Wednesday, April 28, 2010

Gravity



Henry was testing out gravity today with his LUNCH!!!! He thought it was so neat to take the food from the tray to his mouth and then hummm straight to the floor. THEN he would just smile and laugh. He was so busted!!!!!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

Mommy, I don't feel good...







Unfortantly, the past three days have been spent sick and up at 3 am with a temp of 102.4, fever after fever, stuffy nose and cough. Eating a little and drinking some. Steve is out of town so it has been double duty for me. I sure have a greater respect for single moms that do this day after day. I'm glad that Steve will be home on Thursday night.

Hunter woke up this morning feeling better but then after his nap he woke up with another fever... it is kinda funny to see a 4yr old in the middle of a big king bed! He pretty much has taken over mommy and daddy's bed. The couch isn't so bad, this way I can hear Henry when he wakes up at 4:30... i'm so needing a nap!!

Hunter is such a active kid that it weird to see him curled up in bed watching cartoons and not moving. I just keep hearing MOMMY, mommy, mommy... Man i'm gratful that he is normally really healthy.

Now on the flip side he has wanted to cuddle that has been nice. It was sad thou when I told him that he wasn't going to school on Monday and now on Wednesday, he looked at me and said "mommy will I ever go to school again" and he put his head down and cried. Pool little guy...he is so sweet. Trying to keep him away from Henry well that is a loosing battle.. i'm just gearing up for Henry to get this soon. :(

Hoping for a better feeling day for Hunter soon. I just love this little guy!

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 10 "Believe"


I LOVE reading books that uplift me, inspire me, and when I put it down I feel like I can take on the world, really influence and touch someones life.

"Believe in what you're doing, Believe in who you are"

Hillary Weeks is one of my favorite artist to listen to and now I loved her book! I got it from "Time Out For Woman" and have really enjoyed reading it. I have listed some of my favorite parts. If you ever get a chance to read it, you will finish it with a smile on your face. I see how the lord talks to me, through books, people and my scriptures. I'm grateful for these tools.



* God loves you! He believes in who you're becoming, He believes in who you are.

* Heavenly Father so often answers our prayers in unexpected ways.

* Heaven sure sends some wonderful and unexpected surprises!

* Don't worry about what others think of you. Worry about what they think of themselves with they are with you.

* I don't wait for a smile, I smile first!

* Believe as you look for the good in others you will find it in yourself.

* The lord can speak to us about any concern or question through the scriptures. He can. He does. He will - but we must open them. We must do out part.

* When you don't think you can run, walk, or crawl one more step, put your things in the lord's hands and He'll make up the difference. He will give you the strength and endurance you need to finish the race!

Believe that within you are divine attributes which you man use anytime, anywhere, in any place!

* Believe the the Savior will make up the difference----- and you will be enough.

* The spirit is ready. He is ready to guide our decisions, purify our thoughts, inspire our minds, teach us the mysteries of the kingdom, and confirm God's love for you and me.

* He met my needs through someone else!

* Sometimes I think about the mistakes I've made, the things I shouldn't have said, the things I should have said, the times I have failed - and I wonder if I'll measure up. Well, I won't by myself. But with the Lord on my side, I will.

Sunday, April 25, 2010

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 9

"Find joy in the journey."
— Thomas S. Monson

Our family had a fun afternoon just riding down the road. We have found since Steve is working so hard, out of town, we really treasure our "family time" alot more. Watching Hunter "grow up" and try to do stunts on his 4-wheeler (mommy was nervous about that for sure).. Seeing Henry eyes get big while he rides with his daddy first the first time on the 4-wheeler. It truly is "ALL ABOUT SPENDING TIME TOGETHER"!





"Above all else, children need to know and feel they are loved,wanted, and appreciated. They need to be assured of that often. Obviously,this is a role parents should fill, and most often the mother can do it best.--Ezra Taft Benson


3 pounds and counting!!!

I did it!!! I did it!!! I lost 3 pounds this week!

I can't even explain my excitment! I have worked hard on watching my portins, Exercising, eating the RIGHT foods, making better choices and i'm not even hungry.
I'm so happy to see results this week.
My goal is to loose 10 more pounds and not only meet my goal but to be healthy.
It was a good "weigh in" day!!

Getting ready for the summer swim suit!

