2017 Update

Wow, it has been ages since I got on here and posted something. Life gets busy when you add another child to your family I guess. Four kids in counting and I think we are happy where we are with our family. My kids are now 11, 9, 4, and my baby is almost 2. Someone keeps speeding up the time dial because boy howdy, it is flying by!
Trying to debate if I am going to get an official website or continue on here. I will keep you posted! For now I am on instagram as @findthetimemama and I have a FB page as Find The Time Mama as well.  I hope you can go back to past posts and find some good ideas and content as I am in the works of making more.

Hope all is well,

Find The Time Mama

How Important Our Role Is In Our Family Relationships

I had the opportunity to speak in my home ward at church today with my husband Jordan. I wanted to share my talk here and give you the link to my husband's blog to view the messages he shared.

Jordan's blog beyeclean.blogspot.com

I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. If you have a desire to learn more here is some wonderful references:

lds.org
mormon.org
mormonchannel.org

I hope there is something you read that may touch your heart. (Just a side note, I didn't intend to post this, but had a few requests from others. Also, this is not going to have perfect grammar, punctuation, and referencing because it was for a talk and not for a public read, but I still wanted to share it with you.)

How Important Our Role is in our Family Relationships

Hello Brothers and Sisters, so this Wednesday my husband came home from the young men’s activity and brought me a gift, and it wasn’t flowers. It was the opportunity to speak today... It is interesting how the Lord prepares you for something before you even know it is here. For the past month I have had the message, “Happiness is… Being with my family everyday,” on my white board in my home. I have focused on not taking my family for granted and to enjoy the sweet moments I have will my husband and children everyday that brings me joy. I hope the message I have prepared today will touch your heart as it has mine by preparing ,how important our role is in our family relationships.

Our Heavenly Father loves us so much he gave us the Great Plan of Happiness. He gives us commandments, covenants, and guidelines to protect us for the deceiving and nonstop powers of the adversary that continually tries to destroy the most important part in His Plan.

Elder L Tom Perry said best when he said;

“In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities. Families lie at the center of our Heavenly Father’s plan.”

I wanted to share few thoughts that I think are important characteristics to the happiness of the Family. As I pondering on this topic the lyrics from the Primary song, “I am a Child of God” came to my mind. 

In the first verse we sing;

1. I am a child of God,
 And he has sent me here,
 Has given me an earthly home, 
With parents kind and dear.

We know we are children of God and he sent us here to receive a body and be tested, However, our Heavenly Father has not abandon us, He sent us to wonderful helpers, our earthly Parents! In the songs chorus it says, To teach me, guide me, walk beside me to help me find the way. I know the important characteristic to Family Happiness starts with the role of Parents. No wonder we are fighting each day to keep the sanctity of marriage protected.

TEACH

In the Family: A Proclamation to the World it states;

“HUSBAND AND WIFE have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. “Children are an heritage of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, and to teach them to love and serve one another, observe the commandments of God, and be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.”

Wow, No pressure or anything, right… This states our obligation as Parents is to TEACH our children and provide for them both physically and spiritually.

Elder L Tom Perry states:

"We need to make our homes a place of refuge from the storm, which is increasing in intensity all about us. Even if the smallest openings are left unattended, negative influences can penetrate the very walls of our homes."

And another significant quote from President David O McKay:

“No other success can compensate for failure in the home”

How lucky we are for the beautiful spirits we have in our homes. I know many of you are doing an amazing job teaching your children because I see it in your family relationships and when your children bear their sweet testimonies. It is evident that they have learned these truths for themselves because of your efforts.

EXAMPLE

What is the best way to teach our children?

We can find the answer in John 5:19-20

“19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. 

20 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.”

