It's official...

I'm not sure if it was the enormous scone with raspberry jam and the homemade chocolate covered toffee from the Relief Society booth at Swiss Days or the fresh blueberry and cream cheese pastry from the Spanish Fork farmers market that I ate this weekend, but I'm ready...I'm really ready.

I've officially joined the ranks of Weight Watchers...again. Of course, I'm REALLY serious this time and nothing is going to get in my way. When I told Alex this, he just said, "I know you are- that's wonderful, dear". What makes this time different? I guess just that it's a different time.

When you go to a drive thru alone at Taco Bell and order lunch and then open your bag to discover TWO forks, it just might be a sign. Or when one of your children says "Mom, I hope you never lose weight because I like you, well ya know, kind like you are, which is sorta jellyish", this too, may be a sign. A friend suggested posting a "before" picture on my blog...well, there will only be a "before" picture when there is an "after" picture. You'll just have to use your imagination.

Sooo...here it goes! I thought by blogging this trial of my life, it might give me accountability and strength. It's worth a try. I'm tired of being tired of being tired, etc....

I'll be picked up Monday morning at 6:00 am by my dear friend, Stacy, and we're off to Anytime Fitness. We gave it a trial run Friday morning and it was quite the adventure. I'm hoping for a little less jiggle and a little more firm as the days progress. I have a WW meeting Tuesday.

Look for occasional posts about my progress...and there will be...

Meet our new residents...

Aren't they cute?! There is a nest in our Chinkapin Oak tree and it has housed three sets of baby chicks this summer. We sit on our porch and watch the mama bird collect worms and insects and then return to feed them to her young. Nature is such a treat!

Just a thought...

In recent months I've given a lot of thought to what it takes to raise children, be a "good" wife, work and fulfill a church calling. As of late, the voices in my head (and there are many) say, "can't someone else do this for awhile?"

Just today I came across this quote by President Ezra T. Benson

. . . . .

"Men and women who turn their lives over to God will discover that He can make a lot more out of their lives than they can. He will deepen their joys, expand their vision, quicken their minds, stregthen their muscles, lift their spirits, multiply their blessings, increase their opportunities, comfort their souls, raise up friends, and pour out peace"

. . . . .
Wow!! I marvel at my dependency on my Heaven Father. It lifts such a burden.

And the lucky guess is...89

At the city work party in the canyon, Elli won a PINK backpack filled with school supplies. She was elated! She had to guess how many items were in the backpack without picking it up or looking inside. Now that takes true talent...way to go, Elli!

My tree lover...

As many of you may know, my hubby is a certified arborist (tree lover, tree hugger, tree surgeon, etc.) and has a true tree addiction. So far...he has planted 24 trees in our yard...with 3 fruit trees coming this fall! Really? Do we need that many?!

"We can learn a lot from trees: they're always grounded, but never stop reaching heavenward"

-Everett Mamor

Some of our trees...

top row: : Southwestern White Pine, Kentucky Coffee Tree, Chinkapin Oak

bottom row: Japanese Zelkova, Japanese Tree Lilac, Southwestern White Pine

. . . . . . . . . . . . . ..

Earlier this summer, while we were away, our lovely puppies (they are sisters) decided it would be fun to strip bark off the trees. We lost five trees before our neighbor called to alert us. SO, $700 later, Alex decided it wasn't worth it to keep the dogs (this wasn't their first property destruction offense and it certainly hasn't been their last!). He told the children we were selling the dogs and, of course, they began to SOB!

I pled their case (the children and the puppies) and made promises I haven't been great at keeping. We finally agreed they could stay (the children and the puppies). Alex really does have a big heart under that rough exterior, but you just don't mess with his trees!! :)

The culprits: MOLLY and ZELDA (a.k.a. bad news and trouble)

Look at those mugs!

Ben's private photo shoot...

Apparently, Ben found my secret hiding place for the camera... what a sneaky boy!

Back to school...

Look out teachers...they're back! The kids were sooo excited to start school today. Rachel was up and ready 1 1/2 hours early. I was actually feeling quite sad. It's hard seeing all your babies go to school all day.

Elli and her new shoes.

When Alex saw her feet he asked "is she really going to wear gold shoes to school?" I told her that her dad just doesn't have any fashion sense. Every girl needs to have at least one pair of shiny golden shoes in her life!

Horseback riding...

The kids were thrilled to ride the family horses. I don't know why we don't ride more often - they're only five minutes away! Elli and Rach each got a turn riding bareback. This horse is Sade (above)... she is the youngest of the bunch!

Rachel riding Sam

Ben had a great time riding... with lots of love and help from Aunt Syd!

Amy and Peanut

I need a break...

Last night Alex was singing "If I Were a Rich Man" and Ben was getting quite annoyed. He finally said "Dad, please stop singing, we need a break!". I guess I say I need a break a lot - well...I do!

Summer Highlights...

This was the annual Fourth of July celebration at the field! I love this tradition! We enjoyed family, fireworks, food and lots of running around with cousins.

Not so sure about this group!

(back: Rachel, Chase, Michael, Chazz, front: Elli, Mitchell, Zander, Josh and Ben)

In June we went to YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK (Alex's favorite place on earth). He's been wanting to go since we got married. I'm so glad we went - it was BEAUTIFUL! It brought back so many good memories of my childhood.

The kids had a good time and finally adjusted to the smell of "rotten eggs". I personally like the smell. We spotted all kinds of animals, even a mother bear and her two cubs!

Now that's a smart looking couple! :)

Not sure where they get it from - probably Alex!

Swimming lessons...

The kids took swimming lessons at a private pool in Spanish Fork this summer. They loved it! I couldn't believe how quickly their swimming improved. The best part was that I got to sit under a big shady tree and read a book while they swam!

Ben had a HUGE crush on his teacher, Kelci!!

Rachel practices a dive

Elli post dive (I wasn't fast enough with the camera)