Thanksgiving Scenes

Happy Friday! I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving surrounded by friends and family.

We had a pretty great Thanksgiving, which started pretty early at GPP. We did a crazy long workout to kick off turkey day. It is probably the single most busy day of the year. We had a great turn out as usual for our “Turkey Burn.”

Janey (my sil), me and my friend Ashley & then me and my friend Lauren.

I love working out with these ladies on the daily.

When I got home I finished preparing a few dishes for our Thanksgiving. This year I was in charge of

• Quinoa Salad
• Cranberry Sauce
• Rolls
• Asparagus
• Pie

• Pineapple Souffle

• Cheese and crackers

 

Here is my obligatory Thanksgiving plate!

We got to have all my brothers with us this Thanksgiving which was awesome. I love these dudes!

My sister Heather and I. We are missing Jessica and her little family, they go to Georgia every year with her in-laws but we got to face time with them during our meal which was fun.

I obviously got the tall gene.

 

My dad (he had surgery on his eyes, hence the glasses.) Kyller, Heather, me and Brent.

There was plenty of rough housing going around. Leave it to these boys to rile up the twins in a matter of minutes.

Roen slept through most of the day in true baby fashion.

We had a great Thanksgiving!

Now, that it is BLACK Friday and I’m going to scope around the internet for some killer deals. (I opted out of the rush of going out this year. Sleep trumps the deals this year)

Are you a black Friday shopper?

Any good deals that have caught your eye?

The Best Thanksgiving Day Tips and Workout

 

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you all have a wonderful day filled with family, friends and of course food!

Here are a few tips I have to help you have a great day.

One of my tips was to workout before you eat. How about a 1000 rep workout to start off your turkey day!!? Sounds pretty good to me.

Most of all.

Enjoy your day.

Thanksgiving is a great day to remember all the things that make our world go around so, as always I am thankful for my family, my friends, my job, and even my trials.  I am thankful for all of YOU and the joy and support you bring to me and this little blog. Everyday I am thankful for your comments and messages and our virtual friendship.

What are you grateful for?

First Date And A New Treat

I can’t believe tomorrow is Thanksgiving!

I feel like ever since I had Roen time has flown! Isn’t it weird when your pregnant time seems to go by so slow and afterwards it feels as if you just blinked and a month has gone by?

Adjusting to a family of 5 has been just that. I total adjustment. It has been a good adjustment though. One thing that seems to fall to the wayside after you have kids is date nights!

Brent’s mom has season tickets to the Utah Jazz games and she knows I am a huge fan. She offered to watch our kids for us while we went to the game for a few hours.

I got ready and curled my hair and had the best time with Brent. The game was a nail biter but unfortunately we lost by one basket! I love the games that go back and forth till the buzzer.

This morning I had a quick breakfast before heading out to work. I love having a little salty and a little sweet for breakfast. The Ezekiel cinnamon raisin english muffins are my absolute favorite. I smeared some almond butter with some banana and the other with two runny eggs.

I did the workout in between coaching classes. You think I would be used to running with an additional 10 lbs. but this was hard for me. Especially the over head! My first week working out and I am sore! I guess that is expected.

Source

 

Yesterday while I was out running errands I snagged up this bag at costco. It was a total impulse buy but completely worth it!

They have these nuts at Trader Joes and they are one of my favorite treats so I had to grab a bag!

This combo is a winner!

This guy is starting to smile! I have yet to be fast enough to catch that big grin on camera..

Are you still looking for some Thanksgiving Recipes?

Check these ones out!

Thanksgiving Recipe Roundup

Hope you all have a great Thanksgiving tomorrow!

We have a big turkey burn planned tomorrow at GPP, then it will be off to my dad’s later for Thanksgiving and then we have another that night at Brent’s moms house! I am excited for a little family time and delicious food!

What are your plans for turkey day?

What is your favorite dish at Thanksgiving?

oh the weekend.

Happy Monday!

You guys! Thanksgiving is this week and I am so excited and we are having Thanksgiving x3 this year! I’m sure by Sunday I will by turkey’d out. I do love it though because we get to spend a little extra time with family, eat delicious food, do the GPP Thanksgiving workout and maybe see a movie.. I only say maybe because I have too many kids now to just simply go see a movie. Unless it is rated G then maybe we can get away with it.

