Menu Plan for the month

I don't know about you but I love to plan.  It makes me feel prepared which makes me feel calm and in control and even if things don't turn out exactly like I planned... I still like having a plan in place.  I enjoy making up menu plans for the month because it helps me shop for only what we need to buy instead of buying random items and we tend to eat better when we have THE PLAN in place.  I also don't get asked, "What's for dinner?" anymore because they can find out by looking on the fridge where we post it.  I also love the change of seasons and how that affects our meals.  Have you seen the colors are starting to change along the Wasatch Front?  Gorgeous! 

Anywho... We're pretty simple folk so I like fast, cheap and easy because that works for a mom with five kids.  BTW, my kids LOVE breakfast for dinner so for that reason they usually inhale all the food in our fridge before Saturday night just so they can have waffles.

September Dinner Menu

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
						1
*Recipes from Best Bites						Leftovers?
2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Black Bean soup and quesadillas *ice cream sandwiches	Bear Trapper *Stuffed Pretzel	Spaghetti and salad	Chicken casserole	Beef soup & crackers	Pizza, Subway, movie	Leftovers or breakfast for dinner
9	10	11	12	13	14	15
Orange Chicken and fried rice *Spider webs	Mac and Cheese *Pretzel Crayons	Quicky Sticky Chicken over rice and cooked carrots	Taco Salad	Chicken soup & crackers	Pizza, Subway, movie	Leftovers or breakfast for dinner
16	17	18	19	20	21	22
Chicken Enchiladas and salad *Apple Cider donuts	Spaghetti and salad *Caramel popcorn	Chicken Nuggets, corn and peas	Grandma’s Tacos	Potato Soup and rolls	Pizza, Subway, movie	Leftovers or breakfast for dinner
23	24	25	26	27	28	29
BBQ chicken with carrots and tator tots *Pumpkin cc cookies	Mac and cheese *Apple Cider Floats	Chicken Pasta Salad	Taco Soup with Quesadillas	Easy Lasagna w/ zucchini, salad, rolls	Pizza, Subway, movie	Leftovers or breakfast for dinner
30
Roasted Veggie Penne with diced ham *Caramel Apples

Parade of Homes - continued

More pictures since blogger stopped me on the last post.

Parade of Homes

This is very picture heavy - I apologize in advance. 10 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms. Sleeps 28 in beds plus 8 Costco sleeping mats for kids loft. Time for a family reunion! We won "Best Layout" and will find out later if we won People's Choice award. We had some amazing competition. It was fun being in the Parade of Homes. Now we can relax, right? :)

Cabin Sweet Cabin

This is what we've been up to the past couple of months.  Building and furnishing a cabin for future family reunions.  It's gonna be sweet once it's finished.  Hopefully it will be done in time for the Parade of Homes.  The theatre room is so nerdy cool.  I love the smell of new... everything!  Unfortunately it's a very expensive smell.  LOL

Tomorrow is my daughter's 10th birthday.  I'll try my best to post pictures before September.  :)  No promises though.

100th post - CRAZY!

I see I missed June entirely.  School got out and it's been busy with our bucket list (see previous post).  My son J turned 12, had a CRAZY fun party and received the priesthood.  We saw Madagascar 3 in 3-D then did Xtreme Paintball.

We also got to go up to Bear Lake to reunite with my mom's side.  We played minute-to-win-it games every night which the kids loved.  My aunt put together a touching DVD with tons of family pictures I had never seen before. Thanks to my Dad for bringing up his boat - it was a blast!  We even got to ride our bikes around the lake.  :)

 

As soon as we came home we got to hang out with our friends from Arizona.  Wish these guys lived closer.  J is missing because he was at his first week-long scout camp and her baby was napping with Daddy.

I see that this is my 100th post (CRAZY) so I thought I would share my crazy workouts I've been doing.  That's why I've been too busy to blog.  I wish I could post before/after pictures but I try to avoid cameras.  Let's just mention I lost over 30 pounds since end of January.  Yes, I procrastinated my New Years Goals but I had to wait until I was motivated and my 5 year old proudly telling me I was the fatest mom (like it was a good thing) was my wake-up call.  I'm getting faster on my road bike (averaged 17.8 mph last Saturday on my 32 mile bike ride).  I must say it's a thrill to pass the men on my bike since I have a little competitive streak in me.  Last time I checked I was at 14% body fat and don't want to go any lower.  Don't worry - if you saw me you wouldn't be able to tell.  I've got plenty of "mommy" written all over my body.  I used to think I had to do lots of cardio to lose weight but now I realized how important it is to strength train as well and that healthy is not a number on the scale.

Diet:  I aim for 50% carbs, 35% protein and 15% fat and about 1500 calories a day with lots of water.  I love Chobani yogurt every morning.  Cottage cheese and chocolate protein shake for snacks.  Only 1 fruit a day.  I used to eat 3 fruits a day and snacked on whole wheat bread smothered in nutella.  Delicious but not healthy.

