Secrets don't make friends.....NEW BOOK!!

Tomorrow night I am to host book club.

Orphan Train is the book we will be reviewing....

it was pretty good,

based on a true story,

moved along pretty well, and so forth....

but it just didn't totally grab me, 

I could put it down.

I probably won't really remember it in a month...

to be honest, 

I may be hard pressed to remember much about

it for tomorrow,

good thing there are some pretty good talkers in our club : )

It won't matter what I recall, it will come back once we start discussing it.

It really was a pretty good book :)

The book I am 

DYING TO DISCUSS AND REVIEW

is 

Our bishop was over the other night, 

my copy was out on the table,

flipped upside down,

he picked it up, 

Oh!

 what's this?

a new book?

I was clamoring around.....trying to get to it and put it away,

hum hawing and feeling the urge to explain just the

title was a little silly, 

it's not really like it sounds.....

whatever.

I felt kind of lame.

anyway.....

I really, really enjoyed the Husbands Secret!!

I think I am giving it my first 5 star rating!

It wasn't smutty,  just a little sexy.

It was emotional,

It was thought provoking,

made me want to take a look at my own life.

My attitudes, and the way I interact in my personal relations....

and mainly with in my RELATIONSHIP.

I really, really like Liane Moriarty.

She is a great writer, and I enjoyed (and remember) the first

book I read that she authored...

Here is a short little video I found on YouTube of her discussing 

the Husband's Secret.....

take a look

(you can find out if you'd like to read it also).

She is very normal.

Her blog is nice,

written by a regular middle aged woman.

I like that she is hugely successful,

 and yet still just a bit insecure and the same as everyone else.

The book is exciting from the get go,

you are introduced to the main character, and you get into her story  

very fast, you think you are staying put,

you are ready to nestle down with pop corn,

but no, 

you branch off into two other story lines..... 

none are any less intriguing than the first (amazing!).

They eventually all wrap back around together.

Liane does such a good job developing the characters and 

the way they relate and treat one another,

how they justify their decisions.

I like being able to 

read their internal dialog, what they are really thinking,

or wanting to say, because that is exactly what we 

do in real life.

Don't we??

I sure do.

Much of it is relatable.

Sometimes it is sad seeing the time that is wasted because of pride,

ego, or misunderstanding.

Or to see how mean we can be.

......Only we don't recognize it as mean.......

our withholding for some reason.
Or not allowing the closeness that could have been, or could be.

Maybe we are trying to prove an important point.....

teach a lesson.

Whatever our reasons are,

sure seems like there's a better way....

I am guessing that all of us,

more than anything else,

 want deep meaningful relationships.

So why is it so easy to put up 

all those walls?

Play those miserable games.
Why do we even say play?.....it is no fun.

We keep parts of ourself pulled back just a little.

.... tucked away to keep us safe,

don't want to be too vulnerable, or exposed.

I wonder why it seems so difficult at times,

and other times it all comes easy.

I think that is why relationships are so fascinating and 

wonderful, and maddening and annoying at others.

They keep us on our toes.

Always out smarting us.

I am thankful for the ebb and flow.....

THANK GOODNESS for the ebb, or is it the flow?

Which is the good one?

At times 

We waste energy and effort on 

acquaintances that 

don't matter.

We fret, and plan, and put our best self forward for 

everybody else.....but not the very person (or people) that 

we desire to have closest to us.

The person we want 

to know and love us the best.

We let our egos guide our actions and words in the 

relationship that means the most to us.

Self protective pride.

I wish it was never invented.

I keep saying WE....

I guess I am assuming I am not alone

in these lame relationship blunders.

Sometimes I need a swift kick in the pants to 

get back to where I know I can be.

Humble my self, not get offended, not be critical,

or so dang serious.

Just shake it off woman!!

Go do some stretching for heavens sake.

Remember how to flirt.

Try to be a little funny now and then.

I would do well to lighten up.

Reminders are good.

Fresh perspective.....

I like my reminders in the form of a delicious novel.

Here are some things I will be paying closer attention to, 

especially pertaining to my mate:

Be quicker to compliment......I often think them in my mind....

