Have a Happy Weekend!

So, I've decided I want to put a little bit of good karma out in the universe with this post, and share with you some things that have made me happy recently.

First of all, I found these on facebook the last couple of days.  And isn't it wonderful how a little chuckle about something silly can brighten your day?

Secondly, I stumbled across this blog post written by my childhood friend and next door neighbor.  It is beautiful and uplifting, and it made me feel a little bit special that I could remember some of the memories that she shared.  Thanks for writing this, Miranda :-)

Thirdly, Beachbody.  And I don't say this solely because of my "transformation" that I've kept you all apprised of.  I'm a little ashamed of it, but Beachbody has helped form me into a better person in several facets: intellectually, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.  I say that I'm ashamed because I should have been the person that I am now before I encountered Beachbody because of my religious beliefs.  But that is in the past, and I'm progressing now, despite the reasons and motivations.  

You want to know what is amazing about Beachbody?  Yes, they have great workouts, and yes, they have an incredible product with Shakeology.  But what makes them OUTSTANDING as a company to work with is that they emphasize personal development.  I have been a coach barely over 2 months, and because I've been improving my mind daily, I have been happier, driven to succeed, hopeful, more patient and understanding, and a host of other things that I probably haven't noticed or acknowledged yet.

And it's pretty great that I can get all my fruits and veggies in one meal and have it taste like a thin mint.  Just sayin :-)

And this man.  He just makes the world perfect and wonderful.

Don't tell him I wrote this, because he would just say, "Oh, shut up."  But he is the most generous person I know.  He is understanding and compassionate.  He stands up for what he believes in without regard to who may disagree.  He is a wonderful father to our beautiful girls, and he treats all three of us like princesses.  He is a gentleman and my best friend.  I'm so happy I get to keep him forever.  And that's all I'll say cuz I'm getting all teary-eyed thinking about how wonderful he is.

Now these girls, they make me laugh EVERY. SINGLE. DAY.  They also make me want to pull my hair out every day, but when it's your kids, the cute things outweigh the trying things in value like 10:1.  Like today, {E} came up to {C} after {C's} nap and said, "{C}, wanna go to the chocolate factory and be a flawless girl?"  I love that she combined her Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Phineas and Ferb references,  Or when we went on an outing tonight, and {C} talked non-stop about her pretty, colored, plastic bracelets.  She was so excited about getting to wear them out.  She must have felt so pretty.

These are the things that have made me happy, along with my daily scripture study, which has helped me keep an eternal perspective, and helped me find the patience I need to nurture my children when they need to be nurtured and set an example for them when they need to be reminded of how to behave.

I hope this weekend brings time for you to spend with your loved ones doing things that make you happy.  Take time to soak in the moment and enjoy it for what it is.  I love ya!  Have a happy weekend!

Day 15: Total Body Cardio Fix...AND Pilates Fix

Ok, already I'm tired of the double workout schedule.  

It wouldn't be so bad if I could do the workouts one after the other, but this doing one in the morning and one in the evening business sucks.  That's two showers a day, at least.  If {C} decides to fully potty train, then it's probably more.  Also, by the end of the day, my motivation is 0. :-P  Yeah, yesterday was awesome with the running, but when the BYU game is on in the background, in overtime, and Brandon is yelling loud enough to wake the dead, or even {E}, I don't really want to go to the corner and do a workout in the periphery.  Just sayin.

BUT! Good news!  I did, in fact, fix my heart rate monitor.  Yay!  I had it all put together several times, and I couldn't get the start/stop button to work, (which is kind of an essential button), and after 20 minutes, Brandon remembered a piece we had taken off when we started the endeavor.  And now it is fixed!  

So cheers to fixing my watch and doing total body cardio this morning!  

I also ate food today...so...that was good, too.  I made an egg/egg white omelet with spinach and parmesan, topped with homemade salsa and grape tomatoes for lunch.  That was the high light of my day food-wise.  That and I snuck a few sips of Brandon's Dirty Pepsi.  *Shhh!  Don't tell!*  It was glorious. 

