A testimonial on what I've been doing the past four months

I love Obsidian. Plain and simple. It is an awesome workout combined with an emphasis on healthy lifelong eating habits. It rocks my world, but it is transforming my body like no other workout I’ve experienced before, including: running, step aerobics, Body Combat, and Body Pump.

Before starting Obsidian four months ago, I had been out of a consistent workout loop for quite some time due to health issues and body injuries from skiing (back and knee). I was nervous about injuring myself further, but the opposite has been true. I have had no knee pains during or after the workouts (although I still have some knee problems after running) and strengthening my core has helped compensate for my injured lower back.
Both the type of workout Obsidian is and the personal attention on improving my form from Lacey and Erin are the reasons why I have no troubles with my knee and back during and after workouts.

This personal attention from Lacey and Erin does not stop during the workout. They help with form, they cheer you on, they push you during class, but they also give incredible attention and advice to each Obsidian participant after the class as needed. I have been amazed at all the personal attention they have given to me in the form of analyzing my caloric intake, suggesting specific choices for food, and answering any and all questions I have about getting stronger and healthier. A friend from California remarked at “what an awesome deal” I am getting through Obsidian. I wholeheartedly agree.

In all, I have enjoyed the personal attention, motivation, and education I receive each week while attending my Obsidian classes. In the last four months, I have lost 25 pounds and more than 30 total inches. I feel healthy. I’m stronger. I no longer get daily headaches. Moving around is easier. My spirits have lifted. As a mother of four active children, I’m so thankful to the huge impact Obsidian has had on my life. Thanks so much to Lacey and Erin!

Baptism Day

Last Saturday was a beautiful day as Abby chose to be baptized. She had been looking forward to that day for a long time! We were so thankful to the family and friends who were able to come and missed my parents who could not be with us.

I was worried that in all the frenzy of getting ready for the baptism and the luncheon afterward, I would be too anxious to feel the Spirit. I'm thankful to say that I did have a sweet experience, and it came when the Stake Primary President had Abby stand up in her baptism clothes while the rest of us sang "When I Am Baptized."

I like to look for rainbows
whenever there is rain
And ponder on the beauty of
an earth made clean again.

I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be the best I can
and live with God again.

I know when I am baptized
my wrongs are washed away,
And I can be forgiven and
improve myself each day.

I want my life to be as clean
as earth right after rain.
I want to be teh best I can
and live with God again.

It was a moving experience to see my sweet girl sing these words and to be surrounded by those who love her so much. I'm so thankful for her example to be baptized, and I'm so thankful that Eric was worthy to baptize her. I'm thankful for Lynn and Val who raised such a wonderful son, and I'm thankful for my parents for their support felt from far away. My heart is full for all my blessings!

Crazy Eight

Crazy Castle has just become crazier. That's right, our Abby Sue (as we jokingly call her) has officially turned EiGHt today. A big deal in my book. A BIGGER deal in hers. How did we get to the place where our firstborn is ready to be baptized? I have no idea. Like I've been told: The days drag on but the years fly by. It's so true.

The road to EiGHt has been paved with different sorts of stones. Some have been polished, some have been beautfiul, some have had dings, and some have been volcanic, but I wouldn't have it any other way as Miss Abby Sue is such a blessing to have in Crazy Castle.

She is precocious.
She is strong and athletic.
She is a great friend.
She makes other people feel loved.
She is strong-willed.
She is careful.
She loves truth.
She is a helper.
She is motivated.
She is sweet.
She is artistic.
She is smart.
She is beautiful.
She lives life OUT LOUD!

I'm glad she's only EiGHt so that I can have more time in my castle with this special spirit I have been entrusted with. I love my Abby Sue!

Deep Thoughts (not by Jack Handy)

These thoughts have been at the top of my mind lately:

1) Food doesn't taste as good as thin feels. (Fellow competitor in the Obsidian Challenge)

So true, except for maybe tzaziki and flat bread. My goal this year is to lose another 15 lbs.

