A Mormon Mommy

Parents rock!

2013-07-03T11:34:00.001-07:00

My parents were in town to watch my kids while we went on vacation, plus had their annual trip to visit all at the same time.
We did lots of fun stuff while they were here. We swam, read books, played in the rain and went to the new aquatic center! My kids love having visitors come to our house. They especially love being with grandma and grandpa.

Our vacation

2013-06-24T15:47:00.001-07:00

For our ten year anniversary, we went on a mini-vacay down to the Destin, FL area. We stayed at a really nice hotel and did lots of fun things.
We ate delicious fish for our anniversary dinner and then followed that up with a major shopping trip (I got new running shoes!!). While we were shopping, a major storm hit and the power went out to the entire outlet mall. We were standing in line in Banana Republic and ended up leaving without purchasing anything! :(
We spent the next day going snorkeling and eating even more delicious fish! We went out that evening and watched Superman. Good movie.
Saturday we went and finished our shopping, yes we shopped a lot, but when you have 4 kids shopping just the two of us was a total luxury! We found some really awesome deals, you might even say we "stole" the items they were so cheap!
Sunday, we came home to our four sweet kids and my awesome parents. I'm so glad they were willing to help with our kids, so we could go out of town! We had a blast and need to spend the night somewhere more often!! So rejuvenating and so refreshing!

A decade is a long time!

2013-06-21T20:15:00.001-07:00

This week Oswald and I are on vacation, sans kids! And let me just tell you it's wonderful!
We're celebrating our 10th anniversary! A decade is a long time. I had never dated anyone for 10 months and here we are at 10 years! In the last 10 years, we have done lots. It's amazing the thing we have done and the things we have been through.
I asked Oswald what he thinks about when we thinks about the last 10 years, what is the one thing he remembers and he said, "it's not one thing, but four...and not the conception!"
I think about all of the cool things we have done and all the hardships we have endured that would have broken other couples, but we are stronger and better friends. Eternity was not a commitment either of us took lightly and I am so thankful for that. Dedication is important when you're married.
I love it just being us because we're such good friend and we have so much fun together. We stay off our phones, the tv has stayed off and we have belly laughed more times than I can count! I love being married to this guy!

A little yard makeover

2013-06-18T13:27:00.001-07:00

I wish I had befote pictures of our yard. Think dried up Sahara desert. Then add two big huge enormous trees into the mix and you probanly have a good description.
About two months ago we talked with our landlord about about getting the trees removed, so we could have an actual front yard that had grass. The trees sucked up all the moisture from the yard, so the frass never grew.
One day I was out running errands and the trees were just gone, left in their place were big piles of wood chips. About a month ago, our landlord said sod would be put down soon. Did we ever seen anyone?
Nope.
Did we have sod?
Nope.
The just last Saturday after the Braves game, we came home to a yard completely prepped for sod. It was crazy!
Then yesterday two men pull up and start laying sod. They finish the last pieces as it starts to pour ourside!
But the results are phenomenal. It looks amazing! We will have to water the day lights out of it, but to have some really awesome grass soon will be so wonderful!
As for now, I am enjoying the rain that is watering my grass for free!!!!

Last day of school 2013

2013-06-16T14:51:00.001-07:00

Well, first grade and Kindergarten are over for each of my kids. They have both lots and have come leaps and bounds from where they were at the beginning of the year.
They loved this school year and made lots of friends! Of course, we're already enjoying the summer and have had a great time so far!

Kennesaw Mountain

2013-06-16T06:03:00.001-07:00

The first Saturday of summer break, we made out way to Kennesaw Mountain. Talk about a busy weekend to hike a mountain!
I had the backpack on carrying Love Bug and everyome else walked. We hiked 2 miles up and 2 miles back.
The kids were great and had a wonderful time. The top of the mountain was so cool because you could see the entire Atlanta skyline, even Stone Mountain in the distance.
We will definitely be taking more outdoor hiking adventures as the weekends unfold!

