just jenefer

updated family pictures

2010-12-28T08:09:00.002-06:00

I love taking pictures, but have been very lazy lately. So here were are :)

Just not all four of us together..lol

It's been a while..

2010-12-28T07:54:00.002-06:00

I sure didn't realize that much time had passed from my last post. The year has flown by. So what have we been up to.... not much. Stuck in the rut of work, eat, sleep, school.

In August we went back to Wyoming. We took our time heading up that way. It was wonderful. We drove the first day all the way to Colorado Springs, about 15 hour drive. Stayed there for a couple nights before heading to Cheyenne, WY. We stayed in Cheyenne for one night, then Pinedale, WY one night. Then to Green River Campground. Green River has to be the most beautiful area I have ever seen. We were there for 7 nights. Sleeping in tents. Days were warm, and nights were freezing. We got ice, sleet, and frost. We saw deer EVERY day. No electricity, no phone reception at all. It was wonderful!

After we left there we went back to the Tetons and camped. We were able to take our time touring Yellowstone this year. The Elk were out touring Mammoth..if was really cool.

After 22 days of vacation it was back to reality.

our day at the park, when we should have been at school

2010-03-30T14:15:00.003-06:00

we went to the park today. wonderful, wonderful weather! this is just a few pictures. the extra kid is Adams friend Caleb.

me and my girl

2010-03-30T14:12:00.000-06:00

Boy Victoria sure is grown up!

Ramdom stuff

2010-03-30T07:47:00.002-06:00

It is March 30th. Wow... 3 months of the year gone! Time just seems to be flying by.
The kids are doing testing this week. The sun is shining, it is warm, and beautiful outside. I had to work all weekend and it was nice out, of course. I am thinking today I will check them out of school around lunch time and go to the park and have a picnic and play.

Yes there is housework to be done. Yes they probably need to stay at school for the day. Do I care... mmmmm... no, not really.
So, I need to get off the computer and get stuff ready. I have to go by the store and get snacks for lunch.
......later....

Still playing

2010-03-25T13:57:00.000-06:00

playing a little more with tinting. I need to try one of the kids and see what happens. I really love flowers.

a little tinting

2010-03-25T13:52:00.000-06:00

Same flower tweeked with Picasa 3.
I love the look of a black and white with small hints of actual color.

new camera lens

2010-03-25T13:48:00.000-06:00

Playing around with a new camera lens. Sping is a good time to play with a camera. Especially, if you like to photograph flowers.

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-19T07:00:00.003-06:00

I love spring. The temps are cool but not cold. Warm but not hot. The skies are a beautiful blue. The clouds are wispy. Birds are singing and all the flowers and trees are blooming. Aside from the loads of pollen and all the sneezing etc., I love it.
Today is March 19th, we are at the end of the winter season. It is supposed to be 70 degrees today.
Here are a few flowers from around our house.

Happy Anniversary

2010-03-15T07:10:00.002-06:00

♥♥♥HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ♥♥♥

19 years ago today I married this man.

We met for the very first time in the summer of 1987. I was 15 and he had graduated high school and was going to be leaving for college in the fall.
He had a 1966 Mustang! OMG... I was into classic cars. He was nice, but there didn't seem to be anything there.
We met up again the next summer. He had made it through his first year in college and I was a much more mature 16 years old...lol. I had one more year of high school!!! Woohooo for me.

This time I guess was different. We have been together since then.
We waited until he graduated from college to get married. He was in college in Terre Haute, Indiana and I was in Lonoke, Arkansas. We wrote all of the time. I lived for letters and visits during the school year.
In the fall of 1990, just before my 19th birthday, I started LPN school. In Feb. 1991 Jeff graduated from college, and we were married in March.
So I have been married 1/2 of my life this year. Seems strange that we have been married that long. Sometimes it doesn't seem like we are old enough to have been together almost 22 years and married 19.
Anyway... happy anniversary Jeff. I love you.

The Bolton Girls

2010-03-15T06:27:00.002-06:00

My sister Sarah has two girls Kaitlyn and Camryn. In the running world they are Kat and Cam.

Love them gals.
Kat is 13 and Cam is 9. They have birthdays coming up on April 6th and April 3rd.

Lookout Point Lakeside Inn March 2010

2010-03-14T16:02:00.005-06:00

This was our first trip ever to a bed and breakfast. I had searched around and found this place.
It was the weekend we chose to celebrate our anniversary. On March 15th, we will be married 19 years.

The Inn is just off the road. Tucked privately down a hill right on Lake Hamilton. Every thing about this place it private. All the outer doors are locked. We had to ring the bell at the front door to get in.

Right as you walk through the door you are welcomed by the hostess. The walls are a beautiful, warm yellow. It really is like walking into a warm hug.

You walk down the staircase to the reception area. The French Doors you see ahead are to the dining room.

This is at the bottom of the stairs looking up to the front doors.

After we got checked in and shown to our room we took a quick walk around the property. This is the back of the Inn. Each room has a beautiful view of the lake.

All throughout the back of the property is a stream and some pretty water features.

this is the view from up next to the Inn. Below you see the meditation labyrinth.

Over all this was a wonderful anniversary weekend. They even had a card for us in the room!!
We will be back!

Little Rock Half Marathon

2010-03-11T08:23:00.008-06:00

(my niece Camryn. Cutest little (almost 10 year old) girl I know.

About a week before the race I had decided that it would be best if I did not do the race. My Achilles was a big concern. I had tried running on a treadmill at the gym and the next day my leg would be hurting. However, I was never satisfied with that decision. I just felt like I had to try! Even if I walked the entire 13.1 miles, I had to!
Up until the race my longest run was just over 7 miles and that had been weeks ago. I knew that I had 4 hours to finish. So that was my goal. To FINISH!

The night before the race we stayed with my sister. Her 13 year old was running the Half too.
We got up around 5:15am to leave by 6am. The race started at 8am and they wanted everyone in their corals by 7:45am.
We ran by McDonald's for breakfast and found a place to park. It was quite a walk to the starting area.
We got lined up... thousands of people! OMG... I was nervous. I prayed that my leg would hold out for 13.1 miles!

We got started and I went with a slow, and steady jog. My 10K (6.2 mile) time was 1:15:23. little slower than my 10K time in November.

I continued to jog up until just past mile 8. My knee started aching a little. I promised I wouldn't push it and that I would listen to my body. So I walked some. At this point I was mixing walking and jogging for several miles. I was SO close to the end and my knee really started hurting. I wasn't sure I was going to make it. I stopped and stretched and walked some more (even slower). Some gals ran by me giving me a "you got it, it is not much farther".

As I approached the final leg of my journey. I saw Jeff walking toward me. He stepped out onto the course and walked a little with me. He told me you are almost there and something else, and said go. Then he stepped away and I WENT. That little bit of time with him meant the world to me. I nearly cry every time I think about it. I was so excited to see him there waiting on me. I love him so much! Then I saw my kids, my sister, her husband and their kids. My niece had finished already.
All that gave me the gust I needed to sprint (for me) to the finish! It was awesome!!!! I finished!!!
At this point I have NO desire whatsoever to run a full marathon! But I WILL run another Half!

My unofficial stats are:
overall place: 2467 out of 2905
division place: 264out of 310
gender place: 1318 out of 1648
time: 2:54:18
I finished in under 3 hours!!!!!!
We wont mention that there were about 15 FULL MARATHON runners that finished before I ever crossed the line.
I am so happy with what I accomplished.

(and I burned over 1400 calories in the process)

My niece Kat's stats:

age:	13
gender:	F

overall place:	1061 out of 2908
division place:	2 out of 7
gender place:	421 out of 1650
time:	2:08:31
pace:	9:49
10k:	57:56

Jalapeno Poppers

2010-02-23T09:44:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I was thumbing through my Pioneer Woman Cookbook and ran across her recipe for BBQ Jalapeno Poppers.

Victoria had fun putting them together.

These little guys are super easy to put together and super good to eat! Just to bump up the heat I threw in some of the seeds from the peppers in to the cream cheese mixture. I also used a spicy BBQ sauce.
I didn't get any photos of them after they are cooked. Not sure why!

Adam was the only one that said they were to hot, the wimp!

We also had some delicious Cajun Potato Soup.. mmmmm goood!

Snow Day 02/12/10

2010-02-12T16:41:00.010-06:00

We woke up this morning to even more snow. The kids got up and headed out to play. It is a good thing they got out early because it wasn't long before it began melting.
It was a lot of fun.

Even the cats got out for a little bit.

I took some pictures of pretty trees too.

More Blizzard :)

2010-02-11T18:13:00.005-06:00

As soon as the kids go home Adam changed clothes and went outside to play!

