I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT WHEN IT CAME TO THE END OF DECEMBER THAT INSTEAD OF THE WORLD ENDING IT WAS TIME TO THINK ABOUT STARTING A NEW BEGINNING WITH THE NEW YEAR?

     I first want to say how much I appreciate all those you take the time to read each and everyone of my posts.  What a wonderful year this has been.  Yes full of ups and downs as life teaches us lol.  But the cool thing is that it doesn't matter there is always something POSITIVE that ends up happening.  To actually think that the world would end in December sounded so crazy to me.  I guess for some it was a true test of faith.  As a member of The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints.  I am grateful that we have a living Prophet that leads and guides our church.  What a LIGHT he is in a time where some really believed that the world was going to end. 

     I LOVE this time of year.  In fact my son told us on Monday night that one of his all time favorite Christmas songs is by 98 Degrees, Called IF EVERYDAY COULD BE CHRISTMAS.  I love this song to.  Boy how I really do wish that EVERYDAY COULD BE CHRISTMAS.  Can you imagine what impact that would have on everyone.  I can and I would love it.

     Is it possible to start this January off thinking like that?  What an amazing beginning to a New Year that would make.  Perhaps we would really come to know the true meaning of Christmas, I mean you can't buy presents everyday so you would actually have to think of other clever ways to celebrate the magic of Christmas in your lives.

     Well whatever you chose to do to begin this New Year off to a great start, be sure and make it a great goal....... And ON THE POSITIVE SIDE..... you might just want to add a little attitude of CHRISTMAS in your everyday life.

                              MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!!!!!!

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http://mormon.org/me/68S7

What it means to be THANKFUL!!!!!

     What does it really mean to be THANKFUL?  Does it mean to just be able to know in your heart that for one day everything is calm.  Perhaps it's being able to sit and ponder about all the ways you have been blessed in your life and writing them all down in your journal.  There are so many ways to find the real meaning in the word THANKFUL.

     I found out that one of the real meanings of the Word THANKFUL is to be HUMBLE.  Does it really do any of us good to just be able to sit and be content or thankful for just what we have?  How do the words THANKFUL and HUMBLE really relate in your own personnel and family life?  As I have had the chance to read and ponder on just this thought I have truly come to know how it all fits together.

     When we are TRULY THANKFUL don't we want to SHARE THAT WITH EVERYONE AROUND US, and in order to do just that don't we have to get out of our comfort zone. By doing that don't you soon find out what it means to actually become so HUMBLE that you have the desire and want to show others why your THANKFUL for them.

     I believe that this is the one way to fully understand what it really means to be THANKFUL! 

     On the POSITIVE SIDE!!!!!!  It's my hope that all of us will truly be THANKFUL and in so doing become so HUMBLE that we can find only the GOOD in all others and actually show EVERYONE whom we know and meet just how THANKFUL we are that they are apart of our lives.
    
      I for one am so THANKFUL for ALL of YOU!!!!!  Even those I haven't had the chance to meet yet.  Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blogs and sometimes even comment on your feelings.  I learn so much each and everyday and I LOVE IT!!!!

When Life Hands You A Pillow Hit Someone On The Head With It!!!!!

     Ok, Ok, how many times in my life do I wish someone would have hit me on the head with a PILLOW??????  Probably a million plus times, besides, at least there SOFT!!!!!!

     I should have learned a lot of things but being stubborn, old me I didn't.  Oh how I wished I would have.  The funny thing is that now I am trying to get my own family members to listen to me........  only to find out that I am the only one listening to me time and time again.  Of course I have gotten wiser now and I just so happen to keep A LOT of PILLOWS at my house and on occasion end up using them.

     I guess what this all boils down to is trying to be a parent.  Trying to help your posterity learn what mistakes NOT to make in life.  Teaching others to avoid the pit falls so that they don't have to stumble and get stopped in their tracks.  Basically trying to SAVE THEM TIME AND HEARTACHE.

     I decided to have a discussion with my children on this matter and even some of their friends.  It was a wonderful discussion and they all had such great points of view and yes all of them were true.  But the one thing I learned about all of this was.........

     Mom, you have taught us, you have helped us and you have even tried to protect us from all of life's tests, but Mom, eventually we have to GROW UP and LEARN and yes EVEN MAKE MISTAKES.  Come on Mom didn't you do all of that?  Yes even my own children and their friends teach me.  No Mom you aren't a failure, you have done it all and to your BEST.  I mean look at all of US!!!!!!  That's when I fully understood what they were saying. 

     On the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE, YOU HAVE TO TRUST US AND BELIEVE IN US AND NOT RESCUE US BUT SUPPORT US AND YES KEEP HELPING US TO CONTINUE TO GROW AND ACHIEVE!!!!!!!!!

     Like my Son asked me, Mom what does a Mother Robin Bird do to her Little birds when she feels they are grown?  She PUSHES them OUT of the NEST!!!!!!!!!                           
                                               xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

FAMILY DINNER TIME!!!!!!

     You know what?  If there was ever a important event in a families life I would have to say it would be the simple, moment of FAMILY DINNER TIME!  Sounds crazy but after 30 years of married life and 26 of those with children added to our little family, we are STILL having family dinner time.

     It was pretty easy to achieve when we first started out, but as technology advanced and busy lives that NEVER seem to STOP came into play, I am not going to lie it has been a challenge to achieve.  I remember that I could turn off the T.V. and leave the phone hanging on the wall or on the counter and simply walk into another room all together.  Then the answering machine came along to take the calls and the days of recording your favorite shows was possible so you didnt miss out on anything.

     I could handle those days.  But along came technology that all the sudden CAME WITH YOU WHEREVER YOU WENT, it seemed to NEVER LEAVE YOUR SIDE or TURN OFF.  Well that is when the so called DREADED FAMILY DINNER TIME RULES CAME INTO FORCE!!!!!!!  They were simple!!!!!!!!!!!!!

"  ALL ELECTRONIC DEVICES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF AND REMOVED FROM THE DINNER TABLE.  THE WORLD CAN WAIT, BUT FAMILY DINNER TIME CANNOT"

    Trust me, I had more than one member not to happy, but they respected what we were trying to do and it sure was nice to see their bright shiny eyes and smiles for once.

     Now I am sure you are wondering why I chose this topic.  Well even after 30 years of starting with two in my family to adding a few more, we still have FAMILY DINNER TIME.  Good old fashioned sit down at the dinner table and gather all around time. We turn off those electronic devices and just for a brief moment, but a lasting moment we do what ALL FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS SHOULD DO AT DINNER TIME.....