A tradition is born

2013-06-16T05:11:00.001-07:00

Last year for Father's day, we got Oswald tickets to the Braves vs. Diamondbacks game. The game was a complete blow-out, the Braves slaughtered the D-backs! But our family was a challenge! I swore that day I would never take the littlest two back until they got older.
But yesterday Oswald found some tickets very last minute, and there was no place to leave the littles. So we packed them up and took them with us.
The ride to Atlanta was slow-moving because of all the traffic and then parking was a disaster. But we finally made it into Turner field and to our seats. I had a huge diaper bag packed with all kinds of goodies, including the Kindle, which I'm proud to announce that we didn't need!
The kids were phenomenal! Love bug loved every minute of the game. My Little Man was wonderful and sat in his seat almost the entire time. My Princess, on the other hand, acts as though she has ants in her pants the whole game.
But all in all, I only have happy memoriea and what a game to attend! The Braves won in the bottom of the 9th inning! Was so super exciting! Oh, and my Love Bug even knows how to do the "Tomahawk Chop"!

Best Youth Activity...EVER!!

2013-03-12T17:21:00.001-07:00

I work with the girls at my church ages 12-18 and have been working with them for the past 2+ years. It has been a wonderful, stressful, hard, enjoyable, spiritual, exhausting, experience that I wouldn't trade for the world!

One week every month we have an activity combined with the boys during the week (not on Sunday) and the activity we had was hands down, the best one EVER!

We had a man who is a martial artist show us some self-defense moves. To be honest, I was a little skeptical, but now I totally want to take martial arts classes!

I know how to defend myself in a dark parking lot. I know how to break someone's wrist and put them in a stiff arm! I even showed Oswald how I can get his hand into a position that he won't like! Ha!

The most important things are:

1. Know where his 9 weapons are. (2 hands, 2 arms, 2 elbows, 2 knees, 2 feet, and his head)

2. Always be calm.

3. If someone tries to abduct you, scream! Do whatever you can to avoid getting in the car!

4. I need to teach this to my kids somehow without scaring them. But if a man is trying to pick them up and put them in the car, they should get down into a ball and scream. They need to even grab their abductors legs and scream as loud as they can!

5. If someone tries to bear hug you, their pinky is your best weapon...grab that sucker and pull it back and break it!

I'm a hot mess

2013-03-11T10:11:00.001-07:00

I found a few workouts on you tube by none other than Jillian Michaels herself! So excited!
Today I did the 30 day shred and 6 pack abs in 6 weeks. I thought I might die when I was finished. I did squats and bicep curles and side lunges and burpies and side planks with a lift and so many more exercises I can't even keep them all straight.
When I was done, my heart was racing I had sweat dripping off my forehead and down my back. It felt good and I can't wait to see the results!
Now, two hours later, my arms are still shaking and I know my core will be sore soon! My only question is, how many calories did I burn and should I eat them back? What is the best thing to do, I honestly don't know!?

STEM night

2013-03-08T08:56:00.001-08:00

Our kids had their science night at school last night. It was a crazy bosy night, but they had so much fun! I just might have some budding scientists on my hands!

Changing the way I think about food

2013-03-06T15:40:00.003-08:00

There is something I love about food. It comforts me in times of stress. It makes me feel loved. It is a way I express love to others.

Food is just awesome! But why can't food be both awesome and healthy? I say it can!

I have read lots of books, seen lots of shows, and heard several people tell me that I should eat to fuel my body. That eating is how I should keep myself going and that I need to give it the proper fuel to help it perform at it's optimum. So why do I like the junk so much? I know what to do to fuel myself properly, so why don't I just do it?

Well, for the last two weeks, I have been trying really hard to eat more fruits and veggies during the day and with my meals. I have learned to like some different veggies in this process: brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, and green beans.

The photo is what I had for dinner tonight! Lots of green veggies! And I am so full now!

I am trying to keep myself out of the kitchen after its been cleaned and dinner is done, but for some reason, I just love having a snack after my kids are in bed. But not tonight, I had my "dessert" and I will stay out of there!

Wish me luck!

Things I learned at Disney

2013-03-06T03:30:00.000-08:00

I learned many important lessons in my week at Walt Disney World, and because I am so super awesome, I will share them with you. Hopefully, you can learn from our mistakes!

1. You can bring any amount of food or snacks into the parks. We did not do the dining plans and that worked out just fine, but we bring lots of snacks and out lunches into the park everyday.

