Okay. I am posting about my fitness/weight loss goal, something that is not like me AT ALL!! I have always enjoyed working out, but have never been really fanatical about it. Don't worry, I'm still not going to be fanatical-but I am going to *try* to be more disciplined then I have been in the past. I am going to use my blog to help me stay on track. Here is my plan:
*Work out five days a week. Combo of aerobics and weights.
*Eat "normally" with portion control and no sweets five days a week.
*Free days are Friday and Sunday (but, free doesn't mean pigging out...we'll see how that goes)
*Lose 15 pounds by April and/or feel comfortable in a size 7/8 jeans
There you have it people. Doable? I think so.
I will be posting my progress every Monday...encouragement and reprimanding welcome ;)
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Day 3 of the"Experiment"
For awhile now Mark and I have been talking about all the TV watching, video game playing, and computer usage that go on in this house. It is basically a constant thing. A family in our ward recently got rid of their TVs, their XBox-everything! The mom said she was tired of her kids leaving her to spend time doing those things. Now, don't get me wrong, I actually don't mind my kids leaving me alone once in awhile ;) and I am by no means a television hater...I love my Lie to Me, my American Idol, and about a dozen more shows I could mention. HOWEVER, Mark and I wondered if limiting this stuff would make a difference in how our kids interact, how they talk to us, and how the general "feel" of our home would be.
We have tried the "each of you can pick one TV show per day and one video game, etc..." But, that always ends up in everyone watching everyone else's shows which results in watching more than we had envisioned. SO, on Sunday night we had a family meeting and asked the kids to raise their hands if they like TV....duh :) if they like video games, etc. Then to raise their hand if they thought Heavenly Father liked them...Mark and I were the only ones to raise our hands :) Then we talked about what happens when we have too much of a good thing-brownies, peanut butter bars, etc. Sam put it so well, "Too much of anything can make you sick!" So as a family we decided to have four days a week where we don't watch any TV, play any video games, or get on the computer, and three days when we can. They decided to have Sun-Wed be "NO" days, and Thurs-Sat be "YES" days.
So far, mind you it has only been three days :), the results have been very interesting, and very encouraging! On Monday we heard a few complaints, but not many. Sam actually asked me to write down some math problems for him so he could "get smarter", and he memorized a new song on the piano! Devin accidentally got on the computer-habit, I guess :), but caught himself. He definitely spent more time talking to us than he usually does.
Yesterday Sam was really upset that he couldn't watch Ruff-Ruffman, but he didn't tell me that until I went down to his room to find out what was wrong. He said he had a headache from our "dumb rule". During dinner I could tell he really DID have a headache, so we gave him some medicine and he started feeling better. I really think he may be a TV addict...don't addicts get headaches when coming off of caffeine, drugs, etc.? Scary! Sam definitely watched too many movies and too much TV. Anywho- after dinner no one had anywhere they had to be, so we all hung out in the living room and actually talked! Mark played Jenga with the boys and then they went and ran at the Community Center. When they got home Devin and Sam each had one of Devin's Zune earphones in and they were singing together. It was hilarious.
Even though I know the boys are looking forward to tomorrow, I really think this "experiment" is going to be a great thing for our family. Even though there have still been "moments" I can see the difference in the way our home feels and the way the boys interact. I ultimately hope the boys get into the habit of finding other things to do besides watching TV and all that.
Now I'm not saying anyone else "SHOULD" do this ;)-but, so far, it has been a great thing for us!!
We have tried the "each of you can pick one TV show per day and one video game, etc..." But, that always ends up in everyone watching everyone else's shows which results in watching more than we had envisioned. SO, on Sunday night we had a family meeting and asked the kids to raise their hands if they like TV....duh :) if they like video games, etc. Then to raise their hand if they thought Heavenly Father liked them...Mark and I were the only ones to raise our hands :) Then we talked about what happens when we have too much of a good thing-brownies, peanut butter bars, etc. Sam put it so well, "Too much of anything can make you sick!" So as a family we decided to have four days a week where we don't watch any TV, play any video games, or get on the computer, and three days when we can. They decided to have Sun-Wed be "NO" days, and Thurs-Sat be "YES" days.
So far, mind you it has only been three days :), the results have been very interesting, and very encouraging! On Monday we heard a few complaints, but not many. Sam actually asked me to write down some math problems for him so he could "get smarter", and he memorized a new song on the piano! Devin accidentally got on the computer-habit, I guess :), but caught himself. He definitely spent more time talking to us than he usually does.