2) If it's to be, it's up to me. (Thanks, Linda.)

I'm going to apply this thought to playdates. I'm so darned bad at them. I feel bad for my kiddos.

3) If we're not happy with what we have, we won't be ever happy with what we get. (Thanks, Liz.)

I will remind myself of this thought when I feel I need more scrapbooking supplies! :-)

4) It doesn't matter who we aren't when we know who we are. (Thanks, Linda.)

One of my goals for this year is to especially work on number four. I have always struggled with liking myself, and I'm darn tired of it! It really affects so many areas in my life. I'm really wanting to find out what my purpose on the earth is, yuh know?

P.S. A real deep thought by Jack Handy: "Whenever anyone says, 'I can't,' it makes me wish he would get stung by ten thousand bees. When he says, 'I'll try," five thousand bees. 'I can,' one bee.

http://www.deepthoughtsbyjackhandey.com/3x5cards.html

Thanksgiving Weekend Highlights

A cranky Evy for our car drive down to So Cal there and back was definitely worth suffering through. The days spent in Yorba Linda and at the beach were beautifully warm and full of love and laughter. Oh, how I miss the warmth today.

Highlights of our trip include:

*a walk in the lakebed
*me pushing Eric into the pool (61 degree surface temp) and then Abby and Will jumping in
*our little family hanging out in the spa and Eric, me, Abby, and Will daring each other to jump into the pool one night
*Val's wonderful food
*playing games with Lynn
*Abby & Will playing games with their "boats" they made from plant leaves
*tide pools and beach with everyone
*getting a hug from Celia
*Bri's face when she saw Horace, my horse puppet, sticking out my window as we carpooled to In 'n Out
*house hunting with Ananda and Matt
*learning more about Steve-O's Alaskan adventures
*finishing the 5K run better than I thought I would
*having my children entertained by their awesome aunts and uncles
*watching Evy and Celia dance to the gummy bear song

My Little Rose

One year ago today I was discouraged. I had my weekly ob checkup. I had not dilated in a week. I was walking around town at 4 cm. I still had 10 days to go until my due date, but I was DONE. The day went ahead as usual: kids home from school, snack, homework, and then off to piano practice. It was at piano practice that I started having regular 5 minute contractions. I didn't think anything of them as they felt like the ole' Braxton Hicks I had known so well. I drove Abby and I home. Still contracting. Sent Eric to SCC meeting at the school at 6 p.m. Still contracting. Trying to keep the kiddos happy until Eric got home. Contractions getting noticeably more painful. Hmmm. Start pacing the floor holding my back. Breathing through a contraction. Waiting for Eric at the back door as he arrived about 7:15. I tell him it's time to call Kerri and go. 7:45 on our way out the door. Walk to van and try to get in seat. Stop to breathe. Somehow I get in and have HORRIBLE contractions all the way to the hospital. Realize I had waited too long at home and started to worry the baby would come in the car. Eric drops me off at the curb. I leave him and walk in by myself, almost in tears. Eric catches up as he decides to leave the car in the drop off zone. Make it up to labor/delivery. Can barely speak. Tears come. Water breaks. Rushed to room. In SERIOUS pain. IV in. Get checked. I'm between an 8 and 9. Get epidural as contractions are now 30 seconds apart. No time to catch breath. Eric decides to not move the van just yet. Good idea. Get checked again. Baby's head is there. Time to push. Two pushes. A quiet baby is put on my chest at 9:04 p.m. on her Bapa's birthday--11/20. That bloody baby is instantly beautiful to me. Love at first sight! Eric moves the van.

I can't believe that drama happened a year ago already. I'm thankful Evy and I are here both safe and sound as there were some touchy moments during that delivery. I'm thankful for my Rosie and the happiness she has brought to our family. I'm thankful that from all the hardship and misery of carrying and delivering my baby, a little rose was born. I can't wait to watch her grow even more. Here's to Miss Evelyn Rose!

