Should have gone with Take Out...

I made Jared some homemade Chinese food for his birthday. He wanted sweet and sour chicken, orange chicken, lo mein, egg rolls, and wontons. I should have just gone with take out because I could have avoided this....
Yep, that's my arm. I was frying the chicken and the tongs slipped out of my hands and splashed the hot oil up clear up by the crease of my elbow. It only hurt for the first 24 hours, it was fine after that. It was fun hearing people's comments like " I've never noticed your birthmark before" or "What the heck did you do?"

I love doing things for my kids, it is just a casualty of being a mom. It's not my first injury on the job and I'm sure it won't be my last. =)

Jared turns 8!

Jared has been looking forward to this birthday for a while. It's a big milestone. He gets to be baptized and he gets to start scouts. The actual day of his birthday Bill had to work at the fire station, he managed to talk the guys at the station into taking treats to Jared at school. Most of the guys got in their full turnouts. Jared was pretty excited to have his dad, the fire fighter, show up in his class.

I always let the kids choose their birthday dinner. Jared wanted Chinese food. I made it from scratch. It took almost 3 hours! Family came over, we had some cake and ice cream. Jared opened some presents. The following weekend he had his friend birthday party.

Jared was pretty excited for his cake.

Jared loves Pokemon right now. I don't understand it but I made him a Pokemon cake. My brother David helped me and made the Pikachu.

Jared in his new scout uniform. As you can see, I haven't sewn on any badges yet. haha
Jared has already earned his bobcat award. Go Jared!

One of the guys came through for us at the fire station. He owns the rock climbing wall at the local gymnastics center here in town. He gave us a great discount. (Although he completely forgot the date and had to scramble last minute to get someone.) Jared got to invite his friends for some rock climbing. Jared had a great time! I even learned how to belay.

A picture of Jared making it all the way to the top!

Having some cake and opening presents!

I made Pokemon cupcakes for his party. I have to say, they were MUCH easier and less time consuming than his cake.

I hope Jared had a happy 8th birthday!

Welcome to the Jungle

Jared's 2nd grade class put on a play a couple of weeks ago, Welcome to the Jungle. It was one of my favorites so far. The kids were adorable, they knew their lines, the songs were fun, and it was just entertaining.

Rockies in Rexburg

Jared started playing little league baseball a few weeks ago. He plays on the Colorado Rockies. It has been a really fun season. Baseball in Rexburg isn't quite what you would imagine. We have had wind, rain, and even a little snow. Jared is really getting the hang of the game. He is getting better at hitting and better at fielding. Jared told me he wants to be a professional baseball player. I think a lot of little boys have that dream.

Jared got to play 1st base. I took this picture with my phone.

Jared up to bat.

More pictures to come...

Hoodies are a health hazard.

Now that the weather is starting to warm up, I have to begrudgingly give up my hoodies and I am not liking what I am finding underneath. It's been a long Winter and I have found comfort in hiding behind my hoodies. Really, if you look at my pictures over the past few months, I am most likely wearing a hoody.
Over the past 8 months I have gained almost 15 pounds. That right...shocking! I am not going to lie, when I am stressed I turn to food, when I am sad I turn to food, when I am lonely I turn to food. It's that instant gratification. For those few short moments chocolate, cookies, ice cream made me feel better. The only problem, the consequences are worse than those few moments of indulgence. But it was easy to ignore...just throw on a hoody. It hides everything.
Well, I am tossing the hoodies to the side, no more hiding. I want to feel good about myself and the way I look. This week has been a good week. I am cutting out the treats and not eating after 7. I have been trying to squeeze in working out between school, moving, and babysitting. Hasn't been as successful as I wanted but it is a start.
This week I have already lost 3 pounds. I know it is going to be a long road. So, what are some of your secrets out there for weight loss or lifestyle change? What tricks have worked for you? What are some of your favorite way to workout?
Wish me luck!