Yesterday Sam was really upset that he couldn't watch Ruff-Ruffman, but he didn't tell me that until I went down to his room to find out what was wrong. He said he had a headache from our "dumb rule". During dinner I could tell he really DID have a headache, so we gave him some medicine and he started feeling better. I really think he may be a TV addict...don't addicts get headaches when coming off of caffeine, drugs, etc.? Scary! Sam definitely watched too many movies and too much TV. Anywho- after dinner no one had anywhere they had to be, so we all hung out in the living room and actually talked! Mark played Jenga with the boys and then they went and ran at the Community Center. When they got home Devin and Sam each had one of Devin's Zune earphones in and they were singing together. It was hilarious.
Even though I know the boys are looking forward to tomorrow, I really think this "experiment" is going to be a great thing for our family. Even though there have still been "moments" I can see the difference in the way our home feels and the way the boys interact. I ultimately hope the boys get into the habit of finding other things to do besides watching TV and all that.
Now I'm not saying anyone else "SHOULD" do this ;)-but, so far, it has been a great thing for us!!
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Resolutions: To be Resolute
There are just a few things I am determined to be this year that I wasn't last year:
1. Not pregnant
2. A better mom. It is amazing how having this thought in the forefront has allowed me to smile when otherwise I may have screamed my head off. Example: Ty and Noah are constantly under-foot. I mean CONSTANTLY! Wherever I go, they go...and not just go, but remain just inches from me. I recognize that in a few short years they will be wanting to go in the opposite direction-so, I will enjoy their love and affection while I can.
3. A Finisher. I will complete a birth-one year scrapbook for Noah, and I will hide five of the six scrapbooks I made for Devin.
4. A grateful person. I will start a gratitude journal and write in it EVERYDAY.
5. An in-shape 30 something. I will work-out AT LEAST five days a week.
Happy New Year everyone...and wish me luck! ;)
1. Not pregnant
2. A better mom. It is amazing how having this thought in the forefront has allowed me to smile when otherwise I may have screamed my head off. Example: Ty and Noah are constantly under-foot. I mean CONSTANTLY! Wherever I go, they go...and not just go, but remain just inches from me. I recognize that in a few short years they will be wanting to go in the opposite direction-so, I will enjoy their love and affection while I can.
3. A Finisher. I will complete a birth-one year scrapbook for Noah, and I will hide five of the six scrapbooks I made for Devin.
4. A grateful person. I will start a gratitude journal and write in it EVERYDAY.
5. An in-shape 30 something. I will work-out AT LEAST five days a week.
Happy New Year everyone...and wish me luck! ;)
Sunday, December 27, 2009
It was a Merry Christmas
We had a great Christmas. I always think the best part of Christmas is getting together with family. Mark and I are both blessed with awesome families that we enjoy spending time with.
The kids seemed to enjoy what they got from Santa. Devin got a Zune...in my day they were called Sony Walkmans and could only play tapes or the radio!! His can download music, movies, & TV shows!!! Hello. Never in my wildest dreams! When I see him with those earphones in it brings back lots of memories! Sam got an iCoaster. He has been asking for one for a couple years now. It is a big roller coaster for marbles and it comes with an MP3 hookup so you can listen to music as the marble does all kinds of cool tricks. Ty got a Glo-Doodle, and Noah got more trains and train tracks for his train table.
I have had more of a post-Christmas let down then I usually do...not sure why. But, I think a lady in our ward put it best-"Christmas is to the year what Sunday is to the week" There is just something special about re-focusing on the Savior and serving others that makes Christmas such a wonderful time. I really want to extend that into the next year.
The kids seemed to enjoy what they got from Santa. Devin got a Zune...in my day they were called Sony Walkmans and could only play tapes or the radio!! His can download music, movies, & TV shows!!! Hello. Never in my wildest dreams! When I see him with those earphones in it brings back lots of memories! Sam got an iCoaster. He has been asking for one for a couple years now. It is a big roller coaster for marbles and it comes with an MP3 hookup so you can listen to music as the marble does all kinds of cool tricks. Ty got a Glo-Doodle, and Noah got more trains and train tracks for his train table.
I have had more of a post-Christmas let down then I usually do...not sure why. But, I think a lady in our ward put it best-"Christmas is to the year what Sunday is to the week" There is just something special about re-focusing on the Savior and serving others that makes Christmas such a wonderful time. I really want to extend that into the next year.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Us Against the World!!!
