Gospel Doctrine/ Vorpahl Life Tidbits

I am officially switching from Gospel Principles to Gospel Doctrine. I have already attended two Sundays of Gospel Doctrine. It is totally different! Gospel Principles is the basics, simple, and plain. I feel like Gospel Doctrine is beyond that and well it is!

I decided to take this plunge when the class approached lessons I had already gone over last year in Sunday school. I may still write some posts on Gospel Principles here and there. I am unsure how I feel about writing about the Gospel Doctrine. It may need to occur after I've gone over the lesson myself and after attending church.

I am enjoying it though. So far I am liking the fact that we are learning about church history( while we read Doctrine & Covenants). Along with this I am also attending Institute every Wednesday. Right now we are studying the Book of Mormon and we are in Alma. I love the Book of Alma! I think every convert to the church or those interested should pay special attention this particular part of the Book of Mormon. It has blessed me immensely and has given me the testimony that I know without a shred of doubt that the words written  therein are truth.

Anyway! Now to Vorpahl life tidbits. Tomorrow fall semester begins. I will be starting up my fashion courses again and majoring in Fashion Design. After a year or so, of trying to find what fit I know this does. I am excited to draw again and learn more about fashion history.

I am also doing my own fashion project on the side. I am working on a trend research analysis. So right now I am reading over trends from this season, then 6 months, and then 1 year. The project is from a textbook of mine " Fashion: from concept to consumer". Trend analysis is one of the key things to being a good fashion designer. You have to be ahead of the game predicting what will come next and get the designs going. I will probably continue this project from now.

Now moving on... today is Lils ( my cat) birthday. She is five years old. I smothered her with love, some treats, new toys, and also sang happy birthday ( yes I know crazy cat lady much). I took a semi hiatus from the internet. Worked on getting myself all ready for school along with farm work as usual. Speaking of which tomorrow I need to do some work even if the semester begins. I've been clearing out some evil wild rose bushes. They consume all around them and suffocate the trees. We have two trees that I had to pull rose bush vines out of and trim back dead branches and limbs.

Can't really blog about much else. That is pretty much it.


Jimmy/ hubs update:

We have four month left until Jim is home and we move to Colorado- Fort Carson. He seems to have days where he likes work and others not so much. He works for a general right now. He had a "mid tour" visit/ leave in July. It was nice to have him home. He spends his days working, sending me a message here or there until our skype date nights. Along with this he has become a crazed diesel truck addict- he has a plethora of diesel magazines and websites he visits- he plans on making Brutus bad *** . ( while he was on leave he souped up our Ford F350- otherwise known as Brutus).


Until next time

-Lexxy

~Labor of Love~

I just reopened my etsy shop vVv Innovations and  I am super excited it about. I closed it some time ago while moving and then injured my right hand that later resulted in tendinitis( which I also somehow managed to have it occur in the left hand as well). As I let my hands heal I slowly worked on my crochet flower pattern. I have to admit, in bias that I am in love with my own design and hope that anyone who purchases these lovely new flower hairpins will see that love and love them as much as I do! I shall also admit to having a heck of time thinking of parting with my lovely flowers but I must share them with the world!

p.s I also have a "lucky four leaf clover" design pictured below

~vVv Innovations~

the Lucky Four Lea Clover hairpin

100 % cotton yarn, wood button, all materials from countries that have ethical labor laws

I love my Ombre Violet hairpin

All of the pictured items can be found for sale at my shop. Along with this I will include my about so you get a quick idea about my shop and me :)

The Birth of vVv

The shop had its early beginnings in Dec 2011 but did not officially open until Feb 2012. As an army wife I wanted a business I could take with me wherever I go. I love anything crafty so spawned the idea of vVv Innovations. I opened my etsy shop Feb 2012 and then a hand injury forced me to put the shop on vacation mode.

July 26th, 2013 my official reopening of the shop after time of letting my hands heal

About the Crochet Flower Hairpins: A crochet pattern I designed myself. These unique flowers are made with 100% cotton yarn, buttons, felt for the backing, and bobby pins. I secure each flower with hot glue for extra hold. With each flower I try to use items made in countries that do not abuse their workers/ that have ethical labor practices.

~Lexxy~

~GOSPEL PRINCIPLES~WORK & PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY

 ( A Tumblr post I wrote earlier this week- just re blogging it here)

This post  is a prelude to the Sunday school lesson that we will be having in Gospel Principles ( 2013 Aug 4) on work as an eternal principle. The reason why I write this now is I often try ( being that operate word) to read the lesson beforehand along with the scriptures listed in the lesson. I contemplate the meaning of each principle we learn. Last night ( or early this morning really lol) I began to read.. I wanted to take this principle and apply it to my daily life. 

So here goes: A brief overview

Heavenly Father and Christ are our examples of how working is indeed that eternal principle that I mentioned above. Heavenly Father created the Earth; Christ came to this world to do His Father’s work. 