TALK AND LAUGH AND SHARE AND EAT AND ENJOY EACH AND EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!  AND ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE................

"THATS WHAT COUNTS"

xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Pamper your SELF......

     I used to believe when I was younger that it was wrong to spend money on yourself.  I had several jobs and I just felt that it was much more important to spend it on everyone else in my family.  While that is true when it comes to family, and thinking of OTHERS before your self.  The part I never actually got as a young wife and mother was NOT TO FORGET YOUR SELF.  I learned very quickly if you don't take care of YOU once in a while then not only do YOU SUFFER but your family will suffer.  So I learned what we call moderation in ALL things and I started to not only do something for everyone else in the family but to also do something that MADE ME FEEL BETTER!!!!!!!

     This can be a variety of things and NO, husbands don't get worried they don't have to COST a lot.  In fact, putting in a excellent word on husband and wife spending money on THEMSELVES, its pretty simple.  THE RULE IS...... WHAT EVER A SPOUSE SPENDS ON THEMSELVES THEY NEED TO AUTOMATICALLY LET THEIR SPOUSE SPEND ON THEIR SELVES.  This is one of the best rules to live by in any marriage, and it works.  In fact my husband is happy when I do something for me, which isn't alot trust me, but he knows it makes me feel better inside and he LOVES the extra hugs and kisses he receives and the SMILES on my face, and so do my children, I mean they get rid of MOM for awhile right? ha ha ha.......

     So today for me was a wonderful day for a mere $15.00.... I got my nails done.  Nothing feels better than having shiny fingernails and getting a hand massage thrown in also.  I was pretty excited to show my Hubby........ And on the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE..................... HE WAS SUPER EXCITED ALSO, I MEAN OF COURSE HE GOT THOSE EXTRA HUGS AND KISSES FROM ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxo

ARE YOU FAST AS A HARE? OR......SLOW AS A TORTISE?

     What does all this mean?  Well the world tries to force all of us to decide which we are.  Fast or Slow!  Let's just say that you decided to be BOTH!  Sound like Fun?  Totally!!!!!! and here is why.

     Whats something you could be fast in doing?  Well how about helping others when being prompted to. How about being fast to respond to your children when they call your name the FIRST time! Most important what about being fast to show your family or a neighbor just how much they mean to you, by doing a secret act of kindness without receiving acknowledgement.  I promise, it will be you that feels the best inside.These are just a few of the millions of ways to be FAST when it comes to life.

     Now lets explore what it means to be slow!  I have found there are times when I really enjoy being slow lol.  One of them is when I say my prayers.  I know that the one FRIEND that I can ALWAYS count on to be there is Heavenly Father.  He is and will always be my very best friend and that's why I am slow when I talk with him and thank him for everything. In fact he is every ones friend and if you haven't already you need to make him your very best friend.  Another area is when my family comes over to visit.  I will take every opportunity to  make them feel loved and warm at my house just so they WILL BE SLOW IN LEAVING AND SAYING GOODBYE.  I am hear to tell you IT WORKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     You don't need to follow what the world thinks is right all the time.  You can think and feel for yourself whether you want to be Fast or Slow or like so many of us BOTH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Besides...........ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE, Being BOTH, fast like a Hare and slow like a Tortise, makes life a lot more interesting and fun to say the least, and that's what brings smiles and warms are hearts!!!!!!  xoxoxoxo

I THINK I CAN...... I THINK I CAN..... I THOUGHT I COULD.... I THOUGHT I COULD!

     Talk about one of  many wonderful stories that has so much of what life is ALL about.  The Little Engine That Could!!!!!!  Really tells it all.

     I am sure that you all know the story very well about the Engine that broke down and after asking so many for HELP, to get the toys and treats over the mountain, he was turned down time and time again.  Then of course along comes the smallest of the engines and sure enough the only one who would help.  So as the story goes, The Little Engine That Could sets out to climb the HUGE hill to the next town.  You might be asking how does this relate to LIFE.....

     How many of us each day just need that someone to come along to help us out?  Or maybe we are lucky enough to be like The Little Engine That Could, the one and only one to HELP someone else out!  Or perhaps like so many, we just can't sit still and NOT make things happen, sort of like when you feel  you are just spinning those wheels, boy do I hate those days!!!!!!

     Well just like in the book as the Little Engine starts up that hard climb, he only thinks he can.  What does that mean?  Well he just doesn't want to sit and spin those wheels or really he just doesn't want give up.  He is determined and that's the part I LOVE SO SO MUCH!!!!!!  He is determined to succeed!  Now that's what life is really all about.  NEVER , EVER giving up, even when you feel like you are going backwards its about being determined to succeed and YEP..... Like so so many of us time and time again,  WE FINALLY REACH THE TOP!!!!!  WOW DO I LOVE THE TOP..... Those moments are when you smile and  say I THOUGHT I COULD, I THOUGHT I COULD.........  

     Only to fully realize just like the Little Engine That Could, as he reached his destination......  THAT ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE......

                                  WE..................DID................IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!
                                                    xoxoxoxoxo

WHAT IT MEANS TO CHILD PROOF YOUR HOME!

     How many times in a day do children hear the word "NO"? How many times do they hear the words, "DON'T TOUCH"?  I know as a parent I really hated using those words over and over again in my home.  I decided very early in my life to make it so I didn't have to use those words so often.  Want to know how?  Pretty simple......  I CHILD PROOFED MY HOME, no not in the way you think  by stopping them from touching or breaking items.  But I fixed my house WITH CHOICES THAT THEY COULD MAKE.  I put items within their reach that I didn't care if they handled or played with.  I arranged my cupboards with things that if they opened the cupboards they could touch and handle, No they weren't all baby toys, but they were common items around the house.  Children get to a point where they like to think BIG and be BIG.  I got old phones and channel changers and things that they all like to play with and try and make them work.  I am here to tell you IT WORKED!!!!!!!!
     I felt better not using those dreaded words over and over and they loved the feeling of being SO SO BIG!!!!
     ON THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE....... Don't we want to give our children choices to make while they are little so that when they are older and wiser, then they will know how to make wise choices then!!!!!!!!!

                                              xoxoxoxoxoxoxox

LOVING YOUR GRANDKIDS IS EASY AS 123....

