March 15, 2013

This morning Johnny and I climbed to the top of a mountain by our house and spent the morning talking about the changes and blessings that came from having a stroke one year ago.  He is my rock and strength and has been such a support and light to me throughout this past year. 

It’s ironic that one of the main lessons we have had to learn is balance, not just physically but mentally and emotionally as well.  I physically spent 8 of 12 months of the year last year out of balance and have found symbolism in how it has physically felt.  It seems to be harder to identify a lack a balance in our world that personally surrounds us.  But as I have experienced shifts in my physical balance as I get tired or worn down, I have found that like a physical change in balance happens, a lack of balance emotional and spiritually can cause us to hit walls or knock into people as well. 

 But that’s not the most dramatic shift we talked through today.   We started our climb up this small mountain on a trail.  A simple clear path that was easy to follow.  We chatted and reminisced and enjoyed the sun.  ♥♥♥The last time we hiked to the top of a mountain alone Johnny asked me to marry him!♥♥♥ We talked and moved our way up the trail. 

 I was very content to stay on the trail and enjoy this morning.  We hadn’t’ been hiking long when Johnny stopped.  I thought he just wanted me to drink some water and rest, but he looked at me and asked me to leave the trail and head straight up to the top of the mountain.  I looked to the top and then to John and thought there is no way I can do that!  As if he could read my thoughts he say, “Come on, I will help you up.  We can take it at an easy pace.” And with that, we were on our way up a rugged, rocky mountain. 

 We stopped a few times, turning and looking at how far we had come.  At first we could see a portion of our house and our neighborhood and down the mountainside we had climbed, then we began to see more of our neighborhood and a portion of the mountain next to us opened up. 

 I told Johnny as we hiked further how emotional this week has been for me because I realized that the stroke was a forced change in our lives.  It was hard. Then I talked about our goals we have recently been discussing, the lives we want to impact, the good we want to do, the gifts we want to leave our children.  These things also will and are requiring change.  Big change! And it’s scary to change!  But this time it’s a change that we are choosing.  This journey we have had recovering from a stroke has been a hard change, but SO WORTH IT! 

 We arrived at the top we looked around at the breathtaking views we were surrounded by.  Valleys and mountains were open to us.  We saw lakes, rivers, mountains, communities, and different paths up the different mountains.  Our view had been significantly broadened.  Our perspective was spectacular!  We now could see so much more.  And it was BEAUTIFUL.

 We sat here at the top of this mountain and recorded these feelings in our journals.  We cried together and told each other how thankful we are for our individual strengths.  We are meant for each other, we were made for each other!

 Probably one of the most valuable lessons I have learned during this past year is that WE CAN DO HARD THINGS. We have experienced this in a forced way due to the stroke, but that has taught us that when we choose to change and grow, we can do it too!   Even if it feels uncomfortable and it seems impossible!  You can do it and when you begin that journey to the top of a mountain your whole perspective changes and you begin seeing things you never knew were even there! 

Remember, “Everything you want is just outside your comfort zone.” Robert Allen

I never imagined hiking to the top of a mountain today.  I am ready to make every day count!  I am ready to set higher goals and embrace change.  I am so thankful for the blessing of a balance! 

♥♥♥♥♥ Thank you everyone who has been here loving and supporting our little family throughout this past year.  My heart is filled with gratitude, love, and a stronger desire to serve!♥♥♥♥♥

So without real snow we decided to bottle snowmen.  These are so super cute!!!  I could just eat them up... :)  We bottled them and I sold a bunch today!   These make great teacher gifts for the holidays!  Each snowman has enough hot chocolate for two plus add 1 drop of peppermint essential oil to make it delish in your mouth! $4 call or email to order yours today!!

Check out my NOVEMBER DOTERRA SPECIALS HERE!!

Peppermint oil can be used for its calming effect to relieve stress and tension.  It is also effective for relieving the headaches associated with stress or digestive upset, as well as for migraines.  Just apply a few drops to the back of the neck for stress, or to the temples to relieve a headache.

During the cold and flu season, peppermint can really prove itself to you.  It works well in reducing fever (just apply a few drops to the bottom of the feet or rub a few drops into the spine).  It is also great at opening and clearing sinus and respiratory congestion.  It relieves headaches, diarrhea and nausea, and can bring a wide range of comforts to the misery of colds and flu.  (I'd hate to be sick without it.)

For digestive issues, like diarrhea, nausea, motion sickness, stomach ache or colic, simply massage a 1-2% dilution of peppermint, mixed in fractionated coconut oil, over the abdomen.  I love adding peppermint to my water during workouts or in the morning when I need a boost!