Happy 14th Anniversary to us!!
Fourteen years ago today Mark and I were married in the Bountiful Temple. It was the best day of my life...and the best decision I ever made! One of my favorite things is to sit in our front room after the kids are in bed and just talk with Mark. He is very honestly my very best friend. It makes me happy just to be with him.
Last night we were talking about how we first met and the first time we saw each other. It is so crazy to think about those good old CHS days and then realize where we are now! I'll be forever grateful for good friends who knew Mark and encouraged us to go out. We've shared just about every experience imaginable, including missions, college life, children...and more children :)
There are times when life gets to me...but it is so amazing to know that I have a partner and friend who is there to face it all with me. Heavenly Father must have known I would need someone patient (:)), strong, faithful, and funny to help me make it through.
There are lots of times when I feel like it's us against the world...us against the kids :)...us in it forever and always...and I'm so thankful. Words can't do justice how grateful I am for Mark. When Mark was in Jr. High his dad was in the Air Force. They wanted him to transfer to Germany, but he didn't want Mark and his sisters to have to leave their schools and friends, so he retired instead. It is crazy to think that if they would have moved, we would have never met. In fact, it is a little freaky how our paths have crossed...even before we were born! A few months ago Mark's mom discovered that she and my dad were in the same ward at BYU for a semester. It was the only semester Karma attended BYU! When Mark was in 9th grade and I was a sophomore, his Drama class came to the high school to watch a play I was in with my Drama class. During one song we had to pick a guy and a girl out of the audience to sing to...the girl who went out into the audience picked Mark and I stood right behind him, singing. My Mom got it all on tape. I had no idea who Mark was...and didn't for another two years!!
From high school, to five kids, a mortgage, and blasted student loans...We're weathering it all together. Sorry, ladies...but, they broke the mold...no one else like Mark! And just the fact that he'll still love me after posting such a sappy post, is evidence of what a great guy he really is. By the way...this song makes us laugh now, but it was one of the first songs we danced to...Christmas Dance 1990...so, it was "our" song...sorry if it makes you ill! :)
Happy Anniversary Mark! I Love your guts!!!
Fourteen years ago today Mark and I were married in the Bountiful Temple. It was the best day of my life...and the best decision I ever made! One of my favorite things is to sit in our front room after the kids are in bed and just talk with Mark. He is very honestly my very best friend. It makes me happy just to be with him.
Last night we were talking about how we first met and the first time we saw each other. It is so crazy to think about those good old CHS days and then realize where we are now! I'll be forever grateful for good friends who knew Mark and encouraged us to go out. We've shared just about every experience imaginable, including missions, college life, children...and more children :)
There are times when life gets to me...but it is so amazing to know that I have a partner and friend who is there to face it all with me. Heavenly Father must have known I would need someone patient (:)), strong, faithful, and funny to help me make it through.
There are lots of times when I feel like it's us against the world...us against the kids :)...us in it forever and always...and I'm so thankful. Words can't do justice how grateful I am for Mark. When Mark was in Jr. High his dad was in the Air Force. They wanted him to transfer to Germany, but he didn't want Mark and his sisters to have to leave their schools and friends, so he retired instead. It is crazy to think that if they would have moved, we would have never met. In fact, it is a little freaky how our paths have crossed...even before we were born! A few months ago Mark's mom discovered that she and my dad were in the same ward at BYU for a semester. It was the only semester Karma attended BYU! When Mark was in 9th grade and I was a sophomore, his Drama class came to the high school to watch a play I was in with my Drama class. During one song we had to pick a guy and a girl out of the audience to sing to...the girl who went out into the audience picked Mark and I stood right behind him, singing. My Mom got it all on tape. I had no idea who Mark was...and didn't for another two years!!
From high school, to five kids, a mortgage, and blasted student loans...We're weathering it all together. Sorry, ladies...but, they broke the mold...no one else like Mark! And just the fact that he'll still love me after posting such a sappy post, is evidence of what a great guy he really is. By the way...this song makes us laugh now, but it was one of the first songs we danced to...Christmas Dance 1990...so, it was "our" song...sorry if it makes you ill! :)
Happy Anniversary Mark! I Love your guts!!!
