TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Day 4?

Okay so I know I started this whole thing and the kids got sick and I've never really made it back to it. So... here I go!

I still haven't finished my master bedroom but I wanted to get going again so when preschooler decided he HAD to take a bath I figured it was a great time to start again. I did the kids bathroom.

I know you can't tell in this picture but the mirror was covered in fingerprints and the counter was a little dirty. Overall though not a bad room - clean wise.
After: you can tell better that the mirror is clean.

WARNING! This picture is pretty gross. My boys dirty toilet. This is the one they run to in the middle of the night or first thing in the morning. For some reason, this is the toilet that they ALWAYS forget to flush so it sits and gets yucky until I smell it and try not to vomit when I go in to flush.

Before: dirty toilet and trash full of garbage.

After: my clean toilet

Before: I'm not really sure why I took a picture of the closet because I didn't do much in here. Basically just straightened the towels and wiped up the dusty floor.

After: This shot is showing the fewer towels because my kiddo dumped a boat full of water on the floor and I had to clean it up. Got me a head start on my mopping.

I have green marble floors in the bathroom and it always gets really dusty for some reason. It's like a magnet.

It felt good to get going again with my project. I'm hoping that I can keep up the momentum and finish this time.

Exercise Day 1... Again!

Okay, so I didn't officially get in my workout clothes or go downstairs to the treadmill. I didn't lift any weights or do any sit ups. But I did get a workout. I shoveled snow for about an hour and a half. According to sparkpeople.com I burned about 647 calories. Now, how accurate that is I don't know but I'm counting it is working up a sweat and burning my calories for the day.

ARRRRGGGGGHHHHHH!!!

Okay, so since the kids and husband were all sick with the... dun, dun, dun... dreaded flu I haven't made it back into normal life yet. We've been fighting off secondary infections and being part of other craziness that just makes life so fun. (read that last part with just a touch of sarcasm)

I am going to get my house resurrected and start again on Monday with finishing up my last project - my bedroom. I also haven't been working out either so I'll get back to that then too. Monday's are such a good day to start things. I feel like it's a new start every week - a chance to start again.



My good friend Julia awarded me with an award for my blog.

With this award I am supposed to say 6 things about myself.

1- I love blogging. I love keeping a record for my family and challenging myself to be better. But, more than anything I love keeping up on my family and friends via their blogs. I am a bone-a-fied blog stalker - if that scares you I'm sorry! I swear that I do it out of love not creepiness!

2- I am a recovering Facebook addict. I still get on once or twice a day to check on things and read people's updates but I am to the point now where I'm bored with all the games and refuse to start playing any new ones.

3- I was extremely shy in Jr. High and High school. I had very few friends and am still friends with even less of them (pretty much Julia) but have made friends with quite a few people from high school since becoming a wife and mom. I sometimes try to think that I'm still a shy person but am reminded quite often that I'm really not any more and love getting to know people. I always try really hard to welcome new people to our area because I know how hard it is being new and not having any friends. I believe that it is impossible to have too many friends.

4- I love to help people whenever I can. Whether it's watching their kids or making them something or just calling to say hi and check on people I feel like I am always trying to do something for someone. I learned this from my parents who are wonderful people and are always giving of their time and things. I remember every time it snowed we would go shovel our driveway but also knew that we weren't done with ours and would go and do some of the older people in our area who couldn't. I still feel like I need to do that and help our neighbors do their driveways all the time.

5- I am a lazy person by nature and have been fighting it off for the last few years. My house isn't nearly as clean as it should be and there are so many things I would like to do but usually don't. I have dreams and aspirations to be one of those super moms who always has a clean home as well as home makes everything for all the birthday parties and comes up with cute and fun things to do all the time. I really have to fight my inner mediocrity to become a better person. That is partially why I came up with this blog. If I don't have a way of recording things and holding myself accountable to myself (and anyone who reads this blog) then I generally won't do it.

6- As part of this laziness, up until recently we would eat out for all of our meals. Oh, sure. Occasionally we'd eat some cold cereal for breakfast or I'd make dinner but for the most part we ate out 3 meals a day 6 days a week. Not only was it very costly but it was very bad for our health. When we gained weight and couldn't get it to come off and also got to a point where we couldn't afford it any more I decided that it was time to start getting off the lazy train and cooking and grocery shopping. Because of this I've discovered a great love for couponing. It's like a game for me! We've now gone from spending $800 to $1000 a month on groceries to spending around $250 a month on groceries. I've also lost 20+ pounds with intentions on losing about 30 more. I also feel like a better mother because I'm not cramming my kids full of crap all day long.

Okay, so now it's my turn to pass along the love to 6 people.

1- My friend Emilee who also has a passion for couponing and saving her family money. She's been a good friend for a few years now and I love her!!

2- My friend Ginger who is one of those ones who I wasn't necessarily friends with in high school but have become friends with since. Her two oldest boys were both born within days of my boys.

3- Another friend I've made from high school is Kim. She is so much fun to have over to play and her kids are absolutely adorable!

4- My friend Kari from the singles ward. She is as cute as a button with kids even cuter. She reminds me of me when I was younger with 2 little boys like mine.

5- Cynthia has been my friend since second grade. I have always loved having her for a friend. She is really funny and has a great outlook on life.

6- Sheena is probably my newest friend and the mother to Preschooler's future wife! At least I think they should get married when they get older, much older. Too bad they don't do arranged marriages any more...

Okay, girls... pass the love on!!!

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Slight Bump

Okay, so last week we all ended up sick and nothing was done around here. Well, I guess I should rephrase that by saying my entire family actually got sick and I did everything I could not to get it. I was really tired and it was all I could do to take care of my sick family. It didn't help that I'd been up with sick kids either. So... things are starting to get better around here and I'm trying to recuperate my house a little bit on the "normal" every day items that need to be done - picking up, dishes, laundry, sweeping, vacuuming, etc. Then I'll get back on track with my project. I'm hoping by Wednesday.

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Progress

Today I got a little bit done on my bedroom. I cleaned out both dressers and organized the drawers. I'm hoping that I can get more done tomorrow. I've decided that, for now, I need to slow down a little bit so that I don't get sick. I've been up all night for 4 nights now and it's really starting to take it's toll. My preschooler has started feeling better today though so I'm hoping that I'll start getting more sleep and being able to function better.

I'm not stopping, just slowing down. It may take me a little longer to complete my projects but I'll keep going until I'm done - and I'll go full blast when I can!

Also, I've been keeping up on the rest of the house. I need to sweep and mop and vacuum but other than that I'm pretty clean.

Exercise Day... Whatever

I finally made it down to exercise today. I burned 291 calories, with 91 of them being fat calories, in 36.18 minutes. I went 2.25 miles. I started out walking 1/8 mile at a 4 mph then jogged at 4 mph for 1/2 mile. Then I went 1/8 mile at a time and went 3 mph, 3.5 mph, 4 mph, and 4.5 mph - walking everything but the 4.5 mph, which I jogged.

I feel like I get a better workout walking fast than I do jogging. But I still think it's good to build my body up to being able to run/jog a mile or even more.

Some day soon I'll do a 5k which is 3 miles. And some day I want to do the Wasatch Back - which would be a killer. Maybe I'll try for a 10k or a half marathon first. Some day though...

Tuesday Yucky

I was so physically and mentally exhausted yesterday from taking care of preschooler that I didn't do my exercise or cleaning. I did however go to bed at 8:30 and feel like a new woman today! I'm headed down right now to exercise and then I'll go get my kindergartner from school and then work on my cleaning challenge. Hopefully I'll get two items done today to make up for yesterday, as well as my splitting Friday's project into two and working on it Monday.

