HANGING WITH JILL

At 5:45am I do BOOTCAMP!

2011-09-27T10:36:00.000-07:00

This is what I do at 5:45 am in the morning! I love my job.

I feel very fortunate to do what I love to do.

I started attending the GYM with my mom when I was in 8th grade and that is where I fell in love with

Group Fitness and every part of getting my sweat on!

When I was 19 I got certified to teach and have been teaching ever since!

In 2009 I got certified to become a Personal Trainer and I have LOVED that as well.

A year ago last July, my friend Rebecca called me and encouraged me to create a Bootcamp.

So I did.

My first 30 day Bootcamp was born, and I had 3 friends that dared to partake!

It has shown to be a very successful way for people to lose weight and I have, at times, done

3 bootcamp's in one month because of the demand!

I had my nutrition plan approved by Lisa Gleason, Nutritionist /http://nutrisense.wordpress.com/

and we knocked down a wall downstairs to allow me to hold up to 9 people each 30 day session.

Here are some photos of my current session that will wrap this Wednesday!

We work HARD and yes sometimes these girls do not love me (but on the last day they all LOVE me!!)

And of course you HAVE to throw a little bit of comedy in at times. After all it is 5:45 AM!

I can't say it enough, I love my job. I love transforming and working with people.

I want to do it FOREVER!

Loves,

Jill

Baker's Cyst and Teddy

2011-09-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

About a week in a half ago, I was washing Bensen's legs in the bath, when I felt a bump behind his knee, in his knee pit. I made him stand up right away so I could get a better look, and sure enough I could easily see a bump protruding out of his leg. So the next day I made an appointment with Dr. Kim Gehle (the best Pediatrician ever) and off we went to see her. She examined it and told me he would need an MRI. She also said that it was a tissue mass, or "lump" and we should not delay in getting a more detailed description of what exactly was going on. Dr. Gehle and I both felt that it was something to be concerned about...but something to not be overly-concerned about. If that is possible right??

So I schedule the MRI and Bensen and I spent today at the hospital. Unfortunately it was a 45 minute scan where he had to hold perfectly still. Very few adults can do that, let alone an almost 6 yr old, so we had to sedate him. Which meant an IV (he had to have one anyway, for the contrast that they give through an IV).
He of course hated that part, but he was so amazingly brave at the same time. Cried until the IV was placed and then he was back to looking at his toys. He can do anything as long as his Teddy is close, I'm not kidding.

He woke up from Anesthsia calling for Teddy. His eyes were closed and his arms were reaching out and you could barely make out what he was saying except TEDDY. Once I snuggled Teddy in tight, he went right back to deep sleep and didn't move the rest of the scan.

Teddy of course accompanied him throughout the scan and through recovery.

To cut to the chase, we were so relieved to find out that it wasn't a cancerous lump, but a Baker's Cyst.

Definition:
A Baker's cyst is a fluid-filled cyst that causes a bulge and a feeling of tightness behind your knee. The pain can get worse when you fully flex or extend your knee or when you're active.
A Baker's cyst, also called a popliteal cyst, is usually the result of a problem with your knee joint, such as arthritis or a cartilage tear. Both conditions can cause your knee to produce too much fluid, which can lead to a Baker's cyst. Though unlikely, a bulge behind your knee may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a tumor or a popliteal artery aneurysm, rather than a fluid-filled cyst.

Treatment: Wait and Watch. See if it grows. See if it causes pain. If so possibly surgery.

I can handle that. I can wait and watch. Surgery was really something I don't think I could possibly handle right now. I have watched Bensen go through too much in his short almost 6 yrs. and I don't think I could handle surgery number 4 right now. So I'm happy and words can't describe how much I love this little curly haired boy of mine...and his Teddy.

Loves,
Jill

Talk about Strength and Faith.

2011-09-08T20:59:00.000-07:00

I loved reading this today.

I love to read about people who go after what they know to be right and what they feel to be true.

I also love and cherish my membership in my church and give thanks everyday that I have it.

Hooray to the things in our life

that gives us purpose, drive, happiness, love,

and...more purpose.

Whatever they may be.

I survived day 1, day 2 is another story!

2011-08-31T13:03:00.000-07:00

Asher's school started last week.
Lily's school started Monday of this week.
Bensen's school started Tuesday of this week.

And today is the first time I have shed a tear! I have totally been composed and happy and excited for my 3 kiddo's to go to school. We've had so much anticipation regarding what this year will be like. How much homework we will have, and how Lily will do in Preschool, and how Bensen will do in Kindergarten? And all has been well until today. I dropped Lily of today and let it loose! I cried and cried. Then composed myself and cried just a little more!!
I am better now, thank goodness and I can't wait to share the moments that were important to my 3 best friends.
First Asher:
He was so excited for school, that he walked like 50 steps in front of me and Lily and Bensen and I were waaayyy to slow! Then to get a picture was like pulling teeth so this is all I got of him. He's totally a 9 year old boy.