Peppermint is an excellent insect repellent, especially when mixed with eucalyptus before application.  During the summer months, it offers the added benefits of being very cooling, making hot weather much more bearable.

The fragrance of peppermint oil is uplifting and invigorating.  Applied topically, this oil is very soothing to tired, sore muscles.  It has analgesic properties, and can be helpful for menstrual problems or skin disorders. 

You can buy peppermint oil here!!!

There have been some definite pluses to the stroke that showed up in my life 9 months ago.  My brain is seeing organization in a less chaotic overwhelming way, if that makes any sense.  The pace of my life has slowed down because my body is making it.  This too has been a blessing (even though internally I am kicking and screaming).  Which brings me to my latest obsession.  Couponing!  I know crazy!!  But most of you said that about triathloning… then you did one and your hooked!!!

 So, my sweet friend Stephanie taught a class on how she coupons.  She is so organized. It’s all in a trapper keeper, alphabetized in baseball card sleeves.  Each Saturday she buys the early Sunday edition of the paper.  One for each member of the family.  I end up spending $6.00.  She buys on Saturday because it’s only a $1 unlike Sunday which is $2.50 each.  Then she lays each coupon out and stacks the ones that match, staples them together, cuts them out and puts them in her alphabetized binder. 

 I have been doing this for 4 weeks.  And I have gotten a ton of things!!!  Many for free!!! This week is my favorite buy so I am sharing with you. 

 Stater Bros has Lucky charms on sale for $2.25 when you buy 4.  I happened to have coupons for $1.50 off 3 of them.  So for 4 big boxes I paid $1.87 each.  But here is the best part.  I found the boxes that have free movie tickets on them.  For every two boxes you get one free movie ticket.  I was ALL OVER THIS!!!!  With 6 members of our and movies costing $16.00 for John, Tevan and me and $12.75 for the other 3, it’s $100 bucks for us to go to the movies!!! CRAZY!!!

 So I went a little Lucky Charms Crazy!!!  And bought not 4 or 8 or 12 but 28 boxes!!!!  I have no idea where I am going to put them but today I stock piled 12 weeks of cereal and date nights!!!  $52 bucks, 28 boxes of Lucky Charms and 14 movies passes!  I saved a total of $314.25!!! Thanks Stephanie for the wonderful lesson on couponing!!   

The air was crisp and warm as we made our way up higher and higher.  Light was getting brighter but the sun still hadn't made it's debut on the horizon.  We reached the top and got off to watch the sun rise.  Johnny wrapped his strong hands around my waist and pulled me in close.  It felt so good to be near him again, but then he let go.  I glanced away from the sun to find Johnny on one knee.  I knew what was coming but couldn't believe it.  He told me that he loved me and that he wanted to spend time and all eternity with him.  He asked me to marry him in the Temple of the Lord, more then just till death, but for forever!  He pulled out a ring and told me that he chose it because it was simple with a twist just like me.  I of course said YES!  Wedding plans began and six long weeks later I married and  was sealed to my best friend in the San Diego Temple for time and all eternity!  

Happy Engagement day Johnny!  I love you forever!

Have you met my dog Lizzy?  She is my sweet little cockapoo we rescued from the shelter in January of 2012.  The instant I saw her I knew she belonged in our family.  We have an adorable golden doodle Rex who we wanted a friend for.  He is slightly (like 70 lbs) larger then her but he is gentle and sweet to her.  Lizzy has been such a fun addition to the family.  She is so patient with all the kids and has a snuggly disposition. 

Lizzy was with me the morning I had the stroke.  On that day back in March Lizzy was next to me and could sense something was wrong.  She wasn’t barking or freaking out, but stayed close to me.  When we left to go to the hospital she was worried.  I didn’t come back for a number of days, in the hospital I worried about both dogs but the moment I came back into the house she was at my side.  Almost like my protector.  When I walk, she walks with her body touching my ankle.  When I get up she jumps up and follows.   When I lay down she curls up next to me.  When I go to the bathroom and close the door she curls up outside the door and waits.

I still struggle with lingering effects of the stroke.  Ever so slightly, like yesterday, I was so exhausted in the afternoon so I decided to take a short power nap.  I told the kids and then curled up into my bed.  I knew I would be awake shortly,  Lizzy was right there with me and I instantly fell to sleep with Lizzy as my last memory.  I woke up about 15 minutes later and couldn’t remember what day it was, what time of day it was, or what I was suppose to be doing.  I looked frantic looked around wondering where, when and what, then I glanced down and saw sweet Liz in the same spot she was in before I closed my eyes and it all started coming back.  It was Wednesday, I had laid down for a nap and I was suppose to be helping with homework!   I leaned in and gave her a love, then jumped up refreshed and ready to help. Here she is curled up under my desk while I type!