In John 9:4 Christ said this-

" I must work the works of Him that sent me" 

( a excerpt from Gospel Principles manual Ch 27)

The lesson goes on to talk about Adam and Eve who also worked from the beginning. It is interesting to the see this. When I thought about it…what really came to mind is working the Earth, tilling the land and enjoying the Earth’s bounty. Without the many different  sources we would not exist. 

While it seems obvious that we must work in order to survive. We should do it filled with joy. Or at least try to ( there are days I would rather not work outside on the small farm I live on but…) If we remember that work is rewarding even when it well, sucks! We will continue on a path filled with positive transformations our ultimate goal is true conversion( true change). 

The lesson soon goes into Personal Responsibility and the family structure. The Individual responsibilities of each family member When I read this I loved this particular part and took a side note… 

" Couples should seek inspiration from the Lord and follow the counsel of the prophets when establishing individual responsibilities.  Creating a home where principles of the gospel are taught daily and where love and order abound is as important as providing basic necessities of food and clothing."

While it was more aimed at those with children. I had to make note for the couples without- which would be my husband and I currently. While we have no children we still need our daily soul food. We can teach each other the principles and be examples to each other. What I really mean by this also is lifting each other up. As a couple we are partners in our continuous spiritual growth as well as the mundane. 

Okay moving on! That was a mild tangent! 

Scripture time: Mosiah 2:17

"When ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God"

When I think about work I tie it to service- this scripture is in the lesson and for very good reason. When we are struggling with our daily work- whatever it may be. We should remember this scripture. Even if you can only take care of your own at the moment this is still being in service. 

Okay now let’s get to the meat and the potatoes of my post..

For the rest of the week I will be pondering this:

" Why is it important to keep a balance of in life between work, recreation, and rest?"

reword this:

How can I actively seek to keep a balance in my life between work, recreation, and rest? 

So for the rest of the week I will concentrate on this. This lesson comes at a time where I really needed it. I struggle with depression, anxiety, and endometriosis. Some days are hard for me to keep a balance; but I have faith if I ponder this and work at this with the Lord’s help- that I will find a balance that works for me. I will post more on this as the week goes by and as I figure things out :) 

~Lexxy~

Self Sabotage

How many of us do this? Seriously there is no way any one of us can say we haven't given in to this monster. And that is exactly what it is! I have been thinking about this a lot lately as I journey on the weight loss wagon. While I have medical conditions that do affect my weight; what can I do to overcome some of my own bad habits. I could blame all my problems on my Severe Anxiety, my Depression, my Endometriosis and the stupid games my Thyroid likes to play on my body ( one month normal the next hypo, the next borderline- my thyroid has some serious bi-polar issues going on- not a stab at those of you with bi-polar disorder) With these come some crazy emotional train rides. I am not without the crazy.

Anyway, while I know I need to take these conditions/illnesses into consideration while working on diet, exercise, and mental/ spiritual well-being. I ought to think about those things I CAN actively work on changing that are in the self sabotaging category. A lot of the work is recognizing denial and accepting you have some weaknesses you gotta work on, but! Also making sure we develop our strengths as well. How we go about this varies per person. I am not about to give advice on how this is done. I am still trying to figure this out for myself. Individual as we are; I can't say I have any right to advise. I can, however share my thoughts.

First is thing is first. Writing down those things which you want to change and how to change them. Change always begins with you, and you alone. Granted I always suggest having a buddy system. For the longest time I let my depression take over; I was afraid to tell anyone... I may have whined and moaned, vented, you name it. But not once did I admit to myself or others I was severely depressed. Part of me was ashamed to admit this. I should have never felt this shame or been afraid to take care of my own well-being by simply stating hey I have depression, and I need your friend.

That right there is self sabotage if  you ask me! Not seeking help, not asking for it, or letting those who love you know what's up. I wish I would have spoken up sooner. So if you are silently suffering as you read this do yourself a favor, talk to someone. We can only help ourselves, our problems, our issues, our health cannot be changed until we take charge. Taking charge sucks! But I think it gets easier as you go along and have success.

So for this week I am working on rectifying some of my most horrid self sabotaging habits. One of them includes nervous/ stress eating or not eating at all. My new goal this week is to eat with purpose( for health, for my endo) and to create a schedule- I need to eat at the same time everyday or at least around the same time. Instead of putting on the pity party because the hubs is gone to Korea- mind you most of the time I pretty positive; I concentrate on our good memories and the present as best I can. But I have my moments.

I also plan on working relaxing and de-stressing. Can I call stress another one of my monsters? Stretching, Yoga, meditation, and Chakra work are in order. Maybe some crystal therapy? I have some ideas! So now I will pose the question... What are you going to do to stop self sabotage?

~Lexxy~

~Stay tuned next blog post is on Fasting- an LDS perspective~

A Gospel Principle- The Sabbath Day

When I was younger before having my stent away from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I attended church every Sunday and thought for the most part I knew what it meant to keep this day holy. Turns out I was wrong! Even when I was in the exploratory  stage of my spirituality experiencing other paths I always held Sunday near and dear as the day of rest.