Lily was the next to start school:
She was excited and nervous too! She loved putting
on her new school outfit.

Bensen: So Ready for Kindergarten!

He loves every minute of school :)

Do you remember your firsts day of school? I do, I always LOVED the first day of school!

Loves, Jill

The Chandy is done!

2011-08-22T15:37:00.000-07:00

It is done! It was a fun project and now is so happy in my Master Bedroom (and we are so happy to finally have a light in there again!)

This is what we had before. Not to bad, and great for air circulation, but had to bail on it, cause it was definitely not in the ultimate plan!

I found this baby at a garage sale for $15. I have been looking for a loooong time for a Chandy that I liked.

So I got to work! I primed it three times with a spray paint primer that I already had in the garage.

I then bought the "Heirloom White" spray paint from Home Depot, and sprayed it 2 times. I realized that I loved the color, but not in my master bedroom (or house, really). The color is more of an off-white color, and I am drawn to more of a true white (especially in my Master). So, I went back to the store and bought a White spray paint, and went at it again. I waited a day or so in between each coat, so it has taken me awhile to get this project done! Especially with all the fun summer stuff we've been doing.
After I got it painted the white that I liked, something still wasn't right! It was just to perfect for my liking. So I started to antique it. I got a fine sandpaper and sanded every edge to see a little bit of the previous color pop through.

Here it is before the sandpaper technique:

And here it is after:

Here she is after and hung!

And here she is again! I know, I still have those stinking drapes and dark blinds.

They will be gone someday soon!

All in time right??

School starts tomorrow! And my 9 yr old is finally excited!

Loves, Jill

While the boys are away the Girls will play...

2011-08-14T21:36:00.000-07:00

Father's and Son's campout was this past weekend. I was excited to take Lily to buy a new school outfit, (since she is starting pre-school in a couple of weeks!) and I couldn't wait to tell her! When Friday came and the boys were loading up to go camping, I told her that I was going to take her shopping and get her a special outfit and ride on the carousel at the mall, and buy some fries (she loves them!), and on and on I went. After my big schpill she looked at me and said..."Mom, I can't go camping??"

What can I say??? She takes after me. Camping is a lot funner then shopping at the mall, but I couldn't exactly tell her that! Everything worked out and we had a blast shopping together and riding the carousel and enjoying some "Girl Time". I love this girl to pieces. Her smile gives it all away...she had a blast!

We are a family of CURLY hair. Not one person in our family has straight hair. We go through A LOT of conditioner. But today for church, and just for fun, I straightened my hair and Lily's hair too. I love having a little girl to dress up and do her hair. I actually don't get to do it "my" way very often. She is quite opinionated and always has input regarding her outfits and hair. Oh and have I mentioned that her outfits consist of swimming suits only? She has it on before she even gets out of bed in the morning, and it is on until she goes to bed. Ya never know when your gonna get wet I guess.

(Blurry phone pictures!!)
I am all done with my chandelier and my next post will be the reveal!
Loves,
Jill

Run then Stretch

2011-08-02T13:15:00.000-07:00

On Monday morning, my hubbie and I went on a run. I used to not enjoy running, but over the last 3 years I have grown to like it a lot more. Summer morning runs are better then chocolate! No I'm serious! Winter runs on the treadmill are as good as Liver and Onions (and that's when spin class starts up again).
This post I decided to share my post-run stretch routine. Quick, easy, and soooo important for the running muscles and joints. You always take time to stretch after your run right???

On my outdoor runs, I always have my Garmin watch or my Polar training watch (depends on if I remembered to charge my Garmin or not) I'm obsessed with knowing how long I have been out and if I was faster then last time etc.

I learned the lesson of what wearing the wrong shoes will do to your feet, a couple months ago, and believe you me, you don't want to learn that lesson. SO wear proper running shoes.

My stretching routine:

Quad's first. Keep your knee pointed straight down.

Outer thigh (abductor's).

You could squat lower then I am in this picture to feel more of a stretch. This is also a great stretch for the IT band

Runner's Lunge (stretching into hip flexor)

A little deeper into hip flexor

Hamstring and Calf stretch

Then back up to the lunge.

Inner Thigh stretch.

From here I go to the other side for the other inner thigh stretch, then work the reverse on the other leg.

One of my fav's. Low back stretch and spinal rotation. This feels sooo good. Stretch both sides.

Then drop it and get the back of the legs (ham's) again. This also stretches the low back.

I love to finish with chest expansion. All day long we are bending forward to pick up something, or working on the computer etc. Usually when we run we have a natural little hunch forward.

This stretch reminds our body that we do have posture and remember what an upright, chest open, back straight feeling, feels like.

And there it is! Next post will most likely be fitness related as well BECAUSE tonight is my Zumba Master Class Training. It is Saturday Night Fever based and oh man is it going to make my night :)
Loves,
Jill

In 20 min.

2011-07-27T22:40:00.000-07:00

This is where I can be, in 20 min from my front door.

