Im still alive lol

Its been a while since I've last blogged but Im still alive. My weightloss jouney had been slow but its still going. Life has been ok for us. Im actually really impressed at how well I am handling everything from my motherly/wife duties, to holding 2 callings as the ward bulletin and primary music director and just life in general. Sometimes I just want to throw in the towl and call it quits but I choose not to.
Anyway, the man above is really testing my patience...my sanity! Whatever it is..I really do believe that everything happens for a reason. Even if its not how we expect it to be. I know he has something better in store for us. So Lance got fired from his job yesterday:( I know right before xmas! And like I said, Im REALLY happy with how we, as a couple, have been handling the situation! We could be arguing with eachother, trying to figure out what in the world we're going to do esp since xmas is coming up but we've been nothing but calm and keeping a positive attitude about it. If this was me 2 or 3 years ago I'd be going off on Lance haha but all jokes aside..His boss is a douche bag lol A person with no heart, knowingat xmas is coming up, we have kids and he fires Lances because he finds out that he's going to s different company that will pay him more and is one of their competitors! bunch of bs right? like seriously can we file a law suit for that haha ;) jk but thats the situation were in right now. We are hoping Lance will stsrt soon with the company that my brother is in. We're not stressing about tho. We know everything will be ok:) I remind myself everyday that someone else out there has it 10x worse than I so why stress about it? We have a roof over our head, food on the table and 2 amazing boys who are HAPPY, no matter the circumstance. Im counting my blessings! Praying that u all will have a wonderful holiday! :) (sorry about all the typos! Blogging from mu phone annndd I have fat fingers lol)

Failed

Yesterday was HORRIBLE! I failed as a mother. I had no patience whatsoever, everything irritated me, my kids were getting on my nerves because they fight every day, and I wasn't havin any of it! I went off on my kids, fasi'd them harder then I usually do, yelled at them etc; I hated myself after doing that. So I literally locked myself in my room and cried! It wasn't their fault. It was mine. After a good 10 minutes to myself, I apologized to Dre and Zee. I held them for the longest time. They were just being kids...they play, they fight and they mess up their room everyday. Sometimes one will get hurt, like zee yesterday, he got his hand stuck in the back of the door and Drey kept closing it on him. But that's life! My kids are never gonna be perfect...no kid will. Before bed, I prayed to HF fm to give me more patience. To forgive me for my actions yesterday. I really felt guilty about it all. 

One thing that has been a big distraction is FACEBOOK! So I deactivated it at least until I can have some self control. I'm addicted to it and I'm not ashamed to admit it. I would spend hours on it from when I wake up to when I go back to sleep and it made me forget sometimes that I need to be better at doing more productive things. Taking my kids for a walk, reading to them, playing with them more. So it's goodbye to FB now. I sincerely asked god to help me with this problem of mine. It's much easier said than done. 

Been having a lot of thoughts about going back to college and trying out for volleyball or even basketball! Ughh! Wishful thinking! I even planned everything in my head as to who will watch my kids, how I'm gonna manage school, sports and being a mother/wife haha ok! I act like I already made the team lol I miss it! Even if its just for one season. I just miss playing! My athletic level is probably waaay below than the girls that are now playing these days but I guess it was fun to think about it. "23 yr old mom...2 kids...she's a beast on the court" Bahaha jk then reality hits me and I'm way past my playing years! Maybe just a little!  I have a crappy knee and this extra skin slows me down lol Dang  it! Guess I'll stick to outside leagues :) Happy Friday!!!

You know what I really hate? When people have the nerve to tell other people that they are FAT. How rude! I honestly don't get it? Didn't your mom teach you how to have some respect? I've come across some of those before and I've always responded with a joke or pretended like it didn't phase me. But it did. I could never not care of what people think when it came to this situation. As much as I tried, it would hurt me and the only person who knew about my low self esteem problem was my husband. When I first moved to Washington, one of his cousins would always make Fat remarks about me. She'd say things like "your getting Fat Tilly" or "Before I met you, I thought you'd be skinny" things like that and when I'm behind closed doors, I would cry to my husband! He would always get mad and immediately wanted to call his cousin, but I wouldn't let him. I didn't want to make a big deal out of it, because it really wasn't a big deal! It's just ME letting things like that get to me.