Monday's Exercise

I didn't get much time in for exercise between my 21 day cleaning project and a sick little boy but I did do my sparkpeople.com weight training exercises and walked down to pick up my Kindergartner from school. Not enough but some is better than none. It's now been two weeks since I've exercised and I'm really missing it. I need to get it in but having a sick kid isn't going to get me down to the cold basement. Maybe my husband will watch my boys tonight for a bit so I can go do a little something. Ahhhh, the life of a mom!

Plus I haven't slept the last three nights so I am needing something to pick-me-up. Exercise, here I come!

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Weekend 1

Over the weekend I had a sick little boy but still managed to keep things picked up for the most part. I made bread, rolls and hamburger buns on Saturday and fixed all our bedspreads on Sunday since I was home from church. I did let my dishes slide and had to do them on Monday morning.

I am now officially a day behind in my 21 day challenge but it's okay because I gave myself the 3 extra days to make up for when I didn't complete projects. I just can't let myself get much further behind because I think I've got 2 projects that will take 2 days each.

Friday didn't get finished so I finished it on Monday which pushed Monday's project to today. I'll be getting the Master Bedroom and closet cleaned up today. It's my husband's closet so I'm not sure how much I can do in there without his cooperation but I'll do what I can. He has a ton of clothes that he never wears but refuses to throw away. I think I'm going to make a blanket for each of the boys with his old clothes. I saw it on someone else's blog that they did that thinking that the boys Daddy would be their hero. My boys Daddy is definitely their hero so I thought it fitting and maybe that will help my husband to get rid of some stuff!

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Day 3

Friday's pick was the formal dining room. I've decided that I'm a pile-er. I make piles. Everywhere. In the dining room it is my built in buffet. Stuff gets stacked there that shouldn't be.

The whole room Before: After: (I even cleaned the windows and took down the paper blind in the half circle window to let more light in during the cold winter months.)

The built in buffet Before: After:

Cupboard #1 Before: After:

Cupboard #2 Before: After:

Cupboard #3 Before: After:

Cupboard #4 Before:After:

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Day 2

Luck of the draw pulled the dining room in our kitchen. The one we eat in every day. I also included in my area the desk that is in my kitchen. It feels so good to have this area cleaned up because I look at it most of the day.

Before: After: (it wasn't worth kicking preschooler off the computer to take the picture. I moved the computer over here from on my kitchen counter to clear that up some.)

Before:After: (I need to re-do the top of my kitchen table. Seriously.)

Before: (Sticky fingerprints all over the half wall separating my dining room from the family room. My kids think it's SO fun to climb all over this wall.)After:

Before: (fingerprints all over the door to out back.)After:

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21 - Day 1

Today has been a crazy day. I haven't stopped since 7:30 this morning when I got up. Let me give you a run down of how my day went.

I got ready, fed the kids, took them to school, helped in their classrooms for 2 hours total, came home for about 5 minutes, went to the library for story time, came home for about an hour - got ready to do my project for the day, went to lunch with my husband and kids, came home - cleaned up my main floor while the kids played outside, friends came over - made my friend sit in the boys room with me while I scrubbed walls and cleaned up junk, friend left, husband came home, made dinner, ate dinner, finished in the boys rooms, vacuumed the upstairs, hung up all the boys laundry, put preschooler to bed, little bit of computer time and I'll be putting kindergartner to bed after which I will collapse onto the couch for a little TV time and some crocheting. Phew!

Okay so here's what you've been waiting for. My project for the day:

The Boys' Room

I had Ethan pick from my papers so it was nice and random.

Before:
After: Before:
After:Before:
After: Before:

After:Before:After:

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21

I've fixed my schedule so that it works better for me and I should be able to keep up on my house when I'm done cleaning.

My daily items are:
pick up the house
clean off the counters
dishes
wipe off the table
make the beds
toys in the baskets

Monday:
kitchen
wipe chairs
sweep and mop
vacuum main floor

Tuesday:
clean upstairs
water plants
wipe walls
laundry

Wednesday:
vacuum house
dust
clean mirrors
laundry
make grocery list and get coupons ready

Thursday:
clean bathrooms
change towels
bathroom floors
grocery shopping
laundry

Friday:
vacuum main floor
kitchen
sweep
spot clean carpets
clean car out

Saturday:
(I'll do one main cleaning item each Saturday of the month)
1st: windows and window sills
2nd: clean showers and tubs
3rd: kids toys
4th: basement
5th: clean carpets

Weigh In Wednesday

I haven't gotten a chance to exercise yet today. I've been running since I got up this morning at 7:30. I did weigh in though:

171.0 lbs
36.6% fat
46.2% water
56.0 lbs muscle
25.9 BMI

I am so happy that I'm still continuing in the downward direction! I am going to try to get some type of workout in today but I'm not sure if I will or not. I will tomorrow for sure though.

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21

Want to join me but feel you don't have enough to keep you going for 21 days? Here are some suggestions:

clean your blinds
clean your curtains
wash your windows
wash walls, baseboards, doors, doorknobs, light switches
clean out your heating and return air vents
clean out your junk drawer
clean out your linen closet
go through your cleaning supplies
go through your kitchen cupboards
clean out your closets
clean your kick plates under your kitchen cupboards
clean your washing machine and dryer
clean your dishwasher
go through your craft supplies and get rid of anything you won't use
sort your bills
pull out your TV and clean the back and sides
clean under your fridge and oven
go through anything/anywhere that collects junk


Keep going and going and going until every surface has been touched. And don't try to do everything in one day or you'll kill yourself. Remember: you have to be able to keep up on everything else too so don't get too involved in your projects! I don't want any un-fed, un-clothed families because you get distracted, and you certainly don't want everything you're doing to go to waste by letting it go as soon as it's done.

There is always something that can be done, no limit to the possibilities of the things you can do. And just think how good it will feel having it all done!

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21

If you want to join me you have one of three options...

1. I can add you as a contributor to my blog and you can post before and after pictures, progress, etc.

2. You can post it on your own blog and leave your link in a comment for each day.

3. You can just leave your progress in the comment.

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21

Okay, so I've broken down my house into rooms/areas and I'll pick one out of a hat each day to do. These are the rooms to be done:

Upstairs Level:
Master bedroom and closet
Master bathroom and closet
Kids bathroom and closet
Laundry room
Boys room
Toy room
Hall and stairs

Main Level:
Kitchen
Dining room
Family room
Bathroom, hall and 2 closets
Den
Living room
Formal dining room

Basement:
Storage bedroom
Guest bedroom
Hall, stairs and bathroom
Workout room

You may notice that I've only got 18 areas that need to be done. I have a few areas that are going to be quite the accomplishment and will probably take more than one day. I'm leaving room for those. If, by some small miracle, I get done and still have time left I'll work on my storage room in the basement.

I will be working for 21 days - week days only - so it will take me 4 weeks and 1 day to complete this task. I will be maintaining as I go and the weekends I will just maintain so that I don't lose everything I'm working so hard to achieve. Also, I want to be able to enjoy my weekends the same as everyone else in the house.

Each room will be thoroughly gone through and rid of anything that is no longer in use, things we don't need, etc. I will clean every surface as I go. Walls baseboards, lights, etc. Bathrooms will be my involved cleaning because of the toilets, tubs and sinks.

I'm going to make a big pile of stuff to sell and donate as well as throwing stuff away. It's going to feel so good!

If you want to join in figure out your areas that need to be done - or just pick one thing to do per day. Come up with as many items as you think will get you to the end of the 21 days.

I am going to be re-adjusting my cleaning schedule today so that I'll be able to have it ready to maintain my clean. After the 21 days this will be my daily cleaning/work (because a house mom's work is cleaning) schedule.

