Here are the top 10 happenings in the Myers family for 2009
1: Luke Ryan Myers joined our family on January 14 (10 days before my due date) at 7:48pm, weighing in at a hefty 8lbs 9oz and measuring 21.5 inches long. He's been a joy in our family and his smile and personality just light up the room! And who doesn't love that curly mop top of his?!
2: Andrew turned 3 years old and started preschool in the fall. I can't believe how fast he's grown up. He speaks like a little grown up and is so smart it's scary sometimes. He's active and loves his little brother...sometimes too much.
3: We were able to spend two weeks in Idaho with my family. It was so much fun to get to spend time with loved ones and get to show my family some of the spectacular sites of Idaho.
4: Over the course of the year, we were able to pay off our car and two of our three student loans. And we aren't too far from paying off the last one. We used the ideas from the LDS Church's guide "One for the Money" and have been able to pay off a lot of debt faster than we might have otherwise.
5: Clayton turned the big 3-0 this year. It was nice to have my honey join me in the 30s. It was a pretty quiet day, but it makes me feel better that we are both in the same decade of age again.
6: 4th of July was a good one for us. Clayton and I hadn't been to a fireworks show since we got married and decided to find one. We ended up in Coolidge and boy was it a fun day. Clayton's brother and nephew joined us and we took the kids to the pool for some free swimming. Then we headed to the park to wait for the fireworks. They had all kinds of bounce houses and water slides to keep the kids busy. And the fireworks display was amazing. It lasted for a full 52 minutes! That's right... 52 minutes! Almost an hour. We will definitely be going back next year.
7: Clayton finished his Masters and graduated with his Masters of Science in Information Management. It was a long year and we have loved having him back full time. It was actually a busy month for the Myers boys. All three of the brothers received a degree within a week of each other.
8: After over three years of staring at a brown back yard, we finally planted grass. It's green...mostly due to some strange fern-like plant that I've never seen that has taken over the backyard. Maybe one of these years, we'll actually have a real grass yard...but at least for now the back yard is green.
9: This year, I decided to get serious about food storage. I bought a wheat grinder and a bosch mixer and have been making my own bread. We have stored up a lot of canned food items as well as dry items. We still have a ways to go before we have a full year supply, but we are well on our way.
10: We tried to grow a garden last year, but we got it in a little too late so everything fried in the hot summer sun before it could fruit. This year, we started a little earlier and were able to enjoy fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, carrots, etc. It was so great to eat something that I grew myself. We still were totally successful, but we were one step closer and looking forward to trying again this year.
31 December 2009
26 December 2009
The Season of Gift Giving
I'm one of those people who likes to believe that no matter what our circumstances, we always have a chance at a new beginning in our lives. We can start right now to change something or improve ourselves to make our lives happier. Now I don't really go with "New Year's Resolutions", but I do sit down each year and map out a list of goals for me to work on through the year. Then I try to review them every couple of months to see how I've been doing. In the past, those goals have included paying off debt, finishing schooling, reading books, improving my spiritual progress, working on relationships with people and many others.
This year I decided to think of it in a different way. For our Relief Society Enrichment, they had each of the sisters write a gift for our Savior on a piece of paper and put it in a stocking to hang on the tree. As I've thought about this, I've decided to change my perspective on my new beginnings. Instead of setting "goals", I'm going to make a list of gifts I want to offer...to my Savior, my loved ones and myself. For example, a gift to the Savior may be to offer more sincere and diligent prayers. Or to give the gift of time to your children. Or to set aside a little time for yourself to do the things that will rejuvenate you and fill your cup.
I have only started the process of making out my "Gift" list. As I ponder over the things that I need to improve upon, instead of thinking what I am going to get out of each one, I want to look at it as how can I give something. I do have items on my list already to give to others, but I also feel it's important to do things for ourselves. If my cup is empty, I cannot give to those who are most important to me. So I will work on filling my own cup as I fill the cups of those most important to me.
I encourage each of you to think of "Gifts" you can give to those most important in your life. And please remember to put yourself on the list.
This year I decided to think of it in a different way. For our Relief Society Enrichment, they had each of the sisters write a gift for our Savior on a piece of paper and put it in a stocking to hang on the tree. As I've thought about this, I've decided to change my perspective on my new beginnings. Instead of setting "goals", I'm going to make a list of gifts I want to offer...to my Savior, my loved ones and myself. For example, a gift to the Savior may be to offer more sincere and diligent prayers. Or to give the gift of time to your children. Or to set aside a little time for yourself to do the things that will rejuvenate you and fill your cup.
I have only started the process of making out my "Gift" list. As I ponder over the things that I need to improve upon, instead of thinking what I am going to get out of each one, I want to look at it as how can I give something. I do have items on my list already to give to others, but I also feel it's important to do things for ourselves. If my cup is empty, I cannot give to those who are most important to me. So I will work on filling my own cup as I fill the cups of those most important to me.
I encourage each of you to think of "Gifts" you can give to those most important in your life. And please remember to put yourself on the list.
04 December 2009
Losing Wisdom
I have a bone to pick with whoever it was that decided we needed to have wisdom teeth. Why would we have teeth come in that more than 90% of the time need to be removed? And why make them so that they become more difficult to remove as we get older? And why make a tooth that will decay even if it hasn't come in and isn't really exposed to anything damaging?
So I had to have a wisdom tooth, my last one, surgically removed last Thursday. It was my last one and the one that hadn't ever broken through. I have been putting it off for years, having been told by a former dentist to wait until it came in. Well, that wasn't the best advice.
So after going through the painful process of being numbed - I hate the shot in the roof of my mouth - it began. Only for the dentist to tell me that he was having problems getting a hold of it because it was the consistency of cookie dough from the decay. After some very uncomfortable pulling, yanking, and pushing, the decision was made to bring out the big guns. He ended up breaking the tooth into pieces to remove it. I kind of wish he'd have done that to start with. It would have been a much quicker process. So one wisdom tooth and the wisdom that came with it later....I got home, the numbness started to wear off, and the pain set in. Even taking prescription painkillers barely took the edge off the pain. I spent all day in bed just trying not to cry. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I had already been through a sore jaw from a cleaning and a couple of fillings the week prior. My mouth had taken all it could.
So I'm a few days post surgery, and my mouth is still a little swollen and sore. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be able to brush my teeth without my gums bleeding near the extraction site.
But at least I will never have to have another tooth surgically extracted from below the gums ever again. Just don't be surprised if I'm a little slower than I used to be. I just lost my last bit of "wisdom"!
So I had to have a wisdom tooth, my last one, surgically removed last Thursday. It was my last one and the one that hadn't ever broken through. I have been putting it off for years, having been told by a former dentist to wait until it came in. Well, that wasn't the best advice.
So after going through the painful process of being numbed - I hate the shot in the roof of my mouth - it began. Only for the dentist to tell me that he was having problems getting a hold of it because it was the consistency of cookie dough from the decay. After some very uncomfortable pulling, yanking, and pushing, the decision was made to bring out the big guns. He ended up breaking the tooth into pieces to remove it. I kind of wish he'd have done that to start with. It would have been a much quicker process. So one wisdom tooth and the wisdom that came with it later....I got home, the numbness started to wear off, and the pain set in. Even taking prescription painkillers barely took the edge off the pain. I spent all day in bed just trying not to cry. I have a pretty high pain tolerance, but I had already been through a sore jaw from a cleaning and a couple of fillings the week prior. My mouth had taken all it could.
So I'm a few days post surgery, and my mouth is still a little swollen and sore. I'm beginning to wonder if I'll ever be able to brush my teeth without my gums bleeding near the extraction site.
But at least I will never have to have another tooth surgically extracted from below the gums ever again. Just don't be surprised if I'm a little slower than I used to be. I just lost my last bit of "wisdom"!
19 November 2009
Any girl would be jealous
I've always wanted curly hair. When I was little, it took a jar of Dippity-Doo and half a can of hairspray to get my hair to hold enough curls for one of my ballet recitals. A perm was gone in about a week. As I got older, my hair started to get curly and when I got married, it was finally starting to look like I'd get the curls I wanted. Then I had a baby. Now it's just a little bit of messy, uncontrollable wave, but nothing like the curls I'd love to have.
Andrew got my strait as a stick hair from my childhood. It used to get a little flip when it would get too long, but not anymore. Straight, straight, straight.
Then there is Luke. I don't know where he got it, but he's got the curliest hair. When he gets out of the bath tub, tight curls cover the top of his head. And they are beginning to spread to the back, too. It's just not fair! I want those curls. :o) And I'm sure he's going to grow to hate them someday. If they stick around, he'll probably want to cut them off.
Andrew got my strait as a stick hair from my childhood. It used to get a little flip when it would get too long, but not anymore. Straight, straight, straight.
Then there is Luke. I don't know where he got it, but he's got the curliest hair. When he gets out of the bath tub, tight curls cover the top of his head. And they are beginning to spread to the back, too. It's just not fair! I want those curls. :o) And I'm sure he's going to grow to hate them someday. If they stick around, he'll probably want to cut them off.
And here I am, drooling over those curls that any girl would love to have. And did I mention his eyelashes fall in the covet-worthy category, too? He got those from his dad. Thick, long BLACK eyelashes.
I'm going to go repent of coveting my kid's hair and eyelashes now...
12 November 2009
Leaving Your Mark
So, anyone who knew me back in my glory days of high school would tell you I was relatively shy, stuck pretty much to my own little group of friends, and tended to blend in with the wall. I wasn't popular, but I wasn't anything else either. I just was. I got along with pretty well everyone, but didn't really have a huge circle of friends. And to be honest, I didn't think I would have had a lasting impression on anyone. I learned otherwise yesterday.
I got an email from a woman that I went to high school with. It was a simple, short email. The subject heading was "Thank you!" It went on to say how this person was grateful for me doing all the work when we were science lab partners because she didn't and couldn't understand what was going on. And how much she admired my ability to grasp the concepts and help her out with them.
