Estoy aprendiendo español!

Hola amigos!

Hope all is well on your end. Hope you had something great for dinner. I didn't. I kind of forgot to make dinner, and my husband was so hungry when he got home that he ate all the left overs....so jr. and I were on our own. I really wanted a baked sweet potato, but those take forever to cook. I decided to try the microwave. I'll wrap this up by saying don't ever turn to a microwave to do an oven's job. It just wasn't the same...well, I also didn't have plastic wrap, so I am sure that made 93% of the difference. I hope your dinner was better. On the plus side I did have 2 bowls of Honey Bunches of Oats with Strawberries tonight. It was delish.

Moving on.

I am not doing so hot with my 'no added-refined sugary treat goal'.
I'd give myself an A for the first three days,
an A- for the rest of the first week...

And a D for this week.

Oh well. I'll keep trying....after I finish this cookie.

But really, I will..I just need to fill my house with healthy snacks so I am not tempted. That will be a great post for another day.

BUT! I have been very successful at one goal for 7 entire days!

I am learning Spanish.

Here is my plan: I only (or mostly only) watch movies and listen to music in español (which I do at least once a day. It also takes away my guilt for watching movies :) )

I also write down vocabulary I don't know as I watch and then look up the words later. And I try to read a page a day in The Book of Mormon in Spanish. 

It's only been a week, and already I:

1) Understand more

2) Don't even mind watching kid movies in spanish

3) Have a strong desire to habla with any spanish-speaker I meet

I say it's been a success! 

I just makes sense! My hub speaks fluently, so why not?! Anyway, this is really like a really long term goal, but I really feel like it is obtainable if I stick with it. 

What goals are you working on? What goals do you struggle to keep? It's still February, so I say you have time to swap your New Year's resolutions if you want:) 

On another note: I did THIS workout today. It is AWESOME. By that I mean killer (not for the faint of heart). Try it, let me know what you think!

And here is the little guy who has just ripped my heart out the past few days. 

Seriously, he is such a cutie! I just wish I could hit 'pause' and keep him little for a while. I'm just trying to enjoy every second. 

New Art Blog!

I TOLD you I am all in to art again! Seriously, I have been a mad, painting woman for the past three days. It's been awesome. It is amazing how much you can do if you put your mind to it! If you followed my old art blog, please stop (I'll delete it soon), and migrate towards my NEW and fantastic art blog: arieltheartist.blogspot.com

There will be lots of posts, because there is no stopping this art craze that has come over me!

AAAND, I may have just finished some awesome paintings, but you have to go to my blog to see them! :) Check it out!

Love Birds

Just finished this little guy. I had a lot of fun playing around on Photoshop. I always thought it would be fun to be a bird and sit on a power line. 

Scripture of the day: "O be wise; what can I say more?" Jacob 6:12 (The Book of Mormon)

Can't say any more than that. Be wise. Wisdom=peace and security. 

Out of a Rut

I've been in an artistic rut lately. I can admit that with full confidence because I am once again excited about creating, and I see the light at the end of the tunnel.

I'll be honest: I pretty much decided to put my art on the shelf for a while. I even stopped posting on my art blog. We've been without any income for 7 months, and I felt an incredible, and overwhelming pressure to make some money with my art. Thankfully my wonderful husband didn't say or expect anything, and this was all in my head (which can sometimes be worse....ha ha!), but lets just say I don't perform well under pressure.  I never do. I overworked my paintings to death in college while sitting in a puddle of sweat, then, I'd turn them in after starting over for the bazillionth time. My work sometimes got so rigid, rather than fun and loose, because I was so anxious about a pending deadline.

My other obstacle has been the struggle with balancing my life (right along with the other 6 billion people on earth). I am very time and goal oriented. Maybe it is a fault, but I obsess about trying to make the most of every second. It would struggle because I know being a mom and a wife is most important, but that doesn't mean I can't do the things I love, right? I just worried that I would never be able to do art, because I felt I was neglecting something (or someone) more important.

When jr. napped or went to bed I had many other things on my mind than picking up my sketchbook. First, I am a bit of a neat-freak, so I usually resort to cleaning the house, or at least doing the dishes. Second, I love working out. Pumping out a quick, hard, cardio or strength workout during Max's nap was my #2 priority. Then there was sleeping myself, or spending time with the husband, working on church responsibilities, being a good friend or neighbor, or just vegging out for a second. (Check out this awesome workout I did yesterday!)