I was around 225 lbs at the time. For some, they'd say that's not fat. but inside my head was another story. I was always hard on myself. I hated the way I looked, I hated that I couldn't fit into certain clothes, Something that I loved...turned into something that I dread doing- Shopping! I couldn't find anything to wear that I felt comfortable in. I hated that I was bigger than my husband. My self esteem was at it's lowest point and when people would make fat comments it didn't make anything easier so I would just cry. I blame no one but myself. My husband was always there comforting me, telling me that I am beautiful no matter what the number on the scale says. He would always refer to the song "Don't Change" by Musiq  Souldchild and that always made me feel 10x better. I love him so much for that! For just being there.

I am happy to say that I am not that girl anymore! In less than 5 months, I have more confidence in myself, I feel amazing, and it feels good not to hide behind my kids when taking pictures, or worrying about what I look like. I'm not the skinny girl that I was in high school, I still got my curves lol but again, I just feel AMAZING! I couldn't be any more happy knowing that I did this all on my own. I was tired of feeling the way I did, and I fixed it. Seeing that number on the scale go down was the best feeling ever. It pushes you to keep going! 

My husband and my kids have been my biggest supporters. When I would do insanity, my boys would sometimes do it with me. I believe that if I set goals to live a healthy life, my kids will do the same! Of course, there are gonna be days where I want to give up (like this past week) but I'm not going to let that one slip up stop me. I've come to far to stop.

New Me.

Happy Life.

Feeling Good!

I hope I can inspire someone out there. Anyone. Being overweight is not easy, emotionally and physically. But hang in there! Don't let people like the ones mentioned about bring you down, instead use it as your motivation...to prove them wrong. Change for the better. Don't do it for anyone but YOURSELF. 

I'm sooo Grateful for the support I get from my friends and family. You all are amazing!

Progress Pictures:

Getting my Insanity Workout on! Finished week 2. My 3rd week was a Fail so I am going to start all over on Monday. I know I can do better and take less breaks so here we go!! 

GOALS:

CW: 192

GW: 145

This is how I'm feeling right now. Time won't ever heal this heart of mine. I miss my Dad so much. I think it's now just hitting me that he's really gone. I've been in denial for so long, It was easy for me to think that he's just a phone call away. My kids are a daily reminder of him. When Drey says prayer, he says, "HF please bless my Papa so he can come back to us." I cry everytime. I wish he could!

Missing him soooo badly! 

Tonight I only wish to dream of him.

I love you Dad

Dads Song

This was my Dads favorite song! The last time we came to Utah, he picked us up from the airport and I remember him bumpin this song so loud while in the car. One thing I have learned from my dad, is to LOVE! He had the biggest heart. He was always giving to others, never hesitated to say no. Growing up, there were a lot of people who stayed at our house when they needed a place to stay. My Dad always welcomed my brothers and sisters friends to stay with us until they were back on their feet.
I think I take after my Dad a lot. He taught me to always look to the good in everyone, to always give service unto others and most of all, he taught me how to love my husband. He loved my Mom so much and did everything for her. Everyone knew that. Like my Uncle John would say, "Your Dad would do anything to  make your mom happy, even if it means doing something illegal." lol and the same goes for his children.

He spent a lot of time at my Uncle Johns house when my mom was away. They were best friends! In my Dads words, this is what he told John:

"Brother, If I ever pass, I want JB and the family to sing this song for my funeral, dedicated to my wife" (as he gives the CD to him with the song "Loimata Maligi")

It was a love song and there wasn't a dry eye that day when we sang. My Dad must of known his time was coming soon.