F-r-e-e-z-i-n-g

Today isn't going to happen for exercise. I am freezing cold and the thought of putting on workout clothes and going to the basement doesn't sound good to me. Although the blood pumping through my veins may help warm me up I'm just not up for it. Maybe if I get going tomorrow a little earlier in the day before the cold has set deep into my bones...

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21

Have you ever looked around your house and wondered how it got in the condition it's in? Well, that's what I've been doing lately. Looking around and wondering why I can't seem to keep it clean. Well it's time to do something about it!

I've decided that it's time to clean house. Every surface WILL be touched. Every room will be cleaned. And organized, decluttered and "fixed" so that things function better. I think that when you move into a house you just throw things wherever you can find a place and I've never actually taken the time to go back through everything and make a home for things that actually makes sense. Not to mention all the items that build up after years of marriage and having kids. Things you think you need but you really don't.

I'll be making a pile (hopefully a big one) of things to sell and donate. I'll be cleaning along the way. Join me if you wish. If not then keep checking back to make sure I'm keeping up. I guarantee that it'll be hard. But you'll love the end results if you take the challenge.

I will be officially starting on Wednesday. Tomorrow I'll be coming up with a plan because in addition to cleaning EVERYTHING I will continue maintaining everything that's been done so that it stays clean.

TOP TO BOTTOM IN 21... Do you think you can do it?

I can!

Working Out

I haven't worked out in a week. Enough said. I cleaned house all day so that's got to count for something and I've been working really hard at keeping in my calorie range so I don't think I'm going up - just not down like I'd like. I'm starting tomorrow with a real butt-kicker workout to whip me back into shape. Not that I'm in shape - just that I'll just be getting back in workout mode.

Okay, So...

I didn't officially work out on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. I am still active and have walked at least 2 miles each of these days dropping off and picking up kids from school. I also think that it's good to give your body a rest some times. I try really hard to listen to my body.

I did do a weigh in this afternoon and was impressed with my "results". I wonder what it would have been had I weighed in the morning?

172.6 pounds
35.9% fat
46.7% water
57.8 pounds muscle
26.1 BMI


If you'll remember last Thursday I weighed in at 175.6 pounds and one month ago I reached my "I'm not going any further than this" weight of 179 pounds. I feel that 6.4 pounds is pretty darn good for ONE month! Especially since they say that if you lose more than a pound or two a week that you'll probably gain it back.

The best part is that I feel like my "need" for food had dramatically decreased and I am eating to live and not living to eat. I think that part of it is that I really try not to deprive myself and if I want to eat a handful of candy corn, gosh dang it I'M GOING TO EAT IT! The difference is that now I stop at ONE handful of candy corn instead of the entire bag! I'm pretty dang proud of myself for one month's worth of trying. And I didn't even do my best - I could have done a WHOLE lot better. Maybe this month...

I'm off to walk to school (with a handful of candy corn!)

Day 13 Exercise

I did not work out on Saturday because we "slept out" on the family room floor on Friday night and my back was killing me on the hard floor and I didn't sleep much at all. I let my husband sleep in the morning and I slept in the afternoon. I didn't do much but I didn't eat much either.

Today I walked down to take my kids to school - 1 mile.

I did my sparkpeople.com weight stuff, did jumping jacks and then ran down to pick up my preschooler and walked back with him on my back - 1 mile total.

I did a 15 minute cardio exercise video while my preschooler did his homework.

I walked on the treadmill for 25.45 minutes and went 1.5 miles. I burned 159 calories and 49.7 of them were fat. I did 3.5 and 5 mph alternating between walking and jogging. It kicked my butt after the other stuff I'd already done so I only ran for 1/2 a lap at a time and did it only twice. I also slowed it down to 2.5 mph for 1/2 a lap and walked backwards. Crazy? Yeah, I know. But it is a real thigh workout. Try it!

Day 12 Exercise

Today I walked my son to Kindergarten - 1 mile there and back.

I did the treadmill for 30.18 minutes and went 2 miles. I burned 267 calories with 83.5 being fat calories. I alternated between 3.5 mph and 5 mph for the first 1.5 miles and did it walking and jogging at a 4 mph for the last 1/2 mile.

I was pretty sore this morning from my exercises I did yesterday. My calves especially. I did calf raises on a step and it just about killed me getting out of bed this morning. Also, I didn't get a good nights sleep last night thanks to my preschooler so I DID NOT WANT TO GET OUT OF BED! I am loosened up though after my walking/running so I think it helped to just push through the pain and stiffness and just do it.

Walked down to pick up my Kindergartner - 1 mile.

Day 11 Exercise

Today I did my spark people weight exercises. I added some to it though so I ended up doing them for about 45 minutes. Then I went downstairs and walked on the treadmill for 24.25 minutes. I went 1.5 miles and burned 187 calories with 58.6 of them being fat calories. I walked at a 3.5 and 4 mph. I also did punches for half the time at the 3.5 mph.

After that I didn't have time to shower before I needed to get my preschooler from school and so I ran down there (1/2 mile) and walked back with my kiddo. I also walked back down to the school for the fire safety assembly so I got another mile in.

I did my weight and measurements today too.

175.6 pounds
37.4 % fat
45.6 % water
56.2 pounds muscle
26.6 BMI

neck: 13 inches
chest: 38 inches
ribs: 33.5 inches
waist: 35 inches
hips: 43 inches
right upper arm: 12.5 inches
right bicep: 12 inches
right above elbow: 10.5 inches
left upper arm: 13 inches
left bicep: 12 inches
left above elbow: 10 inches
right thigh: 25 inches
right above knee: 18 inches
right calf: 15 inches
left thigh: 25 inches
left above knee: 18 inches
left calf: 14.5 inches

Day 10 Exercise

Today I was beat physically and emotionally from my LONG day at the zoo yesterday. I decided to go out and get some fresh air and use my fall clean up as my exercise for today. Cheating? Technically. Do I feel bad? Not a bit.

Day 9 Exercise

Today I went on a field trip with my kids to the zoo. I chased 6 little boys around the zoo for 4 1/2 hours and dealt with them for 2 hours in the car. I'm considering my exercise DONE for today!

Day 8 Exercise

Today I walked/ran on the treadmill at a 4 mph for 22.31 minutes. I went 1.5 miles and burned 234 calories with 73.1 being fat calories. I wanted to go 2 miles and do 30 minutes but I was late getting started and had to go pick up my preschooler and didn't want to do it without showering first.

I also did some weight exercises from sparkpeople.com. I did back extensions, one arm dumbell rows, standing adduction, seated dumbell curls, seated tricep extensions, crunches and girlie pushups. I did 12 reps and repeated each move twice. I used a 10 pound dumbell.

I'm still totally bummed that I broke my pedometer and am looking for an old one that I swear I still have but can not find. I'll be on a mission to find it today! It really helped to motivate me to get going and keep going.

Slacker

Okay, so I practically fell off the face of the planet last week. I didn't do a single thing towards exercise or eating well. Just slacked. For no reason. I had absolutely no energy at all last week and didn't care to find any motivation for myself. I'm back at it this week. I'm also getting back to tracking my food on sparkpeople.com. I. WILL. GET. SKINNY!

Day 7 Exercise

Walked down to drop my kids off at school - 1 mile.

Today was my weights day. I walked/ran on the treadmill at a 4 mph for 15 minutes - 1 mile. Then I did my arms on the bow-flex, no free weights today. I also did squats with weights and knee and leg raises, as well as jumping jacks and heel kicks. I only did one set on the legs today because I was running short on time. I got back on the treadmill for another lap, 1/4 mile in 3.46 minutes. I burned 197 calories with 61.5 of them being fat calories.

Walked down to pick up my preschooler - 1 mile.

