The Biggest Loser: Hansen Edition

Before Christmas, Tim and I were over at my Mom and Dad's house with my brother Eric and my sister-in-law Karen.  We were sitting around talking and my Mom asked us if we would be interested in doing a Biggest Loser challenge.  My Dad said he even had a prize.

Tim and I talked about it and decided we were in.  We would both like to lose some poundage and thought this might be a fun way to do it.  Then, we found out the prize.

My Dad is giving the winning couple 2 free airline ticket vouchers.  I don't remember how much they're worth, but 2 free airline tickets.  We're definitely in!

Yesterday was the initial weigh in.  We all (except for Tim because he's been sick) met at Eric and Karen's house and weighed in. Tim and I were the "smallest" couple...not my much.  We will weigh in again in 2 weeks on January 14.  Then, we will continue to weigh in every 2 weeks.  The couple who loses the highest percentage of weight wins the airline tickets. 

Here's hoping it's us because we could really use a vacation.  I will say this though...I would rather just lose the weight, regardless of whether we win or not.  I'm ready to get moving on this challenge!

The Magic of Christmas

Early in December, my parents donated money to the Fraternal Order of Police to help them with their "Shop with a Cop" program and with their donation, they were given several tickets to a magic show called "The Magic of Christmas."  It was on Thursday and since we had the kids, we decided to take them. 

My parents got their early enough to sit right on the front row, so the kids, along with John and Kate, and Cole got to sit right up close and personal with the magician.  It was a fun way to spend an evening...with many laughs.

Because we were right in the front, we got to participate.  The magician needed a shoe, so Eric's size 13 Doc Martens got to play the part.  

 The magician's wife (ie. the assistant) wore lots of really short dresses and even got to float.

One guy got to participate in the chop your head off illusion.  

The magician put his wife in a box and pushed a bunch of swords through it.

The funniest part of that trick was the outfit his wife was wearing.  Her boobs were falling out of the bottom which cause much laughter in our section, probably everyone else too.  My dad said that maybe she needs a bigger size.  I tried to get a picture, but it didn't turn out to great.  I guess you'll just have to take my word for it.

It was a little corny for a magic show, but we had fun.  I should mention that the poor magician had his trailer with all of his magic tricks stolen last week, so he did great improvising.  There were also some technical difficulties with the music that were super frustrating for him.  But, we did have fun and I guess the FOP did so great with their fundraiser they were able to help 20 more kids than they were planning on. 

Christmas with the Elwoods

I was going to post this yesterday, but I had a MEAN case of food poisoning, involving issues at both ends of my food chain, so instead of blogging, I spent much time lying in bed or worshiping the toilet.  Definitely not how I planned to spend Tim's day off or the day after Christmas.

However, Christmas this year was awesome.  Tim and I spent Christmas Eve with my parents, and brothers and their families.  We ate appetizers and played games and I watched the Sound of Music with Cole.

Christmas morning, I woke up early, like I always do and got ready for church.  Because I sang in the choir this year, I had to be their early.  Unfortunately, that also meant that Tim got to come to church and sit by himself.  I love having Christmas on Sunday.  I love being able to start the day off feeling the spirit and really focusing on the true meaning of Christmas.  The program at church this year was fantastic and it definitely set the tone for the rest of the day.

After church, Tim and I headed over to my parents with Kona to have gingerbread waffles.  We love them but they are SO rich that I'm glad we have them only once a year...except that Tim and I made them for the kids yesterday too.  We got to watch Cole play with his new kitchen that my parents made for him.  He loved it and when Karen asked him how much he said, "46."  I have no idea what that means, but it was cute.

We came home and I sort of took a nap while Tim played a game on the Xbox.  The kids arrived around 2pm and we had Christmas at our house.

Kona even got to join in the fun and opened some presents and even shredded a box...his favorite thing to do!

Rylan LOVED his Pittsburgh Steelers tshirt!  In fact, I'm pretty sure he's been wearing it since he put it on Sunday afternoon.  I'm really hoping I can talk him into taking it off today so I can wash it.