UPDATE: Blizzard Twenty Ten

2010-02-11T14:49:00.004-06:00

I had worked all night, so after this mornings photos I went and laid down for a little bit. When I work up I found that the snow had started to stick. It is still snowing and I pray we get a good bit!

Blizzard Twenty Ten!!!

2010-02-11T10:22:00.005-06:00

Ok, so maybe I am exaggerating a little. After much waiting and anticipating we are getting a little snow! It is very exciting for us folks way down south. While central Arkansas was "buried" in snow this week, we got rain. We are tired of stinking rain.
But today it is snowing. I really hope that it sticks and covers the ground for the kids enjoyment.
Of course it is not covering the ground yet. It may have something to do with the fact that it was 70 degrees just a week and a half ago, but anyway.
Here are a few photos for your viewing enjoyment. You may have to squint to see it! It is actually snowing like crazy, but I just don't know how to capture it on camera just right.

running update

2010-02-04T11:33:00.002-06:00

I have been nursing an injury the past few weeks. I went to the doctor today and he said Achillies Tendonitis. I have to take Mobic daily for inflammation.
I have to take about 1 more week off of heavy exercise etc. Then I can get back into it. I should be able to run in the half marathon.

Cooking with Jeff and peppers

2010-02-04T07:48:00.001-06:00

I love my husband. He is a creative cook. I am very boring and not a bit adventurous with spices etc.
So last night we decided to make General Tso's Chicken.
It is really very simple to make and is done rather quick.

We used peppers sent to us from Marx Foods. This is a medium heat asian type pepper.

More crochet

2010-01-25T08:07:00.004-06:00

Finally got my sisters afghan, hats, and booties done! It is boxed up and sitting on the front porch for pick up today. She will be having Shyann Moon Sullivan on Friday.
Here are a few photos I took of the finished product. The photos are not great, but I was in a bit of a hurry to get it packaged and ready to go.

My crafty side

2010-01-15T09:33:00.003-06:00

I am not terribly crafty. I don't have an eye for artsy, crafty things. However, I am able to crochet and cross stitch.
My baby sister is having her 3rd child, 1st girl on Jan. 29th. I am in a crocheting mood and I have made her some hats and I am working on an afghan.
Last night I made a Mary Jane bootie for her. I just need to make the other one to match.

Been a little while

2010-01-11T08:59:00.002-06:00

Wow life gets busy.
I had a little break from running for the holidays. Trying to juggle a change in routine and a sore hip. It just messed everything up.

Since Dec. 31st I have been back running and exercising.
The race date is inching nearer and I am getting nervous.

Can I do it? Yes, I do believe I can.

Running Week of Nov 29 - Dec 5

2009-12-01T09:03:00.001-06:00

Sunday-rest and work 12 hour night
Monday- 3, rested instead
Tuesday-3, 35 minutes of strength, +core, + lower body

Running Week of Nov 22-28

2009-11-23T10:36:00.003-06:00

Sunday-rest
Monday-3 miles. Ran with my buddy Meredith today. It is humid and a bit warm. Now I have to eat and get a nap before work tonight.
Tuesday-3 (did not run)
Wednesday-rest
Thursday-3.. Thanksgiving Day. We were in Benton. I went to Tyndall Park and ran 2.5 miles.
Friday-rest
Saturday-4. Ran 4.7 miles.

Running Week of Nov 15-21

2009-11-07T12:37:00.009-06:00

Sunday-rest (work 12 hour night)
Monday-3 I got home from work and shipped the kids and Jeff out the door for the day. Mistake #1 was that I sat down! I was sleepy already and if I sit still for very long I get even sleepier and it is hard to want to do anything. I had a couple cups of coffee, but it did nothing to get me up and going. Around 0830 I finally decided to get on my running clothes and go run. The bike trail here in town is 2.44 miles. I ran to the two mile marker and turned around and ran back to the 1 mile marker for a total run of 3 miles. Then I walked from that 1 mile to the car. So I did a total of 4 miles today, but only 3 were running. My time was pretty good I think.

1 mile 10:48 2 mile 21:49 3 mile 32:28

Tuesday-3 (work 12 hour night) taking a forced rest day. having some aching in the left hip and hip flexor.
Wednesday-rest (work 12 hour night)
Thursday-2 (this is the last 2 mile run until the week of the Half Marathon)
Friday- tomorrow morning is the big race. shew.. I am ready, excited, nervous all bundled up together. Right now it is raining. I am praying that it is finished tomorrow morning. At least from about 8am-9am so I can finish and not get drown :)
Saturday-6 (I will be running the Spa 10k this day) 6.2 miles :)

This was my post 10k photo. This is my niece Kat. She ran too, and beat me to the finish line by about 10 minutes. It was a lot of fun. The worse part was Mountain Drive. That is one beast of a "hill". Maybe I should be running some hills more often. About a mile from the finish line I saw Elvis. Yes, he is alive and in Hot Springs..lol
My time was 1:08:48. I was 34th in my age group and 300 something over all. I didn't finish last!!!! I am already looking for the next race.

Running Week of Nov 8-14

2009-11-07T12:36:00.007-06:00

Sunday- rest
Monday-3 (work 12 hour night shift) did a little over 3 miles at the park with Meredith. Good times.
Tuesday-3 (work 12 hour night shift) rested today. I needed the sleep and to rest a hip flexor muscle.
Wednesday-rest, actually rested like I was supposed to.
Thursday-2, went to the bike trail and walked 2 miles and ran 3.
Friday-rest
Saturday-5 (work 12 hour night shift) ran 5 miles in just over an hour. I am really hoping to finish the 10k in an hour. we shall see

because of my work schedule this week I may switch Tuesday and Thursday. I can tolerate a longer run when I am not working 2 in a row.

11/14/09 exactly 1 week until the 10k in Hot Springs. I am really getting nervous!

Week Total:
Miles:13

Running Week of Nov 1-7

2009-10-28T05:56:00.008-06:00

Sunday- rest (work 12 hour night shift)
Monday-2 after working all night 2 nights in a row I was very tired this morning. I finally worked up the strength to get out there and run. I did 2 miles in ~23.5 minutes.
Tuesday-3 went to the park today. it was so beautiful. I ran 3.5 miles. I walked the last little bit. I am saying I walked 0.5 miles, it was probably less than that, but anyway...
Wednesday-rest (work 12 hour night shift)
Thursday- 2(work 12 hour night shift) got home from work and ran my 2 miles
Friday-
Saturday-5 miles what a beautiful day to run 5 miles. Met my pal and we banged out 5 miles. It was great fun.

11/04/09 Been thinking today about running a 10K on Saturday Nov. 21st in Hot Springs. It would give me a good taste of running in a race. It is "only" 6.2 miles. I will have had 2 weeks of running 5 mile runs. I think I can do it.
11/6/09 I signed up for the 10k. So there is no backing out now.

Running Week of Oct 25-31

2009-10-24T16:32:00.007-05:00

This week begins the first official week of training for the half marathon. The previous weeks were the build up. I only did 2.5 weeks of the 9 week build up. I am hoping that I can push through and actually run all of my miles this week. I suppose it is time to actually sign up....

Sunday-rest
Monday-2 IT'S RAINING!!!! ARRGGGGG I will ride the bike later. Maybe 10 miles or so. Ok, so i decided to run despite the rain. I ran about 1.5 miles in 18 minutes. (215 cal)
Tuesday-3 another rainy day, but I ran anyway 2.68 miles, 31 minutes (284 cal)
Wednesday-rest (work 12 hour night) planning to do abs and weights (I did abs only 22 minutes)
Thursday-2(work 12 hour night) you will never guess what it's doing.. give up.. It's beginning to rain. I got home from work and hit the street and got my 2 miles in before the storms hit.
stats: 2 miles in 24 minutes. Streets were busy so I had to pause numerous times for traffic. I am just proud I got out there and ran. I couldn't find my heart rate monitor, so I estimate 220 calories.
Friday-rest
Saturday-4 (work 12 hour night) 4 miles done in 50 minutes.

WEEK TOTALS
MILES: 10.18

Running week of Oct 18-24

2009-10-21T16:13:00.008-05:00

Sunday- none
Monday- sat in conference all day. Was too lazy to get up early and run on the treadmill at the hotel.
Tuesday-3.5 miles of run/walk (52 minutes/includes warm up and cool down) 403 calories
Wednesday-3.5 miles run/walk (50 minutes/includes warm up and cool down)440 calories
Thursday-Its raining...imagine that. Today I will do some strength training at home. My body needs the rest day from running anyway, and I have to work 12 hours tonight. Completed ChaLEAN Extreme Push Circuit 2. Didn't burn a lot of calories, but I never do with lifting weights.
Friday-rested
Saturday-worked all night, then ran 4 miles with a friend (54 min) 549 calories. We actually ran the whole time. I didn't think I could do it. Before today I would run 10-15 minutes and would "have" to stop and walk. Now I know I can do it.