Day 6 Exercise

I walked on the treadmill for 33.30 minutes. I had it all over the place as far as speed and doing different things. I walked backwards at a 2 mph, walked at 3, 3.5 and 4 mph, jogged at a 4 mph, and ran at 5 and 6 mph. I also did my punches while I walked at 3 and 3.5 mph. I burned 241 calories with 75.5 of them fat calories. I'm getting to the point where I know my body is really liking exercise but that it is still hard for me because I am just dripping with sweat when I'm done. I'm stinky but I love it! Sorry for TMI!!!

Day 5 Exercise

Today I walked/ran on the treadmill for a mile then lifted some weights then got back on for another 1/2 mile on the treadmill. I kept it at 4 mph. My lifting included arms on the bow-flex as well as free weights. I also did squats, heel kicks, knee lifts, jumping jacks and side leg lifts. I lifted a little heavier and added weights to my squats because I was feeling like it was getting easy already.

I walked to and home from school picking up my Kindergartner - 1 mile.

Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday

I have no idea if I worked out on Friday. That's why I try to do this every day.

Saturday I did not work out because my Father in Law came to visit. I did spend all morning cleaning my house and then we played baseball for about 45 minutes that evening.

Sunday is my day off.

Monday I didn't get a chance to exercise either. I took my Father in Law back to the airport and then did some other errands.

Day 4 Exercise

Today I had both kids in school so I had my free time to work out. I didn't have as much as I could have because my preschooler had a hard time and didn't want to stay so I stayed in his class for a little bit.

I did my walk/run on the treadmill for 1 mile at a 4 mph then got off again to do weights. I really liked it on Tuesday. I did the bow flex for my arms and chest and then did squats, knee raises, side leg lifts, wall sits and jumping jacks today. Then I got back on the treadmill for another 1/2 mile. I would have gone further today but I was going to be late getting my preschooler. In total I did 1.5 miles in 22.50 minutes. I burned 236 calories with 74 of them being fat calories.

I broke my pedometer this morning trying to put it on so I can't wear it. I'll have to get another one. I like seeing how far I've gone and pushing myself when I don't have enough steps.

I did two trips to school and back - 2 miles. It really should have been 4 though but we were late this morning so we didn't walk, I walked down to pick up my preschooler, and then I drove to get my kindergartner because I dropped the preschooler off at a friends house and took the kindergartner out for ice cream. I also walked down for Back to School Night.

Day 3 Exercise

Today I didn't get in any official exercise. I had to stay at the school and volunteer so I was there for my free 2 hours today. And then it's early day so by the time I got home with my Preschooler I had enough time to do some dishes and pick up and start a load of laundry before it was time to go back down to pick up my kindergartner. I did have 2 trips to school and back - 2 miles. Plus I had a friend and her 3 little boys over and so we did a bit of up and down and back and forth chasing kids. I also did a bit of cleaning and about 3 loads of laundry so I had to go up the stairs a few times for that.

I forgot to wear my pedometer today.

Day 2 Exercise

Today I worked out pretty hard. I walked/ran 1 mile on the treadmill - all at a 4 mph then got off and lifted weights. I did a bunch on my bow-flex for my arms and chest then did squats, knee raises, side leg lifts and wall sits. After I finished I got back on the treadmill for another 1/2 mile and did it at a 3 and a 4 mph, walking and running. My total calories burned (from the treadmill - I'm sure I burned calories during the weight lifting but don't have a way to track that) were 243 with 75.9 of them being fat calories. My total walk/run time was 23.13 minutes but I ended up being down there for about an hour because I had Ethan with me and I had to stop a few times and I think I lifted for about a half an hour.

I also had 2 trips to school and back - 2 miles.

I took my measurements today:

right bicep: 12 inches
right upper arm: 14 inches
left bicep: 11 1/2 inches
left upper arm: 13 3/4 inches
chest: 37 1/2 inches (just under my arms)
ribcage: 35 inches
belly button: 38 inches
hips: 44 inches
right thigh: 25 3/4 inches
right above knee: 19 inches
left thigh: 25 inches
left above knee: 19 inches
right calf: 14 1/2 inches
left calf: 14 1/2 inches

I wore my pedometer today and had 12,300 steps by about 4:30 and it got re-set again. It's really upsetting me that it gets re-set so easily. Anyway, by the end of the night I had another 2,331 steps. So at least 14,631 steps today.

Getting Serious

Okay so, I've re-started twice now and have had issues come up both times. It's time to get serious! I'm getting really fat again and can't have it any more. I will NOT be buying new clothes. At least until they're skinny clothes!

I am starting over once again - for the last time. Today I dropped my kids off at school and left from there to walk/run outside. It's amazing to me how much different it is outside than on the treadmill. I went 1.9 miles in 25 minutes. It's much easier mentally but definitely harder physically. I was going to do it 2 times a week but I'm thinking I'll just do once a week until I get used to it again. The treadmill has softened me up! Ours is broken and won't do incline any more so I have to just go faster to get more calories burned. Which doesn't help when you're really outside and nothing is flat!

I also walked 2 other trips to school and back - 2 miles.

I weighed myself today and I am at 179 pounds. I refuse to get to 180. That was my wake-up call I guess.

179 lbs
38.1 % fat
45.1 % water
56.0 lbs muscle
27.1 BMI

I wore my pedometer and when I checked it in the 5 pm hour I had over 12,200 steps and it had gotten re-set. At the end of the night it was at 2,297. So I had at least 14,497 steps.

Bronchitis

Okay, so I really did have a valid reason for not working out last week. I had bronchitis. I couldn't breathe well enough to work out. Even just going up the stairs just about did me in.

Intentions

Okay, so I had every intention to start working out again yesterday but I got sick on Saturday. So my Monday consisted laying on the couch and trying to keep the kids quiet. I am going to the doctor today to see what in the heck is wrong with me. I have sinus issues, sore throat, cough, aches, and my chest hurts. I feel like I've been hit by a train. Hopefully the doctor will give me something to make me better and I can get back to life.

Ug!

So, amidst two sick kids, mother in law coming to town, a birthday party and life I haven't exercised in a week and a half. YIKES! Come Monday I'll be at it for sure. Come Hell or High Water. (that was a saying my mom used a lot when I was little) Maybe, if I'm lucky, I'll get something done Saturday.

Day 9 Exercise

Today I didn't get any formal exercise in. I did walk my boy to school and pick him up - 2 miles total. I also chased my pre-schooler around the house for about 20 minutes.

My pedometer got reset again today. I am getting really frustrated with this thing. I wish I could keep it from getting reset so I can have a grand total on my steps for the day. Anyway, I looked at it early afternoon and it was over 6,000 steps and right now it says 3,917. I imagine I'll have AT LEAST another 50 or so getting myself up the stairs to bed. :)

Day 8 Exercise

Today I walked my Kindergartner down to school - 1 mile there and back.

I did the treadmill for 33 minutes today. I went 2 miles and burned 233 calories. I kept it at a 3 mph and a 4 mph but varied between running and walking at 4 mph. I did almost 1/8 a mile at a 6 mph. I wanted to go longer but I have a lot o' crap to do today.

I did not walk down to pick up my Kindergartner. We had to go to the extension and find out what kind of spider my husband caught. CREEPY!

My pedometer got reset again. I looked at it at one point and it had over 8,000 steps and then by the end of the night it had almost 4,500.

Day 7 Exercise

I walked my Kindergartner to school and back - 1 mile total.