Tim got a couple of new hoodies, a tool bag, a flashlight, and a few other things.  The only thing I was able to surprise him with this year was the 12 days of Christmas.

The demon dog made a few appearances.

Kyra got a new snowboard and some snowboard boots so she's all set for snowboarding this season...if we ever get some snow.

I got some super duper huge cookie sheets (Tim wants me to bake more...), as well as some other baking stuff, Sister Dalton's new book, and my personal favorite, a pair of super cute cowboy boots.  I don't have a picture of the boots yet, but I love them!  Tim said that we're turning into "cow" people, but I have no idea what that means.

After presents, we headed back to my parents for dinner.  My Dad made a delicious stuffed pork tenderloin and we had salad and baked potatoes and it was so fun.  Then we played games and it was time to go home. 

We decided to watch "A Christmas Story" and that went pretty well.  I ate some leftover 7 layer dip (hence the food poisoning) while Tim and the kids had candy and popcorn.  Apparently, I should have skipped the dip and eaten the candy.

Anyways, we had a WONDERFUL Christmas and I'm sad that it's all over.  I guess now it's time to move on to the next thing!

The Challenges of Christmas Shopping and Giving

Tim and I have been working on our Christmas shopping.  This year, I'm being a stickler about the budget for many reasons. Mostly, because we don't really have the extra to spend, but also because I feel like we don't need to. 

We are so blessed in our lives.  Tim has a good job that provides not only the necessities of life, but also some of the luxuries.  We have a very nice warm home.  The kids definitely  have what they need and want.  I also have what I need and want.

As we've tried to come up with ideas for Christmas gifts for ourselves and the kids, we've kinda been stumped.  Tim says that he buys stuff for himself all year round so he doesn't want anything.  The kids haven't really had many suggestions.  So,  I've been trying to be creative with our shopping.  And trying to talk Tim out of spending $23 for a set of measuring cups.  :)  Not that I don't need a new set of measuring cups...I just think $23 for a set of measuring cups might just be a LITTLE pricey.

Tim took care of Kyra's shopping so she's all done.  Rylan has been much trickier this year.  He's right at the age when he's getting too old for toys, but he's not ready for the typical teenage gifts.  Plus, he's growing SO fast, that it's hard to get him any clothes or shoes because I'm fairly certain that he'll grow out of them within 2 months.  I think we're almost done with him, but I'm hoping he'll like what we've got for him.

We haven't bought anything for Kona yet.  I'm still hunting for a gift for my parents.  We're done with Eric and Karen.  I still need to get my neighbor gifts together, but I know who and what I'll be giving.  I just need to get it together and do some shopping and baking.  We still need to come up with something for Tim's parents. 

The shopping has definitely been challenging this year.

One of the other reasons we're cutting back this year is because of the commercialization of Christmas.  I'm SO glad Christmas is on a Sunday this year.  I love going to church Christmas morning.  I love singing the Christmas hymns and I love having that focus on Jesus Christ throughout the day.  I'm hoping to keep that spirit in our home by really paying attention to it and not focusing so much on the gifts under the tree.  Plus, we don't have the kids until Christmas afternoon/evening, so they'll have already opened presents at their mom's and extended families.

Anyways, the last thing I wanted to mention about gifts and shopping is a quote that our Stake Presidency put in their Christmas letter.  It talks about gift giving and I love it!  It says,

"In 1906, on Christmas day, Orson F. Whitney, then a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, spoke at the tabernacle in Salt Lake City.  He spoke of three essentials to consider when giving gifts:

The gift should not impoverish the giver.  While designed to promote the happiness of the one who receives it, it should also give happiness to the one who bestows.  Therefore it should be such a gift as the giver can afford to give, one that will benefit in the highest sense the bestower, and one that will exemplify the truth of the divine declaration: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' (Acts 20:35.)

The gift should be appropriate - suited to the time, the place, the person, and the condition...

