It's what fun is!

We finally took the two big kids for a day at Lagoon.  We have been waiting until Duncan got a hair taller (we have been waiting a LONG TIME for that) so that he could ride more rides.  We dropped Lyza off with Grandma Parsons and we took off on a gorgeous sunny Sunday morning.  The weather couldnt have been more perfect.  It was sunny and 75 with a light breeze.  Because its Sunday in Utah and in April, there were no lines.  AT ALL.  I think the longest we waited for a ride was funny enough- for the train!  Oh, and while we are talking about that- can someone PLEASE set those animals free.  That is the saddest most pathetic animal enclosure ever.  Sophia was the perfect height- she was JUST short enough to ride the kid rides and JUST tall enough to ride the bigger rides.

We spent the morning in "little Lagoon" letting the kids do all the kids rides.  We rode Puff the Magic Dragon, the tea cups, and the carousel as a family and then the kids rode all the kids rides they could.  After about 12:30, Duncan was about in tears.  Too excited to eat breakfast, he hadn't really eaten anything substantial so we took that as the perfect time to go out to the car and have a picnic in the trunk.  We packed a cooler and we laid the seats down in the van and had a great lunch.  After food, Duncan was a whole new man.  He wanted to do all the big kid rides- like the Wicked and the Colossus!  I had to laugh.  We settled on the gondola, the lady bug, the flying aces, the ferris wheel, another gondola ride and then topped it off with the arcade.  We rode the spook ally and I rode with Duncan.  I was trying to calm him down by talking and laughing with him.  After about 2 minutes he told me to be quiet because he couldn't concentrate   Afterward he told me that it was the stupidest ride and wasn't even scary.....ah boys.

Waiting in line for the carousel   

Of coarse Sophie chose the pretty pony

Tea cup on the carousel!

Doesn't he look like a little baby in this one?!

Josh and Sophie getting wet on the Odysea

Riding a cannon!

Dripping wet after Rattlesnake Rapids!

End of the day, the kids won a fan and a squirt gun at the arcade!

Family fun April 2013!

So my blogs have been more rants, words or just jibberish that flows from my brain to the keyboard and lands on the internet.  I thought that I might share some fun stuff that we have been able to go do in the last couple of weeks.

A few weeks ago there was an exhibit at the South Towne Expo Center called Discover the Dinosaurs.  They had a whole bunch of animatronic dinos that moved and made sounds and had their own little habitats. There were screens to teach the kids what era they were from, what their diet was, what was special about them.  It was actually super awesome.  We walked through the exhibit part in about 35 minutes and initially I was feeling like we totally got jipped on the price.  It was NOT cheap.  Well, after that we walked into the other half of the expo center and this is where the kids went APE.  They had dino inflatable bounce houses ( like 10 of them), a maze, mining for gems, panning for gold, dino golf, baby dino park, dino rides, face painting, coloring and activity center, etc.  I think that we did every activity twice or three times with the exception of dino rides (it freaked the kids out) and panning for gold/mining since that cost cash.  The kids have discovered they love mini golf and now we are planning a trip to Mulligans.

Otherwise known as the mommy dino

Sophia's fancy face

Our big girl!

Im a failure....or am I?

***Kristen disclaimer- this is in no way meant to offend- just give a totally Book-o-Kristen view on how we have this ridiculous notion on how we should be, act, dress***

OK my peeps- I was perusing the internet-age and looking at different articles written by women, for women and I was a little irritated.  Why in the world do we expect each other to have a blanket set of abilities and/or think that we should all be working towards learning how to do certain things?  And why in the world is there an age standard or limit?  Why is 50 some magical age in which we as women should attain a skill set?  Isn't the point of life to live the life and have the skill set that makes you a happy individual?  Why as women do we think that the only way to happiness is through a standard that is usually unattainable?  Why cant we just leave each other to flourish in our own unique ways and in our own facets of happiness?  I am going to "Kristen-ize" the list down below.  Please feel free to add anything you think or feel in the comments section!

By 50, women should know how to:

Say “no” without feeling guilty- This is a skill that as human beings we should have or should be working on no matter your age- what a miserable existence if you spend the first 50 years of your life yessing people to death.

Book their own travel- With the internet- this is something most teenagers are able to do

Say “I’m sorry” and mean it- Don't we as mothers teach our children to do this starting at age 1 or 2?  50 is the new standard??

Laugh at themselves-Im laughing at myself writing this list right now.  Again- basic human trait.

Change a tire-My dad taught me this at 15.  Now that we all have cell phones and AAA- being able to change a tire can take on many a forms.