Now that I am going back to church  and attending Gospel Principles during Sunday school I am learning more than I ever did when I was a young perhaps stubborn teen ( yes very stubborn).  A real quick tidbit on Gospel Principles... it is the class for new members or investigators of the church. It covers the basics of the gospel. The foundation of our beliefs in the LDS church. Even when a lesson topic is familiar to me I am grateful for this invaluable class and what we learn each Sunday.

Returning to church is really starting all over. Being inactive as we call it often leaves a person forgetting some ( not all) of the gospel and so I made the decision to attend the class till I know I am ready to move forward to Gospel Doctrine. I figure a back story was needed before continuing on to the topic of the Sabbath day.

I love the first question in our church manuals. The first question is what is the Sabbath day? I was dumbfounded as I stared at this question! My mind went blank! I thought to myself this day is a day I am very familiar with but what is the day about? It is a day of rest. In the beginning the Sabbath day was the day that Heavenly Father rested from creating the earth. He had six time periods that he referred to as days in the bible and the seventh time period ( or day) he rested and blessed this day as a day of rest and worship. ( for scriptural reference see Genesis 2:2-3)

Along with this; the Savior's resurrection is  also commemorated. He arose on Sunday and thus the Sabbath is on Sunday. If you look up the Sabbath it was originally on Saturday and was changed to Sunday when Christ was risen. Which makes absolute sense to me. There are scriptures that also back this up Acts 20:7 and Corinthians 16:2.

Anyway, we covered the origins of the Sabbath day ( the history) and then moved on to the purpose. In the manual it states that the Sabbath day was made for our benefit. It is a day we can solely concentrate on directing our thoughts and actions toward the Lord. We can ponder spiritual matters, read our scriptures, visit friends and family, perform acts of charity ( as would Christ who healed people on the Sabbath day). We can discuss what we learned in Sunday school, invite a friend to attend church with us. Give away a Book of Mormon. It seems like the possibilities are endless.

Which leads me to a question I reworded so I could journal about it:

" What can I do to improve my efforts to keep the Sabbath day holy?"

I gave a list of things we can do on Sunday that keep it holy. Some people would argue that some of these are not in the spirit of the Sabbath. And well I will argue that point! Which I already did really! Like Christ healing... as a christian I seek to follow Christ and His example. So if the Savior healed and helped on the Sabbath, me doing the same would be perfectly okay.

In the LDS church we are asked to rest from our daily labors like work when we can, there are some jobs that call for us to work such as doctor or nurse. Keeping the Sabbath in your mind and heart throughout the day is a way of keeping it Sanctified, keeping it holy even with work. Luckily I get to rest from my labors. We don't do any work that we would do during the week save for feeding times for the animals. There are things that will always have to be done, but this is allowed. My grandma always said this though " Saturday is the day you get ready for Sunday" ( It is also a children's hymn song).

I am a strong believer in this. While farm chores like feeding the animals is something we have to do. We can prepare on Saturday to get things in order and then concentrate on the Sabbath more fully. in the manual it says we could ask ourselves these questions:

" Will it uplift and inspire me?"
" Does it show respect for the Lord?"
" Does it direct my thoughts to Him?"

Not once when I was growing up did I really do this! I was so used to Sunday and how we did things that I did not once remember to ask myself these questions. I want to write these on an index card so I can be aware. What can I do to uplift my soul on Sunday? Pray, attend church meetings.What can I read to inspire me? Church manuals and the scriptures, along with other church materials ( like the Ensign magazine) I can listen intently to the talks( Sacrament) and lessons ( Sunday school and Relief Society) for inspiration as well.

 I feel like these are the meats and potatoes of it all these simple questions. They cover a broad spectrum. I didn't answer each and every one, but I  am sure you get the idea ( smiles). These questions can help me draw closer to the Lord and feed my soul. I believe as I try to keep the Sabbath day holy that I will be blessed. In our lesson we are told that blessing both temporal and spiritual are ours. Sometimes we won't be aware of these blessings.

For me the biggest blessing of the Sabbath day is partaking of the Sacrament and renewing myself for the week. I can take that time during the administering the sacrament to remember the Atonement. To think about what Christ did for me. That right there is a blessing .

I know I haven't covered as much as I could on the Sabbath day. It's a little late but I want to start blogging about my faith and more about my life. I thought each Sunday I could go over what I learned in church. If you have questions comment and I will answer the best I can.

~Lexxy~

Keeping Busy

Life has a way of keeping me busy and away from the computer these days. I have been working outside caring for the farm with my in laws and enjoying friends celebrations like graduations ( tis the season right *wink*). And as always crafting, though at the present moment it is slow. I had to revamp my box plan for the hubs and sent him a food box and a birthday box- which I did snag a picture of .. but it's really not worth the show.. I simple used sharpies to write things on the inside of the box lids and had his mom, granny and little bro write something as well. Simple yet perfect.

