Old Goals for a New Year

It's time once again for that blessed part of the year where we look back and figure out where we can improve. We reevaluate ourselves, set goals, and hope to achieve them. I hope to do the same. Of the many things I can improve, one I keep thinking about is my overall health.

Kevin and I had a medical check up recently and it turned out we weren't quite as healthy as we would like to be. Just because you aren't very overweight doesn't mean that you are healthy. Our cholesterol levels and a few other things needed some improving, nothing a few bowls of cheerios can't fix, right?

I've realized that it's more than just that. After over-indulging in my share of holiday feasts/goodies and growing my own festive winter coat I've come to find that

I don't like the way I feel when I treat my body this way. It feels a lot like this...

and makes me want to do nothing but this,

which is not very healthy.

So what to do?

The same thing we do every year, set goals and try to achieve them.

At the beginning of 2008 I started Weight Watchers to shed off the last of my mommy coat and adopt some better eating habits and............ it worked.

I learned how to incorporate more fruits and vegetables and fiber in my diet and

I really felt great.

Unfortunately, I tend to lose the motivation once I reach my goal. I've had this ribbon on my refrigerator since March, hoping it would remind me to be careful about what I eat. Most days I hear it say,

"You're doing so great, you deserve another slice of pizza."

And I agree...

Because I love pizza, and pizza loves me back....

Dang you Papa John's!

And why is it that I tend to snack more while watching The Biggest Loser? I still haven't figured that one out.

Now when it comes to working out,
I'm not the type to pay for/have time to join a gym even though that probably sounds like a lame excuse. I prefer taking college dance classes or step aerobics for exercise, because for me it is much more motivating than running on a treadmill. If I want some affordable exercise that can fit into my schedule I will need get up earlier in the morning and go for a jog. That takes motivation and getting over the fact that someone might see me without my "face" on and in makeshift workout clothes... which scares me for some reason.

So these are some of my goals for this year that I hope to first achieve and ultimately maintain.

1. Start writing down what I eat

2. Go to more WW meetings

3. Start a jogging routine

4. Stop caring about what others might think about me when I jog

Not completely unrealistic so it might just work.

Wish me luck:)

Of Christmas Past and Presents

Christmas was a little different this year.

The girls were eager to help me with the Christmas shopping

and the gift wrapping.

They were no longer my little vegetables in a basket. Now equipped with quick little legs they were hard to catch, thus ending our tradition of sticking bows on their heads.It also became obvious this year that they had wants just like everyone else.

"Dear Santa, I want......

They loved their gifts and goodiesand while they probably didn't get everything their little hearts desired they were happy

and it was Christmas.

The Reason for the Season

I love watching this video, especially at Christmastime. I can't help but feel the spirit and know that Christ IS the reason we celebrate this time of year. God gave the greatest gift, his only begotten son so that we could return to live with him again. I'm so grateful to have the gospel in my life and that my family can be eternal. These are truly they best gifts that could ever be given.

Merry Christmas:)

Twas the Fright before Christmas

Twas the fright before Christmas

at a nearby Pro Shop,

when a picture with Santa turned into a flop.

********

This Santa was SO nice. I felt bad for him and the girls.

Luckily the picture was free and the girls enjoyed their candycanes. Maybe next year they won't think he's so scary:)

Tuppens a bag

Yesterday we went to a park to feed the ducks. It was just like the Feed The Birds scene from Mary Poppins but with ten times the pigeons, ducks, and minus the crazy bird lady.

Thank goodness...

These birds were STARVING!

I blame the economy (as we all do) and what seems to be a growing trend of people eating their stale bread.

The girls weren't keen on throwing perfectly tasty crackers to the birds so they kept theirs and let us do the throwing.

It was fun to watch the flurry of feathers follow each morsel of food
and soon we were surrounded.

Most of them kept a small distance, but one brave duck decided he'd like a piece of Brenna's cracker and I had to put him in his place.


That bird lady wouldn't have lasted more than 5 minutes with her bags of crumbs, that's for sure.

The Waiting Game

The girls had their 15 month check up last week. They each weighed in at 23lbs, and just over 30 inches tall which places them in the 50th percentile. After they were measured, weighed and thoroughly drooled over by the assistants we went back into the room to wait...

and wait some more...

First they danced their little diapered buns off to celebrate their nakedness.

They danced a little more until they saw the camera and Brooke suddenly remembered that it was HER camera, not mine.

After successfully hiding the camera, they became interested in a game of hide and seek. Brooke who was "seeking" would acknowledge her find by hitting it on the head until it wailed. That game did not last very long.

The Dr. came in and gave them each a stick which they played with for a little while. She did a quick exam and confirmed that they are both healthy and doing great developmentally. Now to get rid of those darn binkies...

After the Dr. left, the girls ventured under the chairs and tables to see what they could see, or maybe because they sensed that shots were on their way in.

Finally they each got 3 shots and cried their heads off for what seemed to be the longest record yet. You'd think this part would get easier as they get older but it doesn't. They might as well given me a "world's worst mommy" sticker along with my next appointment card.

A few hugs and two cookies later and all was well.

I blog because...

