Nap time

Lately, I have had Carter take a nap in the afternoon. He seems more tired during the day than usual, yawning non-stop. He goes to bed on time, so I am not sure what the deal is. Carter and Kya are both taking their naps right now, Anna doesn't get home from school until about 2:40, so I am taking advantage of my free time to get some things caught up before life gets too busy.

Next week is Thanksgiving. I always feel the need to do deep cleaning before a big holiday, so today I have been making mental lists of all my "to do's". Of course we have lots of cooking to plan for to celebrate Thanksgiving, plus we want to plan something special to do on that day with family, like a family devotional or something, so we aren't just getting together to eat. The day after Thanksgiving is my sister's bridal shower in Twin Falls, which I am helping host, so lots to get done for that. She is also going through the temple that morning, which I am so excited about! I haven't had a chance to go through the Twin Falls temple yet, and I am greatly anticipating that! Russ and I want to have all of our Christmas shopping done by Thanksgiving as well...we've got a list for that too. Then I have to teach the first Sunday of December in Relief Society, and so I really need to get started there, plus I have sewing projects to finish! Kya's quiet book, a dress-up doll for Anna and two neices, and a cousin...(who is more like a neice to me since she's the same age as my kids), ornaments for our kids, a notebook and crayon holder for Anna and Carter...plus a few more sewing things. I am also doing a collage of paintings for the backdrop at my sister's wedding reception December 30th, and I am starting to stress over those, since it will take me about a month to get them all done! Yup...if you do the math, that doesn't leave me with much time!!!

Lots to do! I am just trying to take it one day at a time! Anyways, I came across some things over the past few weeks and I wanted to share.



I loved this message. It is something I have been thinking about alot. I think it is a great message for people of any age. I have been pondering for weeks about how I want to use my time, I have been making changes, and I feel better about my life because of those changes. There are still more changes to be made, and this video just reinforces in my mind the importance of families coming together and working out their kinks, and learning how to function in better ways...taking out what is not needed and replacing those things with something better.

A little over a week ago, one day I had a ton of things to do. Because of that Carter watched t.v. all throughout that day. As much as I could justify to myself and others why it happened, I could have done better. It's hard. And you have to make sacrifices. But I know, at the end of the day, and I knew at the end of that day, that I owe my kids more than that. I can be better.


Next...
The weather has been cold. I haven't gone running for a month! So, I have got to exercise inside for the rest of the winter...which isn't my most favorite thing to do...but I am going to do it consistently, darn it! I came across a really great link that helps you figure out your Body Mass Index, as well as gives other useful information too. If you are interested, click HERE!!!

I calculated mine, and it told me my daily caloric intake should be: 1,380
I watched a previous episode on Biggest Loser, where the contestants had to guess the calories of their favorite meal. One of the contestant's meal was over 3,000 calories...and if I recall, it was over 4,000! Wow! I know I am uneducated about certain foods and the calories, but I am trying to be more aware. This week's episode of Biggest Loser I learned that if you put 2 tsp of cream and 2 tsp of sugar in your coffee, you can gain 10 lbs in a year! From 2 tiny little TEASPOONS! That's crazy.

Changes I am making in the way I eat are these:
Drink plenty of water
Don't snack after dinner
Have you tried Greek Yogurt? It's a great source of protein, and I put granola on mine. The brand I like best is called YoCrazy...and you can buy it with granola included.
Whole wheat bread
Healthy cereal that has whole grains and fiber. Click HERE for a list of some healthier choices to try. I have tried the Kashi brands and I REALLY like them.
I try not to snack between meals
I have been trying very hard to not eat sugary sweets and drinks, candy, ice cream and so on. I know this sounds crazy, but the longer you go without eating sugary stuff, the less satisfying it is when you do eat it. I am serious!
And of course, I try to go for more fruits and veggies vs. processed foods

Finally...
I watched this Mormon Message last week. It makes me feel good inside. I watch it every Thanksgiving because I love it and it helps me get in "The Spirit of Thanksgiving"!