Now, I have to admit, I only vaguely remember her being my lab partner in Chemistry my junior year nearly 16 years and half my lifetime ago. I have no recollection of doing all the work or really of grasping it all that well. Chemistry involves a lot of math and I'm not very good at math. It didn't mean enough to me for me to remember it. But it must have meant something to her. Her thank you made my day. I've been feeling pretty lousy the past week or so. That little thank you shone a bright ray of sunshine into my day.
This just testified to me of how important it is to act as a disciple of Christ at all time and in all things because I never know who may be watching or listening to me. Something that I think is unimportant may leave a lasting impression on someone. So my challenge to myself, and to all of you, is to be the best person you can each and every day. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect. Let your light so shine that others will see the image of the Lord in your countenance. And to thank the people in your life who have meant something to you or impacted your life in some way, no matter how long ago it was. We all need to know that what we do makes a difference, even if it was something so simple that we don't remember it.
I got an email from a woman that I went to high school with. It was a simple, short email. The subject heading was "Thank you!" It went on to say how this person was grateful for me doing all the work when we were science lab partners because she didn't and couldn't understand what was going on. And how much she admired my ability to grasp the concepts and help her out with them.
Now, I have to admit, I only vaguely remember her being my lab partner in Chemistry my junior year nearly 16 years and half my lifetime ago. I have no recollection of doing all the work or really of grasping it all that well. Chemistry involves a lot of math and I'm not very good at math. It didn't mean enough to me for me to remember it. But it must have meant something to her. Her thank you made my day. I've been feeling pretty lousy the past week or so. That little thank you shone a bright ray of sunshine into my day.
This just testified to me of how important it is to act as a disciple of Christ at all time and in all things because I never know who may be watching or listening to me. Something that I think is unimportant may leave a lasting impression on someone. So my challenge to myself, and to all of you, is to be the best person you can each and every day. Treat everyone you meet with kindness and respect. Let your light so shine that others will see the image of the Lord in your countenance. And to thank the people in your life who have meant something to you or impacted your life in some way, no matter how long ago it was. We all need to know that what we do makes a difference, even if it was something so simple that we don't remember it.
11 November 2009
Halloween Festivities
So I know I'm a little late posting this and have once again been MIA, but I'm hoping I'm back on the band wagon again.
For Halloween this year, we went to our ward Trunk-or-Treat the night before Halloween. It was a lot of fun and for the first time ever, we actually handed out candy instead of just swiping everyone else's. The only problems I encountered were that the older kids' costumes were a bit overwhelming and scary for the little kids. My 3 year old doesn't understand that it's only fake blood or fake facial piercings or that the boy dressed like a girl is actually a boy. Considering it was a church function, I was a little disappointed in our youth. If you want to be grusome and ghoulish, save it for non-church festivities. Okay, off my high horse. My other problem was that many of the older kids came around for seconds and thirds of candy before most of the other kids had been around once. Come on you guys, you don't really need all that candy. I started to cut them off after the second or third time around.
Halloween night, we went to Clayton's sister's house. She lives in a pretty upscale neighborhood. She had her golf cart on steriods hooked up to a trailer with hay bales. They took the kids Trick-or-Treating on the hay wagon. Andrew had a blast. The only mishap we had was one episode of jumping off the wagon before it had stopped. Crazy enough, he landed on his feet and took off running.
So, what did the kids dress up as, you ask? I had a very handsome fireman and one crazy, cute monkey!
For Halloween this year, we went to our ward Trunk-or-Treat the night before Halloween. It was a lot of fun and for the first time ever, we actually handed out candy instead of just swiping everyone else's. The only problems I encountered were that the older kids' costumes were a bit overwhelming and scary for the little kids. My 3 year old doesn't understand that it's only fake blood or fake facial piercings or that the boy dressed like a girl is actually a boy. Considering it was a church function, I was a little disappointed in our youth. If you want to be grusome and ghoulish, save it for non-church festivities. Okay, off my high horse. My other problem was that many of the older kids came around for seconds and thirds of candy before most of the other kids had been around once. Come on you guys, you don't really need all that candy. I started to cut them off after the second or third time around.
Halloween night, we went to Clayton's sister's house. She lives in a pretty upscale neighborhood. She had her golf cart on steriods hooked up to a trailer with hay bales. They took the kids Trick-or-Treating on the hay wagon. Andrew had a blast. The only mishap we had was one episode of jumping off the wagon before it had stopped. Crazy enough, he landed on his feet and took off running.
So, what did the kids dress up as, you ask? I had a very handsome fireman and one crazy, cute monkey!
01 October 2009
My Little Firefighter
Recently, the Florence library had a special story time. They invited the local fire department to come and talk to the kids. They learned about firesafety. They got to see a firefighter dressed up in all his gear. They gave all the kids their own fire hat.
And the best part for the kids, they got to tour a real live fire truck. Andrew had such a fantastic time and it has inspired him to be a firefighter for Halloween.
For a little boy, this was a dream come true!
And the best part for the kids, they got to tour a real live fire truck. Andrew had such a fantastic time and it has inspired him to be a firefighter for Halloween.
For a little boy, this was a dream come true!
22 September 2009
Update
Man, it seems like time just flies sometimes. I keep meaning to post something and then life gets in the way. So for a quick recap of what's been going on around our neck of the woods:
Luke is growing like a weed. He's 9 months old and crawling and cruising the furniture like a mad man. He's got two teeth and loves to eat anything he can feed himself. He adores his big brother, sometimes to the dismay of his mommy and daddy... This adoration usually leads to mimicking of Andrew's temper tantrums.
Andrew is loving preschool, but really struggling with the concept of rules. He often refuses to help clean up and school and his new favorite phrase is, "I don't want to!" This has led to a lot of time in time out and on more than a few occasions lost privileges. But we love the little stinker, nonetheless.
Clayton and I have decided to finally get our rears in gear and lose the extra weight we've been carrying around for far too long. We started a health challenge and I've been using SparkPeople.com to help me keep track of what I eat. I'm not sure how much weight Clayton has lost, but he's now exercising 5-6 days a week and has cut out the soda. I'm down 9 lbs so far and we're just finishing up week four of our challenge. We've also been working on making our home a place where the Spirit resides instead of occasionally visits. We've been trying really hard to not yell at the kids and to focus more on teaching the gospel. We have some days that are better than others, but it's definitely a marked improvement over a month ago...especially for me.
So there's been a lot going on. I'm hoping to get back on the bandwagon. I still need to get pictures of the kids off of Clayton's computer so I can post them.
Luke is growing like a weed. He's 9 months old and crawling and cruising the furniture like a mad man. He's got two teeth and loves to eat anything he can feed himself. He adores his big brother, sometimes to the dismay of his mommy and daddy... This adoration usually leads to mimicking of Andrew's temper tantrums.
Andrew is loving preschool, but really struggling with the concept of rules. He often refuses to help clean up and school and his new favorite phrase is, "I don't want to!" This has led to a lot of time in time out and on more than a few occasions lost privileges. But we love the little stinker, nonetheless.
Clayton and I have decided to finally get our rears in gear and lose the extra weight we've been carrying around for far too long. We started a health challenge and I've been using SparkPeople.com to help me keep track of what I eat. I'm not sure how much weight Clayton has lost, but he's now exercising 5-6 days a week and has cut out the soda. I'm down 9 lbs so far and we're just finishing up week four of our challenge. We've also been working on making our home a place where the Spirit resides instead of occasionally visits. We've been trying really hard to not yell at the kids and to focus more on teaching the gospel. We have some days that are better than others, but it's definitely a marked improvement over a month ago...especially for me.
So there's been a lot going on. I'm hoping to get back on the bandwagon. I still need to get pictures of the kids off of Clayton's computer so I can post them.
15 September 2009
The End of My Journey as a Single Woman!
So, Clayton and I went out for Valentine's Day. He thought it would be fun to dress up. SO I just knew that he was going to propose. The evening was great, but not what I had expected. The next night, Clayton came over and we were just hanging out talking. He turns to me and says, "So, hypothetically speaking, would May be too soon?" "Too soon?" "Yeah, too soon." "For what?" "To get married?" "Uh, no..." The discussion continued and ended with us having set May 28 as our wedding date. Still no ring. Still no official proposal. Because it was a holiday weekend that we had chosen, we decided we had better call the temple ASAP.
In the mean time, I was on my way home from work one night and called Clayton like I usually did. We chatted with some "Hang on a seconds" on his end. He asked me where I was and I told him just a couple of miles from home. I heard a bit of panic in his voice, but couldn't figure out why. When I turned the corner to get home, I saw his car parked in its usual spot. I opened the garage door, but my mom's car was gone. Curious. Just moments later, my mom's car turned the corner and I saw her and Clayton in the car. I wonder what THEY could have been up to. Clayton was acting all weird and when we decided to all go out to dinner together, he wouldn't let me sit in the front seat with my mom. So she chauffered us all over town. Very odd. But I knew deep down what was going on.
On March 1, I called the temple and scheduled our sealing, still with no ring or proposal. Clayton wanted to go out on the 4th, but wasn't feeling good. He called the next day and we planned to go out to dinner. He thought it would be fun to dress up "since we hadn't done that in a while." I knew what was coming...FINALLY! So he picked me up and we went out to Pei Wei for dinner. We were then planning to head up to the Fountain Hills/Scottsdale area to a lookout. But when we left dinner, Clayton headed the wrong direction. We pulled up to the Mesa Temple and he told me we should walk around for a while. He walked me over to the east side of the temple on the walkway and stopped. He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. He had barely gotten out the question before I jumped on him and said "YES!" I couldn't believe it! I was finally, at 27 (and nearing 28) going to get married!
The next few months were filled with planning and getting everything together.
And on May 28, 2005 at 10:43am at the Mesa, AZ Temple, we were pronounced husband and wife. It's been an awesome and sometimes frustrating journey, but I love Clayton with all my heart and can't imagine spending the rest of my life with anyone else! I love you so so so so so much, Honey! Thanks for putting up with me!