I think thats why I expect so much from Lance...because I see how my Dad treats my mom, and how he spoiled her. Never missed a birthday, anniversary, mothers day etc; He always cooked for her and so much more. Anyway, I am jumping all over the place with this post. This song will always be one of my favorites. My cousins are amazing and I want to thank them for their time and effort that they put into helping us with the funeral! With little practice with this song, it couldn't have been any better!

Progress

Biggest Loser Ended yesterday and I am really happy with how well I did. It was a long 12 weeks but it has been a life changing experience for me. I did not win but I'm ok with that. I went through a lot these past couple weeks. Even with my Dad passing away, I'm surprised that I was able to maintain my weight while I was in Utah for month. Especially after eating SO much!

My Dad's passing was a big wake up call to me. It makes me sad that he could of lived a longer life if he ate healthier. He was too young to die. At times I have to stop myself from thinking why he wouldn't want to change his eating habits, to live longer...to see his children and his grandchildren grow but whats done is done. No regrets, no what if's or But's. He is my motivation to live a healthier life. 

As I've said before in a previous post, my journey started May 22, 2012. Starting weight was 222 lbs.

With lots of exercise and eating healthy (sometimes hehe), I am now at 198 lbs 3 months later. (August 14, 2012) Here are my before and after measurements:

My Abs made me really happy! 8 inches off! Whoop whoop! Pretty sad that my man calves are still the same haha I dont think I'll ever be able to get rid of those, or my thighs and hips! haha Well, my husband appreciates it! ;)

My hard work has paid off and this is only the beginning! My goal weight is 145 lbs. I am going to get there! 

Before Pictures

March 2011

February 2012

March 2012-My before pic I sent for my biggest Loser competition. Drey took this pic so it's a little blurry hehe


After:

Around 205 lbs at my Daddys Funeral! I miss you sooo much!

AND YAY FOR BEING OUT OF THE 200'S!!! IT'S BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE I'VE EVER BEEN IN THE 100'S!

"SHORT TERM SACRIFICES, FOR LONG TERM RESULTS!"
I'M IN IT TO WIN IT!

I look to you

My Dad loved music. He loved hearing us sing and play. When my Grandpa passed, years ago...My Dad and I got to sing together for the service. He offered it and wanted to sing "Oh Lord my Redeemer." It was one of his favorite songs. I was singing the 1st verse, while he sang the 2nd. When the day came to sing, he forgot the words and just started to cry so I took over and sang the whole song. haha I will never forget that memory of him. I think that was the first, and last time that he ever sang solo in front of a crowd haha

 I never thought the day would come that I would be looking for music to sing at his Funeral. I wanted to sing all his favorites. Dance with my Father will always remind me of him. If there is a song that I have sang countless times, it would be that song and thats because my Dad would always volunteer me to sing it...For Ward Fathers Day dances, weddings, parties etc; Pretty much every occasion. lol 

I was in charge of the music for the Funeral. It was stressful because we had no time to practice anything. The only time we got to really practice was the day before the service and the day of. All the music that were sung, were my Dads Favorites. I chose to sing I look to you because the words of that song were everything I felt towards my Dad:

As I lay me down

Heaven hear me now

I'm lost without a cause

After giving it my all

Winter storms have come

and darkened my sun.

After All that I've been through

Who on Earth can I turn to?

I look to you

I look to you

AFTER ALL MY STRENGTH IS GONE

IN YOU I CAN BE STRONG...

...And when melodies are gone, in you I hear a song

...I dont know if I'm gonna make it. Nothing to do but lift my head.

...Take me far away from the battle. I need you to shine on me!

I kept telling myself that I wasn't going to be able to sing it without crying so much! So everyday I prayed. Prayed like I never have before, asking God to give me strength to be strong. To give me comfort. We had a week before his funeral services and I really wanted to give him a good service so I tried to get as much crying out as possible before the service.

