Changing in so many ways!

So I've totally slacked on the whole blog thing. I'm back and now I'm going to try and update in one post and then continue on. So 2012 came and went and now we're on to 2013 (mid year). Things have changed a lot! Ethan started school, and Eli's in Junior High. 
This was a picture from the first day of school! They've grown so much since then! Eli is almost as tall as me, his hands are officially bigger than mine and he wears the same size shoe as Miguel. Livi is also getting taller and cuter. Ethan is grower taller and only a size or two behind Livi in shoes.

Along with our kids all in school, now our whole family is. That's right, we all go to school everyday except Miguel and I both work in school. I started last October as a math teacher in the High School. I teach Algebra I and Geometry. I get to work with teenage boys everyday (I think it's preparing me for how I don't want my children to become). I made it through my last day of school and only have a work day tomorrow! This summer was much needed!!!! I didn't know how I was going to make it to Thanksgiving break and when it was done, I was ok to work again. Christmas came just in time before a melt down I thought I was going to have. Spring Break was a breath of fresh air and this last month and a half of school was sooo long. Anyone that gives a state assessment exam can empathize with me! I did get to go to prom with my husband, again. Well, this time I was a chaperon as opposed to the first time I was a student!

I have met some great teachers and made some good friends! I'm still trying to get into this whole working thing full time and finding out it pretty much sucks. Oh well, have to make the best of the situation! I've entered a new phase in my life and know it's going to take some time to get used to it. I'm growing up! Isn't this what every parent looks forward to---or spouse? I'm still learning how to juggle being mom, working full time (and then some), wife, cook, taxi, referee, and all the other things that I do. I'm learning that you can't plan enough for everything and that is the key to success---planning.

That brings me to my next point, planning on succeeding. So with all this new life changing experiences comes...get ready for it.....it's exciting....ok, maybe not that exciting............you guessed it.......weight gain. Sorry, I know that was anticlimactic but it was fun! So I'm back up to my heaviest weight and not happy with it. I put on at least 10 lbs. working and need to get rid of it. I've had some come to Jesus moments and finally admitted that my husband eats better than I do, even with all my fresh juices, protein shakes and homemade alternative uses with greek yogurt and applesauce! So, I'm turning over a new leaf. I'm not getting any younger....

neither is my sister for that matter (she just turned 40)! This is a picture of us on her birthday--I flew up and surprised her! I took her shopping all day while my mom and her husband got everything ready for her surprise party! That's besides the point. The point is, I'm done. I'm done with feeling bad about myself. I'm done with eating crap and then feeling crappy. I'm done with all of it. It's time to focus on me and feeling better. I feel good when I eat good. When I eat good, I workout more and it's a good thing. This summer I'm going to learn to cook some new foods (and hopefully teach my 13 yr. old son to cook too) and eat clean. I lost weight before when I ate clean and worked out. I know I can do it, i just have to DO IT! Nike was smart when they came up with that logo! So after eating Sonic today and feeling crappy (took a nap too--could be a side effect of school finishing today) I got my lazy arse up and went and did a body pump class that should make my legs pretty sore.

When I came home, I had 3/4 of a chicken breast and a small banana. I know the banana wasn't the best thing to eat at night (it was like 8:30) but it's a start in a new direction. I have no one to blame but me for where I've come. It's time to stop blaming and start doing!!! So....join me  on my journey. I am going to blog everyday about my successes and failures and all that goes on! Happy Summer!

Getting Older!

School is back in session and things are back on schedule! Eli has started the 5th grade (I know, I can't believe it either)!

Livi started first grade and Ethan is in Pre-k.

Can't believe how time flies and the kids grow so fast! I feel like it was yesterday, wishing my kids would grow up, at least be a little independent, and now it's already here!

For all those moms out there that have little ones (you know, where your goal for the day is to shower or not feel so tired all the time) enjoy your time with your kids! They grow up so quickly! Although they aren't so little anymore, I'm really enjoying their ages! All the kids are at such a great age where we can do family things together and it doesn't have to revolve around nap time or who needs to eat! We go on family bike rides and have adventures that can last the whole day! I'm so grateful for my wonderful family! I am truly blessed!

Back to School, Back to School....

