To start this post, I must catch up a on few things.
First thing: When Alaska was 6 months old I decided it was time to stop being a pansy about getting my body back. I worked really hard to lose weight and get my body to a healthy state of being and was indeed headed in the right direction, but then Christmas came and my plans were thwarted by lots of yummy treats.
Second thing: It was really hard to get back on a regular schedule of exercising and eating healthy after the holidays. I was lacking the motivation and routine.
And then while clicking around on facebook I saw that my aunt needed some team members for something called Feel Great in 8. I didn't even know what it was, but I knew it was something I wanted to be apart of. Who doesn't want to feel great? I let her know I was interested and before I knew it I was signed up with a team complete with my two aunts and my mom and was reading down a list of things to do each day. Things like eating 5 fruits or veggies, drinking X amount of water, reading scriptures and saying prayers, eating healthy foods and exercising. It sounded hard. Really hard. Especially drinking the water. But it was a check-off list, complete with little boxes for each item, for each day, for a total of 8 weeks. I know my strengths, and checking things off a list if most definitely one of them. Give me any list of anything and it will be done by the end of the day. No compromises. I am really good at list checking. So I decided to give it a try.
And it has changed my life! I know, so cliche. But seriously. I am a better person. I can drink 64 oz of water in one day. I know. Gasp! I never drank a swallow more, but I could get that required amount down. I took my measured water with me everywhere so that I knew at all times how much more I need to drink. During those first 8 weeks I never drank out of a 'people glass', never. It was me and my water bottle at every sit-down meal and I wasn't shy about taking it in with me to restaurants, either.
When the program started I had a nine pound loss as a goal and totally ended up losing 11! I was stoked. I was now the weight I was when I got married. All baby fat gone. Only thing was, I still looked like I had the baby fat 'cause my body had changed so much and my muscle mass was down. So I was a chubby, light person. But light none-the-less and was so excited!
There was a 2 week break between rounds and I totally busted up during that two week rest, and I could tell. I wasn't eating my vegetables/fruits or drinking my water and having more sweets and refined flours than was necessary and my stomach revolted. But if I didn't have to follow the program, I wasn't going to. I had a junky tummy for the most of those two weeks and I hope that when this next round if over I can do better about following the rules than I did before.
We're two weeks into the second round and I am already down 4 more pounds. It's so satisfying to me how I don't need to go hungry and still peel pounds off.
Three things I learned about myself:
one: I won't eat an apple unless it's cut up. And by cut, I mean very thinly sliced. My mom had always told me that if I weren't hungry enough to eat an apple, then I must not be very hungry. I would nearly starve before eating an apple. And now I know why. 'Cause I would never cut it.
two: Sugars and fats don't bother my tummy as much as refined flour does. Candy and frenchfries I can eat with no problems, but if I eat a doughnut or piece of pizza I can count on a clenchy tummy.
three: One of the requirements is to eat 5 good foods a day. I prefer to get a headstart on my fruit consumption at this time, but if I don't, then I tend to not eat anything. Which creates problems at 7:30 pm when I have already had dinner and cannot eat after 8 pm without losing points and still have to eat a good food. Lesson learned, anything is better for breakfast than nothing. And it's probably better to have carbs in the morning rather than at dinner anyways, so eat away at that cereal!
Monday, April 29, 2013
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
First Day in the First Ward
Upon being approved for our very own apartment, we also get our very own ward. And by 'very own' I mean that neither my parents, nor Steven's parents, go to church in that ward. It is our own, and that feels good. Good like climbing into a bed that's been freshly made and stretching your feet to the bottom of the covers and doing a stretchy jumpy-jack, wiggly toes making some room and getting comfy where the blankets have been tucked tight.
Our first day could not have gone any better, and I want to remember every bit of it. Every soft feeling of the holy spirit whispering truths to my heart, the friendly faces that said, "We're so glad you're here.", and the nodding smiles as Alaska quietly took in her surroundings.