I have never felt so calm, EVER while singing. I almost always get nervous, singing in front of crowds but this time around was different. It was for my Dad. Call me crazy but I really did feel him by my side that day! I wasn't sad. I was happy. He was at peace, free from pain and suffering. He was with his Mom who he loved soooo much! Why should I be sad? I honestly couldn't believe what I felt, while singing to him. I have never, ever before closed my eyes through most of the song, never felt so sure...not one bit of nervousness in me. Thats why I knew he was there. 

It was a beautiful service. I know he was smiling down on all of us and PROUD of everything we accomplished that week. He brought our family together and in just 2 weeks, we are closer than we have ever been. 

I love you Dad. I miss you! I miss hearing your voice...You are my motivation to live worthy so I can see you again. "I LOOK TO YOU" in everything I do!

-Daddys girl

Crying out for you

I can't sleep. I've been trying to write a blog about my Dad's passing but it's just too hard. It feels weird to get back to regular life, without reflecting back to memories of him. I miss him so much and I feel so lonely without him. How do you even explain to people who love and care about you that even though they're right there with you, you still feel alone in this World? How do you face your husband of 5 years and tell him you feel lonely even when he's right next to you? I always was a Daddy's Girl! He was my Hero. No, he IS my hero. Since then my life has been in complete disbelief and denial.

I miss you Dad!!!!!!!!

(The last time I saw him in April 2012)

to be cont...

Scaffolding Wife...again!

So, since moving to Washington in  2010, Lance has been at 3 different jobs. First Target distrib. center, then Ikea and now back to scaffolding. Who would of thought he'd go back to scaffolding! He did it for a couple months in UT but because he was new, he wasn't getting any jobs! This time around, He is now working 7 days a week, 12 hour shifts. I don't know how he does it and still finds time to spend with the boys and I. He said he loves his job. He see's it as a workout lol Before, he weighed in at around 125-130...this guy how weighs 200 lbs! wth! haha If only I could drop weight that easy. He still eats out like crazy! Anyway, you know what they say..."If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life" I never thought he would feel that way towards scaffolding. It's hard labor! The best thing about it, is that he'll be recognized for his hard work. I know he'll be successful in the scaffolding business. I know he has the potential to become a foreman or a superintendent. He really is a hardworking man, never will you see him be lazy on the job. 

Im truly grateful for his strong work ethics. Its going to be hard since he'll be away more but its a sacrifice that our family has to go through. 

We should be the scaffolding family! LOL seriously! My brother, cousins, uncles are all in this business haha It's a family thang!

When Water Burns

I'm in love with this character...Daniel! Funny that I always smile as if he's talking to me through the book. I love his sense of humor, his sweetness, the way he jokes to Leila...

It takes me back to when I first met Lance. That feeling of not wanting to be away from each other. Just like Daniel and Leila. La la love this book. <3

Accomplished!

Wow, it's been so long since I've last blogged! The past two months have been a life changing experience for me..A NEW ME! I've accomplished so much in just 2 months! May 2012, I made a decision that I have always been wanting to do but never kept up with, and always failed. I wanted to lose weight. I wanted to be fit and healthy! I wasn't doing much at the start. I played basketball with some good friends every week and always got a good sweat out of it. But it wasn't enough and I still wasn't determined. I got a text saying that basketball was canceled because someone had the gym scheduled for Zumba, so I decided to go anyway and try it out. I got there before Zumba, a half hour early and there were people lined up, getting measured and I had asked someone what they were doing, and he said it was a Biggest Loser Competition. I took a flyer and started reading about it. The competition was for 12 weeks and the winner gets $400! It was only $20 to sign up and so I did. I didn't really care for the prize money, I wanted something to help me stay motivated and this was it.

May 22, 2012 - I weighed in at 222 lbs :( I know sad!