WEEK TOTALS
TIME:3hrs 22 min
CAL: 1476
MILES: 11

Running Week of Oct 11-17

2009-10-16T11:10:00.009-05:00

Sunday- zero
Monday- 2 miles (walk/run) Push 1 (1hr 11min)
Tuesday-Rest (i think it was raining)
Wednesday-4 miles (walk/run) (55 min)
Thursday-Rest (pouring rain again)
Friday- 5 miles (walk/run) (1hr 8min)
Saturday- I hope to get out in the morning and do 2 miles. (this did NOT happen)

WEEK TOTALS
TIME: 3.14HRS
CALS: 1525
MILES: 11 MILES

Have I have gone completely nuts or what

2009-10-11T19:50:00.002-05:00

I have toyed around with the idea of running for some time now. I enjoy being outdoors and I do like to jog.
A few years ago I would have never, ever considered a marathon or half marathon. Although, if I had started the training I probably would have lost weight before Turbo Jam.
Anyway, I have been bitten by the marathon bug again.
I ran Friday, Oct 2nd and over did it. I probably ran/walked nearly 6 miles. I could hardly move for 2-3 days. I ran/walked 3.5 miles yesterday and I feel great today.
Today was a rest day according to the training schedule. Tomorrow I am supposed to run 2 miles.
The key for me is to stick with the schedule and not think that "less is more". I don't want to injure myself before I ever get started!

So, I have until November 1st to get the least expensive registration fee. I will see how the training goes this month and make up my mind.

LOL.... I just laugh thinking about ME of all people RUNNING a race.

Marx Foods and my sample peppers

2009-10-07T15:24:00.003-05:00

Ok, I am finally getting around to sampling my peppers. A couple of days ago I made Taco Soup. It is finally getting cool down here in the South and I have been in the mood for soups and chili.
There wasn't much let this afternoon so I decided to add more ingredients to it and just as I was going to put in some Red Pepper Flakes I remembered I had these peppers.

I settled on the New Mexico Chilies. They are a Med heat level and are flavored like Red Anaheim Peppers. I tore them up just a little and dumped some in the pot. It is cooking right now. I can hardly wait to see what kind of flavor it will add to my boring old soup.

Jersey Bites

2009-09-26T20:11:00.002-05:00

Coolest giveaway! What gal wouldn't like to win a Dove Chocolate Variety Pack.
Go to Jersey Bites website and enter to win. You have until Sept. 29th to enter.
For me it is just in time for my birthday. The drawing should be on Wednesday the 30th. My birthday!

So click here and enter.

I have won cheesecakes from Rubies Cheesecakes on this website. Totally cool site, totally cool recipes!

Marx Foods

2009-09-23T16:43:00.001-05:00

I have recently acquired a variety of peppers from Marx Foods. It has been so busy here I haven't had a chance to use them yet.
However, it is turning fall here in Arkansas and I am ready to cook a pot of chili. I will be trying some of these peppers soon!!!

Meanwhile, check out the website.

Wyoming, take me away

2009-08-03T12:01:00.007-05:00

Sunday, July 19th we departed Texarkana and headed toward Wyoming.

sunset in Western Kansas.

This rainbow was in Southern Wyoming I think.
We drove through the night and arrived in Jackson Hole, WY Monday afternoon.
Jackson Hole is a neat town. Throughout the town there are archways, chandeliers and other things made from Elk antlers. There are 100's of shops all around the main square. Mostly souvenir shops, but also some art galleries with beautiful paintings and photography.

Throughout the next week we traveled to Old Faithful in Yellowstone and took some hikes around the Tetons.
There was a spot we found in Yellowstone on our way back to our campground where there was a lone buffalo. It wasn't long before a van pulled up with a man and woman in it. They were from Texas. The man got out of the van and marched right into the field near the buffalo. Apparently, this buffalo didn't like being disturbed by this guy and charged him. The man ended up climbing a pine tree and had to wait and wait. This buffalo nearly tore down a different pine trying to get to this guy. Eventually the buffalo moved to another spot and before you know it this guy was running out of the little grove of trees and heading for his wife. This couple were newlyweds.

This is the buffalo that had the guy up the tree. This was just before he got here.

This is Sam's bride. You can see the buffalo in the tree line. Sam is up one of those trees trying to avoid the wrath of the beast.

We fished and hiked and rested. The nights were cold. Wrapped in sleeping bags and fleece hats kept us all warm enough. The temperatures dropped rapidly just after sunset and it didn't get dark for a few hours after sunset.

This line of cars was being held up by a herd of buffalo crossing the road. It was double long behind us. Cars as far as you can see front and back.

On Sunday July 26th I took Jeff and Steve from the Tetons to Pinedale to meet up with the 4 other backpacking guys. They headed off toward the Wind River Range to do their man thing.
While they were gone we went back to Jackson, toured Yellowstone, and hiked more in the Tetons.
We saw one moose, a grizzly bear, prong horn, elk, buffalo, a falcon, were in the presence of 3 black bear that we never could actually see, ground squirrel, chipmunks, raven, a fox, mule deer.... ah, I think that is it.

Above.. this mule deer made an apperance about 3 times during our stay. One day she came right up close to our dining tent.

There is tons and tons of sage brush. Adam took a moment or two to play in it.

Adam and Victoria also built a "raft". It actually floated.

The little critters were very friendly and begged shamelessly for food.

This sign was a joke for us. We only saw one female moose. It wasn't even near this spot either.

It was a wonderful vacation. We are really glad to be home. I could post a billion photos, but there just isn't enough time.
So I will say goodbye and The End.

Rubies Cheesecakes

2009-07-16T12:13:00.001-05:00

I entered a contest on Jersey Bites website. This particular contest was for a dozen mini cheesecakes. Well my number came up on random.org. I was very excited to see I was the winner last night before bed.
So now I have to wait for 2 weeks to get them shipped.
It is very exciting.
It is a neat website and they have weekly "win it Wednesday" contests. Go check them out and you just might win.

Wyoming or bust

2009-07-12T19:17:00.002-05:00

we are on the real countdown to departure.
We should be pulling out of Texarkana Monday morning the 20th (7 days).
We have bags nearly all packed, and food bought.
As temperatures reach over 100 here it makes me more anxious to get to the Teton's where it is about 30 degrees cooler.
We will return with wonderful stories and photos.

Our fun time in Hope

2009-06-08T10:36:00.006-05:00

May 29th we spent the day at the lab. We had a great time visiting and eating etc.
After eating Kristi and I took the kids to the walking path and took pictures while they played and jumped ditches.

The fountain area at the community college is really pretty. It was warm out and the water looks inviting.

The boys sized up the width of the ditch and the probability of a successful leap across.

After they decided that the jump could be made, they started jumping, and jumping.

And jumped some more. Carter was a little more reluctant...but....

He finally made the jump. Look at that great form. He could be a hurdler.

At the end of the day they walked calmly into the sunset.

Yeah right....walked!
We will have to find another Friday to come and spend the day at the Lab.

May 30, 2009

2009-06-02T08:31:00.004-05:00

Jeff's birthday..
After a busy birthday eve we didn't get into bed until after midnight. Our plans were simple 1. sleep as late as possible 2. go to the Lilly Land, the local day lily farm.

Both items were successfully accomplished.
I had no idea there were so many varieties of lilies. We took a ton of photos!

It was a really beautiful day.

Birthday at the Lab

2009-06-01T18:43:00.006-05:00

Friday May 29, 2009 the kids and I went to the Lab with Jeff. It was a day that we were going to celebrate his 40th birthday (one day early).
We walked up to the door and found that the "Girls" had been busy that morning.

Jeff was greeted at the door by Diane and a wheelchair. "haha"
The kids had a great time playing in the wheelchair while we waited for Jeff to get settled and "play along".

Kristi brought her kids too. The kids seemed to have a great time together.

After playing in the wheelchair it was time to fire up the grill.

Jeff and his assistant at the grill Diane. She is the next one to have a BIG birthday. Actually, her birthday is in July. hmmm
While Jeff cooked the kids played on the sidewalk.

After a BIG lunch Kristi and I took the kids to the walking path and let the kids run and play. I will post another blog about that.
It was a great time had by all. Hopefully, I can go back sometime this summer.

Richland Creek

2009-05-27T19:54:00.009-05:00

We had not been to Richland Creek in years. When we were nearly there Jeff mentions that there had been a landslide in the Spring of 2008. He hoped that the road was open. WHAT.. your telling me NOW! We have been on the road for hours, and your telling me now.
Well here is the South road into the campground.