How could I resist right?? We went up the canyon a couple of weeks ago, and decided that we must go up more. A LOT more. So, I packed up my kids. And my sis-in-law packed up her 3 kids. And my mother-in-law packed up herself, and we headed up to explore the Great Outdoors, once again.
We left our Hubbie's, (which meant I got to pull up the tent trailer and park it by myself) and went on a mother and kids camping trip. And we had a great time!

Here is the Trailer after I parked it. Seriously people... this is not as easy as it looks!

And here is our beautiful campsite. The tree's were towering around us, which gave us great shade all day. It also was perfect for the kids to go exploring and look for pot bellies, and squirrels.

Once we set up the trailer and got camp organized, it was time to attempt a fire. Now usually my husband is on the fire immediately, cuz he is like a fire-crazy man...but like I said, he was not with us. SO, mother-in-law and I started working on it. I built the tee-pee with kindling, and she built the cool looking Log Cabin. And poof, just like that...FIRE!

DISCLAIMER:
(We are quite capable of starting a fire by ourselves...BUT we did have a little help from a fire starter block that mother-in-law picked up from Wal-Mart. We TOTALLY didn't really need it though, if you know what I mean).

It rained on us the first night, so good thing we had the umbrella's and poncho's. It was actually kind of soothing to go to sleep to the rain. And when we woke up the next day, it was a beautiful blue sky. So we cooked some pancakes and bacon, and packed up to go on a Hike.

I didn't realize that we were really going on a Hike...you know, like a REAL hike. But my 3 yr old, and my 5.5 yr old did amazing! They both hiked the whole way (except for 1 little spot where I held my 3 yr old) with minimal whining! My 9 yr old was in the lead pretty much the whole way, and I was at the end with my 3 yr old. The way up was steep at times, so a break was needed every now and then.

We even saw some wildlife along the way...ok I didn't get any pictures of that, but I did capture this cool SLUG!

We keep hiking, and hiking. My mother-in-law had a certain place she was looking for. Once we found this sign she knew we were close.

We keep hiking for a bit, and then my mother-in-law decided to go ahead with the two oldest to try to find the turn-off for the place she wanted to show us. My sis in law and me, stayed with the younger kids and slowed down and rested on and off.
Finally it had been a while and we started hiking again. We passed some people on the trail, and keep hiking. Finally thinking we had passed the turn off and nervous that we had gotten separated we sat down on a log beside the trail. We sat there trying to figure out what to do, and discussing our options. We didn't even realize that right behind us there was a trail! And who comes walking up that trail...my mother in law and the two oldest kids! So funny how things work-out sometimes. The place she wanted to show us was very overgrown and a lot of the tree's had died, so we keep hiking up looking for a meadow so we could eat our snacks.

We finally found a meadow, ate some snacks, got eaten by flies, and turned around to hike down. I tell you our kids did amazing!

We got home safe and sound, ate lunch, and then took a time out for a bit.

I put together a Scavenger Hunt for the kids to play before we left. I prepared a ziplock bag with a peice of paper with everything that they needed to find. Who ever found everything first got a prize! They had a great time finding things to collect in their bags, especially the bug requirment.

That night we got word that another Storm was coming so we decided to pass on going to the Lake, and wait out the storm. It came, and wasn't anything to crazy thank goodness, and passed just as it was dinner time. So we got out and made dinner and roasted some marshmallows. Bree's husband came up both night's and joined us for dinner and marshmallow roasting.

The moisture in the air from the storm provided us with an amazing Sunset. I absolutely love a perfect sunset.

They must like SUNSETS as much as I do!

The two oldest kids...

The next morning we woke up ate breakfast and finally made it down to the lake. I brought our 3 fishing poles and we fished and waded in the water, and fed the ducks. It was a perfect morning to end our trip with. I didn't get any pictures of that, I was too busy watching the 3 hooks on the fishing poles and making sure they didn't end up IN anyone!!

And just for fun...an I SPY. I spy with my little eye...2 squirrels!

And another, just for fun...just cause I love this kiddo of mine and he cracks me up!

All in 20 min...

Where can you be in just 20 minutes from your front door? There are always places to discover and things to see. Step out and see what you can discover.

Loves,

Jill

Catch and Shoot!

2011-07-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

This post is dedicated to:

Basketball Training...Kids Fitness Style!

When I was little my dad built (yes, its true) and installed a basketball hoop in our backyard. I was so excited about it! Together we would shoot hoops everyday when he got home from work. He taught me how to do lay-ups and how to shoot the ball. Even though I was "a girl" he still took the time to teach me and I LOVED it! I've always loved Basketball and I love that my husband is taking the time to do exactly what my dad did. (And funny enough, my hubsband's dad did the same thing with him when he was little)

It's not just teaching how to play a sport, it's creating memories that last forever.

We love our dad's!

Let's get going:

First off, just as any sport or activity that you are about to participate in, you need to WARM-UP.

You need to warm-up to loosen up your joints and wake up and warm up your muscles. There is a fluid called Synovial Fluid located in the cavity of your joints and when you get moving, more gets secreted, therefore more protection.