Shining Star

Evy had her nine month pictures taken almost two months ago. I just came across the blog cd Fotogenix generously gave to me. I think they are definitely worthy of posting especially since I have not blogged for over a month now. Excuse the amount of pics I'm posting as I just couldn't narrow them down.

Looking at these pictures, the song lyrics, "I am like a star shining brightly," come to mind. I love this little girl. I love her happy demeanor. I love her angelic face. I love the coy look on her face in the picture where she is looking over her shoulder while standing, mind you, on a chair. I love how her large eyes shine. I love the innocence. What a darling age!

A Fall Song

Golden and red trees
Nod to the soft breeze,
As it whispers, "Winter is near;"
And the brown nuts fall
At the wind's loud call,
For this is the Fall of the year.

Good-by, sweet flowers!
Through bright Summer hours
You have filled our hearts with cheer
We shall miss you so,
And yet you must go,
For this is the Fall of the year.

Now the days grow cold,
As the year grows old,
And the meadows are brown and sere;
Brave robin redbreast
Has gone from his nest,
For this is the Fall of the year.

I do softly pray
At the close of day,
That the little children, so dear,
May as purely grow
As the fleecy snow
That follows the Fall of the year.

--by Ellen Robena Field

Newbie

I am a total newbie when it comes to digital photography and Adobe Elements, but I'm loving both! It has been a recent adventure of mine to learn how different digital textures, masks, etc. can add to the overall feeling of a photo.

I am learning through an awesome online teacher. Her name is Jessica Sprague(www.jessicasprague.com), and she offered a free class over the summer of popular actions in Elements. She has very clear step-by-step instructions on how to implement different techniques, and I have access to my class instructions for as long as I want.

If I can do it, anyone can! Check out these cool before and afters:

Learning about png frames and word art




Creating a Vintage Style Photo




Clipping Masks





Textures





Through the Viewfinder (TTV)





Selective Spot Recoloring




More fun to come!

A Happy Ending

Somehow today ended on a happy note. I'm so thankful it did. I was just thinking yesterday how I've been enjoying my children way more than usual lately--and not because they are in school! I think it's because I've been able to keep my anxiety under control. Maybe it's the running. I hope so.

Well, this afternoon was NOT enjoyable. After walking the kids home from school in the blazing heat, I decided to take the kids swimming. So I called Murray City pool to make sure they were open (learned to call ahead the hard way a few years ago). The message said they were open.
We got ready.
We packed the car.
We drove 15 minutes to find the pool was closed.
Crying ensued.
I got a bright idea. I drove another 15 minutes back to Sugarhouse to the Fairmont Aquatic Center.
We unloaded everyone and everything.
We paid.
We walked in.
The pool closes just as our little toes were about to touch the water.
The pool would be closed for at least an hour due to human waste in the water.
MAJOR crying ensues.
MAJOR fits in the car as we drive home.
I am turning into not a very nice mom due to my heat stroke and hunger and Evy's ear-piercing shrieks.
I send children to their rooms.
We eat dinner.
I break the news that we won't be able to swim AND watch the new Hannah Montana movie like we had previously planned due to the afternoon's course of events and wanting the children in bed at a decent hour on a school night.
Whoa! More crying ensues.
I ask A & W to choose one of the activities.
Of course they cannot have the same choice.
More arguing.
More time spent in the room by Abby and not Will as he is smart enough to see his mother is getting angrier.
He pours on his charm.
I'm suddenly the best mom ever--all the while Abby is screaming in her room.
I call and grumble to Eric secretly wishing it wasn't his fishing night.
Eric and I choose swimming for the children.
Abby miraculously comes out and apologizes and says she would love to swim.
I am at a loss for words.
I get everyone ready--again.
We drive to the aquatic center.
We enter.
We actually get to swim.
Everyone is happy for an hour and a half.
We come home and get ready for bed.
Abby helps read while I settle Evy down.
She lets Will choose his book.
Prayers are said.
Hugs and secret handshakes are given.
Lights go out.
No talking comes from either of the rooms.
They are all out for the count.
Ahhhh. Truly a happy ending!