09 September 2009
MIA
Sorry about not posting anything for a while. We went to Idaho for a couple of weeks on vacation and just got back. I'll be posting pics from our trip as well as finishing off Clayton's and my story soon. So check back soon for updates!
18 August 2009
Bowling, Our First Date, and Courtship
The first weekend of every month, a group of us would go bowling so I invited Clayton to come to our outing in October. He agreed. Usually a couple of us would go over early to get our names on the list for open bowling as soon as we could. Since I had offered Clayton a ride and it was my and Bridgette's turn to reserve the lanes, we were going to head out a little early. The Thursday night before bowling, he asked if Bridgette and I were going to get something to eat. Nope. Did I want to grab something before going. Sure. (WOOHOO) Did I want to invite Bridgette. NO! Bridgette is my bestest friend, but I wanted some alone time with Clayton. And she was not offended when I told her the plan.
The night of bowling came and Clayton took me to dinner at Charleston's. I was so stinking nervous. Clayton was super cute and really nice. It didn't help that his plate came with half the food mine did. Talk about making me look like a..well...You know. We laughed about it and still do sometimes. We picked up Bridgette and went to the bowling alley. After everyone got there and we started bowling, I made the mother of all foot-in-mouth statements. Clayton was wearing a pair of cargo shorts. The pockets had zippers and velcro. I went to flip the velcro open, but it was stuck and wouldn't pull easily. I innocently said, "I guess I should have gone for your zipper." I immediately realize what I'd said and turned purple with embarassment and started laughing. Clayton didn't get what was so funny...until later. As he was preparing to bowl a frame, it occurred to him what I had said. I just knew after that incident, I'd scared him off for good.
But to my delight, I was wrong. He asked me out to dinner the next Wednesday, three days before I was leaving for Idaho for a week. We went to Carrabba's and had a nice dinner. Then we got back to my house and sat in the car talking. He got brave and reached for my hand. We decided to go inside and chat and after a while... our first kiss.
It was hard for me to leave for Idaho. I wanted to do something nice for Clayton since I was leaving over midterms. I made him up a little goodie bag and left it on his door. We talked over the week and were so glad to see each other. Things quickly got serious between us. I think we both somewhere deep down realize that what we had wasn't run of the mill romance. It was hard for me because he was finishing his last semester at ASU so was often busy with school projects and studying. I took whatever time he could make for me. Meeting his family was a little intimidating, but they were all nice and seemed to accept me right away. I knew by the beginning of November that Clayton was the man I wanted to marry. It took him a little longer to decide. He told his mom right around graduation from ASU in December that I was the one. Now came the longest wait of my life....
The night of bowling came and Clayton took me to dinner at Charleston's. I was so stinking nervous. Clayton was super cute and really nice. It didn't help that his plate came with half the food mine did. Talk about making me look like a..well...You know. We laughed about it and still do sometimes. We picked up Bridgette and went to the bowling alley. After everyone got there and we started bowling, I made the mother of all foot-in-mouth statements. Clayton was wearing a pair of cargo shorts. The pockets had zippers and velcro. I went to flip the velcro open, but it was stuck and wouldn't pull easily. I innocently said, "I guess I should have gone for your zipper." I immediately realize what I'd said and turned purple with embarassment and started laughing. Clayton didn't get what was so funny...until later. As he was preparing to bowl a frame, it occurred to him what I had said. I just knew after that incident, I'd scared him off for good.
But to my delight, I was wrong. He asked me out to dinner the next Wednesday, three days before I was leaving for Idaho for a week. We went to Carrabba's and had a nice dinner. Then we got back to my house and sat in the car talking. He got brave and reached for my hand. We decided to go inside and chat and after a while... our first kiss.
It was hard for me to leave for Idaho. I wanted to do something nice for Clayton since I was leaving over midterms. I made him up a little goodie bag and left it on his door. We talked over the week and were so glad to see each other. Things quickly got serious between us. I think we both somewhere deep down realize that what we had wasn't run of the mill romance. It was hard for me because he was finishing his last semester at ASU so was often busy with school projects and studying. I took whatever time he could make for me. Meeting his family was a little intimidating, but they were all nice and seemed to accept me right away. I knew by the beginning of November that Clayton was the man I wanted to marry. It took him a little longer to decide. He told his mom right around graduation from ASU in December that I was the one. Now came the longest wait of my life....
13 August 2009
Shopping Trip
So I promise to get back to Clayton's and my story soon. I just had to share my latest shopping trip to Fry's. This was 5 separate transactions with coupons from the 8/2 Kellogg's insert and 8/2 RP inserts.
16 boxes of Cereal
10 boxes of Snack Packs
10 boxes of Eggos
15 packages of Knorr Sides
10 packages of Keebler Cookies
8 jars of Ragu
Spent $61.77 after coupons, sales and MIR
Saved $195.77 = 76% savings
I'll be going back for more cereal, Nutrigrain bars and Rice Krispie Treats (they were out of the last two). Woo Hoo!!! I LOVE SAVING MONEY!
I'll post a pic of the whole mess tomorrow. I need to clean off my camera first.
16 boxes of Cereal
10 boxes of Snack Packs
10 boxes of Eggos
15 packages of Knorr Sides
10 packages of Keebler Cookies
8 jars of Ragu
Spent $61.77 after coupons, sales and MIR
Saved $195.77 = 76% savings
I'll be going back for more cereal, Nutrigrain bars and Rice Krispie Treats (they were out of the last two). Woo Hoo!!! I LOVE SAVING MONEY!
I'll post a pic of the whole mess tomorrow. I need to clean off my camera first.
06 August 2009
Looking and Dancing - The Myers' Story, Part 3
So after the retreat, I didn't really see Clayton until Institute started a couple of weeks later. The Friday of that week there was a HUGE opening social for all the YSAs in the valley at Castles 'n' Coasters. I asked Clayton if he wanted to come with me and my friends, but he told me he was going to go with some of his friends and he'd see me there. I was a little disappointed, but figured I'd run into him there.
I spent a lot of the night keeping an eye out for Clayton, but never saw him. It probably turned out to be a good thing. The first ride we went on was a water ride. I sat in the front and got SOAKED! I could barely walk with my G's and jeans sticking to my legs to badly. I had fun with my friends, but was a little sad I hadn't seen Clayton. He told me later that his friends bailed out on him so he went alone, spending the whole night looking for me and never finding me. And he hadn't taken my cell number with him so he couldn't call.
We saw each other and Intstitute and at our council meetings and had fun chatting. A few friends had decided to go dancing at a place that held lessons and then open dance. I offered to pick up Clayton and was already giving Bridgette a ride, which made me a little less nervous. Clayton was quite a sport. We were learning salsa dancing which he'd never done before. He did pretty well though, I have to admit. And he can shake his groove thing nicely. When the free dancing started, I was the only one Clayton would dance with. He told me later that he wasn't interested in my other friends so why would he dance with them... Good point.
That night on the way home, I was really tired. And when I get tired I get really goofy. We were driving in the rain and passed a puddle. I said a simple, "Hi, water." Due to my being tired, I started laughing hysterically. I mean can't stop, can't breath, tears rolling down my face laughing. Clayton was looking at me like I was a psychopath. I just knew I'd scared him off. He probably thought I was some crazy girl that he wanted nothing to do with... We dropped him off, far too soon for my taste, and I finally admitted to Bridgette that I liked Clayton, I mean REALLY liked him. It was the first time I had admitted it to myself or anyone. I had been telling everyone, including me, that he was just really cool and fun to hang out with.
(...to be continued...)
I spent a lot of the night keeping an eye out for Clayton, but never saw him. It probably turned out to be a good thing. The first ride we went on was a water ride. I sat in the front and got SOAKED! I could barely walk with my G's and jeans sticking to my legs to badly. I had fun with my friends, but was a little sad I hadn't seen Clayton. He told me later that his friends bailed out on him so he went alone, spending the whole night looking for me and never finding me. And he hadn't taken my cell number with him so he couldn't call.
We saw each other and Intstitute and at our council meetings and had fun chatting. A few friends had decided to go dancing at a place that held lessons and then open dance. I offered to pick up Clayton and was already giving Bridgette a ride, which made me a little less nervous. Clayton was quite a sport. We were learning salsa dancing which he'd never done before. He did pretty well though, I have to admit. And he can shake his groove thing nicely. When the free dancing started, I was the only one Clayton would dance with. He told me later that he wasn't interested in my other friends so why would he dance with them... Good point.
That night on the way home, I was really tired. And when I get tired I get really goofy. We were driving in the rain and passed a puddle. I said a simple, "Hi, water." Due to my being tired, I started laughing hysterically. I mean can't stop, can't breath, tears rolling down my face laughing. Clayton was looking at me like I was a psychopath. I just knew I'd scared him off. He probably thought I was some crazy girl that he wanted nothing to do with... We dropped him off, far too soon for my taste, and I finally admitted to Bridgette that I liked Clayton, I mean REALLY liked him. It was the first time I had admitted it to myself or anyone. I had been telling everyone, including me, that he was just really cool and fun to hang out with.
(...to be continued...)
04 August 2009
The Institute Retreat - The Myers' Story: Part 2
So Friday rolled around, the day we were heading to Lakeside for our Institute Council retreat. I was frantic. I had worked all day and was running around crazy after work to make sure I had everything ready to go. I even showed up in my work clothes to meet everyone else.