Take themselves out to dinner and/or a movie — on their own-OK I get the point of it but really why is that something that we all need to do?  Am I a failure as a woman if I choose to invite company to join me to dinner and a movie?  

Get around in a foreign country- OK another thing I get the point of....but its pretty obscure- and potentially dangerous depending on what country you are in.

Program and operate their TV (this is easier said than done!)- programming a TV?  huh?  Do you mean a DVR or a blu-ray player?  How does one program a TV?

Mix at least a few classic cocktails- As a recovering alcoholic- the only cocktail I mix is Crystal Light into water, milk into coffee or Sprite into cranberry juice if we are getting really fancy and we have a special occasion.  

Do their own taxes- HR Block.com- nuff said

Invest in the stock market- That's a really good one actually- I think as women we should have more knowledge about growing our money responsibly- so no snarkiness here.

Make themselves and their own needs a priority- I think going along with this is also learning when the needs of others come first.

Sew — at least a little- ok- thats a practical one as mending comes in handy.  Do you need to know how to make quilts and your own clothes?  Not unless thats your thing.

Defend themselves against an attacker with at least one signature self-defense move- yup- but you really should know how to do that WELL before the age of 50.

Perform CPR- absolutely- but I think that's a skill we should know from an early age- especially if we have small children in the home.

Carve a turkey- I have never really understood why the actually cutting up of the turkey is such a big deal.  For real- I do not know anyone who turns their nose up to a homemade roasted turkey because it was sliced incorrectly.  Please educate me if there is something I am missing on this.

Choose their own wine- Unfortunately I was WELL VERSED in this in my 20's and it landed me in rehab.  Not exactly high on my priority list any more.

Light a grill — and then cook on it- agreed.  Grilling is fun- but dont wait until your 50 to do it! PS- its an easy way to your husband to make dinner and he is none the wiser.

Swim- isnt that why we put our kids in swimming lessons at age 5?  And as long as you can tread water and have fun recreating in the water- do you really NEED to know how to do the breast stroke in perfect formation?

Order a credit report — and then be able to read it- do it online for free.  I do it every year and its super easy.

Examine their own breasts- If we wait until age 50 to know how to do this, we are putting ourselves at risk.  Teach your daughters as teenagers and do it monthly!

Graciously accept a compliment- its amazing what a simple Thank You can do.  Teach your daughters this from an early age and I guarantee it will help improve their self confidence.

Flip their own breaker- I'm assuming that this is electrical talk and not some dirty innuendo   I know where the breaker box is and if it needs a flipping, I know how to turn it from right to left.

Plunge a toilet-trust me- if you have ever had a 2 year old, or a husband, you have become a PRO at this.....and your probably a plunger officianato and can explain to others the pros and cons of different designs.

Properly hang photos and artwork- command strips

Whip up a signature dish that’s not spaghetti or meatloaf- A signature dish?  Hrm, at this stage in life- my dinner plans consist of asking the children what they WILL eat and making that.  SO, maybe by age 50 I will have the luxury of a signature dish.

Walk away from a situation or relationship when it’s not working- I have learned to walk away.  Its actually a painful but necessary thing.  The thing I have NOT mastered?  How to forgive deep hurt and move forward with forgiveness.  THAT'S the tough one. 

Tell off at least one person who deserves it- I kind of hate this one.  First of all- why is it that telling someone off is necessary?  You can stand up for yourself.  You can state your opinion but I think that sometimes the harder thing is to just shut up.  Once you have said something- you cant take it back.  The more mature route MOST of the time is to just be quiet.

Say what they really want in bed- grrrr!  Sexual prime for women is in their 30's- don't wait until 50 to take charge ladies!

Put together a piece of “some assembly required” furniture- this must be for rich people that have never had to go buy furniture at Ikea and then attempt to assemble children's furniture without words on the instructions.  

Apply makeup without a mirror- But WHY?  Why on earth would you EVER need to put makeup on without a mirror?  That is the stupidest thing ever.

Buy something crazy expensive just because they want it- if you have the money to burn on things and you are not going to put yourself in debt- knock your self out.  BUT- debt has become a way of life that affects all of us and hurts us far more than just in the pocket book.  And before you buy it- think about WHY you want it...is it because you want to show it off, because someone else has it, or because you think that it will bring your happiness?  Stuff doesn't make you happy.  I promise.  Been there, done that....have had the credit card bills to prove it.

Ask for a raise- dang straight.  When you feel like you deserve something- ask!  BUT don't feel entitled.  That's not a cute look at any age.

Mow their own yard- wait a minute- there are ladies out there who DON'T do their own yard work?  Who are you and how do I become you?  