Actually, funny story.. I pretty much did all of that this weekend.

Yes.. I did. We had Thanksgiving with Brent’s dad and family, and I went to a movie. I also taught Body pump for the first time post partum.

That was a big deal.

I didn’t take any pictures at the gym so I snapped a post pump pic of me in my car cause it was a down pour tsunami outside.

Glamorous I know.

{Glamour shots by Deb} -> Napoleon Dynamite anyone?

I was so happy to be back teaching. I had a packed class and after kind of a hectic morning it felt good to be back in my element, and relieving a little stress.

And guess what?! It was hard. I won’t lie.. I used to teach pump and it was really no big deal.. my class is always pretty rough, but I was literally shaking through some tracks! Ha! PHEW. Coming back after having a baby is no walk in the park. 25lbs feels like 40lbs and you probably will be sore for a few days following.

Maybe just me?…. Maybe someone out there is indestructible, but not me. My quads and biceps are probably the most sore.. go figure. Slowly but surely I will gain my strength back. I’m not stressing about bouncing back quick or anything. Just taking it nice and easy.

Baby steps right? -> ha! See what I did there.

Anyway, after the gym Brent took Tanner to a football game and Bee and I stayed home, cleaned the best I could (lucky her) and painted nails. My washer broke this week (It is only a year old!) so I have quite the pile up everywhere and was able to take some loads to my SIL house around the corner.

We even took naps and by “naps” I mean Bee napped and I sat up with Roen as he just stared at me.

Babies should nap, but not this guy. Especially when I really need one.

I was able to shower while he hung out in his swing for 5 minutes and then he was mesmerized by the blow dryer for a little bit.

When the boys got home I headed out with my sisters for a SNO (Sisters Night Out). We don’t get SNO very often but when we do we have a riot. I love these two so much and am lucky to have such amazing sisters. 

We went and saw Hunger Games. It was good, I can’t say it was great cause it didn’t really end and I feel like every movie should just end and not make it drag on and give me anxiety for a full year before they make the sequel to it. Anyone else?

But it was good and I am excited to see the next part! 

Confession: I read the first book. Half the second and none of the third.

Sunday we had our first Thanksgiving with Brent’s dad and family. The spread was pretty great and I tried a little bit of everything and snapped this pic as I was getting my food. Blogger Fail. Don’t hate me.

When we came home last night we decorated the tree. The twins did most of the work and had a blast! They LOVE Christmas and everything that goes along with it. It was cute to hear them singing Christmas carols as they decorated the tree.

This morning I headed to GPP and coached then did my first workout at GPP post partum.

It was more of a lifting workout with isolation movements. I used lighter weight then what was RX but still felt the burn!

I have a date tonight with Brent to go to a Jazz game! I love going to the basketball games and when Brent’s mom offered us her tickets AND to watch the kids we just couldn’t pass that up.

I can’t wait!

Tell me THREE things about your weekend!

My First Run Post Partum

It’s Friday!

Friday November 21, 2014 to be exact.

Which means I am 6 weeks post partum.

Physical Activity may resume!

BUT first off, I want to say I am sorry I didn’t post earlier today for all you hard core followers. I did sit down to write but then decided I’d rather not. Besides I’m not exactly sure anyone reads this anyway. -> My hard core followers say heeeeey!

Alright back to it.

I headed to work this morning to coach a couple classes and do the workout today, which was a benchmark workout that we do at GPP just a couple times a year. It is a SORE maker for the vets. It can kill a rookie. -> Ok, not really. But it can make walking down stairs really, really, really hard.

 

So, this being my first workout back at GPP would be a little rough so I modified it like a champ and did squats and pushups with running in place. I didn’t do all the rounds and took it slow.

I also really wanted to run today and so when Brent got home from work I headed to they gym (because its dark, freezing outside and I’m allergic.) For 3 quick miles.

