A journey back

It's a girl!

2012-02-02T09:35:00.000-08:00

Here are the ultrasound pictures from yesterday.

Ethan said he knew right away that it was a girl, but looking at the genitalia it doesn't look like a girl to me. The technition said it was a girl though. So I went back and looked at the boy's ultrasounds and you can really see that they were boys.

What do you think? (Bottom left picture).

19 weeks

2012-01-30T19:13:00.000-08:00

We find out Wednesday what we're having! Whoo hoo! Any guesses?

Go here to guess: http://www.4moms.com/insider/baby_guessing_game/10565

19 weeks baby #4

19 weeks baby #3 (Jane)

19 weeks baby #2 (Gavin)

17 weeks #4

2012-01-17T21:16:00.000-08:00

I'm 17 weeks.

Notice the newly painted wall? No? Well it's light grey, most of you have seen on the other blog anyway.

We find out Feb. 1st what the sex is, so mark your calendars :)

Here are some comparison shots of 17 weeks my last 2 pregnancies.

17 weeks #4

(I'm in need of a hair cut! Hasn't been cut since June!)

17 weeks Jane #3

17 weeks Gavin #2

16 weeks #4

2012-01-10T19:25:00.000-08:00

Next time I take a picture, this wall behind me will be painted :)

I'm 16 weeks as of yesterday, but thought I'd post today since it's my birthday.

I did a kickboxing class this morning and the teacher had me come up front with her so I felt the need to have to keep up and I pretty much did, but we were both so sore from yesterday's class. I'm very curious how long I can keep up while pregnant.

Doctor's appointment is tomorrow. I should find out then when they are going to schedule the ultrasound to find out the sex.

15 weeks #4

2012-01-05T06:45:00.000-08:00

I haven't been as motivated to blog about this pregnancy for some reason, but I thought I better take some notes down incase I forget.

Well I'm noticeably showing now. It's weird when you get to the point when people start asking.

My sciatic nerve started hurting a few weeks ago (which I feel is kinda early), but it goes away and comes back again.

And a new development that I haven't had in my other pregnancies is (gross) back acne. Yuck.

On another note, I've been working out like normal and feel good. I think I had a new burst of energy this week in my kickboxing class; the class I normally have a hard time keeping up in, but not this week. I even did a fit test yesterday and beat everyone else in the class. I get a little competitive when we have to count things like that.

Weight is still under 130 lbs. I hate breaking that point, I'm sure I'll be at it at my next appointment though.

13 weeks #4

2011-12-19T19:01:00.000-08:00

Are you bored yet?

This pregnancy is pretty boring.

I heard the heartbeat last week, I have gained about 10 lbs so far, and I'm working out at the gym like crazy.

Belly button has already popped. Well to be honest, it never really went back in I guess.

12 weeks #4

2011-12-12T18:32:00.000-08:00

Finally I got around to taking a picture. I'm not very on it this time.

Nice comments I have gotten so far:

"Is this your first?"

And it's always fun to tell them it's my 4th.

Feel free to guess the baby's stuff here: http://www.4moms.com/insider/baby_guessing_game/10565

9 weeks pregnant

2011-11-22T11:32:00.000-08:00

Sooo...I'll be starting this blog up again on my pregnancy stuff. I've felt a bit more queasy this time around and lacking energy. Oh well. I am still going to the gym hoping they'll let me teach there eventually. So I also hope me being pregnant doesn't effect that.

I did kickboxing this morning and then my first spin class after. Whew! 2 hours of intense cardio is ruff!

Pictures to come, I'm already showing, of course. Someone at the workout with me this morning even mentioned it after I told her I was pregnant. She's like "Oh I kinda thought when we were doing those arms things and you turned to the side, but I wasn't sure." Great. I just need to tell the whole world so people aren't just staring and wondering.

Did I mention I passed?!

2011-10-12T22:29:00.000-07:00

Bodyrock.tv

2011-06-29T11:01:00.000-07:00

I just posted a week ago, but I am already posting again? I know, crazy, BUT I just did an amazing workout on Monday that I had to share.

Awful picture, I just got done working out, I'm all sweaty and my mirror is dirty :)

I just discovered this new website/workou t and I think I am really going to like it.

This woman is amazing and is honestly a really nice person too.

I did this workout challenge on Monday and got 75 when the goal was 100, oh well, I'm dying anyway and my arms are so tired!

http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/06/15/dead-mans-burpee-challenge/

Then after that I did this and got 200 in 10 minutes when the goal was 300

http://www.bodyrock.tv/2011/05/24/game-on-300-squats-challenge/

It is Wednesday now and I am still incredibly sore. This workout kicked my butt in a really good way.

Check her out! Her name is Zuzana and I will never have a body like hers, but I can hope.

If her picture isn't inspiration enough, I don't know what is!

Eww

2011-06-21T11:59:00.000-07:00

I have maintained my weight over these past months. I'm about 117 lbs (on a good day). I've been contemplating getting certified to teach at a gym. Any thoughts on that?

Since I will be moving the beginning of October I won't have the church workout to teach anymore and the place I am moving to has a gym so I thought maybe I could teach there. I'd even do it for free! (don't tell them that though :)

I haven't taken any pictures of myself, so nothing new to show you, but I thought I would post these that I had originally posted on another blog. This is what my skin does... eww.

It's about time I updated right?

2011-01-09T16:49:00.000-08:00

Well, my scale broke so I don't know how much I weigh (which makes me a little nervous).

I hear that Lindsay Brin is going to be doing a Shed 5 Fast competition again which I'm excited for.
I don't need to lose 5 pounds, but you've seen my stomach, something has to be done.
I thought maybe I would do some fit tests before and after the competition on my own, like push ups and pull ups or something along those lines. I want them different than my last fit test.

Anyone have any good ideas of what workouts I can do for a fit test that will show improvement?

Waist: 27 1/2 inches
Hips: 35 1/2 inches

ALSO....
I just found out about a very cool giveaway for
4 copies of:
60 day slimdown system
each 60 day slimdown includes:
*60 day meal plan
*60 day calender
*progress tracker
*fit level test
*4 dvd's (post-natal boocamp, cfs method, shed 5 fast, core metabolic jumpstart)
each of one of these is valued at $49.99!

Want to enter the giveaway too? Go here: Be Well Blog

Same old

2010-11-06T21:29:00.000-07:00

I took new pictures, but you've seen them before. My wrinkly stomach and such. It looks the same. So instead I decided to dedicate this post to my progress. And the only way I can really measure that right now is with my fitness test. (Plus I lost 1 more pound for my final 12 month post baby weigh-in! See side bar.)

The insanity workout has you do a fit test at the beginning and then every 2 weeks. Here are my stats at the beginning (Aug 18th 2010) and now (Oct 27th 2010). These exercises are all 1 minute each. Can you beat my scores?