I was definitely not unhappy, I just felt a little unfulfilled. I read my scriptures and prayed everyday, and tried to spend valuable time serving family, friends, and sometimes strangers--but I just wasn't being creative, and despite all the other good things I thought I was doing, I felt a void in my life.

But, thanks to two recent 'events', I have restored my desire to be an artist for life, no matter what.

1) I was asked to make a poster and invitations for a large women's conference for my church. This really was a blessing for me because it helped remind me that I can use my talents to further God's work and serve others. I don't have to be the best, I just have to be willing. The woman who asked me to do the poster was really happy with it, and that helped me realize sometimes being over-anxious is selfish, and I just need to think more of others. Sometimes the key is to simplify and be satisfied rather than overwork ourselves into a pit (or puddle).

2) Today I watched THIS video on YouTube. I've actually watched it before, but it really didn't sink in. It's an illustrator I really admire (Will Terry) voicing his thoughts about illustrators making it in the world today. It was exactly what I needed to restart my artistic fire. A few things he says that really resonated with me are:
"Success is a product of what you do in your spare time."
"Are you committed for life?"
Am I passionate enough about art to do it for the sake of art? Am I committed for life? Committed regardless of whether or not I "make it big"?

Yes.

Thanks to these little reminders I am. I love art because it's fun to create. Of course I want success, and I am working towards that...towards being a published author/illustrator, to be more specific. 

I really, truly believe if we really try the Lord won't let us fail.
I believe if we put Him first, and our most important relationships first, we'll have the time we need to do other things that are important to us.

I'll keep you posted, but I just had to share my little enlightenment :)
Thanks for listening.

And, if you have a passion or talent (or a talent you are passionate about, or a passion you hope to be talents with), go for it! You can do anything you want, if you want it enough. Desire leads to action, which leads to becoming, remember? Anyway, I believe in you.

One of the first sketches I have really enjoyed doing in a long time. 

Oh, and I'll be revamping my art blog, so stay tuned!

Random Ramblings and Running Rendezvous

Hey friends! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend and week, and that you smiled and laughed a lot. My sister kindly mentioned I should post more pictures, and ramble a little less..so here is my attempt at doing just that! 

I decided the time had come for Mr. Max to start finger painting. He really just ate it...but I had fun!

I cut my hair again! (Not sure if this picture is before or after...ha ha!) But, guys! I cut an A-LINE all by myself!!! THE BACK of my hair! With SCISSORS (that is a really weird word. Anyone ever thought about that? Why does it have a 'c' after the 's'?? Gotta love English!)! Anyway, it was fun, and doesn't even look bad!

Oh, that was definitely before. Here is an after:

Kind of a gross picture, but it really doesn't look bad!

Oh Max, how I love you, and all your moods! ( Do you love his precious sunflower!? Bahaha!)

If I looked this cute when I cried, maybe I'd do it more often.

This is an adorable little girl I babysit sometimes. Max spends the entire time following her around trying to hug her. He does the same thing in nursery. He's only 1 and a half, and already he's got a thing for the ladies!

Ok, I am officially one of *those* people who posts pictures of their food just to make your mouth water. Sorry! But this was really a monumental occasion because it was the first time I actually liked spaghetti! 100% homemade, simmered low and slow, baby! And homemade garlic bread (meaning I made the bread) too! 

And here are pictures of my dream home! I have really thought about this a lot, enough to even draw out my own floor plan. I don't want a big home, and I want everything to be open concept, colorful, eclectic and wonderful!

And yes, I would love to live in a renovated barn. Seriously.

I love this dining room. I told my husband I would be really mad it he got me matching kitchen chairs. :)

Love the colors and especially the green chair on the left.

A must in my future home is a built-in library. With a ladder just like in Beauty and the Beast!

Love the cheery wall color. But sadly the chairs match...

And I want a breakfast nook!

... and a window-seat (with gorgeous view) is a must in my little library!