So the season of early rising, alarm clocks bleeping, sleepy eyes being rubbed, new clothes being worn, backpacks all over, homework, reading time, teeth and hair brushing, rushing out the door, teasing, waking up non morning people.... Oh, your morning is sweetness and goes smoothly? Mine is rushing around making lunches, making sure kids are doing what they need to do to get to school on time. Afterall, since I'm such a mean mom, I told my kids I will not sign them in if they are tardy--we live right behind the school!

Besides all the necessary things, the kids are loving school. Eli is in 5th grade and loving that they switch between three teachers through out the day; he's learning all kinds of great things.

Livi is really enjoying 1st grade. She's reading really well and likes her teacher. She's doing a great job writing neatly and doing well in mathematics (thanks to Eli helping her after school)!

Ethan is at a pre-k program/mother's day out and he's loving it. There's some kids in his class that he knows from previous classes or church. I love to pick him up from school and see him all sweaty!

Miguel is more than half way into his volleyball season and still enjoying it after all these years!

I'm working odd jobs here and there, just something to keep my attention! I run my own fitness class a couple times in the early morning, do some editing/proofing, water aerobics instructor at the local gym, substitute at Ethan's school and volunteer at Livi and Eli's school. Between all of those and being a mom, I'm pretty busy.

We added another to our family this past summer, Shiloh. She's a chocolate lab mutt and has been great (for the most part). She's about a year old and is potty trained, crate trained and Ethan trained (he has no fear of her)!

That's about it for us here! We're back into our schedule and the kids are growing up so fast!

THIRTY!

I finally turned the big 3-0! Not really such a big deal since I've felt 30 for awhile; having three kids will do that to you! I feel really blessed to have made it this far and feel like I've already accomplished a lot! I have a beautiful family.....

I finally finished my bachelor's degree. I graduated from Texas State University with a BS in Applied Mathematics and a minor in Physics this past December.....

I have great friends.....

At my surprise party-Ashlee, Me, Amber, Elise, Natalie and Eli in background

Here's to another thirty years (and more hopefully)!

Still Going STRONG!!

Ok, life has really taken over and I haven't been able to post everything I've wanted to such as: 3rd Annual Sisters' Weekend, Halloween Pictures, and just life in general since my last post over a month ago. Well, things are pretty much same old, same old here, but a little lighter. You may ask yourself, 'Self, what does she mean by 'a little lighter?' ' Well, I'm proud to boast, I mean, admit, I've been doing boot camp for 6 MONTHS. Yes, you read that right. SIX MONTHS of waking up when most people are still sleeping,

(if I was sleeping, I'd love to sleep in this bed!!!)

when most sane people are taking advantage of the darkness outside and sleeping in their cozy, comfortable beds. Not me! I'd rather be out in the 30 degree weather, running around a dark park shouting out boot camp songs and stopping every 100 yards doing some insane exercise the instructors think is a good idea! Why you might ask yourself? Because I've spent too many days regretting being overweight and not happy with myself.

So, I've come to a simple explanation. You have 2 choices:

1. Complain about your life (or something you aren't happy about) or

2. Do something about it.

Before you know it, it's been six months, and you could still be complaining and thinking you might start changing tomorrow, or be a little better off than you were six months earlier. It's up to you. For me, I picked the first option for way to long, and it got me further away from where I wanted to be. So, I decided insanity (isn't insanity doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? ) wasn't for me anymore.

After six months of boot camp, I can proudly say that I have lost 14% body fat and am down about 22 lbs. My weight now is... (c'mon, you really think I'd put that on the web? for real, people!) The numbers on the scale don't show how healthy I'm becoming. And, there are some more benefits to eating healthier and exercising.

I have learned:

1. Don't have to have dessert every day

2. Don't have to have chocolate after every meal (or between meals)

3. Can eat smaller portions

4. Can stick to something!!! (that's a big one for me!)

5. I am not only making myself healthier, but I'm setting an example to my family!!!

So, I wish you well on your quest to complete something. Remember, you never know what tomorrow will bring, and if tomorrow will ever come!!!

Thank You, for another day!

Yesterday had to have been one of the most gorgeous days of the year. It was warm, the wind was blowing and the sun was shining. When I first stepped out of the house, I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. I was granted another day of living and enjoying this miraculous world.

I know that since I've become a mom, I think I'll always be here to take care of my children, but truth is, I may not. There is a higher power and He is the one that gifts me this thing I call life. I think one of the many things I've learned in the past years is that life is precious and it can be taken from us so quickly. My younger brother was in a terrible motorcycle accident and passed away. A few months later, a neighbor, who was in his mid 40's or 50's was in a motorcycle accident, but he lived. Why him and not my brother? Because, that's the plan that He has for us. My dad was emitted to the hospital for back pain he couldn't get rid of. Turns out he had stage 4, non-hodgkins lyphoma. He died 2 weeks later.