His next box is in the works and now that I have an amazing camera once again and not just my phone; I will be able to take much better photos! My hubs rocks he got me a Nikon 520 for our five year wedding anniversary. I miss and love him dearly but I save that mushy, gushy lovey stuff for another post!

I am trying to plan out my vacation from school and my continuous journey when it comes to losing weight and getting healthy. As of right now I am currently having female issues and on my way to see an ob/gyn to find out exactly what is going on ( suspected PCOS and an unofficial diagnosis of Endometriosis). This shall be interesting, hoping if there is something "wrong" that I can nip it in the butt( and share my experience with others who may also have same issues). So we can start our little family.

There is so much to write and there are days that I tell myself " Hey! Blog time lady! Hop to it!" I should have a blog writing challenge! Haha! Who's in? ( Seriously!) I know I am jumping all over the place.. forgive.. I got to back in the groove of things.

On a more spiritual note. I am working on be ready to go the LDS temple and I am so excited for it to happen... I am preparing myself with prayer, fasting, and as always studying the scriptures. I recently started reading the bible from the beginning. It has been years ( since I was 16 I believe and I will be 27 in July). I also have a few other things I plan on accomplishing or doing.

Well I guess I will leave you all with that stuff.. There are plenty more tangents to be had, but will save those for another time!

~Lexxy~

~LIVING~ Health & Wellness- WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE 2013

I am so excited for this Weight Loss Challenge! Let me give ya'll some background on the group and details of the challenge. LIVING- Health & Wellness is a Facebook group I created sometime ago and it is a group that isn't just about  typical weight loss. We cover the broad spectrum of living for overall wellness. We have members whose goals are to gain weight or eat a certain way. We have people who are Paleo/ Primal, Gluten Free, Vegetarians, and on diabetic diets. These are just some examples of what makes this group unique and individual.

I have the most amazing team of admins as well! Marie, Jessica, and Stephanie have totally changed this group and helped shape what it has become. When it began  it was just lonely me and these ladies are truly a God-send. I wanted this group to be about the people for the people. These ladies make it possible with their varying experiences and views on health matters. A big shot out to them! We are not experts by any means but we have a passion for living healthy and happily.

To view this group go visit this link: 

~LIVING~ Health & Wellness

With this new challenge, we have 3 prizes to give away to those who come closest to meeting their weight loss goal by August 1, 2013. This is what makes this challenge exciting and fun. Weekly updates on weight loss, tips and tricks, and of course a support system! I am participating to a degree. I have a goal of losing weight as well, but no prizes... sadness right! NO! I get to be part of journeys' to health including my own! That right there is suffice enough!

So, for me, let's look at my personal goals of weight loss. I am currently 222 pounds ( Really quick I have managed to keep myself between 218-222 pounds and have kept off 16 to 20 pounds in the last few months- I weighed 238 pounds last year!)  and my goal is to lose 35 pounds by August 1st so the goal is 187 pounds. 

Tips & Tricks I gave to the group:

First one of the tips I gave was announcing your goal publicly to family, friends, and heck! Even strangers. You could create a blog to record your journey, join a site that let's you keep track of food, exercise, and water intake. Personally I love MyFitnessPal.... speaking of this I have slacked, yes,  me I know Sheesh! I need to log in! *chuckles* 

I also gave the tip of tracking your food intake, your calorie intake and whatever else you feel you need to. Some people will not like this idea. Instead of counting calories and getting stressed about the calories you can only have in a certain amount of day; think about it like this: You have energy in and energy out. I have a goal of eating 1500 calories a day, but exercise and activity change this amount. Now this doesn't mean I eat more and more. I look at what my body is using and make a goal of burning 1000 calories a day. I also do different work than most. I'm outside on a farm. Your circumstances will be different.

What I suggest is just seeing how you eat. See what your totals are for carbs, fats, and proteins. Make sure you are meeting your daily limit. If you go over carbs for example and you are lacking protein and fat. Plan to eat more the next day. It's all about nutrients too. When I keep track of all this stuff through MyFitnessPal I lose 1 to 2 pounds a week and more often than not it is 2 pounds! The first half of this year I really struggled between 225 and 230 pounds. Up and down! It was terrible but as soon as I made sure to keep track of my stuff. Viola! Weight loss. 

I know it works! So good luck to those who have joined and for those of you reading- interested- join the group through Facebook. I am leaving sign up open till Monday Morning ( April 8th). 

Over & Out!

~Lexxy~

Crafty To Do Number 2

Number two on my Crafty To Do List: Use fingernail polish to color coat keys.

When I first began this quick & easy project I used solid colored polish but have found I love glitter polish better. Glitter is the shizazzle! For the polish I suggest using Essie for solid colors & for the glitter - Sally Hansen Gem Crush.

First thing is first get your keys ready to be polished. Several coats are needed before applying a layer of top coat. I do this to keep the polish from chipping so far so good.

I've polished several keys ones I needed color coated ; others just for fun like my keys for our Ford & Mazda. I'm thinking of other things to polish as well! It's mildly addicting! *wink* so I forewarn you!
Here are some pictures below :-)

~Lexxy~

P.S let keys dry before applying more coats of polish.