     I sure hope you all didn't think I had disappeared lol.  If so, well good news, I am back.  So this week I am having the time of my life.  I thought it was amazing to be the mom of SEVEN, beautiful children but little did I know that from each of them come the amazing blessing of GRANDCHILDREN, and well that makes it worth being a parent.
     I have had so much fun, just doing nothing but hanging out with my grandson Andrew Tyler.  He is extremely, handsome, smart and a very active 3 and 1/2 year old.  He totally amazes me each day.  He knows the in and outs of all electronic equipment and well has to set me straight more than once a day.
     He is so full of life and full of questions of the how? and what? and why? category.  We are having the time of our lives, reading and memorizing tons of favorite stories and Nursery Rhymes and singing and well just make believing.
     I would have to say that the best part about the whole deal is ALL the millions of HUGS and HOLDING HANDS that he so freely gives.  I mean come on don't we ALL need someone to do just that in our lives?
     I hope that WE ALL take all the chances we can get to be apart of a child's life.  To truly stop and actually take the time to put away our distractions and just relax long enough to ENJOY the moment is TRULY MAGIC and of course on the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE..... Wouldn't we all enjoy a TRULY MAGIC MOMENT in our lives!!!!! xoxoxo- Especially to my Grandson Andrew and  his parents.

Just because of a APPLE!!!!!!!! I wonder.....

      Interesting, but true..... They saying goes, AN APPLE A DAY KEEPS THE DOCTOR AWAY!!!!!  Ha ha, does this work?  You bet.... Time and time again.  But with this famous saying, I had to laugh.  I started to think well if just a simple APPLE works  then I wonder what else might work  Kinda funny thought huh?
     So let's think for a moment.  Well if you eat garlic or fish, then you might avoid an unwanted intruder in your life lol, but then your friends and family might not let you in the house....... Wow, come to think of it my family might like the silence ha ha ha. 
     Better yet maybe if you faked it that you couldn't sing on tune, then you might not have to sing that up coming dreaded solo, but on the other hand, that might be classified as lying and then, you kinda got off the straight and narrow path!!!!!!
     My favorite would be telling my husband that for the next week, I was going to try nothing but new recipes, in hopes that before the week even ended, he would just figure out how much he truly loves EATING OUT, YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Ok, so what in the world does this all mean.  Well what if.....  You decided to try just once to do something totally, POSITIVELY, different, what might that change?  Have you ever wondered what effect that might have on someone or something?  Best of all what would that actually do for YOU?  This is one of my favorite things to do everyday of my life!!!!!  I love the out come that happens.  The very best ones are the POSITIVE ONES, why?  because there ALWAYS PASSED ALONG!!!!!!! xoxoxoxo

There is Someone just around the CORNER!!!!

    Why is it that when it comes to the dating years everyone seems to think only in the moment?  I honestly believe that there is someone for EVERYONE.  I actually have seen this in my own life.  It's just trying to get others to believe this.  I have taught others or at least tried lol to teach them over and over again, WHEN IT COMES TO FRIENDSHIPS AND DATING..........
     IF SOMETHING DOESN'T WORK OUT WITH SOMEONE, THEN IT JUST MEANS THAT THERE IS SOMEONE BETTER JUST AROUND THE CORNER.......  Time and time again, this statement has turned out exactly that, TRUE......  But the secret is that it might not be when YOU think it is right BUT.... When Heavenly Father KNOWS it is right!!!!!!!  You have to be patient and most important.......JUST HAVE TONS OF FUN UNTIL IT'S TIME AND THAT RIGHT SOMEONE COMES AROUND THE CORNER OR BETTER YET, WHEN YOU TAKE THAT LEAP OF FAITH AND STEP AROUND THAT CORNER, TO SEE FOR YOURSELF!!!!!
     You have to remember that each person that comes into your path, has come for a reason..... So just have fun meeting new people and making new friendships, and finding out what things you really do and don't want in the one you marry someday......
     Besides on the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE..... It will make YOU a BETTER PERSON and STRONGER and be WELL WORTH THE WAIT!!! xoxoxoxo

"ROCK N ROLL"

     So are you thinking this is going to be about some great band group?  Well not exactly......  It's about a simple ROCK!!!!! A odd shaped, unique, one of a kind, hard ROCK!!!!!!   Some get picked up and deemed as a PET!! Some get skipped across the water, to see who's will go the farthest and others just get stepped on over and over again.  But SOME are lucky enough to actually get to "ROCK N ROLL."

     So now you are thinking I am totally off my rock, or my head is filled with them at this moment, I think I might have to agree on this one except... I have a point to make!!!!!  Are you ready for the big word?????????? TALENTS...............

     Every single person was given their individual talents.....  My question is how are we each doing on developing them and sharing them with others?  If you compared them to a simple rock then what are you doing with them?  Do you HIDE them or KEEP them to your self ?  Do you PUSH yourself to be better at your talents? Or do you honestly believe that you have NO TALENTS or that others will just make FUN of you if you share them?  It would be my HOPE that we would fully come to understand just how blessed we are with so many TALENTS and just "ROCK N ROLL" with them.

     I am so amazed everyday at the millions and millions of ways that people share their talents.  Some of you don't even realize that you are doing just that.  But I do, and YOU ALL AMAZE ME!!!!!!!!!!!!  The best part is that not only are you making a POSITIVE difference in others lives but you are making a POSITIVE difference in your own life.  I hope the next time you are out and about that you will find one of the millions of rocks laying around and liken it to all the TALENTS that you are blessed with and actually turn it on the POSITIVE SIDE and JUST DO SOMETHING WITH IT!!!!!!!!!!! 

     Because on the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE..... WE ARE READY FOR YOU TO "ROCK N ROLL US"!!!!!!!! xoxoxoxo

    

There's NO TIME TO WASTE!!!!!!!

     Do we each really think about all the times in our lives when we have allowed moments that we went backwards or we stopped dead in our tracks.  Can you think of times when you felt like you were spinning wheels but never moving forward.  Have you ever stopped to think what causes all of these moments and how they make you feel? 

     I went for along time feeling exactly like this and trying to figure out why I felt like I was never moving forward and I knew I wanted to because I knew that I hated feeling like I was either going backwards or stuck and spinning wheels and never getting anywhere.  In fact I spent a lot of time pondering, praying and really thinking.  But then I realized that I was allowing this to happen to me and I was in charge and if I desired, I didn't have to feel this way.

    I am just one of those people that have to be moving forward in life.  I have to be making a difference in not only my life but others lives.  So that's how I started thinking on the POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE......  I am here to let everyone know who reads any of my posts that I am walking proof that thinking and acting and being POSITIVE for how ever long you have to do it, will work....

