Monsters!! RUN for your lives! AAAHHH!!!

If there truly are the monsters that I am told of in my home . . . RUN! Run for your lives!!
This morning as I folded laundry and sorted socks, there were so many left over in the sock basket that I finally asked the kids . . . "what's happening here?" This was followed by "there must be a sock monster!" "Oh my! It's really true!" "Ah! Run - they'll take them right off your feet!"
Crazy kids!
This then proceeded into "I wonder if there is a bed-messer-upper monster too!" and "I know there is a bathroom disguster one". Giggles and laughs all over this morning and funny comments galore!

SILLY MONSTERS FOR REAL IN MY HOUSE!!
What kind of monsters do you have?

Sore, I say! SORE!

After my 4 mile walk and workout yesterday, I started to feel it last night. This morning was no different. I crawled out of bed at 6:30 and felt it clear to my feet. I got dressed in sweats and got the kids up and out the door. 9AM hit and I thought "they aren't going today, I guess" and not 10 sec. later - I heard my WG's outside the door and they knocked. I hadn't gotten my shoes on but they were nice enough to wait for me. We were out the door and on our way. We started out and after the 1st mile I thought I was going to DIE! I could feel it in my butt and thighs but the reason I go with peeps is because you can't give up. The encouragement we give each other is priceless! I made it 3 1/2 miles when they dropped off at their homes (they had gone 4 miles by coming to me) and so I was left to finish the last 1/2 mile alone. I couldn't give up - I had to get home. I couldn't give up - I started and just had to finish. I couldn't give up - I wouldn't let myself. I walked in the door to find the heater blowing (it's been a bit chilly here lately, even during the day) and immediately shed my sweatshirt and got to work on my workout. I do BodyFlex (thanks Laurie! LOVE IT!) and it takes about 15-20 min. It is a great yoga-type workout with stretching, tummy tightening and diaphragmic breathing. (sidenote: I find it helps with my breath control in singing too.) I did my butt lifts and holds (taught to me by my ballet teacher LONG ago) and collapsed on the floor. I marked my progress (yes, I keep a weekly record - it keeps me motivated) and had a big glass of water! I had a ck'n ceasar salad with lil' bit of dressing and some tomatoes and a yogurt. I am soooo sore and can barely walk without aches but have a few chores to get done before the kids get home and I have to start teaching.
I'm doing it! 1 1/2 weeks down!!

SPT (Self Portrait Tuesday)

ok - first of all . . . EW! but I jumped on the bandwagon - thanks courtney! I took the pic - not my fav but it shows "I'm doing it!" I have been walking and working out everyday! This week has been especially fun because I've done with friends. Kelly and Julie have been great conversation and the time just seems to fly! I am sore but feel awesome! I thought I'd start out slow but after we got going it ended being 4 miles! Woo hoo! I'm hoping to start dropping some sizes soon but I'll be patient and happy with the results as they come.
SKINNY JEANS - HERE I COME!!

Monday Mood

I woke up with Geoff at 5:30AM and thought - "gee, I went to bed at 9:30PM, I should be able to get up now. But an extra hour would do me some good." So, I helped him with his lunch (he is FINALLY at a job where he'll take his lunch! YEA! Cheaper!), kissed him and went back to bed with the alarm set again for 6:30AM. BEEP BEEP BEEP! That obviously wasn't a good idea. I hit SNOOZE! When it was almost too late (7AM), I jumped out of bed and hollered at the kids to hurry and get up! Kylee hadn't taken a shower the night before but fortunately she opted for 2 braids so her wet hair shouldn't be too bad with the chilly wind this morning on her bike. They moved a little slow but they all got breakfast, hair done, beds made, rooms picked up and teeth brushed. Rooms aren't really up to par but I'll deal until tonight. They weren't late for school and that's what really matters, right? Kylee's friend across the street got a cruiser bike for her birthday so this morning we had 3 friends and my 4 kids all leaving my carport for school! So fun! They were giggling and chatting! There is nothing like that sound - kids having fun!
After everyone left for school, I proceeded to get some things done. I cleaned the counters from last night (we were all so tired that the house was quiet and all asleep, including Geoff, by 9:30PM! RARE!), swept and mopped my kitchen floor (on my hands and knees too!), vacuumed and now I'm on the computer for a bit. I will finish up with dishes and a load of laundry. My WG's (walking gals) will be here at 9AM, so I have to hurry.

MY MOOD TODAY IS: ENERGIZED! I'm really thinking today is going to be productive!


I figured this fit in with MONDAY MOOD, SO I took this COLOR TEST that I was encouraged to take (thanks Julie) and my results were this:

Jenn, your true color is Blue!
You're blue — the most soothing shade of the spectrum. The color of a clear summer sky or a deep, reflective ocean, blue has traditionally symbolized trust, solitude, and loyalty. Most likely a thoughtful person who values spending some time on your own, you'd rather connect deeply with a few people than have a bunch of slight acquaintances. Luckily, making close friends isn't that hard, since people are naturally attracted to you — they're soothed by your calming presence. Cool and collected, you rarely overreact. Instead, you think things through before coming to a decision. That level-headed, thoughtful approach to life is patently blue — and patently you!

Well? Some I think represent me - others NOPE! I do overreact but I yet I do think things through . . . well, sometimes. I do enjoy time alone but not for long. I love meeting new people though - even if they are a "slight acquaintance", because you never know where you'll run into them and I love seeing a face I recognize and walking up to them (I'm not afraid) and asking "Where do I know you from?" Amost everyone loves to be recognized and said hello to. It makes us feel important!

So. there's my Monday Mood! Have a great and energized day! I know I will!

Sensational Sunday

This year (all 13 days of it) has been a great 'high' for me! I have decided to go back to the basics - scriptures, exercise, personal prayer, missionary experiences, etc. It started off with a . . .

I have worked out this past week almost everyday (didn't make it on Saturday - FULL and BUSY day), I have prayed much more earnestly and feel they are more worthwhile, I have studied my scriptures with my lessons much more often, I have been put in the middle of a wonderful missionary situation that has really touched my heart and I hope will touch the other who is involved. These are just a few of the wonderful things have been happening for me. I feel as if I have been on a cloud, almost in tears and full of the spirit for the past week! I cannot explain it to anyone, not even Geoff, the joy that I feel!
It's going to be GREAT IN 2008!!!