Unclog a drain- back to the plunger comment.  Who HASN'T plunged out the kitchen sink a time or two?

Tell which direction they are facing- I live in Utah.  Big mountains to the right and your headed north....oh and everything is on a grid.  I'm sure there is an app for that too.

Tell at least one really good joke- and more importantly laugh at yourself when you tell a really dumb one too!

Make small talk with just about anyone- Strangers in the checkout line at stores beware.  I'm THAT girl.  I like your shoes- I tell you.  The weather is nice- I mention it.  We always tell our kids not to talk to strangers but then we never tell them its OK to talk to them later in life.

Know when to reveal personal information — and when not to- I don't really know about this....like I have no experience in filtering my life.  My life is an open book.  If you have a question- just ask.  If I don't want to talk about it- I will tell you.  

Think critically and independently when hearing speeches and listening to the news- case in point....facebook political posts are stupid- your not changing anyone's mind.  Listen to the news and wait for it.....THINK ABOUT IT.  If you have questions- find the answers!  Don't just trust Fox News or someone else's interpretation.  

Paint a room- wait- some people don't paint their own house?  Oh, this must be those rich people I hear about.  My husband would just like it if I QUIT painting rooms....seriously.

Buy the right-sized bra- Asked to get sized!  Ask for what you need!  And this is not only applicable to your boobs!  Side bar- I actually DON'T buy the size I measure at because after wearing it 2 times its too big....so I buy a band size smaller and a cup size bigger and it lasts A LOT longer.

Beautifully wrap a present- and remember that not every present has to be a work of art.  Sometimes a gift bag is the best way to go about it......a three year old doesn't care if you used handmade, organic, hand tied, hemp ribbon from Indonesia.  I promise.

Hail a taxi- huh?  I drive a mini van.  And I live in Utah....do we HAVE cabs?

Reach out to an old friend- isn't that what facebook was created for?

Jump a car battery- Again- if you can drive you should be able to do this.

Show love with actions and not just words- WHY are we waiting till 50 to show love with actions?

Put together a real retirement strategy- excellent- but there should be a strategy in your 20's with goals and benchmarks along the way.  If you START planning for retirement at 50- your effed.

Look good in a photo- Are we talking a selfie in the bathroom mirror?  Are we talking a family portrait? Why is this an important "skill" in life to have?

Open a bottle of champagne- Kristen opening a bottle of champagne is dangerous indeed.   Not because I don't know how to properly uncork- but because it would be gone in about 35 seconds and I would be removing my clothes and cussing like a sailor.

OK- Now we are back to reality.  I was being INCREDIBLY snarky and dumb about a lot of this.  I get that.  The point I am trying to make is why is there a checklist of things that we "have to" know how to do by a certain age?  Why??  Why are we telling others what skills they should possess and by a dead line?  Isn't the beauty of life that we all change and move through life at different rates and learn different lessons at different times?  Tell me what the dumbest "milestone" thing that is expected of you?  

UPDATE

SO I haven't written an update as of late about my change in eating and working out and stuff.  I thought I would make this snappy.  I have been sidelined by the exercise thing lately.  I kind of sort of spranged and injured my ankle while out with the kids for a hike.  Just a word of advice.  When four miles in, going downhill, don't put a 35 pound child on your shoulders and then attempt to traverse ice.  BAD IDEA.

I'm still doing pretty good with the eating thing.  Nothing major to report.  Its still good- I'm still full and I'm still happy with my choice.  Down a couple of pounds but things have slowed which is natural for me.  I ALWAYS lose a ton straight up and then slow down to a pound or two a week.  I'm totally fine with that.  I still have energy and pep in  my step- even if it is a bit of a limp.  Oh well- ankles heal.

How are you guys doing with your quests for health?  Any roadblocks pop up for you?

In true Kristen Blogger form

Hello blog friends.  guess what?  This would be THE SECOND TIME I am writing this exact post.  I could blame it on blogger but lets be honest- I got click happy and accidentally erased the good stuff.  Anyway- lets get into it my friends!

SO- Week three was by far the toughest.  My wedding anniversary, Valentines Day- and how do people show love- through food.  SO my sweet hubby planned THE MOST amazing romantic evening.  I had to get dressed up and I didn't know where we were going.  We went downtown and walked around City Creek and Temple Square just to find out that Josh had made a surprise reservation at "The Roof".  It was GORGEOUS!  He had even called an had a HUGE flower bouquet waiting for me at the table.  Awwwwe- right?  I know.  Anyway- food wise I ate MAINLY salad, but then I had a couple of bites of meat and then about four bites of dessert.  It was SO yummy but I INSTANTLY regretted it.

