Happy New Year

Happy 2012!
We are so excited and feel so blessed to begin a new year. Yesterday, as we took down the Christmas decorations and re-organized a few things in the house, I found myself in a goal setting spirit and I was looking forward to a fresh start, a new year.

Last year was a good year, a year full of big decisions. I was able to improve my health by getting a sinus surgery and that was a big blessing to myself and my family. Nick started his masters program and continuing his education has already been a blessing, even though it's a little harder on managing our time...we feel like we're beginning to get the hang of it. Jack got over his fear of swimming in the big pool and now jumps all the way in. He also started pre-school which has been so wonderful for him and our family. Phoebe is growing and talking a lot more and becoming a little lady. She is nurturing and spunky!

Looking back I can see the hand of the Lord in our lives. I cherish the hard moments and welcome the good, as I reflect on the things we've all learned and the ways we've grown individually and as a family.

Now, looking forward, I am excited and motivated to improve our lives a little more. We are hoping to continue education, develop more talents in new and exciting ways, learn more about the Gospel and Jesus Christ: individually and as a family, improve our overall health: continuing fitness daily and eating even more healthily.

We've implemented a few more items more regularly into our diet and I am hoping to always continue improving what we eat.


Raw foods: nuts, grains, and beans are a good way to get protein, antioxidants and fill our tummies in a yummy way with the good fats our bodies need.
Of course, eating all the raw fruits and veggies we can is also a great way to get energized and feel good.


Coconut oil is a great alternative to the harsh oils that our livers have a hard time processing sifting through. I now use coconut oil along side olive oil in my regular cooking.


I was introduced to Liquid Aminos a while ago through my Mom....who, did I mention before, is an amazing chef and always cooks yummy, gourmet meals with nutrition as the top priority. Liquid Aminos are vegetable protein which can be used as a way to add flavor to many meal. It tastes a bit like soy sauce, but is a hundred times better for your body.
I just used it last night in flavoring chicken that went along side thai peanut noodles and steamed veggies and brown rice.

I hope that we can accomplish our goals to improve our lives in a big way this year! I'm all for small and simple and steady. Lifestyle goals that can begin with small steps. Hope the new year is a good one for you too!