Switch Kicks: 79 to 87. 8 kick increase
Power Jacks: 55 to 78. 23 jack increase
Power knees (per leg): 79/78 to 107/105. 28/27 increase
Power Jumps: 68 to 97. 29 jump increase
Globe Jumps: 40 to 55. 15 jump increase
Burpies: 22 to 27. 5 increase
Push up jacks: 30 to 55. 25 jack increase
Low plank obliques: 56 to 73. 17 increase

Don't know what these exercises are? I added links to each one that I found on you tube. Some are funny.

Insanity!!

2010-09-27T10:51:00.000-07:00

For the past month I have been teaching the Insanity workout. Haven't heard of it? Go here.

It's hard core and I really wanted my stomach to look better. Here is my before shot

And here is after a month of Insanity:

Yes there is a slight change, but my stomach is still saggy in the front. Miracle cream where are you?

And just for fun, I took a video of my stomach the other night. Remember me telling you I have Diastasis Recti? Well this video shows my intestines moving around under my skin. Also something else that is weird I wanted to point out, my stomach buldges up when I lay down, instead of going flat like it should (and it used to before kids). Odd odd odd.
Enjoy the awesomeness of the human body!

I did it! My goal weight!

2010-08-03T10:58:00.000-07:00

Well everyone, I did it. I reached 119 lbs!

Here are my stats:
Weight: 119
Hips: 35 1/2"
Waist: 28"

So my waist isn't really changing, but my hips sure have! (Remember they were 37" when I got married).

I do need to do something about my waistline. I was mistaken as being pregnant on Sunday...

7 1/2 months after baby

2010-06-19T23:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it's been this long since I posted last. But I also have nothing new to share. I am still 1 pound away from my goal weight.

I feel like my stomach looks the same except for being slightly slimmer in the side view.

And honestly I'm not really caring about it right now. It is what it is. It's not going to change in the short time I have between kids. And I'm not done having them yet.
I like being pregnant, it comes easy for me.

I've been doing boot camp Monday, & Friday. Pilates Wednesday, and Kickboxing/Toning on Thursday. Tuesday nights I have Volleyball which I have SO much energy for. It is only an hour, but I feel like I could play all night!

6 months since having baby

2010-05-05T11:15:00.000-07:00

I may not look that great in these pictures, but I am feeling good! I'm stronger, my endurance is longer, and my core is getting stronger. I've been focusing on keeping it engaged most of the day. So on the outside, it doesn't look that different, but it is on the inside.

As for weight loss, I am at 122 lbs. 3 lbs away from my goal. I got this from the Moms Into Fitness site:

Breastfeeding and Weight Loss

If you are breastfeeding you need to add 300-500 calories to your daily caloric needs for a singleton baby. This is without exercise. If you are trying to lose weight while breastfeeding the best way to monitor this is weighing yourself every Monday morning and if you aren't losing ½ - 1 ½ pounds/week you may be eating too many calories (or in some cases not enough). At the same time you must make sure you are consuming enough liquids and protein. And make sure you are producing enough milk. You need more protein during breastfeeding than during pregnancy!

Keep in mind your weight can stay steady over the course of several weeks to maintain enough fat needed for breastmilk production. It's safe to lose about a lb. a week while breastfeeding. Although for smaller women or women with a lower Body Mass Index it should be closer to ½-1 lb. a week.

I think I lose a couple ounces a week. I am still breastfeeding and am on birth control (which I think adds to the weight gain), so I'm not worried about hitting my goal weight.

My story is posted!

2010-04-19T11:48:00.000-07:00

To see my story on the Moms into Fitness blog go here: http://www.momsintofitness.com/shed5fastcontest

I wish they would have used this picture though...

I've been running!

2010-04-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

Last week I ran 3 nights in a row with my dog.

I don't run.

Never have.

I teach aerobics, but I don't run. I just didn't have the endurance for it.
But I was walking my dog and thought I would try a slow jog. I would tell myself, "I'll run to the end of the sidewalk", then I would feel fine so I'd keep going. That first time I ran 3/4 mile. The next night I ran .92 mile. Then I ran with Jenna (& Zoe) the 3rd night and we ran 1 1/2 miles.

It was about a 12 minute mile, so not too fast, but at least I'm running. Maybe I'll lose more inches?

Oh and here was my goal picture of my back.
This was taken my first summer out here back in 2006.

This is what it looks like now. I guess I need to go tanning...

More inches and weight GONE!

2010-04-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Well I've got good news.

I've lost another inch in my waist; I'm at 28".
AND
I lost another inch in my hips; I'm at 36".

My hips were 37" when I got married.
Ethan thinks it's funny that after 3 kids my hips are smaller than when we were married. I also never worked out like this before marriage so that could explain it.

BUT WAIT, there's more!
I'm down more weight to bring me to 123 lbs.
Goal weight is 119.
Let's go! let's go!

I'll get a picture of my back here soon because I feel really strong in my arms and shoulders.

I'm a semi finalist!

2010-03-20T22:50:00.000-07:00

I got an email from Lindsay Brin saying I was 1 of 9 semi finalist for the Shed 5 Fast contest! Cool huh? They will post our stories on their momsintofitness blog later. I'll let you know when.

I later got an email saying they choose the winner. It would have been cool to be in one of her videos. I would take that over the cash any day!

I submitted my entry for the Shed 5 Fast!

2010-03-08T13:03:00.000-08:00

Ok, my entry is in, we'll see what happens.

In the meantime, here are some of the pictures I submitted for it.

I tried doing a pull up the other day, but couldn't. There is another goal I need to hit.

So did anyone else try out the contest or was I alone?
I DID challenge all of you...

Down 5 lbs in 7 weeks

2010-02-27T22:24:00.000-08:00

Yeah I hit 125, so that means I've got 6 more pounds to go.

I feel good! Body is strong.

I found this post on another blog and thought I would share:

Gwendolyn Brooks said that "Each body has its art." Your body is as exquisite, rare, and beautiful as any masterpiece. Do you believe it? Most women have a hard time feeling joy about our bodies. Instead of treating our bodies like a close, life-long friend we compare it, criticize it and cut it down. How can we start giving our bodies the love it needs?

1. Make a list of all the things you love about your body. Detail each part- how your eyes, ears, limbs, skin- allow you to enjoy these things.

2. Lovingly take care of your body. When you lotion, do it with kindness. Pretend you are in a commercial! Smile as you lather, buff and shave.

3. Verbally thank your body after workouts.

4. Avoid ALL negative thoughts and talk. Immediately replace any such conversation with positive words. It does not work to beat yourself forward. FLYlady (FLY=Finally Loving Yourself) always calls her workouts "15 minutes of loving movement." Approach exercise as a reward and not a punishment.

5. Think of the service that has made the lives of hundreds of people better because of and through your body.

6. Accept the compliments of others. Just say "thanks!" after a nice remark and believe it.

7. Learn about the human body. Your respect for your body will skyrocket as you learn the miracle of your blood, cells, and tissues.

