JUNIOR HONOR SOCIETY

Zack was inducted into the Junior Honor Society this year. He has managed to maintain straight A's this year and decided to apply. We are so proud of all his hard work. All I could think as I sat and watched the ceremony was how far my son has come. During 6th grade, when his Asperger that was not yet diagnosed started to be a challenge in class, I watched as my son felt so defeated when it came to school work. His grades had slipped and he had lost all confidence in himself and his abilities. Flash forward 2 years, he has managed straight A's for the last 2 years in middle school, some of his classes he has over 100 %, he has learned how to prioritize his time and to control his impulses that are a part of his AS. I know all the parents that sat in their room were proud of their child's accomplishments, but I felt something more. My son has battle himself and it appears as won.

The best part was seeing this smile. He was proud of himself and what he accomplished. That night he was my HERO.

TIFFINY'S BREAST FRIENDS

Belle, Katie, Becky and I walked with some other friends from our wad in the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure. We walk in support of my friend Tiffiny who is a survivor.

SCRAP & PLAY

Gotta love a weekend away with girlfriends. A few months ago Suzanne, Dayna, Tammie and I signed up for Scrap & Play that was being hosted by Creating Keepsakes Magazine at the Marriott in Provo. This was a whole new event. I had attended CKUs, but this promised to be a little more low key. There were a few projects that we would be working on and then we would have lots of cropping time. Teresa Collins came on Friday evening (shortly after her grandson was born) to instruct us in making a book about home. I love, love, love her style. She spent a little bit of the time with us sharing the 1st pictures of her beautiful grandson. We scrapped into the early morning and then retired to our room for a few hours of sleep. It was here at 2:30 am that Tammie decided this would be a great time to have a pillow fight or run out for ice cream. Unfortunately for Tammie, the rest of her roomies were too tired to indulge her. Saturday morning we dressed, grabbed a bagel or muffin and wet back to scrapping. The Scrap & Play staff hung around until about 5:00 pm. It was then that they left us all in the banquet room with no music, or games or anything until we were done at midnight. Although the projects and attention for the first half of the event were wonderful, CK once again lived up to my low expectations. I can't imagine inviting friends for a crop and then leaving them in my basement with no music and food. Truly the most important part of the weekend was spending time with friends.

SALT LAKE MARATHON

This was my first time running in the Salt Lake City Half Marathon. Steve has run the Full course a couple of times and it was the 5K that I first tried any sort of race. This year I thought I would give the half a try. We got a ride to the start in our friend's motor home. Which made it very convenient for last minute potties before the race. Steve and the other "real" runners took their place toward the front of the pack, while I headed to the back of the line where I would feel more at home. I was a little nervous to be ll alone, but once I crossed the start line, I really got into the fact that I could o at my own pace. No worries about how fast the person with me was running or the fear of going too slow and embarrassing myself. It was my race, my run and I would do it MY way.
I enjoyed the course, more than I thought I would. I did not have my best time, but I had thought it would take me 3:45 to complete the whole thing I was done in 3:25. So that was an accomplishment, for me. And even better was that I felt GREAT. I did have a few blisters on my feet, which I was actually a little proud of and wore like metals of honor. The Salt Lake Half is definitely a race I would like to try again.

BOYS and THEIR TOYS

Since Steve got his truck, 3 years ago, he has wanted to get a trailer to tow behind it. We have gone to the RV shows and walked through them and picked up the brochures, but just couldn't bring ourselves to actually buy one. Well, we began to plan a trip to Yosemite and thought it might be cool to rent an RV and drive it there and sleep in it rather than doing the tent thing. I LOVED the idea. So one day we went to the rental agency and inquired how much it would be to rent one for 4 days and go all the way to California...$2000!!! SERIOUSLY!!! I was a little disappointed, it seemed like such a fun way to do the vacation. As we drove out of the parking lot I noticed an RV dealership next door and thought maybe we should stop there and see if they rent. Unfortunately they didn't but the salesman said he had a used one that had just been traded in. We went and checked it out...it was in great shape and they made us a deal. And that is how we bought a trailer when we went out to rent one for a trip. I have to be completely honest...I think I am as excited as Steve. It is not a HUGE trailer, we actually did not one a great big one. We wanted one that Steve could use in the late fall and early spring to help with his cabin fever, but still be able to use with the whole family. It has beds for 4...I know we have 6 in our family, but we kind of figure that on most of our family trips the kids are gonna want to sleep in the tent anyway.