 And then I had an awful dip in my menu (catastrophe music blaring in the background, something symphonic).  I made my simple, awesome chicken enchiladas, quick and easy, and they turned out kinda yucky.  I don't know if the corn tortillas were just on the edge of decency, or maybe my shredded chicken was on its way out, but they just weren't up to par :-(

After sneaking some of Brandon's "STUPID BYU!!!! WHY ARE YOU LOSING???!!!!" treats, I decided I should do my pilates workout as scheduled.  I did manage to get Brandon to take a couple pictures before overtime started, so, that was a major accomplishment :-)  He must really love me.

After I finished the workout, it was FINALLY time for my Shakeology.  

Can I tell you a secret?  I have not particularly enjoyed this month's flavor.  Greenberry was great, I have tasted the chocolate and vegan chocolate, and I prefer the taste of the vegan chocolate.  But Brandon prefers fruit flavors to chocolate most days, and since I share my Shakeo with him, for the time being, I figured "Hey, maybe the vegan Tropical Strawberry will be better than the regular Strawberry flavor."  Not so.  At first it strongly reminded me of a pepto bismol mix with cough syrup.  Not pleasant.  I've developed a tolerance for it now, but I've still tried to find the right mix-ins so I might actually enjoy it.  Today, I found a winner.  Hallelujah!

May I present Tropical Strawberry, mixed with one small banana and ~4 Tbsp of Nesquik.  Also included: a few ice cubes and about 16 oz of very cold water. 

I would also like to point out, that had I a different personality, I could have tried it once, talked to customer service, and switched this bag for a different flavor with the greatest of ease, free of charge.  Or, once I finished it, I could have sent it back for a full refund.  Beachbody is a wonderful company.   100%  guaranteed.  

Having said that, the nutrition is way worth the struggle of drinking the "not my favorite" flavor I chose.  This stuff makes me feel amazing.  I am so much healthier, I can FEEL the difference.  You just have to try it for yourself, though, cuz this one is MINE.  

Shakeology schpill done.  Tomorrow: Upper Fix and Cardio Fix (I think.)  See ya tomorrow!

Day 10: Lower Fix--Round 2

Today was Lower Fix again!  I gave it my all, and I feel like I did pretty good.  I'm pretty sure I've complained about my right knee here.  The last week it hasn't been as stiff, and it held up pretty well during the squats and lunges.  I even dared to go deeper into the movements.  Maybe that's another effect of the Shakeology kicking in. I also discovered something:  if I look UP at a spot on the wall, I have better form than when I'm looking at my legs, trying to make sure I have the right form.  Works for me :-)  I used my 8 lb weights the whole time, and I felt pretty good about that :-)  Here's the priceless moments {E} caught of the workout ;-)

We only got pictures of the floor exercises today :-)

And we've gotta have a group selfie with my little supporters.  It's a must.

And now for a braggy moment.  But only because I didn't ever think it was possible.  I have ABS.  This first picture is from a couple of weeks ago, and the second is today.

I feel like I tightened a little of my baby belly in the last two weeks. :-D

As far as eating goes, I feel that I did pretty good.  Had smaller meals throughout the day.  Then the girls and I had a girls' night out with one of my bestest friends ever and her little girl.  We played at the park then went to Smashburger, where I did NOT order a burger and fries.  I had a chicken club (and I did eat the bacon) on either a whole wheat or multigrain bun (I don't remember which) with SWEET POTATO fries.  Yes, I know they're still fries, but don't I get a little credit for them being sweet potato?  And not eating them with sauce?  I think yes.  And here are the cuties enjoying the night out.

As you can tell, we are BYU fans around here.  So, I need to go so I can watch the game with Brandon.  It's our "date."  :-D  Have a great weekend everybody!  Let me know what you're up to!