Today I did 2.5 miles on the treadmill in 42 minutes. I lost a little bit in the 3 days I didn't exercise and I could only go 3/8 mile at a 4 mph today. I did go longer in time and further in distance today though. Other than the one time going 3/8 mile I went about 1/8 mile at a time and switched it up from walking at a 3 mph to speed walking at a 4 mph, running at a 4 mph, running at a 5 mph and running at a 6 mph. I had a hard time with the 6 mph today. I burned 322 calories.

I watched Transformers Animated with my pre-schooler while I worked out today. We watched it three times.

I also lifted weights on my bow-flex and used some hand weights. I did all upper body - mostly arms.

I didn't walk down to pick up my Kindergartner. We had a birthday party to go to straight from school.

My pedometer for today got reset at least twice. I put it on before I walked down to drop off my Kindergartner but when I looked at it not long after it only said 194 steps. And I looked at it some time between 4 and 5 pm and it said 11,000+ steps (not sure how many exactly) but when I checked it between 6 and 7 pm it had been reset again and said 490. Then by the end of the night it read another 4,198 steps. So, best I can figure is that I had at least 16,000 to 17,000 steps. I did wear it while I exercised too. I rocked it yesterday!

Saturday

I didn't get anything done on Saturday because of my baby being sick.

Day 6 Exercise

Friday I didn't get a chance to officially exercise. I went to school with my Kindergartner for about 2 hours in the morning and it messed up my workout schedule.

I then walked 1/4 mile down to pick up my pre-schooler from my friend's house and took her little boy home with us. So that was 3/4 mile home making it 1 mile total.

Then I walked down to pick up my Kindergartner and then to my friend's house to drop off her little boy, then home - 1 1/2 miles total.

I was going to try working out in the evening but my pre-schooler got a fever and diarrhea so I took him to the doctor (since it was just about the weekend and I didn't want to have major problems in the middle of the night.)

I also wore my pedometer all day and was experimenting with different places to put it so I won't keep bumping it and resetting it. I started with it on my side but turned inward - that didn't work because my fat belly held it still so it didn't do anything. Then I tried putting it on my back (on the side) but every time I sat down I bumped it and reset it. So, I have no idea how many steps I had on Friday.

Day 5 Exercise

Walked my Kindergartner to school - 1 mile there and back.

I did the treadmill today. 2 miles in 34 minutes. I burned 284 calories. I walked at a 3.5 mph and ran at a 4 mph for 1/2 mile two times today. It was the first time that I was able to go the same distance at 4 mph two times in one workout. I also ran 1/8 mile at 6 mph. It was still kick-butt hard but easier than last time.

My goal for tomorrow is to be able to do at least 3/8, preferably 1/2, of a mile at 4.5 mph and also to walk at 3.5 mph instead of 3.

I picked up my Kindergartner - 1 mile there and back.

Wore my pedometer today and when I checked it about 5 pm it said 10,654 steps but then some time between then and about 7 pm it got reset. It reads 195 right now. I've had a lazy evening though.

Day 4 Exercise

Today I did not get an official exercise time in. I did however drop off and pick up my Kindergartner, swim for about 2 hours with my boys and walk about 3/4 mile home from the swimming pool.

I also took a nap. (I know it's not exercise but it sure felt good!)

I wore my pedometer for just a little while during the day and the reading was 1751 - I think I must have hit the reset button during the day at some point though because I know I walked more than that. It's about 1000 steps in a mile and I did 2 while wearing it. Plus the walking around the house.

Postings

As you can see I'm just posting my exercising. I am doing other items on my list as well but feel that, until I get back into the swing of having a kid in school, I'm going to just track my exercise. In a few weeks when my baby starts pre-school I'll get better at posting all the stuff I'm working on.

Day 3 Exercise

I walked my Kindergartner to school this morning - 1 mile there and back.

Today I did the treadmill for 34 minutes and burned 252 calories. I went 2 miles. I walked at a 3 mph and 3.5 mph and was able to run at a 4 for 3/8 of a mile - my best yet. I'm getting better and better. I figure I'll just add 1/8 of a mile whenever I can. I also ran at a 4.5 mph for 1/8 of a mile and a 6 for 1/8 of a mile, just to test myself. I did it! I almost died, but I did it!

Picked up my Kindergartner - 1 mile there and back.

I also wore a pedometer all day except when I did the treadmill and I had 5215 steps. About half of what it should be. I need to get my butt up and moving!

Day 2 Exercise

Today I walked/ran on the treadmill for 26 minutes. I burned 196 calories. I went 1.5 miles. I walked at a 3 mph and ran at a 4 and 4.5 mph. I did a lot better today as far as running further - I could go a quarter mile - which is double what I did Saturday in one stretch. I think it's because I was going slower. I'm going to try to push myself to get to running at 5 mph but I think for the most part I'll try to keep it at 4 and 4.5. Eventually I'd like to get to where I can do a lap at a 6 mph.

My baby started Kindergarten today and I walked to pick him up - 1 mile there and back.

Starting Over... Again! Saturday

Saturday I walked/ran on the treadmill for 20 minutes. I went 1.5 miles. I've been out of exercise for so long that I'm trying to break myself in easy, at least for the first week or so. I burned 210 calories and walked at a 3.5 mph and ran at a 5 mph. It was pretty pathetic because I couldn't even run for an eighth of a mile at a time before I had to stop to catch my breath. Of course, having exercise induced asthma aided in my poor performance. I'll get better though.

Slacking Again

Okay, so I'm not really slacking. Thursday I had a funeral - took most of the day. Friday we had Pioneer Day celebrations stuff to do, Saturday I did slack, Sunday - my one day off, and today we're going in to the Oquirrah Mountain Temple open house. So, hopefully I'll get to do something tonight but probably not. I'll be back on tomorrow for sure though!

Exercise Day 2

Today I did the "S Factor" workout. It was an hour long. A lot of stretching and stuff - which I needed because I was tight and sore this morning from yesterday's workout. I have to remember to take this slow and easy getting back into my routine or I'll get burnt out.

Prayers

I am going to add Praying Morning and Night to my list of "In Progress" items. I am not really good at remembering to say official prayers. I feel like I've "always got a prayer in my heart" but don't actually take the time to do it officially. I am going to start that now because I need the extra help. In addition to my own personal prayers I am going to be doing couples prayers and praying with my kids. If I can get Family prayers in there too I will - my husband works some weird hours sometimes and it's not always possible. I've been gone for way too long. It's time to get in touch again. And help my family do the same.

Trimming Down

My side bar that is. I'm going to cut down the number if items that I had "In Progress" since I've really been a slacker and haven't done most of these things. I am going to keep some though and I'll add when I feel ready. I don't want to overwhelm myself to start out.

I'm Fa-at!

Okay, so in the time I've taken off I've put on some weight. Big surprise there huh? That's what you get when you don't exercise, are depressed and eat everything in sight. Well, it stops today.

My weigh in:

173.2 lbs
37% fat
45.9 % water
56 lbs muscle
26.2 BMI

My goal is to get down to 125-130 pounds. But, realistically, I'd like to get to 140 at a minimum.

I'm Ba-ack!

I started today with a workout video. Fat to Firm Fast for 44 min. It kicked my butt. It's amazing what a couple of months off will do to your endurance and muscle tone. I'm beat! But it feels good to get going again.

It's sad to say but my 4 year old did it with me then continued with another workout video - and he finished the whole thing! He's awesome. Makes me feel fat and out of shape though.

I decided that I am going to do a different workout every day for as many days as I have videos to cause some muscle confusion and hopefully trick my body into losing weight. Again. I think I have about 30 videos. And I have a friend who is going to loan me some of hers.

Also, I'm going to try to get downstairs to the treadmill whenever possible at nights to start training to run. I would like to do a 5k in the near future and eventually a half marathon and maybe even the Wasatch Back race. Wa-hoo!

Feels good to get going. I'm going to do awesome this time!