I am grateful everyday for my sweet parents and their example to me. At a very young age my mother taught me that my Heavenly Father knows me, he loves me, and he is proud of me. She made sure I knew my Heavenly Father and helped me create a relationship with him through prayer. It wasn’t until later in my life when I was struggling that someone brought to my attention and asked me, “How is your relationship with your Heavenly Father?” I then realized the reason I was struggling so much was because I didn’t depend on my Father in Heaven enough. I thought I could figure things out on my own, but soon came to the conclusion that I cannot get through this life without the love and guidance of my Heavenly Father. He knows what is best for me, even when I am too blind or stubborn to see it.

From my mother’s example I understand the importance of my relationship with my Heavenly Father and have taught my children to know their Heavenly Father and have helped them create their own relationship with Him. In those precious moments as I have knelt down by the side of my children, I can tell you many stories of the sweet, funny, and random things they have mentioned in their prayers, which puts a smile on my face every time. I wouldn’t give those moments up for anything else, not even 5 more minutes of watching my favorite TV show, the pile of laundry that still needs to be folded, or whatever else distracts us from these sweet moments with our children.

Another important statement In the Family: A Proclamation to the World says;

“Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

Let me read this last sentence one more time…

“Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities.”

By living by these principles we will receive true joy and happiness in this life and in eternity.

TIME

I have a fond memory with my Dad and two brothers growing up. My brothers and I wanted to go to Disneyland so our Dad made us a deal that if we found 1000 golf balls he would take us to Disneyland. I grew up in St. George, Utah so if you have ever golfed there you know the type of overgrown tamarisk trees that line the side of the fairways. We spent endless hours searching for golf balls after dad got off work and before it got too dark, but we found our 1000 golf balls. We shined them up using the ball cleaner on the course and placed them in egg cartons and sold them to our neighbor and other golfers for around $6 for dozen. I think we raised about $500 and were able to fund our trip to Disneyland. But the funny thing is that I don’t remember much about the trip to Disneyland than my feelings and memories I made with my Dad and brothers. The joy and excitement we had when we found one and how happy we were when a sibling was able to contribute to our main goal was wonderful. My Dad knew this would be a great learning experience but also we would be able to spend more time together. Oh how I treasure my relationships with my family members, especially now that I don’t see them as often.

Back to the Song I am a child of God the second verse says:

            2. I am a child of God,
 And so my needs are great;
 Help me to understand his words
; Before it grows too late.

Why do you think we teach our children at a young age about the principles and ordnances of the Gospel? If they have a goal to be baptized, to go on a mission and or be married in the temple these decisions that are made far before the actually event. This will ensure they choose the right along the way to keep those goals in perspective. We know that our actions speak louder than words. Here is what Elder Christofferson has to say to the women and YW about our role:

“My plea to women and girls today is to protect and cultivate the moral force that is within you. Preserve that innate virtue and the unique gifts you bring with you into the world. Your intuition is to do good and to be good, and as you follow the Holy Spirit, your moral authority and influence will grow. To the young women I say, don’t lose that moral force even before you have it in full measure. Take particular care that your language is clean, not coarse; that your dress reflects modesty, not vanity; and that your conduct manifests purity, not promiscuity. You cannot lift others to virtue on the one hand if you are entertaining vice on the other.”

Women and Moms, it all starts with us. How can we expect our daughters and YW to follow these guidelines if we are not ourselves?

Quote from President Eyring:

“The Lord has given us all the source of hope as we struggle to help those we love accept their eternal inheritance. He has made promises to us as we keep trying to gather people to Him, even when they resist His invitation to do so. Their resistance saddens Him, but He does not quit, nor should we.”

There may be pain and sorrow from family members who haven’t lived up to their obligations, but all I can suggest is to pray for them. The Lord will soften their heart, it may take time, but all you can do is be there for them and continue to love them. You cannot change others; they have to have the desire to change for themselves.

We read in the 3^rd verse of that sweet song;

3. I am a child of God. Rich blessings are in store; If I but learn to do his will,
 I'll live with him once more.

Elder M. Russell Ballard teaches us:

“we need to do things in the right order! Marriage first and then family. Too many in the world have forgotten this natural order of things and think they can change it or even reverse it. Remove any of your fear with faith. Trust the power of God to guide you.”