Clayton had asked if it was okay for him to drive himself since he wanted to go spend the rest of the weekend at his grandparents' cabin. No problem. Bro. Carroll, our High Council rep, also had his Suburban. So we got everything loaded up, had an opening prayer and started to pile into cars... well, car. I realized as I was the only one standing in the parking lot that everyone, but Clayton and me had climbed into the suburban. I didn't want Clayton to have to drive the three hours or so by himself so I said I guessed I was riding with him. Hmmm... This sounds familiar. Little did I know at the time that I had completely messed up his plans. He had wanted to drive all by himself so he could listen to whatever he wanted and not have to worry about talking to someone he didn't know for three hours. Guess I kinda messed that one up. :o)
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a nervous talker. I'll talk non-stop about anything and everything I can think of if I am nervous. Let's see. Cute boy, alone in car, three hour drive. I was like a broken record. I did finally settle down a little and we slipped into easy conversation. I came to learn that he had served his mission in Canada, Alberta. And that he had known someone I had dated. In fact, we found out that he had eaten at the same dinner table and that the guy's little sister had written to Clayton while he was on his mission and after. Had quite the little crush on one Elder Myers. What a crazy small world.
When we got to the cabin, we unloaded and settled in for an evening of get to know you games. After learning a little about each other, I talked to them about what I envisioned for the Institute Program. I looked up from reading a scripture and saw Clayton looking at me and smiling. Talk about making me nervous. I was already emotional and that just added to the chaos going through my head. We wrapped up and people started to filter off to bed. I was too wound up to sleep. I had been going non-stop all day and needed a chance to just relax. I headed for the kitchen. A few minutes later, Clayton came over and started to chat with me. Around 2am, we both decided we should get some sleep. As I crawled into bed, the light bulb popped on. Wait...did what I think just happened actually happen? It was exactly as my little girly brain had fantasized a couple of night before. We rode up alone together and stayed up half the night talking. Okay...this is a little creepy. That stuff never happens. I don't know when I finally fell asleep, but I was up by 6am. I found a great little gazebo area with a swing to get in some peaceful scripture study in the fresh mountain air. I have to admit, I spent most of the time secretly hoping Clayton would come out and join me. But to my dismay, it was one of the leaders who found me first. Clayton walked out to his car and saw me, and he says he was looking for me, but when he saw Pres. Rogers, he just kept on walking. We had our morning meetings and started loading up. I really didn't want to see Clayton go, but I decided to push it out of my mind. I didn't want to get involved with that kind of thing right now.
Clayton admitted to me later that he actually played around with the idea of inviting me with him to his grandparents', but decided I'd probably think he was a freak. So as we drove home, I got the third degree from Mandy about what she thought she saw happening between me and Clayton and got all excited about how cute we would be together... It was a long, slightly embarassing ride home.
(to be continued...)
Clayton had asked if it was okay for him to drive himself since he wanted to go spend the rest of the weekend at his grandparents' cabin. No problem. Bro. Carroll, our High Council rep, also had his Suburban. So we got everything loaded up, had an opening prayer and started to pile into cars... well, car. I realized as I was the only one standing in the parking lot that everyone, but Clayton and me had climbed into the suburban. I didn't want Clayton to have to drive the three hours or so by himself so I said I guessed I was riding with him. Hmmm... This sounds familiar. Little did I know at the time that I had completely messed up his plans. He had wanted to drive all by himself so he could listen to whatever he wanted and not have to worry about talking to someone he didn't know for three hours. Guess I kinda messed that one up. :o)
Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a nervous talker. I'll talk non-stop about anything and everything I can think of if I am nervous. Let's see. Cute boy, alone in car, three hour drive. I was like a broken record. I did finally settle down a little and we slipped into easy conversation. I came to learn that he had served his mission in Canada, Alberta. And that he had known someone I had dated. In fact, we found out that he had eaten at the same dinner table and that the guy's little sister had written to Clayton while he was on his mission and after. Had quite the little crush on one Elder Myers. What a crazy small world.
When we got to the cabin, we unloaded and settled in for an evening of get to know you games. After learning a little about each other, I talked to them about what I envisioned for the Institute Program. I looked up from reading a scripture and saw Clayton looking at me and smiling. Talk about making me nervous. I was already emotional and that just added to the chaos going through my head. We wrapped up and people started to filter off to bed. I was too wound up to sleep. I had been going non-stop all day and needed a chance to just relax. I headed for the kitchen. A few minutes later, Clayton came over and started to chat with me. Around 2am, we both decided we should get some sleep. As I crawled into bed, the light bulb popped on. Wait...did what I think just happened actually happen? It was exactly as my little girly brain had fantasized a couple of night before. We rode up alone together and stayed up half the night talking. Okay...this is a little creepy. That stuff never happens. I don't know when I finally fell asleep, but I was up by 6am. I found a great little gazebo area with a swing to get in some peaceful scripture study in the fresh mountain air. I have to admit, I spent most of the time secretly hoping Clayton would come out and join me. But to my dismay, it was one of the leaders who found me first. Clayton walked out to his car and saw me, and he says he was looking for me, but when he saw Pres. Rogers, he just kept on walking. We had our morning meetings and started loading up. I really didn't want to see Clayton go, but I decided to push it out of my mind. I didn't want to get involved with that kind of thing right now.
Clayton admitted to me later that he actually played around with the idea of inviting me with him to his grandparents', but decided I'd probably think he was a freak. So as we drove home, I got the third degree from Mandy about what she thought she saw happening between me and Clayton and got all excited about how cute we would be together... It was a long, slightly embarassing ride home.
(to be continued...)
01 August 2009
The Myers' Story
My friend, Heidi, has been telling the story of how she and her husband met and their courtship. I thought it would be fun to do the same with Clayton's and my story.
Before I met Clayton, I had a few not so great experiences with men. I dated two of them for long periods of time, only for them to decide they weren't ready for a committment. Now, if they were 21, I'd understand. One was 30 and the other was 36. And as far as I know, neither one is married yet.
Anyway, I was 26 years old, a great-grandma in the LDS singles' world. I'd been in 5 singles' wards over the 8 previous 8 years. I'd earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree and was working for a recruiting agency. I had also been serving as the president of one of the LDS Institutes of religion for singles 24-30 for a year. It is normally a one year calling, but they asked me to stay on for another year because there were going to be a lot of changes and they needed someone who knew what was going on. I agreed. I then had a change of heart and asked to be released. It had been a stressful year of no support from our sponsoring Stake, minimal council members and a lot of work. I just couldn't do it again. I called the CES advisor and he pleaded with me to at least stay on for a couple of months. I agreed, but told him I HAD to have support from the stake and they had to help me call council members. He agreed and thanked me for staying on.
As promised, I received the support I had been missing for the previous year. The Stake Presidency rep and the CES advisor both promised to talk to bishops of the University (singles) Stake to have names submitted. I received a list of three names from the University 5th ward...One of them was Clayton Myers. Bro. Dunham told me they hadn't been officially called yet, so to refrain from talking to them until I heard from him. Three weeks later and two days before our scheduled Council Retreat, I called to find out what was going on. Given the go ahead to talk to them, I started making calls. Now, during this three week period, I kept getting the impression I needed to call Clayton as one of my counselors. I didn't know him. I'd never met him. But the impression remained. I submitted his name to the CES Advisor.
So back to the retreat. I made calls and invited everyone. It would be Friday night at the Lakeside cabin of the Stake Pres. rep. It would be one night and one morning of getting to know each other, going over responsibilities and planning out the semester. When I called Clayton, he sounded really nice and was really friendly and fortunately didn't have anything going on that weekend and was going to be able to make the retreat. In that goofy girly way, I thought to myself I could plan it so we rode up to Lakeside to the retreat together and wouldn't it be funny if we stayed up half the night talking... Okay, mind you. I had just broken up with the 36 y/o after over a year of on and off dating. I had decided I didn't want to date for a while and wasn't interested in starting anything else. It was just goofy girl fantasy. (To be continued...)
Before I met Clayton, I had a few not so great experiences with men. I dated two of them for long periods of time, only for them to decide they weren't ready for a committment. Now, if they were 21, I'd understand. One was 30 and the other was 36. And as far as I know, neither one is married yet.
Anyway, I was 26 years old, a great-grandma in the LDS singles' world. I'd been in 5 singles' wards over the 8 previous 8 years. I'd earned a Bachelor's and a Master's degree and was working for a recruiting agency. I had also been serving as the president of one of the LDS Institutes of religion for singles 24-30 for a year. It is normally a one year calling, but they asked me to stay on for another year because there were going to be a lot of changes and they needed someone who knew what was going on. I agreed. I then had a change of heart and asked to be released. It had been a stressful year of no support from our sponsoring Stake, minimal council members and a lot of work. I just couldn't do it again. I called the CES advisor and he pleaded with me to at least stay on for a couple of months. I agreed, but told him I HAD to have support from the stake and they had to help me call council members. He agreed and thanked me for staying on.
As promised, I received the support I had been missing for the previous year. The Stake Presidency rep and the CES advisor both promised to talk to bishops of the University (singles) Stake to have names submitted. I received a list of three names from the University 5th ward...One of them was Clayton Myers. Bro. Dunham told me they hadn't been officially called yet, so to refrain from talking to them until I heard from him. Three weeks later and two days before our scheduled Council Retreat, I called to find out what was going on. Given the go ahead to talk to them, I started making calls. Now, during this three week period, I kept getting the impression I needed to call Clayton as one of my counselors. I didn't know him. I'd never met him. But the impression remained. I submitted his name to the CES Advisor.
So back to the retreat. I made calls and invited everyone. It would be Friday night at the Lakeside cabin of the Stake Pres. rep. It would be one night and one morning of getting to know each other, going over responsibilities and planning out the semester. When I called Clayton, he sounded really nice and was really friendly and fortunately didn't have anything going on that weekend and was going to be able to make the retreat. In that goofy girly way, I thought to myself I could plan it so we rode up to Lakeside to the retreat together and wouldn't it be funny if we stayed up half the night talking... Okay, mind you. I had just broken up with the 36 y/o after over a year of on and off dating. I had decided I didn't want to date for a while and wasn't interested in starting anything else. It was just goofy girl fantasy. (To be continued...)
22 July 2009
M.I.A.