2. Have lots and lots of water! Even though it's humid as a muggy swamp in Florida, you still need your water. You may not think you need as much water, but it is absolutely essential!

3. If you have a crappy attitude, everyone will have a crappy attitude. Let the big kids know that they're going to have to compromise and go on rides that the little kids want to do, even if they think those rides are lame! Everyone needs to give a little to enjoy a fun family vacation!

4. The most important thing I learned while at Disney was to just chill and go with the flow! No family is perfect, I watched a 4 year old pitch a screaming fit and thought to myself, "Phew, it's not just my kids who don't act perfect all the time". When Oswald and I changed our attitudes about things, the parks got much more fun.

Take advantage of the stroller swap passes.

and fast passes

and the indoor rides.

Remember you're making memories! We must have done something right because my Buddy wants to live in Orlando now!

Disney World Day 6

2013-03-05T03:30:00.000-08:00

We asked our kids what their favorite ride was and they said the water ride at Animal Kingdom!! So back to the Animal Kingdom we went!

There were so few people at the park this early in the morning that my family rode this ride 3 times in a row...one time they didn't even get off, just went back around again!

My boys loved this ride...and my Little Man loved it the most of everyone! They would wave to me as they went under the lookout place where Love Bug and I stood!

They all got soaked from head to toe, but loved every minute of it!

We went on walking tours of a bird aviary and also through some "Asian jungles" and got to see many exotic Asian animals.

My favorite part had to be the Jeep Safari Ride! So much fun to see all of those HUGE animals so close! We actually had to stop the Jeep because a family of deer were crossing in front of our path!

Animal Kingdom was a hit and will definitely be visited again!

Blogging from my phone, again

2013-03-04T15:18:00.001-08:00

We gave my Love Bug a sippy cup today. We tried to give her different ones, but the nipple was too hard. We pit this one in her mouth and she took right to it! She's growing up super fast!!

DisneyWorld Day 5

2013-03-04T03:30:00.000-08:00

Today was spent at Epcot!

To be honest, this was the worst place to take my kids! My Princess had no desire to meet any of the exotic Princesses like Jasmine, Mulan, Pocahontas, ect...

The only reason she met Snow White was because we happened to walk right past where she was signing autographs! We stood in line for 15 minutes, got the autograph and pictures, and were gone.

This park has the least friendly small kid rides of all 4 parks! We went on all the rides that the big kids could do without the littles, then we went on all the rides the whole family could do. It was super hot this day, and my Little Man was extra tired! We had a lot of negatives going for us, and we probably should have skipped this park and stayed at the hotel and rested!

But Oswald and I tried to make the best of it! And the best part of Epcot was this:

The little splash pad was the best part of Epcot! We were so hot, we let our kids run through the splash pad for a LONG time! They got to cool off while Oswald and I cooled off in the shade! It's amazing how much better you feel when you are not overheated!

The only picture of the two of us is when we were sitting in the shade at Epcot! And boy are we a hot mess...literally!!

We headed back to the hotel and finished the day at Cracker Barrel! I love that place! So one day out of 6 was a complete bust, but all in all Disney was a lot of fun!

Have you ever been on a vacation and one of the days just flop? Tell me your story, let me know that I am not alone when it comes to having bad days on vacation!

Fit Friday!

2013-03-01T12:39:00.001-08:00

I know, it's crazy, no posts for months...now two posts in one day!! What's the world coming to??

I am still on my path to bringing sexy back! I recently registered for the Atlanta Color Run and I am super excited about it!

I went for a run yesterday for the first time in weeks. I have not perfected the self-portrait in the bathroom mirror shot yet, but I wanted to document that I got out there and ran in some pretty chilly weather. I know it's not as cold as those who run up north, but it's cold for this girl! I am so ready for some warm temperatures and sunshine, so I can run everyday!!

The look on my face is better here, but the actual picture is blurry! Maybe one day I will get it better! I can tell I am losing weight in my face mostly. But I only really notice it when I have my hair pulled back. Not really sure why. I have stopped counting WW points because I just get tired of writing everything down.

I am still very conscious of what I am putting into my body and I am eating fruits and veggies like nobody's business! Eating fruits and veggies has pretty much eliminated my craving bad stuff. No more chocolate cravings, no more popcorn cravings, none! I had popcorn with Oswald last night and when we were done, I said, "that wasn't even satisfying!" So sad!