KEEPING OUR COVENANTS

By this we learn another characteristic to family happiness: Keeping Our Covenants

In the Family: A Proclamation to the World:

"The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.”

I ask you this question, "Why wouldn’t you want a temple marriage?" (adding this afterward) Or if you are already married being sealed to your family through the proper authority of the Priesthood?

President Eyring declares;

“Wherever you are on the path to inherit the gift of eternal life, you have the opportunity to show many people the way to greater happiness. When you choose whether to make or keep a covenant with God, you choose whether you will leave an inheritance of hope to those who might follow your example.”

The best decision I ever made was to marry my husband in the Temple! I made that goal early enough in my life, I didn’t not want to accept any other way, and I am glad I never did. Because the blessings from a temple marriage give me that hope that I can be with my family forever because of the covenants I have made in the Temple.

Here is what M Russell Ballard said regarding this,

“Among Church members who are married in the temple and who regularly attend Sunday meetings, the divorce rate is significantly less than that of the world, and families remain closer and are in more frequent communication.”

The other things he shares with us is that families are healthier and live longer, they become more educated, they serve more, and most important are Happier. Who wouldn’t want these wonderful blessings for their family?

ENDURE

            In the final verse of the Primary song it says,

        4. I am a child of God.
His promises are sure; 
Celestial glory shall be mine; 
If I can but endure.

Dear sisters you are the heart of the home. Therefore, the adversary will strike you the most, if he hasn’t already tried. You may feel inadequate, not beautiful enough, educated enough, you might think you have more weaknesses than strengths, or feel less valued. But, PLEASE DO NOT let these thoughts linger because they can destroy you and obviously they are NOT TRUE. You are a daughter of God. You are enough! Continue to be faithfully and endure!

D&C 14:7

"And, if you keep my commandments and endure to the end you shall have eternal life, which gift is the greatest of all the gifts of God." 

As we have learned from President Harold B Lee, “the most important work we will ever do will be within the walls of our own homes.”

Testimony

I testify to you brothers and sisters by implementing the teachings of Jesus Christ in our homes, we will see our family relationships blossom; and the Lord will change us in a way that only through him and his unconditional love can be done. I know by having FHE and family prayer I have seen tremendous growth in my family.  For those you are struggling I know our Heavenly Father will help you back on the right path if you communicate with him. I hope by through the way we can teach by our example, giving each other our time, keeping our covenants, and enduring til the end will express to our family members know how much we truly love them and want to be with them forever. 


Here are the talks I referenced from. When you have time please listen to them because they are wonderful.

The Family: A Proclamation to the World

L. Tom Perry: The Importance of the Family, April 2003

M. Russell Ballard: That the Lost May Be Found, April 2012

D. Todd Christofferson: The Moral Force of Women, October 2013

President Henry B. Eyring: A Priceless Heritage of Hope, April 2014

More Awesome Quotes

In our time of struggle, hardships, frustrations we need to remember our Heavenly Father and that he is there for us. He love us, He hears us, and He wants to help us. Open your heart and be ready for the answers to come to your prayers through the scriptures, through others, through messages at church. You have to do your part if you want to reap the rewards sort of speak. Can't sit on the couch and expect the Lord to do all the work.

We Can Do Hard Things

I have been coming across a lot of great quotes lately and wanted to share some with you. Life is too short to feel down, depressed, like a failure, and struggling more often then feeling happiness and joy. The only way you will get through these hard times will be on your knees, pleading for strength, asking for encouragement to endure, and help to overcome life's trials. Whatever your trial is today, if it is losing a loved one, divorce, being lonely, having a struggling child, illness, cancer, depression, ADD, Autism, or etc... I want you to know that your Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ knows you and loves you and want to help you, as long as you are willing to open the door. Peace, comfort, and hope be with you. Put on your armor and endure... We can do hard things!!!

~Alisha

Why the long break from posting?