So it's been a crazy few weeks around here. Between shuttling Andrew back and forth to swimming lessons, the never ending bout with pink eye, my being sick and just trying to stay on top of all the other stuff going on around here, I haven't really had a lot of time to sit down and post anything. So here are some quick updates and hopefully I can get back on the blogging band wagon.
Luke: I can't believe he's six months old already. I don't know where the time goes. He's got such a happy disposition. He's babbling and already mimics "ma ma" which of course makes me so happy. He's all over the living room. He doesn't crawl on his hands and knees yet. He does more of an army crawl. But he is up on his hands and knees, rocking. He loves his solid foods and we have started to introduce a sippy cup, which is going quite well. He may be weaned off of a bottle before our trip to Idaho next month.
Andrew: He's thoroughly loved swimming lessons. The kid is a fish. He'd spend his entire day in water if I would let him. We decided to skip the last session because he's had a bout of pink eye that just won't go away. I don't know if it's the pool or just coincidence so I decided to be safe. He starts preschool in two weeks. He'll be going to an in-home program run by a couple of gals I go to church with. He's so excited to finally "go to school", but bummed he doesn't get to ride the bus yet.
Clayton: Busy as ever with work. Seems like we filled up all that time he was spending on school with family activities. He's been super great helping out with the kids and the housework.
Me: Well, other than the strep throat and tonsilitis I've been fighting the past week, I'm doing pretty well. It's been frustrating with the fitness goals. Every time I finally get the "I'm going to do this no matter what" attitude, I get sick or have my period (which has been knocking me for a loop the past few months). When I went into the doctor earlier this week though, I got a script for blood work (told me wait until I was feeling 100%) and when those results come back, will schedule a physical. I'm looking forward to getting it done and hopefully getting the ball rolling with getting off the rest of my baby weight. I want to do a couch to 5K program and am determined to get it off.
So that's about it around here. I'll post some new pictures soon. And hopefully I won't go MIA again!
Luke: I can't believe he's six months old already. I don't know where the time goes. He's got such a happy disposition. He's babbling and already mimics "ma ma" which of course makes me so happy. He's all over the living room. He doesn't crawl on his hands and knees yet. He does more of an army crawl. But he is up on his hands and knees, rocking. He loves his solid foods and we have started to introduce a sippy cup, which is going quite well. He may be weaned off of a bottle before our trip to Idaho next month.
Andrew: He's thoroughly loved swimming lessons. The kid is a fish. He'd spend his entire day in water if I would let him. We decided to skip the last session because he's had a bout of pink eye that just won't go away. I don't know if it's the pool or just coincidence so I decided to be safe. He starts preschool in two weeks. He'll be going to an in-home program run by a couple of gals I go to church with. He's so excited to finally "go to school", but bummed he doesn't get to ride the bus yet.
Clayton: Busy as ever with work. Seems like we filled up all that time he was spending on school with family activities. He's been super great helping out with the kids and the housework.
Me: Well, other than the strep throat and tonsilitis I've been fighting the past week, I'm doing pretty well. It's been frustrating with the fitness goals. Every time I finally get the "I'm going to do this no matter what" attitude, I get sick or have my period (which has been knocking me for a loop the past few months). When I went into the doctor earlier this week though, I got a script for blood work (told me wait until I was feeling 100%) and when those results come back, will schedule a physical. I'm looking forward to getting it done and hopefully getting the ball rolling with getting off the rest of my baby weight. I want to do a couch to 5K program and am determined to get it off.
So that's about it around here. I'll post some new pictures soon. And hopefully I won't go MIA again!
22 June 2009
Hamburger and Fries
So for Father's Day, Claytons family is having a barbeque this afternoon at his brother's house. I am in charge of the dessert. I like to do fun things and try new recipes out on them because they are a friendly crowd. I originally thought that I would make homemade oreo cookies. Then I found these on Bakerella's website. This was such a cute idea I just had to try it out.
Yep, that's right folks! Cupcake & brownie hamburgers, with sugar cookie french fries. They turned out really cute. I'm so excited! I know. Your blood sugar is probably rising even as you look at it.
I even made double decker for all of the men in the family. I just cut the cupcake in thirds and cut the brownie pattie in half. Hopefully everyone likes them as much as Clayton and I do.
Yep, that's right folks! Cupcake & brownie hamburgers, with sugar cookie french fries. They turned out really cute. I'm so excited! I know. Your blood sugar is probably rising even as you look at it.
I even made double decker for all of the men in the family. I just cut the cupcake in thirds and cut the brownie pattie in half. Hopefully everyone likes them as much as Clayton and I do.21 June 2009
Andrew's Swimming Lessons
Andrew started swimming lessons for the first time this past week. He loves the water so much we decided this would kill two birds with one stone: allow him to go swimming every day and teach him how to be safe around water. We signed him up in Coolidge and so far I've been super impressed. There is always at least one teacher per child in the Tiny Tots class Andrew is in. The pool is always nice and clean. And it was definitely an awesome deal compared to Florence or the YMCA.
Sometimes there is more than one teacher with Andrew.
Swimming around without the noodle.
Andrew wanted to go off the diving board during free time.
So do you think he actually jumped?
Well, see for yourself.
This is Josh, one of Andrew's swim teachers. And boy does Andrew love this guy.
Sometimes there is more than one teacher with Andrew.
Swimming around without the noodle.
Andrew wanted to go off the diving board during free time.
So do you think he actually jumped?
Well, see for yourself.Luke - 5 months old
"Like my new do?"
"Roar"
Just hanging out at grandma's house.
"I know I'm cute."
Brothers
Andrew absolutely adores his little brother...and I think the feeling is mutual.
"Say, Cheese!"
Little feet and littler feet.
Holding hands.
Andrew kisses Luke any chance he can.
Luke's First Game of Candyland
Luke decided he wanted to join in our family game of Candyland.
"MMmmm...I'm glad I picked yellow."
"It's pretty yummy!"
"So, this is why they call it CANDYland."
"I'll be the yellow one...no red...no yellow...no red..."
"Yep, definitely yellow."
"MMmmm...I'm glad I picked yellow."
"It's pretty yummy!"
"So, this is why they call it CANDYland."
02 June 2009
The Robot Dance
Andrew is hysterical. He's now doing "the robot dance". What, you ask, is the robot dance? See for yourself. Looks to me like whatever robot it is has to go potty.
This kid is such a ham. I don't know where he comes up with these thing either. He's got an imagination, I'll tell you that much.
31 May 2009
Our Little Scooter
Luke is reaching physical development milestones and break neck speed. At 4 1/2 months, he rolls from front to back and back to front. And thanks to his daddy's encouragement, he's starting the beginnings of crawling. Don't believe me? Here's proof.
Before we know it he's going to be running crazy all over this house following his big brother around like a little shadow. I'm not sure I'm ready for that yet.
30 May 2009
Four years and counting...
On Thursday, Clayton and I celebrated our 4th Wedding Anniversary. In some ways I can't believe it's been that long. In others, I can't believe that's all the longer it's been. Clayton has been such a blessing in my life. Loving me even when I was acting unlovable. He's been my rock. He's a wonderful husband. A great dad. An excellent provider. He is the "Love of My Life" and I'm looking forward to many more years together. Happy Anniversary, Honey. I love you so very, very much!
22 May 2009
Thoughts on graduation
I never thought the day would come that Clayton would be done with school. It wasn't even a full year, but it seemed like an eternity. In order to be reimbursed by Intel for his school, he had to apply to Intel in Sept. of 2007. We had been trying to get pregnant for months to no avail. Didn't really think any thing of it. He applied to the MSIM program in January 2008. He was accepted in March to begin in June. Then in May we found out we were expecting Luke. It was a wonderful day. Then reality started to sink in. The baby would be born with a full semester left to go. I knew it would't be easy, but I knew that Clayton couldn't pass up the opportunity to go to school.
June 2, 2008. My birthday. And Clayton's first night of class. Happy birthday to me. And it was non-stop chaos the rest of the time. Being a school widow isn't fun. But hopefully it will be worth it.
Despite having a growing number of things to do at work, a calling in the EQ presidency and full time school, as well as having a growing family, Clayton did very well. Honey, I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know I wasn't always the most supportive during this whole thing. Your intelligence and drive amazes me. And your willingness to make sacrifices in the short term to hopefully benefit your family in the long term is a trait few have. I love you very much. And I am SOOOO glad to have my hubby back!
June 2, 2008. My birthday. And Clayton's first night of class. Happy birthday to me. And it was non-stop chaos the rest of the time. Being a school widow isn't fun. But hopefully it will be worth it.
Despite having a growing number of things to do at work, a calling in the EQ presidency and full time school, as well as having a growing family, Clayton did very well. Honey, I want you to know how very proud I am of you. I know I wasn't always the most supportive during this whole thing. Your intelligence and drive amazes me. And your willingness to make sacrifices in the short term to hopefully benefit your family in the long term is a trait few have. I love you very much. And I am SOOOO glad to have my hubby back!
Clayton's Convocation
Andrew loves the bagpipes. He missed them at Scott's graduation going potty. And he didn't go to Jim's graduation with us because it was going to keep him up too late. So I thought I'd get a video of it for him to watch any time he wants. (You, too, Grandma C.)
For those of you who couldn't make it, here's video of Clayton during convocation.
Post graduation
The new graduate!
Our little family. So glad to have our Daddy back.
The Myers' boys. All three graduated from college in a week's time.
Clayton and his Mom and Dad.
Our future Sun Devil!
14 May 2009
Surprisingly Inspired
Clayton and I decided to watch President Obama's speech last night on TV...see if he had anything to say. I still think it was a circus and quite the spectacle, but I will admit that his speech was truly inspiring. He stayed away from politics and focused on inspiring the graduates. I'm sure they weren't the only ones inspired.