Not sure the dates of these pictures, but they are in order from longest ago, to the most recent...there is not a huge difference, but it's enough for me to get excited about!!

And what is the most exciting is the fact that in these two pictures I am wearing my race shirt and one pair of pants...then...

In this picture (below) I am wearing a different (smaller) pair of pants and my race shirt is looser on me. For some reason my gut is sticking out more, but it might just be the way these pants are fitting me.

I'm a little more streamlined and it's really nice. Oswald can't keep his hands off me and that's super flattering! He told me the other day that I am looking really good and he can see a difference in my stomach! Score!!

I don't remember what my goal is except I wanted to be super skinny by the time my Love Bug turns one! She'll be one in less than 2 months! I am pretty happy with myself where I am, but I know there is still more that can be done.

I have not stood on the scale in several weeks because it is just depressing! I always weigh more on the scale than I feel I look. It's really hard on the self-esteem. But my clothes are getting loose and I am into a size I have not been in since I was married 10 years ago!! So.much.fun!!

DinseyWorld Day 4

2013-03-01T03:30:00.000-08:00

Today was unlike any of the other days. Since we stayed at a condo, we had to listen to their little "sales pitch" and that discounted our stay in half. Their little "pitch" lasted 3 hours!! It was crazy, but we had already decided to do Disney at night this day!

So after a yummy lunch and naps for us old folks and the littles, the big kids are not nappers, we headed back to the Magic Kingdom! And let me tell you, it was most definitely the magic time for our family!

We got on the rides faster and easier! The kids were much happier and so were the parents! And the best part, the temperatures were much more tolerable!

We met Princess Tiana and Prince Naveen! My Little Man kept telling me about how she had kissed a frog and that was not her prince!

We played with water bottles while waiting for the evening parade and also for the fireworks!

We got to go on lots of fun rides! The best rides are the ones we could all go on, even Love Bug!!

When Oswald is your dad, you better believe that you'll be having ice cream at some point on vacation!

As we were standing in line to meet Princess Ariel, I asked Oswald, "I wonder what she'll be wearing, her sea shells or her wedding gown?"

But since we were "under the sea", she was wearing her shells, but very modestly with a cover over the top. See people, even Disney Princesses know the importance of modesty!! ;)

I think as you plan a Disney vacation or any vacation for that matter, you have to take your family into consideration. Do the things that meet their needs. Go to the places that they want to see, not what others tell you are awesome. Go at the time that is best for your kids. It makes for happy kids and happy parents!

DisneyWorld Day 3

2013-02-28T03:30:00.000-08:00

Day 3 was spent at the Magic Kingdom! There is so much to do at this park that you could probably spend an entire week and still not do everything there!

Cinderella was so sweet. She just loved on each of my kids and made them feel extra special! I have never seen my Little Man embarrassed and she made him! She even took the time to love on my Love Bug!!

They also got to meet Princess Aurora or Sleeping Beauty.

But our favorite of the whole trip was Rapunzel!!

She had such a fun cute personality and the kids all warmed right up to her!

We also rode lots of rides before we collapsed in our beds for the night!! The Magic Kingdom sure was magical!!

DisneyWorld 2013 Day 2

2013-02-27T03:30:00.000-08:00

Day 2 was spent at Disney's Hollywood Studios. This park has a lot of fun stuff for kids of all ages! When we first walked in, Oswald and my Buddy headed over to see if they could do the Jedi Experience, but they were 5 people too slow. :(

While they were doing that, we walked right over and "red carpet" Donald and Daisy!

After meeting Donald and Daisey, we rode the Star Tours ride. My kids loved that ride. It is 3D and made me really sick! I am not a fan of those kinds of rides.

We enjoyed a quick lunch and then stood in line to ride the Toy Story Ride! We got to the front of the line and of course my Princess and my Little Man both have to use the potty! But how can you go to Disney Hollywood Studios and not do the Toy Story ride??

After we rode the ride, we walked across the "street" and got to meet Buzz and Woody!

My kids loved meeting Buzz and Woody! Talk about a highlight! All of the characters were so kind and sweet with each kid they met! They made them all feel like they were the most important person there!

