Well Derek and I have decided to make some changes in our lives. Healthier changes. Now once upon a time after I had Linnea I was a health nut, very close to being almost a vegan, not for weird reasons, just health. I would have milk from time to time or some eggs, but for the most part I was basically eating plant food. And to be honest I had never felt better in my life! I had so much energy and I lost 60 POUNDS!!!! I have, like a lot of girls, had self-esteem issues that have been there since middle school, and after I lost that weight I actually after years would look in the mirror and liked what I saw...that may sound vain, but it wasn't in a vain way I just felt good and happy all around. So anyways once I started my school program the vending machines became much more tempting and I was sitting most of the day, so I put on a few more pounds, not a horrific amount but about 7 or so and then I got pregnant with sweet little Andrew and all discipline was gone. So here I am again....I know everyone keeps telling me o you just had a baby it's fine. But I can't tell you how frustrating it is to not fit in any of my summer clothes, so anyways without whining too much about baby weight, Derek and I have made some decisions. We are not vegetarians, we both like our meat, but we have decided to decrease our meals with meat in them and increase our plant food intake. So four nights out of the week we have meatless meals, and the other three we'll have chicken or something like that. We have a roast that we'll have on Sunday, but that's about it. I've been doing the bountiful basket co-op for over a year now, and I have made a goal to seriously make sure I use ALL my produce from that basket. I want to make some changes for my family. Linnea is a big sugar holic which is fine, but I also want her and Drew to understand as they grow up what the healthy choices in food are. We did a family home evening last monday on healthy eating to kick start our little family journey. My sister and her family have given us a lot of inspiration. Katie and Eric have truly made some drastic changes in their lives and I hearing how it affects little Sammy, so I know he'll understand what is healthy and I want that for our kids also. Last night we made a black bean bake with some rice...you wouldn't even notice that it didn't have meat in the tortillas! The beans fill you us almost better. Derek has a co-worker that uses beans in their desserts in place of the fat. Derek tried some cookies and he said you wouldn't even know it. I found a recipe for black bean brownies which is the same concept so we'll see how they turn out!!! I've done a lifestyle change before, but I hope this time it sticks, because now my husband is involved, granted Derek has a sweet tooth, but he is trying to take apples and carrots now to work instead of chips and cookies. So wish us luck. I think changing your eating habits is one of the hardest things to do, at least for me!!!
If anyone feels maybe they want to try some meatless meals, I've found some great resources for recipes so let me know!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Our new mission
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Blessing, the 4th, Splash park...and other stuff
We have had a busy last few days! Our Sweet little man was blessed on the third and it was so great. We had tons of family come down to spend the day with us, I love getting together, and of course with our family there is always tons and tons of food! Some highlights that Andrew was told in his blessing that really stood out to me, because a few days before I had the same thoughts of my little boy, he was told a few times how kind he would be, and how he would love people so much and just yearn to share the gospel because of his love for others. I had that thought come to me, more about how he will love his sister and always be one to watch out for her because I just know he is going to be such a loving and gentle personality. So I absolutely loved his blessing and I loved watching Derek perform the blessing!!!
For the fourth Derek and I just did our own thing. We were so spoiled the kids slept in until 7:30 so for most of the day we just relaxed and played outside and recooped from the busy weekend. Before our personal firework show we went and got some ice cream, and yes I gave Andrew his first experience, now before you judge it was a tiny amount and it was hilarious watching him lick lips! Linnea was a little bit afraid of her sparkler and the flowers that we got, but it was still a lot of fun. We didn't watch any big fireworks since the kiddos had had several late nights we decided to put them to bed at bedtime. it was a great day, and I am so thankful to all those who have sacrificed for the freedom of the country. Even though there is drama with the government I would never want to live anywhere else!
And then today we have a brand new splash park around the corner from us that just opened up so I went with my friend Erin and linnea's little boyfriend Jude and we let the kiddos splash, Drew did not appreciate me putting his feet in the water, but Linnea loved it. Jude is fearless and would sit right on the streams of water, Nea was a little bit cautious, but still had such a fun time. Life is so great right now. I have so much fun with my kids and Derek it is awesome. O I am officially licensed now as a COTA, so on the 7th I have an orientation for a job that is on call. I hope to only work a max of 10 hours to 15 hours a week for a little while, but it will be nice to help out with finances a little bit I know it will relieve some pressure for Derek and help us increase our savings yay!!!!! Well enjoy the picture show below :)
The two red-heads loving life
Drew loves his Daddy
mommy and Drew
Linnea being a little unsure about the fireworks :)
Sweet baby Drew
Some of the crazy Carters
Some of the Childs'
Katie and Sammy loving life
Nea and Daddy
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Ahhh memories
And here is just a picture of cutie patootie drew!
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Father's Day
I just wanted to wish the wonderful father's out the a great day. I personally have such a wonderful Dad that I couldn't ask for anyone better. He has always been a kid at heart I think. He loves Disney movies and Disneyland more than any other kid out there :). My dad has always worked so hard to provide for his family, for most of my life he had two jobs, but still made time for church callings as well as all of our extra curricular activities including sitting through never ending drill team competitions which I know he has no interest in dancing :) but he did it just so I would be able to look up and see both he and my mom cheering me on! He is a wonderful grandpa to my kids and little Sammy. Linnea absolutely adores her papa!!!
I also have the greatest husband who is an amazing daddy! He is so calm and understanding and is so fun to watch with our little girl...who most definietly adores her daddy, and now to see him make faces and play with little Drew I can almost see the two of them in a few years mowing the lawn or playing catch together. It is such a different kind of love you feel for your spouse when you see them interact and have so much love towards their kids! I love you Derek and think our children and future children are the luckiest kids alive to have a daddy like you
Sunday, June 5, 2011
pictures
Big Sister!!!
Our bright Eyed boy!
Cute siblings!!!
Aren't they the cutest little bugs ever!!!!