Well, let's face it, not everyone blogs as much anymore now that we have instagram, facebook and all the other apps out there. However, my focus in life changed this past year and made me realize I need to enjoy the time I have with my kids because they won't be this small forever. I got pregnant last July after two years of trying (which seemed like forever), I had my third child Marie Julie in March. I have become humble knowing there is a reason for all things and my Father in Heaven knows me better than myself and knows what is best for me.
I am truly grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life! It gives me reassurance, hope, and guidance in everything I do. I don't know where I would be without it.

Here are some pictures of my family...

 My kids: Anya, Parker, and Baby Marie

 My sweet baby girl

Marie being silly

My Family

What makes you happy? What are you passionate about?

What do you "Find The Time" for?

~Alisha

The Plan of Salvation

Do you know that answers to these questions?

Who am I?

Where did I come from?

Why am I here?

If not here are some links to help you know the answers to these questions.

http://mormon.org/beliefs/plan-of-salvation

Don't be afraid to find the answers. Read the scriptures, Pray to know the truth, and seek the answers in the right places. Our Savior and Heavenly Father love you and want the best for you.

I belong to the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. The knowledge I have about the Gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ brings me peace, comfort, and guidance through this chaotic world where so much evil and darkness prevails. You can find that peace, your life will be better, you will be better I know this to be true.

~Alisha

Get Spiritual

This is a new section here on Find The Time Mama blog. Sometimes we get so focused on daily living we forget why we are really here and the reason behind it all. So I am starting this section on let's "Get Spiritual" to help you and me to develop our spiritual side. Feel free to ask questions and let me know what you think. I hope you can be motivated and uplifted to being a better person, especially one our Father in Heaven would be proud of. You are special! Did you know that? Well you are.....

~Alisha

Pre and Post Workout Snacks

Need some ideas for Pre and Post workout snacks.


Here are 50 healthy Pre and Post workout snacks from greatist.com.


Click HERE to go to the originial article or view it below

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for some, but for those who manage to squeeze some gym time into their routine, pre- and post-workout foods can be just as huge. While everyone’s nutritional requirements are different depending on their goals and activities, these snacks can offer the right balance of carbohydrates, fats, and protein to satisfy hunger, fuel workouts, and aid in recovery. Read on for Greatist’s 50 favorite pre- and post-workout snacks, including some go-to recipes from our trusted health and fitness pros.

(Also Check Out: 88 Unexpected Snacks Under 100 Calories)

Pre-Workout Snacks

The body works to build muscle and recover 24 hours a day, not just during that one-hour session at the gym. Luckily, smartly timed snacks can give the body the fuel it needs to gain muscle, burn fat, and recover as best it can. Pre-workout, that usually means grabbing a snack about 30-60 minutes in advance, depending on its size and contents, and how much that stomach’s actually grumbling. All ready to go? Check out these 25 options to start things right:

1. Protein Creamcicle: Put a twist on the classic kids’ treat by blending 1 scoop vanilla whey protein powder, 1 cup orange juice, and 1 cup ice. Trainer and fitness expert @JCDFitness does it!

2. Fruitsation shake: Blend 1 scoop of your favorite whey protein flavor with ½ cup ice, and 1 cup frozen berries for a sweet energy boost, suggests strength coach @Roglaw.

3. Cha-Cha coconut shake: Infuse 1 scoop chocolate whey protein with 2 teaspoons of extra virgin coconut oil. Girls Gone Strong co-founder @JenComasKeck loves this!

4. Star-buffs shake: Need a pre-workout pick-me-up? Greatist’s fitness editor suggests blending 1 cup iced coffee (keep the ice) with 1 scoop chocolate whey protein.

5. Dressed up oats: Load up on carbohydrates for a longer workout with ½ cup cooked steel-cut oats topped with 1 tablespoon dried fruit and 1 tablespoon shaved almonds.

6. Perfect yogurt parfait: Feeling fancy, huh? Top ¼ cup nonfat yogurt with ½ cup whole grain cereal and ½ cup fresh strawberries.