But the best part is when we got to meet, ka-chow and Mater!!

The big kids went on a couple of roller coasters while the little kids and I went and met a few more characters!

This kid still talks about getting to meet Jake! So much fun for him to see his "friends" come to life!!

Day 2 was hot and the park was more crowded than we expected! We went to Disney knowing that we would have hard times, that we would have good moments and bad moments, but we also knew that we would learn from this experience to make next time even better.

DisneyWorld 2013 Day 1

2013-02-26T16:37:00.001-08:00

My family and I went to Disney this last week. My kids get lots of breaks from school during the year, which is really nice! It means we have a shorter summer, but the breaks are much needed during the school year.

We have never taken our family to Disney, so we decided to give it a go and take them to the most Magical Place on Earth.

We started our trip by going to Jacksonville to visit our family there, then Monday morning, as soon as we were up and ready to go, we drove the last 3 hours to Orlando.

We spent this part of the day at the Animal Kingdom, to be honest, I didn't think it would be the most exciting of parks and that my kids might not really like it very much, but BOY I was WRONG!!

We got to meet Camp Mickey at Animal Kingdom! I thought for sure my kids would be scared, at least my Little Man, but no he was in love with every character we met!

Mickey was smitten with my Love Bug, probably because he has never seen such a cute baby! She just loved to look at him and touch his big hands.

We also got to meet Goofy and Pluto! My Little Man stood in line to get their autographs! Talk about so much fun seeing all of your favorite TV people in REAL LIFE!!

The rides were kind of tricky, the big kids wanted to go on every ride, but my Little Man and Love Bug can't go on all of them. So they had to take turns riding rides and going on rides that the littler kids enjoyed, too!

We watched the parade before we headed home for the night. Unfortunately this is as close to Minnie as we got this trip. My kids didn't really want to meet her for some reason!

All in all, day one was a huge success and we had a lot of fun!

Oh Christmas Tree

2013-02-10T16:40:00.002-08:00

Oswald is the Christmas tree decorator in our house. Every year, I put on the lights and he helps the kids put up the decorations. For some reason, he has all the patience to help them and I get the sweet job of doing the lights.

I have been taking most of my pictures with my camera phone, so this is the best they're going to be for a while.
We got a real tree this last year and it made the house smell so nice. There was one thing wrong though, the needles/tree dried up real quick and made the biggest mess ever! We will probably have a real tree for the rest of our lives. They just look and smell so different.

Christmas Parties--My Princess

2013-01-03T08:13:00.000-08:00

I got to go to each of my kids Christmas parties! Talk about tons of fun! I love that Oswald can be home when I need him to be to watch our little kids while I got to the school to help with the big kids in their classes. My Princess had her party first. We decorated cookies, which I made with my mom's awesome recipe!

She was absolutely in love with her elf, Eddie, this year. Last year we escaped the excitement of the Elf with my Buddy, but this year, they were both so excited to come home and talk all about their elves.

She got to play lots of different games and do lots of fun things. She is always so excited when I am in her class with her. She is so much fun to be around and she is so loving of everyone around her. I am truly blessed to be her mom!

Thanksgiving--Florida Style

2012-12-30T17:55:00.003-08:00

We went to Florida this November to spend Thanksgiving with Oswald's parents. We were there for a week and really enjoyed our time there.

Oswald was in Orlando for the first few days, his parents were at work, so the kids and I headed to the park.

My kiddos love the park, but this day my Princess was being a little stubborn. I hope her stubbornness benefits her for the good when she's older!

She did eventually cheer up and we had a good time despite the super cold temperatures.

Beesha had a few days off work, so we went to another park...this one had monkey bars. My kids wanted to go from one end to the other so bad. My Buddy, after trying over and over, finally succeeded!!

Later that night, he was complaining about his arms hurting. It took a few minutes, but I finally realized why...he had been swinging from the monkey bars all morning long!

The next day, Oswald came home from his meetings. As a family, we headed to the Jacksonville Zoo. We had so much fun!!

We love our trips to Jacksonville, even though this year it was too cold to head to the beach! Can't wait for our next visit!!