Exercise:  Monday 1 hour elliptical or spin class (I'm taking a break from running because of past injuries that flare up when I run) and weights.  Tuesday bike ride outside 15-20 miles.  Wednesday elliptical.  Thursday spin class and "swim" with kids.  Friday 45 min. elliptical (and yoga if I have time).  Saturday long bike ride.  This Saturday I'm doing 40 miles, next week, 45, then 50 then a rest with 30.  I got tested and found I have a higher VO2 max than most females my age.  That means I'm supposedly in better shape but it also means I have to work harder to get the same calorie burn.  I'm horrible at flexibility.

Strength Training for July (below is the training plan I came up with).  In June I was doing combination weight training using a 45 pound bar so I'm excited not to have to use hand/bar weights.

Power month - Plyometrics

Perform 3 sets of 12 reps with 30-60 second rest in-between sets.  

In-between exercises rest 1-2 min. (depending on the speed your heart rate lowers)

Warm-up with 5 min. of rowing OR treadmill rotations (1 min walk then rotate at 3.5 mph for 30 seconds each to L side, back walk, R side, front, R side, back walk, L side, then front 1 minute run)

(Remember to keep abs tight and arms up shoot whenever possible for upper body)

*Squat jumps – squat then jump with hands high in the air.  Down and up as fast as you can.
*Knee tucks - Jump high, tucking knees high, tapping them with your hands in front of you.
*Lateral hurdle jumps – with both feet, side jump over an object then quickly jump back to other side.
*Power skipping OR Bounding (exaggerated running)
*Box jumps - work on progressing up to higher boxes.  Have your feet tap and jump down or walk it down.
*Plyo Push-ups - push so fast that your hands leave the floor for a second. Clap them if you want. (Work on progressing from Girl à Boy style)
*Split squat lunges. Like single leg lunges but instead you jump and switch legs with 90 degree swinging arms.

Finish with core work:

-Stability ball sit-ups 25 reps
-Assisted chin-ups 12 reps (need to work on this not being assisted)
-Plank hold for 1+ minute
Rest & repeat 3 times

Stretch it all out  (My FAVORITE part!)

Summer Fun List 2012

Every year I make up a list of things I want to do with my kids to make some memories.  Last year I only got half of them done.  I'm bound and determined to fit it all in this summer.  Maybe if we start a little early, like right now, we'll be able to get it all done.  :)

Summer Fun List for 2012

1.       Outdoor "concert in the park"
2.       New Outdoor Amphitheatre with Dad
3.       Bear Lake family reunions: Minnetonka Cave, 50 mile Bike Ride, Pickleville Playhouse, Talent Show, sandcastles on Rendevous Beach, shaved ice and raspberry shakes
4.       Hogle Zoo, Liberty Park (wear swim suits underneath for waterpark) and Tracy Aviary
5.       Thanksgiving point gardens, dino museum, feed the farm animals, eat an ice cream tower, see the new Brave movie
6.       Red Butte Gardens
7.       The Leonardo museum by Salt Lake City Library, have lunch on the roof of the library.  Yes, you can legally do that and it's safe.
8.       Lagoon with Dad
9.       Clark Planetarium, Discovery Gateway, City Creek Disney Store, Temple Square, lunch at Lion House, Church History Museum
10.   Hike Cecret Lake then go to the new Natural History Museum
11.   Donut Falls and Living Planet Aquarium
12.   Family Bike Ride to McD’s for smoothies
13.   Library, B&N Reading programs
14.   Provo Beach Resort with Dad
15.   Snowbird with coupon with Dad
16.   Planet Play with coupon with Dad
17.   Short hike to Ensign Peak and then visit Gilgal Gardens
18.   Airborne jump place with coupon, lunch at IKEA, Bowling that night with Dad
19.   Cupcakes on Sundays – homemade, different every week, share extras with neighbors so I don't get pleasantly plump again.
20.   Crafting: large gumball bracelet and edible necklace (fruit loops & cheerios), melted crayon art, corn syrup paintings, tie dye shirts, paint hot rocks, black magic art, angry birds balloon fight, noodle light saber swords, handmade geodes from egg shells, sidewalk chart art in driveway, origami, sew pajama pants
21.   Redbox movies and pizza on Friday nights.  Our baby hates the real theatre, or maybe she just wants us to save the money and spend it on her in the future.  She won't tell me.
22.   Family Camping – foil dinner & smores with Dad
23.   Gardner Village
24.   Bridal Veil Falls and BYU MOA
25.   Jeeping with Dad
26.   Picnic at Sugarhouse Park? Make red & white blanket with embroidered handprints.  Large squares = quick sewing job
27.   Rock Wall climbing
28.   Fly kites
29.   Paint yourself with chocolate pudding then have a water balloon fight
30.   Fishing
31.   Wheeler Farm
32.   Mini golf
33.   Boondocks
34.   Splash pad in Herriman
35.   Blow bubbles – make all sorts of devices with yarn, wire, etc.
36.   Block Party - homemade rootbeer, jumping castle, BBQ, don’t forget tiki torches.  We don’t share with bugs.
37.   Color Me Mine pottery studio with Dad for Mother’s Day or Mom’s Birthday.  I really want a large platter with all their handprints on it.
38.  Sew and construct a Summer Tent from PVC pipes

So far behind, where to start?