    I promise that this will be one of the simplest or hardest things for you to do but it by far will be one of the BIGGEST, POSITIVE things that you can achieve and trust me from just doing this one thing it will lead to such a POSITIVE FEELING inside.

    Everything that I have written in my posts are just a few of some of those simple POSITIVE, LIFE CHANGING things that EVERYONE can do.  I Love and care about EVERYONE.  I have come to fully understand that NONE OF US have time to STOP THINKING AND MOVING IN A POSITIVE DIRECTION.  I like to think of it as if one pathway you are headed down comes to a stop then IT'S OK!!!!!!!  Yep did you read that IT'S OK..... Why?  because it means that it is TIME TO CHANGE AND BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING DIFFERENT...... The key is that the WHATEVER YOU DO DIFFERENT, HAS TO BE POSITIVE!!!!!  Also THE OTHER THING IS THAT YOU HAVE TO TAKE SOMEONE ALONG WITH YOU, even if it's for only a brief moment or until they start heading down their own POSITIVE PATHWAY OF LIFE.

   To everyone who reads this I hope that if we know each other that we can even laugh more together, and if we have never talked yet, then I hope you come to know that if you ever need a friend then you can find it in me to be that friend......  Because for me the more friends the MORE POSITIVE OUR LIVES WILL BE!!!!!!!  I hope you enjoy and keep reading. xoxoxox

Let's trade shoes........

     If you were granted the chance to trade shoes for one day ......who's shoes would you wear?  Would they be the shiny shoes?  The shoes that have that amazing NEW SMELL?  Or the ones with all the holes in them?  Maybe you would choose the ones that are covered with layers of dust, which I am sure have been worn by someone who has done physical labor all their lives.  Perhaps you would choose those shoes that had claimed victory over and over agian in several competitions. What about shoes that had chains attached indicating years of  bondage?  Just stop and ask yourself WHO WOULD YOU TRADE SHOES WITH? 
     I have actually seen people trade shoes with others.  One just happened not to long ago in my own family.  My soon to be married daughter and her fiance were downtown Salt Lake City taking invitation pictures.  It was a freezing day.  Needless to say she chose the wrong shoes to wear, thinking that the weather would be warm.  But it was freezing and as the night came closer it even got more cold.  Her toes were frozen, but she didn't complain. But her amazing fiance must have sensed her being cold and he simply took off his shoes and said here wear these..... she hesitated and then he took her shoes from off her feet and put his big shoes on her feet.  That amazing man carried her shoes and walked the rest of the night in stocking feet on the freezing cold ground, never once worrying about himself only the women he was about to marry. I am sure you can all imagine how I felt about this man at that moment!
     Since that moment I have asked myself over and over who's shoes I would trade with.  I have even looked at tons of shoes as people have passed by me several times. Eventually I came up with at least two dozen if not more shoes that I would gladly trade with.  The problem is that I am all most positive that some of them I would NEVER trade back.
     However there is one that I have felt like that has actually traded shoes with me over the course of my life time and sometimes I haven't even realized that he has.  Can YOU guess???????  Thats right!!!!  The Savior, Jesus Christ.  I have asked myself over and over have I gladly traded shoes with him?  Would I gladly trade shoes with him?  Would I even give up my shoes for him?  And most important what would happen if I did?
     Everyday of our lives, we are given the chance to trade shoes with someone.  Can you imagine that?  Everyday....... In my personnel life I know for a fact that anyone's shoes that I traded with I would make sure that I returned them on the POSITIVE SIDE......  I know I would.  Why? you might ask.... Well because that is what has happened to me over and over agian and if I know how it feels to be on the POSITIVE SIDE of life then why in the world wouldn't I want that for EVERYONE ELSE............xoxoxo

Once Upon A Time............................

     Crazy as it may seem, I am still writing the same book that I started fifty years ago.  You know the one that has a great happily every after and then you end up ripping out a few chapters ha ha.  Oh, don't get me wrong I did end up with my Prince Charming and that magical kiss.  Oh and yes I have been able to visit DREAMLAND every once in awhile when that Prince of mine stops SNORING for one moment.  Yes, I have felt like The Old Women In The Shoe, raising all those crazy children lol.  But with each one of those chapters, when the story seemed to be headed in a definite direction, they come to a complete stop, and a new chapter starts all over again. 
     The coolest thing about each one of our individual books is being able to go back and read what we have written.  Its those moments when you pause and reflect and smile sometimes, and even may shed a tear or two.  Those are the times that give you that POSITIVE ENERGY to keep moving forward.  When you remember those strong feelings to never give up on yourself.  To cherish each and every chapter that you have created. All the amazing chapters when each one of us learned so so much. Even the chapters that we thought would never end or that we wished would never end, those are my favorite ones.

      I actually hope that like all of you I am lucky enough to have several books of my life written that include all the ANGELS that have really helped to write each and every chapter.  On the POSTIVE SIDE of our life books, it's the knowledge that we each have, that every book will ALWAYS start with, ONCE UPON A TIME...... and they will always have a never, ending, HAPPILY EVER AFTER.......xoxoxox

Thanks To Those Energizing children........

  What is it about those adorable children that surround us each and everyday.  You know the ones that keep going and keep going and never seem to stop.  Do you know that there is only two ways to turn them off. One is when they finally exhaust themselves and they just fall over lol. Two is when their mean parents finally force them to turn off.....but they never really do.  Just being around them makes you feel young agian.When they say a simple hi it lets you know that you are ok. When they hold your hand it signals to you to never give up. Their hugs are worth a thousand words. When they smile at you then it lights up your inner self. I have found that EVERYTHING ABOUT THOSE AMAZING CHILDREN  IS POSITIVE! 

   We ALL were once one of THOSE CHILDREN...... I myself still consider me as one of them...... It's perfectly fine to be fifty and still feel like you are five agian.....My family literally has to force me to shut down, but I never really do ha ha. I think often of what the world would be like if we all at times just stopped for a moment and became as a CHILD, full of life.  Always thinking of others and going and going until we finally exhaust ourselves at the end of the day.  On the POSITIVE SIDE.... those children are the energy that keeps us ALL GOING.......