The point is that we never know how long we have here on the earth. So, my advice would be: always kiss your loved ones before you/they leave the house, don't hold a grudge--forgiveness is a mighty weight lifted off your being, embrace your blessings, be grateful for what you do have and not think about what you don't have, focus on the positive and you won't be able to see the bad side of things anymore, give thanks, share your love, tell others how you feel about them, call a friend or a family member, and most of all---give thanks to God for allowing you to do all of that!

Today marks one year for my father passing away. If I could give anyone some advice, I would tell them to make peace with your family. I have no regrets with my father, and I'm grateful for that. I was able to forgive him and the Lord was the only one that could help me forget when I truely asked for help. I belive he also forgave me for anything I had done to him. So, if you have a dad, call them for me or give them a big hug!

I love you, dad!

(my kids' last picture with their only grandpa)

Political or Not: You need to see this!

I've never thought of myself as an avid voter, but the election this winter actually scares me. I didn't think that Obama would make it as far as he did, but he did. I've heard things about him and ....well, if you have about 12 minutes, watch this clip and you can make your own decision. All I ask is for you to educate yourself before the election this year! Don't hop on the ban wagon--learn what you need to know to make a good decision. After all, this will affect our children.

Remember to....

I love this wonderful time of year when trees are green and flowers are blooming! When you can open your windows at night and it's cool! Don't forget to stop and smell the roses! They don't last too long, and you'll regret it if you don't!
Remember to drown out all the noises of the world and be still for a moment. Remember to be grateful for what you do have and not always thinking about what you want next!
Remember to sit down with your kids and play with them, or run around with them. There will be a time when they don't want you around, so enjoy it while they do.
Remember to kiss your husband and tell him 'thanks' for no reason!
Remember to call your parents and tell them how much you appreciated something that they taught you when you were young.
Remember to compliment people.
Remember to smile---it makes any situation better. Besides, you look better too!
Happy Spring!

You put two and two together.....

Ok, anyone who knows me, knows that I'm a usually 'happy go lucky' kind of person. Not quite positive the meaning of that saying, but I think it means I'm usually happy and not too uptight (notice I had to add the 'too' part to that last phrase). Well, I've become a little cynical in that I think everyone is going to die of some kind of cancer. Cancer rates have rose so quickly over the years and they keep going up. My dad passed away of lymphoma last year (get tumors on your lymph nodes) and now that has sealed my belief. Besides, how many chemicals do we use now as opposed to 'in the olden days?' I just read an article about how bottle water consuption has skyrocketted the past years and people aren't recycling and on and on, but the point is, it described the different kinds of plastics that are used for what. If you look at the bottom of a milk jug it has a 2 on it. This is code so you know what type of resin is used in making it. To make a long story short, one of the worst kinds of resin is #7. So, please tell me why baby bottles, medical storage containers, and stain resistant food storage containers are made out of this? Has anyone asked yourself why cancer rates have skyrocketted and why there are chemicals in everything we use? Have you ever looked on a cleaning product and notice that the ingredients aren't listed? Did you know that Pledge contains butane and propane in it? Just wanted to open some people's eyes to the world we live in. Next time you go to clean your bathroom and you use all your chemicals, ask yourself why you think when you clean with all that stuff why you think it's 'clean?' Don't get me wrong, I do the same thing, but wonder why I think things are clean when I smell all those chemicals?

In Memory of....My Dad

I figured a blog was like a journal, so I wanted to use it to record some of my dreams. I've had some strange dreams lately about my dad. If you don't know, he passed away in July (ironically on the most lucky day of the century: 7-7-07) from an agressive lymphoma. He was fine one day, thought he pulled something in his back, and finally went to the dr. 2 weeks later. He was in the hospital while they ran tests, and died 2 weeks later. This was a lesson on how precious our life is and how it can be taken away so quickly.