I didn't get pictures of the signs on the road that stated the campgrounds were closed until further notice.
So we look at our handy dandy Topo Map of Arkansas. We saw another campground at the point where the Buffalo runs into Richland Creek. So we drive for about an hour. Apparently, we missed the turn to the other campground and end up at the North side of the Richland Creek area. Cool, huh? This is what we found.

Did that keep us from camping. Nah, we found a way to drive around the barrier and camp anyway. The campground looked fine.

Well this was short lived. The next morning the boss of the Rangers came by with his son and said that the Rangers would be by later giving tickets to campers in the campground. Thankfully we were not the only violators. So we quickly packed up and moved. Not what you want to do first thing in the morning.
The next site was not quite as cozy as you will see. Notice in the picture above it is grassy and flat. Our new site was rocky and on a slight slope.

We had a great time fishing and watching the weather change over the mountain. It rained off and on Saturday.

Jeff and one of his small mouth bass. This is his favorite fish to catch.

Adam caught a couple of fish too.

Big spooky black clouds moving in.

Kids swimming in the freezing cold water.

Jeff caught a big crawfish and boiled it. We even served it on a silver platter.

We had planned on staying until Monday, but the weather got worse. Sunday morning it rained and and rained. We got up and were packed and outta there by 8:10am. It rained nearly all the way home (4-5 hours of driving).

Now we are in the planning stages for our trip to Wyoming.

Home, Home on the Range....

2009-05-14T07:37:00.002-05:00

For starters, because of rain, rain and more rain we have yet to go camping! The old wives tale that if it rains on the 1st day of the month it will rain for 15 days is holding true this month. Today is the 14th and guess what... it is raining! We are really hoping that we can go May 22nd.

Some exciting, too me, news is that I have made the decision that I will go with Jeff to Wyoming this summer. Nearly every summer a group of men young and old make the LONG drive to Pinedale, Wyoming. From here they put on some backpacks and take off into the back country. They spend several days hiking, fishing, talking, eating, camping, etc. It is really a great time for them.
I have requested vacation time during their absence. My plan was to sit at home and wait for my husbands return. How boring would that be. I had plans to go and see my sister for a day or two and I was going to take the kids to Shreveport for a day. So we weren't without a plan, but still.
I have always wanted to go up that way and see the sights. I love the mountains!
I decided that we would just go and stay in town at a campground. We have a tent and sleeping bags and everything we need to make it our home for a week.
We leave on July 22nd and return around August 1st. While there we will visit Mammoth Hot Spring and Yellowstone. I am sure to take hundreds of photos :)

Life as I know it

2009-04-21T09:39:00.005-05:00

I have either been really busy or just plain lazy. It seems like I am totally chasing my tail all of the time. I meet myself coming and going on a regular basis.
Working out is still going fine. I have hit a more lazy snap, but I do that every few months. I will get back in the groove soon. My weight is still about the same so I can't complain too much.

Yesterday we planted some sweet banana peppers and tomatoes. Today I will go and buy cucumbers and squash. Last year we planted and nothing grew!!! I really hope that we get some this year.

We also set up our tent to air out. It hasn't been used in several years. We are planning on going camping the weekend of mothers day. We had originally thought about going up to Fayetteville and spending the weekend. We would have to stay in a hotel and eat out all weekend. That can get expensive.
So we decided that a weekend camping would be more fun anyway. We are going to Richland Creek. We have been there numerous times and really love the area.
There are no showers, no modern facilities at all. I am really excited about the trip. I ordered the kids a tent today. Our tent is considered a "4 man tent", but it would be a tight fit for the four of us. So the kids will have their own tent. They will be excited.

You see it is also a 2 room tent. So each kid will have there own section, but be in the same tent. It will help them from being scared when it gets pitch black dark outside.

Anyway, that is what we have going on right now.

What's Up

2009-04-10T15:29:00.002-05:00

It has been a little while since I posted anything. It has been busy with work and life in general.

Today is Good Friday and the kids are out of school for a wonderful 4 day weekend. Our school is taking a break for the Easter season. They won't have to return to school until Tuesday. It is beautiful outside today. It is very, very windy and cool. Last night we had severe storms and tornado warnings. I guess the cool weather was behind the storms.

Tomorrow we plan on going to Shreveport for the day. It is only about 1 hour away. We plan on doing some shopping and have lunch. Tonight we will color some eggs and just relax.

Sunday after church we will be having a Fellowship Meal. Most of the families in the church get together with their families at home. There is a group of us that do not have family here in town so we all get together on Easter and dine together. It is small and more intimate than our usual Fellowship times. It is a very nice time.

We have also started making plans for another trip to Fayetteville. We are hoping that Mother's Day weekend we will be back up in NW Arkansas.

Ciao for now.

Rockin' Body

2009-03-24T12:45:00.001-06:00

Shaun T the maker of Hip Hop Abs and taken it to the next level.
Dance your way to a rockin' body.

ChaLEAN Extreme

2009-03-24T12:37:00.001-06:00

This is what I am doing now. This workout ROCKS!
Check it out
http://beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/jeneferb/

Turbo Jam

2009-03-24T12:35:00.001-06:00

This is the workout that helped me to lose weight and win $10,000!.

How much am I supposed to eat?

2009-03-24T04:41:00.003-06:00

Sustained weight loss is a trickier proposition than it may first appear. The old adage of "calories in, calories out" is true, but there is more to the equation. Individual scenarios play a role when strategizing how you should eat in order to best facilitate weight loss. Here's a brief look at how to tip the scale in your favor.

Three strategies can affect weight loss: changing your diet, changing your level of exercise, and supplementation. Only the first two are very effective on their own, but they are much more effective when combined. Supplementation only plays a supporting role in the process, which can be significant when combined with proper diet and exercise. By far the best way to get quick results is by combining all three.

The way this process works changes over time. The perfect weight loss program at one point in your life may not be the best strategy at another point. Our body compositions change, and dietary needs change along with it. Therefore, the diet that excelled for someone 50 pounds overweight with 35 percent body fat won't work the same when that person is 10 pounds overweight with 20 percent body fat. In fact, it is more likely to stagnate results.

Let's take a look at an average overweight person and a likely scenario for sustained weight loss.

Fasting

Beachbody® recommends a short fast (usually liquid with some calories) when beginning most of their entry programs. In general, fasting is a cleansing tool, not a weight loss tool. However, upon an initial fast, an overweight person is likely to lose some weight, because he or she probably has a lot of undigested gunk in his or her system. While fasting is one-time weight loss, it's a great way to kick-start a fitness program.

Early stage

This is where the "calories in, calories out" concept works like a charm. A de-conditioned, overweight person can exist—and even flourish—while grossly undereating. Add some exercise to the equation, and weight loss should be rapid. Basic supplements like a multivitamin, along with condensed macronutrient foods like protein powders, should be used because it's difficult to get all essential nutrients while undereating. This stage of dieting can go on for quite some time. Transition is more up to individual body composition changes than anything else.

Later stages

As people get fitter, their nutrient needs change. If they continually undereat, their results will plateau, at some point. This is because they are not getting the nutrients needed to fuel the additional muscle on their frames, so their bodies begin to shut down. The way to get their weight loss moving again is to add calories, and the amount of calories needed can be dramatic. Here's an example:

We had a male customer go from 230 pounds to 190 pounds eating around 1,200 calories a day. His target weight was 175, but his weight hit a plateau of 190. He increased his caloric intake slowly. At around 1,800 calories, weight loss began again. At 2,000 it accelerated. At 2,200 he plummeted right through 175 and kept going until, at 150 pounds, he leveled off at 3,000. By eating slightly more than 3,000 calories he was able to get to 175 pounds and stay there.

Starving is not the answer. Your body needs fuel to operate normally. Your brain, heart, lungs etc. Beachbody has a ton of great supplements and delicious shakes. All of the protein, meal replacement, and 2 day Fast Formula come in chocolate and vanilla. Also, be sure to check out the info on Shakeology. This is brand new!
It just might be the healthiest meal of your day.

You can find me at www.beachbodycoach.com/esuite/home/jeneferb/

Product Promo with Beachbody

2009-03-20T12:02:00.002-06:00

Last group

2009-03-17T11:25:00.004-06:00

this will be the last group I post on my blog. I promise :)

The rock you see, that was our destination.

View from the top of Yellow Rock Trail.

2009-03-17T10:40:00.004-06:00

Adam the cave explorer.

the falls on one of the trails

Gigantic rock. See how small the kids look.

Kids at the opening of Devil's Icebox. In the summer you can go down into this cave and it's cool.

Bat in Devil's Den Cave

I love this guy! 18 years together, awwww.

Kids climbing around on the rocks beside the falls.

More Vacation

2009-03-17T10:16:00.001-06:00

The kids in front of the falls at Devil's Den.

The living room at the cabin.

Victoria shooting some hoops at the arena.

More hoops.