California Trip

Eric and I are glad we survived our 11 day road trip to celebrate our anniverary yesterday! Even though the thousands of miles we put onto "Bessie" proved to be VERY trying at times, we mostly had a wonderful and memorable time in California. We drove down to So Cal, stayed five nights, drove up the coast, stayed one night, drove to Nor Cal, stayed 5 nights and then drove home. Here are some highlights from our trip:

Arriving in Yorba Linda at 2:30 a.m. PST
Swimming all day with Chad, Chelsea, Bri, Celia, and Nana
Abby trying her first front flip off the diving board
Will showing off for Chelsea’s friends
Watching Chelsea and Bri's sweet dives
Sliding down the waterslide on tummies
Eating at In ‘n Out
Legoland
Eating at Ruby’s and taking in the view
Salt Creek Beach with Chad, Matt, Ananda, Bri, and Celia
Watching surfers surf the double-overhead waves
Swimming more
Seeing old friends at church
Visiting with extended family
Enjoying Val’s yummy food
The lakebed
The Grove and American Girl Doll store
Staying at a hotel in Arroyo Grande (near Pismo Beach)
Collecting shells at Morro Bay and finding tons of sand dollars
Driving the scenic Hwy 1
Watching wild elephant seals for a once-in-a-lifetime experience
Eating junk food
Arriving at Grandma and Grandpa’s a day early
Swimming with Grandma, Grandpa, Jen, Sammie, Maddie, and Rob
Playing with Jack
Learning abowt Mom’s plants
Looking through old pics
Hanging out at the American River
Abby jumping off a rock into the cold river
Hanging out with the Sigrist cousins
Eating Mom’s yummy food
Going on a night hike and seeing bats and deer
Seeing wild turkeys

P. S. After taking 805 pics, I narrowed them down to the pics seen on the slideshow. I know there are a ton of photos, but I found it hard to even just choose my top 10%!

P. P. S. I somehow managed to leave out the picture I had chosen for Lynn. Here it is:

14 Years Ago

What happened 14 years ago?

*Windows 95 was released
*The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland opened
*The 49ers beat the Chargers in the Super Bowl
*Oklahoma City bombings
*Scott O'Grady was shot down over Bosnia in the NATO no-fly zone
*Sony released Playstation
*Galileo spacecraft arrived at Jupiter after six years of space travel
*Last Calvin & Hobbes comic was published
*Coolio's "Gangsta's Paradise" was the number one single
*Top grossing films were "Toy Story" and "Batman Forever"
*Eric and I were married!

It's crazy how time flies. I feel blessed that Eric has been such a good husband and friend to me and for his UNCONDITIONAL love.

Today we celebrated the big day at Finn's for lunch. (THANK YOU to Kerri for watching our kiddos.) We talked about the things we've gotten better at and realized how we haven't regressed in other areas. I'm proud of us for getting better as the years have gone by. We are a good match. We get things done. We are a team. We have fun. To many more years of fun! Opa!

P. S. The pics I've included are of our wedding announcement, our one year mark, and 14 years later. (Yes, we've both put on quite a few pounds and my hair isn't as curly. I thought it would never happen to me, but it did.)

Our Drama Queen

Around our house there is a lot of drama--a lot of loud drama. Much of the drama can be traced back to Abby, and Eric has affectionately called the frequent drama episodes as "The Abby Show." Many times we need to remind her to harness "The Abby Show." So when I found out about "Adventures in Acting" camp I knew this would be a great way for Abby to unleash "The Abby Show" in an appropriate environment, time, etc. Of course "The Abby Show" had "stage fright" for the first half of the week, but I could see none of this "stage fright" during her little performance today. It was so fun to see her use her imagination and at times lead her class. I'm hoping she'll continue to like theatre. In my opinion Abby and drama just go hand in hand!