Just Kidding!

So, as you probably guessed, I'm not quite ready to start over. I'm having surgery tomorrow morning on my sinuses. So, maybe next week. I am hoping to be recovered and really get back to it next Monday. Hopefully!

Starting Over

I've neglected this blog and myself for way too long now. My youngest son got hurt and I haven't had the motivation to get going again.

Until now.

I've started creeping back up the scale again and don't like the way that feels. Plus I've been really down and need the pick-me-up.

I'm going to start, officially, on Monday getting back to where I was.

I'm starting over.

Here comes the new 21 days!

My Happy Weight is 141.2

I learned some interesting and comforting things today. I learned that I've been striving for a number that would be un-happy for my body. I want to be at a weight that is attainable but, more importantly, maintainable. I was thinking that I needed to get down to the 125-130 range but apparently I get an extra 10 pounds! Wa-hoo! And also that if I want to get down to that range it's okay and I wouldn't be underweight. But it would be more difficult.

You can go here to figure out YOUR happy weight.

Even better I am actually already in my ideal weight range which is 122-164. Granted it's the high end of ideal but at least I'm not considered overweight.

Go here to find your ideal weight range.

Also, if you go here you can find out all sorts of information. Such as BMI (mine is 24.8), waist to hip ratio (0.49), percentage of body fat (35.3%), lean body mass (105.4 lbs), and all sorts of happy things like "Your weight is in the normal range. You do not need to lose weight. Minimum caloric requirements: 1922 calories per day. Your diet should contain at least 81 grams of protein per day."

I also found out that a good body fat percentage for women is 22%. I was thinking I had to get my 30-something % down to the 10% range to be healthy.

Go. Play. Be happy.

Sizzle Calories in 18 Minutes

I'm going to try this interval workout I found on Yahoo Health:

Whenever I feel like I want to get a little lighter (usually because my jeans are feeling a little tighter), I work intervals into my routine.

Intervals are one of the fastest ways around to shed fat. Women who spent 20 minutes mixing sprints with jogging lost three times the fat off their legs and butt in 15 weeks than those jogging steadily for 40 minutes, a study from the University of New South Wales in Sydney finds. Burn triple the fat in half the time? Bring it on!

To try intervals, do this speedy slimming routine up to six days a week. Pair it with your toning session or do it solo, for results guaranteed to amaze you. Hop on any cardio machine you like for the time allotted and the exertion level noted (1 is the easiest and 10 is next to impossible).

Warm up for 4 minutes at a level 3.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 8.
Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 9.
Recover for 30 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 8.
Recover for 90 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 9.
Recover for 30 seconds at a level 4.
Sprint for 30 seconds at a level 7.
Cool down for 3 minutes, 30 seconds at level 3.

Want even more workout plans to help you lose inches and tone up? Go to Self.com for The Great 1-Month Slim-Down, where The Biggest Loser's Jillian Michaels will coach you through moves.

Exercise Day 4

Today I decided that I need to get back to the treadmill. And I got new shoes for Christmas!

I am also wanting to train for a marathon. So I did as much jogging as I could. I need to work myself up. Problem is that I have exercise induced asthma. I'm working past it though. I think if I train hard enough I can do it. And if I still have problems I'll go to the doctor to get an inhaler. The marathon is in June.

I lifted weights on the Bowflex and free weights. I also did squats, pushups and planks.

I jogged as much as I could on the treadmill. I kept the speed at 4 (walking fast) and 5 (jogging) the entire time. I am not sure what my calories were because I forgot to change the weight from my husband's for the first little bit and then my son pulled the key out before I could look at the numbers when I was done. I went 3 miles in 38.51 minutes.

Word of the Day

epoch\EP-uk\n. 1a: an event or a time that begins a new period or development b: a memorable event or date 2a: an extended period of time usually characterized by a distinctive development or by a memorable series of events b: a division of geologic time less than a period and greater than an age.

Example Sentence: The Victorian epoch is often seen as a time of great formality.

Did you know? "Epoch" comes to us, via Medieval Latin, from Greek "epoche," meaning "cessation" or "fixed point." Epoche," in turn, comes from the Greek verb "epechein," meaning "to pause" or "to hold back." When "epoch" was first borrowed into English, it referred to the fixed point used to mark the beginning of a system of chronology. That sense is now obsolete, but today "epoch" is used in some fields (such as astronomy) with the meaning "an instant of time or a date selected as a point of reference." The "an event or a time that begins a new period or development" sense first appeared in print in the early 17th century, and "epoch" has been applied to defining moments or periods of time ever since.

Say No to Soda, Yes to Healthy Drinks

Five reasons why soda is bad for you and five healthy drinks better for quenching your thirst.

By Dennis Thompson Jr.

Sodas are sweet, sparkling and tasty — but don't confuse them with a healthy drink. Doctors have discovered a ton of health risks connected with drinking soda pop. Worse, you're robbing yourself of a healthy drink alternative brimming with needed vitamins and minerals every time you chug down a soft drink.

"If you're choosing a soda, chances are you aren't choosing a healthy beverage," says Keri M. Gans, a nutrition consultant in New York City and a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association. There are a number of healthy drink choices you can make instead.

Why Say No to Soda?

Soda is truly worthless to your body. "In my opinion, there's really one major reason to not drink soda," Gans says. "It has absolutely no nutritional value. Soda is filled with sugar and calories and nothing else." Even diet sodas — low to no calories and sugar — don’t have any redeeming virtues, nutritionally. Healthy drinks, on the other hand, have vitamins and minerals the body can use. Even plain water can rehydrate your body without adding extra calories to your diet.

Sugary sodas contribute to obesity and diabetes. Soda is loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, a sweetener that has been linked to obesity. Soda consumption also has been linked to the development of type 2 diabetes, both due to its sugar content and its effects on the body's hormones And diet soda? It may not be any better. At least one study has linked artificial sweeteners, such as those used in diet sodas, to increased appetite, greater difficulty losing weight, and a harder time maintaining weight loss.

Soda damages your teeth. The sugar in soda coats your teeth, combining with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. Both regular and diet soda also contain carbolic acid through carbonation. These acids work to weaken tooth enamel, causing cavities and tooth decay.

Drinking soda can weaken your bones. Most sodas contain phosphorous and caffeine, agents that are believed to contribute to osteoporosis. Experts also worry that people consume soda in place of milk or other healthy drinks, depriving the bones of calcium.

Soda can harm your major organs. Research has demonstrated that increased soft drink consumption may be linked to chronic kidney disease, development of metabolic syndrome (a group of symptoms that add up to increased heart risk), and fatty liver, a chronic liver disease.

Healthy Drink Alternatives

Luckily, there are limitless options when choosing a healthy drink over a soda pop. Some alternatives include:

Water. It is the ultimate healthy drink. "It's free in every sense of the word," Gans says. "It has no calories and it comes straight from your tap."

Fruit juice. Gans urges you not to drink straight fruit juice, which contains a lot of sugar. "Drink some seltzer with a splash of juice for a little flavoring," she says. "Rather than drinking juice, eat a piece of whole fruit. You're also getting the fiber in the fruit."

Milk. This is another essential healthy drink, particularly for kids. "An 8-ounce glass of nonfat milk has 80 calories and nine essential nutrients," Gans says. "You get a lot of bang for your buck."

Tea. Whatever teas you prefer — green, black, herbal — they all have been shown to contain high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to protect the body from damage.

Powdered drink mixes. They contain no tooth-rotting carbonation, and come in sugar-free varieties. They give your sweet tooth a fix without harming your overall nutrition.

And remember that you can always cut up some fresh fruit and pop a little into a tall glass of water for an extra flavor kick. Choosing healthy drinks over soda: Give it a try. Your body will thank you.


