technical difficulties...

so, blogging from the good ole iPhone! my computer bit the dust today.. :( (insert scream and sad sobs here) be back ASAP!!! I have an amazing new crock pot recipe along with a healthy dessert for you, that I can't wait to share!
for now we are off to Moab!

no-bake PB crunch bars!

Happy Wednesday!! I have the infamous no bake crunch bar recipe for you but first lets recap the day!
One thing I like about being back from vacation is getting my gut back in check. Ha! I started the day with a smoothie bowl!

In the mix-

1 C. almond milk

1 scoop vanilla protein

1/2 banana

2 handfuls of spinach

pinch of xanthan gum

10-12 ice cubes

Chia seeds on top

Ice cream for breakfast? Yes please!

After Breakfast I headed to the gym, this week at GPP its HeLL week... let me just tell you.. my hamstrings are feeling it! Well worth being able to wear my swimsuit this summer though!

Then we spent 5 wonderful hours at the car shop.. 

my check engine light has been on for over a year..  oops. Luckily I had my stroller in the back of the car so I took the babes for a run and we stopped and played at the park for a little bit! 

After my car was completed we raced home to change and eat some scrumptious lunch

tupperware for a quick travel lunch cause we had to go back to the Dr. for T. He got his helmet back on!! If your a new reader- T was diagnosed with plagiocephaly. Which is very common with twins. Then we had an accident and he couldn't wear it for a little while.

 We were worried it wouldn't fit him and they would have to make another. He had to stretch it a little bit! But my little helmet boy is back. For at least 3 weeks and we re-eval again.

Now onto the good stuff!! 

NO- BAKE PB CRUNCH BARS!

Ingredients

• 2 C. slightly crushed Oat flake cereal-- I used kashi
• 2 C. whole-grain puffed brown rice cereal
• 1 C. Dried craisins
• 1/2 C. unsalted peanuts 
• 1/2 C. Natural PB. ( I used freshly grounded PB)
• 1 C. Agave Nectar
• 1 Tbs. smart balance butter

Directions

Line a 13x9 in baking pan with foil
Mix cereals, craisins and peanuts in a large bowl
Mix PB, agave and butter in a 2 qt saucepan, Bring to boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly; simmer for 1 minute.
Immediately stir into cereal mix, tossing to coat. Coat hands with cooking spray, then use them to spread and press the mixture in prepared pan. Chill until firm, about an hour.
Cut into strips or just tackle it with your hands straight into your mouth..OR (for Nikki)  roll them into balls! (no bake cookies!)

I'm excited to make them myself and try a few different combos.. chocolate chips? raisins? protein powder? Almond butter? Yes, these will be epic.

enjoy!

Easter Trip Re-cap!

Yay!! I'm back!!! It feels good to relax and kick back with all you as I type of this fancy post.
We had a wonderful little Vaca! We spent it in CT with Brents Brothers family. We played, shopped,

 ate, worked out, watched pretty much the whole 1st season of prison break ( I know.. we are behind), laughed, shopped some more and just didn't stop.
It was our first time taking the twins on the airplane. Wow, let me just tell you that I'm pretty sure we were blessed with the best babies ever. They made it pretty easy.. I was nervous for nothing. But I did learn a few things.

1. Take stroller... we had those little backpack things but standing so long in lines was a little rough. Maybe, I just feed them to much food?
2. Do not have babies wear shoes going through security.. yes, they make you take OFF your babies shoes... idiots.
3. Have babies suck on something as the plane ascends and descends. Worked wonders.
4. Mum-mums, and puffs were the perfect treat.
5. Don't get a cup... or any drink for that matter.. You can't get it far enough away from little hands.
6. Old ladies do NOT like to sit next to babies.. PS. She ended up sitting next to the biggest, smelliest man on the plane. Serves her right.. Who wouldn't want to sit next to this...?

7. Family pass security. love it... seeeeee ya.. mile long line. But it didn't make up for the whole remove your babies shoe thing..
8. Baby Einsteins DVD was a life saver! (thanks Lauren!)
9. If I could sit in the front every flight I would.. It was great to be able to put him on the floor for a little bit.
10. Changing tables in the lavatory.. who knew?