Meals Your Belly Will Love (Parenting Mag)

Don't panic -- there's no need to eat 87 things a day! Lots of our flat-belly foods have multiple benefits. Take an avocado, for instance: It provides potassium, protein, and healthy fat in one serving. We asked The Food Network's Ellie Krieger, R.D. (a Parenting Mom Squad member!), to share a few yummy, waist-friendly meal ideas from her book So Easy. No asparagus in the fridge or time to caramelize onions? No worries -- a simple bowl of whole-grain cereal with skim milk is also a pooch-fighting powerhouse!

Breakfast ideas:

1 Nonfat Greek yogurt topped with nuts, mixed berries, honey, cinnamon, and a touch of vanilla extract

2 Whole-grain toast with one fried egg, a slice of smoked turkey, and chopped asparagus

3 Banana/strawberry smoothie made with nonfat milk, unsalted almonds (they'll grind up smooth in the blender), and wheat germ

Lunch ideas:

1 Whole-wheat pita stuffed with sliced egg whites, avocado, cucumber, tomatoes, hummus, and hot sauce

2 Grilled salmon over Bibb lettuce with red new potatoes, green beans, kalamata olives, and a lemon-olive-oil dressing

3 Chicken salad with red grapes, sliced almonds, curry powder, and cilantro (use nonfat yogurt and a touch of mayonnaise and serve over salad greens)

Dinner ideas:

1 Chicken-mushroom-cheddar whole-wheat quesadilla with baby spinach and caramelized onions

2 Whole-wheat pasta primavera (toss in carrots, mushrooms, red bell pepper, and tomatoes, and top with grated parmesan)

3 Sirloin steak with garlic mashed potatoes (leave on the peels and use low-sodium chicken broth and olive oil to mash) and steamed spinach

4 Salad greens topped with white beans and shaved parmesan cheese, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar


4 Sneaky Waist Inflators

Stress Cortisol (the fight-or-flight hormone released from the adrenal gland) increases blood sugar, which increases insulin, which increases the deposit of belly fat.

Sleep deprivation Being overly tired leads to higher cortisol levels (see above) and throws your appetite-regulating hormones out of whack. And that -- you know what's coming next -- can result in binge eating.

Low vitamin D A vitamin D deficiency can contribute to blood-sugar-regulation problems, insulin resistance, and, yep, tummy rolls.

Constipation If you don't keep things moving, you know where it will all sit. Get regular with high-fiber foods (broccoli, peas, pears, ground flaxseeds) and lots of water. A probiotic supplement -- which has good bacteria to aid digestive health -- will help, too.

Bikini Belly here I come.... 8 Flat-Belly Foods



I enjoyed reading this article.... i'm going to adjust my menu and see if I get some results. Enjoy reading it!

8 Flat-Belly Foods
Easy, delicious meal and snack ideas to help banish bloat.
By Erin Zammett Ruddy, Parenting

Share Raise your hand if you've ever been asked, "So, when are you due?"... after you've given birth (like, way after). Yeah, we've all been there. Even once we've managed to squeeze back into our prepregnancy jeans, the belly tends to linger -- and, let's be honest, spill out over the top of said jeans. And it's not our fault! Thanks to the hormonal changes of pregnancy (and maybe breastfeeding), loss of elasticity in the abdomen, and sleep deprivation, new (and not so new) moms are particularly prone to belly fat, says Rebecca Booth, M.D., an ob-gyn in Louisville, KY, and author of The Venus Week: Discover the Powerful Secret of Your Cycle... at Any Age. And while this jiggly, wiggly thing can certainly be a blow to the ego, it can also be a blow to our health. "The changes in our metabolism can add extra weight around our middles, putting us at increased risk of heart disease, dementia, and certain cancers," says Dr. Booth. Jeez, isn't it bad enough we can no longer wear our shirts tucked in? The good news: It's completely reversible. The belly is one of the quickest places we lose weight, and it's easier than you think. In fact, experts agree that the best way to get rid of belly fat is to eat. That's right -- according to a slew of recent studies, foods we already know and love have the greatest waist-whittling power around. Up next, eight taste treats that can help you trim your tummy for good (or at least until you have your next kid).

Berries, Cherries & Grapes
"Anthocyanins" is the buzzword here. Besides giving grapes, blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and tart cherries their vibrant color, research shows these plant chemicals also burn abdominal fat. (FYI: Tart cherries are different from the traditional variety; look for them dried or in the frozen-foods section.) "The fat tissue in the belly is more easily burned than fat in other areas and may be more sensitive to the effects of anthocyanins," says University of Michigan researcher Mitch Seymour, Ph.D. These colorful fruits are also rich in heart-healthy anti-oxidants and fiber -- so include them in your daily servings (two cups) regularly.