A Good Basketball WARM-UP:

1- Running around the perimeter of the court 3 times. Then switch directions and run 3 times around again.

2- Ladders. Start at the first line, run to the second line, touch it then run back to the first line. Then run the third line, touch it then run back to the starting line. On and On until you have hit all the lines.

Teach the kids how to run appropriately!

Sounds basic I know, but some kids have no focus when they run.

Upright, arms in tight and moving as they run.

And, make sure all shoes stay tied :)

Now that we are warm, let's move onto some drill's!

1- Shuffle Step

Start at one corner diagonal shuffle to the inside, switch directions then diagonal shuffle to the outside corner.

Run down the line to the opposite side of the court.

Then, diagonal shuffle to the inside, switch shuffle directions and diagonal shuffle to outside.

And again, run the perimeter to the other side.

Repeat drill 3x

2- Running with the Ball

Run the perimeter of the court, while bouncing the ball.

Other hand bounces the ball the next time you go around.

Repeat 2x each side.

3-Guarding

Practice the shuffle step guarding, and include arms out position.

Also show in the key guarding with hands and body tall.

Next up

4- Assisting, Bounce, and Chest Passes

Practice bounce passes and chest passes.

Whoever receives the pass, finishes it off and drives to the basket.

5- Lay-ups

Show how to perform a lay-up.

Practice: one-step lay-ups, and then running lay-ups.

Practice: right side and left side.

6- Have a practice game!

Have fun and be fair! Kids like to win and make baskets too! Help them to feel successful by challenging them and supporting them. Let them drive to the basket and let them hear it when they make it!

Have a great time!

Thanks to my hubbie and son for providing all the example shots!!
Fitness Loves,
Jill

It's the little things.

2011-07-18T07:20:00.000-07:00

Yesterday evening we went outside to "jump on the tramp". Jumping on the tramp doesn't exactly feel the same anymore. I feel like I'm going to rip right through it when I bounce! Secondly, I get dizzy on the tramp really easy...no more twirls or flips for me. Thirdly, I've had 3 kids...meaning my bladder is a lot different (mom's you all understand!). BUT what the tramp is really good for is laying down together and talking. We took that opportunity last night with Asher and Bensen (Lily was already in bed). We layed down and laughed and talked and enjoyed each other.

And a bonus, one of the most amazing sunsets over took the sky.

I.Love.being.outside.

Workout: Ride the bike, 30 min of Zumba, lots of gardening, 50 push-up (long-legged), ab's.
Family: Were goin fishin! Family night tonight (which includes a treat, so I better add some extra cardio to my workout...)

Have a great week.
Loves,
Jill

Wanda and the Horses

2011-07-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we were able to drive down to Payson and spend some time with nature. My mom-in-law has a sister (Wanda) who lives in Payson and she has horses that she so kindly let us ride. I honestly love the country. It makes me so happy and brings back such good memories. When I was little both my Grandparents lived in Midway Utah, which back then it was a little town with lots of wide open space. Every summer I would go up and stay with my Grandma's and ride my cousins horses. The time I spent up there are some of the most vivid memories that I still have of my youth. There is something about leaving the busy city, and walking onto a quiet pasture.

Of course I documented our experience with pictures and here are some highlights:

I think the horse had to sneeze.

We are having the best summer ever...enjoying each moment.
Loves,
Jill

A glimpse into Zumba, and what I'm working on.

2011-07-14T07:05:00.000-07:00

I am a huge FAN of the new fitness craze ZUMBA. It actually has been around for 10 years now, but its finally to the point where just about everyone has heard of it. I remember when I went the the IDEA Fitness Convention in 2006 and I walked by the ZUMBA booth. I stopped, sat there and stared at the 3 beautiful presenters, and thought to myself..."My hips do not move like that! I am through and through fitness."
BUT...did I leave...nope. I.stood.there.watching. I was inspired, and I actually wanted to run right up there and join in. To be honest, if there was a crowd gathered I probably would have, but that was back when no one knew what Zumba was and most everyone who walked by that both at that Fitness Convention probably thought exactly the same thing I did.

I try not to let myself think of how great it would have been if I would of jumped on the wagon back then and how much further along I would be in my journey of ZUMBA etc etc. O'Well right??? Some times cold feet hold us back. Well not anymore. I jumped in and this year I got certified and I have been including Zumba in my classes! And I am having just as much fun as those 3 instructors were having that I passed by 5 years ago.
Check out this clip about Beto, the creator. I love his story.
http://www.realamericanstories.com/the-zumba-fitness-craze/

SO, in my DIY life I am working on the chandelier that is to go in my Master Bedroom. I bought it at a garage sell for $15 bucks a couple months ago. Here she is all taped and ready for primer:

And here she is after two coats of Primer. The final color will be white, but I have plans to cover the chain and get her hung and turned on here in the next couple of days :)

Now its time to get my workout in. Today...ride the bike; 30 min of Zumba; then finish with ABS and probably shoulders.
The kids and I are going horseback riding with Grandma Nicole and a whole bunch of cousins. Can't wait for that!
Loves,
Jill

Simply put.