The next night Sophia had won a free pizza at school and insisted that we order it THAT NIGHT.  So we did- and I partook in a slice and I paid for it almost immediately.  Its wasn't cute.  Then for Valentines Day, we made a lasagna with salad and bread.  I had just a bit of lasagna and while I didn't get SICK, I FELT it running its coarse which wasn't so fun.

So the moral of the story is- I keep saying that I am regretting the food choices but it isn't an emotional regret.  I don't feel bad that I chose something out of what I prefer to eat.  I am feeling bad on a serious physical level.  My body doesn't like it any longer and there is nothing I can do about it.  Again- I will reiterate  I am not dieting.  I am not eating less- I am just eating better.  I eat A TON- seriously.  HUGE salads, bowls of soup, smoothies- I wont feel bad about it either.  Im not weight watchers-ing, I'm not atkins-ing, I'm not south beach diet-ing, I am just choosing to eat what my body does well with.

So I thought that I would share two of my recipe wins from the week!  Lets start with dessert first because life should always begin with dessert!

Banana "ice cream"

2 really ripe bananas sliced between 1/4-1/2'' thick and frozen for 1 hour
1/2 tsp vanilla
any extras that you would want to add it- nuts, peanut butters or nutellas, frozen strawberries or other fruits
Blend in a food processor until smooth, creamy and the consistency of soft serve!
*I liked frozen mangoes and strawberries in mine, the kids went CRAZY for nutella and peanut butter\

Mushroom burgers
(you can buy these pre-made but they are pricey and this way you can choose exactly what goes into it)
4 cups of mushrooms finely diced
1 small onion finely diced
2 cans black beans drained, rinsed and rough mashed
1 egg (optional)
2 tsp cumin
fresh garlic mashed or pressed- it depends how much you like- I  did 2 cloves
salt and pepper to taste

Saute the mushrooms and onions together until nice and brown and yummy- add cumin to bloom flavor then add the garlic and keep mixing until you really smell it.  Take off the heat and let cool for a bit.  Preheat oven to 350.  Mix the mushroomy goodness with the beans.  If you find that the mixture just wont come together on its own- add 1 egg and that will help bind it.  Separate them into patties and placed on cookie sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes so the outside gets dry and crunchy and the inside stays nice and creamy.  You can freeze them after that or just pop them into the fridge to store.  Ours didnt make it to storage time since the kids went nuts for them.  (and they "hate" mushrooms) I topped mine with avocado slices and a small spoon of salsa, the kids liked straight up cheese and ketchup.  You can also add corn or anything else to this recipe- feel free to adapt to your liking.

So this week has been a super, duper emotional week.  And honestly the same old cravings came a knocking at my door- granola bars and cheeze its.  I ate tangerines till I almost puked and a dill pickle or veggies dipped in hummus were the answer to my salt cravings.  Once I got over the mental thing that food wasn't going to make me feel better- I seriously was good.  I lost 2 lbs this week but the biggest shock was that I am down over a whole pant size now.  My jeans that were WAY too tight to be cute are now too big and my belt is too big.  Josh had to punch two new holes in it for me!  And again- the best part is that I feel great.  I feel awesome.  I will show you a couple of pictures from out night out.  I can see my fave shape changing again- I don't know if you will but I will put them up.

I know it was a total 15 year old thing to do- taking a picture in the mirror inside the bathroom but it had to be done.  I NEVER get dressed up like this so I had to document it!

Whats working for YOU this week?  I know that treadmill is losing its happy place so me and the kids have been "exploring".  We put on our backpacks and go out looking for adventures and before you know it, we have walked 4 miles!  Whats your win this week?

Week two!

So here is a little shorter check in on operation- make body better.  I know not really what to call it so it continues to change.  If you have any suggestions- let me know!  Anyway- week two has come to a close.  How are things now??  Better than ever!  I feel A-MA-ZING.  Seriously.  I feel so good!  I have ENERGY!  I'm not exhausted and tired all the time.  I'm not having that 3 PM slump.  I don't know what else to say- I feel terrific!

Eating this week was kind of fun.  I tried some vegan recipes and REALLY liked it.  It was beans, green beans, peppers, onion in a really light vinaigrette  just to add a BIT of flavor.  YUM..  I also ate vegetarian chili and honestly- I didn't miss the meat AT ALL.  I also feel like I am tasting better.  Maybe its just psycho somatic.  I feel like I can taste the flavors of the veggies and fruits SO much better.  We have been LOVING smoothies at our house.  I have been playing around with different fruits and veggies with the kids and its motivating them to be more adventurous.  Uh, what else?  Soup, lots of hearty veggie soup.  Oh!  And I just pan seared some brussel sprouts and carrots and that was HEAVEN.   