Dairy
Milk, yogurt, and cheese are jam-packed with whey, a protein that supports the formation of lean body mass (guess Little Miss Muffet was on to something). That means the calories ingested from low-fat dairy don't get stapled to your gut. Dairy also helps fill you up and can increase overall weight loss, so it's a win-win-win. Aim for three servings of low-fat or nonfat dairy a day (in real life, a serving equals an ounce of cheese or a cup of yogurt). Try cottage cheese, string cheese, or Greek yogurt (swap it for sour cream in dips and on potatoes). Products with fruit and nuts mixed in have added sugar and calories; go for plain and add your own berries, nuts, and granola.

Potassium
We don't have to tell you that women in their childbearing years are prone to fluid retention. Our monthly cycles plus a diet high in salty processed foods can result in three to five pounds of sheer water weight -- a prime contributor to belly bloat. Cutting back on salt is a no-brainer (less than 2,300 milligrams a day is the ideal), but sometimes a girl's just got to have a potato chip. Counter salty cave-ins with foods rich in potassium, like avocados, orange juice, bananas, baked potatoes (with the skin), sweet potatoes, and spinach. "Sodium keeps water outside the cells, but potassium brings it into the cells, where it belongs," explains Ashley Koff, R.D., a registered dietitian in Los Angeles.

Lean Protein
Skinless chicken breasts and turkey cutlets, egg whites, fish, and pork tenderloin are ideal for trimming our middles because they take longer to digest than carbohydrates, which means we feel fuller longer. And just like whey protein, the protein found in these foods works to build muscle, so they won't contribute to belly fat when enjoyed in moderation, either. What exactly is moderate? If you're eating an 1,800- to 2,000-calorie diet, you should factor in about six ounces of lean protein a day (a three-ounce portion is equivalent in size to a deck of cards).

Whole Grains
In addition to good-for-you fiber, whole grains contain magnesium and chromium. These two incredibly important nutrients combat cortisol (a stress hormone that directs fat to be stored around the waist) and keep down insulin production (high levels of the hormone also encourage fat to pile on around the tummy). Participants in one study who ate four to seven daily servings of whole-grain foods (the recommended amount is three a day) lost twice as much belly fat as those eating refined carbs. To pack the most punch, go for the grains in their natural form (oats, brown or wild rice, or quinoa) rather than whole-grain flour or supplements.

Healthy Fat
Higher-fat foods will leave you more satiated, but all fat is not created equal. Saturated fat (think butter, cream, and lard) is packed with "bad" LDL cholesterol. But the unsaturated fat in avocados, nuts, olives, dark chocolate, and flaxseed oil can lower LDL levels and keep weight-regulating hormones in balance. Omega-3 fatty acids (a polyunsaturated fat in wild salmon, cod, and walnuts) aid in regulating blood sugar, a major factor in waist thickening. Watch portion sizes, and try these snacks: a quarter of an avocado spread on tomato slices, a handful of almonds, a half-cup of pistachios, a few olives, or a square of dark chocolate (nice!).

Green Tea
Genius diet discovery: New research has found a direct link between consuming green tea and smaller waistlines. It's a three-pronged attack on belly fat: Green tea contains compounds called catechins that boost energy expenditure, increase the release of fat from fat cells -- especially in the abdomen -- and speed up the burning of fat by the liver, particularly after meals. Study participants drank four to five cups a day, but any amount will have some benefit. Caffeine concerns? One cup of green tea contains about half as much caffeine as a cup of coffee. If you prefer decaf green tea, the catechin content is lower than in regular, but there's still enough to have an effect.

Beans
This superfood contains resistant starch, an ab-fat fighter that's also found in potatoes, bananas, and corn. Resistant starch does not turn to sugar like most other carbs; instead, it passes through the body undigested, acting like a fiber, explains Keri Gans, R.D., a registered dietitian in New York City and member of the American Dietetic Association. She suggests adding chickpeas or kidney beans to your salad -- even bean dip will do the trick (yum!). If you're buying canned beans, look for low-sodium versions, and rinse them well before using. Shoot for a half-cup of beans a day. For a healthy side dish, mix one-half cup of corn with black beans, tomatoes, and red onion.

Wednesday, April 21, 2010

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 8



As I walked into Hunter's room this morning, I expected to find him snuggled up in his bed ready to resist having to get up for school.

Instead I found him on his knees by the side of his bed. I said "Hunter what are you doing"? He said "I was praying mommy, I was scared when I woke up and you said that when you are scared to pray to Jesus and he will protect me and make me happy".