I found this recipe on www.everydayhealth.com. I've had a really had time with sodas. I've been addicted to coke for quite a while now. I had to give it up when I was nursing Ethan but then started again and hit it hard. I've decided to give it up again and haven't had any soda since New Years Day. It's been difficult. There have been times that I've really longed for it. Craved it. Needed it even. And the headaches. Don't even get me started. But I think I'm past the worst of it.

I also read a good article in the Ensign that helped me to want to give up soda. Read it here.

I want to do...

THIS.

Anyone up for the challenge???

Top 10 Strategies for Success

I got this article from www.sparkpeople.com

Use These Ideas to Meet Your Goals

1. Start Small
Quite possibly the biggest mistake people make is pushing the accelerator too soon. You can’t lose 20 pounds in a week. But you can lose one. Taking small bites and chewing slowly have as much to do with goal achievement as they do with your mom’s dinner table scolding.

2. Get It On Paper
Whether setting your first goals, tracking daily progress, or sharing your deepest thoughts with a journal, writing things down crystallizes your ideas, exposes underlying fears, and paints an accurate picture of real life.

3. Focus On Everyday Habits
The building blocks of a healthy lifestyle are forged in the smallest of actions you take every day and every week. Healthy choices can become as natural as brushing your teeth or locking the front door. Build one habit, one action at a time.

4. Always See Your Goal
Goals need attention. They need to be seen and heard and thought of often if they ever hope to come true. So surround yourself with as many reminders as possible.

5. Be Consistent
Imagine a plane taking off. In the beginning, a lot of energy is spent to simply get moving down the runway. But as speed and momentum take over, the plane is pulled forward and up into the sky, faster and further by the second. Consistent action, no matter how small, has more power than you ever imagined.

6. Never Stop Learning
A healthy lifestyle is a process—a journey more than a destination. You can always learn more about nutrition, fitness, and even yourself that can help you be just a little bit better tomorrow.

7. Come Out of Seclusion
Has anyone ever achieved anything of real value all alone? Probably not many. Most receive some form of help from other people. Support, information, a sense of shared experience, encouragement, advice, and a well-timed pep talk are all invaluable as you set off on your adventure.

8. Allow For Setbacks
Accept the fact right now that you will make mistakes, and that it can be a positive thing. We are usually harder on ourselves that we are on anyone else we know. Be your own #1 fan. That means being supportive (instead of critical) when you stumble, and enjoying your wins (rather than ignoring your accomplishments) when you succeed.

9. Trust Your Plan
You’ll have up weeks and down weeks, and frustrating weeks that make no sense at all. The tools and strategies you’re learning will help you build a plan that makes a healthier lifestyle almost inevitable. If you consistently make the right choices and build healthy habits, weight loss is literally just a matter of time.

10. Have Fun!!!
Who says getting healthy has to be a chore, a burden to be endured or suffered through? Probably a very unhappy person, that’s who. This is an exciting adventure of self-discovery and building a meaningful life. Enjoy the ride!


Now, obviously, this article is specifically talking about losing weight and creating a healthy lifestyle but I think it can be applied to all areas of setting goals and creating success for yourself.

I think that the areas I personally need to work on are being consistent, allowing for setbacks and trusting in my plan. Especially with my kids and being consistent. I need some consistency in my life.

My housework schedule works when applied and done consistently.

My kids behave better when I am consistent with them in what they can and can't do as well as the discipline I use.

I continue to lose weight when I eat healthy and exercise.

I need to work on consistency.

Word of the Day

berserk\ber-SERK\adj. 1: frenzied, crazed - usually used in the phrase go berserk

Example Sentence: Fans went berserk as they watched the running back dive in for the winning touchdown in the final seconds of the game.

Did you know? "Berserk" comes from Old Norse "bersekr," which combines "ber-" ("bear") and serkr" ("shirt"). According to Norse legend, "berserkrs" were warriors who wore bearskin coverings and worked themselves into such frenzies during combat that they became immune to the effects of steel and fire. "Berserk" was borrowed into English (first as a noun and later as an adjective) in the early 19th century, when interest in Scandinavian myth and history was high. It was considered a slang term at first, but it has since gained broader acceptance.

Getting Going Day 5

Today I was up at quarter after seven. And I've been snuggling my little boy ever since. I sent my oldest to spend the night at grandma and grandpas so I decided I could best spend my time this morning loving on my baby and giving him the attention he needs. Now I need to trade and give my big boy his love.

3 Things

1. I am grateful for my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. I am grateful for my friends and family and the support they give to me.

3. I am grateful for blogging.

Word of the Day

hidebound\HYDE-bound\adj. 1: of a domestic animal: having a dry skin lacking in pliancy 2: having an inflexible or ultraconservative character

Example Sentence: The store failed when its hidebound owners refused to alter their business model to adjust for the changing economy.

Did you know? "Hidebound" has its origins in agriculture. The word, which appeared in English as "hyde bounde" in the 16th century, originally described cattle that, due to illness or poor feeding, had skin that clung to the skeleton and could not be pinched, loosened, or worked with the fingers. "Hidebound" has also been applied to humans - both literally, to describe people with tight skin, and figuratively. In its earliest figurative usage, "hidebound" meant "stingy" or "miserly." That sense has since fallen out of use, but a second figurative usage, describing people who are rigid or unyielding in their actions or beliefs, lives on in our language today.

Getting Going Day 4

I had to get up today at 7:20. I babysit on Mondays and Thursdays.

Cook Lunch Day 3

I made tuna and pickle sandwiches for lunch.

Cook Breakfast Day 2

I did oats with milk, honey and blueberries.

Weigh In Wednesday

I've gained some weight over the holiday. Yuck!

163.8 pounds
33.3% fat
48.6% water
58.4 pounds muscle
24.2 BMI

It's actually not too bad because my pounds of muscle has increased and my fat percentage has gone down. Now if the fat decrease can out weigh the muscle increase we'll be getting somewhere.

Exercise Day 3

Today I did Jillian's 30 Day Shred again. I only used 2 pound weights this time so it was a lot easier. (I used 5 pound weights last time.) I've still been sore after working out but I'm hoping that I'm starting to get past that. It seems like for me when I work out every day I'm not as sore and it doesn't last as long. Also, I need to make sure I'm taking my vitamins and calcium and drinking lots of water to help flush out the lactic acid that builds up in your body after a workout.

Word of the Day

sanction\SANK-shun\v. 1: to make valid or binding usually by a formal procedure (as ratification) 2: to give effective or authoritative approval or consent to

Example Sentence: The parks committee was willing to sanction the consumption but not the sale of alcohol on park premises.

Did you know? "Sanction" can also be a noun meaning "authoritative approval" or "a coercive measure." The noun entered English first, in the 15th century, and originally referred to a formal decree, especially an ecclesiastical decree. (The Latin "sancire," meaning "to make holy," is an ancestor.) By the end of the 17th century, the meaning of the noun "sanction" had extended to refer to both a means of enforcing a law (a sense that in the 20th century we began using especially for economic penalties against nations violating international law) and the process of formally approving or ratifying a law. When the verb "sanction" appeared in the 18th century, it had to do with ratifying laws as well. Soon it had also acquired an additional, looser sense: "to approve."

Getting Going Day 3

Today I got up about 9. I immediately got into my workout clothes and came downstairs to grab a bite of toast. I'll hop to it in a minute.

Hop to it. That's a phrase my mom used to say all the time growing up.

Going to Bed Day 2

We got to bed late. About 11 and then my husband was talkative again and we stayed up until about midnight talking. And when I say talking I mean he was talking and I was trying not to fall asleep while sounding interested in what he had to say. I was up in the night from about 1 to 2:30 with both boys. Just got one to sleep and the other one woke up.

