Pioneer Day...

July 4th... Pioneer Day.  So thankful for the bravery of the Mormon pioneers and their strength of character.  Thank you for your tremendous sacrifice.

Hanging out with our kids is my favorite place to be.

 Ooh, aaw...

And all by the light of a full moon...

How does our garden grow...

Good times planting a neighborhood garden complete with potatoes, corn, pumpkins, squash, beans, etc.  We have such wonderful neighbors and friends.  Thanks to the Condes for donating the soil and water.  So whos turn is it to water?

Mayor's Regonition Award...

Rachel with Mayor Wilford Clyde

During May, Rachel received the Mayor's Community Youth Recognition Award.  Each year one student from each elementary school in Nebo School District is nominated by his/her Principal or teacher to receive this award.  They kept the reason for the award a surprise until that night.  Apparently, Rachel organized and headed out a large group of kids that went to the principles office to see if they could get permission and cleaning supplies to help clean up all the graffiti on the bathroom stalls.  They used many of their recesses to help with the clean up.  She also gave a small pep talk at one of the assembelies asking the kids to help keep the school graffiti free.  This was all news to me and Alex.  Way to go, Rachel!! We are so happy that you are choosing to make a difference!  

The award said...
For valuable contribution to:
~Springville City~
~Cherry Creek Elementary~

~Her family~

and

~Friends~

Thank you for your positive example in our community!

She received all kinds of goodies too!

Catching up... the story of my life...

I've been reminded by many that it's time to update my blog.  Look for daily posts this week as I try to play catch up.  Not so many details, but lots of pictures to come.   

 A quick trip to St. George in May...

Do you like the haircut that Ben gave himself the day before we left?

They started swimming at 7:30 am... no sleeping in for mom. 

My new yummy find...

* * *

This is my new favorite obsession.... it's yummy and refreshing. Sometimes I add more fresh fruit to make it last a little longer. You can get a coupon for $1.25 off here... http://bricks.coupons.com/Start.asp?tqnm=za1lbuu74628332&bt=vi&o=60170&ci=1&c=GM&p=HbzuM6Cm.

So it begins...

Just a warning... you don't really have to read this. This post is mostly because I am daring myself to do it. I have too.

And so it begins, the start of periodic blog entries on my weight loss journey. I joined Weight Watchers 2 weeks ago. This is not my first rodeo. I think I have 3 or 4 different WW starter books floating around and amazingly every time I go into WW to re-join, they take me back, no questions asked. I'm sure it's because they want me to succeed.

Recently, I've found myself gravitating toward blogs that inspire in the "get healthy" area. This is not bound to be one of them. This is my own personal account of what is real about me... I love food! I eat when I am stressed, I eat when I'm happy, I eat when I'm bored, I eat when I'm sick.... not many occasions that I can think of when I don't like to eat.

Fortunately, I like all food that is healthy.... in addition to all that is NOT. There is no denying that I feel better physically when I am making healthy choices. It's getting to the point where I feel better emotionally. I do love those sugar comas.

So, here is my progress so far... 7 pounds lost (my weight loss goal is 80 punds). Easter candy out of the house. check. Easter candy is evil. Starting my morning workouts tomorrow. 6:45 am and taking it easy on the tredmill for 30 minutes. It won't be anything to brag about, but I only have one more week until I can't say that I am still recovering from surgery. What will I use for an excuse then?

I know that I am not supposed to use an "event" as my motivation to lose weight, but it is my 25 year class reunion in August.... just found that out today. Surprisingly, this new info helped keep me motivated when the "Sweet Tooth Fairy" starting calling my name. Don't ever start the "Sweet Tooth Fairy" habit... it's a bad one... and expensive. Get thee hence, cupcakes.

Better go to bed before I mess up a perfect day of journaling and points consumption.

Rachel, the other birthday girl...

Rachel was born on January 27, 1999, weighing 9 lbs. (her birth certificate says 8 lbs. 16 oz.)

Rachel is a true delight and brings much creativity to our family. She has high aspirations and wants to be a doctor when she grows up. She loves science, the solar system and elephants! She is a book worm and can't sleep unless there are at least six books in the bed with her.

Rachel has a big heart and always tries to treat everyone kindly.

Her primary teacher, who affectionately calls her Penelope, recently mentioned that she thinks Rachel will be the CEO of her own company one day. Rachel can't wait to turn 12 so she can attend Young Womens.
Happy Birthday, Rachel!

We love you!!