We weigh in every Monday so from then on, is when I was determined. I worked out everyday! At the time I was doing Insanity every morning, played basketball once or twice a week and that first week was when I accomplished something I haven't done in a loooong time! I ran my first mile! I wasn't even planning on running that day. We took the kids to the park to play. I was in gym clothes and sandals lol My brother in law and his wife came along but they were working out. Mind you she is 6 months prego and she was jogging around the track lol Luckily I left my shoes in my car, so I ran along with her. I jogged half the track and got tired! I'm not much of a runner as you can see haha We were all just sitting under the tree and joking around I told my little sister, Marjorie, "what will you give me if I run a mile?" and she says a pat on the back lol Something in me kept saying to do it, so I did. It wasn't the easiest thing being that I haven't ran in so long, with my family watching me, I didn't want them to see me fail. I know a mile doesn't seem like a lot but for me, it was a huge accomplishment! That first week, I pushed myself like no other! I still wasn't eating as good but working out everyday balanced that out.

A week later we had weigh in. I no confidence in myself whatsoever. I knew I worked my butt off the week before but I was in shock when I stepped on that scale! 215 lbs is what it said! SHOCKED, is all I was feeling! I couldn't believe I lost 7 lbs in one week, all on my own! I won our weigh in that day and got $20 so I pretty much got my money back from when I first signed up!

As weeks went by, the number on the scale kept going down and thats what motivated me the most.

I love reading weightloss success blogs to get ideas from them! Eating is always the hardest for me. I dont eat out any more, I cut out all Soda and unhealthy snacks but I didn't know what kinds of food were healthy! Other than veggies, fruits, whole grains and chicken! lol so I try to eat as much of that for every meal. For snacks, I'll just eat an apple and a slice of toast.

I am not perfect, I do have days where I'll go back to my bad habits. I always make up for it in the gym the next day! I have to remind myself that its ok to have cheat days!

One more thing I have accomplished, is running my first 5K with obstacle courses. THE SPARTAN RACE. The best feeling was reaching that Finish line! I couldn't have done it without the help of 3 girls that I ran with. I loved the teamwork feeling throughout the whole course. This is definitely not the last race I'm going to do!

A month later, Today, I weighed myself in at....

drum roll please....hehe

19 lbs in one month! And this is only the beginning. Baby steps! First goal is to get out of the 200's!

I also use my it works products! I just started using them 2 weeks ago I have used one wrap so far. I feel like It didn't do much for me. I saw a difference in my skin but as for inch loss, not much. I use the defining gel daily to help with the appearance of my skin and it really has made a difference. My skin is so much tightened and it just looks better. I don't have much cellulite but the cream has helped with my stretch marks! I also use Fat fighter Pills that I take after my big meals or when I want to cheat and eat a burger or something lol

I think its funny when I tell people about my weightloss and what I have done to get where I am today. Once I bring up my It Works products, they say, "Oh, I never used any weightloss products. I did it all natural!" I tell you this...I have worked my butt off to get where I am. Yea I have used products to help me, but the only time I see good results is when I bust my A in the gym and eat well. Either way, I still would have gotten where I am today :)

Loving life right now! Will update soon on my new journey! 

Beyond Blessed!

We are finally settled in to our new apartment. It's been a headache these past couple days. Moving out, we didn't have anything but our clothes and shoes! Lol really! No furniture, no kitchen stuff like plates, cups etc;) no tv and even A bed! We had to throw out our king size since you could literally feel the springs when you sleep and it always gave me back pains. So Saturday morning we took a trip to Portland to go to the IKEA store to get couches and a dining table. We also ended up getting dressers for our room and the kids. so that was pretty much all that we had in the apartment. We've been ordering take out the past 2 days since we don't have pots or pans to cook. I'm really cheap so I've been going to goodwill to find kitchen stuff and Craigslist as well. Haven't found anything yet but if I don't by this week, might as well buy it from Walmart which is too expensive for my liking. We haven't found any beds for a good price so we've been sleeping on the floor til we find some. Hopefully this week. I can't wait to have everything done.

Other than that we are taking things slow, day by day. Excited for this new journey thats ahead.

counting my blessings...

