Physically Fit

My "healthy" perspective has been changing so much lately, it's crazy.  It started with this "unconventional" attitude with food and now it's trickling into other aspects in my life.  I question the real use for everything (I'm not talking about religious stuff- don't worry mom!  My testimony is still as strong, if not stronger than ever).  I guess what I'm trying to say is:  once something that I KNEW to be right is completely wrong (like whole grains and soy products are super healthy) what other tried and true facts in my life are incorrect?

My biggest dilemma right now is exercise.  The past routine was participating in a morning class at the gym like kickboxing or step aerobics and working like crazy- sweet dripping, legs shaking, can hardly stand afterward-crazy.  Emotionally I felt great- so proud of myself for keeping up with the instructor and accomplishing something really difficult.  I knew it was good for my body and would help me live a longer and fuller life.  But physically I was exhausted.  By the time I got the kids home, fed, and to bed all I could do was sleep while they were sleeping.  This daily snooze-fest only added to everyone's stress because I couldn't take advantage of precious nap time to prepare for the rest of the day, clean, and unwind.  I didn't realize it wasn't working on so many levels because I didn't think there was another way.

What REALLY is "physically fit"?   Is it the ability to run a marathon?  Is it having a perfectly formed, athletic build?  Is it being able to lift hundreds of pounds?  Is it flexibility?  Is it having crazy amounts of energy?  Is it keeping breathing under control even in the most tense situations?  I don't know the answer to these questions, but I WANT to be physically fit.

I don't think I need anything in my life which depletes my energy and adds stress (I have enough little depleters in my life right now).  So for now I'm enjoying classes like Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, and Qi Gong.  I like the more relaxed and "listen to your body" atmosphere of these classes.  I also appreciate the fact that these classes GIVE me more energy.  I also walk and walk and walk as much as I possibly can (which is much easier now the weather is mild).  I don't know if this exercise perspective is wise and I hope I'm smart enough now to know that I don't know ANYTHING. My goal right now isn't to look perfect in a bikini, it's to have enough energy to serve and love my family and those around me AND give my body what it needs to remain healthy. 

I think the most important point I've learned in this small journey I've begun is how amazingly smart my body is- MUCH smarter than my brain.  It has been telling me what I needed this whole time and I chose not to listen.  Each of us are individuals with different exercise and dietary needs.  There's no one size fits all program.

Spider Crawl

The heat has finally broken and I can actually see why people live in the state of Texas.  We enjoy mornings in the 70s and afternoons in the 90s- WHAT A RELIEF!!!

With the cooler weather it's actually possible to relax outside and we're loving riding bikes, walks, park adventures, flying kites, and just hanging out in the back yard. 

I was hoping Delia would start walking before the mild weather arrived, but, alas, we still have a crawler.  She's had lots of major falls while attempting to walk, so for now, she's decided crawling is much more comfortable.  

This presents problems at the park and on cement.  But, I'm learning to loosen up about bloody knees and stained clothes- as long as Delia is happy and safe... AND not TOO filthy...

Here's her cute little "protect the knees" crawling technique:

 

The Great Food Experiment

So… flash back to about a year and a half, summer 2010- we were visiting Utah and I hadn’t seen anyone in my family for months. My brother comes walking in looking younger and fitter and more full of life than I’d seen him in a long time (it’s not like he was fat or old-looking before, but there was still an amazing transformation). We started talking about this new diet he was on and I immediately lost interest. “Dieting” has always been such a horrible idea to me. Starving and depriving my body has never sounded enjoyable or healthy. He started naming all the things he didn’t eat- grains, dairy, sugar, salt, processed meats- ALL MY FAVORITE THINGS! I was super happy for him, but I knew I could never give up on my favorite foods, no matter how unhealthy they supposedly were.

I’ve never considered myself a “healthy” person. I’ve had problems with falling asleep, anxiety, depression, allergies, stomach aches, fatigue, low blood pressure, and headaches my whole life. In all those days of suffering I never thought the food I put into my body had anything to do with it. I was more focused on medicines. I was constantly consuming Ibuprofen, Pepto Bismal, allergy medicines, and my blood pressure medication with some relief, but never anything lasting.

These problems finally came to a culmination after we moved to Texas. I’m not sure if it was the stress of the move, the intense heat and humidity, or my body had just had enough, but my health was so dire I couldn’t even function. I had reached rock-bottom and was so desperate for any relief.

I decided to read the “Paleo Diet” and see for myself if it made sense. After reading the book I decided it couldn’t hurt to try for a few weeks. After THREE DAYS on Paleo my headaches and stomach aches completely disappeared without any medicine. Now it’s been about two months and the transformation has been amazing- for both me and Bryan. As long as we eat the right foods our health is incredible- lots of energy, great sleep, a sense of well-being, less allergies, weight loss, and just plain feeling great.