He encouraged graduates to get away from what has become the formulas for success that seem to dominate at this time: fancy cars, big offices, being on some "who's who" list, etc. Instead of seeking out to be popular and recognized, he challenged them to work hard, to make a difference, to change the world even if it is only the world of one person. He spoke of pioneers coming west, a preacher leading a bus boycott for justice, police and firefighters willing to run up the steps of burning towers, people volunteering their time and resources to help flood victims in New Orleans. People who followed their passions and, in so doing, changed the world and the way we view it. He spoke of continuing to build your body of work, which is not complete by accomplishing one task. He told of Thomas Paine who was a failed corset maker, teacher, and tax collector before writing "Common Sense" and igniting a revolution; Julia Child who didn't publish her first cook book until she was almost fifty; Colonel Sanders who didn't open his first KFC until he was in his sixties.
One of the things he spoke of that really stood out to me is how our current national situation was created by selfishness and greed. the "what's in it for me" syndrome. That in order to truly make a mark on our lives, others lives, this country and our world we must put that aside. We must be selfless and focus on others.
His speech made me look at my life. What am I doing to make a difference? I'm raising two boys who will be part of the future of our world. But what else? Really, probaby not much. I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. But I haven't sought them out. Am I volunteering my time to good causes? Am I trying to make a difference in my community? Am I reaching out to my neighbors? Looking at it through the Gospel...am I really doing all I can do? Am I seeking out the sisters I visit teach, to befriend them, to love them? Am I fulfilling my calling to the best of my abilities? Am I trusting in the Lord and His path for me? Am I reaching out to those who may be struggling, whether it be financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually? Am I looking for those who need a friend? Am I trying to be more Christ-like? Am I a true disciple? These are questions that I really need to ponder, taking a hard look at my life and what I'm doing with it.
He encouraged graduates to get away from what has become the formulas for success that seem to dominate at this time: fancy cars, big offices, being on some "who's who" list, etc. Instead of seeking out to be popular and recognized, he challenged them to work hard, to make a difference, to change the world even if it is only the world of one person. He spoke of pioneers coming west, a preacher leading a bus boycott for justice, police and firefighters willing to run up the steps of burning towers, people volunteering their time and resources to help flood victims in New Orleans. People who followed their passions and, in so doing, changed the world and the way we view it. He spoke of continuing to build your body of work, which is not complete by accomplishing one task. He told of Thomas Paine who was a failed corset maker, teacher, and tax collector before writing "Common Sense" and igniting a revolution; Julia Child who didn't publish her first cook book until she was almost fifty; Colonel Sanders who didn't open his first KFC until he was in his sixties.
One of the things he spoke of that really stood out to me is how our current national situation was created by selfishness and greed. the "what's in it for me" syndrome. That in order to truly make a mark on our lives, others lives, this country and our world we must put that aside. We must be selfless and focus on others.
His speech made me look at my life. What am I doing to make a difference? I'm raising two boys who will be part of the future of our world. But what else? Really, probaby not much. I'm sure there are plenty of opportunities to make a difference. But I haven't sought them out. Am I volunteering my time to good causes? Am I trying to make a difference in my community? Am I reaching out to my neighbors? Looking at it through the Gospel...am I really doing all I can do? Am I seeking out the sisters I visit teach, to befriend them, to love them? Am I fulfilling my calling to the best of my abilities? Am I trusting in the Lord and His path for me? Am I reaching out to those who may be struggling, whether it be financially, physically, emotionally or spiritually? Am I looking for those who need a friend? Am I trying to be more Christ-like? Am I a true disciple? These are questions that I really need to ponder, taking a hard look at my life and what I'm doing with it.
13 May 2009
ASU's Commencement Circus
Clayton is graduating with his Masters degree this week. He's worked very hard over the past year, spending time studying and doing homework instead of spending time with his family. I'm so proud of him and his accomplishments. He has yet to get lower than an A- in a class. And all while working full time and holding a calling in the EQ presidency. So I should be excited, right!?
I'm not excited. In all honesty, I'm annoyed even though I shouldn't be. And it's all because of our president. I'm not talking politics here. I don't care about his policies or his party. I don't care that it's an honor to have a current president speak at the ceremony. I do care that his accepting an invitation to speak at commencement is turning ASU's ceremony into a full-fledged circus. Commencement was originally planned for tomorrow night. But that didn't fit the president's schedule so ASU moved it, creating chaos for those who had finals scheduled for this afternoon and evening, having to be moved to another time. Instead of being held in Wells Fargo Arena, it's having to be held in ASU's Sun Devil Stadium. Each of the 8,000 graduates was told they would be able to get tickets for up to 6 guests. Normally tickets aren't even needed. It's supposed to be somewhere around 100 degrees today. Attendees were given a time to show up so that all 71,000 people didn't arrive at the same time. Yes, that's right. 71,000 people. The largest ASU commencement in history prior to tonight was 12,000. It's expected to be the largest commencement ceremony in US history. How 8,000 graduates, their potential 48,000 guests and faculty and staff add up to 71,000 is beyond me. Seems like more tickets got out than the graduates were told would be given out.
Then there is the 90 minutes standing in the scorching heat and that's just to get through the Secret Service security checkpoints which will be similar to the airport security. And that's not including the up to four hours of waiting in the blazing heat in the open air stadium. 200+ police officers and who knows how many secret service agents. Purses no larger than 12 inches, no knive or sharp objects of any kind, no weapons among other things. Air space is being restricted. For a college graduation ceremony. There won't be a parking spot available within 20 miles of the campus. Traffic on the nearby freeways will be a mess.
At 4:45pm the "pre-commencement show" will begin with performances by mariachis, gospel choirs and even Alice Cooper. Who has ever heard of a pre-commencement concert? And then there are the fireworks that will take place after the ceremony. What is this the 4th of July? This should be a time for graduates and their family and friends to celebrate graduation, not the full-blown carnival it's turning into. For those graduates who didn't want to deal with the mess, commencement is supposed to be aired on the ASU TV station. The big stations will carry the president's address...not the whole ceremony, just his address.
So why am I annoyed you ask? Clayton's last class and final were supposed to be tonight. As of 10pm tonight he should have been done with his coursework and we should have been celebrating. But his class was pushed off until tomorrow night. Not that one night is a huge deal most of the time, it's a big deal when we've spent most of the last year Clayton-less. All because the president is coming. I know I'm being petty. It's a great opportunity to see the president of the United States. We aren't going. We don't want to deal with the mess. And darn it! Clayton should be home tomorrow night and he won't be. He'll be taking his last final. So we have to wait one more day to have him back. Darn president.
I'm not excited. In all honesty, I'm annoyed even though I shouldn't be. And it's all because of our president. I'm not talking politics here. I don't care about his policies or his party. I don't care that it's an honor to have a current president speak at the ceremony. I do care that his accepting an invitation to speak at commencement is turning ASU's ceremony into a full-fledged circus. Commencement was originally planned for tomorrow night. But that didn't fit the president's schedule so ASU moved it, creating chaos for those who had finals scheduled for this afternoon and evening, having to be moved to another time. Instead of being held in Wells Fargo Arena, it's having to be held in ASU's Sun Devil Stadium. Each of the 8,000 graduates was told they would be able to get tickets for up to 6 guests. Normally tickets aren't even needed. It's supposed to be somewhere around 100 degrees today. Attendees were given a time to show up so that all 71,000 people didn't arrive at the same time. Yes, that's right. 71,000 people. The largest ASU commencement in history prior to tonight was 12,000. It's expected to be the largest commencement ceremony in US history. How 8,000 graduates, their potential 48,000 guests and faculty and staff add up to 71,000 is beyond me. Seems like more tickets got out than the graduates were told would be given out.
Then there is the 90 minutes standing in the scorching heat and that's just to get through the Secret Service security checkpoints which will be similar to the airport security. And that's not including the up to four hours of waiting in the blazing heat in the open air stadium. 200+ police officers and who knows how many secret service agents. Purses no larger than 12 inches, no knive or sharp objects of any kind, no weapons among other things. Air space is being restricted. For a college graduation ceremony. There won't be a parking spot available within 20 miles of the campus. Traffic on the nearby freeways will be a mess.
At 4:45pm the "pre-commencement show" will begin with performances by mariachis, gospel choirs and even Alice Cooper. Who has ever heard of a pre-commencement concert? And then there are the fireworks that will take place after the ceremony. What is this the 4th of July? This should be a time for graduates and their family and friends to celebrate graduation, not the full-blown carnival it's turning into. For those graduates who didn't want to deal with the mess, commencement is supposed to be aired on the ASU TV station. The big stations will carry the president's address...not the whole ceremony, just his address.
So why am I annoyed you ask? Clayton's last class and final were supposed to be tonight. As of 10pm tonight he should have been done with his coursework and we should have been celebrating. But his class was pushed off until tomorrow night. Not that one night is a huge deal most of the time, it's a big deal when we've spent most of the last year Clayton-less. All because the president is coming. I know I'm being petty. It's a great opportunity to see the president of the United States. We aren't going. We don't want to deal with the mess. And darn it! Clayton should be home tomorrow night and he won't be. He'll be taking his last final. So we have to wait one more day to have him back. Darn president.
10 May 2009
Luke's tummy time
I was trying to catch Luke rolling over, but he is just not a performing monkey. :o) He's darn cute anyway.
My Big Chatterbox
Andrew had decided recently that he likes to talk on the phone. He used to listen for maybe 30 seconds then say good bye and take off. This is what he's like now.
We are going to have a path worn into the carpet.
Luke and his Jumper
Andrew loved the jumper. Luke is following in big brother's footsteps. He loves the jumper. He gets going and seems like he's just going to fly right out of it. It entertains him for quite a while. He's even fallen asleep in it.
Laughing Luke
Luke has the cutest laugh, don't you think? He's super ticklish, just like his daddy and his big brother. And he ALWAYS gets the hiccups when we make him laugh. Poor kid doesn't stand a chance...