I walked, I ran and I smiled. It felt so good to run. It has been awhile and I can’t really admit I was really looking forward to this run. I do love running but running after a c section isn’t exactly the most enjoyable experience. I talked myself into the 3 miles with no expectations. Heck, I didn’t even think I’d get to 3 miles. I didn’t have to “stay on the treadmill” or “run the whole time.” I ran at a comfortable speed and walked when I wanted. I love running. I do love sweat.

One thing is for sure.

I still love running. 

Peanut Butter Chia Balls

It’s Thursday!!! Almost time for the weeeeeekend!

Yesterday was a busy day for the kids and I. I needed to make them a quick snack since we were bouncing around here and there.

I pulled out a few ingredients from the pantry and in less than 5 minutes I had these Peanut Butter Chia Balls to GO!

Ingredients:

• 1 package Raw pure & simple Oatmeal
• 3 tbs Agave Nectar
• 1/4 C. Bobs Red Mill Coconut shreds
• 4 TBS. Chia Seeds
• 1/3 C. All Natural Peanut Butter

 

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients in one bowl.
2. Form balls—> Refrigerate if not eating right away.
3. Eat

This recipe is so simple and versatile. These balls are one of my go-to snacks for my kids. They love them and eat them by the handful.

These are perfect when you are tight on time and need a healthy snack. I separate them by 5 in plastic baggies and store them in my fridge, so when we are headed out the door I can easily snag a bag or two.

Give them a try and let me know how you like them.

Have a great day!

Take It Down Workout

 

Good Morning!

This morning I made a quick breakfast and shot out the door to work.

I splurged the other day on some siggi’s yogurt and it didn’t disappoint. It is so creamy and the coconut flavor is light but just perfect. I added some blueberries to it also. I also took an Ezekiel muffin (cinnamon raisin) with almond butter and banana along with my mothers milk tea to go.

I’m starting to get back into the swing of things with working in the morning and trying to time Roens feedings. Last night he slept 9:30 pm till 3:30am!! That has been his longest stretch! I went back to bed for about an hour and then woke up and had to pump before heading to work since he probably would wake up while I was gone and Brent would have to feed him and of course he woke up right as I was leaving.

I coached two classes before heading back home and typing up this post quick before Roe wakes up again to eat. Funny how your life runs around such a tiny human. I love it though!

I am starting to go back to my classes at the other gym I work at next week and made up a few boot camp workouts. Here is 25 minute one for you!

Have fun with it!

I’ll catch ya later! But before I go, here are some cute baby toes

Have a great day!

6AM Pumpkin Pie

If you have kids or any relationship with a small person, you know that they never forget a promise.

They will ask you over and over. Is it time yet? How about now? Is it tomorrow yet?

Bee is one of those.

As we were grocery shopping together the other day after our date, she found one of those graham cracker pie tins and she held onto that throughout the entire store! She kept asking me if we could make a pie.

So we took it home and then after she begged and begged for the pie crust.

Yea. she actually did just want to eat the crust! I have to admit, I would actually prefer to eat the crust too. It is the best part!

Brent talked her into making a pumpkin pie “tomorrow.”

Well, she woke up at 6 am on Sunday. Lucky, Brent.

She could hardly wait till we got home from church to eat it! hence the finger marks in it.

Little dipper!

Pumpkin Pie

Ingredients:

• 1 (9 inch) graham pie crust

• 1/2 cup white sugar

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 2 eggs

• 1 (15 ounce) can LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin

• 1 100 calorie Vanilla Chobani yogurt

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
2. Combine sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger and cloves in small bowl. Beat eggs lightly in large bowl. Stir in pumpkin and sugar-spice mixture. Gradually stir in yogurt. Pour into pie shell.
3. Bake for 15 minutes. Then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F.; bake for 40 to 50 minutes or until knife inserted near center comes out clean. Let cool for 2 hours. Serve or refrigerate.

You all should make this pie.

Just maybe not at 6 am.

Question of the day:

What is your favorite kind of pie?

I need help!

I am supposed two fruit pies to a family Thanksgiving party this Sunday. I need a recipe!! I haven’t quite touched on fruit pies! Link up a recipe in comments please!!

Sushi Monster Date

It’s MONDAY!

I hope all of you had a great weekend, and are ready to start fresh this week.