Take CONTROL of what you CAN

I had the chance to spend some time on the Beaches in the amazing state of Hawaii.  One day we got tossed out on the waves and rained on.  I sat there and thought wow I am SMALL compared to these massive waters.  Another day I layed on the beach and watched as some of my family members got slammed as they tried to out run the waves.  I thought to myself.....  Do they really think they can win lol.  Then as I soon came home and saw how fire and wind can wipe out so much in such a short amount of time.  I realized how WE HAVE NO CONTROL OVER THE LAWS OF NATURE!!!!!!

But I also realized that we do have control over OURSELVES......  How we control how we treat others.  How we judge others and how we even put ourselves above others.  It's kind of  like the story about casting the first stone, He who is without sin let him cast the first stone.........  On the positive side, we ALL have a lifetime to make each and everyday amazing for all the people we meet in our lives and even some we don't.  So make those moments POSITIVE for them and YOU!!!!!!!! xoxoxox

Don't get in a RUT.....................................

 Wow kind of funny how this posting came about.  The other day I was sitting in my car and it was raining and pouring.  I was watching as the rain drops hit the windshield.  I watched how there was always one strong drop that would leave a pathway all the way down the window and then there were other drops that didn't go anywhere, now that's pretty boring. The fascinating thing was the drops that would start out on their own paths and then all the sudden they would get caught in the same pathway as the strong ones and just follow.  It made me think about life and how we let people affect us.  There are some who are strong and lead the way.  There are some who are just to shy and never go anywhere in life.  There are some who start out on their own path but then end up going right back where they feel comfortable or they get caught in someone Else's Rut in life.  I thought about where I fit in.  I  like to be unique and different.  I like to branch out and find the NEW in life. I like having a firm foundation in some areas of life that are meant to be the same.   I am not afraid to be who I am.  I don't want to be like everyone else. I enjoy meeting people from all walks of life.  To illustrate my point. The other day I went with Erin to a new place for her to get her hair done.  I was laughing and having fun with the people I had met in there.  Well Erin all the sudden said mom those two ladies over there are making fun of you and they think you are annoying.  I said thanks for the heads up Erin, but you know what.  I don't care.  One, they don't even know me and I probably wont meet them ever again and Two, at least I made them laugh at something and cause them to think outside of their comfort zone lol.  The point is that I will never have to worry about being in a Rut in life and I would hope that you would want to feel that way also.  When it comes to the Positive Side of life well that's just the point it is ALWAYS POSITIVE..... xoxoxoxox

"NEW"

The other day I was driving by the Provo River and noticed how fast and swift it was running.  I watched as its boundaries overflowed with NEW, CLEAN, FRESH, COOL WATER as it spilled into the Jordanelle Reservoir.  I thought about all the water life and fish that live in the Reservoir that WAIT all winter long for that FRESH, NEW water to bring to them NEW life.  I started thinking about how this relates to "OUR" lives.  I know that I so much enjoy "NEW" of everything.  The smell of new flowers as they blossom and bloom.  The feel of new grass or fresh water on your feet speaks so much to your soul.  There is nothing better than seeing new life all around.  I thought how sometimes we are like the water life and fish that wait and wait for all the FRESH, NEW water to bring us, oxygen or brightier days or long awaited peace after a storm.  I just hope like some that we don't just always SIT and WAIT for "NEW" TO FIND US.  How we need to not be afraid to seek out and FIND NEW, whatever that may be.  That's the fun about life, it's helping YOU,ME and OTHERS to do just that.   According to THE POSITIVE SIDE OF LIFE, it's all about always moving forward no matter what crosses our paths.  It's taking each day one step at a time and making our own kind of stepping stones.  It's ALWAYS SEARCHING FOR THE EXCITMENT OF THE"NEW" IN EVERYTHING!!!!!  xoxoxoxoxo

I FEEL LUCKY... I HAVE PLANS FROM A-Z !!!!

I think one of the greatest lessons women learn in life is that when their A PLAN doesn't work out they still have B-Z PLANS to choose from! lol  I honestly think the SOONER women learn this important lesson the better off they will be.  You just have to remember that they ALL work out.  So don't sweat the small or big stuff all the time.  It's kind of fun to take bits and pieces from every plan to make the very best one.  Here is a wonderful example of just how this all works lol.  Let's take for instance, you planned a huge party for special friends at your house.  Well you planned out your meal and had your plan A down to a T.....  Then you find out you can't locate that special meat or sauce so what happens, well of course PLAN B and then lets say something else happens maybe your children get sick or the dog runs with mud through the house or even better yet he eats the napkins you bought special lol.  Oh well so now you are down to, well lets just say PLAN T,U,V....  Then finally when you think it is all going to work out your husband says you have to move the time later.  Oh wow, I know by this time most of us would be pulling our hair out right?  Ok so are you ready?  Here is the BEST part about all the PLANS you had......  When you finally figure it out and you finally get to the last PLAN Z, well thats when you simply call your husband or your friends and you say HEY, LET'S GO OUT TO EAT!!!!!!!  Now your talkin, because not only do you not have to worry about all the details of all your plans but you get to SIT BACK AND ENJOY WATCHING SOMEONE ELSE WORRY ABOUT ALL THE PLANS..... ha ha ha  NOW THATS WHAT I CALL THINKING ON THE POSITIVE "PLANS" OF LIFE  XOXOXOX

VARIETY!!!!!!!!!!!

I was thinking just the other day how if I had the chance I would invent a NEW TREE!!!!  HA HA..... I know this sounds random and funny, but I AM TOTALLY THOSE TWO THINGS AND MUCH MUCH MORE....  But, on with my story.  I would call my NEW TREE......." THE VARIETY OF LIFE"........  Then I would take and graft in all the different kinds of seeds from fruits and when my TREE was full grown it would have every different kind of FRUIT hanging from it's branches.  Can you just imagine what it would look like?  IT WOULD BE AMAZING!!!!  One of a kind, but loaded with so much color and variety!  Everyone would talk about it and come to see it. People would want to sit and look at it and even perhaps draw a picture of it to save.  The best part about this tree would be when others would seek me out and ASK me why I did this and how I did and OF COURSE I WOULD GLADLY TELL THEM ALL.  Then maybe they would want to plant more of them and well pretty soon you can just imagine what the WHOLE WIDE WORLD WOULD LOOK LIKE!!!!!!  IT WOULD BE GLORIOUS, BREATHTAKING WHY?????  WELL BECAUSE YOU SEE ACTUALLY..... "THE VARIETY OF LIFE" IS.......  EVERYONE, EVERYWHERE, ALL COMING TOGETHER AND BEING APART OF THIS TREE, WITH ALL YOUR INDIVIDUAL TALENTS AND GIFTS.  IT'S ALL THE WONDERS YOU BRING FROM SO MANY DIFFERENT PLACES. IT'S ALL OF US, YOU AND ME ALL COMING TOGETHER AND CREATING SOMETHING FOR THE WHOLE WORLD TO SEE AND WANT TO BE APART OF!!!!!!!  IT'S BECOMING "ONE," ON THE POSITIVE SIDE.....xoxoxoxoxo

THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE.....