Head covering 1.5

I was thinking about all the different ladies I know who head cover and their different religious/spiritual paths and how well we all accept each other for those differences and we also have head-covering that unites all of us. This post is dedicated to them and future ladies ( and gentlemen) who take the plunge to head-cover. Now plunge sounds like a very intense word. Especially for this particular practice. But I believe that there are many stories out there similar to my own.  Head-covering intrigued me; I longed to do to it, but always felt I couldn't then one day I just decided all my fears were about how others would react. When it comes to head-covering, it has nothing to do with other people!

It really begins with you, and your desire/ need to cover your hair. There is no reason why you shouldn't hearken unto the call. Especially one with a such a profound history.  When you read up on the history of veiling ( head-covering, etc) you will find that many cultures practiced some form of covering their hair. In my last post I gave my reasons for starting to cover. These are good questions to ask yourself. But this post isn't about that really. What it is about is dealing with others as you begin your journey into covering your head.

Whether you cover full time or part time. You are always going to get funny looks, questions galore, and sometimes this is overwhelming. Questions from family, friends, and spiritual leaders ( for example). How do we deal with this? How can we react positively to these inquiries. For me a lot has been said to other people who asked my friends or family. One of my friends was AMAZING and responded so well. When covering I try to find a similarity in my current spiritual path. I go to the LDS church ( The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints) what my friend said was  something like this:

" Lexxy wears her head-cover just like you would wear your garments"

This is very accurate as I love modesty practices from the way I dress to what I cover my head with. I believe in being modest, my body is precious and I love being provided a way to express my love of modesty. I also love that I can keep my body covered and the only person who sees all is my husband. Anyway find something similar in your religious/spiritual path that you can relay to others. This often helps them understand your choice better. 

Be honest, let them know the whole story and when you decided to start covering. This shows people you are willing to share with them your personal experience. What I have noticed in the LDS faith is that my bishop said it is not something the church suggests. I sort of chuckled. OF COURSE NOT! I let him know it was more of  personal revelation for me. If spiritual leaders seems dismayed, no worries let them know it is personal and that you have prayed about it ( or however you speak with deity). 

Actions often speak louder than words. even when you share with people your reasons ; some people will still be turned off. I simply ignore this. I just continue to  be myself. I do not shun those who seem to really have issues with it. In fact I make sure they know I still want to say hello and ask how they are doing. In general I care about people. Even if I do not know them, I always wish the best for them and theirs. I wouldn't be very Christ-like and I strive to follow his example. 

Basically stick to your guns. And last but not least. If someone is harassing you over your choice... I would simply tell them that the issue is theirs, not yours. A lot of people forget that you can't make a person conform to your will and you shouldn't want them to. Live and let live I always say. I also think some people need a reality check. If they are more concerned about your personal business than their own they need to stop and do a double take on the situation. Of course don't be rude to the person. Just make them think. 

I hope this post helps those who are in the process of getting ready to cover or who are. Either way i support people's choices and head-covering holds a special place in my heart. 

~Lexxy~

F.H.E ( update) & Date Night via Skype

I realized I failed to give the update on F.H.E/ Family Home Evening via Skype with the hubs. It went really well and we have a schedule in place of who is going to do what till May. It really helps to have things planned out for the both of us. So if you and your spouse are long distance for the current moment. Plan something over Skype! Trust me it will be lot's of fun! Every Friday ( well Friday here) we Skype and immediately start off with F.H.E. I think it sets the mood for our conversations.

There is more positive energy and conversation than negative. Which is is exactly what we need to grow closer together. Even with the distance between us. Anyway! So F.H.E has been a total success!
Now on to "Date Night" I decided that it would be fun to play a questions game over Skype. Being apart we tend to forget what things our significant other likes and dislikes. The first part of  our date was filled with questions like:

 " If there was anything that I would like to do for the weekend what would it be?"

Both have to answer questions like the one above. It gets you thinking and not only that you have to think like your spouse would! These types of questions help you to see where you might have been missing something or unaware. Or if you answer correctly- Awesome job!  We both did pretty well with that. Then it was questions like:

" Your ideal breakfast would be?" 

Now the questions are personal but it nice to see the variety in answers and learn more about each other. If you Google questions to ask your spouse ( or whatever you consider the relationship) you can find ideas for questions to ask. I loved doing this! the hubs and I both had a blast with this! It changed our usual conversation over Skype into something different and fun. Basically keeping things "spicy" *wink* tehehe. 

I am in the process of finding other Date Night activities we can do long distance. I hope this post helps some of you out there who may be in a long distance relationship. I will suggest this to our military spouses for sure! And on that note! I am off like a dirty shirt...

~Lexxy~

The Original Box Idea

100 reasons care package - http://pinterest.com/pin/229331805995181497/

My last post was about A Year of Boxes. Here is the pin that inspired me. I figured it is a good idea to link back to these...After all, the people who created it first deserve some link love right?