This week I am heading back to work at GPP! I worked two mornings last week and feel pretty good about going back. It felt good to get back in the groove of coaching. I missed it! I will be 6 weeks post partum THIS Friday! I am hoping to teach Body Pump again on Saturday! My doctor appointment isn’t until the 25th so I’m going to take it light and easy. I am excited to ease back into everything. I will be modifying my schedule a little bit and have chosen to drop a class to accommodate my family. They are always number 1! More on that in a different post.

Now, lets chat about the weekend!!

Roen celebrated 5 weeks of life on Friday! I can’t believe how fast time has gone. He is growing more everyday and sleeping longer and longer periods of time! Last night he had a 6 hour stretch!! I woke up and was worried for a little bit! He has been sleeping in his nursery the last week and I really think it has benefited the both of us!

                 {Oh, heeeeey, I’m five weeks old!}

Friday, while we were doing some shopping at Target, I found the Taylor Swift 1989 CD! It was on sale for $10! BONUS! I couldn’t pass it up, I have heard nothing but amazing things about it. I am positive I haven’t even bought a CD since 1999! I am so glad I snagged it. I have been listening to it all weekend and I LOVE it.

                    {“Welcome, to New York”}

It was my first time taking ALL three kiddos shopping with me.. It actually went well, and I may of bribed them with a treat if they were good. Parenting 101 right here!

We had a little fun though playing in the Christmas section!

                                                  { I seeeee you }

Saturday, Brent went duck hunting in the morning and when he got back that afternoon, I took a quick shower and headed out for a little girls day with Bee.

I got a few pedicure gift certificates from friends after having Roen and decided that it would be a fun date for Bee and I. 

My little side kick had a blast! I’m glad I could take her out and make her feel special. She has loved being a big sister but I think she really has missed having my full attention at all times. She had a smile on her face the whole time!

                                {Happy Girl!}

SUSHI MONSTER

Saturday night, we got a sitter for T & B and headed out on our first DATE since I had Roen. I wanted sushi SO bad! It had been about 9 months since I last had real sushi! We went to Sushi Monster in Farmington. It is about a 15 minute drive from our house, I had been there a couple of times with a friend but it was Brents first time.

We started off with soup and edamame. We both ate those little green addictive things in two minutes flat!

I’m really good at focusing my camera these days!….

Brent and I are both fast eaters, we talked about how our kids have kinda made us FAST eaters. You have to eat while you have the time, gone are the days of enjoying food and now we scarf down our food while it is still warm, because you never know who is going to ask for something else or what mess we are going to have to clean up!

Even on this date we had Roen, so we felt a little rushed because when your nursing you have X amount of time between feedings. Luckily, he slept the whole time so we could actually enjoy our food.

I ordered the Fuji roll and Sunrise roll. Both had salmon, which is my favorite. Brent got 3 other rolls and we chatted and shared our sushi. That is my favorite thing about sushi restaurants, you always get to try each others rolls of choice.

                                             {GET IN MAH BELLY!}

We had a great time and the food and service was great! We arrived at the restaurant early.. like 5 pm so we didn’t have to wait for a seat. While we were eating we decided eating early was the smart thing to do because the restaurant filled up pretty quick!

We left and headed to Lulu lemon which was right across from the restaurant. How could I not go in?! Ha!

I haven’t purchased anything from lulu since I got pregnant so I was excited to look around. I found a jacket that I have been lusting after for a year. I almost bought it 3x before when it came out last year but always decided against it because I feel a little guilty spend $100+ on a jacket.. Brent told me to get it and I am so happy I did! This new version of the studio jacket is reversible too!

source

note: If you are a fitness instructor you get the R&D discount! Be sure to take advantage of getting 15% off!

I love every minute I get to spend with Brent. With three kids it has been hard to get out and find time with each other. I am lucky to have such a great husband, who is supportive, helpful and understanding. He even missed watching the Utah game to go out with me that night. Which is huge if you know him. We did record it to watch later that night but the station it was on is dumb and DVR didn’t end up recording the beginning of the game. Luckily, we got home just in time to watch the Utes win in double over time!!

GO UTES!

Question of the Day

Are you a fast eater?

Would you rather have a manicure or a pedicure?