Lastly, and firstly, and all the time, it should be given ungrudgingly, not for policy's sake, nor to conform to any mere custom of fashion, it should be an expression of pure friendship, of exalted affection, and the giving should be heartfelt and sincere. ...Well and wisely has it been said: 'The best Christmas gift is not the one that costs the most money, but the one that carries with it the most love.'"  

I feel like we've followed this counsel this year and I feel like its going to be a great Christmas...now, if I can just get in the mood to bake, we'll be all set.  

Being a "Wicked" Stepmom

There are alot of ideas out there about who or what a stepmom is.  Honestly, in my head, I picture the typical "wicked stepmother" from all of the Disney movies.  I even joke with Kyra and Rylan about being their "wicked" stepmom, especially when I'm bugging them about doing chores or telling them "no".  However, I think that being a stepmom is a unique experience and its probably one of the harder aspects of my life to explain to people.

A few weeks ago, I was visiting with a friend and we were talking about raising kids and the challenges that come along with that.  She asked me if I felt like I had changed since I got married and became a stepmom.  I thought about it for a moment, and then replied, "Nope, I don't think so."  She was surprised and asked me why I thought that.  How in the world could I not have changed?!

I told her that before Tim and I got married, we sat the kids down and talked to them about my role as their stepmom.  I explained to them that they already have a great Mom and that I was definitely not going to try and replace her.  I told them it was completely and totally fine to call me AJ and that I would probably find it a little weird if they called me "Mom."  Tim and I talked with them about our "House Rules" and asked them for input.  We, especially I, tried to be very very upfront about my expectations because I feel like if everyone is not on the same page with expectations, we're setting ourselves up for some major upsets.

I honestly feel like having this conversation was really key to making our family work.  It also helps that all of the parents and step-parents are on the same page about raising Kyra and Rylan and that there is communication going on between all of us.  The schedule of when we have the kids is pretty normal, and we can make it to all of the kids activities because we all live within 10 minutes of each other.  So, really, we have the best worst-case scenario.

All of this is what I explained to my friend about why I don't think I've changed since Tim and I were married.  However, I've given that question alot more thought.  I even talked with Tim about it and he agreed that I haven't changed since we've been marrried.

Probably alot of that has to do with getting married at age 31.  I think I had plenty of time to figure out who I am and my personality is pretty set.  I also think that because I'm a fairly laidback person...probably the most laidback person who lives in our home, I don't really feel the need to change much since how I am works.  Does that even make sense?

Anyways, there are alot of really great things about being a stepmom and I thought I should probably take the time to list them because, like I said earlier, its difficult to explain what being a stepmom is like.  So, here's my list.

1.  Part-time kids.  :)  How awesome is it to be able to have kids and then send them back to their other family?  We really look forward to having the kids come and all of the noise and chaos and taxi-driving and laughter and fighting and fun that comes with them.  I think we probably enjoy this much more because it's not the typical daily thing for us.

2.  Being able to support Kyra and Rylan in all of their activities and "stuff."  How cool is it to watch kids be successful?  While driving around to soccer practice and back and forth to scouts and Young Women and track/cross-country practice, is not my favorite way to spend my time, I think seeing Kyra and Rylan achieve goals and develop their talents is awesome!

3.  Not having the "serious" role of parent.  Because I'm not "mom," I think Kyra and Rylan open up to me more about stuff going on.  I've learned that the best place to get them talking is in the car.  I think that's because there's no confrontation going on at all.  I'm looking at the road and paying attention to what's going on around me, while they're looking out the window and just chattering away.  I also think they share stuff with me that they maybe wouldn't share with Tim, although I share it with him, because they know I'm not going to react.  I'm not a "reactor" so I sometimes wonder if they test info out on me, just to see what the response will be.