7. Yoberries a-go-go: For the perfect blend of carbs and protein, try 1 cup non-fat vanilla beanGreek yogurt — which often packs more protein and probiotics than regular plain yogurt — with ½ cup fresh blueberries.

8. Eggs n’ toast: Have a heartier appetite? Try 1 or 2 hard-boiled eggs with 1 slice of whole-wheat toast.

9. Fruit and Cottage: Top ½ cup cottage cheese — a low calorie and higher protein option — with ½ cup fresh pineapple, berries, or melon. And voila!

10. PB Apple: For a quick carb fuel-up, slice 1 medium apple and serve with 2 tablespoons all-natural peanut butter.

11. Classic fruit cup: Prefer to keep it sweet but simple? Combine 1 cup berries, melon, banana, and oranges — oh my!

12. Dried fruit: For a quick pre-workout fix, try ¼ cup serving of dried berries, apricots, and pineapple, says Greatist Expert Jessica Redmond.

13. Fruit leather: Need something light that makes you feel like a kid again? Try 1 single serving of fruit leather. Have a little extra time? Roll some out in the kitchen.

14. Energy in a bar: With so many options in the aisle, try opting for a bar with the most naturalingredients. While protein count is key, also check the sugar content (it shouldn’t rival what’s found in the candy aisle!).

15. Chicken n’ sweets: For a fast bite, grab 2-4 ounces (or a palm-sized amount) of sliced chicken with an equal portion size of sweet potatoes, suggests Greatist Expert Dan Trink.

16. Oats n’ eggs: Not just for breakfast, try ½ cup cooked oatmeal and 2 whole eggs seasoned with salt and pepper.

17. PB & B toast: Fuel up with 1-2 tablespoons of all-natural peanut butter and half a sliced banana on whole-wheat toast, says Greatist Expert Lisa Moskovitz.

18. Turk-cado pasta: Add 2-4 ounces (or a palm-sized amount) of roasted turkey and 3-4 avocadoslices to ½ cup cooked whole-wheat pasta for some enviable eats.

19.  Wafflewich: Spruce up this classic by combining 1 frozen Kashi waffle with 2 teaspoons of almond butter and 1 teaspoon of jam.

20. Better than a PB Cup: A half-cup cooked oats with 1 teaspoon defatted peanut flour, a dash ofstevia, and a sprinkling of cocoa powder on top — a concoction from the kitchen of Greatist contributor David Butler.

21. Veggie omelet: Add a little more color to your diet by combining 2 whole eggs shaken with 1 teaspoon of water cooked with 1 cup sautéed seasonal veggies.

22. Rice con leche: Got a long way to run? Fuel up with ½ cup cooked rice, covered with ½ cup milk, a scatter of raisins, and a dash of cinnamon on top.

23. Sports drink: An 8-ounce low sugar sports drink (keep it under 10 grams of sugar) will do the trick if you’re in a crunch. For a little more fuel, add a scoop of BCAA powder— branch chain amino acids that help maintain muscle and tissue health^[1].

24.  Hearty salad: Need some greens? Try 1 cup of salad greens with assorted veggies, 1 hardboiled egg, and a drizzle of EVOO and vinegar, or your favorite low-fat dressing.

25. Energy gel: Got a long way to go? Slurp down a energy gel (like Gu) prior to an endurance workout.

Post-Workout Snacks

Photo by Ben Draper

After a tough gym session, post-workout snacks are an imporant way to restore energy and rebuild muscle, too. Downed within two hours after exercise, protein-packed shakes and snacks are a great way to rebuild tissue that breaks down during exercise. Here are 25 ways to end that workout on a high note:

26. Protein pancakes: From the kitchen of Greatist contributor Laura Skladzinski, mix 4 egg whites, ½ cup rolled oats, ½ cup low fat cottage cheese, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, and ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract. Cook on preheated griddle (medium low heat) until it bubbles, then flip and cook another 30-60 seconds. Top with fresh berries or sliced banana.