You know what?  talk about  life's highway ha ha ha.  It would be pretty boring to just travel down the same road everyday and see the same scenery.  Don't you agree?  I have come to find out that I kind of like all the detours along the way. They keep the journey exciting and full of life and laughter.  But I do know one thing I sure hate the BUMPS and RUTTS in the road along the way.  It's a good thing that they are but a BRIEF MOMENT, and then that long road just smooths right back out agian.  You know what even makes that HIGHWAY OF LIFE ALOT EASIER?  Taking someone along with you!  Someone who talks and sings and laughs right along with you so you don't ever have to feel alone!  Someone that helps us forget all those brief moments along the bumpy road but enjoys taking all the POSITIVE DETOURS BY YOUR SIDE!!!!!!  Just remember my friends that THE HIGHWAY OF LIFE IS MEANT TO ALWAYS BE MOVING FORWARD AND EVER CHANGING.  Now thats on the POSITIVE SIDE!!!!!!! xoxoxo

" MOMENTS"

Everyday in this huge world we live MOMENTS are created.  Some are worthy of a photo shot others are just what they are simple moments.  Some we wish we could hold onto for the rest of our lives and others we hope just quickly pass us by.  I wonder if when these moments bump into us if we actually stop to really notice?  One example of this is our FAMILY!  Those amazing family moments, yeah, those times when we push them aside or other times when we just can't seem to get enough of them.  I think I am really understanding just how important those moments are.  MOMENTS, WHATEVER THEY MAY BE ARE MEANT TO BE REMEMBERED IN OUR LIVES.  Why you may ask? Well it's because they make us a better people and they help us realize just how much we actually mean to others!!!!  Start today to see just how many YOU  can create.  Because any MOMENT worth keeping helps us to see the POSITIVE SIDE of life....xoxoxox

CHANGE IS LIKE THE SEASONS!!!!!!!!!!

How many of you like change in your life?  How many would rather that they could pick a certian time in life and freeze frame it and never have it change?  I was thinking about that the other day and came up with CHANGE is just like the seasons.  Sometimes in our own lives things seem stable for awhile or just like a warm summer day they stay and we are content.  Then along comes a cloudy day and all the sudden things start to CHANGE!!!  I think really at that moment I am running around looking for that SUNSHINE and even trying to make a FAKE SUN.....  Then there are times when in one day there can be so so so so many changes that your head starts to SPIN.  Just like one day it can be sunny and then stormy and then freezing and then right back to where you started.  To be honest on those days I HAVE JUST LEARNED TO LAUGH!!!!!!!!!!  Then there are days when the WIND comes along and brings with it total chaos and we just SHAKE OUR HEADS and HOLD ON TIGHT!!!!!!  Well whatever CHANGES come into your life or mine I hope we Think of them as just what they are CHANGES and ON THE POSITIVE SIDE.........  Don't we ALL need a little CHANGE.......

"PEOPLE ARE THE EVERYDAY ANGELS IN OUR LIVES"

Why is it that we LOVE to be around people so much?  Why is it that some we LOVE to be around more than others?  What is it that makes us feel so loved by just a simple SMILE or HELLO from them?  Believe it or not SOME even let us TALK THEIR EAR OFF!!!!  Some even shed a tear with us!  WELL ALL OF THESE PEOPLE ARE WHAT I CALL THE EVERYDAY ANGELS THAT WALK INTO OUR LIVES!!!!!!  Some STAY forever and some STAY only for a moment.  Take for instance I ran into 4 of them in the store yesterday.  I was so excited to see them and talk to them for a brief moment.  Some I have known for many years and some well I met for the first time.  I LOVE, LOVE IT!!!!!  This brings to mind something that my son Brad told his sister Erin just before she started high school and I loved it so I am going to share it with all of you.  He said " ERIN, IF YOU WANT TO HAVE THE BEST HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE THEN REMEMBER THAT THE MORE FRIENDS THAT YOU HAVE AND MAKE THE BETTER IT WILL BE".  So I decided to also put that message to the test in my life and you know what it WORKS!!!!!  But I want you all to know that in my life instead of just gaining friends something magical happened I am gaining tons of AMAZING ANGELS! and on the positive side of life, thats exactly what we ALL NEED...... xoxoxox

PASSION????????????????????

A couple of days ago I was sitting in my car waiting for the car wash and I just had to open my window.  Little did I know that there was a bush near by that was just filled with singing and chirping little birds.  I watched as there were at least 50 of them so busy going from branch to branch making their nests.  I thought how wonderful it was to hear, see and feel SPRING!  The word PASSION came to my mind at that moment.  I thought, WHAT AM I PASSIONATE ABOUT?  WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?  I know one thing that I am passionate about is THE SIMPLE SMILE!  What a quick, easy pick me up that not only can change my life but millions of others to.  There are so many wonderful things to choose from.  Things that will make a difference in the world around us.  JUST BE SURE AND CHOOSE SOMETHING "POSITIVE" and I promise, you will be AMAZED at how easy it is to think on the POSITIVE SIDE of LIFE! xoxoxoxo

DESCRIBE "YOU"

Isin't life full of amazing, wonderful things.  Today I thought about a huge, giant mural, but it was blank.  I thought about what I would draw on it to explain ME.  I would take the brightest color of paint I could find in so many different colors.  I would draw different patterns to describe me and what makes me up.  I would start with dots, and open circles.  Add some zigzags and some wavy lines.  Each one of them would represent a different quality or talent or a strange, unique thing that makes up a part of me lol.  Yep it would look totally CRAZY.....  because that is such a big part of me my craziness.  Then in the middle I would take and draw a HUGE SMILEY FACE. Why?  Because I am happiest when I MAKE OTHERS LAUGH AND SMILE.  Then I would sit back and leave all those jars of paints out and I would watch and see what would happen.  You know what?  I would hope that OTHERS would pick up a brush and ADD to my mural.  Can you just imagine all the little children and what they would draw lol.  HA HA.  But I would want anyone and everyone to add to my mural.  You may wonder why I would want this after I had spent the time making a mess lol.  Well you see, thats the biggest part of what makes up ME.  It's EVERYONE ELSE, yep thats EVERYONE, EVERYDAY of my life.  YOU ARE WHAT ADDS SO MUCH TO MY LIFE!!!!!!  I just LOVE AND ADORE PEOPLE!!!!!!!! I hope that you will take the time to make your own mural, stop and think about yours.....  What would you draw to describe YOU !!!!!!  But be sure and SHARE it with the rest of us!!!!!!  Because on the Positive side..........  YOU are whats WONDERFUL ABOUT LIFE!!!!! XOXOXOX