2011-07-03T20:55:00.000-07:00

Today I have a feeling of gratitude.
A lot of my posts are quickly done. Maybe even rushed.
As I try to accomplish one more thing on my to do list.
Today is different.
Simply put, I am grateful.
Grateful for my family.
Grateful for this time of year.
Grateful for my freedom's.
Grateful for the excitement that I see around me.
Grateful for the time that we take to be together.
Grateful for the 4 most precious people in my life.
Grateful for a gospel that recommits me to do good, and keeps me pushing forward or I should say upward.
Grateful for my calling, that I never thought in a million years, little ole me could do appropriately.
Grateful for uplifting friends, who I think of as my angels.
Grateful that I can touch other people's lives in the smallest way and hope to make a difference.
Grateful to be alive.

Simply put,
I.am.Grateful.

New post is below!

2011-06-01T21:19:00.001-07:00

Updates, Updates, Updates

2011-03-13T18:24:00.000-07:00

UPDATES!!!
I'm so behind on updating my blog, and here is why...LIFE and priorities. I can't do everything all the time (even though I think I can). So I prioritized and blogging got pushed down, down, down. So here's a major update

Home Improvements:

First off is our Chalkboard door. I LOVE chalkboard paint! I use it constantly for little projects, but I recently got brave and painted the door that goes downstairs fully in chalkboard paint. The kids have LOVED it and I love that they have something to entertain themselves while I am making dinner :)

Here is the door before...

And here is AFTER:

Next up...I sold all of our bedroom furniture on KSL and bought a head and footboard AND a new KING sized mattress!! Wahoooooo!!
We just barely picked it up this weekend. (Even though we bought it over 3 months ago) It took me quite awhile to refinish the frames.
You should of seen Cory's face when I told him I had bought this metal frame and we needed to go pick it up. He thought I was loosing it. It was dingy white with brass balls on it. Straight from the 80's or maybe even 70's! (unfortunately I didn't take a picture of it before I got the primer on it) What I do to save a penny. (Don't bring this up with my family. They know I am extremely...money conscious, as I like to put it)
Here it is after the first coat of primer. (Imagine all the ball's and connectors a shiny brass color)

After 2 coats of Primer, and after about 10 trial colors of spray paint, I finally found the color!
Slate Blue.

Once I sprayed 2 coats on it, I went back and sanded all the scrolls to give it more of a vintage look...

And here is what it looks like in its finished state (with the KING mattress accompanying it!)
ONE disclamer....I hate to even post this picture CUZ of the hideous curtains hanging behind it. But I'm gonna anyway! We are currently redoing the whole bedroom. We just painted it white last month. All in time (and money) it will be done. Slow and steady is how we roll around here.

Next up Trampoline!
I'm sooooo unbelievably proud of my kids. We had a vase in my kitchen and we labeled it "The Trampoline Fund" Whenever they earned money they would put it in the vase. They saved up for 2 yrs! And when it was time to buy the trampoline, they saved up $188. HOLY SMOKES they're amazing. And look how happy they are.

And of course Cory loves it too

Next up Backyard. Our HOA decided that it was time we finish the rest of our backyard. Which is fine, but whoa nelly is it a money pit. So a year ago we started saving and now we are starting to move on it. (Thanks to tax refunds!)

Here you will see the before. We have almost 1/2 of it finished back there.

We didn't want to grass the rest of it, and we are an active family, so we decided to install a sports court. Here is the progression as of this weekend.

And...cement is in

I have so much more to blog about, but frankly I can't download anymore pictures so I'm out.

Loves,
Jill

"Lilyisms"

2011-02-19T09:16:00.000-08:00

It been awhile since I have made the time to post. But the Christmas drive went AWESOME! I can't believe all the people who donated to this sweet family. I received small cash donations all the way to two brand new skate boards, 2 new mtn bikes, clothes and the list goes on and on. It always suprises me how willing and loving people are. It made my Christmas :)

Next on to my funny Lily.

Now that she is 2 1/2 she is super grown up. She says things to me like, "don't worry mom, I'm just chilling", and "Bensen, that is not approbiate!". She also gets herself dressed in the morning usually before I even know she is awake. And she is pretty good at finding food for herself out of the pantry. She likes to exercise like her mommy and can do some seriously awesome full body push-ups!

The other night I put Lily to bed. Then I closed her door (not completely shut cause she has never liked that) and headed into the boys room to give them there hugs and kisses. When I was done with the boys I heard something coming from Lily's room. So I opened up the door, and there she was fumbling around in the dark. I said "Lily what are you doing?? It's bedtime..." and she said "Mom I'm looking for my nail polish I want to paint my nails!" Of course she is the cutest thing ever, so I took her into my room and we had a little bonding time (even though she was supposed to be fast asleep).

I painted her nails the new color that we had bought earlier that day at Walmart. She then decided that it was my turn to have my nails painted and she was going to do it...