I have been working out 6 days a week and again- I wouldn't go as far as to say I love it but I will say I'm having fun with it.  The kids and I have been playing Wii fit and that's been a blast.  We have just been trying to do more physical things.  We are putting on music and having dance parties too- and it helps chore time go faster and easier.

Over all- this is working AMAZING for me.  OH!  So, I tried a piece of fish this week.  I was shocked how different I felt afterward.  I could just tell that it was taking a while to work its way through.  I'm not turned off to fish- just think that its going to be a very sparing thing in my diet.  Honestly- it all comes down to listening to my body.  I know how hippie it sounds but if I feel good- I'm eating it.  If I don't- I don't   It makes it much easier in not feeling deprived.  I remember how many meals I used to eat and just be SICK afterward. And then I would have it again and feel SICK.  And again, and again.  Why????  Its so dumb.

I am about to get on my soapbox for a second- so bare with me or quit reading if you don't want to hear it.  This may sound totally granola for me to say- but I feel like I have made the commitment to be kind to my body.  I love myself and my family- so I want to be healthy to be here.  Its not about losing weight.  Its not about being a size 4.  Its about feeling good and treating my very capable body well.  This body created three children.  I should probably thank it better than with a box of cheez its.  Anyway- I'm stepping down now.  Oh, and I did lose 4 lbs this week- in case you care.  Anyway- come play with me!  This is seriously fun.  Hope you are all healthy and happy!

Week one update!

OK guys!  It's been one week.  I just thought that I would check in and let you know how things are going in the world of operation sexy back.  I ate nothing this week except for veggies, fruit, eggs, yogurt, nuts and beans.  Sounds so boring-huh?  Well let me tell you- it was not!  I ate so many delicious things this week and never even for a second was I hungry.  My attitude with food is that counting calories is not realistic for me to maintain forever.  I think that its helpful to establish what a portion is, but for me- I will get discouraged and frustrated and eventually give up.  SO- I have decided that I am choosing healthy options and eating until I am full, and eating when I am hungry.  If that means every two hours I'm eating- so be it.

I made a HUGE batch of veggie soup with so many vegetables and spices it was almost like a stew because it was so chunky!  I had carrots, celery, onion, garlic, mushrooms, cabbage, green beans, zucchini, tomatoes, peppers- I made mine spicy because I like it that way.  I stored it in a huge bowl and when I wanted something warm- I ate that.  I ate an entire avocado this week.  I ate tons of Carbmaster yogurt.  I ate fresh fruit, canned fruit, frozen fruit.  I ate a huge green salad.  I ate a veggie and bean salad with a yummy vinaigrette   SO many delicious options!  I filled my grocery cart full of healthy veggies and it was so much cheaper than all the processed stuff.  So there goes my excuse that eating healthy is expensive.  I never got bored either because there were always a ton of options.  Not to mention- it was so easy to throw an apple, a banana and a hand full of pecans in my purse while I was out running errands!  Talk about fast food!

I also worked out everyday but Saturday.  I hopped on my treadmill for a 30 minute weight loss programmed workout.  I have found that if I get up and change right into my workout gear- socks included, I am much more motivated to workout and get it out of the way so I can shower and really tackle everything I have to do in the day.  So there goes my excuse that I dont have time to work out.  I put my IPOD in and set it to the workout mix I created, shut the basement door and went to work.  Let me tell you- it was like a dance party for me on the treadmill.  I really decided everytime I laced up my shoes that this was going to be FUN.  So it was!  I was lip singing and dancing (with my arms) as I walked and cat walked to the music.  The first few days were more challenging but even after the first four days, I felt a difference in my body- I was getting stronger.  When you get that feeling- its easier to stay motivated.

I also have been doing a TON of stretching and yoga stuff.  I'm NOT strong enough to do a lot of the poses just yet but I have been figuring out how to adapt them.  I have found that my hamstrings are loosening up and consequently its easier for my back to deal.  ( I have a super bad back and have to have injections in my SI joints )  I still don't look forward to working out but I have decided not to hate it either.  Its fun time with me and my IPOD.  Not to mention- Duncan will open the basement door and start cheering me on!  "Looking good Mama!", "Keep it up Mom, your doing GREAT!", "Your doing awesome Mom!".  If that isn't motivation, I am not sure what is.  My kids are proud of me.