Goal Accomplished

2012-12-26T15:52:00.002-08:00

(I have been trying for the last month to write this...things get in the way...but here it is! Finally)

8 months ago, I gave birth to a beautiful little girl!

8 months ago I could not run around my backyard, let along around the block.

6 months ago, I set a goal for myself. I wanted to drop this baby weight and run a 5k.

I have seen so many bloggers do that very thing and thought, "if she can do it, I can!"

I have never loved running. I would rather get my exercise in other ways, DVD's, playing volleyball, just any number of ways, other than running. But I had set my goal and I was determined!

This is what I looked like 1.5 weeks post baby!

Sure, I look "good". I'm put together, my hair is done, and my make-up is on...but my body was in terrible shape. I am one lucky girl to have 4 healthy, beautiful children who love me. But these 4 beautiful, healthy children have done a number on my body.

I am not one of those lucky pregnant ladies who only gains weight in her belly, I gain it everywhere. I am not one of those lucky women who looks like she never had a baby when she leaves the hospital.

I have posted several times about my weight-loss ups and downs. But today, I want to post about the goal I accomplished.

I ran a 6K on Thanksgiving day! It was the most proud of myself I have been in a long time!!

I was nervous. We were in Florida for Thanksgiving, and Oswald was in meetings, so one day I called my mom on the phone and she said, "go for it!" I didn't really need to run a race to know that I could run the distance. I had been running 4+ miles for weeks, but I had set a goal to run a 5K and I wanted to do it.

I wanted my kids to know that when you set a goal, you need to follow through. I wanted them to know that if you put your mind to it and work hard for something, you can achieve everything you put your mind to. Plus, it was something I really wanted to do! It was a goal I really wanted to achieve!

Just 7 months after having a baby I stood in a huge crowd of people, all waiting for the sound of the starting gun!

I was completely shocked at the sheer number of people who were there. There were people of all shapes and sizes. People pushing jogging strollers, people pushing DOUBLE jogging strollers and people who were bigger and smaller than me! We were all there for our own reasons!

The gun went off and we all started to move. It was slow going at first, but once I crossed the start line we were off. The first song on my playlist was "That's what makes you beautiful". Still to this day every time I hear that song, I think of my race. I get that same adrenaline rush and that same thrill of emotion comes over me every time that song plays.

I started running and about 1/2 way into the race, I get a text. I have this fear that one of the kids, Oswald had 3 of the 4 at the finish line, is throwing a fit or misbehaving and he's texting me to tell me.

But I was wrong, the text I get said, "Go, Mommy, Go!" I totally teared up.

Then I ran past this man wearing a "Wounded Warriors" shirt. Then I noticed his leg...what an inspiration. I cried when I saw him.

The whole time I was running I kept thinking to myself, "I can't believe I am actually doing this. I can't believe I am actually accomplishing this goal."

I got another text from Oswald right as I was about to cross the finish line, once again it said, "Go, Mommy, Go." Once again, it made my cry.

I crossed the finish line with my Princess trailing behind me. She ran into the race when she saw me.
I stopped my music and my app that tracks my mileage. I look up and see Oswald pushing the stroller towards me. I start to tear up again.

He put his arms around me to tell me how proud of me he was and all I can say is, "I can't believe I just did that. I ran the entire time! I never stopped! I RAN A RACE!!!"

We grabbed a few things to munch on when the race was over, and we took off. I finally looked at my mileage and this is what I saw...

I ran just under 4 miles, in a little over 36 minutes. I averaged a 10 minute mile! Amazing! I had never done that before and I can honestly say I have not done that since. It was amazing!

It was exhilarating.

It was a feeling of accomplishment.

It was thrilling!

It was something I hope to do again, one day soon!

Halloween--a week late!

2012-11-08T03:30:00.000-08:00

We had a fun Halloween this year. We went to our ward trunk-or-treat and carved a pumpkin and went trick-or-treating around our neighborhood. We only made it around one block before my kids were tired and their bags were full!

First up, the Trunk-or-treat/chili cook-off!!

Up next: Pumpkin carving

Oswald is always the one to carve the pumpkin. The kids help me come up with the design, I draw it on the pumpkin...and then Daddy takes over! It's a yearly tradition for him to help the kids...and they really enjoy it!!