Big Fat Loser

This is what both my husband and my sister have mistakenly called everyone's favorite reality show, "The Biggest Loser." And thanks to my friend Tracy, I am now part of a local Biggest Loser club.

We did our initial weigh-in last night (Ouch! That extra holiday cheer has really adhered itself to my waistline!) and for the next 16 weeks we will weigh-in weekly and compare our percentage of weight lost with the others in the group. At the end of the 16 weeks, the person with the highest percentage of weight-loss wins! We each put money in the pot, and the first-place winner wins 75% of the pot, 2nd place gets 25%.

And I have to say, most of the women in the group look like they have maybe 5 lbs to lose before they will be in the "too-skinny" range. Which means, me and my currently-large hips have a pretty good shot at winning!

Sixteen weeks sounds like a long time, but I figure if I actually stick to it and thus lose weight at a reasonable rate (an average of 1-2 lbs per week), by the end of the 16 weeks I will FINALLY be at good, healthy (don't forget HOT) weight.

Wish me luck!!

Don't Worry, It Isn't Blood

I made red velvet cupcakes yesterday and let Ben lick the beater. Think he liked it?

Way Back When-sday: Snowed In!

This one is for all my friends who live in snowy regions of this beautiful country of ours. This time of year can be so cold and dreary, it's important to keep things fun and exciting so you don't get bogged down.

Long, long ago, during a month much like the one we are presently experiencing, at a university located in Provo, my roommates and I decided to pull a prank on some of our favorite gals in the apartment complex. You know, just to show 'em we care.

Late at night (which, unsurprisingly, is when we seemed to get all of our "great" ideas) we sneaked down to their first-floor apartment and shoveled snow until it completely covered their front door.

We packed it in tight and built a wall of snow that concealed the entire door. It was hard work, but we were young and spry back then.

Not like today when our bodies have been worn down by pregnancies, children, and old age.

Or maybe that's just me.

So anyway, we went to bed giggling and speculating about who would be the first to open the door in the morning. It just seemed hilarious to open the front door and see a wall of white. I mean, who wouldn't think that's fun?? Luckily, they were good sports about it and didn't get us back for at least another week.


Here is our friend Amy J., being a good sport about yet another prank performed by the unstoppable girls of S-303. I hear it took them awhile to get out their door in the morning. I would feel bad, but really, there's got to be some drawback for living on the first floor. I mean, they never had to climb any stairs--how fair it that?!

If you need a fun idea to break up the dreary, snowy winter, feel free to borrow this one! It's a classic!

Santa Was Good to Us This Year

At the last minute, Santa decided to bring us a trampoline this year. The kids were so excited! After the initial argumentative adjustment period--they were jumping in each others' personal space, I guess--the kids have LOVED it! They have played on it together every single day.

Santa just set up the actual trampline part for Christmas morning. The kids were so excited when they came outside in the morning and saw it. We let them jump on it for a few minutes.

I never had a trampoline as a kid, but I totally remember that nobody had safety nets. It was all open-air jumping and exposed springs. Probably not the safest idea.

Who IS this crazy kid? She certainly didn't learn that move from her mother.

We spent most of Christmas afternoon putting up the safety net around the tramp, and the kids have been on it ever since.

Think he likes the new toy?

She learned how to do fancy spins.

"I think I'll just stand right here and watch."

So I think Santa made a good choice this year. Hooray!

Hopefully I won't be blogging about trampoline-induced injuries any time soon.

Christmas Eve Nativity

One of our family traditions is to act out the nativity on Christmas Eve. We all got in on the act this year. Erik was our director, stage manager, and cameraman, and the rest of us played multiple roles.

Olivia was Mary ("Mom, why do I have to be Mary every year?" "Uh, because you're the only girl."), an angel, and a wiseman.

Caleb was Joseph, a shepherd, and very convincing king Herod ("I wanna KILL someone!").

Ben was a shepherd and an angel's helper, and had an impressive knock-down of Joseph at the manger.

Mom played and angel and a wiseman.

I'm not sure if we'll win any Oscars any time soon, but we had a fun time. And it's always a good reminder of the real reason we celebrate Christmas. And I'm not talking about the treats, in case you were wondering. But that's a good guess, considering who you're talking to.

Blood is Thicker Than College Pride...Right?

While it's true that Erik and I both graduated from BYU, I wouldn't say we are devoted fans. Bacically, I would not consider myself a big sports fan in general. In fact, I will rarely watch a game that doesn't include one of my own children playing.

And while some of you may cringe at the fact that a few days ago we attended a University of Utah basketball game--AND wore red!--let me just explain that our little (read: 7 foot +) nephew David plays on the team. So, for the evening we were Ute fans.


We met up with David's family and were quite the RED cheering section. The only reason there is a white shirt in the group is that he shared his red shirt with his little brother who somehow got his shirt soaking wet.

David unfortunately hurt his ankle so he wasn't able to play in this game. But he was there, cheering on his team. He is the tallest one on the left, dressed all in black.


Here he is on the bench. Observation: these basketball arenas look much smaller in person than they do on TV.

Ben got wiggly, so he and I spent a good deal of the game doing laps up and down the halls. He mangaged to charm all the security people even though they were from the opposing school. He has a powerful smile, this one.

My kids loved playing with their cousins! We are so lucky to live close enough to see each other once in awhile.

To help you understand how tall this kid is, Erik is 6'3" tall, and he is just taller than David's shoulder. This is a guy you have to hug around the waist.

Even so, David's kindness and generosity outshine his extreme height. He is a great kid.... er, man now, I guess. It's weird to see neices and nephews grow up into adults! I am still getting used to that idea.

It was a fun evening, and we are looking forward to seeing him on the court in person one day soon! Go Utes! ...wait, did I just say that? Shhhh, don't tell my alma mater!

Merry Christmas!

From my family to yours, I hope this Christmas is your best ever!