gluten and things have been much better. I love finding meals that a 2 year old loves and can eat. So she has helped me become the food snob that I am.
I know that the food I feed my kids plays a major role in their behavior.I can tell the difference in my sons behavior when he eats sugars and carbs.  If he drinks sugary drinks it goes right through him and he has to pee in 5 minutes. When he has carb filled breakfasts he craves sugar all day long. He craves sugar and throws fits when I tell him he can't have a treat. He is his Fathers child, my husband is a crabaholic. If my husband didn't buy his own bread and gluten filled foods, we would be a gluten free home. Still trying to make my husband into a food snob. We are not on the same page yet! I am determined to win that Battle. I am a mom of 4 crazy kids and if I can help their behavior by feeding them healthy, wholesome food, I am all over that! I want my kids to live healthy, happy lives full of energy. I want to be the example to them of how to keep our bodies healthy. I love finding and creating recipes that my family loves. I secretly love Tuesdays! I love Sprouts and on Tuesday their ad comes out so I check the sale and create my menu around the sale. I love planning meals out for the week, and when you are Paleo it takes planning!