8. Take your body out on a date! What makes your body happy? Maybe it would like yoga class, a meal of greens, a run, Zumba, a stroll on a new path, or push ups and a big drink of water.

9. Be loyal to your body. Don't compare it to other bodies or wish you were with another body!

10. Write down what makes your body unique and perfectly suited to your personality and needs. It will become clear to you that your flesh and bones is like a soul mate- no other would be just right.

Some things sound silly (like #3), but for the most part I think it's a good idea.

Week 6 Shed 5 fast

2010-02-20T08:13:00.000-08:00

I feel strong!
Although my stomach doesn't have much to show from it.

Nevertheless, I have finished the 6 week Shed 5 Fast and I have shed 4 pounds.

Starting weight: 130
Ending weight: 126
Goal weight: 119
Pounds to go: 7

Starting hips: 39"
Ending hips: 37"
(same as when I got married, always had wide hips).
Starting waist: 31"
Ending waist: 29"

*Note: These measurements are all at my biggest points.

I need to take some pictures later that somehow show off the muscle I have gained so that I can enter the contest with some good pics. (Because these are NOT good pics).

Here's a odd question, what's the best way to pose so that I can show my best self?

Week 3 shed 5 fast

2010-01-29T11:24:00.000-08:00

This was a good week!
My stats have changed so that makes me feel like I'm actually doing something.

Day 1 Shed 5 fast stats:
Weight: 130
Waist: 31"
Hips: 39"

Day 28 (week 3) Shed 5 Fast stats:
Weight: 127
Waist: 29"
Hips: 37"

I wasn't sure if I was making any progress and I actually measured my hips 3 times because I didn't think I really lost inches.
Let's just say I was pretty happy with the tape measure today :)

Random facts:
Jane is 3 months old, I'm still nursing, and my hair is now falling out.

Shed 5 fast week 1

2010-01-15T23:48:00.000-08:00

Here is after day 1 of Shed 5 Fast

Here is after 1 week of it.

Not too much difference, but I am feeling stronger and I am at 129 for my weight. Exactly 10 pounds to go.

I was thinking how I could never win her "be in Lindsay Brin's video" thing because can you imagine? They would never let someone with a stomach like mine be in a workout video. No one wants to see that.

Shed 5 fast!

2010-01-07T09:54:00.000-08:00

Ok here's my goal.

I've got a little over 10 pounds to lose.

There is a contest to share your success story of losing weight or fitting into an old pair of jeans (etc.) that I want to enter just to give me some motivation.

If you win you get $250 and a chance to be in Lindsay Brin's next video.

Go here to check out the contest.

I just ordered the DVD for my birthday.

BUT

I have another goal I need to get done first.
In 2 weeks we are getting our family pictures taken. I am going on a 2 week diet (I've NEVER done a diet before.) Want to know what my diet consists of?

1. Don't eat after 9:00pm
2. Drink only water, milk, or my sugar free stuff. No juice or pop.

That's it. I really can't limit what I eat. I'm still nursing and everything so that's not going to change, but I know if I don't buy pop I won't drink it. The eating after 9 is going to be the big thing. I am always munchy then and eat junk.

Last night I ate chips, pudding, and cheese around 10:00. (Biggest Loser had me craving a block of cheese).

On top of my regular workouts at the church I am also going to make sure I do some push ups and squats every night. I want to re-tone my arms.

Weight today is at 130. I did see it below that for 1 day before Christmas.
My goal weight is 119.

Who wants to join me in the Shed 5 fast contest?

Diastasis recti

2009-12-22T20:40:00.000-08:00

I have a condition called Diastasis recti. What is it you ask?

Diastasis recti is a separation between the left and right side of the rectus abdominis muscle, which covers the front surface of the belly area.

Here is a video of Lindsay Brin explaing and showing what it is.

I can fit 3 (squished) fingers in mine. My fingers fit in between my ab muscles.

You know what's weird about this? Sometimes when I am lying down I can see my intestines move. It almost feels like I have a baby in there still.
Gross I know, thus is my life.

So I have a bulge because my muscles aren't there; the skin has no where to go but out.

Well I measured and nothing has changed, BUT I fit into my snap jeans again. How nothing has changed? I don't know. My hips still measure 38" and my waistline 31".

My goal is to keep working out regularly while on vacation. I always say I am going to, but never do. I will this time!

7 weeks and back in my jeans

2009-12-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

Score! I squeezed into a pair of my old jeans this week. My next goal is to get in the jeans that have a snap button. I'll know I've done it when my pants don't snap open when sitting down.

5 weeks post partum and working out again

2009-11-30T21:53:00.000-08:00

3rd baby is going to be a hard one for me to get back in shape. I still can't fit in my regular jeans yet, what's up with that?

Today I started working out again, boy I'm out of shape!

Here are the pictures from today.

Yuck is right, anyhoo. I took some measurements and I'll see how fast I can get this weight off in the next couple of weeks (or months).

Waistline: 31"
Hips: 38"

Wow, this is really depressing

2009-11-09T13:08:00.000-08:00

I was looking back at my 2 weeks postpartum picture with Gavin and I looked a WHOLE lot better then. I also weighed 6 pounds lighter.

Sad

I can't wait till my pants fit again. Yet I'm not looking forward to working out. But all that muscle I built up is gone, I just have sag.

Ah, the life of a mom.

1 week postpartum...

2009-11-02T10:20:00.000-08:00

(I thought I already posted this, but I guess I just saved it, so it's a little late.)

I don't remember having a pooch this long before, but maybe I just forgot.

Birth story? Everything went well. I felt no pain, have hardly needed to take any pain meds after either. BUT I did have a first. I never understood when people said they cramped while nursing... now I know. Ouch!

As for things I said I would change this time, here is what I said prior to going to the hospital:

1. Get out of there as quick as possible:
Didn't happen, had to wait all day for Jane to poop. Of course.

2. Make sure they put the IV in my hand and not my arm:
Didn't happen, I did ask and she said she would rather it be in the arm. I said "if you can do it in one shot I'll praise you." ...I praised her.

3. Not wear the oxygen mask unless absolutely necessary.
Not even an issue, no oxygen mask hurray!

4. Eat food whether they like it or not.
They didn't SAY I couldn't eat. I snacked on peanut M&Ms. But when they brought my food in the morning she said, "well you can't have it, but does anyone else want her breakfast?" How mean :)

39 weeks #3

2009-10-25T16:14:00.000-07:00

I must be getting big. People (strangers) sure have been commenting on my pregnancy when we were out and about yesterday. I was lucky to not get any inappropriate comments :)

My mom and dad flew in on Friday night so they are here now for awhile to help out.

Could tonight be the night? Could be, we'll have to see what the hospital says.

I was induced with Logan and Gavin both at 38 1/2 weeks. So this is the longest I've been pregnant.

My doctor says she'll weigh around the same as the boys (Logan 8.11; Gavin 8.6). What are your guesses on her weight?

So...

2009-10-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

~This is the longest I've been pregnant. I now know what it means when people say they feel like they have a bowling ball between their legs...