Speaking of my kids....they have seen all the fruits and veggies that I have been eating and they are excited about it too.  Sophia has discovered her love for brussel sprouts and cabbage.  Duncan loves all the fruit.  They are eating better because I am eating better.  Always a good move.  They get excited going to the market because I let them pick out fruits and veggies that they haven't had before.  I got a papaya, a mango and some kiwi and we had a fruit platter and dipped it in vanilla yogurt for dessert!  The kids ADORED that!

So, I know I am sounding pretty enthused but the truth of the matter is that I am.  I feel great.  Really great!  I have energy and I am having fun with this.  In those moments where I want to cave- I just remind myself that I can do anything for 90 days and I'm fine once again.  I am remembering that weight loss and getting healthy is much more to do with the mind than the muscles.  Have fun with it rather than making it a chore!  Go into it excited to try new things and you cant help but have fun.

Now you are probably wondering what the numbers on the scale say....I would be too.  Its honestly not the most important thing to me but.....I am down 6 lbs this week.  That's basically a pound a day.  Not too shabby.  The numbers aren't what is keeping me motivated though strangely enough.  It really is the way I feel.  I have energy and I feel....good.  I don't know how else to explain it- I just feel good.  I know everyday may not feel like this- but right now it does!  By the way- I am not saying that my way of eating and working out is for you or for everyone.  Everyone is different and motivation is personal to you.  I'm just letting you know what is working for me!  What is your biggest motivator in the quest for health?

What???? Im fat??? No way!!!

OK, the title is a little melodramatic- I know.  I went in for my post op appointment last week after a LONG seven week recovery basically in bed.  Guess what?!  I gained weight over the holidays?!  Shocker.  The awesome thing is when your doctor tells you like you don't already know.  Like I don't have a mirror, or a scale, or eyes, or hands, or a brain.  Nope- when you tell me that I am overweight- I'm SHOCKED!  OK, sarcasm aside- I get that its her job to keep me in good health and that my weight is a BIG part of that.  Not just weight but overall health.  Since having Lyza, I have had some down right debilitating pain issues that despite the dr.s best efforts- still plague me daily.  SO, in the world of Kristen, when it hurts, I don't do it.  I know, I know...if I did it, it would hurt less....blah, blah, blah.  Anyway- when I don't work out I pay less and less attention to what I am shoving in my face.  Nachos?  SURE!  Cheese its?  WHY NOT!  French fries?  DON'T MIND IF I DO!  I'm a salty carb person with a very occasional sweet tooth.  I just like carbs, lets be real.

Well- my friends- thing are about to get real.  This gal in front of you- well, behind the computer screen, has gained an astounding 25 lbs in the last 28 months.  Yup- that's almost a pound a month.  Besides the fact that I had to buy new jeans, I feel crappy.  Seriously- I'm wiped ALL the time.  My body just feels- ick- for the lack of a better term.  I have been documentary-ing it up lately and combined with the fact that my super model doctor called me fat- I decided- IT IS TIME.  Keep in mind- I have to get on hormones coming up here pretty soon and I am not sure what this will do to my body.  Im thinking it should help rather than hinder- right?!  I don't know, never been on them before.....

SO- I have seen all the same infomercials as the rest of you.  Insanity, P90X, Yoga booty ballet (my personal favorite name), and I am sure that you have sat through a couple of them like I undeniably have.  SO- I started thinking.  Most of these programs are expensive and honestly mama cant swing it right now.  Besides instructional work out, they are selling inspiration.  If someone else can do this workout EVERY DAY for 90 days- surely I can too!  Right?!  Right.  SO- Super queen of excuses said to myself- why not?  I can do anything for 90 days!  Dude- I was PREGNANT for 933 days.  (yes, I calculated that stuff out) 90 days is NOTHING and I wont even puke! (hopefully)

So here we are!  I started it all today-sick with a cold and all.  I measured, weighed and took PICTURES showing all 360 degrees of my fluffy goodness.  YUP!  I wrote it all down and kept track of EVERYTHING that went into my mouth- including the 7 bites of frosting-less birthday cake.  I tracked it all on sparkpeople.com and totaled up all the nutrition going into my body.  Guess what?  I was "good" today and I had a realization that I am constantly eating but nutritionally starving myself.  No wonder my vitamin D was so low they almost didn't accept me for live saving surgery?!

SO- I went where all people should start on their adventures of health- the grocery store!  Ta-da!  I decided that it was time.  Time I give up all of the processed yummy guilty pleasures that I have accustomed myself to.  I bought myself an entire weeks worth of groceries without leaving the perimeter of the store!  99% was fruits and veggies- the others was eggs, low fat milk alternative (lactose intolerance), dried beans and frozen veggies.  I am basically going vegetarian   I don't know of any fat, unhealthy people who live on fruits and veggies- do you?  Is it sustainable?  I don't know, I have never tried it.  SO- what the hell- let's try it!