Kick off to New Beginnings

My mind is finally at ease and I can now go to sleep with out worrying about planning the YW New Beginnings! haha I was too hard on myself mainly because I was nervous and at the same time, overwhelmed with everything but I am happy that everything went well and it turned out better than I expected!
Wednesday morning was horrible. That's what I get for leaving the decorations, pictures and food to last minute. I think I left the house around 9 and didn't come home til 3! Procrastination is a bad habit I have. Who seriously leaves pretty much everything til the day of? I do! I looked all over the place for bags of popcorn because I didn't feel like popping them myself. I couldn't find any so I ended up making 4 pans of 7 Layer Dip. We went to the chapel at 4 to set up and my plan was to get everything done then I can go in the mothers room to get ready, do my makeup and hair....all that good stuff lol By the time everything was done, we had 15 minutes before it was going to start! haha I looked a hot mess hence why I didn't not take any pictures! lol

This years new beginnings is definitely one to remember!

Today was such a good day!

1.Since Lance works on Sundays and isn't able to attend church with us, we decided that at least once a month, on a Sunday, he'll leave work early at 12 to come with the kids and I to church. It really does make a big difference when he's there. Even though he is losing 5 hours of pay, it is something that is important to us...to our relationship.

2. For weeks now I tried to potty train Zeland. He is not afraid to use the toilet but he always struggled to let me know when he needs to go! Today, while eating breakfast...out of no where he runs up to me saying he needs to go potty! I took him to the bathroom and he did! Ah, I was so excited for him! All day today, he was in an underwear. (Except at church) But even there, He used the bathroom twice and both those times, he came up to me and told me. Hallelujah! I don't have to buy diapers anymore! We are taking him to the store tomorrow to pick out his own underwear since he's been wearing Drey's lol So proud of him.

3. Lessons were on point today. I love when Sis Lawrence teaches. She is always sincere and soft spoken. Glad my husband was there with me to listen to the message.

4. New Beginnings for our YW is coming up! I am grateful for the use of technology! I wish I could say that I came up with the idea of having a football theme but most of my ideas, came from other YW leaders who has done the same theme for their NB and posted it on their blogs. I am excited yet nervous! Got some last minute decorations to buy then I'm done!

5. March 8th my sisters, their husbands and my nieces and nephews are coming down for the weekend! Super excited!! Hoping to find a place of our own by next week so they won't have to stay in a hotel but I am ready for February to be done with so we can spend time with them. I can't wait!!

Pillow Talk

Love late night pillow talks with my husband. The kids were sleeping in the living room with their uncles so it was just the two of us. We talked about when we first met, reminisced about our first kiss, crazy arguments and fights that we went through, being young parents, past relationships and so much more. It always makes me smile thinking about how much we've been through together and to see where we are today, is a big accomplishment!

Afterwards, we picked up the controllers and played Halo Reach online haha He's a little jealous that I'm better than him ;) lol  Our kind of Love! hehe

Super excited for the next chapter in our lives! We are moving out to our own place soon so lately I've just been apartment shopping, trying to stay in our budget...will update you guys later on that :)


Oh yea and I made him call in the next day just because. He didn't mind:) hehe

Feeling Blessed

I came across this on Pinterest. Definitely makes you feel like you are blessed. I think that when I feel like the world is out to get me and life is way to hard at the moment, I should probably read this saying.

I think that things aren't always going to work out how you plan them, problems will arise, hard things will happen, and you are going to get knocked down a few times. I have been there, but I know that I  need to be optimistic. I am thankful for my husband. What a great man I married. All I need when I am sad is a hug from him and it truly makes everything better. Such a simple thing that makes a HUGE difference. We are both thankful and feel blessed that we can have children and that it wasn't a struggle, whereas some women, have to try for years. We are grateful that we have healthy children, healthy family members, and that we are healthy. It breaks my heart to see or hear about others who have dealt with a hard loss or are struggling with an illness. So no matter how hard I think my life is at certain points, I will need to remember that there are people out there who have it worse than I. I will be grateful for things and remember that everything will get better in time. Be optimistic!