Anyway, that is what I think about if I can't fall asleep:) Oh and about my running rendezvous. I live in an area that sadly isn't safe to run...so, it is very rare that I get to lace up my running shoes and pound the pavement. But yesterday we drove to near my hub's job and I found the cutest little running trail (yes, running trails can be cute), and had the best run. Oh it was awesome. I love running. More than I love mis-matched kitchen chairs and window-seats. 

(Disclaimer: I am trying to be ethical, so I will readily admit the photos of the barn house and interiors and not mine, and you should not think they are mine. If you do, please change your mind as you read this very sentence. Credit to the wonderful designers and photographers. Check out websites HERE,)

Life

Hi friends! If you are curious, which I am sure you are, my cold has kept me awake, so I am sitting here on my couch in my jammies, sipping a steaming hot cup of water and honey. Wow that was a lot of commas. Not sure if that is grammatically correct, but it was fun.

I had a lovely Sunday. Church was wonderful. I am the music leader for the primary children in my congregation. It is such an adventure. I love it! I am really not very musical---except having a passion for it---but in this responsibility thats really all you need. It gives me such a thrill to hear these sweet little children sing songs about their Savior, or their families, or the importance of choosing the right. I love seeing them smile and enjoy learning the songs or just being silly with me. The best thing about being an adult is sometimes you get to choose what age you act. Sometimes I am 26, but sometimes I am just 6.

Children are our future! This world definitely has its issues, but there is still so much good to be found. I want my children and all children to embrace the good, love learning and never loose their imagination.

Maybe we should all be 6 a little more often.

What else has been on my mind?

Max just amazed me everyday. Oh how I love that kid! He is absolutely hilarious, and he knows it. I do a lot of baking, and his favorite thing to do is to play in the flour (not the whole bag, I just give him a little in a bowl). I don't even care.

He goes to nursery at church now. (For 18 months-3 years. Not that we don't love chasing him around the halls at church...) I know it is just 2 hours on Sunday, but I feel like I have a real school-kid! I am so proud of his beautiful artistic creations, and feel like a real grown-up when I walk down the hall to pick him up after church is over. Since I lead the music for the children, part of my responsibility is to sing with the nursery kids. I love walking into the nursery and seeing Max Man sit at the table like a big boy, or so intent while playing with toys. Sometimes he doesn't even go over to me, which makes me a little sad. There is so much for him to discover. Oh time, please slow down! 

And, I am training him well:)

Life is wonderful. Q started his first real, career-job last Monday! He teaches 7th-grade English and LOVES it. It's funny, when we tell people what he does, the usually offer some sort of apology...like being stuck with 150 pubescent, twitter-patted teenyboppers would be the worst thing imaginable. I don't think it is a job anyone can handle, but I think my sweet husband was born for the job. He is so creative and passionate about english, I know the kids love him.  

Now as we close the "Undergrad" chapter of our lives, we face endless pages of adventures and growth in the future: buying our first home, getting our first dog (we want a bulldog!), graduate school....

So many possibilities and adventures in store! I know that our loving Heavenly Father will help direct us and help us find the best path. 

Scriptures of the day: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105 KJV)

" And it came to pass that I beheld others pressing forward, and they came forth and caught hold of the end of the rod of iron; and they did press forward through the mist of darkness, clinging to the rod of iron, even until they did come forth and partake of the fruit of the tree." (1 Nephi 8:24 The Book of Mormon)

In the scripture in 1 Nephi, the prophet Lehi is describing a vision he had. He saw a beautiful tree with delicious fruit that represents the love of God. And iron rod, which represents the word of God, lead to the tree. As we cling to the word of God in our own lives, whether that is in the Holy BIble, or other scripture (The Book of Mormon and teachings of modern prophets), we will be guided to where we can find the greatest joy and happiness. God's word give us direction and purpose. I have to read my scriptures everyday. It's like eating breakfast, exercising, or brushing my teeth. I can't live without that peace and power. I know as we continue to seek God's will through His word, we will be directed in our lives.

Be Still

Scripture of the day: 

"And [Jesus] withdrew himself in tho the wilderness, and prayed." Luke 5:16 KJV

I love those simple words. Jesus Christ devoted his life to serving and ultimately saving mankind, but he also took a few precious minutes for himself. 

I believe that who you really are is not determined by the crowds that flock, the awards you receive, the talents you develop, or the accomplishments you reach. 