I also love the thought of having a warm place to go, but by far the best part is having a potty. That was a must if we bought a trailer.

Steve and Zack have already taken it out on an over-nighter and everything seemed to work fine. I am so glad and look forward to more trips and memory making with my family.

NO SWEETS!! day 1

Last year the girls had a bet with Steve to not eat CANDY for 1 year beginning February 15, 2009. About halfway through the year Katie fell out of the competition. Becky and Belle survived the entire year and spent yesterday, February 15, 2010, eating (gorging) on the candy they had collecting through the year.

Well, it was a short reunion with sweets because as of today the whole family is going NO SWEETS for 1 year. That means NO cake, cookies, brownies, candy, hot cocoa, sugar coated cereal, granola bars that are coated with chocolate or have chocolate chips. We will all get 2 "free" days to eat any sweets we want. I think my two days will be when we go to Boston in June, I have to have a canoli from Mike's Pastry, and Christmas. We have also each chosen what we would want for a prize if we make it to the end. Not only do I need to go sweet free for a year, but I need to get to my goal weight. So my prize will be going to Hawaii to show of my new slender body. I think it will be interested to see if there is any difference how I feel not taking in the added sugar...will it make a difference in my weight loss. Steve confided in me this morning that he woke up at 1:00 am wanting M&Ms, does he usually want M&Ms in the middle of the night...NO...but knowing he can't have it makes him want it all the more. Which I am sure will be the big challenge initially these first couple of weeks.

So today I bid BYE-BYE to chocolate, white sugar, fudge, ice cream for one year.

VALENTINE DATE

Steve and I decided that instead of buying each other "gifts" just for the sake of buying each other something for Valentines Day, that we would go out together on Friday night. He made a reservation for us to go out to dinner and then we planned to go to a dance that our church was having. I spent much of the week being excited for Friday night. Monday after bowling I went shopping for a new dress.

I went to Dillards and Macys without much luck, but when I got to Penneys that all changed. I went into the dressing room with 10 dresses and loved them all. I was most excited about a red one that I had seen a few months ago when Steve and I had been shopping but it was regular price (and I HATE purchasing stuff at regular price) so I didn't buy it back then. Guess what...it was on the clearance rack today and in my size. WHOOO HOOOO!!! So that was the dress I chose and when I got to the register I was even more thrilled to find it was about 90% off...GET OUT of TOWN!!! Totally made my day. That meant I would have enough extra money to buy new shoes too!!!

Friday as we started our day, Steve showed me the shirt he had bought to wear on our date. I was thrilled to see he had bought something new to wear on our date too. He knows I like the shirts that are out there for men that look like a dress shirt, but then have another graphic on them...so he got one and I LOVED IT!!! I totally would have picked that out for him. Before we left for our evening out my parents and the kids got to see us all gussied up and took some pictures. It was a fabulous evening. We went to Madeline's and had a nice meal together and then went to the church for the dance. They had a photographer there who was taking photographs of the couples for free. So we stood in line and got of pictures taken before we hot the dance floor...which was a good thing because once we started dancing the pretty hair had lost its bounce and much of the makeup had been sweated off. We waltzed, swinged, boot scoot boogied and even chacha'd the night away. It felt like old times, having Steve lead me in a dance, hold me in his arms as a slow song played and twirled me around.
We had our 16th year of doing the 14 DAYS of VALENTINES. I made 14 different tags with a different quote on each one like, "You are the best thing in my LIFE" and then tied it to a box of LIFE cereal or "You LIGHT up my life" and tied it to a light bulb. It was a fun one to do this year. Steve gave me a card everyday that showed different sides of his personality that have come out in him since we have been together. And with each one there was corresponding pictures. I so appreciated the thought and effort that went into his valentines for me this year. I have the coolest husband that continues to do this silly tradition with me, but even more because he doesn't just show me how much he loves me during the 14 DAYS of VALENTINES, but he shows me every single day.

SUPERBOWL XLIV

After 16 weeks of regular season and three weeks of play offs, SUPER BOWL Sunday arrived. Unfortunately the San Diego Chargers were not one of the teams playing. Instead the NFC Champion New Orleans Saints were facing the Indianapolis Colts. I guess if the Charger were no there my next favorite team would be the Colts (Peyton Manning and all his dorky cuteness)

Steve was off this week after having to work Super Bowl Sunday for the last 3. We decided it would be a great time for us to host. After attending our church meetings in the morning we came home and got into some comfortable, football watching clothes and finished prepping food. All 3 families would be bringing soups and I was providing hot wings, Stromboli, veggie tray, guacamole and other snacky food. We had soooooo much food, but with 12 children between the 3 couples much of it was eaten before the somewhat disappointing halftime show began.

