Healthy

I have decided to get healthy, and there are many reasons why.  First, I just turned 30, and I realize that my daily diet of chocolate and sugary snacks will be catching up to me in the new few years.  Second, I want to set a better example for my kids.  Third, because I weighed myself a couple weeks ago for the first time since I got pregnant with Jack and was shocked to learn that I am not at the weight that I thought I was.  And lastly, because my sweetheart really wants to lose a lot of weight, and I figure that if I do it with him, he might have more motivation.    

My big sister Abby is a good example to me of what it means to be healthy.  No one works harder on health than she does.  Exercising is her passion, she never skips a day, and she eats only what she should.  She is currently in a weight loss competition, and after looking at what the "rules" of the contest are, Chad and I decided that even though we are not in the competition, they are great guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, and we are trying to do as many as we can.

For me, I am no longer eating the kids' sugary snacks, i.e. fruit snacks, granola bars.  I have replaced them with healthier things like almonds, yogurt and granola, whole wheat toast, apples and bananas.  My very favorite new snack is actually a protein shake, that I make in the afternoon with fruit, milk and sometimes a spoonful of peanut butter, and it keeps me full until dinner.  I also have cut down on my chocolate intake.  During the day I do not want a Coke, but chocolate.  That is what I indulge on when I have a rough day with the kids.  But, stopping is easier said than done, and I end up eating a few candy bars in the course of the afternoon.  I am allowing myself 1 piece per day to get my chocolate fix, and I do not feel bad, as I am eating better throughout the day than I had been. 

I am kicking up my water intake, by always keeping a huge ice cold glass of it by my side throughout the day, and especially as I work.  We used to buy chocolate milk, but we have stopped buying that as well.  Of course, no healthy lifestyle would be complete with exercise, and I have started to get my butt back into that too.  I like to go to the high school at night and take their classes, but I am embarrassed to say that I have not been back since I found out I was pregnant with Jack.  I have been going just a couple times a week, and already I have seen a big difference.  I believe in both doing weights, as well as cardio to see good results, and that's what I am doing.  And last, but not least, I have stopped eating after 8:00 p.m.  Like they say, 'Eat after 8, put on weight!"  I have found that it was more than a habit for me than anything else.  I used to really look forward to getting out my cookies and milk when the kids go to bed, and sit down and watch my recorded shows.  But, the more days that pass that I don't eat after 8, the easier it has become.  Abby gave me a good tip in that on nights she is really hungry and wants to snack, she goes to bed so she won't be tempted to eat.  I have had to do this a few times myself.

Chad has been snacking better, kicking up his water intake, and not eating past 8 as well.  To get him starting to exercise, we are planning on buying an awesome Sole Treadmill from my brother-in-law Rob, who works for Sole, and we are excited about that.  But even without the exercise, he has already lost 6 pounds as of last week! During that first week, I dropped 2 pounds.  It is not as good as Chad's, but it's a good start!

So tell me, what are your favorite healthy snacks/routines?

Keaton's Baptism Day

I can't tell you how in love I am with this picture of Keaton.  He is such a cute little guy, and I am so proud of him.  On April 9th, he was baptized and confirmed a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints by his daddy.  I wish I had video to show how excited and proud he was all day, and the smile he had coming out of the water.  We were lucky to have both of our families come down for the event and stay for a pizza party (at Keaton's request) afterwards.  Keaton's two grandpa's were the witnesses for the baptism, and they were joined by some of Keaton's uncles to stand in the circle and confirm him.  Keaton's Great Grandma Hess graciously played the piano for the service, and his Grandma "B" gave a beautiful talk on baptism. 

The other parts to the service were done by the other two families in the ward that shared the day with us.  Kya Hancock and Abby Woodland were also baptized that day.  Aren't they all so cute?  I am so glad that Keaton got to share the experience with friends. 

 Keaton and his daddy just before the start of the baptismal service.  I am sure they were both nervous but excited.  I was proud of Keaton for making the choice to be baptized, but also of Chad, for being worthy and happy to baptize and confirm Keaton.  He did a wonderful job.  It was a day that I know we will all remember.

Randomness...

A couple of weeks ago I got to go to see Bon Jovi in concert with my mom, sisters, auntie and cousin.  I love Bon Jovi's music, but wasn't expecting to leave the concert with a crush on him to go with my loss of hearing, and groupie tee-shirt, but I did.  If he comes back to Salt Lake I might have to get tickets...closer.:)

Me, my sistas and our rocker pose.  We decided Abby looks a bit tipsy.

Emmi astounded me again with her wardrobe choice to go outside and play in.

 

Dropped by Sam's Kindergarten class to pass out birthday treats and see him get sung too, reminding me how fun birthday's are when you are young and in school.

 Captured Jack's first falling asleep at "the table"... awww.

 Emmi loves her bath time with Jack.

And he obviously gets a kick out of her.

Now, at 11 months, Jack looks so big to me.  I am so happy that he seems to have a love of the camera and will automatically smile when you point it in his direction.  I could take pictures of him all day long. 