I need to get them out in verbal format.

I like to hear when my man thinks I look Hot!

wouldn't he enjoy the same?

Express my gratitude.

Communicate what I am thinking or feeling.

Share more....

Invite more ...

Admit when I am wrong, say I am sorry....

if and when this (being wrong) ever happens I will definitely apologize.

Admit that I wish.....
I remember......

I love.....

I want....

A tangible Family Goal:

I will watch football with the family.

I will sit and watch a game without looking at a magazine, my phone, or planner.

I will use my eyes to focus on the plays.

I actually know that it will be a blast.....

but there just always seems to be something 

way more important for me to be doing when a game is on.

But I want the benefits that will come from being a part of these games

that are so enjoyed by certain other members of our family

......Those benefits are what I am after.

Plus I have always said,

 I can't wait to watch games together as a family,
and drink hot cocoa (Choffy) and eat tomato soup, and 

cheese toast wiches like we did when I was growing up.

I remember that good, fun, warm, exciting feeling watching BYU games together.

The Fridge, and Jim McMan....

I was into it!

I was into the atmosphere of it.

The bond of cheering together.

of being let down together.....

we'll get em next time!
 kind of stuff.

but,

 I'm embarrassed to say,

 I have not really taken advantage of this much yet with my own family.

Ethan will turn 17 in a few weeks....

I will loose my chance here very quickly.

................

It will always be easy to blame.

but truthfully,

it comes right down to being the kind of person you want to be married to.

Treat your partner the way you want to be treated.

Love how you want to be loved.

Open up to receive the same.

The Golden Rule.....is a terrific tool.

Welcome to the 2014 FOOD EXPERIMENT!

Hello 2014!!

I know we are half way through the first month,

but it is still brand new, and exiting!

I still love my new Day Planner.

The weather (even in Florida) is still fresh and cold enough to have

windows open, long sleeves and a jacket on.

I promise to stop welcoming the new year on February 1st.

I have really been loving this year so far.

It is my year to FUEL MY BODY.

I am choosing to focus on eating for energy.

So this is the year of the great 

FOOD EXPERIMENTATION.

I want to see how I feel.....

Will I really have more energy?

Can I truly make it through a day with out a 2:30 pm crash?

Am I really what I eat?....and what do I want that to be?

What does my body thrive on?

What does it really crave?

Will my family be as excited as I am about this experiment?

Since returning home on the 3rd of January,

and really even on the ride out and back,

I was testing my new outlook on food.

The idea of eating for energy and seeking nutrition that my 

physical body really thrives on.

I have been able to answer all of the questions above, 

easily and clearly.

 Some I am still figuring out, they are on going and will develop 

throughout the year.

But two of the biggest so far are that:

YES!  I definitely DO have more energy!

Yes!! I can, and have made it trough EVERY DAY without need 

for a nap late afternoon.

(Sundays do not count....total day of rest....the whole family digs nap time : )

I have been gobbling up books, and recipes, and am really enjoying

the journey so far.

I believe the difference before,

when considering eating more healthy on a permanent basis,

was that I was viewing health food more like deprivation.

I had viewed not being entitled to eat cake all day as some kind of rip off.

Or thought: Why do I work out so much if I can't eat whatever, and whenever I choose.

Well, I can choose that if I like,

and maybe I won't even gain weight because of working out.

But when choosing processed, heavily refined, lots of baked goods,

and any other crap for the past certain amount of years.....

have I been happy with the way my body repays 

me for doing so?

No.

I have been bloody tired!

I was sooooo tired.

Now, somehow, this year.....2014 

Things have finally clicked into place.

I am mentally ready to go all in.

I am able to see this eating journey for what it truly it....

A wild, fun, exciting, surprising, daily part of what makes 

life so flavorful and delicious.

I am able to see the blessings and benefits that come from feeding my body 

the best foods.

Not only once a week,

or something healthy each day....

but more of a life style change that will gradually unfold,

detail by detail 

as I learn, figure out, and try new things.

New Eyes.

It has taken me a long time to get  the concept.

So, now we are in this together.