I've been a slacker blogger, sorry.  Life happens though.  I was released from Relief Society and am now the newest Nursery Teacher.  Snacks, storytime and toys... what's not to love?  I really do enjoy it and the time goes by fast and it's a good workout getting up and down all the time with those adorable toddlers.

I just realized I haven't even downloaded the pictures off my camera since my last post.  Christmas was great in our new home.  We stuck to 3 gifts because that's what the Savior received.  Everyone was happy and it was enough. 

I had a late start to my New Year's Resolutions.  My 5 year old told me in a complimentary way and with his sweet, innocent smile that I was the fattest mommy ever (he seriously thought that was a good thing) which made me realize (again) that I needed to make some changes.  So late January I signed up at the local gym and have been going almost every day.  20 pounds lighter now, I'm happier and eating healthier and praying I don't get injured again.  So far so good.  I'm doing a 25 mile bike race next week!

February my oldest turned 14 and started growing facial hair.  Scary.  :S  But the rest of him is perfectly perfect so I'm not complaining, I just like to tease him about it.  Our baby broke her arm falling from a padded ottoman onto padded carpet.  Our first broken bone and it's the baby!  Luckily it didn't require surgery but still cost us an arm and a leg.  No pun intended.  They day she got her cast off, she immediately wanted to swing on the monkey bars again.  She's learning new words every day.  I love her to pieces.  I haven't been able to cut my hair because she loves to play with it and tickle her face with it.  It's her pacifier.  She just came in here and saw a freckle on my arm, called it an owie and kissed it better.  See?  She's adorable.  I'm so lucky!

March we celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary and went to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse which was heavenly.  They put rose petals on our table and gave us free dessert.  Then I blindfolded my husband and drove him to a hotel for massages, more dessert and a restful night's sleep without little kids coming in at 5:00am.  (Thanks to my parents for driving up and watching our kids)  It was fabulous and I'm looking forward to next year for our Sweet Sixteen.  Maybe if we start saving now we can go on our first cruise.

April we enjoyed LDS General Conference in a new way.  It was a little pricey, took longer, required some work but everyone listened to all the sessions so it was a success.  I'll share...

Darin Adams is a co-host of Studio 5, my favorite local morning show that I like to Tivo.  He was featured on another show as to how they keep their family together for the 4 two-hour sessions of church that airs on TV semi-annually.  I love watching it because it's like a vacation but a sprititual feast all at the same time.  Anyway, he shared the idea that for each apostle that they listen to they have a snack that is somehow related to that person or their name.  He gave a few suggestions but not a complete list so I had to do a little research.  Here's what we came up with:

President Thomas S. Monson (Darin had the honor of meeting him in person and asked him what his favorite treat was and he said...) Orange Sherbet
Henry B. Eyring - airheads (he's a physics grad, a pretty smart guy, not an airhead)
Deiter F. Uchtdorf - German waffles (they're hard, thin and have a yummy caramel center)
Boyd K. Packer - a "pack" of gum.  I know some of these are a stretch.
L. Tom Perry - raspberries because he's from Logan Utah and they grow them best there and we needed some healthy snacks in here.
Elder Oaks - reminded me of an Oak tree.  Trees give us nuts so we had mixed nuts.  Stretchy like spandex huh?
Elder Ballard - was president of the Canadian mission so we made Figgy Duff (like bread pudding but with molasses)
Elder Hales - yogurt covered raisins that look like HAIL because Walmart doesn't carry dippin dots which would've been much cooler.
Elder Nelson - carrots because heart surgeons like healthy options.
Elder Scott - pop rocks because he was a nuclear engineer.
Elder Holland - I found Holland mints!  They're hard, round and peppermint flavored.
Elder Bednar (who unfortunately didn't speak in any of those 4 sessions but maybe he did at Priesthood session?)  Pringles because he was president of BYU Idaho and they do potatoes best up there.
Elder Cook - we "cook"ed up some chocolate chip "cook"ies.  :) 
Elder Christoffereson - Snickers salad from the BYU cookbook since that's where he gradutated from.  It's basically cool whip that has blue food coloring with cut up Snickers. 
Elder Anderson - knows 4 languages and lived in Florida so we shared 4 oranges.

Hope you're enjoying a wonderful spring day!  ~Karen