#1

My social life is that of a hermit. I stay inside most days in my cute little shell just me and the the little hermits. Daddy hermit works 50 hours a week. Thus, blogging has become one of my main sources to the outside world.

#2

I love to learn about what is going on in other people's lives and to feel like I'm on the "inside loop." It's the only place where people gossip about themselves and I like that kind of gossip because it's the only righteous kind.

#3.

I'm not the best at starting conversations in person, but if I can write things down I tend to do a better job at sharing what is really on my mind. Plus, I get to use pictures:)

#4

Blogging is fun and it gives me something to do when I'm bored, the girls are asleep, and Kevin's at work. It doesn't cost money or make me gain weight.

#5

I love to write and try to be creative. A blog gives you a clean page to work with every time.

#6

I'm a blogoholic.....OK I said it.

Why do you blog?

#1 on my list for sure

The Babykeeper Basic for Public Restrooms

Public restrooms, YES we can! Crowded dressing rooms here we come! Time to mop but the kids are still awake? We'll have their feet off the ground in no time. Someone needs a time out? No problemo. Too bad they only go up to 18 months.

Order yours here.

Do you think I could fit two on one door?

(FYI I'm totally kidding so if you drew my name please don't buy me one, or two for that matter)

Sisters don't shake hands....

sisters gotta hug!

(now if we can just put a stop to the biting/hair pulling)

Ragamuffin

I loved this idea and decided to make one today.

It's called a ragamuffin which is really the name of a long haired cat. This craft is much cuter than some ragged cat right? I'd love to make some for the nursery with pinks and greens, the possibilities are endless. So if you invite me to your baby shower, I'll be requesting your nursery colors for this reason:)

My supplies

-One long ribbon

-Leftover Christmas ribbons from last years gifts (being a pack rat has it's benefits)

- Pottery barn sheet from DI

-2 red pillowcases from DI

-Green curtain panel from DI

-5 red ornaments

It took me a few hours of cutting and tying, and cost about $6 which isn't too bad considering I have enough fabric to make another smaller one.

I plan on attaching some clothespins later so I can hang Christmas Cards from it.

Yay for crafts that are easy and cheap, yet cute:)

Turkey X 3

We made 3 rounds for Thanksgiving this year, just thinking about it makes my stomach bulge a little. We went to my Mom's and In-Law's on Thursday and then my Dad's on Friday. Needless to say we got our fill of food, fun and holiday merriment.

Each Thanksgiving feast lived up to its name.

1. A large, elaborately prepared meal, usually for many persons and often accompanied by entertainment; a banquet.

"Often accompanied with a good pair of stretchy pants," is what it should say.

I opted out on the green beans last minute and microwaved made corn instead. The pumpkin cake was a success so yay for that:) Entertainment consisted of rides in a mop bucket, making animal faces, singing songs, dodge ball and a game of Taboo.

(guess which animals we are)

It was enough to produce two sleepy toddlers by 730 pm, now that's a record!

We had a very fun weekend and enjoyed spending time with family and friends:)

Tag Slacker

I've been tagged a time or two and haven't responded, please forgive me while I try to catch up:) I can thank Autie for this one.

4 random things I love about Kevin:

-He mopped the filthy kitchen floor last week while I lazily perused the Internet.
-He is an awesome Dad and is always so excited to see the girls even after a long day at work.
-He is very laid back and doesn't freak out about things, the opposite of me pretty much:)
-He thinks my weird facial expressions are cute, or at least he says they are.

4 jobs I've had:

-Soda Jerk at 5 & Diner (made shakes/malts/weird egg cream drinks etc.etc.)
-Hostess and a Curbside Takeaway Server at Outback Steakhouse (curbside still means a tip people)
-Receptionist at a Contracting Company
-Orthodontic Assistant (please brush before ortho appointments, it's common courtesy)

4 movies I've seen more than once:

-Labyrinth (practically have it memorized, sad)
-Heavyweights
-Napoleon Dynamite
-Willow

4 TV shows i watch:

-The Biggest Loser (Vicki is evil)
-Grey's Anatomy
-17 kids and Counting
-The Office


4 places I've been:

-Niagara Falls
-The Grand Canyon
-Catalina Island
-Rocky Point


4 favorite foods:

- Turkey Subs
- Chicken Enchiladas
- Homemade Tamales
- Pork Taco from Cafe Rio

4 places i would like to visit:

-Hawaii
-Nauvoo
-San Fransisco
-New York City

I tag anyone who hasn't already done this one, you know who you are:)

A Weenie Roast and Watermelon

We roasted some hot dogs Saturday evening at my sister's house. They have a beautiful backyard with luscious green grass, citrus trees, and a cement block that is perfect for a fire pit and a late night weenie roast. The hot dogs were pretty tasty.

The girls, however, were much more interested in their slices of watermelon....

which proved to be quite messy.....

and brought out their "Smeagel side" as their fruit became "precious" to them.

They became so infatuated in fact, that when they were finished eating the red, they moved on to the green rind without a complaint.....

until mom had to take them away and replace them with a new slice.
It was a hard bargain but they soon realized....

it was better that way.