4.  Having instant teenagers.  I don't have to deal with poopy diapers, or whiny toddlers, or teach someone how to tie their shoes (I can hang out with my cute niece and nephews if I feel the need to play with small humans.)   I do have to deal with picky eaters and nagging people to take showers and wear clean clothes. I don't have to teach Kyra and Rylan how to behave...mostly.  That's all been taken care of.  So, really, I just have to set an example and followthrough on my expectations.  I'm pretty sure I missed the "nurturing/motherhood" line in heaven, so dealing with teenagers works for my personality.  Oh and I don't have to put leashes on them in stores or yell at them to watch for cars or make sure they don't catch themselves on fire or stick a fork in a wall socket.

5.  Being able to have "adult" children in 7 years!  How cool is that!  By the time I'm 40, Rylan will be done with high school and we'll be able to move on to the raising adult children phase of our lives.  That brings a smile to my face.  :)

Being a stepmom is great!  I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but I would say that if you're wondering about taking on someone else's kids, being a stepparent is not as bad as it seems.  You probably just need to go into the experience with your eyes wide open.  At least for me...

Oh and one more great thing about being a stepmom, hearing your stepdaughter introduce you to her friends saying, "This is my stepmom AJ and she's awesome!"  Who wouldn't want to hear that?

A Grateful Heart

Today, I got to wake up early and think about all of the many, many things I've been blessed with in my life.  I'm so grateful that we have the opportunity to celebrate Thanksgiving and take one day out of the year to focus on all of the "stuff" we've been blessed with.  The other night, Tim and I were talking and I asked him to list the top 3 things he's grateful for.  To be fair, I thought I would post mine here...in no particular order.

TIM

I'm so grateful for my husband.  He has brought so much MORE to my life.  I'm grateful that we get to do all sorts of fun things and that we truly get to live life!  I'm grateful for all of his love and support in all that I do.  I'm grateful for his hard work and that I get to spend so much time with him.  I'm grateful for his patience with me and I love him more each and every day.

MEMBERSHIP IN THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER DAY SAINTS

I'm grateful for my membership in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  I'm grateful for the spirit that we have in our home.  I'm grateful for my Savior, Jesus Christ.  I'm grateful that we are led by a prophet, President Thomas S. Monson and that we receive such amazing counsel and blessings.  I'm grateful for my testimony and for the scriptures.

FAMILY

I'm grateful for my family.  I'm pretty sure that I have the very best family in the whole world.  I'm grateful that I get to be a stepmom to Kyra and Rylan.  I'm grateful that we get to spend so much time with them and for all of the joy and excitement and stress they bring into my life.  I'm so grateful for my parents and for all they have done for me and all they continue to do for me.  I'm grateful for my brothers and sisters-in-law and all of my cute nieces and nephews.  I'm so grateful that I get to be an aunt.

LIFE

I'm grateful for the life I get to lead each and every day.  I'm grateful for all of the adventures I get to have.  I'm grateful to live where I live and to be able to enjoy all of the beautiful creations around me.  I'm grateful for my body that is healthy and strong that allows me to do all of the fun stuff I love to do. 

CHALLENGES

I'm grateful for the challenges, trials, and hard things in life.  I'm grateful for the strength that I develop through them.  I'm grateful for the personality traits that I've been given that allow me to endure my specific trials.  I'm grateful for my desire to challenge myself and for the drive and determination that is in me.

Those are just a few of the things that I'm grateful for.  I hope you all have a grateful day and enjoy the feast!

The Ogden Half Marathon! We're In!

I woke up at 5:55am this morning to register Tim, Kyra, and I for the Ogden 1/2 Marathon in May.  This is one of my very favorite races and I'm totally excited because this will be Tim and Kyra's first 1/2 marathon.  Oh, and our friends Tom and Andrea and KeniaAnn and even my mom are signing up.  What a fun day we will have! 

Little Bear Bottoms Corn Maze

At the beginning of the month, Kyra and I got to go to Little Bear Bottoms Corn Maze with the young women and young men from our ward.  We had fun...mucking around in ankle deep mud...but Rylan was very sad because he wasn't old enough to go.  So, since we didn't have plans last night, we decided to take the kids and their friends to the corn maze.

