"Emma" at the Old Globe

Mom and I eating at the Prado before the play

Desiree, Darcy and Karen

The Scale

My "scale" and I are no longer speaking to each other. Shes known for her brutal honesty but today she told a big "fat" lie. I just couldn't believe it! I refuse to believe it! So after 5 long years of being together. I think its time to say goodbye and go out & buy a new updated digital scale. Sorry old friend but I have no room for liars in my life ; ) lol but who knows my new friend may tell the same lie.......

I know that weight may be very easy to put on and take forever to take off ( funny how it works that way) however I thought if i busted my butt for a good 2 weeks I would see some progress. I biked 40 miles the 1st week and then the 2nd week which is not entirely over yet I biked, walked, did an intense hour long Zumba workout and then did Hot Hula the following day which includes weight lifting. I am tired, sore and frustrated. I knew it wouldn't be instant results but most people lose a pound or two if not more the first week and then the 2nd week they slow down and lose a pound or at least just half. So you can imagine my surprise when I stepped on the scale this morning to read that I actually GAINED 2 pounds I had a heart attack! Now a little FYI-- Brandon cooked last night and though we are watching our portions and eating lean he did put a ton of salt on the meat we used for fajitas. He admitted it was way too much so maybe if I am luckily I will drink a ton of water and flush it all out literally.

So whats my goal.... to lose at least 5 pounds (which sounds so much easier than it actually is) be lean, tone, healthy and full of energy. When I was in my top shape 2 years ago I felt incredible. Like I could conquer that world. I felt a good 5-10 years younger too. It was wonderful and then life happened and even though I would gain a pound here lose one there I pretty much maintained within 5 pounds but my shape is different I don't feel lean and energetic like I used to. So I want that back! As long as I get some exercise every day but Sunday I will feel better. Here's to a new healthier, leaner me!

Time for some FUN! My New Years Resolution

I enjoy turning my New years resolutions into realized goals. Its so great to have that sense of accomplishment, growth, and progress. I thought a lot about what I wanted to achieve and do this coming year and there was quite a list. The usual items came to mind first- get into even better shape, eat healthier, be more devoted to my husband and family, read the scriptures more consistently, go to the temple more often. etc... etc... but when I really thought about what I wanted, not what I SHOULD work on, I realized that over all I have one main goal and that is to live and enjoy life to the FULLEST!!!! I want to have fun true fun... not the kind of fun that you say you have after a nice evening or activity is over. I am talking about the kind of fun that makes your cheeks hurt because you are smiling and even laughing so much!!!! Throughout our journey on this amazing planet I always manage to have thousands of happy pictures by years end no matter what struggles, trials, challenges, and obstacles we worked through however this year I want to "let go and let God" a little more so I can focus my energy on some well deserved FUN. Sometimes we are way too serious and feel that we have the weight of the world on our shoulders. I will always have my "list" of things to do and accomplish because that is just me, new years or not, but by the end of this year I would love to look back and say "Wow, we really had FUN this year!" I understand that having fun has so much to do with ones attitude and perspective. You can have fun right at home if you want to. So here's to a new year filled with goals, dreams, and ambition but most importantly, at least to me, FUN!

Jordan is a Super Star

Jordan is a super star at De Portola Middle! Unlike elementary school where you get all sorts of prizes and recognition, in Middle school they focus on the feeling and satisfaction of a job well done. A pat on the back is about it, however, we did receive the message below in an email today as well as in a voice mail. Its wonderful to celebrate the kids doing well in school. We are so glad that Jordan is learning and progressing in his classes. Since my children do not get an "allowance" we decided that once they are in Jr. high they would earn a reward for their grades. $5 for an "A" $4 for a "B" and money for a "C" under special circumstances sometimes a hard "C" with plenty of effort is better than an easy "A". So a big "CONGRATS" to Jordan on a job well done. A message from DE PORTOLA MIDDLE SCHOOL Congratulations on earning a 3.5 or higher- Dear De Portola Super Star Families, This is principal Listy Gillingham calling to congratulate your child on their recent progress report card which showed they are doing extremely well. I am proud of their efforts as I know hard work leads to good grades and good grades opens the door to wonderful things for their future. Having your child in our classes inspires others to work hard and perform at their highest level as well. Thank you for your support of them and please let them know how proud I am of their outstanding work during our first semester. Happy New Year from all of us at de Portola Middle School! Sincerely, Listy Gillingham

Happy New Year!

Daddy and Noah getting ready for the show

Aidan, Jordan and Cousin Cody




Watching the "brick" drop was so much fun!

Jackie and Brandon ready to watch lego bricks fall out of the sky. Seriously the best firework show we have ever seen!

Besides having so much fun spending the entire day at Legoland they had 4 bands and a Dj to go along with their show. The "brick" dropped at 6pm, with the fireworks, music and lights it could of been midnight and it would not have been any different. It was a great way for the kids to ring in the new year! I think we just stumbled on a new tradition at least until Jordan, who is now 12, has outgrown this park but I doubt that will be anytime soon he has gone since he was 2 its another home for him and his favorite place to be! After our celebration we went to Grandmama and Pampies place where Carla had prepared some "minute to win in" games for the whole family to compete in. We watched the ball drop over in the big apple at 9pm hung out for a bit then came home to celebrate once again at midnight. Such a great night!