Sorry if you have an aversion to feet, but she did so good for her first time!!

I love love love this little girl of mine.

p.s. Thanks Kym for the "isms" idea :)

Loves,
Jill

Can you help?

2010-12-07T12:49:00.000-08:00

Hi family and friends.

I know of a family who is in need of, well...a Christmas. They have NO money and 8 kids.
This lady helped me out with my wedding and I would really like to help her out now.
Will you look through the stuff you have at home and see if you have anything that you could give to this family? Or if you would like to pick a child and get them a few items that works to. Whatever you can do to help me would be great!
They are totally ok with used items. Their kids have nothing. (I'm sure they would love new stuff too). Some of them are in need of shoes. Please see the list below and call me or email me or respond on here with what you can help me collect. Thanks so much for taking the time.

Christmas Help

Payton (boy age 5)

Pant Size 5T

Shirt Size 5T or 6

Shoe size 12 to 12 ½

He needs: gloves, hat, and snow pants.

He loves: Hot wheels, geotrax trains, CARS stuff, puzzles, to color and paint, playdoh, megablocks, lego’s, Lincoln logs, he loves to skateboard, anything boy.

Emily (girl age 11 Tomboy!)

Pant size: 10-12

Shirt size: 10-12

Shoes size: 3 ½-4

She needs: boots and gloves

She loves: the color blue. Rollerblades, loves to cook and has an easy bake oven, but needs refills. Draw, color. Gaming systems. Alarm clock or anything for a 11 yr old girls room (bed spread etc). Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

Katelynn (girl 12 going on 20!)

Pant Size: 14 or 16 she loves skinny jeans or jeggings

Shirt Size: 14-16 or adult small. Kid’s Med to Lg.

Shoe Size: Women’s 7 or 7 ½

She needs: Boots and gloves

She likes: black and pink. She likes aeropostle stuff. Make-up, hair stuff, would love a flat iron or crimper, jewelry, rip stick, gaming systems stuff (ds), would love stuff for her room (bed spread etc). She loves anything girly!

Tristan (boy age 14)

Pant size: slim 12 skinny jeans, jeggins

Shirts: Medium

Shoes: boys 7

He needs: shoes(skate), snow pants, coat, gloves

He loves: Skateboarding and or BMX!! A good skateboard (blindside and or zoomies). He wants to be sponsored someday. DS gaming systems, digital camera, cheap video recorder so he can record his skating.

ZACH: (boy age 15)

Pants: 14 skinny or jeggins style

Shirt: Med

Shoe: 11 (men)

He needs: Shoes (skate), coat (skate), gloves, snow pants (size 16 kids or men’s 24 waist),

He wants: He wouldn’t give his mom a list and said he didn’t want anything but the other kids to have a Christmas.

But he likes the same things as Tristan (except BMX). He needs a skateboard.

80’s movies

JAZZY: (girl age 15)

Pants: size 5-7 skinny or jeggins

Shirt: med or small

Shoe: 6 ½ or 7 (loves flip flops)

She likes: aero and am eagle style clothes. Cami tanks, zip hoodies. She is dark complexion and loves the mineral make up. 80’s movies. Twilight series movies, Tru blood first season.

(My guess is she probably needs gloves etc, but her mom missed writing it)

Cary Anna and Nate (older kids)

They understand the stuggle with money and don’t want anything. The mom wants to refinish some furniture or make them something so if you have any (DI) furniture items or leftover fabric etc she is willing to make something for them.

(There has to be something out there we can find for them!!!)

Thanks again, and Let me know what you find.

Loves,

Jill

This one's for the BOYS!

2010-12-02T20:28:00.000-08:00

I got a wake up call last night. I went to my computer after not getting off the couch for 2 days (due to being sick) and my computer was frozen. Hmmmm. I restarted it and it threw a big error, so I restarted it again. When it FINALLY came to, my external hard drive (which holds my just about everything that is near and dear and precious to my heart) was not being recognized nor was it working. At this point my heart is starting to palpitate and I was desperately needing my IT husband who was not home. So when he arrived, I almost attacked him and told him what was wrong and needless to say he wasn't so happy to due some other issues he had been dealing with and my Hard Drive just added to his list. At this point I was trying to hold it together, as I thought of all my 10 years worth of pictures, personal training reports and documents I had created, all my Primary files, all my Itunes music...and the list goes on.
Cory finally got to my computer that night and came to told me that it was dead and he was going to have to take it to a data recovery place and see if we get lucky. Looking back I don't know how I didn't start freaking out and cry uncontrollably (I'm actually proud of myself). I'm not this type of person at all, but seriously 10 years worth of pictures and all my kids baby pictures??? I know you reading this would of been on the floor in hysterics-don't deny it.
Anyhow; to keep it short. I didn't sleep at all and I got home this morning and told Cory to give me the address of the data recovery people, cuz I was ready to take things into my own hands!!
We'll, probably from fear of how that would end up, he went upstairs worked some magic and a couple hours all my info was being transferred onto a different harddrive and some massive backup process has begun. MORAL OF THE STORY: BACK UP YOUR IMPORTANT DATA SOMEHOW!! If you don't know how CALL CORY, I promise he will help you. (Right honey??)