I do have more scenic photos. Just have to take some time and decide what I want to post:)

The end of a vacation

2009-03-16T17:34:00.003-06:00

We are home! It will be great to sleep in our own beds tonight. I love the mountains and could stay there forever, but my bed is here.
It was nice to get away and spend the time together as a family. We enjoyed showing the kids the places in Fayetteville that we lived, ate, worked, fished, hunted, and went to school. Jeff attended Graduate School at the U of A. It is funny how things change. It has been about 11 years or so since we visited.
Today (03/16/09) we took the kids to a knife shop and to see Bud Walton Arena and Museum, and the football stadium and museum.

Trip

2009-03-15T19:59:00.003-06:00

Right now we are in Fayetteville. Relaxing in a hotel. The cabin was wonderful. Not quite as nice as the cabin in Gatlinburg, but nice enough.
I really love this area of Arkansas. The great places to fish and hike!
Today is March 15th and it is our 18th anniversary. WOW, 18 years.
This is a photo of the falls at Devil's Den. It is right near the Visitors Center and Store. You don't have to hike to see this.

I will have more to post later this week after we get home. For now we are in relaxation mode. We are doing a little more site seeing tomorrow and going by A.G. Russell Knifes. It has been a wonderful anniversary weekend.

Trip

2009-03-12T13:11:00.001-06:00

We are packing for the trip. I am very excited about going despite the weather report. As I type NW Arkansas is under a Winter Weather Advisory.
I will post some pictures etc when we get back home.

TTFN

A week at the gym

2009-03-08T11:57:00.001-06:00

Dear Diary,
For my birthday this year, my daughter (the dear) purchased a week of personal training at the local health club for me.

Although I am still in great shape since being a high school football cheerleader 43 years ago, I decided it would be a good idea to go ahead and give it a try.

I called the club and made my reservations with a personal trainer named Belinda, who identified herself as a 26-year-old aerobics instructor and model for athletic clothing and swim wear.

My daughter seemed pleased with my enthusiasm to get started! The club encouraged me to keep a diary to chart my progress.

__________________________

___
MONDAY:
Started my day at 6:00 a.m. Tough to get out of bed, but found it was well worth it when I arrived at the health club to find Belinda waiting for me. She is something of a Greek goddess - with blond hair, dancing eyes and a dazzling white smile. Woo Hoo!!

Belinda gave me a tour and showed me the machines. I enjoyed watching the skillful way in which she conducted her aerobics class after my workout today. Very inspiring!

Belinda was encouraging as I did my sit-ups, although my gut was already aching from holding it in the whole time she was around. This is going to be a FANTASTIC week-!!
__________________________
TUESDAY:

I drank a whole pot of coffee, but I finally made it out the door. Belinda made me lie on my back and push a heavy iron bar into the air then she put weights on it! My legs were a little wobbly on the treadmill, but I made the full mile. Belinda's rewarding smile made it all worthwhile. I feel GREAT-!! It's a whole new life for me.
_______________________________
WEDNESDAY:
The only way I can brush my teeth is by laying the toothbrush on the counter and moving my mouth back and forth over it. I believe I have a hernia in both pectorals. Driving was OK as long as I didn't try to steer or stop. I parked on top of a GEO in the club parking lot.

Belinda was impatient with me, insisting that my screams bothered other club members. Her voice is a little too perky for that early in the morning and when she scolds, she gets this nasally whine that is VERY annoying.

My chest hurt when I got on the treadmill, so Belinda put me on the stair monster. Why the heck would anyone invent a machine to simulate an activity rendered obsolete by elevators? Belinda told me it would help me get in shape and enjoy life. She said some other crap too.
_______________________________
THURSDAY:

Belinda was waiting for me with her vampire-like teeth exposed as her thin, cruel lips were pulled back in a full snarl. I couldn't help being a half an hour late - it took me that long to tie my shoes. Belinda took me to work out with dumbbells. When she was not looking, I ran and hid in the restroom. She sent another skinny witch to find me.Then, as punishment, she put me on the rowing machine -- which I sank.

____________________
FRIDAY:
I hate that witch Belinda more than any human being has ever hated any other human being in the history of the world. Stupid, skinny, anemic, anorexic little cheerleader. If there was a part of my body I could move without unbearable pain, I would beat her with it.

Belinda wanted me to work on my triceps. I don't have any triceps! And if you don't want dents in the floor, don't hand me the stupid barbells or anything that weighs more than a sandwich.

The treadmill flung me off and I landed on a health and nutrition teacher. Why couldn't it have been someone softer, like the drama coach or the choir director?

________________________________
SATURDAY:

Belinda left a message on my answering machine in her grating, shrilly voice wondering why I did not show up today. Just hearing her voice made me want to smash the machine with my planner; however, I lacked the strength to even use the TV remote and ended up catching eleven straight hours of the Weather Channel.

________________________________
SUNDAY:

I'm having the Church van pick me up for services today so I can go and thank GOD that this week is over. I will also pray that next year my daughter (the little brat) will choose a gift for me that is fun -- like a root canal or a hysterectomy. I still say if God had wanted me to bend over, he would have sprinkled the floor with diamonds!!!

~ ~ ~ ~

Kristy McLean

2009-03-02T14:08:00.004-06:00

Kristy McLean is the Million Dollar Body Grand Prize Finalist, women age 30-39. She looks wonderful. Her starting weight was 235lbs with 33% body fat. She is now around 145lbs and 12% body fat. She looks smaller than 145.
She has transformed her body and her life.
If you are a Beachbody Community Member and you haven't voted to HERE and pick your favorite. Community votes count for 40% of the decision. These 8 finalist have already won $50,000. One man and one woman will walk away with the grand prize of $250,000.

Anyway, I voted for Kristy to win the $250,000.

Check her out at her blog.

Give me strength

2009-02-27T19:22:00.002-06:00

Girl Scout Cookies everywhere! I have some favorites. We actually have them in the house. WHY!!!!!!
Tagalongs the perfect blend of chocolate and peanut butter on a thin cookie. Delish..

Jeff and Adams favorite are Thin Mints.

They have mowed through 2 boxes! I haven't even had time to put some in the freezer. I intended on putting some back to save for this summer. I want to chop them up and blend with vanilla ice cream and make a mock thin mint blizzard.

Anyway, I worked with the nurse that has a daughter in Girl Scouts. I bought 2 more boxes of Thin Mints and a box of dulce de leche.

For now I am just trying to stay away from the Tagalongs

Pie

2009-02-24T10:10:00.003-06:00

Who doesn't love a good fruit pie! I know I just love them or I used too. In making healthier choices in my eating this is one pie I can't afford to eat anymore.
This pie is the more calories and such than an entire meal.

check it out
480 calories
20g fat
69g carbs
But hey look it does have 4g protein!!!

Bye, bye cherry pie !!!

March

2009-02-24T09:08:00.002-06:00

I want to start by thanking all of my friends and family for supporting and encouraging me. You all are priceless!

On March 15th Jeff and I will celebrate 18 years of marriage. 18 YEARS!!! Are we that old, OMG.
I wouldn't change a thing. He is my best friend.

We had decided some time ago that if California didn't work out that we would go to NW Arkansas and go hiking and show the kids Razorback Stadium and around Fayetteville where we used to live.

So today I called Devils Den State Park and booked a cabin for the weekend. This is rather short notice to try to get into a cabin. Especially since that weekend is Spring Break. Thankfully they had a cabin for us. I am very excited!

I have a few trails pick out too. We just need to decide which one to do.

Arkansas State Parks

Believe me there will be photos from our trip.

No Hollywood for me

2009-02-23T08:34:00.001-06:00

The judges in the contest did not pick me for a finalist. I am very disappointed, but.. I am ok. I have to be right.

I am a winner no matter what. I never started this for $$ anyway. I wanted to feel better, look better, and be a better wife and mother. I have achieved that.

So since that weekend is my anniversary we (us and kids) are going somewhere. I hope hiking or something. I need to get away from here.
With all the drama of the hospital going bankrupt and then being bought by another company and worries about jobs etc. I need a break.

Thank you for all of your encouragement and support during my ranting about the contest. You will be glad to know that I can now move on to other things..lol

Counting down!

2009-02-19T07:34:00.002-06:00

The time is rapidly disappearing. I still have not heard anything from Million Dollar Body. As I have said before I only assume that they are calling the finalists ahead of time. I can't help but feel like they would have already called and that somewhere there are 8 people very excited and planning a trip to California.
I know Jeff is probably so sick of me worrying and fretting about it.
They will make the announcement on Monday. I will get a blog out about the winners when I know something.

They have a little "commercial" about the finale. It is pretty cool.
Throughout 2008 they had
1158 participants
96 winners (I am one of those...woohoo)
4393 pounds lost (WOW) that is an average of 46 lbs/person. I lost 49.5
1591 inches

These are very impressive statistics. I am proud to have been selected and to even have a chance at anything. I have succeeded no matter what.