Me and my body are teammates.....

my body and I.

No longer fighting......

we agree that we are seeking the same exact goals.

I am excited to share my finds and what I am doing that is working, 

and paying "feel good" dividends.

This first post is focused on juicing.

My wonderful parents were no longer using their 

Jack LaLanne Power Juicer (I sort of suspected this), 

so when I asked if 

I could purchase it off them over Christmas break,

they said no, but you can have it for free.

Whooohooo! Christmas dreams coming true!

Thank you!!

After some research and digging around online a bit,

I figured out how to run and take care of my new little baby.

I feel like I want to cradle this little guy in my arms,

I am really enamored by him, and am tickled by the results he produces.

I will be honest.

In the past I have been a little bit of an anti juicer....

thanks to my Love of my Vita Mix Blender,

I thought juicer's were huge wasters.

ALL THAT PULP!

However, after reading for 30 + hours out and back to Utah,

and really taking a look at the benefits of juicing....

and then FEELING them for myself.

I am a fan.

That does not mean I love my blender any less....

or that smoothies are not on the menu,

just on the back burner a bit while we have fun juicing.

The kids have been great sports,

and in fact, Ethan has been asking for them each morning.

He needs to have his power and energy up for baseball tryouts!

I love it..... another mom win!!

Here are some of the basics I have learned over the past two weeks

of our juicing journey.

First, there truly is a LOT of pulp.

Here is an example: 

This amount of fruit, dispatches that amount of pulp.

Now, at first I was saving every scrap of pulp that came out of my new baby.

"Waste not want not".

I put it in baggies and straight into the freezer.

I have heard that if you get cheesecloth, you can put your pulp in that and squeeze 

it over your cup and get quite a bit more juice!!

I have not located my own cheesecloth yet, but I do plan to try this.

I have also heard that you can add the pulp to many recipes....

I have only attempted one so far.

I added a bag of pulp to one of my smoothies....

I was really pumped and felt smart and clever for sneaking in yet 

MORE nutrition than ever to my families drink.

Well......

it was pretty hideous.

It turned very thick like yogurt,

I kept trying to fix and modify, but it was soon at the top of the blender.

It was hard to get through.

I'm not giving up on adding pulp.....but first try was definitely a fail.

I have also heard that many people make their own vegetable stock out of their

frozen pulp.

Love this idea.

Please share if you know stuff!!

So bottom line, I am still freezing my pulp, but not all of it, 

and not every time I juice.

Helpful Tips: 

Make sure your cup fits all the way under the spout,

and that it is not hung up at all....

(you will waste a lot of juice and make a giant mess if you make this mistake....trust me)

You shouldn't force things that don't fit into the drop zone.

If you forget to put the pulp catcher in place at the back of the machine,

your pulp WILL FLY all over the kitchen,

to include bouncing off the back splash into your hair.

These are just some simple tips I thought might help you avoid a few pitfalls.

This amount of fruit = that amount of juice.

We make what I like to call "Power Juice Shots"

The kids like the name, and we ALL BELIEVE we can feel the 

energy and power going straight into our muscles and directly into our blood stream.

I'll show the cups next time,

but as you can see, there is not a TON of juice,

however, there is the perfect amount for shots....

and truly, 

at this stage in the game the smaller cups are perfect for the kids.

(Choffy sample cups, or bathroom dixie cups also work great)

My friend Jessica Jones is apparently a juicer extraordinaire!

She has shared some of her favorite recipes, and given me a few tips.

This one is pretty awesome.

Great immune booster recipe:

1 apple

1 lemon

decent size chunk of ginger

Juice, then add hot water and honey, stir and enjoy!

Lawson has been under the weather, and my throat had started 

to feel scratchy....we have made this the past two days.

Very good!

I have found CARROT JUICE IS DELICIOUS!

I'm serious.

Even just by its self.

You will see carrots are a main juicing focus at the moment....

my mom says to be careful because they can start to pigment your skin.

Eh.....we'll see.  

I will let you know if that happens.

Here are a few other recipes we have tried, all involving carrots.