~Still 2 cm...?!

~I call the hospital 8pm on Sunday. They may get me in then or sometime on Monday.

~They have a new way of doing inductions. It's a pill! Weird I know, but my doctor says it's very effective.

~My doctor thinks she will be around the size of the boys.

~I lost a pound.

A 38 week pregnant belly

2009-10-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

I tried re-creating the shots I took when I was pregnant with Gavin.

Today (#3)

Gavin (#2)

#3

I didn't realize how similar I looked. Not much of a difference. 7 days to go!

38 weeks, 1 more to go!

2009-10-17T20:54:00.000-07:00

I have been so sick. But I have taken it easy this last week. After having those contractions I didn't want to push myself before my mom gets here. If you missed how much the baby weighs thus far, check the previous post.

Notice how my hair is always up in these posts? It's hot! Ice chips have been my friend. Last week it was otter pops, but I just wanted plain this week.

Has anyone lost their mucus plug before? I wonder if I have or am losing mine...

My last pregnancy I took a bare frontal shot so I'll have to do that too, maybe tomorrow.

My appointment...

2009-10-14T22:31:00.000-07:00

I had my ultrasound done on Wednesday. She is estimated to weigh 7 pounds 14 ounces right now at 37 weeks.

I am dilated to a 2; 75 % effaced and she is at a -2.

Last night I got woken up by horrible contractions. They went on for a couple hours, but weren't consistent. Really got me scared though, I wasn't prepared! I've never gone into labor on my own.

Plus I have been horribly sick. Not sure what, but I have no energy. Luckily I have an AMAZING husband whom has helped out a TON!

37 weeks #3

2009-10-11T18:16:00.000-07:00

Here's 37 weeks. Want to see me at this stage with Gavin? Go here.

Unfortunately I caught something because I am not feeling well. If I didn't have energy before I REALLY don't have any now. My throat is sore, my body aches. Ugh.

I have an ultrasound on Tuesday to check the baby's weight and such so I'm looking forward to that. I'm also looking forward to feeling better and being able to talk.

36 weeks #3 (& #2)

2009-10-04T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here I am today. 36 weeks.

Here I was with Gavin at 36 weeks.

I guess I was a bit bigger with Gavin, even though I feel huge now and I weigh more. (Must be in the butt.)

After watching conference today we went for a walk as a family. It has cooled down so it's really nice out right now.
I don't understand how walking makes me start cramping and hurting, yet aerobics I'm ok with.

I hate walking. I ended up walking to Ethan's boss house and staying there for a bit and they drove me home with the stroller in the back.

Is my hair going red again?
Pregnancy makes my hair red.

Little update

2009-09-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

I'm 35 weeks, and dialated to a 1.

Her head is down.

Appointments are every week now.

In 2 weeks I get an ultrasound to check weight and size.

35 weeks #3

2009-09-27T16:32:00.000-07:00

Photos courtesy of Bella Bean Photography

Here I am at 35 weeks.

My friend Jenna threw me a baby shower yesterday and the theme was "Ashley's about to POP" so everything had to do with pop.
POPcorn, soda POP, tootsie POPs, etc...

I have an appointment on Wednesday so I'll update then if anything exciting happens.

34 weeks #3

2009-09-20T11:36:00.000-07:00

I went to the doctor on Wednesday, everything is good.
I told my doctor I had zero energy and he recommended I drink coffee or soda. Ha! I told him I don't drink coffee, but soda I can do.

Isn't that a funny recomendation?

My next visit I have my group B strep test and then my visits are every week after that.
Time sure is flying.

33 weeks #3

2009-09-13T16:18:00.000-07:00

So here I am at 33 weeks on my 3rd child.
I'm gaining about 1 pound a week.
I feel huge.

One person says, "looks like you're about to pop"; another person says, "you're just starting to look pregnant".

Both people are crazy.

Which would you rather have: a cute pregnancy belly, but a ton of stretch marks so that your stomach will never look the same..

-or-

a wide "everywhere" kind of pregnancy, but your belly goes back to normal afterward?

I've got the first.

32 weeks #3

2009-09-05T20:21:00.000-07:00

I had my 3D ultrasound on Thursday. Those are always fun.

When we did it with Logan they had to take a picture, and then it would scan into 3D.
Now we can watch her moving in 3D!

They gave me a CD of the whole thing, but I can't figure out how to put it on the computer because the format isn't recognizable. So pictures will have to do.

During the whole thing she kept smiling and making faces, it was really cute.
She is sort of smiling in the bottom right corner (although her nose looks smashed).

Possible induction October 26th.

31 weeks #3

2009-08-29T21:55:00.000-07:00

A shot out to my friend Terri L. for letting me borrow some maternity shirts including this one :)

What I've learned this week...

When you have an easy pregnancy, you get no sympathy.

Example: My husband sits by watching me stand on a wobbly stool to get something off the fridge.
Example 2: Lifting the mattress isn't the easiest thing for me to do anymore to change the sheets. Husband complains that I can do it and it's not that hard.

I guess if you go rock climbing when you are 7 months pregnant you should be able to do anything.

But at least he walks the dog since walking for me is not fun at all right now, and he gives me massages whenever I ask.
He knows what I'm capable of and won't let me get away with it :)

Here are some ewwy ewwy pictures.
For some reason I'm not as comfortable showing these this time, maybe because people make a big deal about it which makes me feel uncomfortable. Who knows, I'll show them anyway.

Here is 31 weeks with baby girl

And here is 31 weeks with Gavin

30 week pictures

2009-08-22T21:44:00.000-07:00

Here I am!

I start going every 2 weeks to the doctor now.

Tonight the baby played pinball in my belly. It was quite the site and luckily my friend Jenna saw so we had quite the laugh about it.

Here I am (below) at the same time with my 2nd pregnancy (Gavin).

30 Weeks

2009-08-21T12:22:00.000-07:00

It was a no-go on the glucose test today.
Turns out the lab didn't take my insurance and I wouldn't be able to get to the other lab in time (since they have to take your blood exactly 1 hour after you drink the stuff).

So I drink the stuff again on Monday...

In 2 weeks I have a 3-D ultrasound! Yippee!

And I have contemplated posting this since I think on this 3rd child my stomach looks horrific, but I haven't been embarrassed before, why start now? Right?

Plus the light I have does NOT flatter me in anyway.

So this baby has been moving right along my skin and I see and feel everything. I got it on video this time.

What to look for:

-You'll see some movement to the right of my "belly button".
-Then she will poke my belly button out and slide her foot towards the left. (Toes leading).

Can you see her foot? I could.

29 weeks #3

2009-08-16T19:03:00.001-07:00

I don't think I grew too much this week.
I feel like I am always wearing this shirt, but I only have so many maternity shirts and I happened to wear this one to church today.

My sciatic nerve has really bothered me this week, but there's nothing I can really do except complain about it...so that's what I'll do.

Friday is my glucose test.