More spring pix

2009-02-18T18:29:00.006-06:00

Here are a few more pictures I took today.

this house is near our house. I love this house and the pink blooms on the tree.

Glory of Spring

2009-02-18T14:11:00.004-06:00

Even though it is only February the flowers are blooming everywhere. You can already see hints of the yellow haze of pollen. Before long everything will be covered in the stuff causing a multitude of allergy symptoms.
Today is absolutely beautiful. Today is the perfect day in my opinion.
I went outside and took some photos of our flowers.

February 17, 2009

2009-02-17T07:39:00.002-06:00

For starters I want to say Happy Birthday to my sister Sarah. She came and rocked my little world in 1974. I was 2.5 at the time and she invaded my space and toys and everything. We were not really close growing up. Another sister came along about 18 months after her and they were like twins. As we got older (grown with kids), we became closer.
She lives about 2 hours away. I miss her a lot.

1. Next Monday Team Beachbody will announce the finalists for the $250,000. Just getting in the finals assures you $50,000. I am very anxious waiting. I try not to worry or think about it too much, but I almost cannot help myself. I just try to take a deep breath and go about my day. I try to be positive, but I really don't have a lot of confidence about it. I have looked at the updated stats and photos of the others in my age group, and WOW.

2. I am in my last week of the Push Phase in ChaLEAN Extreme. I am lifting heavier! I am stronger, I look stronger. My muscles are becoming more defined. It is really awesome. Next week I will start the Lean Phase. Workouts average about 40 minutes each. This is about 8-10 minutes longer than the Push Phase.

Today is supposed to be a rest day, but I have decided to do some cardio. Not quite sure what yet, but something. Maybe Burn Intervals, or Fat Burning Challenge.....hmmm

More ChaLEAN

2009-02-11T16:42:00.004-06:00

I am really loving the Extreme! I am into the 3rd week of the 2nd phase. I previewed the next phase. I will begin the Lean Phase on Feb. 23rd. The workouts are a little longer and a LOT more intense than the previous 2 phases. It combines upper and lower body work at the same time like the Burn Phase did. With the heavier lifting of the Push Phase.

Here is one of the moves. This beauty is called Plank with single-tricep extension. Goal, to hold yourself in plank position while you do tricep extensions. In this phase you lift heavy enough to "fail" at 10-12 reps.
Looks like next month is going to be fun.

Stuff

2009-02-06T08:33:00.004-06:00

For the last week the house has been sick. It started with Adam and he kept it for about 6-7 days. Victoria was a little sick but not as bad as Adam.
Now Jeff is sick. Temperature, achy, chills, sore throat etc. He is a walking NyQuil commercial.
I am hoping my years of working on pediatrics has really helped me to build up an immunity. I cannot afford to get sick. Who would take care of me? Who would take care of the house? the dishes? the laundry?

I hope this weekend everyone gets better and we get the sickness outta here!

Tomorrow I will finish week 2 of the Push phase of ChaLEAN Extreme. I really am noticing I am stronger, but I am limited to 15lb weights. I really need to get the heavier weights, and I have found some I really like. It is just hard to part with the $$$.

These are the weights I am thinking about they are by Weider. Each dumbbell goes from 10-50lbs in 5lb increments. With the stand for $299 at Sears. The reviews have been strong in the positive. I played with them at the store and they seemed easy to change weight and lift out of cradle etc.

I worked all night last night. I am tired and heading for a nap.

Go Red for Women

2009-02-03T10:52:00.001-06:00

Join with millions of women, as well as companies, organizations and cities across America on National Wear Red Day, Friday, Feb. 6, 2009. By wearing red and making a donation, you'll help the American Heart Association support ongoing research and education about women and heart disease.

Plan a Wear Red Day
It's easy to be a part of this special day. Consider organizing a National Wear Red Day at your workplace, with your faith-based organization, at your community center or in your home. We've made it simple with our free, downloadable tools. Use them anytime of the year to host your own Wear Red Day event. It's a great way to raise awareness and help us fight our No. 1 killer - heart disease.

You Can Give a Child a Book

2009-02-03T06:52:00.003-06:00

But can you make them read it!

Every January at Veritas Academy there is the much anticipated Reading Contest. The entire elementary reads as much as they can for the month for the coveted 1st place. They tally the number of pages read per child and the child that reads the most pages in their grade wins the 1st place title and a prize from the super duper prize table.
The deal is the child must read a book on their grade level or higher. This prevents the 6th graders from reading a million little readers.

In the Bruce house we have Victoria, she is our little reader. In the month of January she read 2239 pages. The books were large and approx 600 pages each. Jeff and I both love to read, so she comes by it honest. On the other end we have Adam. What is there to say about Adam. We tried to get the boy to read. Give him a book and he would sit there forever and look like he was reading. He is very good at making himself look busy and not get anything done. Needless to say, he didn't even get through 1/2 of a book.

This Friday there will be an awards assembly to announce the winners. Victoria usually ranks in the top 2.

Today is a rest day on the ChaLEAN Extreme calendar so I am going to do Get Lean Intervals and Extreme Abs. I will save the rest day for later this week, just in case.

Turbo Kick

2009-01-28T09:09:00.003-06:00

In the beginning there was Turbo Kick. This was the brain child of Chalene Johnson the creator of Turbo Jam.
There are opportunities all over the US for certification courses to teach Turbo Kick. This summer I plan to become an instructor. I don't know if I will ever use it, but it is just something I really want to complete.

If you are interested HERE is the info available for a class being held in Arkadelphia, Arkansas in August.

Gloomy Gray Tuesday

2009-01-27T08:59:00.004-06:00

Baby its cold outside. It is also raining like crazy. Supposed to turn to ice later today.
So just before my nap I decided to walk out onto the front porch and take a few pictures.

Where ever you are enjoy your day.
I am now going to take a little nap.

Relaxing anxiously

2009-01-26T12:33:00.003-06:00

All my stuff is turned in. The video was delivered this morning. I am waiting on a confirmation email that they received my stuff.
So now what... I sit and wait. The deadline for receiving the entry is Feb. 4th at 1159pm. I can't imagine waiting that long!
Then the "big announcement" to the Beachbody Community is on Feb. 23rd. I assume they will be calling the winners before that date so they can start making arrangements to get people there.
I have probably written this exact stuff, but I don't care.

I am relieved that everything is turned in. I am nervous waiting. Why, I don't know. It is totally out of my hands.

Thanks for "listening".

UPDATE: Just got an email that all of my stuff was received! sigh.....
i need doughnuts

My friend Jody

2009-01-24T14:10:00.001-06:00

I have a dear friend Jody. She is a Registered Nurse and jewelry maker.
She has beautiful stuff and keeps getting better and better.
Wanna see her handy work.
JC Designs at Ruby Lane

It is finished...sigh

2009-01-24T11:01:00.005-06:00

I have officially emailed my photos, essay, stats etc.
It is such a relief to get all of it gone.
I have lost 49.5lbs and 37.25 inches from my body. (9 inches from my waist) WOW
I will post a couple of photos from our photo shoot today. They turned out pretty good considering I am NOT photogenic in any way:)
Photo 1: in one of the photos there must be the front page of current newspaper. Proof that photos were taken in proper time frame.

Side view!

I like this one. It is rare that I find one I like.

So here I am. All out there and everything. I figured that it wouldn't hurt since before long they will be all over Beachbody's website anyway.

Now it is time for groceries. I will be working out later.
Workout of choice will be Burn it Off (that include the famous "screamers") and Recharge.

the video

2009-01-23T09:23:00.002-06:00

I am officially washing my hands of the video saga.
I just dropped it off at FedEx. I will monitor its progress like the nerdy obsessed girl that I am.

Now, I am off to nap:)

Thank you and goodnight

For fun I am throwing in a picture of me flexing..lol

Working it out and working out

2009-01-23T08:26:00.003-06:00

I am about too peel myself from this chair and run to FedEx. I am ready to get this priceless video out of my hands. Actually, I just hope it is worthy of becoming a finalist in the Million Dollar Body Game by Team Beachbody.

I worked my 12 hour night shift and then came home and worked out for around 37 minutes.
Today was Burn Circuit 3. It involves a lot of shoulder work. My shoulders were screaming. It always seems more difficult after working all night. But, I did it. I was even able to groan out 2 super mega slow push-ups on my toes! These are 8 count push-ups. You know 8 down, 8 up. KILLER!

The FedEx store should open in about 15 minutes. So I am off.
Tomorrow morning we will get up and take my measurements and photos for the rest of my required stuff.