Anyways- On to Thanksgiving.

I love this shot. Paul brought Rockband to entertain the kids. That guitar drowns Asher. It looks like a Ukulele on Paul.

Enjoying Rockband

Bensen rockin the drums

Then we move on to the DINNER! We all know what a good eater Bensen is.

Then the other side of the spectrum. Lily would eat the tablecloth if I let her.

Now on to the topic of the post! The boys had their much anticipated Thanksgiving Day Basketball Game. Here are some of the highlights and a little play-by-play action.

Let the game begin!

Cory fakes right, and drives left

Cory shoots AND (of course it went in!)

Jay gets the ball and pulls up to shoot! (of course it went in to!)

Brandon is next to get the ball and pulls up to shoot. (You're going to have to decide this one, did it go in or not??)

Jay gets the ball, passes to Trace who then...

Takes a step back, and shoots. IN! (as Amber screams "go TRACE" a little late in the background)

Next up to shoot, Kelly. He's catching some pretty good air.

And up again, Kelly. But where's the ball?

And last but not least Jay pulls up yet again and sinks the ball. More importantly...do you notice the cute little kids walking pretty darn close to the boys that are playing ball? DANGER zone! Ask Lily, she learned a very important lesson that day. Don't get in the way of the boys playing ball. Don't worry she is ok :)

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving,

Loves,
Jill

Flying

2010-09-07T20:22:00.001-07:00

This is what Vacation is all about :)

Loves,
Jill

Change is not so bad!

2010-08-26T12:53:00.001-07:00

Changes are inevitable right?
(I actually LOVE most changes. I get really bored with the "same" stuff over and over)

Asher had a big change happen yesterday. He started school. A brand new school. His new school is Cedar Ridge Elementary. He was really excited to go here, because a lot of his neighborhood buddies go here so he immediately had a ton of friends to play with. Our next door neighbor, Emma is in his home room class as well and that made it even easier for him to attend a new school.
I think I was the only one who was nervous and excited and worried about his new school!
He is so easy-going that he didn't even really care...That's my job though right?? I'm his MOM!!

Here he is about to start his first day!

And welcoming all the new students, was the school Mascot! Asher loved that...Lily not so much.

Here he is just about ready to go in. (And probably just about sick of me following him and taking pictures of him) I just love the two signs on the window.

And boy was he excited that he had 2 boxes of crayons!

2nd grade here he comes!

Loves,
Jill

One of my most FAVORITE places...

2010-08-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

is...LAKE POWELL! I could live there and be perfectly happy. I'm nutso for water toys and almost kill myself wakeboarding, but it's my happy place and ohhh did I have F.U.N!!
Here's a couple of pic's and the THE's to explain them all.

The Houseboat

The Toys

The Slide

The Macarana

The Sunset

The Workout Session

The New Trick

The dislocated shoulder

The Oh so happy kidless Group

The Rainbow

The Torn ACL, MCL, and maybe the PCL :(

The crazy cliff jump

The entertainment

The Lawnmower (ohhh so funny!)

The Wakeboarder's

The perfect ski shot

The to DIE for sunset

Until next time Lake Powell! Hopefully sooner then Later!

Loves,
Jill

I have a....

2010-07-19T12:46:00.001-07:00

CUB SCOUT!!!

The smell of Lavender

2010-07-10T15:00:00.000-07:00

It is one of my favorite smells... ever. And one of my favorite flowers. There is nothing more serene then a field of Lavender.

Today the kids and I went and visited one of my FAVORITE places. The Young Living Farm in Mona, Utah. They produce just about anything Lavender that you can think of! We walked around their gardens and participated in all the fun activities. My favorite part of course was clipping my own bushel of Lavender. The kids all clipped their own as well.

We went on a Paddle Boat ride, and we all got to wear life jackets...even Lily.

There were lots of fun wagons to climb on and lots of exploring to do.

But like I said, this was my Favorite part...

Loves,
Jill

Wasatch Back = 188 miles!!!

2010-06-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

Oh Man what a weekend!! Here we are at the finish line...
THE DIRTY DOZEN :)

A lot happened of course for us to get here.

188 miles eariler...
Here I am decorating the "support van"

I was runner 8, so by the time it was my turn to run, I was about ready to jump out of my shoes! As you can tell hahaha...My first run was a 3.4 mile run through the Ogden Valley. Not bad at all. It was about 4:00 pm so it was Hot, Hot, Hot!

Did I mention that CORY ran on my team?? He was runner 10 and his first leg was 3.6 miles through more of the Ogden Valley approaching Snow Basin Rd. Here he is getting the hand off.

And here he is after his run. Like I said it was Hot, Hot, Hot. 3 + miles is just enough that you can push it really hard and that is what he did.

We kept track of the "Road Kill"...that was one of the best parts of the race for me!