Temple Date

I knew I shouldn't have taken a late nap. Now Its 2:10 in the morning and I can't sleep. I guess I'll blog away.

I truly, with all my heart, am grateful for the Temple and the Eternal blessing we receive from it. I am most grateful to have my husband by my side while doing the work. Saturday afternoon, it felt so good to go to the Temple and pray about things we have been going through lately. Every time I go, I am uplifted with so many insights. I enjoy being there with Lance. Together we learn more about God's plan for us and we grow together. 

After feeling the peace of the Temple, we weren't even bothered by the crazy traffic on the way home. We stopped by OCB to grab something to eat, then ended the night with our boys.

Life is good. Life is real good <3

Pinterest

So I along with many others have joined the pinterest world. And man has it gotten my brain thinking of the endless possibilities of the things I can do. Things from recipes, DIY ideas, crafty stuff, to beauty tips, to health tips, to relationship advice, amazing quotes, YW stuff, to things for the future. It is really inspiring me to be better and do those things which make life better.

haha True!

Overwhelmed

Planning our 2012 New Beginnings that is next month and there is soo much to do! Our 2nd counselor who was released and is now the Young Adult Parents, was prepared and had everything thought out...now that I am in her place, I am in charge. Eeek! haha Thankfully, She was willing to let me use her ideas and with the help of fellow bloggers who have done this same theme...I think I can pull this off. I just got done typing up my to do list for everything, and trust me...it is TWO pages long! haha

I think this is how I felt when I was planning Dreysen's 1st Birthday party. Just OVERWHELMED with everything. Continuing to keep a positive attitude...

Thinking to myself, "you can do this!"

"Be not afraid, only believe." -Mark 5:36

I came across this scripture and felt that it was appropriate for what I have been going through lately. In life, we always have challenges we must face. Rather than be afraid, I want to believe, continually having faith in our Heavenly Father. I know he has a plan for me. I TRUST him and have faith in him. 

Couch Potatoe

...is exactly how I've been feeling for the past couple weeks. I have never felt this lazy ever and the weather doesn't help at all either. So I've been thinking...what can I do to be more active? Of course I thought of getting a gym membership but I can hardly afford that! A friend of mine told me they play basketball every Saturday in the morning so there goes one day out of the week. What about the other 6 days?

Honestly, what I really want to do...Is get together with some of the girls from our ward and do something similar to EMZ in Utah. "Early Morning Zumba" Read this: http://www.ksl.com/?nid=960&sid=18303965

It really was so much fun dancing and working out at the same time with so many other Polynesian women and the good thing about it was.. it was free! I loved the energy there and I couldn't help but smile and see an older woman sitting on a chair in the back of the gym, just using her upper body to do the moves. It really was amazing. There were little kids there, and even teenage boys! Its just awesome to see how much ONE person can make a difference. When they first started off, they only had, I think 10-15 people show up, or even less. and now, you pretty much have to show up early to get a spot! lol  I would love to start something..anything...it doesn't have to be Zumba. Just something that we can all do as a group. It really is that much easier when you have someone by your side who is aiming for the same goals. Even if it means, meeting somewhere to play basketball in the morning. I'll take playing sports over any treadmill lol

Still thinking of ideas...I hope I can come up with something. I think the hard part of it all will be finding a chapel or somewhere to do it. 

Telesa: The Covenant Keeper

I am so hooked on this book! A lot of my cousins from New Zealand kept posting how wonderful it is so I had to read it for myself. The first night I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. Now I'm on my third day and almost done with it! Oh my! Its just like Edward in Twilight, but a Polynesian version...ahh! Melts! haha I love how Lani incorporated some cultural aspects but Here's a little trailer about the book:

Reading through the book reminded me so much of when I went to Samoa which I hope to go back soon with my husband and kids! Can't wait to finish it! Don't want to put in too much details, you'll have to read it for yourself...but let me tell you this...you won't be disappointed.

You can purchase it from Amazon or if you have an iphone/ipad you can download the app, KINDLE and its only $5.99

One last picture...lol