I think I've found my motivation...

to exercise that is. 

You see, I've wanted to lose the baby weight, but not really wanted it enough to truly do something about it.  Something that will produce some results. 

Well, I think the time has come.  Because next year in May-ish, I may be swimming in these beautiful waters with my husband in an ALL EXPENSES PAID trip, courtesy of Schwab. 

And I'm certainly not stuffing all of these rolls and spare tires into a swimming suit.  Or two.  (Cuz who can just wear one in Hawaii??)  Oh, and I might need a little black dress for all of those fancy dinners we'll be going to. 

So far, I am doing 90 crunches, some planks and lunges, walking the neighborhood, and running on the treadmill.  But the key is consistency this time.  I think I can do it. 

Why would a company be so generous, you may ask? 

Because Alex is AMAZING at what he does.  They only take the best of the best and he is one metric away from being there. 

Just to brag a little, he is #1 in the ENTIRE company at getting leads.  No one has more right now for the year.  That blows my mind.  I'm not #1 in anything at my store, let alone all of walgreens.

Little does he know that if I do lose the weight and he doesn't get picked to go, he's STILL taking me to Hawaii.  haha.  Just kidding....sort of

Here are some more pictures of that beautiful Grand Hyatt Resort



Need a Laugh?

I thought this was HILARIOUS so you should watch this video, if you need a good laugh!

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/394360/august-10-2011/yaweh-or-no-way----mormons---god-s-poll-numbers

I Heart Food Network

Alex and I love watching the food network and we'll really miss it when we move because let's face it, we don't NEED cable.  But we sure do enjoy it.  We are currently addicted to the Next Food Network Star, the Great Food Truck Race, Restaurant Impossible, Challenge, and a host of others.  I also like Rachael Ray's 30 Minute Meals and Kelsey's Essentials. 

I feel like I can actually make fancy dishes!  Alex will be the executive chef of our home and I'll be the pastry chef.  Pastry chefs aren't usually thin people.  At least the good ones aren't, haha.  So that kind of ruins my baby weight loss plans.  So far, we have made the most delicious ribs you will ever eat as well as a fantastic chicken parmesean. 

The only other problem (besides the weight GAIN from this little hobby of ours) is that it is counter productive to my coupon clipping nature.  I doubt there's a lot of ways to save when you shop at a butcher, bakery, and farmer's market for the real good and fresh stuff. 

 Like fresh herbs. 

Not the stuff that comes out of the jar.  It's amazing what fresh cilantro tastes like. 

And panko bread crumbs!  hopefully i spelled that right)  They make such a difference compared to the "seasoned" italian bread crumbs we always have on hand. 

My life will never be the same.  And neither will my waistline...

I'm Gonna Miss This

I absolutely LOVE this song...

She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you

You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby just slow down

'Cause You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says they don't bother me
I've got 2 babies of my own
One's 36, one's 23
Huh, it's hard to believe

But you're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
You're gonna miss this
Yeah, you're gonna miss this

This is how I'm feeling lately.  I'm trying to cuddle and kiss my kids every chance I get because I feel like the next time I turn around, they will be in high school and want nothing to do with their mom.  So, here are some pictures, since they tell a much better story than I ever could.

ice cream at great grandma's

she can sleep anywhere!

first smile

Sedona--isn't that just the cutest outfit?!

i love this hair

he's not too sure about the hat here

This is my FAVORITE dress on her so far...must. get. professional.  picture.

just hangin' out in the rainforest

she often just falls asleep on the floor.  weird.  Ben did it, too.  (in fact, that's what she's doing right now!)

as long as she has that thumb of hers, life is good

my attempt to get a picture worthy to put on a credit card

my favorite pose!  that's some tough love right there

ben plays with his dirty laundry all day everyday

Ben's first bowling experience--quite traumatic actually.  apparently flashing lights and sounds of pins crashing isn't everyone's idea of a good time...who knew?

Ashlyn is about 6 weeks older than this cute little guy, but she looks so tiny!