Things I have sworn to do/not do this time around at the hospital:

1. Get out of there as quick as possible
2. Make sure they put the IV in my hand and not my arm.
3. Not wear the oxygen mask unless absolutely necessary.
4. Eat food whether they like it or not.

The end

28 weeks

2009-08-08T23:20:00.000-07:00

"Ethan, hurry and take my picture so I can change into some comfy pants."

This is a new maternity shirt I got at Old Navy yesterday. Ethan and I got the $50 off $100 coupon from oldnavyweekly.com

Sweet!

This girl sure does move around a lot. Tonight I think I was feeling her head. So weird.

And I can no longer walk my dog, I'm not very good at walking when I'm pregnant anyway because my pelvis hurts (but aerobics is just fine), so I took her to the dog park instead.

And my weight? Whew! It's not as bad as Oregon had made it seem.

26 & 27 weeks plus rock climbing!

2009-08-04T10:03:00.000-07:00

26 weeks #3

27 weeks #3

Don't even ask me about my weight, I have a feeling I am going to weigh more this time than last time.

I should also add that I went rock climbing while 7 months pregnant this week.

My forearms are killing me! It's been awhile. I'd love to start going more often, but that can get spendy.

25 weeks #3

2009-07-19T11:34:00.000-07:00

Got the new car seat. Yeah!

Put away all the girl clothes I have. Yeah!

Took my prenatal today. Yeah!

Leaving for Oregon on Friday. Double yeah!

24 weeks #3

2009-07-11T18:26:00.000-07:00

Just for fun this week I added my other 2 pregnancy's pictures.

#3

#2

Are you pregnant?
Because I think my pregnancy is contagious. Everyone seems to be pregnant around me.

My pelvic pain is starting again. Not too bad ...yet.
I totally spaced my doctor's appointment on Friday, which means instead of seeing my doctor in Surprise, now I have to go to Arrowhead.

I love going to the doctor. Do you?

23 weeks #3

2009-07-04T19:43:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to waddle.

I broke out my fat/maternity jeans yesterday.

22 weeks

2009-06-30T13:04:00.001-07:00

I woke up in the middle of the night last night with uncontrollable shivers.

I was half asleep so it was a bit confusing.

I live in AZ, there is no reason I should be shivering. Odd.

That's why I have a husband to snuggle up with. Except I woke him up with my shaking.

New, slimmer car seat

2009-06-26T12:17:00.000-07:00

Here is the car seat I mentioned on my other blog.

Taking it for a spin before we put it in the car.

Logan taking a turn too...

And the lovely more space we now have because of it!

I should have taken a before picture. There was NO room here before.

Next stop is finding the infant baby trend flex loc seat for cheap.
That car seat is 16.5 inches wide. We measured we have between 16 and 19 inches here. (19 on the seat and 16 from the arm rests).

In comparison, our last infant seat was 18 inches wide and the toddler seat was 19 inches vs. this one (Combi Coccoro) which is 14.65 inches!

21 weeks

2009-06-21T16:33:00.000-07:00

What can I say?
I'm 21 weeks, I don't feel pregnant yet.
I don't even feel like I'm that big. (But this picture says otherwise!)

I have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday. I'll update then if there is anything worth updating.

20 weeks #3

2009-06-14T18:34:00.000-07:00

I'm halfway there!

I'm a little nervous this time around. I couldn't wait for the baby to come before, but now I feel like I could.

Maybe because we'll be out numbered?

Weight gain? ugh. I'm way ahead of how I was with Gavin, but I'm going to blame that on being very sick around this time with Gavin so I didn't gain any weight.

I definitely won't blame it on the ice cream, cookies, or ho ho's.

This name thing is hard

2009-06-09T22:12:00.000-07:00

So we still haven't decided on a name yet. I suggested to Ethan that we do a poll of our top names, but he said no because 'he doesn't care what anyone else thinks'.

We like unique, but not crazy unique. we don't like names that are super common either. (Like Emma, I think it's #1 right now).

Boy it's tough!

Where can we find a good name?

Oh and I was 19 weeks on Saturday.

18 weeks

2009-06-02T18:35:00.000-07:00

I bought 2 watermelon in 2 days. Yum!
I also bought 6 kit kats, and stuff to make smores, and 2 boxes of ho hos.

That should hold me over for a few minutes...

So we're having a girl

2009-05-29T20:13:00.000-07:00

That means we need to start over in the clothes department.
I bought my first set of girl clothes at Old Navy (clearance was 50% off!) the day we found out.

And there are a few other things I'd like to get new.

Isn't this diaper bag cute?
It's totally my style. Love it!

But this one is good for both Ethan and I...

Remember my car seat dillema? Well I emailed baby trend and asked them where I can buy the car seats I like.
...
Turns out they are discontinuing them. Really? Geez.

Here is our runner up color. I really want to use baby trend because they are so slender. Why can't they have more cute color options? Maybe I'll just have to have someone make me a cover.

And a swing.

We not longer have one and I really like the idea of this Fisher Price Zen collection swing. You can take it off and use it as a bouncy seat too. Super cool feature!

On another note...

I bought A LOT of chocolate. It's all gone now.

I made some chocolate cook n serve pudding (my favorite) and I ate the whole thing last night.

Anyone have a cool name idea they want to give us?
We've come up with a couple, but I'm not sure if I want to tell you just yet :)

It's a....?

2009-05-26T14:13:00.000-07:00

GIRL!!

What? I was convincing myself that I was having another boy, but I guess 67% of you already knew it was a girl. :)

Ethan (and Gavin) came with me to the ultrasound. The technician couldn't get a clear shot because the legs were in the way or the umbilical cord was laying right over it. So it took awhile to find out what it was.

Ethan said, "it's probably a girl, our boys never gave us any trouble."

When I later picked Logan up I told him we were having a girl.

His response? "cuz I don't want a girl, I want a boy."

Like father like son...

17 weeks

2009-05-24T20:07:00.000-07:00

This is going to be a double post week.

I had a dream the other night that I was at my baby shower and on a slip of paper it said what I was having.

The slip said a girl.

I was so esstatic!

Does that mean I secretly have been putting my hopes up?

Probably.

I think I just want a girl so my mom can make cute smocked dresses :)

***
Car seat dillema?
Well we're not getting a new car so we need to make 3 work.
So far I have picked this one for Gavin.

And this one for the baby. Or this one.

I like them because they are narrow.

The problem:

I can't find the infant car seats to buy ANYWHERE! Usually I can find them on Amazon or ebay, but no! The only place I was able to find one was the Craigslist in Philadelphia.

Figures.

You have until Tuesday to cast your vote on what the baby will be!

16 weeks

2009-05-16T20:14:00.000-07:00

I have been starting to wonder when I am going to feel this baby (with Logan: 16 weeks, with Gavin: 14 1/2 weeks). I mentioned this to Ethan last night and I put my hand on my stomach.

Me: "Hey, maybe this is it."

Ethan puts his hand there.