(juice your carrots last....they are great juice machine cleaners - Thx Jessica!)

4 carrots, 1/5 pineapple, 1 grapefruit (just cut off very outer edge of skin)

4 carrots

2 oranges (peel just the outer orange peel, leave all the white you can)

1/2 inch ginger chunk

..........

4 carrots

1 pear

3 celery stocks

1/2 lime

............

I never even knew where to find fresh ginger in the store until

this past week.

I had not purchased a leek, etc. etc.

This is going to be a fun adventure!

 Hope you stick with me and 

SHARE YOUR HEALTHY TIPS!

Please consider subscribing to my blog.

You will get each new installment.

I have some fun plans up my sleeve.

I will be going over the top POWER FOODS in detail!

I anticipate making bulk purchases of some of these said 

POWER FOODS....

if you want in on some good deals,

subscribe and share.

We will chip away at the mysteries of healthy eating together.

Details that are right before our very eyes.

Always have been......

we just choose to see them now : ) 

Please join me in saying Good Bye to OUR CLUB.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It is my thought that as long as we are within the first month

of any given new year.....that this is appropriate to say.

Hello 2014 

I am Excited to know you!

I can't wait to see what this fresh year looks like.

Obviously it will look exactly how I make it.....

in addition to the things we have little control over.....

but in large part....It is really up to me....and YOU!

So, for starters,

in case you hadn't  heard,

Our Club shut it's doors at the end of December.

This did not come as a huge surprise, they had been struggling for money

for quite some time.

Membership had steadily declined with the newer clubs

moving in. 

Our Club was becoming a bit run down,

and in need of quite a few repairs to get up to code,

etc., etc.

I personally had no desire to jump ship before it sank.

I wasn't going down with the ship,

but I was happy to hang on until the very end.

On Monday December 9th an email was sent out saying 

that Saturday the 14th the doors would close for good at 7:00pm.

Saturday 8:15 a.m. pilates would be my last class.

I Loved my time at Our Club.

I loved the people.....some of them loved me : )

It was my first opportunity at teaching, and gave me several good 

years of experience and experimentation.

Our club helped me get past these feelings.

It took me forever to find this old post....because the title did not fit the 

post I was looking for....it is at the bottom.....skip down to the picture of my keys...

begin there....

Oh, and 

Fair Warning: Do not risk eating while reading this post,

I inhaled and choked pretty aggressively on some of the grapefruit I was noshing on.

Our club allowed me this satisfaction.

This joy.

Here is one of my super fun attempts at practicing for my first class at Our Club.

Here is a favorite learning opportunity Our Club Provided for me.

Here is another sweet, scary experience.

and ANOTHER lesson I am grateful for.

I am BLESSED to have had these, and many other adventures during

my relatively short time at 

Our Club....at MY CLub.

May it Rest In Peace.

I will post more later.....

but I have been adopted into a new club.

Beach Bodies!

So far so good.....

I can't wait to tell you all about it.

Hind Sight.

Well, I was really gung ho to dive into 

my new years kick off.

My mind is abuzz with the new and exciting....

but as I started pulling together pictures, I realized there was no 

way I could move forward,

without first taking a look back.

So, without further ado......

The 2013 wrap up.

I am sorry, 

but I don't think I posted any home Christmas pics this year.....

better late than never.

Everything was way to beautiful not to at least give 

honorable mention.

M and I had a lot of fun making loads of those magazine trees this year.

(the upper left corner)

She learned how to make them in activity days,

and then came and taught me.

We used many old Ensigns and small Readers Digests from the library.

After folding the pages we spray painted them with gold, then spray 

adhesive, then glitter.

LOVE EM!!

Trust me when I say they were ALL over.

No Christmas Decor would be complete with out my creepy 

Nauvoo Rag Doll.  

You can see she needed a little TLC before being displayed....

I was happy to give it.

This is one of my favorite gifts of the season.

Barb, one of the gals from my early morning Sculpt Your ASSetts class,

made each of us a personal ornament w/ our name on one side,

and our class on the other.....it is hard to tell, but there are cute little workout

girls on there as well.

So creative!

 .....................................................................................................