My idea of being 'on time' to church is 10 minutes early. I like the no hassle, no finish-line-rush to find a seat before the opening hymn is sung and the prayer starts. I like the quiet whispers that accompany early-comers as they great each other and step from bench to bench shaking hands. I like the ability to get settled with the baby, the diaper bag, the coats and jackets, the quiet-time books, the quiet-crackers and then to take a peak around and smile at others, not worried that I am distracting anyone. I like looking around, taking stock of who is who, rehearsing names in my head as I search out faces. I just like being early.
We were able to sit behind a lady I already knew since her and her husband used to be in my parent's ward and we chatted easily about the dynamics of this new group of people and a few other things. We were introduced to the older couple behind us through Alaska's easy smile as they played an almost silent game of peek-a-boo over the back of the bench. They guessed that we were new and welcomed us with big smiles and a touch to the shoulder of "we're so glad to have you." Sacrament meeting was full of good talks that provoked thoughts in my mind and the holy spirit confirmed their truths and I am motivated to try a few changes in my life that will make things at home be more heaven-like.
The closing prayer was said and before we had a chance to get to Sunday School the ward clerk found us and asked for our information to get our records transferred and be officially a part of the ward. I felt like everyone was so excited for us to be there. They wanted us to stay. And stay we will.
During Sunday School, Alaska made Handsome Husband nervous as she wiggled out of my arms to the floor and proceeded to explore a little. I didn't hold my breath, she was being as quiet as someone her size can be and that is truly the most important thing. She would come back to me for a cracker and we read a quiet-book before she slipped away again and headed for the lady that was sitting ciddy-corner to us. She had a bag with some of her son's sacrament quiet-toys in it and Alaska brought me action-figure after action-figure until they were all in my lap and then she took them back to the bag and called the game done. Alaska quietly smiled at everyone who caught her eye and walked curiously toward the teacher but stayed her distance. A lady in the back gave me a thumbs-up when Alaska squirmed her way to the front for the third time and it let me know that it was ok. It was all ok. I am always afraid of Alaska being a distraction but one thing I have learned as a momma, watching other mommas and listening to old ladies, is that everyone loves a baby, distracting or not. Even I can appreciate a good baby when Alaska isn't with me needing attention herself, and they are as cute as can be.
Handsome Husband took Alaska with him to Priesthood and I was free to mingle myself among the ladies in Relief Society. And mingle I did. I just love meeting new people and as I moved from my seat, I introduced myself to everyone along the way before the lesson started.
I am so excited to be a part of this fresh group of people. To serve them and accept service, to share the gospel and make memories. Leaving church I couldn't believe how lucky we are to be so joyfully accepted, at least three times I was told, "I am so glad you are here. We need someone like you." And they don't even know me! But they know they need someone like me. That is the best part. To be needed.
Our first day could not have gone any better, and I want to remember every bit of it. Every soft feeling of the holy spirit whispering truths to my heart, the friendly faces that said, "We're so glad you're here.", and the nodding smiles as Alaska quietly took in her surroundings.
My idea of being 'on time' to church is 10 minutes early. I like the no hassle, no finish-line-rush to find a seat before the opening hymn is sung and the prayer starts. I like the quiet whispers that accompany early-comers as they great each other and step from bench to bench shaking hands. I like the ability to get settled with the baby, the diaper bag, the coats and jackets, the quiet-time books, the quiet-crackers and then to take a peak around and smile at others, not worried that I am distracting anyone. I like looking around, taking stock of who is who, rehearsing names in my head as I search out faces. I just like being early.
We were able to sit behind a lady I already knew since her and her husband used to be in my parent's ward and we chatted easily about the dynamics of this new group of people and a few other things. We were introduced to the older couple behind us through Alaska's easy smile as they played an almost silent game of peek-a-boo over the back of the bench. They guessed that we were new and welcomed us with big smiles and a touch to the shoulder of "we're so glad to have you." Sacrament meeting was full of good talks that provoked thoughts in my mind and the holy spirit confirmed their truths and I am motivated to try a few changes in my life that will make things at home be more heaven-like.
The closing prayer was said and before we had a chance to get to Sunday School the ward clerk found us and asked for our information to get our records transferred and be officially a part of the ward. I felt like everyone was so excited for us to be there. They wanted us to stay. And stay we will.