Steve made a chart for us all to put our names in different boxes to predict what the winning score was. There was a silly prize for the person who chose the correct final score. It was a different way to get everyone involved, even the kids who were not much interested in the actual game, but had more interest in the food and foodies that were laying out waiting to be devoured by them.
The game was OK, commercials were mediocre, the halftime show I seriously did not enjoy. But the best part was spending a few hours with the Nighs and the Duves we have been doing this with them for 5 years. I feel so blessed to have such good friends that get our jokes and humor and I can just be myself around. It helps to make for a GREAT evening.
When the game was over...thee Colts(Peyton Manning the Cute Dorky QB) lost and the New Orleans Saints had the big WIN... we chose the winner of the game. Brecken won the good bag which consisted of a foam football (blue, good for either the Colts or Chargers), a pair of goofy novelty glasses and a whistle shaped like a football. Brecken was a good sport and donned the glasses and held the other gear for me to get my bog worthy picture..thanks Brecken.

It was a fabulous evening, can't believe we will have to wait 364 days to do it all over again. Maybe my wonderful Chargers won't choke in the play offs and will be the team I am cheering for next year.

PERFECTION

Tuesday, I had not done my early morning treadmilling. I spent the early morning finishing up the synopsis of Sunday's Relief Society lesson for the Newsletter and then received an email from the Bishop asking if I could email him the Ward Newsletter in the next day or two. So for 2 1/2 hours I bounced between the two projects making sure that they were PERFECT. I did not want to let the sisters in the ward down by not having the newsletter in their "inbox" that morning and I did not want to disappoint the Bishop by not getting the newsletter, in PERFECT condition, to him. I was so meticulous in making sure the page was balanced, that fonts were appropriate for the theme of the article, and that the clip art was "just the right". Everything was emailed and I shut down my computer and then I had to decide...would I put on my workout clothes and get on the treadmill or would I just pass for the day...

It took some self talking, but I did go up and get dressed in my running clothes and even grabbed the mittens and ear muffs and decided to take it to the street. As I left the house with Miley Cyrus singing "The Climb" in my ear I was deep in thought. I thought about all the effort and time I put into those newsletter, trying to make them PERFECT. Would anyone even notice or care? Why do I put so much effort into something like that and yet I find it so difficult to put that much effort into my own fitness? Something that is so important to my health and longevity? I need to have that same mind set for my own health. I know it exists. I have seen friends that have that dedication, Steve stands as an example of that dedication. Maybe a good part of that thinking is not wanting to let others down. This brought me to thinking about how determined I was to not let people down...yet it is so easy to let myself down..."you promised yourself you would wa-og today"..."Ah, there's always tomorrow". End of conversation and off come the work out clothes, not to be thought of the remainder of the day. This conversation continued for 3 miles until I walked back into my warm house.

Did I come up with the answer...NO...but I am glad I acknowledge this way of thinking I have.

TREASURE HUNTING & CHOIR

Thursday Steve had the day off from work. We don't usually spend a Thursday together, so I gave up a day scrapping with the girls to hang out with my honey. We didn't have anything extremely excited planned, but I seriously just enjoy being around the man.

So we loaded into his truck and went to WalMart to finally replace the crock pot that broke a few months ago. I was so excited. We got a nice 7 quart!!! YEAH. Then I suggested we go to DI (deseret industries) and go "treasure hunting". I got this idea from another woman's blog. She lives in Washington DC and hits the Goodwill ever so often and finds all sorts of neat treasures: nice silver, cool furniture, china, and linens on the CHEAP. Steve and I meandered around the store. I did find some cute jeans for the girls for only $4, but my awesome find was these cool green, square plates. I liked them as soon as I saw them, but then when I turned them over and saw that they were Pottery Barn and only $1 a plate I LOVED them even more. So we walked out of DI with Pottery Barn dinner plates for only $8...my LUCKY day!!! Later that evening we loaded the family in the van and headed over to Barnes and Noble. The elementary school will be hosting 6 different children authors at the school on Friday. Barnes and Noble had an event at their store where the children could purchase the author's books so the children could have them signed at the school the next day. They also had performances by the band and choir and the principal read a story to the children. It was quite and event. Katie and Becky bought 2 books by the author Jessica Day George. They have read her first 2 dragon books and loved them.
Belle purchased a book by the author that would be visiting with the 6th graders and Zack finally spent his 2 Barnes and Noble gift cards purchasing a Pokemon Pokedex and the book Dune. I didn't want to be left out, so I bought a copy of the JD Salinger book Catcher in the Rye to add to our bookshelf on the same day the author passed away at the age of 91.
Before we checked out we listened to the girls perform with the choir. They were the same songs we had heard them sing in November at the choir program, but I still totally enjoyed watching them. It is those little moments that I LIVE for.