In addition- my behind is getting out of this computer chair and I'm doing two things 6 days a week.  I am walking/jogging (once I work back up to it) for a minimum of 30 minutes a day and then doing 3 intervals of benderfitness.com workouts everyday.  I have a console that I can you tube in my living room so I can do it in the privacy of my own living room for FREE.  Most of her strength training workouts are about 10-15 minutes and though they are short- they will KICK YOUR BUTT.  Seriously- 5 minutes into my first set I was praying to a higher power.  True story.  Anyway- I thought that I would put this very personal adventure out there in mass and see who else wants to play?  Its 90 days!  I dated the most really terrible guys in my life for longer than that- so I can definitely work on my health for that long.  What I am HOPING is that I love my body, health and way of life after 90 days and I cant imagine going back to microwave burritos and tater tots.  Who knows though?  I cant tell where my life will be in 90 days, but here's to having fun in the mean time!!  Let's play!!

Familia...

Wow, this has been one amazing day.  I think its so easy to forget the miracle of a child's birth.  Especially when you are younger and every single person around you seems to be pregnant and having kids.  Katy's fathers had a daughter this morning.  Her name is Charlotte.  She is the most perfect angel in the world.  I am   so overwhelmed with love today.

Family has been a crazy and evolving thing for me.  I was raised with a brother, sister, and a mom and dad.  I was adopted and always knew that I had another side of my family but was sure that I would never reconnect.  On the other hand, we knew Katy's birth family quite well.  Hers was an open adoption and I was pretty sure that she would reconnect with them once again.  As we all know now, my birth family has been a part of my life for going on a year now.  Katy's birth family has been part of our family again for close to three years and for being orphaned little girls, we have so much family that writing a Christmas card list is a huge feat now.

In the years between our mothers passing and Katy and I reconnecting with our birth families something truly amazing happened.  I became the mother.  I became the matriarch of our family unit in a way that I couldn't have imagined even possible.  I had a tricky time being both mother and sister to Katy but we navigated it together and with love.  I also had an amazing chosen family- friends who are still so much more than friends.  They truly are the most amazing friends and loved ones that have been there through the good times and the bad.  They were there for support and hugs and to laugh and celebrate with.  I had the experience of seeing that just because the parents that raised me were gone, I wasn't alone.  I was surrounded with love.  I was surrounded by people who care.

I really love that there is no such thing as a "normal" family.  There are so many different ways to become and have a family.  The one true constant is love.  I feel so blessed to have the unusual but amazing family that I have.  I feel so lucky to have so much more than I ever dreamed.  With love, anything is possible.  Welcome to the world, into the family and into our hearts baby Charlotte.
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2012 Highlights

So social media keeps us all connected but sometimes I think that it breeds social melt down.  I get overwhelmed by the amount of information that is placed out there regarding other peoples lives.  Every high, low, touchdown, meltdown gets documented in a very public forum.  On top of that, I see so many people wanting to say good riddance to 2012 and saying how its been the worst 12 months of their lives and honestly it makes me sad.  There are highs and lows in everyone's day to day lives.  I think that its important to remember the awesome events and blessings.  It makes the crappy times a little easier to digest.  Here are a few of the great things that happened to the Parsons family in the year 2012! (and yes I know that you probably already know most of these things but I'm recording them more for me to remember than for others to be informed) :)

February my birth family and I reconnected.  My Mom found me and it has been documented in greater detail in previous blog posts.  We have had some pretty amazing highs, so pretty emotional learning experiences and most of all, we are just- us.  A regular family that has fun together and plenty of quirks.  There is no such thing as a perfect family but we are perfectly us.  I'm so grateful for each and every one of them in my life.  

Josh and I also celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary.  I know that may not seem like something to be documented but I think people sometimes forget that marriage is dang hard sometimes.  Josh and I have gone through some pretty amazing learning and growth periods over the last ten years that we have been together.  There were times I wasn't sure if we would make it another day, let along another year.  So I must say that our seven year anniversary was a pretty monumental and awesome mark.

I had the opportunity to fly to Denver in June with Lyza and spend a week with my birth family.  It was pretty amazing.  We had such a great time just being a family.  Lyza got to see her cousins and spend time bonding with her Aunts, Uncles, Nana and Papa.  My Mom did a big BBQ to introduce me to Aunts, Uncles, cousins, Grandparents- it was pretty cool.  And we had snow cones to boot!  It was an action packed week but it was so much fun.  