Night Time Routine Day 2

I washed my face and brushed my teeth. Still no scriptures.

Cook Dinner Day 2

I made mac and cheese for the boys for dinner. They also had some banana. Mark and I went out to dinner with my parents for Mark's birthday. I had chile relleno and an enchilada plus the rice and beans. (I only ate about half of everything. )

Cook Lunch Day 2

We had string cheese, apples and crackers for lunch today. I had to take the boys to see the Dr and so we ate on the run. It was good we grabbed something because we ended up being at the Dr's for about 2 hours. We waited forever and it sucked.

Grocery Shopping

I went to the store today and got lots of fruits, veggies, milk, mac and cheese, and some beans.

Exercise Day 2, Part 2

I also got out and shoveled my driveway.

Exercise Day 2

Today I did Power 90 Sweat Cardio 1-2. Tyler did it with me. He wanted to do the "muscle man" workout. When we were done I was totally exhausted and ready to go shower and get ready for the day but he wanted to do another one. So...

I also did Denise Austin's Boot Camp Total Body Blast. It just about killed me through the cardio portion but then the strength portion was really good for me to do and the stretches she does are wonderful.

Power 90 is 35 minutes and Boot Camp is 50 minutes. So 85 total. Whooo!!

Word of the Day

candor \KAN-der\n. 1: whiteness, brilliance 2: freedom from prejudice or malice: fairness 3: unreserved, honest, or sincere expression: forthrightness

Example Sentence: When the job applicant admitted to some indiscretions in his past, the interviewer thanked him for his candor.

Did you know? The origins of "candor" shine through in its first definition. "Candor" traces back to the Latin v erb "candere" ("to shine or glow"), which in turn derives from the same ancient root that gave the Welsh language "can," meaning "white," and the Sanskrit language "candati," which translates to "it shines." Other descendants of "candere" in English include "candid," "incandescent," "candle," and the somewhat less common "candent" and "candescent" (both of which are synonyms of "incandescent" in the sense of "glowing from or as if from great heat"). There is even "excandescence," and uncommon word that refers to a feverish condition brought on by anger or passion.

Getting Going Day 2

I got up this morning at 8:15. It's so nice to wake up to a relatively clean house. It gives me some more motivation to get to the rest of it! I am still trying to decide what to make for breakfast. Probably cold cereal. Better than eating out right? I need to go grocery shopping in a major way. I also have to say that I am sore from that teeny tiny workout I did yesterday. I didn't think I would be. My back, chest, bum and thighs are sore. And I pull different areas and they're a little sore too. Ahhhh, feels good!

Going to Bed Day 1

I was in bed and ready to go to sleep at 10 but my wonderful husband was suddenly talkative and we stayed awake talking until 11:30. Then I was up in the night with both boys. Tyler at 12:30 and Ethan at 3:30.

Night Time Routine Day 1

I actually did it! I washed my face and brushed my teeth. I did not read my scriptures though.

Cook Dinner Day 1

Tonight I made Mark's favorite Spaghetti Casserole and corn for dinner.

FHE

Today was Mark's birthday so we celebrated this evening with ice cream cake and then some special time with Daddy. I counted it as FHE because we had a nice time together.

Cleaning Day 1

Today I did two loads of dishes, picked up the main level and vacuumed. I need to clean off the kitchen counter and work on upstairs.

Cook Lunch Day 1

I made Ramen noodles for lunch today. We had pears and milk to go with it.

3 Things

Today is Mark's birthday so I'm going to do my 3 things about him.

1. I love Mark.

2. I am grateful that Mark and I have been married for 6 years and together for almost 9.

3. I love Mark's beautiful smile.

Happy Birthday!

Exercise Day 1

I got an exercise video just after Christmas and I love it. Today was my first time trying it and I am beat. I am feeling more from the 20 minutes I did this video then I have doing 60-90 minutes of exercise.

Since I'm just getting back into exercising after over a month off I'm just going to do the one video for today - and probably for this week. Then I'll either walk/jog or do an additional video.

The video I did today was "Jillian Michaels: 30 Day Shred". Best $10 I have spent on videos to date. It's only 20 minutes but it's a good one.

Scriptures with the Kids Day 1

We read the scriptures during breakfast. It's the best time to do it because, for the most part, they're quiet and they sit still. Today we read 1 Nephi 14. It's the end part to the things that the angel shows Nephi. It makes me wonder if all the prophets are shown the same things. Like if President Monson has seen all the same things that Nephi saw. And if Moses, Adam and those past prophets were all shown the same things.

Cook Breakfast Day 1

I'm making Blueberry Chocolate Chip Half Wheat Waffles for breakfast this morning. I'm actually re-heating the leftovers from Saturday morning's breakfast. The best way to reheat waffles is actually in the toaster. That way they're not soggy.

My recipe:

2 c flour - I used half white and half wheat
4 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1 1/2 c milk
6 Tbsp oil
2 eggs, separated

Mix together the dry ingredients. Mix in the milk, oil and egg yolks. Beat the egg whites until soft peaks form and fold them in. Add in whatever mix-ins you want. We like blueberries or chocolate chips. Not normally both at the same time.

Getting Going Day 1

I got up at 7:20 and I've been moving. Not fast, but moving. I'm working on breakfast.

Nursery Lesson #1

First off, I have to say that I LOVE the new nursery manuel that the church put out this year. It is absolutely amazing and geared exactly to the nursery. I didn't have to cut a TON out like with the other manuel. I basically just followed the lesson as outlined in the manuel. They even include the pictures and a picture to color for every lesson.

Lesson #1 I Am a Child of God

It was really nice because the primary chorister came in to do singing time with us and she closed with I Am a Child of God. It was the perfect introduction to my lesson.

We talked about the kids having Mommie's and Daddy's that love them very much. And that they love their parents. I told them that they have a Heavenly Father who loves them very much too.

I read Psalm 82:6 that said, "All of you are children of God."

I had gotten a picture of Moses from the library (one of him as a baby in the basket and then another of him older on the mountain), I didn't want to do the picture in the book as it is just a drawing and surrounded by 2 other pictures. I asked them if they knew who it was and explained that Moses was a great prophet who lived a long time ago and did a lot of important things.

We read Moses 1:4 that says "God said to Mose, 'Behold, thou art my son.' " Then we talked about Moses being God's son.

I then went through all 4 of my kids and told them, by name, that they were a son or daughter of God.

Then we turned to the picture included with the lesson. It's a bunch of kids. Then I picked out a few of them and said, "Is this boy a son of God? Is this girl a daughter of God?" Then I asked each of them if they were a son or daughter of God.

We closed with singing I Am a Child of God.

We colored the picture that is included with the lesson.

I didn't add anything extra or do anything fancy.

It was my best week yet in nursery. The only problem I had was that they moved us to a new room with a window (which was great, it's bigger and it's nice having some natural light in the room.) but the problem was that it was FREEZING. I'm going to have to see if we can move back to the other room until spring time when it's warmer.

I was really happy with the way things went in nursery. The helper they had lined up for me didn't show up but it ended up being okay because the little boy that came in a few weeks ago was there again and his mom stayed in the whole time and he was really good. He only cried a few times when his dad poked his head in to check on them. Other than that everyone was good, got along and was nice to each other. I only had 4 kids total and, at max, should only have 6 kids until about April when another little boy will come in. Much better than my first week doing it when I had 11 kids.

I'm Back!

Okay, so I know that was a long break but I'm ready to be back to doing everything. My husband is back to work. Holiday's are over. Kid goes back to school today. Life is great!

I'm going to start over at Day 1 for everything. New year, start over.