I need to repent....

Seriously, I try to love those around me.  I try not to judge and I really, really try not to mock others.  But the spokeswomen from our local Vitamin Cottage, evokes very strong, very dark emotions from me.  I find myself actually angry that she could be so unaware of herself.  I have deep compassion for her poor children who have to participate in these horrific displays of cinema.  I am angry at her husband for not standing up and being honest with this dilluted soul (or at least for not keeping her out of velvet green leotards).







I searched for the commercial where she sings, but these will have to do.  I believe that I have seen between 15- 20 different commercials by her over the past four years and it seems each one is worse from the ones before.   I have actually passed Vitamin Cottage and headed to SunFlower Market, just to let my feelings be known.

Tomorrow being Sunday and all, I have decided to let go of these negative feelings.  Here goes.

I forgive you Vitamin Cottage Lady.  I vow to see you as a sweet woman who needs my love, not my snide remarks.  Dance on...... Sing on...... Sell your vitamins and way-to-expensive produce in whatever way you feel is best.  I am at peace. We are at peace.  A truce, a draw, a new beginning.  Namaste.

Slopes and Smoothie Recipe

We headed up to Vail for a few days.  Jaxen and Madeline passed me up a few years ago, but Elijah was my perfect ski buddy.  I am definitely in it for the views rather than the thrill of it.  You gotta love Colorado.

And now for my kids approved smoothie recipe.  Before trying this I would watch this video, 


but here is what I make most days.

Kid/Jro Smoothie

2C water
fill blender with mostly spinach and some Kale---blend
2 bananas
1 apple
1 T flax oil
1-2 T Stevia
2 cuties---blend
1-2 C frozen Strawberries


For mine, I would add one banana, and frozen mixed berries, but now that I am trying eat in the Zone, I am struggling to find a tasty smoothie that fits the block system.  If I discover something wonderful, I will pass that on as well.

30, Flirty and Thriving

Well, it happened, I got older again. I am really enjoying my thirties, but it feels like they are moving by so quickly that I can't keep up.

 Here I am at the mid-point of being "thirty, flirty and thriving" (13 Going on 30) and it all feels like a blur.

 It may seem strange, but my 35th birthday has been one that I have anticipated more than most. It marks a goal I made back in the 5th grade. My dad had played professional football my whole childhood and to me, he was the ultimate in strength and health.

My fifth grade year is when he turned 35 and, due to an injury, announced to the family that he was retiring. It really took me back.

 My dad was old enough to retire? Was thirty five the cut-off of being in peak condition? People talked about him like he was old, because, compared to the rest of the team of 20 somethings, he was. I distinctly remember making the goal that I would try to be in great shape when I turned 35. If he could do it, so could I.

 I have seen this goal threatened many times, especially as I was pregnant four times and had to fight my way back. Then there is the boredom of shakes, bars and needing new challenges to keep myself going. Knee problems made me calm down my passion for running and I found myself complety annoyed by the same old workouts. Stressed by my calling and floundering, I saw the date of my 35th was quickly approaching and it was time to kick it into gear.

About three months ago, I started a new approach. I was tired of not eating REAL food and felt that,although I could maintain a good weight, I did not feel the energy I wanted. It started with green smoothies and acupuncture. 

 I have my whole family downing a smoothie filled with kale, spinach and flaxoil, and let's just say that things are "moving" much better for everyone. (I will post my kid-approved recipe soon) Next, I trusted Chelsea, my college roommate, and nervously started Crossfit.  

 

 I thought I had left box jumps and burpies back in high school, but now they are back with a vengence. I laughed the first time I was told to do a pull up and have had to totally rethink what it means to be fit.

 After a month at twice a week, (which had me wincing my way through life at first) we went to three days and now Jro and I are obsessed going nearly everyday. 

 Of course, Jro dropped 20 pounds without trying and I was still fluctuating in the same 5 pounds I am always gaining and loosing. Frustrated that I was working so hard and still stuck, I sheepishly asked my trainer to put me on a plan that would hold me accountable. 

 I was put on the Zone Diet and I feel like it is all coming together. 

 For the first time, I am not trying to loose weight, but body fat and I have energy enough to face Crossfit with less trepidation. I am not hungry and I can eat out and eat real food. Just knowing that my totally riped/father of 6/adventure racer/ 48 year old trainer will be measuring me, has helped me to remain honest. 

 So, here I am 35, and although I am no where near a professional athlete, I am once again excited by fitness and reaping the many rewards of better eating and smarter exercise. 

 Aging is a strange thing. I don't want to be younger, but I am still suprised by my wrinkles in pictures and the fact that the young moms around me talk to me as a wise, experienced (code for old) mom. 

 I like being older, I like feeling more peace and confidence, and with the invention of photoshop, I should be good for years to come.

Life is moving faster and faster

We are still here, with much to report, but we seem to be whirling too quickly to stop and write it all down. Autumn turned 3 and is ever-surprising us with her antics. She loved her make-up, dress up clothes and kitchen. She is a girly-girl one moment and playing tigers the next!

Jaxen's football team, came back from a rough start to win the Carnation Bowl. It was a bitter sweet victory, as we were proud of our team, but Jaxen choose not to participate because the game was held on a Sunday. I was so proud of him for doing so with a good attitude and being such an example to his siblings. Jaxen had a great season and improved a ton as a Corner this year. Jason and Papa Ed gave away three months of their lives to help coach, which is a GIANT commitment! At times it all felt a bit over-the-top, but seeing this three generation band-of-brothers was a treat! GO NIGHTHAWKS!!!

And let us not forget the holidays!!! We love having puzzles out, having egg nog in the fridge and hearing Madeline practice her Christmas piano music. Jro picked another giant tree for us to trim. It is always a bit scary and overwhelming at first. Still, after the lights and decorations are in place, we all love our unique symbol of holiday hopes as it towers in our living room.

Now that school is out, I am so excited to pull the family in close and ignore the world for awhile! Ho! Ho! Ho!

Two almost three

Oh, the roller coaster
of being two and almost three


A baby, a big girl
She can't decide which to be



Energietic and lively
She's as smart as a whip



Though she tries to fight it
Into a nap she can slip



An angel in slumber


As cute as can be


Hurry up and slow down
My little two going on three

All Hallows Eve

Halloween is changing at our house and all I can do is watch. Jaxen and his buddies planned to each be a brand name, he chose "under armor", which was no surprise to me. He rushed out after his traditional backed potato soup and did return until 9:00PM. I love his friends and trust him, but it felt strange how he didn't even look back or miss going around with us. We are officially not as cool as his friends and while it feels natural, it hits my heart a bit.

Luckily, Autumn still makes it totally magical. While I was fixing her hair she said "Mom, shouldn't I have make-up to be "'puntzle"
My response "Absolutely!"

Madeline is so mothering and helpful. I rely on her a bit too much sometimes, but it is nice having another female to help care for this family.

And my Elijah is perfect at 6 years old. With him, more than anyone, I want time to stand still. He is so curious, so sweet and still young enough to want me around. I love his mind, his great jokes and the fact that he will still say " You're the bestest mom in the whole world". SIGH!!



(Trick or Treating at grandma Marty and Papa Ed's

Autumn has a bit of a crush on a married man. My friend Nedra is sweet about sharing her husband, but the cuddling and goggly eyes she makes at him are getting a bit ridiculous!!! "Mom, can I sit with Mr. Matt?" "Is Mr. Matt coming to church today." "Can Mr. Matt come to by "birfday party?" We are in trouble with this one.

Wyoming Photos