In preparation for this "photo shoot" I started a 2 day fast. I am using the 2 Day Fast Formula by Team Beachbody. I usually pick chocolate. It is good as a hot coccoa type drink or as I drank it yesterday. 1 sccoop powder, 1 pkg equal, 1 cup water, 2 whole frozen strawberries.

I am not normally a proponent of "fasting" "starving". I am a moderation all the way girl. However, because I hope to make these photos rock, I figured a couple day fast and cleanse wouldn't hurt. Right? :)

Working out

2009-01-21T20:26:00.004-06:00

You know a few years ago I would have never imagined that I would love working out so much.
I am just thrilled with how it has changed my physical appearance. More than that, I feel stronger mentally too. It really has changed me inside and out.

I can hardly believe that I am nearly done with 4 weeks of ChaLEAN Extreme. I am really loving it. My arms are really looking great. I can even do 4 push-ups on my toes! Very huge accomplishment for me.
Now I just need to get some heavier weights.
The selecttechs are just so expensive. The heaviest weights I have are 15's right now. I guess I will live :)

this photo is the one I used to update my beachbody profile for the Grand Finale! We are getting down to the wire on submitting stuff. I am getting more stressed about the video. I think we have it down though. Got the "speech" in the right time, got the room with proper lighting. It is just a matter of not sounding like a robot for 3 1/2 minutes :)

Ok I will shut up.
Tomorrow it is more practice with video and a tough workout.
1. Fat Burning Challenge
2. Extreme Abs

I need a drink

2009-01-20T17:26:00.002-06:00

So the famous Essay is complete and ready to send. Now I am working on the video portion of my project. I think it has been worse than the essay.
I have written and rewritten 10 dozen times today. I have to state my business in 3min 30 sec any thing over that time will be cut off before it reaches the selection committee.
I have literally worked on this ALL day today. I still have not officially taped it. I finally got it right after the kids got home and I decided to wait until I had the house to myself.
I am way tired of this mess today.

So I am down to taking photos and measurments, and of course the video.
I plan on being at the FedEx store in the morning! Do you hear me!!!!! LOL

For the rest of the night I am chillin' like a villin'.

Food and stuff

2009-01-16T09:02:00.002-06:00

Watching my food intake is one of the hardest things to "get". I will journal for a while and then slack off to nothing. I know that I do better when I am writing it down.
I started again this week. I am attempting to stay around 1300 calories a day.According to my food guide 1000 calories should be split between the 3 main meals. So far I have done well. I am working really hard on eating and exercise lately. I have run myself down to the wire for the contest.
There is so much on the line right now. I am a fretful mess :)

Today for breakfast
1 scrambled egg (i do NOT use butter or milk) I used a light spray of Olive Oil. The spray has NO nutritional value. It shows "zeros" for everything.
3 ounces fresh mushrooms that I sauted in the olive oil spray
1 tsp of shredded cheese
1/2 cup cottage cheese
1 slice of wheat toast (dry) the bread is a "45 calorie per slice" kind.

Total calories for breakfast 223, with 6gms fat, and 25gms protein.

That is it for now. I had a great workout this morning. I have to get a shower and a nap. I work 12 hours tonight. I plan on coming home and working out before bed.

Have a great Friday!

Starting week 3

2009-01-12T09:00:00.003-06:00

Today begins week 3 of ChaLEAN Extreme! Time sure flies by.
I am feeling so much stronger. My weight is steady, but I have lost inches. Inches that I can see without the tape measure.
With the DVD's there is a Kitchen Makeover and Healthy Eats.

1. Get rid of the JUNK! Keep healthy snacks to grab etc. That is obvious, right.

I thought I would throw in a few healthy recipes from the DVD.

Waldorf Salad Spin off
1 cup cooked chicken (from a package or can)
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1 cup chopped green apples (she used package of already sliced apples and chopped them up)she says you can use any apple or grapes
1/2 cup crushed almonds
1 cup plain fat free yogurt
dash of lemon juice
mix it together and eat. You can even wrap it in a pita or whole wheat tortilla. Leave out the chicken and have it for breakfast. She says used the pre-prepared stuff as much as you want.

Yummy Chocolaty Jello Dessert
sugar free chocolate pudding
sugar free strawberry jello
2 scoops cool whip
mix together and top with 1/2 cup fresh strawberries
(makes a big dessert and is right around 100 calories)

Turkey Chili
1lb lean ground turkey (browned)
1 pkg chili seasoning
2 cloves garlic
8 oz black beans
8 oz whole corn
8 oz pinto beans
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 tbsp tomato paste
1/2 onion diced (saute with garlic before mixing with other stuff)

I will probably make the chili this weekend. It is supposed to be COLD!

Questions to consider

2009-01-09T20:39:00.003-06:00

These are the questions that I must answer in my approximately 750 word essay

1. Please tell us about your entire transformation, including what has

happened in your life since winning the contest. [Please include information such as how the transformation has changed your life, how your transformation changed the lives of people around you, what has changed since you won the contest, etc.]

2. Please tell us about any health issues you have faced in the past, how

you overcame those during your journey, and how your health is today.

[Please discuss the emotional and physical health issues you overcame, as well as how your friends and family may have affected your decision to change your life, etc.]

3. What additional fitness/Beachbody® programs have you used since

winning the contest? [Please include information like what kind of stuff you are able to do today that you couldn't do before your transformation, what you are able to do now that you couldn't do when you won the contest, etc.]

4. What obstacles did you overcome during your journey, and what obstacles have you faced since you won the contest?

5. How has your diet changed since you began your transformation, as well as since you won the monthly contest?

Time is running out

2009-01-09T08:54:00.004-06:00

The Million Dollar Body Contest for 2008 is coming to an end. The Grand Finale is quickly approaching. There are 96 men and women around the US right now working feverishly to write essays, get new photos taken, and videos shot in time for the voting.
The dates for submitting are Jan 5th - Feb 5th. Everything MUST be received by MDB by Feb 5th. If you are late you are disqualified. There is $250,000 on the line here and a runner up prize of $50,000.
I am working out like crazy trying to get the last minute workouts in before I take the photos and video. I am working on my essay and hopefully Jeff will get around to helping me make it look better.
I plan on doing the photos and video on the 24th of January. I may get gutsy and post a photo or two from the shoot on this blog. Don't hold your breath though.

For now I am done with my workout today. I have worked the last 3 nights and I am tired.
Just so you know... I may have worked the last 3 nights but I have also worked out when I got home from work every morning. Sunday is a rest day. Unless I decided to ride the stationary bike...hmmmm.

I suppose I should add that finalist will be announced on Feb 23rd.
I suppose I should also mention that the big shabang is March 13-14. Our 18th wedding anniversary is on the 15th. Wouldn't that be the coolest. A paid trip to Hollywood, California!

Workout Schedule

2009-01-06T14:27:00.002-06:00

I have completed the first week of ChaLEAN Extreme. The recommended schedule is really quite nice.
It is laid out to where you have 2 rest days and 5 workout days.
For the first 30 days my schedule is like this:
Sunday Rest
Monday Burn Circuit 1
Tuesday Rest
Wednesday Burn Circuit 2
Thursday Burn Intervals and Ab Ripper
Friday Burn Circuit 3
Saturday Burn it Off and Recharge

The workouts are about 35 minutes each. The exception is Burn Intervals which is around 40-45 minutes.
Don't let the shorter workouts fool you. They are called "Burn" for a reason!
I am really loving the new workouts. I just need more weights. I have 5, 8, 15 pounds. I need a 12#, and then some heaver than 15.
I am looking into Selecttech by Bow Flex. They adjust from 5-52lbs and even have 1/2 lb increments. But they tote a hefty price tag.
I will put them on my wish list.

It is finally here!

2008-12-29T21:48:00.004-06:00

I thought it was never going to make it. I am about to leave for work, so I wont write much now.
But "ARE YOU READY?" I am..

Obviously, this is the box. Under the newsletter is where the adventure begins.

Each DVD has 3 workouts on them.

I plan to start the adventure tomorrow morning. I plan on having Victoria take my "Day 1" pictures.
I am very excited to do this new workout. I will keep you informed!

My Philips MP3 player

2008-12-24T22:35:00.003-06:00

This is the Philips SA3020 SA3021 2 GB mp3. It also hold photos and video. Right now it is on charging. It takes 5 hours. I am picking cd's and buying some mp3s to put on it.
This is my list I bought from Wal-Mart.
Who Knew (Pink)
When I Grow Up (Pussycat Dolls)
We Will Rock You (Queen)
Stupid Girls (Pink)
So What (Pink)
Say It Right (Nelly Furtado)
Rockstar (Nickelback)
Pocketful Of Sunshine (Natasha Bedingfield)
Love Remains The Same (Gavin Rossdale)
Leave Out All The Rest (Linkin Park)
Hot N Cold (Katy Perry)
Hollaback Girl (Gwen Stephani)
Hey There Delilah - (Plain White T's )
Gotta Be Somebody (Nickelback)
Call Me When You're Sober (Evanescence)
Glamorous (Fergie)
Broken - (Seether)
Bohemian Rhapsody (Queen)
Bleeding Love (Leona Lewis)
Big Girls Don't Cry (Fergie)
Better In Time (Leona Lewis)
Apologize - (Timbaland)
(You Want To) Make A Memory (Bon Jovi)

So far I have put only a few songs from cd's. A little Pantera and a little Metallica's Master of Puppets Remastered. I have a very eclectic taste in music as you can see.