He feels it too.

So it's strange that I can't feel anything on the inside, just when I put my hand on the outside. Odd.
With Logan my stomach went numb; maybe my uterus is numb this time :) Ha.

I also started feeling some pressure lately, kind of like braxton hicks, but that seems too early to be having those.

10 more days till we find out! ...plus I'm getting hairy, ugh, does that mean a boy now? Who knows!

15 weeks

2009-05-09T20:22:00.001-07:00

I forgot to post last week, oh well. Not much is going on anyway. I think I felt Gavin move at 14 1/2 weeks. So far with this one I haven't even come close to that. I feel nothing. It's starting to get a tiny bit uncomfortable to lie on my stomach to do "swimming" for my workout, but that's about it.

I hate that my bulge is so high. It's very misleading since my uterus is still below my pant line. Must be all my intestines moving out of the way (which I can feel through my belly button, is that weird or what?).

On the left is me with Gavin, Right is me today with mystery child :)

13 weeks

2009-04-26T18:27:00.001-07:00

I would have posted yesterday, but I was quite busy.
Got up at 5:30am (after not sleeping very well because I knew I had to get up early). Got the boys and Zoe out the door by 6:00.
Drove 1 hour to get Zoe spayed. Drove 1 hour home.
Went to Primary activity.
Drove 1 hour to pick up Zoe. Drove 1 hour home. Ate lunch.
Watched Marley and Me with Logan. I fell asleep.

Meanwhile Ethan was in Tucson taking a test so I was without his help all day.
Driving is tiring!

How am I feeling? I don't even feel pregnant. (Other than the swelling belly, but I really don't notice it until I look down.)

What are the differences between this and the other pregnancies? None really, except 1 thing...With both of the boys I would get really hairy; on my belly, face, back. Yuck. Not with this one. Girl possibly? We'll just have to wait and see...

12 weeks

2009-04-18T20:42:00.000-07:00

Not much new to comment about this week, so here is just my picture for the day.

Well, now that I think of it. I noticed from my last pregnancy that my 11 week belly was bigger than my 12 week. Seems to be that way this time around too. That's odd.

The moment you have all been waiting for...

2009-04-13T19:56:00.000-07:00

Turns out I am pregnant again...Surprise!
I am 11 weeks and have been keeping this in for too long!

Me keep a secret?

Well I was going to wait till we found out what we were having to tell people (only because I think that would be fun), but on Sunday I started getting whispers of people wondering if I am pregnant, so before the cat gets out of the bag, I thought I would just spill the beans myself.

We were quite surprised and I'm excited to start up my pregnancy blog with pregnancy stuff again.

Hurray!

Due Date: 10.31.09 (Halloween)

It is PAID...

2009-04-11T13:44:00.000-07:00

For my Pay it Forward I made misc. cards for Shauna, Stephanie, and Shannon B.

I hope you guys like them!

10 weeks

2009-04-05T11:09:00.001-07:00

Bleh, why do my boobs have to be so nonexistent now!

With my other 2 pregnancies I have thrown up only once each time. I almost did that with this one yesterday when I had to clean up my dogs diarrhea in the kitchen. I'm not a gagging person, but I guess that reflux came out of me since I'm pregnant.

9 weeks

2009-03-28T20:23:00.000-07:00

So before I even found out I was pregnant I noticed my belly button starting to poke out.

What's up with having an outtie at 9 weeks?

Not cool.

I feel like my stomach just gave up with trying to stay tucked in and it just hangs out. (Yes that's probably only me that feels that way). If I just let it relax I would look 5 months pregnant already.

I am writing this post on March 28th, but I have no clue when I am going to post it since not everyone knows yet. Hee hee, this will be fun.

Where did my boobs go?

Hair Routine

2009-03-11T11:58:00.000-07:00

Step 1: Put
microfiber towel on toilet for later use.

Step 2: I Shampoo and condition hair, but rinse out conditioner upside down so it makes my hair have more volume on top.

Step 3: Accordian your hair onto the towel and secure it in the back with a hair tie.

Step 4: After wearing it for awhile, take the towel off and start the hair product mania. yes that's how much mousse I use.

Step 5: Scrunch whatever you use into your hair and then I take a clip and pinch up the top of my hair so as it is drying I don't have flat hair.

Step 6: After the clip is in I recently started putting hair spray in my hair while it's wet. I kinda like it. Maybe you should try it too!

Pay it forward

2009-03-09T07:46:00.000-07:00

I'm doing this post on this blog, because it is reserved for only my most dedicated readers :)

"You know how it goes: Be one of the first 3 people to leave a comment on this post and you'll receive something handmade from me sometime in the next year. But there is a catch. You have to do the same thing on your blog, so if you don't have a blog too bad for you!"

Ok, within a year seems like a long time, and since I got this from my friend Val's website, I'll go along with her idea of doing it within 3 months. And in her words, 'Now go forth and comment...Quick, before you are too late!'

One of my favorite smells...

2009-03-04T10:27:00.000-08:00

I love the smell of my Tangelo tree! It just started blooming for the first time since we got it over a year ago.

I can't wait till fruit starts growing on it. My grandma Benson used to have a Tangelo tree in her backyard when she lived in Arizona and it was one of my favorite things to pick the fruit, poke a hole in it and just squeeze the juice into my mouth.

We also got curbing around our grass and path this week. Makes the yard look a lot better.

So I am on week 7 of my 12 week boot camp workout and it's tough. Ever tried jumping lunges? They're hard. My weight is back up to 119, but I like to think of that as muscle weight :) How are your workouts going?

Everyone needs to laugh

2009-02-08T21:48:00.000-08:00

Thanks Adrianne for the laugh.

In a funk

2009-01-29T06:36:00.000-08:00

So ever since Ethan got laid off, life hasn't been quite normal for me. I guess I am a person that need routine and I haven't had one for quite a while. Adding a dog to the mix really threw me for a loop. I couldn't seem to get out of this funk and it was really starting to bug me and effect the people around me.

I had a sort of girls night out last Saturday and that really helped me. I'm trying to remember that Zoe is just a puppy and things will get better. And...

Breathe.

Did anyone watch House this week where Cutty had that baby and she felt nothing for her? Then later she had a moment with the baby and now she loves her. I think I had my moment with Zoe. Things will get better.

My goals

2009-01-14T13:52:00.000-08:00

I think I mentioned this on a previous post, but I am going to try to make it a habit this year to go to bed earlier and wake up early (that's 7:00 for me). It's going alright, but it isn't a habit yet.

Next goal, to try this out:

She has a 12 week program in here that I want to give a go. Hoping that the other girls at the workout comply, because if they don't like it then I won't do it.

Goal #3 when this lady (as seen below) gets bigger I want to go running with her at night. Ethan wouldn't let me do it on my own, but if I have a big Doberman with me then he feels okay with it.

I'm a baker?