Now onto our Utah festivities.

Fast.

Lots of collages.

Few words.

.......

oops, wait, 

two more things from last year that I forgot.

E got his wisdom teeth out.

GROSS.

He recovered speedily, without much trouble.

He barely used the cold compress thing,

did not once use the warm compress,

never used his squirter thing to keep his sockets clear,

and yet, lucky for him he recovered quickly and without issue.

I remember I got dry sockets.....not sure how many times I 

warned him about how horrendous that would be for him

if he neglected the surgeons advice.

Nah, 

no thanks.

Well......it worked out.

(why the heck do humans have wisdom teeth???.....

are they from cave man time??  

someone help me understand....what a waste!)

M had a fun little solo in our ward choir performance this year.

"I Saw Mama Kissing Santa Claus"

She did a wonderful job.

..................................

Utah!

We drove in through blizzards, and on icy roads, and wind a good 

part of the first two days.....

after that it was pretty much smooth sailing

DOWN CANYONS AT 70 miles per hour!

I am a nervous passenger rider, but an even worse driver,

so I try my best to avoid much of that....

I am pretty sure I logged 2.5 hours total drive time.

SO thankful K loves to drive.

I did do a lot of griping and clenching.....

I guess I can count that as a work out of sorts,

turns out I wasn't completely stagnant the whole trip : ) 

Christmas was lovely.

The kids spent a good portion of time outside trying to get 

Ryker's gift from McCauley out of trees, and from other peoples

back yards.

(middle photo hanging from tree branch)

That thing really moves!

So far since arriving home,

only one indoor light has been shattered by this little fellow....

So yeah, I guess we recommend it to others.

It keeps them busy and off their phones.

PRICELESS.

 I was kind of determined to get us to Temple Square for pics....

it was frigid cold.....and only slightly miserable.....

oh, and I forgot to mention, we popped up there on Christmas Day night....

dumb....

everything, EVERYTHING was closed.

No Duh!

We finally did find a McDonald's half way home for a treat. 

Kev surprised our family with a 

SKI TRIP to the Sun Dance ski Resort. 

Wowsers!!

I probably would have stalled us out on that forever,

so

I am really happy he just went for it.

We had a great time.

The younger two kids took to it really fast.

E and R......a little slower on the up take, but by the end they 

were pizza wedging it with the best of them (us).

The cabin was Bee - You - Tee - Ful!!

Two fire places!!

 After skiing we enjoyed playing our family game:

Hearts

with Kev's new James Bond Playing cards (from me)....

only a few of the pics were a little uncomfortable with the kids,

but they definitely spiced up the game.

 We rushed home to shower and change after skiing to make it to our 

Dana family photo shoot.

These are some of the goof off shots we took while waiting for our

turn with the actual photographer.

I really love the old barn back ground.

 I can't wait to see the final product.

I think this go round we finally nailed it...

(we have had some real dozzies in the past)

the clothing, location, the whole bit......yeah!!

or maybe we have all just gotten better looking??

 December 31st.....Ryker had his B - DAY!

Whooohooo!

Steak and eggs for breakfast (that he barbecued).

A hockey game later that night with the boys.

This kid is quite a gem.

Sure love you Ryk!

Amy and her girls came down.

We had a delightful New Years Eve.....

we painted our nails,

and planned our 2014 resolutions!!!

Could not have picked a more desirable activity.

Goals and planning, (already Awesome)

  but couple that with one of my very favorite people.

Bulls Eye.

When K, his dad, and the boys got home, 

he made us stay up until midnight......

(I'm not as into that as I used to be)

we all tromped outside and ooooooed and awwwed as he lit of 

TWO MASSIVE, VERY COSTLY FIRE WORKS.

It makes him happy.....

so I'm happy to : ) 

Don't ask, Don't tell

 is my best policy to practice when it comes to things

that cost money and Kevin.

It is best I stay in the dark.

After a quick radiator change we were ready to head back to FL.

We made it.

The car survived.

We live.

We will treasure our wonderful memories.... 

(at least the ones in this post)

Always hate to leave.... but it is good to be home.