Monday, December 14, 2009
Christmas Cheer
"The new star of Bethlehem would have had to be placed in its precise orbit long, long before it shone so precisely! By reflecting such careful divine design, it underscored what the Lord has said: "All things must come to pass in their time" (D&C 64:32). His planning and precision pertain not only to astrophysical orbits, but to human orbits as well. This is a stunning thing for us to contemplate in all seasons!...There is a personalized plan for each of us. Like the Christmas star, each of us, if faithful, has an ordained orbit, a priesthood path, as we pass through this second estate." -Neal A. Maxwell
I'm not sure if it's the postpartum emotional roller coaster I'm on..or if the Lord is making sure I realize all I have been blessed with this Christmastime, but I have definitely been more emotional than usual the past few days. I have always loved Christmas..everything from the shopping to our traditional manger scene reenactment. But, for some reason, this Christmastime I feel especially close to my Savior and my heart feels like it may literally burst because of all I have to be grateful for. It seemed to start last Saturday when I was sitting in the car at Syracuse High, feeding Drue and watching Mark and the boys sled down the hill behind the football field. Despite the sign that read "No sledding, tubing, or snowboarding on school property", there were at least 50 people there enjoying the snow. I happened to be listening to The Forgotten Carols, and as one of the last songs played-a song I don't remember hearing before-I started bawling...the chorus went like this:
"All I ever wanted, all I ever dreamed of, everything I hoped, and all the things I prayed for, couldn't hold a candle to what I've been given, I've been given what I need."
Then last night we had our annual Christmas Family Home Evening where we each write down a gift we want to give the Savior this year. We read the book "This is the Season, Beloved of the Year", wrote down our gifts, sang carols, and bore our testimonies. Despite the expected moments of teasing, laughing, and general lack of reverence, the spirit was there, and I was so impressed by the quotes by prophets and apostles found in "This is the Season", there were so many I wanted to include in this post...but I picked my favorite-the one by Neal A. Maxwell. I know we all have a personal plan, and that God is not only aware of each of us, he is deeply interested in what happens in our lives and loves us beyond any love we can comprehend. I feel so much joy this year, not because we have a perfect life, or because we will be able to buy our kids what they want for Christmas, but because I know God lives and that he sent his son to earth to live and die for us. There is nothing in the world that means more to me.
Merry Christmas!!
I'm not sure if it's the postpartum emotional roller coaster I'm on..or if the Lord is making sure I realize all I have been blessed with this Christmastime, but I have definitely been more emotional than usual the past few days. I have always loved Christmas..everything from the shopping to our traditional manger scene reenactment. But, for some reason, this Christmastime I feel especially close to my Savior and my heart feels like it may literally burst because of all I have to be grateful for. It seemed to start last Saturday when I was sitting in the car at Syracuse High, feeding Drue and watching Mark and the boys sled down the hill behind the football field. Despite the sign that read "No sledding, tubing, or snowboarding on school property", there were at least 50 people there enjoying the snow. I happened to be listening to The Forgotten Carols, and as one of the last songs played-a song I don't remember hearing before-I started bawling...the chorus went like this:
"All I ever wanted, all I ever dreamed of, everything I hoped, and all the things I prayed for, couldn't hold a candle to what I've been given, I've been given what I need."
Then last night we had our annual Christmas Family Home Evening where we each write down a gift we want to give the Savior this year. We read the book "This is the Season, Beloved of the Year", wrote down our gifts, sang carols, and bore our testimonies. Despite the expected moments of teasing, laughing, and general lack of reverence, the spirit was there, and I was so impressed by the quotes by prophets and apostles found in "This is the Season", there were so many I wanted to include in this post...but I picked my favorite-the one by Neal A. Maxwell. I know we all have a personal plan, and that God is not only aware of each of us, he is deeply interested in what happens in our lives and loves us beyond any love we can comprehend. I feel so much joy this year, not because we have a perfect life, or because we will be able to buy our kids what they want for Christmas, but because I know God lives and that he sent his son to earth to live and die for us. There is nothing in the world that means more to me.
Merry Christmas!!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Happy Birthday Ty!
Happy Birthday Ty!! He turned the big 4 today and could hardly stop smiling! Here are just a few things we love about Ty:
*When he says to Mark or I, "You should be ashamed of yourself!".
*When he holds his cheeks together with his hand to try to keep from smiling
*When he gets in the car after preschool and insists that I wait until he shows me every paper he has before we go home
*When he says, "I'm not cute! I'm awesome!!"
*His long eyelashes that literally touch the tops of his eyebrows
*When he says, "You're the best mom in the whole woold"
*The fact that he doesn't understand length, time, or distance and says things like, "I can ride my bike real fast, like five inches".
*"My name is T-Y Ty".
We Love You Ty-Ty!!!
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