"GOOD,BETTER,BEST"!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well I thought about what I wanted to say this week and my thoughts turned to 3 amazing words that are so important in everyones life and especially to ME.  The first word is GOOD- Good this week means JUST BEING ME or YOU!!! It has to start somewhere. HA HA The second word is BETTER- Better is the CHILDREN which our home has been blessed with or for the children that each of you adopt everyday to help become better. The third word is BEST- It's really a combination of the first two and it equals all those ADORABLE, PERFECT GRANDKIDS!!!!!!!!!!!! or if you are lucky to inherit a new family to call your own. I would have to say that is not a bad way of looking at those amazing, life changing words.  Each of us has the chance to impact the world, our cities, our neighbors and our families everyday.  Never, ever be afraid to take your individual talents and gifts and make a difference, because sooner or later YOU will all achieve the BEST!!!!!! xoxoxox

IT'S FUN JUST TO BE YOU!!!!!!!

What's FUN about YOU? Now you can't say to yourself, "I am not fun", that's not a option.  I am here to tell all of YOU that there is something FUN about EVERYONE!!!!  So now pick something.  I will tell you there is nothing more fun that I love than to DANCE.  I mean how many of us when we hear that song and it's beat, just can't wait to dance the night away. Oh my the moment I hear that beat my feet start tapping, yep even off beat lol and my arms start a shakin and you can bet I am movin across that floor.  One time I had the time of my life.  I was with a group of people basically all family members and of course my own family lol, on a boat out in the middle of the ocean in Hawaii.  Just imagine it with me ok.  The whole ocean, the music blaring in the loud speakers and a mic......  Yep you guessed it.  I stood at the front of that boat facing that wide blue ocean just a dancing and singing to those fish.  Yep and you can also bet what everyone else was doing.  Sitting behind me from up above and totally silent and saying to themselves, what is her problem.  Well guess what, the little kids didn't care, they joined right in with me and we laughed and laughed and danced and danced and the best part was.  WE DIDN'T CARE WHAT OTHERS THOUGHT!!!!!  In fact there were two people that we didn't even know on the boat and they asked if I had been drinking and they said NO!!!!!  ha ha.  Their response was wow I bet she would be a riot if she did drink.  Who needs that yucky stuff!!!!!!  So the point of my thoughts are this.......  FIND OUT WHAT IS FUN ABOUT JUST YOU AND SHARE IT WITH OTHERS!!!!!!  Never, ever be afraid to be YOU.......  Because on the POSITIVE SIDE.......IT'S TOTALLY WORTH IT!!! X0X0X0

"WHY NOT TRY IT"

You know how you plant those gardens every year?  Having the "faith" that you will  enjoy vegetables and fruit on your table in the late summer. What about when you make a choice to eat healthy or exercise, just knowing that if you have the "faith" then you will see the results that you are looking for. Well it's that little word "faith" that I love so much!  It's that "faith" of knowing that when I kneel down to pray to the one person I know will hear me, that my life will be that much better. Some may believe there is no Heavenly Father, but I know that there is.  If you have the "faith" to believe that other things will work out in your life then why not give it a "try" to pray and have the "faith" to see if there really is a Heavenly Father who wants to make your life better.  I promise that your life will turn to the POSITIVE SIDE!!!!!!! xoxoxoxo  

YEP!!!! IT'S PEOPLE WATCHING!!!!

If you ask me, the greatest hobby in the world is people watching!  Here is the hint.... Ready....  The best place to do this is at the Gateway in Salt Lake City, Utah, right at center court by the amazing water fountains.  Hint.......  Get there EARLY, to get a front row seat.  It's free, it's promised to bring tons of laughs and a sure guarrantee to make even the serious SMILE. Plus you can get a sun tan and even join in the fun and watch the water show.  I just can't explain how much fun this is.  There is nothing better then hearing the giggles of not only children but adults ha ha ha.  It just makes you feel so young and so apart of the world of people.....  and on the POSITIVE SIDE, don't we all love and need people!!!!!!!!  xoxoxoxo

DAY TO DAY FULFILLMENT !!!!!!!!!!!!

We all have hopes of a life of fulfillment.  But what about our day to day fulfillment?  What makes you breathe a sigh of relief at the end of a day or brings a smile to your face as you close your eyes?  HA HA, maybe it's just making it through the day! Maybe it's finding a moment of quiet from a noisy house.  For me it's being able to look out my bedroom window and see the most beautiful sunrise or hear a birds song or feel the breeze brush agianst my cheek.  Whatever it may be just be sure and make it something POSTIVE!!!!!!!!!  I promise that if you will do this simple thing in your life that you will find that fulfillment everyday and soon you will find that as you add up all those days and weeks and months and even years, that you will find your TOTAL LIFE FULFILLMENT!  xoxoxoxo

I CRACK MYSELF UP!!!!!!!!! lol

     I was taught from a very young age to only laugh at GOOD jokes.  So I have spent my life  really thinking about what the person is saying when they crack one of those jokes. So whenever someone would tell me a joke I would have to process it in my mind, try to understand it and then think about if it was GOOD and then LAUGH.  Well for some like me THAT WHOLE PROCESS TAKES ALONG TIME lol.  So I tend to have a stuper of thought look on my face, you know the look when your mouth is hanging open and you look dazed or deep in thought. Well this look has gotten me in trouble lol, and for some reason I then become the joke of the night lol.  Which is kind of funny that I can make others laugh without trying ha ha ha.  Anyway I have a great example of this very thing.  We went with the South Summit Tapestry group to San Antonio on a trip.  Well the tour guide would stand at the front of the bus and keep cracking these jokes and me of course being on the front and well having that stupor of thought trying to process his jokes, WHICH BY THE WAY NEVER SEEMED TO MAKE SENSE LOL.  Anyway I just so happened to have that look and well from  that moment on my NAME kept coming up non stop.  The funny thing was I kept laughing at myself and I really wasn't even sure why ha ha ha.  But the best part of the trip was when I really did do a crazy thing and that was getting my pants caught on the seat belt and then ripped a hole in the side of them.  I CAN TELL YOU THAT I DID'T HAVE A LOSS OF THOUGHT AT THAT MOMENT!!!!!  But on the POSITIVE SIDE......  I CRACKED MYSELF UP............................  So just to let you know it's ok if you have that lost look, at least you are THINKING!!!!!!!!!! and......Well sometimes that takes along time. xoxoxoxox

TAKE A DEEP BREATHE IN AND RELAX!!!!!!