It’s strange to me that something so tiny can feel so responsible, because she does.  Before the stroke if I called her she might come running.  Now, if she isn’t with me and I call her she runs as fast as she can to get to me.  I haven’t trained her, she just does.  Rex and Lizzy are the first dogs we have ever had so seeing this loyalty and love from something so small is new and amazing.

We ended the summer with a bang!  Due to travel restrictions we had a staycation this summer.  We did have big plans of traveling from here to Utah then to Idaho and Washington to visit our newest twin nieces, then down to Oregon and California with white water rafting trips and lots of yummy food… but there are too many long stretches of nothingness, and I was told that I needed to stay within 30 minutes of a hospital.  I don’t think my doc knows I live 45 minutes away from one :)

 Vacation was heavenly!  We left on Tuesday and made it up to Disneyland just after dinner.  Perfect timing to get a few rides in and see a few shows!  Last time we went the Matterhorn was closed.  So we decided to head to that first.  

I must say, it was just as jerky as before... It was such a fun night with dumbo and Fastamic.  Disneyland is magical at night! 

Radiator Springs is AMAZING!

Highlight of the trip was beating John on the Buzz Lightyear ride!

We ended our trip visiting the Newport Temple.  I can't believe we had never been there.  It was so beautiful!  I think for our anniversary we will plan on staying awhile and visiting inside!

My first triathlon was filled with a series of unfortunate events that taught me to be better prepared for future events.  It started with the morning of the race, hanging out in the transition area, talking, taking pictures, then finally right before it was time to leave checking my gear… should have done that first.  There was a huge gash in my back tire.  Caused by the blazing dessert sun the day before and the expanding and contracting that occurred.  Always let some air out of tires sitting in the hot sun… that led to renting a bike 3 minutes before transition was closed.  My race was almost over before it began.  Thankfully they had a bike.  Half way through the ride I got a flat…  yep you guessed it, my kit was back on my other bike, and to be honest, there was no CO2 n it so it wouldn’t have done me any good.  Once again, I was saved by a sweet man who was riding the course.  He changed it for me because I didn’t know how.  Without him my race would have ended there!  Finally, I left for the run without my inhaler.  Half way through I had an asthma attack and thought, “great now I will never be an Iron Girl and I will never see my kids again!”  I slowed my pace and crossed the finish line and it didn’t quite feel like I was expecting.  Next time I would be a little more prepared.

 Do you ever go through life, like I went through my first triathlon?  George Elliot once said, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”

 Each of us is born with great potential we just have to prepare for it, accept it and enjoy the ride.  Life doesn’t have to be hard, difficult yes, but hard no.  If I had learned a simple task of changing tires and the importance of keeping extras with me before my race all that anxiety and worry would have disappeared.  It would have been wise for me to pick the brain of a seasoned triathlete.  They had been where I was going and knew exactly what I needed.  Whatever it is that we are trying to become, triathlete, mother, entrepreneur or fill in the blank, preparation will make the road easier.  So ask an expert and listen to what they have to say.  They just might give you the courage and hope you need!  

 Day 1:  I am ordered to stay in bed because of the medication called TPA, I refuse to pee in a pan so when the nurses leave I unhook, jump out of bed, feel very dizzy and try and act like I can walk a straight line.   I begin to think that maybe this was why I was suppose to stay in bed… will take dizzy over peeing in a pan.

Day 2:  I take my first walk around the wing, get back and cry.  

 Day 4:  I am home now.  I have to touch to the wall to walk without running into it.  This feels off and I am still dizzy but I think I might go to church.  (In all my life, I have only missed church a few handful of times and it’s only when I am sick… I try to decide if I am really sick enough) Johnny decides for me and makes me stay home. I realize later that day that that was probably the right choice.  We have over 25 people stop by... I feel so LOVED!

 Day 5: My first day alone again.  I do a load of laundry and then sleep for the rest of the day because I am so exhausted.  I keep thinking, “What the heck!!! I don’t have time for this!”

 Night 5:  I know I have to go to the Gym tomorrow.  I have nightmares all night about making it up the stairs to the only thing I think I might be able to do… the bike.  I dream of falling, I dream of making it up and not having the energy to make it down, I dream of collapsing and making a scene!  Worst one of all!!!