2008-12-24T17:02:00.000-08:00

I'm definatley not a cook. But I could possibly be a baker. My sister-in-law Terri makes this GREAT chocolate souffle cake that is to DIE for. I tried my first attempt at it today for Christmas Eve.

Haven't tasted it yet.

But I'm excited to!

I kicked my neighbor because I'm a Ninja!

2008-12-21T21:58:00.001-08:00

Pick the month you were born:

January------I kicked
February-----I loved
March--------I kissed
April--------I licked
May----------I jumped on
June---------I smelled
July---------I did the Macarena with
August-------I had lunch with
September----I danced with
October------I sang to
November-----I yelled at
December-----I ran over

Pick the day (number) you were born on:

1-------a birdbath
2-------a monster
3-------a phone
4-------a fork
5-------a snowman
6-------a gangster
7-------my mobile phone
8-------my dog
9-------my best friend's boyfriend
10-------my neighbor
11-------my science teacher
12-------a banana
13-------a fireman
14-------a stuffed animal
15-------a goat
16-------a pickle
17-------your mom
18-------a spoon
19-------a smurf
20-------a baseball bat
21-------a ninja
22-------Chuck Norris
23-------a noodle
24-------a squirrel
25-------a football player
26-------my sister
27-------my brother
28-------an ipod
29-------a surfer
30-------a llama
31-------A homeless guy

Pick the color of shirt you are wearing:

White---------because I'm cool like that.
Black---------because that's how I roll.
Pink-----------because I'm crazy.
Red-----------because the voices told me to.
Blue-----------because im sexy and i do what i want
Green---------because I think I need some serious help.
Purple---------because I'm AWESOME!
Gray----------because Big Bird said to and he's my leader.
Yellow--------because someone offered me 1,000,000 dollars
Orange --------because my family thinks I'm stupid anyway.
Brown---------because I can...
Other----------because I'm a Ninja!
None----------because I can't control myself!

Now type out the sentence you made, in the subject line and try it on your blogs.
Oh, go on, leave me your sentence as a comment!!

Here Here!

2008-12-01T21:03:00.000-08:00

I couldn't have said it better myself. So I won't; go here. (It's about season 3 of Heroes and why it's dumb).

And what happened to Prison Break? It used to be awesome, now I just want it to end so I can go on with my life.

A tag

2008-11-28T11:58:00.001-08:00

A tag from Shannon B. It's the 4th picture from your 4th picture file.

You can all pretty much guess what this is from. August 22nd 2003 :)

Where Gavin gets his name

2008-11-17T18:57:00.001-08:00

We named Gavin after my Grandpa Shepherd whose middle name was Hodson (so is Gavin's). I was just thinking about him this week so I thought I would put up his picture from the last time I was able to see him. I loved my Grandpa.

I've become a reader!

2008-11-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

School took the fun out of reading for me.

I hadn't picked up a book for recreation since before I went to college (Lord of the Rings thanks to my brother Josh).

Then my friend Jenna recommended the Twilight series. After much talk I finally gave in and sped read through all 3 books. This was last year. (I read The Host too and LOVED it).

Jenna would keep recommending more books to me and I would keep declining.

My mom visited and left 3 books at my house and told me I could give them to my friends. I gave them to Jenna.

She read them and told me to read them. I did not.

Then she gave the books to our friend Torrie. She read them and told me to read them. I did not.

Finally after she said one had romance in it, I picked it up and read it. Really liked it.

That was August. These are all the books I have read since August (in order):

-Freefall
-Traitor
-The Friday Night Knitting Club
-Breaking Dawn
-These Is My Words
-Austenland
-Sunday's At Tiffany's
-Sarah's Quilt
-Princess Academy
-Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo
-The Star Garden
-Book of a Thousand Days

I guess I would call myself a reader now. Weird. I'm turning into my parents :)
These books are currently on my nightstand ready to be read.
-The Book Thief
-Three Weeks With My Brother
-The Guardian
-The Wedding

Standing for something

2008-10-29T23:03:00.000-07:00

Do I stand up for what I believe in? I asked myself this week. I've always heard the stories about Joseph Smith and others a like that would not denounce what they believed in and ending up dieing for it. I always thought if someone told me to say I didn't believe in something when in fact I did, just to save my life, I wouldn't do it. I would stand up for what I believe in.

But what about other things. Like this:

We were asked if we would like to put a sign in our front yard and I said "sure". But then I started getting nervous..."what if our neighbors don't agree and see it, what if someone vandalizes us because of it?" But you know what, I'm not going to be ashamed, because this is a moral issue, not a political one. Politics, I'll keep to myself for the most part, but not my religion.

YOU'VE BEEN TAGGED...Elder Ballard remarks, many members of the Church are doing what they can to use the Internet as a tool to communicate with friends and strangers alike by creating blogs and posting materials on video sharing sites. The internet knows NO STATE LINE. You know contacts in California that I do not...as do your friends and their friends...and so on. Please make a post about Voting Yes on Proposition 8. Add this tag to the bottom. If not for your own children and the effect it could have on them some day...for mine! After you have posted this...email this to your contacts and TAG all your blogging buddies to do the same. THANK YOU!

Vote!

2008-10-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

First Presidency Issues Letter on Political Participation

I've been undecided about who I am going to vote for this year. I've never been one to get into politics only because I have NO CLUE about them whatsoever. But this year was different. This election makes me feel nervous. I didn't want to vote for someone just because that's what everyone else around me was doing; I wanted to know why I was voting for someone. So I've been listening, looking, and browsing my way around blogs and friends opinions to better understand politics. I think I have a much better understanding of some of the terms used. ( I didn't know what socialism really meant, or free trade, or universal health care or a lot of hot topics).

The things that have really bugged me are all the bashing emails I've been getting and the bashing commercials I see/hear. I don't want to hear that stuff, it doesn't help, it actually hinders my opinion.

So again, this election makes me nervous. I want my family to be prepared for anything that comes along in the future. I want to make sure we are listening to the Prophets promptings. We have an envelope of money just for food storage items. We bought a fire-proof safe today; Ethan's been wanting one for awhile.

And what's a post without a picture. Enjoy, vote, be prepared.

My sleeping babe:

Goofy child amused with the funny faces he just made:

Naked babies are always adorable. Squeeze!

Baby food

2008-10-14T13:41:00.000-07:00

Remember that one time I got all that baby food for real cheap?
Well I started using it and have been saving the empty jars. I bought some ingredients and made my own today and put it in the empty jars.
I made carrot, yams w/peas, just yams, and a mixture of avocado bannana & apple.
Hope he likes them!

Pictured above:
Carrot, peas and yams, yams, avocado mix and yams, avocado mix.

A tag

2008-10-12T15:44:00.000-07:00

Here are the rules:
Link the Person who Tagged you.
Mention rules on your blog.
Tell about 6 quirks of yours.
Tag 6 fellow bloggers to do the same.
Leave a comment to let them know.