Numbers Two and Four

I recently took my numbers two and four, aka Will and Evy respectively, to get their portraits taken as Will just turned six and Evy is now 7 1/2 months old. I really wanted to get Evy's taken at six months of age, but sometimes life just gets in the way! In a perfect world, I like to get my children's portraits taken at one, three, six, nine, and twelve months of age. After the first year, I take them every six months until they turn two and then at every following birthday. I love to see how much they change over time, and I'm a total sucker for pictures/portraits.

The studio I have been taking the children to since we moved to Utah, Fotogenix, was offering a blog cd with a minimum purchase (which I, of course, met). As I post pics of my evens, here is a little rundown for each:

Will:

*Mr. Lego Man loves Legos, loves to build his own planes/spaceships/cars and loves to build sets from Space Police, Indiana Jones, Agents, etc., loves if they have at least 500 pieces!

*Mr. Sweet Man loves to give hugs, tell me I'm the best mommy in the world (ha!), and tickle my arm when I'm starting to lose it.

*Mr. Bug-my-Little-Brother does just that. Period. All day.

*Mr. Cyclist enjoys riding his bike without training wheels.

*Mr. I'm Hungry has a hollow leg. Where does all the food go? He's been known to eat two Costco hot dogs and a 1/2 slice of their pizza for lunch!

*Mr. Reading enjoys reading everything he sees.

*Mr. X-box 360 can't get enough of Lego Star Wars.

*Mr. Silly likes to be just that!

*Mr. Would Love to. . . take Karate, go to Legoland, play in water all day.

*Mr. Swim can finally be taken to the pool without a life jacket. Yahoo! He also likes to go off the diving board and water slide.

*Mr. Science/Bug Man loves to ask, "Why?"

*Mr. Eager-to-Please

*Mr. Friends galore

*Mr. I'm-Settling-into-my-Own Skin

Evelyn:

*Miss I like to smile

*Miss I'm Mommy's easiest baby so far (Please stay that way!)

*Miss I can eat a ton! No more baby food for me. Bring on the table food!

*Miss I love my siblings

*Miss I have beautiful, large, blue eyes

*Miss I like to roll

*Miss I'm learning to sit on my own

*Miss I like to talk (Yes, another one!)

*Miss I love to be held

I'm so grateful for these two lovies!

Tagged

Kerri tagged me with this one:

Take a picture of yourself right now and post it. No primping. No putting your hair up in a ponytail holder, etc. Then tag three more people.

I love how I stumbled across this tag after a VERY rough Sunday with my sleep deprived two-year-old. I think today was his worst day EVER. So here I am looking very authentic--tired. Just go ahead and stick a fork in me--I'm done!

I tag Erin, Janae, Amber, and those mentioned on Kerri's blog!

Most Embarrassing Moment

Ummm. . . yeah. . . I now know my most embarrassing moment. It came to my realization Monday night while visiting (probably for the second time since we've lived here these past 13 months) my neighbor on the north side of us. The single male neighbor with the two teenage boys. After checking out the cool deck he is making in his backyard, I took a long glance at my bathroom window which faces his kitchen and one of the boys' bedrooms. To my horror I noticed how transparent my "privacy" window is. It turns out the privacy window is not so private. So, yeah, now I'm feeling really embarrassed and sick. I'm thinking it's not a matter of if I've been spotted in the shower, it's more of how many times I've flashed my neighbors. Nice.

After bringing this fact to Eric's attention (who reassured me time after time that the privacy window was in fact private), he went to Home Depot and installed these blinds. Thank you very much, Hon. I'm really looking forward to a truly private shower now!

From First Day to Last

I cannot believe how fast this year has flown by! Abby and Will have both excelled in school, and I'm very thankful for their teachers for being so dedicated to their profession. What a long way Will has come from his first day of school 180 days ago! He has made a 180 degree turn--from a whimpering little boy when I left him that first day to a confident, smiling, silly, and well-liked individual in his class. And Abby--wow! Her writing and handwriting have improved amazingly. I am proud of her hard work all year and for learning how to make the best of a sometimes rough situation. Way to go big kids! Now it's time for some summer fun!