Katy made the decision to serve a full time mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I went from shock, to fear, to more fear, to excitement and joy.  My baby sister has not had the most conventional life and upbringing by any stretch of the imagination.  She has had challenges in her 21 years that most grown adults haven't endured.  And somehow, by the grace of God, she endures to be one of the most amazing people that I know.  Her decision to serve a mission was a pretty amazing period of growth and bonding for she and I.  I am so proud of her and I know that this is exactly where she should be in her life.  I miss her so much but I am confident that she is doing exactly what she needs to be doing at this point in her life.  I love her to the moon and back and I hope she feels my love with her daily.

Her farewell was one of the most hectic and amazing events of the year for me.  We had both our Richardson and Macdonald families, Katy's birth family which included both the Heder and Stong sides, and my birth family -the Holmans.  There were over 200 people present and it was filled with laughter and love.  We got to introduce all the different sides of our families to one another.  The abundance of love was seriously overwhelming.  I was able to see members of the Heder family that I never imagined I would see again let alone hug and have back in my life.  I felt my Mom and Dad close to us that day and knew that they were instrumental in all of our families reconnecting.  

Lyza turned one and Sophia turned seven in September.  I cant believe how quickly time is passing and how grown up my little girls are!  Lyza continues to be the happiest and sweetest baby girl imaginable.  She is walking, talking and all around just as happy as can be.  She continues to be a constant source of sunshine and giggles in our home.  Sophia is one of the most tender, loving individuals that I know.  I know she is only seven but the depths that she is able to love is pretty amazing to me.  We celebrated their birthdays with a huge family blowout!  My family traveled into town from Denver and my friends and family from all around joined us to celebrate.  We topped the weekend off with Lyza being blessed and given a name in the Church.  My Dad Raymond did the honors and it is one of the best moments of the year for me.  

I turned 32 in October!  Woo hoo!  Another year older, and I can actually say- another year wiser.  I continue to strive to have peace and serenity in my life.  It was pretty amazing to have my Mom Lynn fly into town to celebrate with me.  She was there for the first one and there for this one.  Pretty cool huh?  It wasn't anything grand or outlandish but it was simple and full of love.  I am proud to say that I am in my 30's and I can honestly say that I am more fulfilled and happier than I have ever been in my life.  Life is pretty amazing.  

In November we made the 10 hour trek with three kids in tow to Denver for Thanksgiving.  Driving aside, it was pretty freaking cool.  We got to hang out with the fam, eat good food, let the grand kids play together non stop- its was awesome.  We went to the Denver Children's Museum and it was so cool to see the five of them running around, exploring, learning and having fun together.  Gavin did a great job being snuggled and staying happy.  

Christmas was small but perfect this year.  As usual life happened and the money that was saved for Christmas was forcibly spent elsewhere right before the season began.  So we got creative and kept gift to really thoughtful and mindful tokens rather than just grabbing things at Target for the sake of opening a gift.  It was so much fun to see the excitement and joy on the kids faces.  The best gifts were the ones that the kids picked out for each other- even though they were from the dollar store.  They knew EXACTLY what they wanted to get their siblings and what they thought would make the other happy.  It was so sweet to see both of them get excited to see the others reactions.  They really understood the gift of giving.

The day after Christmas was Duncan's fifth birthday.  Even though it was small- he did exactly what he wanted.  He went to Walmart and picked out what he wanted which was a bike helmet, a horn for his bike, a puzzle and a stuffed Darth Vader with a Santa hat.  It was so perfectly Duncan.  He is starting to realize that school is approaching and that more independence is coming his way.  He is mommy's boy and he is nervous to be away but I have faith that school with be amazing for him.

And to round out the highlights of 2012.  On December 27th, I was declared cancer free.  I had a whirlwind of a month from November 26th all the way to December 27th.  I was having pain and problems and went in for about 1000 tests and I was diagnosed with ovarian and uteran cancer.  I had surgery 15 days later and on the 27th of December I had my pathology results come back as 100% cancer free and I got a clean bill of health!  I am so blessed that I had a wonderful team of doctors who were skillful and knew what the best plan of action was.  I also feel so blessed that everything was resolved with ONE surgery  and that I didn't have to endure further treatment. I am grateful for my health in a very unique way right now.  

Phew, so there are all the blessings that 2012 had for the Parsons family.  It was a pretty adventurous year and one that I will never forget.  I feel the abundance of love surrounding me and I hope that you feel it too.  May 2013 bring us all new adventures and growth!