FINALLY got to get some scrapbooking done. I registered a few months ago for a charity crop that would benefit the Utah Down Syndrome Foundation. I sometimes plan things months ahead and when the event arrives, I question my sanity for schedule one more thing in our busy life, but this was not one of those times. I so needed this time to get some of scrapbooking done.
Dayna and I cropped Friday night with our friend Annette (it is her niece that has organized this whole event). Chick-Fil-A and TGIFridays provided some yummy food that evening for us to munch on as we got our creativity on. They played the GLEE cd, which I totally enjoyed. There was some conversations goig one about books and tv shows. I love how a bunch of women, who don't really know eachother. can get together at an event like this and become great friends by the time it is over. I was excited for all the room we had on the tables. Plenty of room to spread out and really look at everything you are working on. Dayna and I got home about midnight after a very productive first day.
I didn't get much sleep that night. Zack had to get up early to go with his Deacon's Quorum to do temple baptisms. So of course I woke up and made sure he was ready to go at 5:30. It was pointless to try and fall back to sleep, so I thought about the pages I would be working on that day as I dressed and had breakfast. When I arrived at the crop, Einstein bagels and juice was waiting for us. We got our registration packets which included a cute beaded charm on a long necklace chain for each lady. We also had the chance to purchase raffle tickets.
There was free product handed about about every hour and there was also raffle drawings as often. There were donations from so many vendors. It was fun to see what would be handed out or won every hour...fun paper packs, flair, stickers, stamp sets, jewelry, wall vinyl, tools...

Lunch was also brought in from Olive Garden and for dinner we were treated to Pulled Pork from Texas Roadhouse. Definitely quite a treat. I tried the whole day to stay focused on my projects. My number one priority was getting our vacation album done from the California/Cruise that we did in December. The goal was to get as many pictures in my 10x10 album as possible and all my different pieces of memorabilia. I used my new Bind-It-All machine once all the pages were done.

With a couple hours of time left and the vacation album done, I decided to pull out an album I began in a Teresa Collins class in November. It was a gratitude album. So glad I brought it and was able to finish off one more project. It also gave me a little time to think about all that I have been blessed with in my life. Unfortunately, doing this made we want to get home and be with my family. So I actually left the event about an hour before it all came to an end.

This was a well put on event. I look forward to next winter and hopefully I will get to be there for their 4th annual crop.

NEW POCKET GUIDE

It's Wednesday, which means it was another weigh in. I walked in and found my card in the file box and went to check in. The receptionist that checks us in commented that I would be getting a new pocket guide, which means it had been a year and I had filled the last one. And just as the thought of, "another year and I STILL have not reach goal..." she said, "this is the book that you are going to reach goal in." It turned that negative self speak I was doing right around. I walked over to the scale thinking, "...that's right...I am going to hit my goal in this book." Isn't it funny how one person's small comment can affect someone so much.

The scale was kind to me. It was my 3rd loss in as many weeks. I was down 1 POUND!!!

JUST CHARMING

Last week while I was at bowling my friend Lindsi brought in some charms her sister had made. They were so cute. I chose one and thought it might be fun to make some of my own. So this afternoon Katie and I brought out the beads and pliers and went to work.
Before we got started we took a "field trip" to Hobby Lobby to buy some extra jump rings. While we were there Katie began eyeing the different charms. She was so cute. She would look at the price and then ask if she was figuring the correct tax. I thought she was thinking of buying a charm for herself, but it was then that she told me she wanted to purchase the charm for me to thank me for teaching her today. HOLY COW!!! That was such a neat thing to hear. I told her how much I appreciated the gesture, but I thought she should buy one for herself to put on the necklace we were making. I have the most thoughtful kids.
Once we got home, I brought out my boxes of beads and the ones that she got for Christmas. I explained and showed her how to make the loops. I thought for sure she would have problems making the loops. I explained she had to be patient and not to get frustrate. The little stinker got her loop right on the 1st try. Within about 30 minutes she had finished her charm. And was so proud of herself.