1. I can't stand seeing boogers in my kids noses (the hard ones mostly) so I used tweezers to pull them out. Logan is used to this by now and will let me do it. Gavin on the other hand puts up a fuss and I think I'm going to have to stop since I made him bleed last time. Sorry buddy!

2. Pancakes, waffles, and muffins, all must have chocolate chips in them for me to eat them. I luckily have a husband who will make them for me almost evey week.

3. I used to dance latin ballroom in college. I was in the Gold latin class when I graduated. I sure miss dancing. I still have my ballroom shoes hoping I'll get the opportunity to do it again.

4. I could eat McDonalds chicken nuggets everyday. Loved them as a kid, love them now. I still love most foods as I did when I was a kid. I really don't think I'm a picky eater (I just don't like onions), but if I like something then why order something else? I am willing to try almost anything.

5. I am definitley a cold weather person. I love it when it's cold outside and you can just be cozy in your house. I love snow, I even love driving in snow. I would pick the cold over being too hot ANY DAY! So hopefully AZ isn't permanent :)

6. I don't really like to go shopping. 1/2 hour of it really wears me out. I never liked it. I do all the grocery shopping and I secretly hope that some day we won't have to eat anymore so that I won't have to go. Shoes? Please don't make me go shopping for shoes. I think the part that gets me is walking around and looking. If I know what I want then I can just go in and get it and I like that just fine.

I don't feel like tagging anyone else, so do it if you feel like it.

Here's a picture of me and my luv-ah.

My secret

2008-10-09T22:36:00.000-07:00

I like to watch the Biggest Loser with my husband while eating something very unhealthy.

Shh, don't tell anyone.

Then I take what I learned to my workout in the mornings and make the girls I teach really sore the next day.

I get a kick out of it.

2008-10-07T13:41:00.001-07:00

Go here for an awesome giveaway.

Life is good then BAM!

2008-09-24T15:43:00.000-07:00

A happy photo shoot of Gavin...

Logan wants in on the action and runs over to smoosh his face in the picture... (Is that facial hair my son has?)

Darling boys (notice the band-aid on Gavin, that should be coming off soon; he just had his shots)...

Then BAM! Take that brother!

Silicon cupcakes

2008-09-20T17:20:00.000-07:00

Target has these in the dollar spot (6 for $1). I've been on a cupcake fix lately. Aren't they cute?

What inspires you?

2008-09-14T15:09:00.000-07:00

A lot of things inspire me. As of this moment? I've been thinking a lot about Stephanie and Christian Nielson. Don't know the story? Go here: cjane. And to go back to where it all started, read the first post here.

A girl I visit teach in my ward taught a lesson today about the plan of salvation. She talked about her brother who is the 'Christian N. ' mentioned above.

Their life inspires me, as I know it does MANY others.

I was reading today the Relief Society Theme. This part stood out:

"Find nobility in motherhood and joy in womanhood."

Stephanie has definitely done that. Have I?

MIA in my posting

2008-09-01T15:38:00.000-07:00

So I haven't posted anything about my "journey to getting back in shape" for awhile now. There's sort of a reason...

Being comfortable with my body is my main goal. I like it right now and that's a start. I may not be able to sit on a couch without a pillow on my lap for awhile, but that's okay.

I had a goal awhile back to have my back look like this:

This is what is looks like today: (Less tan I know)

Step 1: Stop mentally critiquing how other people look.
Step 2: Stop thinking everyone else is critiquing you in their heads.
Step 3: You don't need to see how your tricep is looking today, leave the mirror alone!
Step 4: Life is good, enjoy it!

How dirty is your grout?

2008-08-29T13:50:00.000-07:00

I got on my hands and knees and went to work. I've mopped yes, but never actually got down and cleaned the grout. Boy was it filthy! I left a + sign spot so you could see the difference. Yuck!

Natural hair color?...

2008-08-04T14:18:00.000-07:00

Option 1:

Option 2:

Option 3:

It's a trick question since 2 of them are my natural color. #1 is not. My pregnancy really made my hair red-ish. Got it cut on Friday.
Logan took this picture of us below.

It's all worth it

2008-07-28T23:44:00.000-07:00

Aren't these little people amazing? They recently just came from their Heavenly Father. He was just there! I'm so glad to know that because Ethan and I were sealed in the Temple we can be together with our children forever. I wouldn't have it any other way. I love these little men and they make every wrinkle worth it :)

Memories

2008-07-17T01:14:00.000-07:00

Saw this on my friend Amie's blog.

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Here's an idea...

2008-07-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Ok so I got this Aveeno sample in the mail called positively ageless lifting and firming night cream. I love trying new products and even though I don't have much to lift in my face right now, I know I eventually will so why not start before it happens?

This got me thinking...if there are anti-wrinkle creams out there for the face; would they work on my stomach? Two problems I came across:

1. Which one would be the best to buy.
2. They usually come in small bottles and I would need something to last a little longer than that. (for the price of these things I want it to be worth it.)

Think it would work?

Oh yeah, check out the lbs dropping! -->

124 lbs whoo hoo!

2008-07-03T14:23:00.000-07:00

Finally the pounds are dropping. I really think it is from teaching the classes all by myself for the past 2 weeks. So I'm at 124lbs and Gavin is almost 4 months old.

... and it's picture time. This is to make all of you feel so much better about yourselves. I lose weight, but the skin stays the same. It almost looks worse just because there is less bulge.

First picture is 2 weeks after giving birth:
And this one is today:
How do I feel about this? I feel like I looked pretty good after 2 weeks, and I feel like no one is going to see my stomach out in the open so who cares right?

New post/a tag

2008-06-25T18:25:00.000-07:00

First off I want to say that I'm teaching aerobics all this week and all next week. When you teach you really have to be on top of your game and I think you get a way better workout than when you are following a teacher. I can't be the one to quit early. So I weighed in this week at 125. Cool beans.

Here is a fun tag because it includes pictures, not as boring as some are.

Here are the "rules" for this game of tag. You are supposed to take pictures of the following things just as they are - no stopping to clean, straighten, or to wipe a child's nose: The kitchen sink, the fridge, the toilet, the closet, the laundry room, your favorite shoes, your favorite room, and your kiddies. No cheating!The dishes are clean? Weird

Food goes here

Pretty boring bathroom

yeah Toni, I color coordinate too. :)

Not comfortable, but I love em!

Notice Ethan's handy job above.
Logan's quiet book is slowly getting destroyed on my bed.

This is what the boys were doing. Ethan holding Gavin and watching sports while still playing with Logan at the same time. Heman.

Ok long time I know

2008-06-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

I'm really not ready for any pictures yet. I tried scrubbing off that line on my stomach today and boy did that hurt! I don't think it's quite ready yet. I've decided that I am really going to try and be more optimistic about my body. No more glancing at every angle when I pass a mirror, no more criticizing (yeah right). Well I'll try at least. I have a hard time when 1. I had a great body pre-pregnancy and 2. I see moms that have great bodies afterwards and I won't ever have that... not like it was. Weight hasn't changed. But my workouts are going great.