 Day 6:  My first trip to the gym.  I am welcomed by Gaynell.  Everyone is so sweet.  I cry because I am embarrassed and because I am scared that my nightmares will come true and because everyone is hugging me.  I wish I had my body back.  A dear friend grabs my arm and we walk up the stairs together.  I make it, bike for 5 and make it down!  Miracle!

 Day 10:  My body still hurts start using Immortelle essential oil and makes a HUGE difference!

 Day 30:  I am making it through the days better.  I only need one – two naps!  Dizziness has faded but still lingers when I am fatigued.  Most of my physical body had reconnected.  I am an emotional wreck!  EVERYTHING makes me cry. 

 Day 56:  I go back to visit Dr. Neil.  I thank him for saving my body and cry like a baby… I ask him if this is normal and he sweetly tells me yes!  I am not crazy!

 Day 59:  I am so thankful that I am here to celebrate my sons 12^th birthday!  He has been so strong through this trial.  I hug him tighter today.

 Day 62:  Sarah turns 8!  I take treats into her class and treasure every moment.

 Day 68:  The In-laws are coming!  I haven’t deep cleaned my house in ages.  I work all day and night and collapse on my bed afraid my tired body will have another stroke.  I am still an emotional wreck and worry that I will cry the whole time they are here.  Desperate times call for desperate measures!  Johnny learns the Aroma Touch massage technique.  I wake up WAY better!

 Day 69:  I catch my first trout!

 Day 70:  One of the greatest days of my life.  Sarah chooses to be baptized a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and Tevan receives the Priesthood!  I am one happy mom and I survive the day!

 Day 74:  Johnny turns 36 and we got to Disneyland.  The crowds make me dizzy but I live to tell about it!  It’s the first time all my kids can ride everything and I have to stay off… boo hoo! We do all manage to fit onto splash mountain together and get a perfect picture!  Only cry once that day!

 Day 76:  I turn 34!  I am exhausted.  In-laws are both struggling with ailments and I am barely hanging on. 

Day 83:  I reacquaint myself with my bike.  John goes with me on my first ride and it goes well.  I am slower but love it!

 Day 87: Visit the American Girl doll store with the girls in Los Angeles.  They are in heaven and so am I!

 Day 88:  Last day of school is tomorrow and I still can’t think of anything special for the teachers I love… Crying is now under control but now having anxiety attacks… so weird!

 Day 89:  Last day of school!  So relieved I can have my kids all to myself!  Can’t wait for all our fun pool days!

 Day 99:  Survive Cub Scout day camp and send Tevan off on his first ever week long campout.  How will we make it through the week! More anxiety…

 Day 102:  Visit our storage unit and the white walls make me dizzy.  Realize once again that my brain is still healing in phases.  Anxiety should disappear soon.  Just like all the other issues that have slowly resolved.  Thank Heavenly Father for one more day!

I admit it!  I LOVE garage sales!  For many years I fought internally between the pull of finding treasures in other peoples junk and embarrassment that I was sifting through other peoples junk to find a treasure.  Well, it’s out now.  My name is Mandy Sommers and I love garage sales!

 Today I found the best deal! First of all you need to know that I have never owned a set of fine china… that is until today.  I have occasionally seen a set here or there that was missing pieces but they have never been anything would have chosen out and loved.   Well, today I am happy to say that I got my first complete set of Fine China from Noritake and I love it!  This set came with 12 dinner plates, 12 bread plates, 12 cereal bowls, 12 dessert bowls, 12 saucers, 8 tea cups, a vegetable bowl with lid, a serving platter, a gravy dish, and a serving bowl.  I looked online to see if I could get a general price range of what it was worth if I were to sell it off and found that this set would bring about $645 on ebay today!  I got it for $20!  I just love deals like this!

 Last week we also found a few great deals.  I got a brand new still in the box Pampered Chef Shake, Mix and Pour (already used it and loved it!) for $1.00.  My husband ran into a few bobble heads and finagled a deal with the lady buying both for $15.  We got home and checked them out on ebay and found that one was selling for $45 and one for $59!  We will be listing those very shortly.  He has also needed a travel briefcase and we happened upon two brand new Swiss Gear ones! 

Here are a few garage sale tips:

1.  Leave early!  Most great finds are gone by 8am!

2. Know your brands.  Wal-Mart brands are not as durable as other high end brands.

3.   Look inside the box.  What's on the outside might not be what is on the inside. 

4.  Bring small bills and change.   You don't want to ask them to drop the price from $5 down to $3 and then pull out a $20.  That never goes over well. 

Happy Shopping!