So, my point was to record some of the dreams I've had about him. I think i've had about 4, but can't remember the first 2. The other night I dreamed that we were at one of Eli's soccer games, but it was indoors in a gym. (Might be from the amount of time I spend in a gym watching Miguel's volleyball team). It was quite a large gym and we were sitting on some chairs, the game going on in front of us, and people setting up for some event behind us--they looked like caterers. So, we're watching the game (completely aware that my dad has passed away and feeling like I needed to cherish this time I had with him) and Eli tries to do some tricky dribbling move and loses the ball. We're kinding laughing thinking he was cute for trying to do some tricky move. Then, my dad looks at me, and says he thinks the eggs are baked, not broiled (I guess we had been discussing what the caterers were putting out). His face was as clear as day, and I remember feeling his leg touch mine as we sat next to each other. For anyone that can tell me what this dream means, feel free.

Another dream I had was last night. It was me and my dad and my older brother--he must have been behind me in the dream b/c I couldn't see his face, just hear his voice. I think we were outside of a hospital. So, we're talking about how my mom is the new scribe for the bishop at our church. David, my brother, puts his two sense in and says how he used to do that and glad he's done with that job. Then my dad makes fun of my mom saying he didn't think she'd know how to do that and blah blah blah. I respond, "ok, bert!" (my dad's eyebrows were bigger than bert's from bert and ernie on seasame street). My dad kind of laughed that off, then turned around to smoke a cigarette. I didn't understand why no one was making a big deal about this, so I sneaked up behind him, hit the cigarette out of his hand and ran over and stomped on it. That one was a pretty weird dream. Who knows if I'll have anymore!

So MUCH to do, so LITTLE time!

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed with everything that needs to be done? Ever felt like this?

I definately have, and do right now. But then I think, I could look like this.......

and I don't want to pull my hair out anymore.

Ever had a hard time motivating yourself on the treadmill? I think this is a FABULOUS idea!

SLEEP

Today was one of the nicest days I've had. Well, it didn't start out like that. I decided not to go to Stake Conference (pretty much for the reason of wrestling 3 kids for 2 + hours was not something I could do today) but because I am exhausted beyond belief. Things have been really hectic and I've been going and going and going for a long time now. I think today was my body's way of telling me I have to stop! So I got to sleep in a little while this morning (translation---getting up to referee b/2 Eli and Livi, and getting them breakfast). It is nice to be able to keep my door open and one ear open and both eyes shut, and letting the kids play and watch cartoons. Ethan has been sleeping in really late, lately. I think he slept until 10 am today. He usually sleeps until 9 or 10am every morning---just for the past couple of weeks. I have been somewhat worried about him but figure I should take it while it lasts. I think he's going through a growth spurt. Anyways, after emailing some things to people in my Math class, I learned that Livi had gotten into my make-up and used the back of our chair as a canvas for her masterpiece. I totally lost it. I had specifically put my make-up on a counter that she couldn't reach (this isn't the first time she's gotten into it).

(ok, this isn't Livi and this isn't make-up, but you get the picture)

While I was scrubbing off the foundation on the back of the chair I thought about taking a picture, but that thought vanished as I continued to clean off the foundation. I was able to think and realize that there was one good thing that did happen---at least we have leather furniture and I wasn't trying to get this out of fabric. I felt very proud that I was able to realize that in the midst of everything. So, it doesn't stop there. Ethan pushes the ottoman into the kitchen and gets in the pantry and starts eating the raisins. I would have been fine with that, but then he eats them and spits the nasty things all over. What another mess. I finally completely lost it, went crying into my bed and told Miguel I was done. He then took the kids, and I slept. When he got home, I finally ate something and then went back to bed for another couple hours. We then went to our marriage class and learned some really good tactics on communicating our feelings. So after all that happened, I would say today was a good day. It is amazing what happens when your body has sleep!!! That's just what Wendy ordered (that's where you say Dr. , but i'm not a doctor so I just put my name in there instead!)

FRESH AIR !!

I love this time of year!!! We slept with our windows open last night and it was so nice!! These are a few reasons why I love this time of year!



Cool breeze is so wonderful, especially after a long summer with the air conditioner running all the time!



I know we don't really see this here, but leaves that change color are so vivid and vibrant and almost take my breath away! I got to see it a lot when I was in Utah for sisters' weekend (i'll tell more when i get my pictures developed!!!)

So sinful! If you have to have a donut, try the pumpkin spice ones at krispy kreme. Never liked anything pumpkin until I tried this. Could it be the vast amount of sugar they put in it?? Probably not!

It seems like sunsets this time of year have more color. Maybe it's just the fact that I get to see it since the sun sets earlier! I love fall!