~Lexxy~

A Year of Boxes

(First off- all hail Pinterest! You inspire me to craft more & more!) For this post I will be sharing the box I jazzed up inside for my hubs for the month of Feb and what I have planned for coming months.

A Year of Boxes
:
What is a year of boxes? Where did this idea come from & what inspired me. Well Pinterest of course. Some time last year I pinned a box idea- the inside of the box was decorated with paper, love notes, and packed with goodies inside.

It was listed under deployment ideas and I pinned it to my "Army Wife" board for future reference. I really liked this idea but took it further. Each month I plan on sending a box whether it is big or small. Each month will have a "theme" to fit the box which I will share after the hubs has gotten his box. Since he can read this blog- I don't want to give away the surprise!

Anyway! Shout out to all military wives! Feel free to steal my idea! I took it further than the pin. For this month I sent a Valentine Box. I had my grandma in law & mother in law chip in too! They bought things for the box. I packed everything- wrapped gifts, etc.

The box decorating is fairly simple- I bought stickers, cool paper, glue, and keep my exacto rotary cutter handy if I need to trim paper. I glue fancy pieces of paper to the inside of the box- I do the "top" part of box where it is opened- but you can do all of the box if you want. This is where you can get creative. Love notes, valentine sayings, etc.

When sending foodie goodies and toiletry items I suggest using a food saver for toiletries in bottles- I seal all the bottles up and place the food in bags as well. You never know when something might "explode" or leak when sending a box overseas.  No food saver- just use bags! I'm just weird and chose the food saver. It does work wonders for any baked goods you send though! Think "fresh" oh and  it's a very good investment in the long run!

Anyway! Here is my first box of the "year" along with a cute kitteh to boot! (Never fails- if you have a box around the cat is surely to get "trapped" for hours in said box).

~Lexxy~

Keepsake Craft

Now I had an idea like this one some time ago... keeping all the cards my husband has given me  and creating some type of book. Then I saw a pin on Pinterest. I didn't read the entire link but it brought up that idea again. Not sure if mine is exact/ similar but here is what I did:

First I grabbed my hole puncher, a sharpie, and metal rings (two of them) I had stashed for my index cards for when I take notes.

Second I grabbed all the cards I had stashed in my room & began punching holes in them. Make sure you line up cards to create the "right" look.

I used sharpie to mark other cards from my starter card. Keeps things looking nice and neat.

Open metal rings and put freshly punched cards on rings and viola! You have just started the beginning of a "book" of sorts made with cards ( from whomever) that you wanted to keep.

I say get more creative if you like with ribbon, etc. Right now I'm keeping it simple as the cards keep coming and I need to go digging for the rest.

I like the way this turned out. Can't wait to see it grow. I really like this keepsake. While the husband is away( gotta love Army life) it really helps to have these cards where I can see them and read them when I am feeling down or worried about our marriage. Being apart definitely puts a relationship to the test! This is just one way I can make the coming months bearable.

~Lexxy~

Lexxy Life bits- F.H.E via Skype!

It has been five weeks since Jimmy left and we have been trying to figure out different things to do via our Skype "dates". The latest is Family Home Evening.

F.H.E or Family Home Evening is a once a week event that LDS members hold as a time for learning about the gospel. It is a spiritual day that couples, families with children, and even single adults can do. Traditionally it is held on a Monday but since time zone differences and my hubs work we chose Friday evenings when we get to chat.

I really like the idea of doing this each week together since we cannot attend church together, etc. If you happen to be a military wife regardless of religion you can have something similar with your husband if you both have similar spiritual beliefs or practice the same religion. The possibilities are endless! And it helps to build up your relationship more and more during times when you are apart.

For us since we are latter day saints our F.H.E's will consist of learning things about prayer, scripture study, repentance, fasting, and the sacrament- to name a few things.

I'm still trying to figure how I will present our first F.H.E and will post about it later! It should be interesting! I am so grateful for technology right now. Getting to video chat with my hubs is really helping me stay positive.

When the love of your life leaves for deployment or like Jim, a year long hardship tour. You have a sadness to overcome and the first few months are not by any means fun. You have so many things to get used to. Sleeping alone, no physical contact, and you have to "switch" modes. When your husband is home you work together as a unit. While he is away you have to become independent and be able to work alone but always remembering him (or her).

This goes for any type of military wive/husband, fiance, or boyfriend/girlfriend. It is not easy, staying positive is key,  working through each day and of course staying busy- and in this case coming up with ideas to help keep the bonds of marriage strong.

I can't wait for our first spiritually oriented chat. I can't wait to see us grow even with the distance between us. So I leave you with these tidbits readers.

Lexxy

Writing

So many ideas swim around in my mind. I have been a aspiring writer/ unpublished author for what seems... TOO LONG! Why am I not chugging along on my journey as a writer. Shouldn't I have the time to write a measly 500 words a day on my novel? Haven't I learned anything? That even when one is overwhelmed with school and life that there is still time to always write! ( or in this case blog too).