Rylan loves going to Little Bear Bottoms Corn Maze, I think mostly because of the big giant hay bale maze. This is actually a picture from their website.  I didn't think to take one last night.  Tim tried to get me to go inside.  I think I made it in about 3 feet before I was on my way out.  Apparently, I do not do big giant straw forts.  I'm WAY too claustrophobic.  Tim also says this explains my aversion to long-term snuggle time.  Perhaps he's right?!

This is a great place to take kids because there's alot of stuff to do.  Besides the straw fort, there is a string maze.  Kyra said that the string maze is where you get to look like an idiot in front of everyone.  I guess my friend Andrea's daughter totally clotheslined herself when they did the string maze last week.  I haven't tried it but it does look fun.

Tim and I headed into the corn maze with Rylan and Tyce.  I should probably mention there are two mazes...a long one and a short one.  I should also mention that I had never exited a corn maze at the exit so I was just planning on wandering through the corn.  When we did this activity with the young men and young women, the girls said you just take every left and you'll come out in the end.  So, that was my plan.  The boys decided they always wanted to choose the right, so we quickly lost them.
We proceeded to walk and walk for quite awhile...like maybe 2 miles or so.  Oh and I thought, hey, let's take some pictures.  Here's what I learned about taking pictures in a pitch black corn maze with my husband.

Apparently, it's very tricky to get your husband to be serious while taking pictures in the pitch black dark.

After we made it out of the corn maze...yes, my first time ever exiting the exit of a corn maze, Tim and I went over to sit on a hay bale and watch Ichabod Crane and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow.  I was entertained and actually laughed out loud a few times.  That movie is definitely a Halloween classic.

Once the movie was over, Tim and I headed over to the fire and stayed warm while the kids finished up their stuff.  I would definitely recommend this corn maze as a great place to take your family.  There's lots to do.  There are also several interesting conversations you will here.  Oh, and they have a haunted river trail and a haunted tractor ride.  I still haven't done those yet, but maybe next year.  I guess this has become a new family tradition.

Saturdays are Busy

This has been a super busy Saturday. Kona woke me at 5:30am to go outside and then I was awake, so I decided to head out for a run.

I actually got 6 miles done and felt great! When I got home, I took Kona for a walk around the neighborhood to cool down. He decided he was in kind of a naughty mood.

Then it was home for a shower. At some point, Kona found a kleenex box and we ended up with this in our living room.

Tim and Rylan headed off to put the bumper on the cruiser (more on that in a minute) and I headed to the Cache Valley Gardener's Market. Tim says I am a sucker for farmer's markets and he's probably right. I went with the intention of buying some lettuce. I came home with 2 bags of gourmet organic lettuce, a bag of spinach, a bag of over the top delicious arugula, a jar of raspberry jam, 2 mini strawberry pies, 2 mini razzleberry tarts, and a bunch of radishes. I'm thinking that Tim is probably right.

When I got home, I dropped off the yummy goodness I bought, and Kyra and I headed to my parents. We were planning on finishing planting our vegetable garden, but the soil is too wet, so we helped my parents plant 25 arctic willow bushes.
Here's the before picture.

Here's the after picture.

Oh and in the middle of this, Kona decided that he's lost his fear of water and went to play in the canal.

He got to come home smelling like a swamp.

When the planting was done, we headed out to Tim's dad's house, except we had to turn around and head home to bring the jeep Tim's dad is selling to a mechanic for an inspection. Anyways, Tim came to pick us up and we headed to McDonald's for a quick lunch. Then, we got to spend the next 5 hours helping Tim put the new 200 lb bumper on the cruiser.


Here's the mostly finished product.

In the middle of all of this, Tim sold his dad's jeep. Here's my father-in-law's dance of joy!

I headed home with the kids and pulled out the chicken for dinner tomorrow, as well as the frozen pizza for dinner tonight.

While dinner was cooking, it was off to McDonalds to pick up our movies. We love the redbox!

So, now we're lying in bed, with Kona, watching "Knight and Day"...dumb movie, but entertaining... I'm just glad that the day is almost over.