He is such a lovable little guy too.  Loves to be held, and gives hugs and kisses.  It is obvious that he is a mama's boy when he has the option of either Chad or I, but Chad is a very close second.

Just the other day I was trying to entertain Jack while I was on the phone with my Mom, so I gave him my old mascara tube since I knew he couldn't open it.  Well, when I wasn't looking Emmi came in and took it away from him.  She proceeded to open it and paint his head and face with it and I turned around and saw what was happening.  Poor kid, he looks like he is ready for war or to play football.

Going Private

I have decided to jump on the bandwagon and make my blog private.  If you want to get an invite, leave me your e-mail address.  By the end of the week I will make the switch.  Thanks.:)

The Big 3-0!

Yep, I turned the big 3-0 today, and I would be lying if I told you that it didn't make me feel old to say it.  During my 20's I got married, graduated from college, had 4 beautiful children, built a home and became a certified MT.  Part of me thinks, what could possibly top that in my 30s?  Well, time will tell I guess.  But I have to say that the more I think about the future and my 30s, the more I get excited.  As sad as it is to think of maybe being done having children, I am so excited to put that stage behind, and move on to the next stage of parenting.  For school events, recitals, sleepovers and just generally being able to take them anywhere without a diaper bag. Growing up I always loved that I had a younger mom.  She had her 4 kids before she turned 30 and was grateful for that.  I never knew if it would be possible, but I thought that it would be great to be done by 30 as well.  Well, it is not permanent, but Chad and I are pretty sure that we will have no more additions to our brood.  So I have matched my mama, and it feels nice. 

My dear friend Ida Mae's birthday is just 2 days before mine and she just turned 95!  We had to stop by for a visit and wish her a happy day.  For 95, she is as spunky and spry as it comes.  She and her daughter Carolyn are very special to our family.  I don't know what I would do without them.  They are such great examples to me of what it means to be a mother and grandmother.  I guess if Ida Mae can reach 95 with grace and beauty, then turning 30 isn't so bad.  And If I am as healthy and active as she is when I am her age, I will be happy.  So here's to my 30s, and may they treat me kindly.;)

SiX for SaM

We went out to our favorite Chinese restaurant tonight.  I never would have thought that Sam would have picked it for his birthday dinner, but he did.  As our families all know, the kid is wild about hamburgers and I thought we would be heading to Burger King.  But he picked Chinese and ate a lot, like a big 6 year old would.

We have only had Sam in our family six years, but it is really hard for me to remember our life without him.  He is such a big personality and full of life.  Our home was definitely quieter and cleaner before his arrival, that is for sure.:)

Sam is a special little boy. He was blessed with a good sense of humor, a handsome grin and matching dimples.  He has boundless energy and loves being around people.  I am glad we got to show him how much we love him today.

We invited Grandma and Grandpa "Saker" to come with us and we were delighted that they were able to join us.  Happy Birthday Sam, we love you Bud! 

Never say Never

It is funny how growing up there are things that we all say we will never do or never like.  I grew up with two very passionate sports fans for parents.  It was very common to be upstairs and hear my dad yell (very loudly) with joy or disgust from the basement depending on however his team was doing.  I would just shake my head and say "That's my dad!"  My mother matched his passion on more than one occaison and would usually be there beside him.  I could never figure out why they liked watching sports so much.  

During junior high I started liking the Jazz thanks to John Stockton and Karl Malone, but I didn't watch every game or even care to.  Then there was my dating years, and how annoyed I would get when my dates would absolutely love to sit and chat with my mom about sports.  They all said how "cool" she was.  Naturally, I could never ever see myself watching many games when I got older, let alone be passionate about a team. 

Now here I am about to turn 30 and I am obsessed... I'll admit it.  It started a few years back when Chad and I got tickets to the BYU football games.  I only thought I would go to a few that year and let Chad take the boys to rest.  However, I was bitten by the "football" bug and refused to give up my seat for the rest of the season.  Here we are going into our 3rd year of season tickets come this fall, and I can't tell you how much I look forward to that first home game.  It is crazy I know, but true.  I never would have imagined in a million years that I would: a) Ever want to listen to sports talk on the radio b) Actually turn the TV to ESPN when Chad wasn't around because I wanted to see the latest headlines c) Have to read the latest articles on CougarFan and ESPN everyday after I check my e-mail and d) Want to sit down with Chad and watch sports all day Saturday, but I do.  

And as if being obsessed with BYU football wasn't enough, now thanks to a Mr. Jimmer Fredette I have also jumped on the BYU basketball bandwagon as well.  It is really sad how much a win or loss determines my mood for the rest of the night and how much I look forward to watching these games, but I love these BYU teams and as any good fan, I love to see them win.

This has been a good thing though.  Not only now do I appreciate my parent's love of sports and often talk with them about it, but it has brought me and Chad's marriage to a new level.  Chad is not a hunter, fisher, golfer or anything like that.  Sports is his passion and in particular, BYU sports.  You can imagine how much more fun we have had as a couple over the last couple years now that I share in his favorite pastime.  If you ask him, he would probably tell you that he was more surprised than I was about my sudden interest.  Whatever the cause, I see no end to my passion for BYU football and basketball coming to an end soon.