Who you really are is who you are when you are alone. 

When you think no one is watching.

When you have nothing specific to do.

What do you think about?

What do you do? 

The strength of a soul is build not in mighty battles, but in quiet, solitary moments of reflection. 

I believe Jesus had the strength to be our exemplar and redeemer because of the quiet moments when he prayed reflected. 

He was a loving, kind, prayerful and humble person in public, but he was also just as devoted and sincere in the quite of the forest on his knees.

Whether you believe in Jesus Christ as the Son of God, or not; whether you believe in the power and reality of prayer, or not--you can benefit from quiet reflection. 

Have a conversation with your soul. 

A real HEART to HEART.

Are you happy with who you are?

What would you like to do better?

Who do you hope to become? 

Who are you really?

I know that we have a loving Heavenly Father. I believe he hears and answers our prayers and even the sincere desires of our hearts. He knows us. He wants us to come to him with a desire to better our lives. Taking a moment of calm in the mist of a chaotic and loud world will do much to change and improve our lives and perspectives. 

Some of the greatest, most peaceful moments of my life have been moments of quiet prayer or thoughtful reflection. 

"...Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10 KJV

Best. Cookies. Ever.

I am not eating any refined or added sugar. So, of course it makes perfect sense to blog about my favorite cookies. Totally logical, right? Well, I guess writing about them is the next best thing to devouring them. Lucky for me I am trying to fulfill my Christmas gift to my husband, and keep the cookie jar full for one year. Whiiiich is really the reason I am going on my treat-free cleanse. Two dozen ooey, gooey chocolaty cookies sitting on the counter all day just don't stand a chance.

I mean that was yesterday. But today I would like you to know I have been very diligent and snacked on raisins and carrots, thank you very much. But it doesn't mean Mr. Chocolate cookie isn't calling my name. So many he'll shut up if I give you the recipe. Sound good?

There are honestly the best cookies I have ever had. EVER. 

I really used to only make and eat chocolate chip. But, I could never keep the chocolate chips in my house long enough to make cookies, so here are some nice alternatives. One is even slightly healthy!

Famous Brown Sugar Cookies

These are the hub's favorites. I literally make them every week, and we give some to our neighbor. He loves them and has spread the word to all his family and friends. They are light and oh so buttery (not light as in healthy. Don't even go there. In fact, I would cover your eyes when you get to the butter and sugar part. There is quite a lot, but oh that makes it so good!)

I got the recipe from this website, then tweaked it a little. I always do 1/2 wheat flour and 1/2 white (my husband actually hated the all white flour version). And see? They are healthy (Totally makes up for the butter and sugar). And I don't roll the dough-balls in sugar before baking. Doesn't get anymore guilt-free than that! (Except for me...)

( and I am NOT a professional photographer. So just imagine these actually look way, way better!)

DELICIOUS Chewy Chocolate Pudding Cookies

I followed this recipe exactly as written.

I didn't have white chocolate chips, but I chopped up some Dove white chocolate and folded that in. These are amazing. I made these yesterday and had to hide them today otherwise I would be munching on my 10th.

Pumpkin Peanut-Butter Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

These surprised me. I didn't think they would be very moist, but they were, and once again, I scarfed every single one. My husband didn't even help because he detests cookies with oatmeal. But if you like a good textural cookie that is healthier than, say, the buttery-sugary discs featured above, then this is the treat for you.

I used this recipe, but I used 1/2 wheat flour, nixed most of the butter and used apple sauce instead with about 2 T of butter.  I also added about 4 T of peanut butter, and used raisins instead of chocolate chips. 

Good use for extra cans of pumpkin puree!

Scripture of the day:  " Yea, and I know that good and evil have come before all men; he that knoweth not good from evil is blameless; 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." Alma 29:5 The Book of Mormon

The decisions we make are so important! Our desires eventually lead to our priorities which lead to our actions, which leads to who we become. If we want to be a happy, loving, influential person, then we must evaluate if our current desires and priorities are going to get us there. And, in contrast, we are where we are in life because of our desires, priorities and decisions. Make the most of your life! You can begin to change even if you just have an insy-tinsy little desire. Focus on that, and eventually it will help govern your life!