01 May 2009
Here comes trouble
Andrew is a handful. He smart and a bit of a smart mouth, too. Wound up almost every waking hour of the day. I was hoping that Luke would be the more mild-mannered one. Sweet natured. I don't think that's going to happen.
Last night I was getting him undressed for a bath. I was telling Clayton that Luke had pooped while Clayton was gone two days in a row. I looked at Luke and said, "He pooped for mommy two days in a row, huh?!" Luke's response... To laugh out loud. He thought it was funny. He wouldn't laugh if I say anything else, but if I repeated the "he pooped for mommy" thing he would laugh hysterically. So much for being the mild-mannered one who's not a trouble maker.
Last night I was getting him undressed for a bath. I was telling Clayton that Luke had pooped while Clayton was gone two days in a row. I looked at Luke and said, "He pooped for mommy two days in a row, huh?!" Luke's response... To laugh out loud. He thought it was funny. He wouldn't laugh if I say anything else, but if I repeated the "he pooped for mommy" thing he would laugh hysterically. So much for being the mild-mannered one who's not a trouble maker.
24 April 2009
Love...
Love comes in many forms - friendship, marriage, children, kitchen appliances. :o) I'm one of those crazy women who loves kitchen appliances. I'm not really talking about refrigerators or dishwashers (though I do love my dishwasher). I'm talking about the smaller, fun stuff. My recent loves come in the form of my wheat grinder, Bosch, and pasta machine. And I can blame most of it on my friend Bridgette.
I tried bread with the wheat grinder and Bosch. Didn't turn out perfect, but it was my fault. When I tried to proof the bread in the oven (get it to raise quicker), I forgot to turn the oven off after heating it up. That lead to bread baking instead of rising. But I'm one step closer to getting wheat bread instead of wheat bricks!
And it's also her fault I have fallen in love with the coolest kitchen store in the world... Shar's Kitchen. She has the coolest stuff, but best of all, she teaches classes most days of the week and shows you how to use them. Her recipes are awesome and she pressure cooks most things to retain flavor and nutrients. Now I just have to talk me and Clayton into investing in a couple of pressure cookers. I've been to two classes so far, but would have gone to more had Andrew and I not been sick the past week. I have my calendar booked for May. It gives me an opportunity to do something I love. I've learned how to make pasta, which is soooo much better than the store bought, dried stuff. I have an ever growing wish list of things I want to get. I'm sure Clayton is horrified, happy that I've found something I enjoy, but horrified. :o)
I tried bread with the wheat grinder and Bosch. Didn't turn out perfect, but it was my fault. When I tried to proof the bread in the oven (get it to raise quicker), I forgot to turn the oven off after heating it up. That lead to bread baking instead of rising. But I'm one step closer to getting wheat bread instead of wheat bricks!
And it's also her fault I have fallen in love with the coolest kitchen store in the world... Shar's Kitchen. She has the coolest stuff, but best of all, she teaches classes most days of the week and shows you how to use them. Her recipes are awesome and she pressure cooks most things to retain flavor and nutrients. Now I just have to talk me and Clayton into investing in a couple of pressure cookers. I've been to two classes so far, but would have gone to more had Andrew and I not been sick the past week. I have my calendar booked for May. It gives me an opportunity to do something I love. I've learned how to make pasta, which is soooo much better than the store bought, dried stuff. I have an ever growing wish list of things I want to get. I'm sure Clayton is horrified, happy that I've found something I enjoy, but horrified. :o)
16 April 2009
Jam, Jammin', Jammies
So I decided I wanted some homemade jam. We used to make strawberry freezer jam all the time when I was younger. I hadn't had it in years so I decided that just had to change. Got the strawberries, pectin, jars, etc. Freezer jam is easy. No cooking involved. Still took me a couple of hours to get it done, but nothing bad. Ended up with 15 yummy pints of freezer jam. Then I decided to make regular cooked jam. That took a little longer, but still wasn't too bad. I did it in three double batches and was able to get it all done in less than three hours. Don't tell my feet that it wasn't bad though. They were not happy. And my knees were protesting, too. But now we have 26 yummy pints of strawberry jam...and I'm happy to report I had a 100% seal-rate on the jars. Of the canning I've done so far, only one or two jars (both pears) didn't seal. That's not too shabby.
I've really been trying to get into a routine for working out. It's not easy with two small children and a hubby who is crazy busy with work and school. The last couple of days have been great though. I'm walking hill intervals on our treadmill. Burning more fat and calories. And I can't run. I sometimes wish I could, but the longest I've ever been able to run without stopping in my life is about 8 minutes. Even in elementary and junior high when I was in pretty good shape, I couldn't run distance. I could outrun most of the boys in the 100 yard dash, but much farther than that and I would get light-headed, dizzy and have problems breathing. High school PE just about did me in. So, I walk. Maybe in a couple of months when I get some pounds off and I'm in a little better shape I will tackle the running thing. But for now...it's walking hills. It's actually good though. Clayton and I would love to do more hiking and we love to go camping so our goal is to get to the point where maybe next summer or fall we can hike the Grand Canyon. I'm up to a max speed of 3.1 and a max incline of 6.0. Not bad considering a few weeks ago, the most exercise I had done in a year was giving birth to my son. :o) I'm down a total of 4.6 pounds since I started two weeks ago. I'll take it!
I have to admit I thought the end of the world was coming last night. Andrew fights us every night when it comes to bed time. We have a pretty good routine, but he still just pitches a major fit. Clayton had class last night so I was on my own. I was preparing for a real rip-snorter! But alas, it was not to be. The only protest he put us was when I told him I had to brush his teeth after he finished to make sure his teeth were really clean. He said his prayers and climbed into bed without so much as a, "Mommy, I don't want to go to bed" or "Mommy, I can't sleep". And on more nights than not, he wanders out at least once. Not last night. Nothing. It was SOOOO nice! I thought for sure I was going to get to bed early. Luke killed that. He decided not to go to sleep until midnight. *sigh* I was tired this morning, that's for sure!
I've really been trying to get into a routine for working out. It's not easy with two small children and a hubby who is crazy busy with work and school. The last couple of days have been great though. I'm walking hill intervals on our treadmill. Burning more fat and calories. And I can't run. I sometimes wish I could, but the longest I've ever been able to run without stopping in my life is about 8 minutes. Even in elementary and junior high when I was in pretty good shape, I couldn't run distance. I could outrun most of the boys in the 100 yard dash, but much farther than that and I would get light-headed, dizzy and have problems breathing. High school PE just about did me in. So, I walk. Maybe in a couple of months when I get some pounds off and I'm in a little better shape I will tackle the running thing. But for now...it's walking hills. It's actually good though. Clayton and I would love to do more hiking and we love to go camping so our goal is to get to the point where maybe next summer or fall we can hike the Grand Canyon. I'm up to a max speed of 3.1 and a max incline of 6.0. Not bad considering a few weeks ago, the most exercise I had done in a year was giving birth to my son. :o) I'm down a total of 4.6 pounds since I started two weeks ago. I'll take it!
I have to admit I thought the end of the world was coming last night. Andrew fights us every night when it comes to bed time. We have a pretty good routine, but he still just pitches a major fit. Clayton had class last night so I was on my own. I was preparing for a real rip-snorter! But alas, it was not to be. The only protest he put us was when I told him I had to brush his teeth after he finished to make sure his teeth were really clean. He said his prayers and climbed into bed without so much as a, "Mommy, I don't want to go to bed" or "Mommy, I can't sleep". And on more nights than not, he wanders out at least once. Not last night. Nothing. It was SOOOO nice! I thought for sure I was going to get to bed early. Luke killed that. He decided not to go to sleep until midnight. *sigh* I was tired this morning, that's for sure!
09 April 2009
Changes...
I finally, finally got my tushy on the bandwagon to get off the weight I've gained over the past few years. I've exercised four days in a row and have dropped almost four pounds in the process. I've been watching how much I eat, but not really what. We went out for chinese at lunch yesterday; I just didn't eat as much as I normally would have. I know it's only a small success, but it's something. Every day and every pound gets me one step closer to my goal weight and activity level. Hopefully a year from now, I'll be in good enough shape to hike the Grand Canyon. I want to have the engery to play soccer or basketball with my kids. I want to wake up every morning ready to face the day rather than wanting to climb back in bed and sleep.
I've also been trying to improve my spiritual health lately. I have really slacked off a lot the last couple of years. I've been going through the motions, but not investing myself at all. I'm happy to report that I have studied scriptures and gospel lessons everyday for a week. Sadly, I can't say when the last time that happened was. I still have a long way to go, but every little bit helps. I already have a better outlook on life in general and have more patience with my kids. I'm determined to do my visiting teaching this month. I have lived in my current ward for almost three years and have only seen visiting teachers at my house maybe four times, home teachers three times. I know how it feels to think that no one cares enough to even call me, let alone stop by and spend some time getting to know me. Well, I can't very well complain about others not doing it if I, myself, am slacking off. I have a challenging route - four sisters, zero phone numbers. So I have to guess at when they may be home and hope to catch them. And I've decided this month, I am going to ask my visiting teachers when they are coming. I'll make it easy on them...they won't even have to pick up the phone to call me.
One step at a time. Every little change has helped so I know as I implement more positive changes in my life, my life will be better.
I've also been trying to improve my spiritual health lately. I have really slacked off a lot the last couple of years. I've been going through the motions, but not investing myself at all. I'm happy to report that I have studied scriptures and gospel lessons everyday for a week. Sadly, I can't say when the last time that happened was. I still have a long way to go, but every little bit helps. I already have a better outlook on life in general and have more patience with my kids. I'm determined to do my visiting teaching this month. I have lived in my current ward for almost three years and have only seen visiting teachers at my house maybe four times, home teachers three times. I know how it feels to think that no one cares enough to even call me, let alone stop by and spend some time getting to know me. Well, I can't very well complain about others not doing it if I, myself, am slacking off. I have a challenging route - four sisters, zero phone numbers. So I have to guess at when they may be home and hope to catch them. And I've decided this month, I am going to ask my visiting teachers when they are coming. I'll make it easy on them...they won't even have to pick up the phone to call me.