Maybe all my issues of stress, loneliness ( missing the husband), and life in general would be allievated by writing! Wouldn't writing be the perfect escape? To step into the lives of my creations. I hope I don't make it sound like I want to literally escape my life. My creative, ever searching, thirst for knowledge mind often needs a story to be complete ( feel complete).

And writing does this. I always envision stories. Whilest I sit and ponder a story comes to me. Whilest I watch the rain or snow a new adventure calls to me. If nothing else I should write the ideas as they come to me. Save them later, tuck them away for a later date.

So my own challenge is to write, write, write. I shall make the time and have time to do so.

~Lexxy~

Blogging

Once upon a time,

I was sitting there searching the web for a variety of "things" from decorating your on base housing to PCSing tips. What can I say? A bit obsessed! *wink* and while I did this searching I found myself mildly disappointed! I wanted pictures to go with those decor ideas and some meat with that PCSing info...Maybe I wasn't so concerned with the information for myself but others!

I'm sure military family members are constantly Googling such things. You can't have enough resources at your fingertips. Anyway! My point really is this:

I NEED to blog about these two topics! I need to revisit my last PCS and hopefully present some new ideas. Maybe invite a friend or two to give their perspective.

A lot of the PCSing topics includes kids... not all military families have kiddos. I want to cater to those without just as much as those with! For my little family we have the Jimmy, my awesome husband! Lils the cat and two gerbils- Ms.Bitey & The Chunky One. I want to target those with different types of pets the best I can!

And then another question is raised! What else can I blog about? I have so many ideas and so little time!  What would you like to see readers?

~Lexxy~

Epic TV Awesomeness!

Now admittedly, I have never ( never say never) been much of a TV watching person. But suddenly there is this thing called DVR and I am in love?!?!? Nothing beats coming home from a trip to Columbia, MO to Pretty Little Liars recorded and ready to watch!

On to the Epic Awesomeness- not only did "The Vampire Diaries" premiere last night so did "Archer" my Thursday night was totally, utterly amazing due to these two favorite shows! What is going on here!?!?!

Sizzling hot Damon ( screw Stefan lol) and Archer doing what he does best. Of course don't forget Elena aka actress Nina Dobrev. I really enjoy her acting skills. It was a great episode start. I'm "dying" to watch the next episode but alas will have to wait.

Now let me give you all a background story. Hub and I usually stick to Netflix. We watch old episodes of shows and wait for new seasons to come out on Netflix- at $7.99 you can't really complain. Anyway, we would become addicted to a show and stay up way past our bed time! ( yes I'm 26 years old and have a bed time). For me this is so detrimental to my health! Sadly I suffer from chronic insomnia- the only thing that helps to keep bouts of insomnia away is routine- always going to sleep at a certain time.

So this TV bit isn't as bad as I thought- none of "my" shows are on past 11pm, but if I did have something I wanted to watch that was on late- bam! DVR biatches! ( quick note I'm just "waking" up mentally) It's brilliant! So hurray! To modern technology and all hail the magical DVR- without you, well I'd still be watching old episodes and wishing I could be watching new ones!

~Lexxy~

A Different Granny

Last night I sat down and decided to explore different ways to do a granny square. These are what I came up with. I really like the puff stitch square. What do ya'll think?

My Crafty to Do List- Number 1

The first thing on my craft to do list for the year 2013 was a simple granny square. Now we all know I like to crochet and yet I hadn't learned the granny square! ( YES I know terrible!) So I sat myself down with crochet hook in hand and wool ease yarn. Google'd a granny square pattern and five ( maybe 8) minutes later I had a square going!

My "First" Granny Square 

Green squares for baby blankets

Now that I have the granny square down I am working on patchwork baby blankets. I am going to make several different colored squares- patch them together to create a blanket and viola! I have baby blankets ready for those friends that are expecting and of course for donation. It's something I can do all year long. I really hate posting about my services to others, it feels like a boast ( like making blankets or hats for babies who need them) but if you can crochet, knit, or use a knitting loom, find out if you have a local "Newborns in Need" and see what you can do to get involved. The little blue loom is perfect for making little newborn beanies and they are really simple to make and quick!

Anyway I was  so stoked that I had done one thing from my "Crafty To Do List for 2013" and had to share! It may be something small but with my right hand issues it was amazing! I seriously can't go a day or two without crocheting- I get CRANKY... I have withdrawals. So when I was being gentle with the hand and letting it recover I was going absolutely mad, like a mad hatter ( is that a bad thing? It doesn't sound so bad, I would suddenly possess millinery skills and make fantastic hats! Hmm I may have to add "hat making" to the C.T.D.L.)

I am trying to decide on the next craft to do. I have supplies for embroidery. Perhaps it's time I pull out my left over muslin, buy a small ironing board and start learning something new! 

~Lexxy~

p.s Are there any "crafty" things you are wanting to do this year? Do you have a goal to make something new? 

