Now the smoothies

I just want to say that my water week still needs improvement. I tried the cup by the sink with something in the window to count with. I was tempted to use m&ms or chocolate chips but I settled for peanuts thinking they wouldn't be such a temptation to the rest of my family. I was wrong. Before I got all my cups of water in my counters were gone. I am moving to 2 cups of water before breakfast, a cup each time I wash the dishes, and a cup each time I get hungry and think I need a snack. It could be that my body is just thirsty. Drink water and enjoy it.

This week we move on to green smoothies. I have learned to love green smoothies. Start with lots of fruit and some spinach. The spinach has almost no flavor but so much dark green goodness. My garden is finally giving me fresh spinach and I may have to have several smoothies a day to keep up. It really does feel so good to be getting several servings of fruits and veggies in such an easy way. There are many sources for recipes and lists of benefits for green smoothies that you can google or just use the fruit and veggies you have on hand. I tried some of the recipes from simple. healthy. tasty. and even enjoyed the peanutbutter chocolate green smoothie. It is very green but felt like a shake with no guilt. So for more info go to her site. Another green smoothie site as well as other recipes for your blender. I do have a vita mix. I love it. If you have another brand maybe your brand has a site with ideas also.

Lets also make sure we are getting some moderate exercise. If you love working up a sweat and complaining about sore muscles the next day - go ahead. But really just some regular moderate exercise is all our bodies need. Keep moving, walk, stretch, enjoy life, play with the kids and your energy will improve. We are setting a foundation for improved health. Keep working.

4th parties

Our 4th fun begins the night before with a parade. Everyone brings a bag to hold all the candy they are hoping for. Of course our favorite part is when we see someone we know. Here Pete dances down the road with the hs show choir.

Saturday morning began with ringing the bell in the American Legion bell tower, setting up at the stadium for the evening program and coming home to a delicious breakfast prepared by Twinkle.

Doodle was especially glad to see some presents to unwrap. She was easily satisfied with few things and lots of well wishes.

Park fun included our stake president on the dunking booth. What a great guy. He took more than his share of dips in some rather murky looking water.

Me and my birthday girl.

We ran running races, 3-leg races, and sack races. Tall one in the red below.

Twinkle pulling into the lead, almost. As far as we could tell she and tall one tied in our family race.

The egg toss is one of our favorites. Twink and Doodle did pretty good considering Doodles closed eyes.

She usually missed but the egg didn't break.

We had a great cook out at our house. Tons of yummy food. I think everyone was more mellow this year though because there was less playing and the water fight only involved the kids. No mean uncles this time.

Doodle ended up with nurse maids elbow. We couldn't seem to help her but one of our guests knew what to do and taught me. That little click as I straightened her arm sure made the rest of the day lots more fun.

We got to help in the planning and execution of the patriotic program that night. It was great. We had short speeches, music, and retired a huge flag. It felt really good to be a part of something so great.

The children's choir was a lot of fun for Sac. Here he is a Yankee Doodle boy.

The flag was honorably retired by scouts (including my two scouts) and our local military. Mr. O built the "alter" that made burning possible on the field as well as manned the propane tank. It was very moving. Probably a new tradition. The save the eye hooks from the flag after burning and present them to a notable member of the community. This veteran was honored and received the hooks.
Fireworks at the stadium with the music were great. They really did a fine show. My little ones were quite tired by this point but Doodle got her birthday fireworks and loved her day.
Poor Sunny slept through the program and still couldn't wake up.

I had four kids sleeping in church today as well as their dad and one just spacing off with his eyes open missing his cue to lead the closing song.

my parents anniversary

We enjoyed celebrating my parents anniversary at a nice restaurant and then celebrating Grandpa's birthday with a donut tower cake with everyone afterwards. Of course we also sang to each of the 4th of July birthdays.

you are invited

to join me in getting healthier. If you are like me, summer time is an ideal time to eat fresh, exercise, be motivated to fit into your clothes better. I'm not yet sure where this might all lead but if you are willing to join me we might change the world - one healthy body at a time. I have enjoyed a few things from Simple, Healthy, Tasty. She is sharing some of the things that have worked for her. I love learning from someone who has been there.