During Sunday School, Alaska made Handsome Husband nervous as she wiggled out of my arms to the floor and proceeded to explore a little. I didn't hold my breath, she was being as quiet as someone her size can be and that is truly the most important thing. She would come back to me for a cracker and we read a quiet-book before she slipped away again and headed for the lady that was sitting ciddy-corner to us. She had a bag with some of her son's sacrament quiet-toys in it and Alaska brought me action-figure after action-figure until they were all in my lap and then she took them back to the bag and called the game done. Alaska quietly smiled at everyone who caught her eye and walked curiously toward the teacher but stayed her distance. A lady in the back gave me a thumbs-up when Alaska squirmed her way to the front for the third time and it let me know that it was ok. It was all ok. I am always afraid of Alaska being a distraction but one thing I have learned as a momma, watching other mommas and listening to old ladies, is that everyone loves a baby, distracting or not. Even I can appreciate a good baby when Alaska isn't with me needing attention herself, and they are as cute as can be.
Handsome Husband took Alaska with him to Priesthood and I was free to mingle myself among the ladies in Relief Society. And mingle I did. I just love meeting new people and as I moved from my seat, I introduced myself to everyone along the way before the lesson started.
I am so excited to be a part of this fresh group of people. To serve them and accept service, to share the gospel and make memories. Leaving church I couldn't believe how lucky we are to be so joyfully accepted, at least three times I was told, "I am so glad you are here. We need someone like you." And they don't even know me! But they know they need someone like me. That is the best part. To be needed.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Easter Sunday
There's always too much going on and not enough quiet time to think and write. And I know. Everyone has the same 24 hours as everyone else. I know that my most favorite blogs to follow are those of people who are out doing things, filling their days with stories and taking time in the quiet mornings or evenings to reflect and tell. I've just got to get that balance right.
Easter this year was just as it should be. Surrounded by family. All family. Alaska played her part of princess well, in her froofy dress. It was seriously a ballerina tutu attached to the cutest top complete with appliqued flowers. Maybe a little over-board, but if you're going to get a dress for a special occasion I feel it's go big or go home. And sure, Alaska, you can quote me on that any dance you are chosen for court and your special prom. We'll have to set up some limitations on that wedding dress, though. Those things can be a little outrageous but hopefully you will be raised right and it won't be a problem.
Sunday mornings are always full of showers and good smelling lotions, but this Easter Sunday was complete with special occasion dress and hairbow. I wasn't able to listen to all of sacrament meeting since I had to take Alaska out for a nap and that always includes taking her outside and walking around the building while she screams at the top of her lungs for being swaddled for some sleep, but as I left in my own new Easter dress and manicured nails, I could feel the spirit as the speakers bore testimony of Christ and his sacrifice of love for us.
A quote from Pres. Monson comes to mind:
"No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when, on the first day of the week, they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord. Spoke the angel:
Easter this year was just as it should be. Surrounded by family. All family. Alaska played her part of princess well, in her froofy dress. It was seriously a ballerina tutu attached to the cutest top complete with appliqued flowers. Maybe a little over-board, but if you're going to get a dress for a special occasion I feel it's go big or go home. And sure, Alaska, you can quote me on that any dance you are chosen for court and your special prom. We'll have to set up some limitations on that wedding dress, though. Those things can be a little outrageous but hopefully you will be raised right and it won't be a problem.
Sunday mornings are always full of showers and good smelling lotions, but this Easter Sunday was complete with special occasion dress and hairbow. I wasn't able to listen to all of sacrament meeting since I had to take Alaska out for a nap and that always includes taking her outside and walking around the building while she screams at the top of her lungs for being swaddled for some sleep, but as I left in my own new Easter dress and manicured nails, I could feel the spirit as the speakers bore testimony of Christ and his sacrifice of love for us.
A quote from Pres. Monson comes to mind:
"No words in Christendom mean more to me than those spoken by the angel to the weeping Mary Magdalene and the other Mary when, on the first day of the week, they approached the tomb to care for the body of their Lord. Spoke the angel:
“Why seek ye the living among the dead?
“He is not here, but is risen.”
Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed.
In our hour of deepest sorrow, we can receive profound peace from the words of the angel that first Easter morning: “He is not here: for he is risen. ~ Thomas S. Monson.
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