   Boy have I learned alot in my years lol.  I know of one thing that I wish I would have learned much sooner in life.  That is to relax and not worry about what others think about me and the way I am raising my children and running my home.  What alot of wasted time trying to keep up with everyone else and always looking over my shoulder.  Here is a very simple motto to live by for All you young wives and mothers and single ladies.  IT DOESN'T MATTER!!!!!!  The only people you need to worry about how you are doing as a wife and mother and well women is:  YOURSELF, HEAVENLY FATHER, YOUR HUSBAND AND YOUR CHILDREN.  So just ask them!!!!!!  Two people that greatly influenced my thoughts on this was first  my Grandmother Adena Bertoch Rydalch.  She believed that it was ok to let your house get a little cluttered at times, your kids never really pay attention anyway. To her it was more important to spend one on one time playing with your kids and boy did she do that.  You could always find her out in the yard high jumping or playing basketball or reading to her children.  Her children will not remember how the HOUSE looked while growing up. But they will remember how their MOTHER ALWAYS SPENT QUALITY TIME WITH THEM.

       The second person that taught me to relax when I was a young mother,Was Melissa Evans. I was a young mother of 3, at times, out of control BOYS ha ha ha ha.  I was sitting in a sacrament meeting and the Bishops wife happened to be sitting behind me lol.  Oh my !!!!!  Well after the meeting I felt a hand on my shoulder and it was her.  She simply said.  RELAX, be glad that you have active children.  She said I have two brothers, one of them is quiet and reserve and well now grown up a little strange lol. Really he is a hermit.  The other brother was just like your boys active. Well now grown up he is my favorite brother because he enjoys life.  He loves doing things and talking to people.  So she said just relax and stop worrying and enjoy those boys of yours.  You know what...... THEY BOTH WERE RIGHT!!!!!!  I am so glad I listened! Because I am POSITIVE that to RELAX means a HAPPY FAMILY LIFE!!!!  xoxoxox

A CROCKPOT A DAY MAKES THE WORRIES GO AWAY!

Being a wife and mother and well just a busy lady in my years lol.  I am convinced that if you aren't using a crockpot then you better start asap lol.  What a easy way to manage your day stress free and of course less dishes, less mess.Then what women isin't much happier in life!

I have enclosed a couple of recipes of two of my favorite dishes for that crockpot of yours.  I have found in my life that anything that gets me to always think on the POSITIVE SIDE, makes my life that much more WONDERFUL!!!!!! Aren't YOU that much more wonderful too! Please ENJOY and be sure and let me know of what you think and of course share any of those crockpot recipes you LOVE!!!!!  xoxoxoxox

SUNDAY DINNER ROAST WITH VEGETABLES!

1lb. baby carrots                         Salt and pepper

                               1 onion, chopped         3-to4-lb. boneless beef roast,see note below!

8 potatoes, peeled and chopped        2 tsp. beef bouillon

Place vegetables in slow-cooker, I love using the crockpot liners you can buy to line your slow-cooker at first.  Sprinkle salt and pepper.   Pour 1/2 C. Water around sides.  Place roast on vegetables.  Rub bouillon on roast. Tie up bag with a bread tie.  Cook on high 4-5 hours or low 7-8 hours which is what I love to cook on.  Remove roast.  Allow to cool for 10 min. slice roast and serve.  YUMMY!

* Note:  The best kind of roast to use in a slow cooker are the cheapest kinds, like a brisket or chuck. so here is a total money saver.

Delicious Beef Gravy

Stir 1/4 C. flour into meat drippings until well blended.  Slowly stir in 2C. water.  Cook uncovered, on high, stirring occasionally until gravy thickens, or transfer gravy to a saucepan and cook it on the stove.  I can attest to the fact that this gravy really does WORK!!!!!!!!  Also just a hit that my mother has always done with her gravy is she uses half water and half milk.  YUMMY!

ENCHILADA CASSEROLE

2 lb. ground beef                        1 small can sliced olives

      1 onion, chopped       1 large can enchilada sauce, I use mild

          1 clove garlic, minced                         1 C. sour cream               

9 corn tortillas                                2 C. lettuce, finely cut

1 can refried beans                               2 tomatoes, diced 

 2 C, grated Colby Jack Cheese and Cheddar Cheese        Salsa and choice of toppings

Brown meat with salt and pepper to taste.  Drain, and I would rinse the beef.  Mix with onions and garlic.  Line your slow cooker with a purchased liner.  Tear tortillas into smaller pieces.  In slow-cooker, layer tortillas, refried beans, ground beef, 1/2C. cheese, olives, and enchilada sauce.  Repeat for 3 layers total.  Top with remaining cheese.  Seal your liner with a bread tie and cover.  Cook on hight 3-4 hours or low 6-8 hours.  Serve with sour cream, lettuce, diced tomatoes, salsa and choice of toppings.  YUMMY!!!

                     

Laughter is the BEST MEDICINE!!!!!

Have you ever gotten to the point in your life when you just couldn't stop laughing!  Well I don't think I can even count the number of times that this has happened to me!  I enjoy laughing (at only good things).  I think it started when I was young at age 8 to be exact.  My parents had just left to go and get a new piano for our house since I was starting piano lessons and I and my cousins decided to eat a yummy bowl of Ice Cream.  Little did I know the affect that a whole bowl of icecream would have on me.  We started laughing and no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't stop laughing.  I laughed so hard that my fat cheeks got caught under my cheek bones and I could't get them to relax.  It hurt so bad and I just kept laughing and crying at the same time.  Crazy huh?  Well guess what I still have problems with that.  Needless to say there are other effects that laughing until your sides hurt that happens but we won't mention them on this site.  I bet you can just guess.  But anyway I want to challenge each of you my friends that read this blog to start LAUGHING everyday if you aren't and I promise you that you will have a much better day and start to think of course on the Positive Side!