The challenge for this week is water! Drink more water. Drink clean water and drink 1 ounce of water for every 2 pounds of your body weight. Just divide your current weight by 2 and then by 8 and you will have the number of cups you need in a day. I need 8-9 cups of water a day which is at least 2 quarts. I'm thinking that because I am so forgetful I will keep a cup by the sink as well as 9 nuts. Each time I drink a cup of water I eat a nut. I guess I could also carry around a quart jar of water and make sure I empty it twice. Happy Hydrating!

Institute and talents

We had a great institute class this morning. Some mom's got together and asked the seminary teachers if we could have institute once a week and if they would teach. We do it Monday mornings at 8:30. We have rotated through the teachers, Mr. O taught last week about addictions and today Michelle taught. She did a great job. One of the measuring sticks we use as women for classes often includes being touched emotionally. I got teary so her lesson was good. She shared some of the things she loves to do - quilting, gardening, getting an education. Then she shared how the process of developing these talents and sharing these talents has allowed her to share the gospel and grow in other ways. She also shared this quote by Marianne Williamson:

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God.

Your playing small does not serve the world.

There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel

insecure around you.

We are all meant to shine, as children do.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine,

we uncounsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

I came home full of hope. Grateful for my own talents - whatever stage they may be in. I am reminded of President Uchdorf's talk about creating. We do all have desire and ability to create and to share. We have gifts that can bless others and in doing so bless us. Let's not be afraid of who we are. Let's allow the spirit to guide us in recognizing and using our talents. Let's quit comparing or judging but just love and rejoice in what we have been given and what others have been given. We have all paid a price to have what we have, we can improve but we can't get upset when we don't have the talents of someone else when we haven't paid the price for that talent or ability. And often times it starts out simply as a gift and those gifts can be strengthened and grow. We have times and seasons and we have freedom to choose how we will use that time and those gifts.

Next Monday we have a guest teacher. I believe it is Sister Harrop's son coming just to teach us. Please come, there is plenty of room.

the second half

We enjoyed watching the pageant. We visited the booths and this year they are allowing food on the grounds so we took some treats in. Yuck.

My new friend Lara came to stay and see pageant. We had a great time visiting and sharing. Our kids had a really good time. Her's wanted to stay and mine said they were mean for leaving.

Natalie also came home for some family time. She and Doodle pouting together.

Our last scene Friday night ended up with my getting run over by a handcart. We were running to get away from the Indians and I wasn't fast enough to stay clear of the cart. It ran over my leg. I was able to finish the evening and walked fine until I got home. Mom was here to make sure I got it on ice and elevated. Saturday I used crutches and tried to stay off it. By Sunday I walk with a slight limp and one crutch occasionally. I have sure been blessed. This is a picture of it Saturday morning. By Sunday it is much more colorful and a little smaller in size. My ankle is still missing but I have hope.

Saturday was my shift as guide at our DUP museum which is a pioneer house and cabin. I sat in the cabin and welcomed people. A friend stopped in and found me. Later that night she dropped off this singing telegram and really made me smile.

Singing telegram, only you have to do the singing! Use "Grandma got runover by a reindeer" tune.

Chorus:

Becky got run over by a handcart,

While she was a mormon Pioneer;

Next day she was at the old schoolhouse,

Giving tours as a faithful volunteer!

Verse 1

They were trudging up the hillside,

On the steep and grassy slope,

When the cart sped up without her,

Now her poor left andle has to cope!

Verse 2

We hope Becky's getting better,

Cause she's such an awesome sport.

Next time that a cart decides to go south,

We hope Becky's poor ankle will go north!

I am doing much better. Now I have to find time for a nice bath.

Tis the season . . .

for cookouts, mountain rides, hikes, and mosquitoes. FHE was up the mountain. It was beautiful. Pete's truck got us up just fine.

I love that my boys always want to bring me flowers. I was surprised that they were blooming so well already. And isn't it nice that someone left a vase by the river to put my flowers in.

We wish Henke's were here!