One step at a time. Every little change has helped so I know as I implement more positive changes in my life, my life will be better.
06 April 2009
New pics of Luke
Luke is one of the happiest babies! It takes very little to get him to smile and laugh. The only time he cries is if he's lonely or hungry. He's a social baby, too. He wants to be where the action is. He likes to see people's faces and hear their voices.
Renewed
I'm finally feeling better after having a nasty stomach bug. It's hit everyone in my family except my uncle, my mom, Clayton and Luke. Whatever it is, it can hop a space ship for outer space and stay there!
After a relaxing weekend of watching conference, I'm feeling particularly renewed. I'm determined to make some positive changes in my life. I have a lot of work to do in a lot of areas. But it was good to hear the words of the Prophet, Apostles and the rest of the General Authorities who spoke.
I'm back on the fitness bandwagon, too. I've broken down my total weight loss goal into digestable chunks that actually makes it seem pretty easy and I got up and exercised this morning.
After a relaxing weekend of watching conference, I'm feeling particularly renewed. I'm determined to make some positive changes in my life. I have a lot of work to do in a lot of areas. But it was good to hear the words of the Prophet, Apostles and the rest of the General Authorities who spoke.
I'm back on the fitness bandwagon, too. I've broken down my total weight loss goal into digestable chunks that actually makes it seem pretty easy and I got up and exercised this morning.
02 April 2009
The Worst Weightloss Plan EVER!!!
So I've been trying, pretty unsucessfully so far, to lose weight. I've been unmotivated to do anything. I guess my body decided to take things into its own hands...or stomach. For the first time in probably 16 years or so, I have the stomach flu. Since yesterday afternoon, I've dropped 4 lbs. Yea for loosing weight... YUCK for the way it's happening. Andrew is just getting over it. Keeping my fingers crossed that Clayton and Luke don't get this...especially Luke.
27 March 2009
The worst good news
***WARNING - Men may want to avoid reading this post. Women's personal issues discussed***
Okay, so some of you know that I had problems getting pregnant with Luke. I was diagnosed a year and a half go with Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms, one of which is annovulation.
I didn't realize I had a problem until I went off of birth control two years ago to try and get pregnant. Anyone who has been on BC knows that it will make you have periods. So after I stopped, I had a couple of menstrual cycles that were irregular and then they stopped altogether. I went in to see my OB-GYN and that's when I found out about the PCOS. I started fertility treatments and was fortunate to have the basic treatments work so I didn't have to go to a specialist. I obviously was successful getting pregnant and have been blessed with another beautiful son.
I wasn't sure what would happen after this pregnancy. I decided to hold off on BC until I knew what was happening. Well, I got the worst good news this morning. I started menstruating! I know...goofy thing to be excited about. I feel horrible with the cramping and all, but the last regular cycle I had was the one before I got pregnant with Andrew nearly 4 years ago. Hopefully, I will start having regular cycles on my own without medication of any form. That's part of the reason I want to get some weight off. Unnecessary weight makes it worse. Unfortunately weight gain and trouble losing are part of the problems that come with PCOS. So I may have a long haul ahead of me. I'm going to try my hardest. Now if my little guy would sleep through the night again, I might get somewhere. Once I decided to really get with the workouts, he stopped sleeping through the night so I'm so exhausted I can barely function, let alone safely workout. I'm not giving up though. I'm going to try anew every day!
Okay, so some of you know that I had problems getting pregnant with Luke. I was diagnosed a year and a half go with Poly-Cystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It comes with a lot of unpleasant symptoms, one of which is annovulation.
I didn't realize I had a problem until I went off of birth control two years ago to try and get pregnant. Anyone who has been on BC knows that it will make you have periods. So after I stopped, I had a couple of menstrual cycles that were irregular and then they stopped altogether. I went in to see my OB-GYN and that's when I found out about the PCOS. I started fertility treatments and was fortunate to have the basic treatments work so I didn't have to go to a specialist. I obviously was successful getting pregnant and have been blessed with another beautiful son.
I wasn't sure what would happen after this pregnancy. I decided to hold off on BC until I knew what was happening. Well, I got the worst good news this morning. I started menstruating! I know...goofy thing to be excited about. I feel horrible with the cramping and all, but the last regular cycle I had was the one before I got pregnant with Andrew nearly 4 years ago. Hopefully, I will start having regular cycles on my own without medication of any form. That's part of the reason I want to get some weight off. Unnecessary weight makes it worse. Unfortunately weight gain and trouble losing are part of the problems that come with PCOS. So I may have a long haul ahead of me. I'm going to try my hardest. Now if my little guy would sleep through the night again, I might get somewhere. Once I decided to really get with the workouts, he stopped sleeping through the night so I'm so exhausted I can barely function, let alone safely workout. I'm not giving up though. I'm going to try anew every day!
25 March 2009
Body Revolt....
So I'm determined to get off the weight I've gained since I got married almost 4 years ago. Most of it came from my pregnancy with Andrew. I've been lucky enough to have already lost the pregnancy weight from Luke. It's been hard to get motivated - hard to find uninterrupted time with two kids, hard to take the time for myself, hard to workout when I'm so out of shape, hard to work out when I don't get enough sleep. Yesterday I decided to shut my internal trap and just do it.
Clayton and I bought a treadmill a couple of years ago, hoping we could avoid the excuses of not having time/money to go to the gym. It's collected a lot of dust over those two years. I did exercise and got off about 17 lbs a year ago, but then I got pregnant again. But now's the time.
So I have the equipment. I have no good excuse anymore. I've decided that instead of just walking, I'll do hill intervals to increase the intensity and keep things a little bit interesting. Wow..I'm really out of shape. My body is in full revolt today. I still got up and did my workout, but it didn't take long for all of my leg muscles to scream out in burning pain. I walked through it and feel great now. Tomorrow, I'm expecting an even bigger revolt.
I'm doing it though. My cousin, Amy, has asked me to be Matron-of-Honor in her wedding and I am not going to be the "fat bridesmaid". I have about a year to get down to where I want to be. That means about 50-55lbs and a lot of work. But that's really only a pound a week and a very realistic goal. And I have the help of my friend, Heidi, too. She and I are both trying to get some baby weight off so we check in with each other pretty much every day so we have someone to hold us each accountable. She's been doing much better than I have lately, so I have some serious repenting and catching up to do.
So here's to success ... and less revolt from my body!
Clayton and I bought a treadmill a couple of years ago, hoping we could avoid the excuses of not having time/money to go to the gym. It's collected a lot of dust over those two years. I did exercise and got off about 17 lbs a year ago, but then I got pregnant again. But now's the time.
So I have the equipment. I have no good excuse anymore. I've decided that instead of just walking, I'll do hill intervals to increase the intensity and keep things a little bit interesting. Wow..I'm really out of shape. My body is in full revolt today. I still got up and did my workout, but it didn't take long for all of my leg muscles to scream out in burning pain. I walked through it and feel great now. Tomorrow, I'm expecting an even bigger revolt.
I'm doing it though. My cousin, Amy, has asked me to be Matron-of-Honor in her wedding and I am not going to be the "fat bridesmaid". I have about a year to get down to where I want to be. That means about 50-55lbs and a lot of work. But that's really only a pound a week and a very realistic goal. And I have the help of my friend, Heidi, too. She and I are both trying to get some baby weight off so we check in with each other pretty much every day so we have someone to hold us each accountable. She's been doing much better than I have lately, so I have some serious repenting and catching up to do.
So here's to success ... and less revolt from my body!
23 March 2009
Garden Time...
So, my goal was to get our garden in a month ago, but it didn't happen. Too many other things got in the way. I did manage to get it in before I did last year. But, it's official. We have a garden! We decided to plant only things that we are able to can or freeze. So we put in tomato plants, onions, green beans, beets, carrots, cucumbers and peas. We got a free cabbage plant so we stuck that in to for kicks and giggles. I also decided to get a couple of patio pots and we planted some strawberries in there. Now we are hoping in a couple of months to be able to harvest some of the fruits of our labors! I love spring time.
Look out flower garden...here I come!
Look out flower garden...here I come!
13 March 2009
Smiley Baby
In the last week or so, Luke has really gotten down the smiling thing. It doesn't take much to get him to smile.
He's even starting to laugh a little bit. I don't think there is anything cuter than a baby smiling. 
It's hard to fathom that he's already two months old. Where has the time gone? I'm sure a lot of it has been lost in the fuzz and fog of not enough sleep and long days! I've been pretty lucky overall though. He's a really happy baby. The only time he cries is if he's hungry or gets hurt. What a sweet little baby!
He's even starting to laugh a little bit. I don't think there is anything cuter than a baby smiling. It's hard to fathom that he's already two months old. Where has the time gone? I'm sure a lot of it has been lost in the fuzz and fog of not enough sleep and long days! I've been pretty lucky overall though. He's a really happy baby. The only time he cries is if he's hungry or gets hurt. What a sweet little baby!12 March 2009
Happy Birthday, Andrew! (A Week Late)
So, my "Baby" turned 3 last week. I can't believe it's been that long. He's changed so much over the past three years.
He was a quiet and really good baby. Very calm. Slept through the night at 2 weeks old.
Super smiley and just really a happy baby.
Always curious about new things and if it was new, he had to touch it.
Then the "terrible twos" kicked in and he got a little attitude...
He's still got a mind of his own. And now he's a big brother, too! Happy Birthday, Andrew! Here's to another year of firsts, fun and family!
He was a quiet and really good baby. Very calm. Slept through the night at 2 weeks old. 
Super smiley and just really a happy baby.
Always curious about new things and if it was new, he had to touch it.
Then the "terrible twos" kicked in and he got a little attitude... 
He's still got a mind of his own. And now he's a big brother, too! Happy Birthday, Andrew! Here's to another year of firsts, fun and family!
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