Cynthia-ism

I just had to post something Cynthia (age 4) said that I thought was so cute- - Jon told me last night that Cynthia fell asleep on him and when he carried her to her bed she woke up slightly and very sleepily said "Thanks for the ride, Daddy".

Let's get healthy

OK- I just have to post a little bit about getting healthy- since it is something I am trying really hard to focus on this time in my life. I had my body fat tested earlier this week and EEEK- it is way into the overweight range, and I am about 40 pounds overweight! I also went shopping for a new swim suit (it had been almost 6 years since I had gotten a new one . . .) and that was extremely depressing. So- it is time for me to take matters into my own hands and REALLY do something about it. I have never been good about diet and exercise- it ends up being hit and miss for me. I have been doing a step aerobics class for the past two months pretty regularly- (as I said in an earlier post), which is making me stronger, but I am not really loosing weight. One of the instructors started a challenge for March and I am all fired up about it! She acually runs a weight loss center and did the testing for free- and will check me every week to see how I am doing. She helped me set up a diet of how many servings of each food group. I have been keeping a food journal and counting calories- - truly that keeps me on track. Already, just in this first week, I feel a difference. I am not sure if the pounds are coming off, but I feel good! And I have also found food TASTES better. It kind of makes me think of the philosophy of you can't know good without the bad - - because I am limiting myself, when I do eat -boy it is GOOD. Those every once and awhile treats will be extra special, instead of every day. I feel lighter and freer (is that a word?). So- on my bad days- I need to look back at this and think of how wonderful it will be to be more healthy. I know many of you have done really good in this arena- so any other tips would be great!

New Hair- it has been a long time!

Well here it is- I got a hair cut last week, for the first time in over 6 months- and then yesterday I highlighted it (it had been 8 months). It turned out really blonde-great for a mid-winter pick-me up. Now I just need to loose some weight. I have been going to a step aerobics class for almost 2 months, and I think I have been watching what I eat - but so far, no weight loss (though I do feel stronger which is also one of my goals). Tips, anyone?

This picture is pretty cheesy- but you get the idea.

OK- Winter CAN be fun after all . . .

Cool Covered Bridge

The rope tow that saves a lot of huffing and puffing!

Jon and Lillian - it was safe enough for Lillian to go too!

Grandpa Monson and Marcus- what a great Grandpa! Thanks for a great day!

Happy President's Day Weekend (or as Marcus put it- Valentine's Day Break)! We had a four day weekend here in Sunnyside- did everyone survive? We actually had a great time visiting Grandparents in Spokane. One of our reasons for going was also so Cynthia could see the urologist about her "accident" problem- nothing was diagnosed, but we were given exercises for her to do to help her muscles, and I have to record and measure all "voiding" she does for a few days so they can see exactly what is happening (fun). They will also look at the ultrasound that was taken to see if there is anything else wrong. I am hopeful they will be able to help us- she has been having the problem of wetting herself for years- everyday, sometimes even 5 times a day. I feel like I have tried everything in the book! At least she doesn't EVER have a problem with "number 2". I have gotten used to taking care of it- but I really worry about her in Kindergarten next year if she is still having a problem. We will see!

Saturday we went up to Bear Creek Lodge (used to be Kirk's Lodge) on Mount Spokane and went tubing. Besides Cynthia's cold toes, we had a blast! I hadn't been sledding in a really long time, and tubing is so much more fun because it doesn't hurt so much! The best was the rope tow that takes you to the top of the hill so you don't have to walk up- and the tubing hill is super safe (no jumps and it is tightly monitored so not too many are going down at the same time).

http://www.bearcreeklodgewa.com/lodgeinfo.html

Truly- even though Spokane IS much colder than Sunnyside- I am finding I actually prefer it in the winter because it is GREEN (pine tree green) as opposed to gray, and the snow is beautiful, even if it is a hassle. Though- back here in Sunnyside- the sun is out and shining, and it is feeling pretty warm . . . can't complain about that!

Happy Valentine's Day!

How was everyone's Valentine's day? Ours was pretty good . . .

First I have to post an "I love You" to my own wonderful Valentine . . . Jon I love you so much! You do so much for me and have made my life so full and happy!

It was a fun day . . . We went to our friend Cathy's for a fun Valentine's day party for little girls with some games and cupcakes- what a fun party Cathy, and what a fun day to celebrate Valentine's Day! I have enjoyed your friendship- thaks for all you do! (Bethany is so blessed to have you as a mom!)

Jon and I also went to see a movie- we saw the Spiderwick Cronicles and really enjoyed it! We love Fantasy movies and this was a good one. Just a note- don't take kids under the age of 8 to this movie- it had some pretty scary monsters! We had thought about taking Marcus, but I think it was even a little much for him. Older kids would LOVE it though. Has anyone read the books- are they good?

Do peas in a pod love or hate each other??

AWWWW look at those blue eyes! Don't be decieved, though . . .

Cynthia doesn't like being teased by big brother! So- does anyone have any tips on sibling rivalry???

Lillian- my little princess!

Lillian the Princess, who loves dolls and chocolate. The second picture is my life! Lillian is the kind of child who is always whining to be held, always making it hard for me to walk anywhere . . . if I had nothing else to do, I would love to cuddle with her all day (we do still get a lot in!). So- that picture is CLASSIC. The next one is an absolutely wonderful photo my friend Natalie, the master photographer, took of Lillian asleep- ahhh calm.

Raise your hand if you are ready for Spring!

Ah- February in rural Washington . . . I am ready for green! I think we are all feeling a little cooped up in our cramped apartment - - time to make things a bit more interesting. So-it is time for me to jump on the bandwagon and start my own blog! We have all been a little under the weather recently, but I truly have so much to be grateful for! Jon is back in town after a month in Spokane- we are sure glad to have daddy back. Graduation is speeding towards us at lightning speed- has he really been in Medical School for that long? What an amazing experience it has been and what amazing people we have met in both Des Moines, Iowa (where Jon did the first two years of medical school, and Sunnyside, Washington where Jon has done 2 years of clinical rotations). I am so excited to move on to the next step in our lives (a residency in Family Practice for Jon)- especially to have a small income and not be going farther into debt for school! On the other hand, I know being the wife of a medical resident will be hard, and I am also sad to have to move away from some amazing friends, and the Yakima Valley! So- Spring? Do I want it to come quickly or not?