I just wanted to share my Christmas present.

A new ornament

2008-12-22T14:54:00.006-06:00

I went in the living room to look outside and I found a new ornament in the tree.
Honestly, it was only a matter of time. We knew it would happen.

"You cant see me"

"Ha, this is the best hiding place"

"Hey, Ajax, what are you playing with. I want to play"

Christmas not just for the kids

2008-12-22T14:32:00.004-06:00

I was not going to put up a tree this year. Today I changed my mind. I am glad I did. The kids were very excited about getting it up an lit.

It wasn't just the kids that were happy.

Felix was elated! He sat under the tree and looked and looked and looked some more.

Isn't he cute :)

Team Beach Body Coaching

2008-12-20T16:23:00.002-06:00

Want more information on becoming a coach and earning a little money while you do it.
Beachbody Revolution

Hope for Christmas

2008-12-19T09:40:00.014-06:00

No, I don't mean what it sounds like. I was in Hope yesterday for the Crime Lab Christmas party. It was wonderful. Just 5 of us. It is wonderful to be included in their little group. We just needed Amy to drop by!
There was lots of wonderful food. I was so stuffed!

At the lab Jeff worked.

Madison worked

Kristi worked

Uh, Diane..played..lol

Danzig the Dog watched quietly

In the TINY break room we had a wonderful buffet. There were crock pots of happiness everywhere.

As things came to an end we had cleaning. Maddie worked really hard yesterday. No one felt too bad since she was leaving Friday morning for Wisconsin. She will be gone 2 weeks.

Kristi had to play some too. Her handsome brother brought in some beautiful pink roses for his "friend". Kristi has aspirations of becoming a professional bride, or something like that. Maybe a bride model for a magazine.

Seriousness can only last so long before our true Kristi came shining through.

It really was a great day. Thank you girls for including me :)

Trying something

2008-12-14T19:32:00.001-06:00

I have been playing on photobucket today. I made a "remix". These are photos of me from 2001-2008. I am amazed at how awful I looked.

So we will see if this works.

We Wish You a Merry Christmas

2008-12-14T13:51:00.003-06:00

Today we had our annual photos taken at church in front of the tree.

Another prize win..lol

2008-12-12T21:05:00.003-06:00

Diane the saver of coins and $1 bills. Had another How Much Is It contest.
I had worked and was sleeping during the contest. Jeff voted on my behalf. I had NOT intended on entering since I just won!
Jeff in the spirit of Price is Right placed his bid and won.

The total was $321.00.

WOW Diane.. That brings the total to $941.53.
The moral to the story is SAVE YOUR CHANGE (and ones)

ChaLEAN Extreme...Finally!

2008-12-12T08:05:00.008-06:00

After waiting somewhat patiently for what seems like MONTHS it have finally been released. I placed my order as soon as I got home.
Hopefully it will ship quickly so I can get started.

Want to order try here
Want to see what the buzz is all about you can go here

Enjoy!

Making Sourdough bread

2008-12-09T14:06:00.005-06:00

I have a friend at church that I just adore. She has 5 beautiful grown children and she teaches Latin at the kids school.
Anyway, she has a sourdough starter that she has had since, well for around 20 years!!!! She is forever bringing bread to church functions and it is so delish! It doesn't have a soury sourdough taste like some you get from the supermarket.

I decided I would like to give it a try. So my friend said she would volunteer some of her starter. On Sunday she gave me a bowl with the starter and a 2 page recipe on how to feed the starter and then how to make bread.

Man, I had no idea how much attention it took. Ok, the feeding isn't a big deal, really.
It has to be fed a minimum of 1 x weekly, and as much as every 3 days. For a feeding you have to add 1 TBSP potato flakes, 3/4 cup sugar, and 1 cup warm water. You give it a good gentle stir and then lightly prop the lid on the jar/bowl and leave it out 10-12 hours.
Then you can either put it back into the refrigerator or you go to the next step and begin the process of making bread. If you are making bread you pour in 1 cup of the starter and follow the directions.
The whole process takes a couple of days. Not quite like throwing flour, sugar, yeast, etc in a bowl and in a few hours you have fresh baked bread.

So right now I have 2 loaf pans of bread in the oven on the rise (I hope). It takes 3-5 hours for this process. I am really hoping to have a loaf for dinner tonight.
Time will truly tell.

I was beginning to worry. The paperwork said to let rise 3-5 hours. Well after 3 hours the bread didn't look like it was going to do anything. So I waited another hour. It wasn't quite to the top of the pan but I cranked up the oven anyway. It was already after 6pm and the family needed to eat.
It turned out wonderful! Flavorful! Delish!

I won a prize

2008-12-08T17:24:00.006-06:00

My friend Diane had a contest to guess how much change she had saved.

She had saved a whopping $620.53! My guess was in the $400 range. Way low but still higher than the other guessers.
Want to see what I won!!!

PJ says "whatcha got there momma"

Now to go shopping...hmmm

Testing your geekishness

2008-12-05T17:57:00.006-06:00

Jeff found a website to take a test to check your geekness.
I am 18.5% geek. Shocking info was Jeff was 39.64497% which makes him a Major Geek.
Have fun and take the test.

The brown shirt sports a molecule of Theobromine. Caffeine is our favorite stimulant. It is easy to get and comes in many forms. But did you know that Caffeine has a sexy younger cousin. Her name is Theobromine, and she's the tasty little number who puts your mind in a happy place while you are eating chocolate. Molecularly similar to caffeine, but with just enough differences to make her a much smoother date, Theobromine is slower to burn out of your system and induces gentle, sensual stimulation to your muscular and cardiovascular systems. Grrrrrrrr!

Check out www.thinkgeek.com. It is a geek superstore of fun clothes, and gadgets.

Raking the yard

2008-12-03T18:54:00.003-06:00

We have a few pine trees in our yard which produces obscene amounts of pine needles. Layers and layers of them. Today I decided we would get out and rake the layers up before the next ones fall and makes it even more difficult.
The kids decided to play after we had 7 bags or so finished. Besides it began raining a little.

What is all the buzz about

2008-12-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

More info on ChaLEAN Extreme. Man I feel like I have been waiting forever!
Here is a trailer for you viewing enjoyment.

A trip to Benton for Thanksgiving

2008-12-01T09:48:00.008-06:00

On Friday November 21st we left Texarkana and headed to Benton for a week long trip.
First stop was my sisters house to leave the kids with her for the night. We don't see them very often so the kids were excited to spend time with their cousins Katie and Camryn.
Saturday around noon Jeff and I headed back over to my sisters house to visit and have a little family party to celebrate Victoria's 12th birthday.

It was really great. In attendance was my parents, sisters Sarah and Brook, brothers Jim and Patrick, nieces Kaitlyn, Camryn, and Wednesday, nephews Jake and Sam. Robert (brooks husband), Nikki (Jim's fiancee), Jay (Sarah's husband) Quad (friend of Patrick's). Only people missing was brother Joe (girlfriend Saundra), sister Angela, niece Jessica. I think that would be it. So I guess there were 17 people in my sisters place. WOW!!

Jeff, the kids, and I spent the night Saturday night. Jeff got up Sunday morning and went hunting. Missed a doe and hit a little tree. Poor tree :)

Sunday afternoon we were back at Jeff's parents house.
Jeff hunted in the mornings and late afternoons. On Monday evening he had taken Victoria hunting. It was then he missed a buck and got a doe. Victoria was so excited to witness it. We stayed up until 2am "processing" the deer. Jeff and I were very sleepy. It is nice to have a freezer of meat though.

Wednesday I had to come back to Texarkana to work for the night. It was Wednesday that Jeff's brother and his family made it to Benton. After working all night I went back to Benton for the remainder of the week.

It was a great visit. Friday afternoon the boys got Mohawks. We had a great laugh.

Friday afternoon was the great game between Arkansas Razorbacks and LSU Tigers Battle for the Boot. I didn't watch much of the game. Jeff gave up toward the end. I watched the last and most important 30 seconds of the game.

Saturday the 29th finally rolled around and we packed up the car and headed back home. I am so thankful for HOME!

I guess that is enough about this for now.