Taking twins on a airplane is no easy task. But it was an adventure that we learned from and will never forget..
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Easter was SO fun, I was a little sad to miss my families annual egg hunt, and easter dying fun. Yes, I'm married and have two kids..  but my grandma puts money in the eggs! You would hunt to. I know it.
But this year being in CT with this cute family was worth it.

These little girls are so full of energy and spunk. I love them all SO much. Lori and Kenny are great parents, We learned so much from their example of great parenting skills! 

Lori is a master chef, I am sure. For Easter she made an AMAZING dinner!

the spread.

my plate! 

Ham

Au gratin potatoes w/ sweet potatoes

&

Roasted Veggies!

+ dessert! 

We got to go hunt for eggs! At one of their neighbors house. It was a party! They had fruit, bagels, and HOT chocolate! (It was a chilly day) 

my boys

the hunt.

Tanner finding his first egg!

Easter morning!!! B & T dug right into their baskets!! 

Love me some mr. bunny.

She loves Easter!

In fact.. we ALL love easter!

Family pic.. (maybe I should of brushed up a bit..? ) 

As fun as vacations are, I'm happy to be home! Back to schedules and normalcy..Okay, well.. attempting the getting back on schedule thing was a little rough today.. hence the reason I haven't blogged all day.. not to mention mt. laundry that I'm still working on.. But, I hit it off right today by this GPP workout and teaching Body Pump X2! yep, I'm sore... but gotta make some mula.. since Thursday after class we are LEAVING once again.. Back to Moab!! New readers..don't get used to all this vacationing.. and vets, I'm taking the laptop, we are staying in a house with wi-fi (I hope) so I won't get behind on the bloggy!

Lori made some amazing no bake granola bars. And gave me permission to post it on here for you all! Seriously, They were amazing!! PB.. do I evenneed to explain!? Recipe tomorrow! 

Night, Night! After an episode of Prison break of course... 

Hoppy Easter!

Good morning! Sorry I have not posted while we have been in my trip! I can't Load pics from my phone, so stay tuned till Tuesday for a recap of our trip in a "eggshell" haha! Hope your eggcited! ;)Have a wonderful time on this Easter sunday and spendin it with those you love!

And we are off!

Hey peeps! hopefully I can blog from my iphone while traveling through Connecticut and the NYC.. Any tips? I downloaded the app iblogger.. just haven't had the chance to see if it works.. I have a 8 hour flight for that.
Wish us luck. Twins on a airplane. Oh. the. joy.

Have a good day!

Story Time

Let me read you a story..
ok. more like you read the story...

Everyone came out to watch the healthy monster triathlon. "Elmo and his friends always stretch before a big race." Said Elmo.

 

The first event was swimming. "Elmo loves to swim fast!" said Elmo. Still, Murray took the lead.

Zoe moved ahead in the tricycle race. "I'm pedaling as fast as I can!" Zoe called to her fans. "I love riding my tricycle!"

Elmo ran like the wind, ending the triathlon in a 3-way tie! 

"We did it! We finished!" Murray said.

"Exercise is fun! And healthy!" added Zoe!

"NO matter who wins!"

Just like the monsters, we need all aspects of fitness endurance, stamina, strength, flexibility, power, speed, coordination, agility, balance and accuracy. (Especially, with lots of fur) . In our life,  we use multiple aspects of fitness in every single day. Not just when we are tested.You may not even realize it. But you do.
In your life it doesn't matter if we finish first or last. The point of the matter is that you gave it your all at that specific place and time. Rather it be in your relationships, your religion, your job, or your health. When we are healthy we are happy. Strive for that. Be determined to be the best person you can be.  When you are with your family talk with them, learn and laugh with them. In your workout, push your limits. In your job, give it your all. Make time for the important things in life. You never know when something unexpected will happen. In fact, when it does you will be able to take anything head on. You are the commander of your life. Wake up each morning with the determination and mindset that each day will be a good day. Nothing can hold you back. Be proud of who you are, so every night you can say "You did it!" No matter the challenge you faced that day.


Now, I'm going to go see how fast my tricycle can go...

Have a good day!!! 

weekend-recap!