I made 2 of my own, but have to admit, making the loops were a little harder for me. The best part was spending the afternoon doing something creative with my girl.

EBELSKIVERS

I woke up this morning and walked into my mom's kitchen and watched as Mom and Belle worked to together making our breakfast of EBELSKIVERS (traditional Danish pancakes in a distinctive shape of a sphere. Somewhat similar in texture to American pancakes crossed with a popover) They were quite yummy. She filled some of them with raspberry preserve and some with nutella.

EBELSKIVERS

2 eggs

1/2 qt. buttermilk

1/4 c. oil

2 c. flour

1 tsp. soda

1/2 tsp. salt
Beat egg yolks and add buttermilk and oil. Sift dry ingredients into liquid mixture. Beat egg whites and fold into batter. Cook on burner in a greased Ebelskiver pan. Fill each section with 1 heaping tablespoon of batter. Drop 1/2 tsp. of filling (nutella, raspberry preserve, applesauce) Top with a small dollop of batter. Turn with fork or skewers.

It was nice to watch Belle work with her Grandma. Definitely a neat opportunity for Belle to spend time with Grandma and to leave little something about baking.

Home Alone

The kids went back to school on Monday after being out for 39 days...yep, you read that correctly. The last day that the girls had been to school was the day before Thanksgiving, when we left for our California/Cruise vacation. And following that they were off track from year round school. Steve and I spent Monday and Tuesday taking care of things around the house and then going on our "HAPPY TUESDAY" date. So today was the first day that I was home alone. It was kind of peaceful, but one of the best parts was that I just felt like things have gotten back to NORMAL.


I went to my Weight Watchers meeting. I was a little nervous, it would be the first time stepping on the scale since before Christmas. But I also know that I want this year to be when I finally hit goal. So I walked in today, silently praying that I would at least maintain what the weight was before Christmas. I was pleasantly surprised to have Lynda (my WW leader) tell me I had LOST 2.4 pounds....SWEET!!!!!! Wow, if that is not a great jump start to getting back on track I don't know what else would be. So for the next 10 weeks WW is setting goals for members to work on each week. This week is tracking. I know it is a huge key to the weight loss thing, but to be honest, sometimes ignorance is bliss...unfortunately that same bliss can help you weigh 200 lbs. So I am focusing on the journaling of my food. The fridge is filled with veggies and fruits and I have my Lean Cuisines in the freezer to help through dinner.

In the afternoon I loaded our new kitty "CHARCOAL" into his pet carrier and headed over to the vet. It was time for the little guy to get more of his shots. He did pretty well through the whole thing. The vet and the nurse told us what a good kitty he is. I have to say as a former cat hater, I have been surprised how easy he is. And I actually have enjoyed playing with him in the evenings. Daisy, our lab, gets a little jealous from the attention that the kitty gets, but we try to give her some love too. The rest of the afternoon is being spent helping my kiddos with the homework, making dinner and getting Zack to his Mutual Activity.

SCRAPPING at HEARTFELT CREATIONS

Saturday November 7; Suzanne, Dayna, and I took a class at Heartfelt Creations. Marah Johnson had traveled from California to teach 3 classes. We were only signed up for the one which was titled: SONG BIRD. She taught a lot of technique, but also spent some time showing us cool ways to use left over embellishments. I feel pretty blessed to have some good friends to take these classes with.

NIKKI ZIP LINING

Shawna arranged for the three of us to zip line on my birthday. We used a company named Chiclets Canopy Tours in Playa Hermosa. We got all our gear on and heard an explanation of how to perform on the zip line before loading into a truck and drive into the jungle. We then hiked up a trail with stairs. On the way we saw a green and black poisonous tree frog. Thatwas awesome. We also came across some cutter ants that were carrying pieces of leaves to their homes. Once at the top we were hooked onto the 1st wire and began our run. I was quite nervous for the first few but after a while I was much more relaxed. I did not get as brave as Emily who did it upside down and backwards. She was awesome. Then there was Shawna who was a pro after having done it 5 time prior to our visit. The guys that worked at Chiclets were awesome. So patient with me and my nervousness. At the same time they joked with us and their own partners.

It definitely was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had, for so many reasons.