**My poor “About Me” page is seriously outdated. The information is all still relevant and I still feel the same way, however I’m now FORTY and have SIX kidlets. I will update this page as soon as I can! **
This is me in a nutshell…
I am a 37 year old wife (to a wonderful husband who I cherish) and mother of 5 beautiful children (ages 3-14).
I am a health enthusiast and I strive to eat as “clean” as possible. I am always trying healthy new recipes and “healthifying” old ones.
I love enjoy running and working out as well.
Epic Relay Race 2011
Sawtooth Relay Race 2012
I love to read anything and everything related to health and fitness. I also love to “pick the brains” of those I know who inspire me and are successful at living healthy and happy lives. I really do strive to live the healthiest and happiest life possible.
However, I haven’t always been like that!
I’ve been a fairly healthy person most of my life. I was always very thin growing up (although I didn’t realize it and certainly didn’t appreciate it!), so I didn’t give much thought into health and fitness. I exercised fairly regularly, but I just ate when I was hungry and didn’t really think about it.
My sisters and I in 1991 (I’m in the middle, age 15)
My sisters and I in 1994 (I’m in the melon colored shirt, age 18)
I lived the next 10-15 years just like that…exercising fairly regularly and just eating without putting much thought into it.
Well, a couple years ago I was looking through a bunch of our old pics. I was surprised to see I wasn’t the “same old, same old” thinish person I thought I was! In fact I told Kev, “ya know, I really have only been thin about 2-3 years out of the past 12 or so years!” It was then I realized that clothing sizes hadn’t gotten smaller and my clothes did not all shrink….I was just fatter!
Sad reality check.
I never got really huge, but I could definitely stand to lose a few pounds. 🙂
Here are a couple of those “sad, reality check” pictures from a Hawaiian Cruise Kev and I went on in 2007…
Kev and I at the LDS (Mormon) temple in Oahu.
Kev and I at the Waimea Canyon in Kauai.
After this cruise, I went on to have 2 more babies (gained and lost ~50 pounds with each one!) I was not looking or feeling very cute. 🙁
Here’s our little family when I was about 7 months pregnant. As you can see, I am not a very cute pregnant lady. My stomach doesn’t get too huge, but my whole body just blows up! It is so not cute.
Whoa, those are some scary pics….not for the faint of heart. 🙂
So, call it a mid-life crisis or whatever, but it really motivated me to get myself back into shape while I still could!!! I started going to the gym again and tried to eat a lot healthier. I quickly realized that eating well didn’t have to be bland and boring. In fact, I have found so many yummy healthy recipes that I LOVE! I don’t feel deprived at all!
So, I started this blog in July 2011. I thought it would be a great way to hold myself accountable to “someone” and keep myself motivated. I went on a quest to get in the best shape of my life!
Well…..I’m happy to say I have achieved that goal!
Wahoo!
Kev and I after a 10k race on July 4, 2012.
I’m not as stick thin as I used to be in high school, but I’m definitely healthier and stronger than I’ve ever been! And…..I don’t plan to stop….ever.
I’m also happy to say that if I can do it, ANYONE can! I am a crazy mom of five young kids and am always going a million miles an hour! I also have a giant treat addiction problem. Chocolate chip cookies, brownies and chocolate are my favorite things out there! However, I have learned how to still enjoy them occasionally…and not feel guilty! I’m happier (and healthier) because of it!
This is my life….and I love it!
