A Ballooning Adventure

 

This summer at Draper Days.  One of the companies was sponsoring a small tethered balloon ride just above the park.  Miguel's fascination with balloons had him giddy to give it a go.  As you can see by the smile on his face it was a success!

Bear Lake Fun with Cousins

Landri, Miguel, Tristian and Lexi

What a fun time we had at Bear Lake with our cousins and the rest of our family this summer. We rode four wheelers, held a ping pong tournament, enjoyed the lake and lots of sunshine!  The Shmidt's invited us to their family cabin and provided all the entertainment.  Thanks for the fun invite we all had a blast.

Pacing Ourselves

 

Runners must learn how to conserve their greatest amount of energy for the most challenging part of a run or race.  If they fail to do so they may hit a wall that can make it nearly impossible for them to finish successfully.

   
I am not a runner but I am a mother and wife. I have learned over the years much like a runner that I must wisely cue in on times when I have optimal energy and those times when a challenge or stress may make it more difficult to give my all. The key to success is learning to pace ourselves. 

In doing so you must first evaluate and know yourself well.  What is your own personal style? What types of triggers add stress to your life? And do you know how to nurture yourself along the way when you do feel off balance or your energy waning?

I for instance have learned over time to embrace my relaxed easy going style.  I am not a parent who thrives on having my children run from activity to activity 24/7.  I much prefer to intersperse our busy active lives with a large dose of down time spent unwinding from all of the rush. Our days are filled with the usual school, church and family outings.  But I am careful not to jump on the bandwagon with the rest of society and sign my kids up too hastily for every extracurricular activity that rolls around.  I would much rather expose them to an occasional exploration of a possible talent or class they have expressed interest in, mixed again with time for them to play with one another and learn to love, serve and live the gospel of Jesus Christ as they are home. 

This time in childhood should be cherished and protected.  Adult life comes much to quickly and our moments for teaching and getting to know our children are fleeting.  Likewise as a homemaker and mother, if I spend most of my time away rather than inside my nest. I soon find myself resenting the basic nurturing things I love to do so much for my family.  When I slow down my pace a bit I find that peace returns and my heart is filled with a love for those I must love more fully.

Simple Oatmeal Muffins

I really love these simple but delicious muffins.  Mostly because I always have the ingredients on hand. They're also healthy and make up so quick.  When I make them I really feel like I've done something special and nutritious for my family.  This recipe can be found at Barefoot and Baking.  I have followed her blog for some time now and I love many of her recipes.  Check out more of her delicious muffins by clicking on her link. http://barefootandbaking.blogspot.com/search/label/muffins

1 cup oats
1 cup buttermilk (tip: If I don't have buttermilk I use this perfect substitute.  Place 1 Tbsp. of vinegar or lemon juice in liquid measuring cup.  Add enough milk to bring liquid to the 1 cup line.  Let stand for 5 min. Then use the amount called for in recipe.)

Mix these together then add:

1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 egg

Mix again and then add:

1 cup flour or whole wheat flour ( I like to use White Wheat flour)
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder

Mix until combined. Pour into greased or lined muffin tin.  Bake at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until golden brown.  Makes 12 muffins.