27. Sweet potato pie shake: This isn’t your grandma’s recipe. Combine 1 scoop of cinnamon bun whey protein, ¼ cup diced cooked sweet potato, 1 cup of ice, and 1 cup vanilla almond milk in the blender — a Kellie Davis original.

28. Chunky Monkey shake: Monkey around with 1 medium banana, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 1 cup low-fat chocolate milk blended with ice.

29. Double G shake: Aussie strength coach @Rachel_Guy1 recommends an 8-ounce greens drink (any superfood blend found at most health food stores) with 1 scoop of glutamine.

30. Double Trouble shake: To lengthen the delivery time of nutrients to your muscles, combine ½ scoop of whey protein blended with ½ scoop slower-digesting casein protein, plus a handful of your favorite fresh or frozen fruit.

31. Bananarama: One medium sliced banana with 1 cup low fat milk — it doesn’t get any easier than this!

32. Protein bar: For a quick, store-bought fix, feed those muscles with a protein bar. Just watch the sugar content. Look for bars with 10-30 grams of protein, less than 10 grams of sugar, and the fewest number of ingredients you can’t pronounce!

33. Beef and squash: Need something hearty? Try a handful of lean roast beef with an equal portion of butternut squash.

34. Tuna crackers: Mix up a batch of light tuna salad for a quick bite. Add two heaping spoonfuls to a handful of whole grain crackers, and chomp away.

35. Bagel with egg whites: Half a medium-sized whole grain bagel with 2 eggs whites makes a great post-workout sandwich.

36. Ants on a raft: The ants go marching… Spread a heap of natural peanut butter over a brown rice cake and top with raisins.

37. Milk and cereal: Any time is a good time for cereal. Add 1 cup of low-fat milk to 1 cup of whole-grain cereal. Nosh loudly.

38. Chocolate milk: One to two cups of low-fat chocolate milk seals the deal with extra carbs and protein.

39. Black bean omelet: Four eggs whites, 1 ounce low-fat cheese, and ¼ cup canned black beans — then spice it up with a savory salsa, if you dare.

40. Green Monster smoothie: Blend 4 cups spinach, ½ cup vanilla bean yogurt, 1 cup almond milk, 1 banana, and 1 tablespoon peanut butter with ice — a favorite of Greatist contributorClaudine Morgan via Iowa Girl Eats.

41. Cottage cheese crunch: One cup fat-free cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon honey, ½ cup whole-grain cereal, and a dash of cinnamon does a body good.

42. Eggy muffinwich: Ditch the fast-food and opt for 1 whole egg, fresh spinach, 1 slice low fat cheese, and 1 slice Canadian bacon served on an English muffin, suggests Greatist contributorLisa LaValle Overmyer.

43. BCAA n’ cakes: When in doubt, just add cakes! Pair up two scoops of BCAA powder mixed in ice water with two rice cakes.

44. Recovery in a bottle: When time is of the essence, grab a store-bought recovery drink to sip on after training. Just check the label — sports recovery drinks will provide plenty of carbs refuel, or opt for aminos to really rebuild.

45. Apples and cheese:  Tease your taste buds with 1 medium sliced apple and 1 stick of low-fat string cheese.

46. Pita and hummus: One 7-inch pita with two spoonfuls of  hummus adds a little pep back to your step with quick digesting carbs.

47.  Egg scramble: Veg out after a hard training session with 2-3 whole eggs scrambled with a handful of chopped onion, spinach, and bell peppers.

48. Choco-tropical trail mix: Go bananas for a blend of ½ a handful of each: macadamia nuts, dried coconut, dark chocolate chips, and banana chips.

49. AB & J Rice Cakes: Almond butter takes the cake. For this healthier twist on the classic PB & J, sandwich 1 tablespoon of almond butter and 1 teaspoon of strawberry jam between two rice cakes.

50. Chicken hash: After your workout grab 1 cup cooked diced chicken, ½ cup butternut squash and apples, roasted in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make a big batch and store it in the fridge!

Enjoy! ~Alisha