Once we ran our first leg, there was enough time to eat, and visit the Honey Bucket. YES!

Hanging with VAN 2. (Uh make sure you enjoy the company, because you are with them in tight quarters for over 24 hours!)

The night time came and I ran 7.0 miles into the town of Henefer, Ut. It was one of the most amazing runs I have ever run. It was Midnight and cool outside. I was bounding with energy for some reason. I ran 7 miles in 46 minutes and had 47 Road Kill. Oh YEAH!!
When I was done I got into the van and realized we were parked in front of this cute little store... it was fate!

Cory's middle of the night run was 7.7 miles along the Weber River Valley towards Wanship. No pictures, but he had a great run too. At our last exchange we ran into a whole bunch of people from my neighborhood. We all got together and took a picture. I still think it is amazing that we ran into each other considering there were 12,000 runners at the Wasatch Back this year and 1200 teams.

So it was coming time for my final run. We had had very little sleep at this point. We had crossed over to morning time and I was getting ready. I had a 6.0 run left with some pretty good uphill attached to it. I jumped out and got going and by mile 2 I was tired!!! My support van got me through my run as they met me every 1 or 2 miles and gave me water and honked and yelled and gave me LOVE. Here they are, the best cheerleaders E.V.E.R.!

So my last leg ended, and I felt great, but tired. I got 30 road kill that time. Cory was starting to get NERVOUS, because his last leg is one of the steepest climbs in all RAGNARS! It is a 4.0 climb up the back of Guardsmen pass. It is intense and it was hot. It is a dirt road on top of that.
Here he is getting ready... (I have taught him well :)) Yes that is string cheese he is holding.

And here he is finishing his leg. Did I say he was NERVOUS?? I don't know why, cause he screamed up that hill! He didn't walk once! I still don't know how he did it cause it really is the steepest climb ever. Let's just say I was sooo impressed! I love that my husband can rock it :)
Oh and he is sprinting pass those two people toward the finish line...eat my dust

And here it is all coming to an end...We are crossing the finish line. And the best part about it was my 3 kids waiting there for me to finish. My mom watched the kids and brought them up to the finish line so they could see us finish. Asher is there in the green shirt and he ran across the finish line with me. I LOVE my kids!

It was a great experience, and different then the Vegas run I ran last year. It was great to have Cory with me and share this awesome experience with me.

On to the next race...coming up this weekend. The BONE race in Idaho. Pictures of that and of our California trip coming soon!
Loves,
Jill

BD's only come once a year...

2010-05-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

There is only one person on this planet who is perfect for me. Now, thinking eternally here, we all individually have a lot to learn right? And apparently I have a lot to learn about myself because no other person has taught me more about myself then my husband. He knows all of me, the good's, the bad's and the in-between's.
We are a 2 pea's in a pod. He is my opposite in sooo many ways. But oddly enough exactly like me in quite a few ways. Together we make one complete union and I never quite understood the possibility of that. I'm so thankful that we are together, and today I celebrate him.

A couple month's ago Hillary posted this cake that she made. A Key Lime cake. I immediately thought ewww gross...but my immediate next thought was CORY WOULD LOVE THAT CAKE! (I told you we are opposites in many ways)
So I emailed her for the recipe and saved it to make it until today. And of course he LOVED it :)

It was our anniversary (11 yr Yahoo!) on May 14th. That weekend Cory whisked me away to the Grand America downtown SLC. We started the evening off, eating at the Roof which over looks the Salt Lake Temple. We then went to the Grand America, and had a couples massage. The rooms were beautiful with marble everywhere. I felt quite spoiled. This was outside our room on the balcony.

This was last weekend. We went up to Wyoming to run in the Keith Young 5k. (Keith Young is my uncle who passed away of SADS (www.sads.org) There were close to 550 people who competed and Cory got 3rd place out of his age division, and I got 1st place out of my age division and finished the 2nd girl. We love to compete! (We are the same in this area haha)

Cory LOVES the sand dunes. He loves to ride, and is good at it. He is a thrill seeker, and is working on catching air on this thing. Yikes. I like riding 4-wheelers, but I am a water-lover. And I'm still looking forward to family vacations at Powell :)

He is a handyman/painter/finisher/repairer of anything/fixer/etc. Our past 2 homes were fixer uppers and together we have knocked down walls, installed flooring, tile, crown molding, chair railing, built bookshelves, re-sanded hardwood floors, landscaping, cut down tree's (still gives me chills), painted a gagillion times and the list goes on. But we do it together and most of the projects go quite smoothly.

He is a family man. He cares about his kids and would do anything for them. He loves them so much and it showes everytime he walks into the room and the kids scream DADDY! He works from home earning less then he probably would in the "real" world so that he can be home and eat lunch with us, and be with us afterschool. He understands and was taught well about what having a "family" means. I am so grateful for that, and I love his mom and dad so much for being amazing examples to him. They came over to have cake with us. Love you guys!

Happy Birthday to the one I love :)
Loves,
Jill