Well Hey!

I can't believe it has only been about a month and a half since I last blogged! Grief, it seems like so much has happened! Not that I am the kind of blogger that really catches you up with my life anyway...but just rest assured life is grand and we are oh-so-happy. I have become more and more aware recently how REAL miracles are. I believe in real miracles. Miracles from the bible like the Red Sea parting, or water turning into wine. But I don't think those incredible moments are over just because Christ lived over 2000 years ago. I am a firm believer in modern-day miracles. You just have to look for them. Open your eyes. Be aware. Be grateful. And you'll be amazed.

Let me tell you a story:

In December I was absolutely horrified to find a note on my door from our apartment management. It informed me that I had missed my rent payment and would be charged $100 per day, starting immediately as a late fee. I was so confused and crushed. The day rent was due was a holiday, so I had just planned on paying it the next day (I know, I should have paid it before....but there is no point telling me that now :)  ). I was so shocked and heart-broken I didn't even think to talk to the managers about it. Maybe I should add that I am extremely frugal and I hate, HATE getting late fees. Even (and maybe especially) at the library. I didn't say anything, and I forked over the extra moolah. 

Fast forward to this month. 

Funds were a little tighter this month. Actually,that has really been such a blessing. There is something about not having much that just brings you together and helps you simplify your life. I would take a life of very little over extravagant luxury, hands-down any day. Anyway, I am getting side-tracked. I went to pay the rent this month. I was shocked to notice the balance was $100 less than usual. I wondered if we got some sort of bonus or something, so I went and talked to the manager. She said our rent was the same, but we had paid an extra $100 in December, so that credit had carried over. 

WOW. I never had to pay the late fee after all! This may seem like a lucky conscience, but I believe it was a miracle. A wonderful-beautiful tender mercy from a loving Father in Heaven. 

-----

Another story:

I have really been wanting to change a lot of things about myself. One I already did. I deactivated my Facebook again. It was really very liberating. 

I could say something like I don't believe Facebook is secure, or I feel like "Big Brother" is always watching. I could say that I disliked some of my "friends" posts, or that I hated the new format. 

But really? Honestly? I just spent too much time on it. 

I really didn't spend an exuberant amount of time scrolling the Home page, but I found that I was never happy with the time I did spend with it. I became more frustrated than happy. And I hated that my daily news update that I told my husband involved some one's latest post, pic or video. Sad. 

I am not ashamed to admit that I struggle sometimes with time management. But I really want to take control of my life and avoid addictive traps...which is why I am enjoying at least a 2 month-Facebook-Free-Cleanse. So far, I don't even miss it. 

Also. I am SERIOUSLY going to try to nix refined sugar from my diet. Why? I have an incredibly addictive personality, and really, really struggle with a sweet tooth dependency. I want to get my will-power back. AND eating a lot of refined/added sugar just isn't healthy (sweet treats, added sugar in processed foods, syrup, jam, canned fruit...). I need to just go cold-turkey. It is really the only thing that works for me. I love this quote from a woman I really admire:

"Life is full of challenges. Many of them involve balance and temperance. Complete abstention may be easier than moderation. It's easier for me to completely abstain from smoking than to try to balance my day--a little for this, a little for that, a little for him, a little for her." -Marjorie Pay Hinckley

I'll try to blog about how I feel/how It goes, but I am excited! Sometimes I just need a little push...

Any advice/tips on balancing your life or working to overcome addictive behaviors or weaknesses? 

While you think, here are some lovely images for your viewing pleasure:

(Most recent photos are first)

I can't believe he is 18 months!

What a goob! Notice his sheared head (sniffle, sniffle). 

Christmas Karaoke!

Playing in a fort we built

I have such a handsome husband!

Okay, the rest of the pictures are from a wonderful family reunion in Driggs, Idaho/Jackson Hole, WY

in November. It was perfect. I LOVE my family! And, I can't say how absolutely glorious it was to see mountains and trees, and SNOW. It was like food for my soul.

My mom won! I am not ashamed to admit it. She is one buff lady!

Yes Max is wearing pink snow pants. It's just red with a little white, guys, geez!

Three cousins all about a month apart-- June, July and August of 2012

WOW, he looks so little in these and it was only two and a half months ago!