Head covering 1.0

I have always had this love for head covering, some of you may be familiar with the Jewish Tichel or the Muslim Hijab ( there are others as well, like the Amish and the Mennonites) I am completely obsessed with modesty but in a good way! Hear me out!

Now what is this very syncretic Latter Day Saint thinking? Wearing a head covering when it is not exactly part of my church's belief? Well call it personal revelation. Now I actually started covering my hair while I was still "pagan" I am going to use this term loosely here as I was practicing a different spiritual path and am now melding my previous knowledge with what I learn as I attend the LDS Church ( Now you may understand to extent why my profile says odd LDS lol!) and on a side note I am not typing this so I can be chastised or told I am doing something "wrong" I will boldly state this: at the end of the day no matter the spiritual path you follow- your path is yours alone- what you do is between you and your Deity.

With that said. I had this longing to cover for YEARS! YES! YEARS! And it all came down to one single post a member of a Facebook group I belong to posted on head covering. I was instantly excited to read about this "event" and joined a group of women of a variety of faiths that also felt or already covered their hair for whatever reason ( as the reason or reasons do vary).

I started researching veiling, head covering, and whatever else I could find on the subject. I prayed , I contemplated and something told me to go for it. So of course I did! I have many reasons for covering. I will go into them briefly.

When I thought about my reasons these popped up, I wear my head cover to protect me from surrounding energies. I consider myself an empath, call me crazy but I tend to feel what other's feel, or rather I have a sense of how they are feeling and sometimes this weighs heavily on me. I wear my head cover to represent my love and commitment to my husband- this idea is actually taken from Judaism- women covered their hair after being married. I liked this idea due to the fact that my hands are often swollen and there are times I cannot wear my wedding ring. I wear my head cover because for me I feel less modest without it. I don't care what anyone thinks. I also feel closer to Heavenly Father.

I know there are some people out there family and friends who may not understand fully. Heck I am still coming to my own understanding. Those were my reasons to begin with, but as I continue to cover it changes and grows.  I will save this for another post.

I want to blog more about this- look for more posts and thank you for reading.

~Lexxy~

Me

2013- Here I go!

August to December 2012- In a Nut Shell:

The husband goes to Arizona to "school" to reclass as an Intel Analyst. In the meantime I move/ settle in with the in-laws. I currently live with the Grandma-in-Law. Mom ( in-law) lives next door. We do what we do best! Work and have fun on our small farm. I meet new friends and start going back to the LDS Church. I also attend online classes at AMU ( American Military University) and wait for December to arrive. 

Life has been a whirlwind. We have built chicken coops, a hog pen, worked on farm to get it in working order and so on. Mom broke her arm! My husband and me had a storage unit near by that was broken into. We ended up moving all of our stuff out of there and buying a small cabin storing our belongings in there. 

My hand continued to have issues. Went to specialist for it ( still not sure what the heck is up, they thought it was carpal tunnel- but I have no signs of severe nerve damage). I fly out to Arizona in Dec for Husbands graduation. We visit family and friends. Buy a new truck ( well hubs bought truck before I flew out) and then we left our Arabella ( the Miata) with our cousins. Drove Brutus ( Our Ford F350 Lariat) back to Missouri where we spent Christmas with the hubs family. It was awesome! 

While hubs was here we enjoyed clearing the creek area out- cutting trees for next years firewood and clearing out debris, etc. We also remodeled my bathroom ( to a certain extent- the tub is not replaced) and we painted the laundry room walls and redid the flooring in both my bathroom and the laundry room. 

January 1st to the 7th:

I spend the last few days with the hubs before he flies out to Korea, for a year long hardship tour as they call it. I wasn't excited. January 7th was not an easy day! Not only did the husband leave that day but my new semester began!

On the bright side of things, the first week of the semester is going well and I feel like I am on the right track in completing assignments. My hand is doing "better" I craft just a bit these days, but I do have a "Crafty To Do List" for this new year. Sort of like crafting goals? 

I also have health and fitness goals. Right now my current goal is to lose 80 pounds ( perhaps more?).  I am making a motivation document with motivations to remind of what I can do this year. My biggest obstacle will be going primal-ish while staying with the gma-in-law, who doesn't eat that way. I am going to plan out meals for sure and try to prepare my meals for the week. I swear I need my own fridge lol! Hmm not a bad idea, but where the heck would I put it in my small room! 

Another goal to add to my list is to rock at school. I want at least a B average but I am shooting for A's. just gotta work hard. I also thought about reopening my Etsy shop- but we will see. I am not sure how I feel about it right now. Just need more time. Along with this I want to blog more. I feel so out of touch with people these days. I am hoping I can blog about crafts, losing weight, and life in general ( or whatever else tickles my fancy). Stay in touch with family and friends better. Enjoy life even though the husband is gone and make this year a year to improve me.

So 2013 here we are, I am ready for you ( I think). I got things to accomplish and a year to do it. 

Ready- Set-Go!!!

~Lexxy~

p.s this is not the whole of the whole of goals I want to accomplish or things I want to do this year, just my random/ perhaps incoherent thoughts as I get ready for bed.