In a nut shell the Paleo diet isn’t really a “diet”. It’s a lifelong way of eating and exercising- eat as many fruits, veggies, and meats as you want with a small amount of nuts. It’s super simple. The CRAZIEST thing of all is I don’t feel deprived. I LOVE the food I eat not only because it tastes delicious, but it makes me feel amazing.

There are some cons of course: It’s super expensive and we can’t even afford the organic and grass-fed recommendations which cost even more money. But we are proof that it's still possible to feel great even though we can't afford "high-end" foods.  We figure spending more money on food is a smart investment for our future health, but we also get more out of each day when we feel good. Another con is the time it takes to prepare and clean up is major (it’s not hard to imagine eating cereal for breakfast is less work than a veggie and meat omelet with cut up fruit on the side). But again, the sacrifice is completely worth it.

Since this is a major part of our life now, I will be blogging much more on the subject. Things like how the kids are doing on the diet, exercising, and my continued acne problems are a few I’d like to discuss, along with many more topics in the works.

I know I sound like an infomercial trying to sell something, but I truly feel passionate about this diet. I told Bryan I wish I could hand out the Paleo Diet book and the Book of Mormon to everyone I see and say, “This one’s for the health of your spirit and this one’s for your body.” I don’t know what dismal health I’d be in if my brother hadn’t shared his new-found knowledge with me, but I’m so grateful he did. Love you Golden.

Our Little Author

A few years ago my darling niece Ella created this beautiful book:

Don't you love the fancy T?

The kids love to read it and talk about how much they miss their cousins and can't wait to see them. 

Every time we got it out Hyrum would exclaim he wanted to make a book too.  Unfortunately his attention span wasn't quite strong enough for a whole book- until now....

AND so, without further ado, I present Hyrum's debut novel:

"Once Luke was with Leah they were on Endor."

"When Luke and Han Solo had found Leah Luke left."

"Luke went to the Death Star Luke was fighting Darth Vader the Emperor shocked Luke."

"Darth Vader picked up the Emperor and threw him in a hole Darth Vader died."

"Luke put Darth Vader in a fire."

"But they had a celebration"

I love the quick conclusion, no need to drag it out!

Snippets

There are so many rewarding moments as a mom.  One of the best is when the kids are playing nicely and entertaining themselves (perhaps because it's so rare).  Ivy and Hyrum have become amazing playmates- creating their own worlds and imagining fantastic adventures.

As I'm rushing through my daily to-do list it's such a treat to catch little snippets of their games.  Here's just a few:

Hyrum:  "Don't kill me!  Remember I'm your husband!"

Ivy: "Open your presents."

Hyrum: "I'm a bird and I haven't hatched out of my egg." (He's wrapped in a blanket.)

Ivy: "Okay, then I'll sit on you." (She sits on him until he hatches out of the blanket.)

Ivy: "This is the Tiptoe Forest and Barbie is the princess."

Hyrum: "Here's a map to find the friendly frog.  He'll tell us where the treasure is."

Ivy: "HELP!"  Ivy tells Hyrum to say, "I'm coming!  But I'm a prince so I'm busy!"

Hyrum: "That's the monster weapon (plastic wrapping bubbles) and they don't like the smell of it... or the hit of it."

Ivy frequently reminds me of one of my favorite fictional characters Frances, who sings adorable little songs all day, just like our little Ivy.  Here are some snippets from them:

"If you want to marry meeeee

you have to give me your moneeeey

Cuuuuz I'm the princeeesss."

"Sometimes De De be's nicccce

Sometimes De De be's meeeean

But we love her if she's meeeean

Cuuuuz she's my sister."

A Room With a View

  Sunsets...

Ocean waves...

 Misty moors...

he he

No.  Not even these breathtaking views can compare to this: 





Not very many things can relax the mind and body like a clean kitchen sink.  Don't you feel so zen just looking at it?

Journaling

Keeping a journal is very important to me.  I'm so grateful for those individuals who've taken the time to jot down what was happening in their lives, even though it might not have seemed important at the time.  I've gained so much strength from the scriptures, ancestor's lives, my parent's writings, other's blogs, magazines, and books- all because someone simply wrote stuff down. 

Now... I'm not saying my life or writing is special or momentous, but maybe something I do or say will help someone, or just make their day a little brighter.  When I write I usually think of my kids reading the post in the future, and hopefully it will help them know how much they're cherished.

Since journaling is important to me I figured I might as well start teaching Hyrum the art.  He has a simple little notebook with a question at the top of the page.  He just answers the question and draws a picture- easy. 

Here's just a few of his entries:

Question:  What do you like to do with Ivy?

Answer:  I like to play Dora. (the Explorer)  With Ivy.

Question:  How many people are in your family?  What do you like about your family?
Answer:  there are 5 people in my family and I Love XXXXXOOOOO them  (look a Delia's cute curls:)

Question:  What do you want to be when you grow up?
Answer:  I want to be Luke (Skywalker) when I grow up.  Cuz he's cool.