I said "oh o.k." I really was kind of taken back, wow... so I said "go ahead mommy will kneel with you. As I knelt down beside my sweet 4 yr old I just was overwhelmed with love, tears and SO HUMBLED... I mean man!!! This is what it means to be like a child so meek and humble. Hunter was so trusting and without even knowing it he was showing faith in what mommy said. Jesus was watching over him.. We have a picture over his bed and he just knows he is never alone. What a beautiful way to start my day!

"See" A Good Day Challenge - Day 7


"AT LEAST IT IS CLEAN", As I emptied hamper after hamper of clean clothes on my bed, I had the thought....

Man I'm so lucky and blessed to have a washer and dryer in my garage. I don't have to wash all these clothes by hand, hang them in the sun to dry for hours, nope I just push a button and they are dry in 20 minutes.

Sometimes I take for granite the fact that I only have to walk 10 steps out side of my bedroom to get to the laundry room. Some people have to go 10 miles and wait in a room full of machines with strangers.

Today I'm grateful that one of my simple blessings in life are my washer and dryer and that I can provide "clean" clothes for my family.

(Good thing Steve is out of town or he wouldn't have anywhere to sleep it is all piled up on his side :)....)

Thursday, April 15, 2010

Shout Out to Auntie Bethany....







Auntie Bethany had the magic touch when Henry wasn't feeling very good.

Our family had the BEST time while Auntie Bethany came to visit. Hunter loved going to Devil's Millhopper and walking the trails, exercising with her and THEN making an AWESOME fort in his room! But he loved the most that she had a sleep over with him. He loved her company and the fun times they had together.

Bethany is Alicia's sister and best friend... What an amazing woman she is. We love her and had such a great time with her in our home. We miss her so much already!

"See" A Good Challenge Day 6



Today I got to truly count my blessings, a blessing of service for our family. The small and simple blessings from the lord came as I was in my living room I hear a lawn mower going around my yard... as I look outside I see my neighbor a high school kid mowing my yard.

Now if you have ever been to my house... we have 6 acre's. He mowed on his riding lawn mower for about and an hour and a half maybe more 2 1/2 acre's of our yard.

It looks so nice, and we are so thankful. My sweet husband has been working so hard leaving home at 6am and some nights coming home between 9 - 11 pm. We sure do feel the lords love for us and see him blessing us through sweet friends. We felt the kind act of service our neighbor did.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Our Big Boy Hunter... Spring Art Show

Hunter had a Spring Sing with his VPK class. O.k. sooooo this should be the day that he gets to wear all the cute "easter clothes" we get him RIGHT!!! Oh NO, he wouldn't wear nice clothes at alllllll.... I could have stangled that kid that day. Oh well O.k. i'm really over it...(kinda):) So here are the pictures of my sweet Hunter's art and him singing... I loved it! We are so proud of our little man!




Monday, April 12, 2010

Guess what happens when the hubby leaves town...

Our PJ PAINTING PARTY at 1 A.M.!!! = A $20.00 Bathroom Makeover... LOVE IT!!!!

My sister Bethany came too town and we got the great idea to paint the bathroom, Bethany is great at picking colors so my friend Chelsey and me described to her the color of the towels and she just picked a color. Pretty dang good..We love it!

Then at 1am in the morning as we were finishing up the painting, we discovered a bed skirt that wasn't being used that went to the master bedroom comforter. We figured we could be efficient and make a shower curtain and window curtain out of it. That's were good ol mom comes in... surprise to her... we put her to work making curtains. Thanks to Lauren and Melissa for letting my mom borrow the sewing machines... we pulled it off.

Paint 12.00
Curtain Rod 3.00
Paint roller, brush and pan 5.00

We took from other rooms the towels, candle holders, and material for curtains.

Ta Da... a new bathroom for $20.00.

BEFORE....






























AFTER.....

Monday, April 5, 2010

Easter Weekend....



Easter Weekend was spent with Steve's side of the family. It was fun getting together with cousins, aunts, uncle, papa's, and grandma's. We had lunch, chatted and the kids did a easter egg hunt. It was a fun weekend for everyone! Hunter's exact words were "THIS IS THE BEST EASTER EVER"!!









Happy 1st Birthday "Sweet Pea"

Hunter and Henry's cousin Perian had her 1st birthday on April Fools Day! We got to celebrate with the family over the Easter weekend. Ashlea did such a cute party... loved the ideas! Happy Birthday sweet Perian!