Question:  What are you really good at?
Answer:  I am good at the Wii.  Because I know how to do it.  And I win and Mom and Dad and Ivy Lose

I don't know if this will create good habits for life.  I DO know it's adorable and I'll make him do it until he realizes I'm not the boss of the universe.

Baby Slime

Delia has started teething-  a statement that sends chills down the spine!  No sleep, tantrums, and overall fussiness... yep, sounds like a typical day at our house. 

Since constant pressure on her sore gums helps alleviate the pain, she likes to use each of us as her own personal teethers.  Hyrum and Ivy are super patient with her (since the stumps in her mouth aren't sharp yet). But, they don't love the residue she leaves behind, which they've nicknamed "baby slime". 

Here she is, going in for the kill:



I happen to think baby slime is adorable and delightful... unless Delia just ate brocolli, then it's just gross.

She can almost always be found with something in her mouth, preferably hard with a little squish.  Mmmmmm... plastic cookie.



Stages of a Diaper Change

Delia is very strong and very fast, much like a puppy wriggling free from even the most determined arms (we often refer to her as our little puppy).  She also CAN'T STAND lying on her back.  So, as you can imagine, diaper changes can be problematic nowadays...

Here's the stages of a typical diaper change with our dear one year old:

We first begin with the recognition that the dirty diaper cannot be ignored any more- whether because it is sagging enough for crack to show, or because the stench has created a green cloud (or both).

Now comes the preparation step. Take out all the needed supplies, open, and organize- as if preparing for a natural disaster.



Here comes the tantrum stage as we lay the darling baby on a safe, secure surface...  legs flailing dangerously close to the steaming pile in the diaper, clenching booty cheeks like a vice so retrieval is impossible,  just prolonging the screaming and torture.  It's hard work, but with precision and patience cleanliness IS attainable. 





Just as the bum is shiny and clean comes the first escape.

  In a circumstance where the choice is to keep the baby restrained and leave the diaper (and it's contents) unattended for siblings and other loved ones to step, fall on, and/or play with OR allow the prisoner to flee and secure the diaper, ALWAYS choose the latter!!!



Next, comes the second escape as fumbling with those tiny, slippery onesie buttons is inevitable... at least the diaper's on...



ANNNND FINALLY, the goal is reached!  The baby is cleaned and clothed.  Now just breathe easy and know that a great feat was accomplished ... but don't revel in your success for too long cuz the baby's playing in the garbage ...

Lifesavers

Compared to many families I know (including the one I grew up in) 3 kids really isn't that many children. I keep on observing in absolute awe the mothers who can handle more than three. How does everyone get fed, clothed, cleaned, played with, and loved? How is the mom actually smiling and at ease?  How come the children are actually behaving instead of acting like a bunch of monkeys set loose at a candy store?

Three kids has been a huge challenge for me- I'm not complaining, I LOVE having them in my life. It's just hard to find time to accomplish anything besides making meals, eating meals, and cleaning up meals.

It's always crazy and chaotic at our house, but I have found a few things that have made my life a little easier these past months. 

Here's a few:

This is our trusty squeezy spoon.  It's so nice for semi-liquid food that's tricky to successfully make the journey from container to mouth without spilling.  Delia is devouring her green smoothie (half spinach, half frozen fruit blended together with a little liquid) in this picture. 

This is our "monster spray".  Due to the horde of monsters in our house, the kids have a hard time being alone, especially at bedtime.  The best tool to deter these pests is a nice, relaxing fragrance (apparently monsters hate the smell of lavender).

Delia is into EVERYTHING these days.  I remember having the time to follow Hyrum and Ivy around the house at this stage- cleaning after them and making sure they were safe.  That's just not possible nowadays... so it's nice to have safe, not too messy diversions scattered around the house for just a few more minutes of kid-free time.  Delia loves these magnets on the fridge.

In an effort to keep things positive around here we have our little behavior charts.  It's nice because it helps us focus on good behavior instead of just punishment.  When Bryan or I notice the kids being extra good, they get to move one space (the figures are attached with Velcro).  When they reach the end they can pick a prize from our prize bucket.  It's so exciting for the kids and really helps them understand the kind of behavior that's expected in our home.

When I ABSOLUTELY have to get something done and can't have a little screaming baby at my feet, I use the play pen.  Delia complains at first, but usually ends up content for a few minutes.  Hyrum and Ivy like to join the pacn'play party too.

We use this floatie so everyone can play with mommy in the pool... and mommy's back can relax for a little while.



In a post about lifesavers, how could I NOT include this dude?  He's such an amazing support and friend.  His patience with the kids (and me) is amazing.  I'm so grateful for my darling husband!

I also need to include both parents, my mother-in-law and all my siblings (including in-laws), my friends in throughout the US, my ward members and fellow bloggers.  So many times I've gained strength from these wonderful people, just like angels here on Earth.

AND, last but not least- my Savior and Father in Heaven.  Their comfort and strength are never ending and generous.