Hey,Y'all! Sorry I was MIA this weekend! We were busy, busy. You know those weekends that you just never sit down, then all of sudden its Monday and you still have not crossed off one thing on your to-do list, but in fact you have added to it!! Start the clock!!
I have some exciting news!! FIRST- TAX SEASON IS OVER!! Can I get a woot woot! If you are a new reader my husband is an accountant and today is like better then Christmas! SECOND-- We leave on Wednesday to NY! Brents oldest brother lives in Connecticut. Its time for a little Vaca! I can't wait to see 3 of my best friends..

Our Nieces. 

Whats a vacation with a possible race, two babies, and plans.. oh.. a TRIP!!! But I'm estatic non- the less. I may possibly run this race! Also, Visit our other BF's

  And shop at H&M, LuLu and everywhere in between! While playing and spending quality time with the fam! We are excited! Don't worry, I'm working on being able to post from my phone to give you updates :) Cross your fingers.

This weekend after a family baby shower we headed out to cabelas. (My husbands Lulu)

I took this picture by the fish tank inside the store.. B loved it! Check out T's face... can you tell he wasn't to fascinated? He started crying shortly after this pic. Poor kid is afraid of fish. mmm.. and later to find out when we went through the exhibit that has a lot of stuffed deer, bears etc... that he is afraid of all animals.. 

Whats a weekend without a recipe?!

Oh.. a lot of messed up FAILED recipes.. I live and learn folks.

Fail #1 beanless hummus- used way, way to much tahini.. 

its in the works.

Fail #2 PB cookies.. Dry and I burned them. ooops.. I blame "prison break" we started watching it..(way late I know...) but I forgot to start the timer.. The dough was good though! 

Fail #3 Crackers. Like these ones.. but I still don't have the desired crunch I want. 

I will re-create these sometime soon. 

Perfection peeps. Thats what I'm going for.

But I did make some cookies.. from this recipe. Super easy! Thanks Julie!

{Coconut Granola}

Yay! For Friday!!! I am happy and relieved its the weekend! This weekend marks the last work weekend for Brent! He is an accountant so he has been busy, busy for several months and we are excited to have daddy home more often!! But for you Tax slackers the deadline is actually Monday! Mine are taken care of ;) hehe..
Last night after the babies went down I cleaned my entire kitchen! Swept, Scrubbed, & Mopped! Then decided to make Granola... Note to self.. never do that again. Granola can get a bit messy.. I don't know if its just me but    when I make granola it gets everywhere! This granola however, is completely worth it!!!!

{Coconut Granola}

Yields- A boatload of granola...

Ingredients

• 6 C. Rolled Oats
• 2 C. Brown Rice Cereal
• 3 Scoops of Vanilla Protein 
• 2 C. Sesame seeds
• 1/2 C. Flax Seeds
• 2 C. Sunflower seeds
• 1/2 C. Wheat Germ
• 1 C. Coconut Flakes -- unsweetened. 
• 2 C. Canola Oil
• 1/2 C. Coconut Oil --- Read Benefits of Coconut Oil here
• 2 1/2 C. Agave Nectar 

Directions

Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
Mix all dry ingredients

Mix Liquids until well blended ( I used a whisk)

Spread dry ingredients on to 2 separate non-stick cookie sheets

Pour 1/2 liquid on top of one pan and then the remaining on the top and stir together till coated evenly

Bake at 350 for 20 minutes and turn/stir granola -- then reduce heat to 250 and bake for 10-15 more minutes repeat until desired browness is achieved. (I did it for twice.)

X5!

This Granola was so good!!! Its addicting! You need to make this, then let me know how you liked it. This would be great to take to a party or share with your neighbors! You will become popular pretty fast. I mean, thats why I have so many friends..  haha! Love you all.. Have a good weekend! Tomorrow, we have a busy day! Swimming, Teaching, Baby shower, Cabelas and a group date night! Yay!! 

We may make more burgers ;)

P.S. Good luck to all my friends Running this weekend!! STG Ironman, SLC marathon, and Boston! Any body else have a race?! GOOD LUCK!!! 

Metabolism Boost!

Are you stuck in a rut? Do you workout everyday and just not losing weight? Do you blame it on poor nutrition or lack of sleep? Weak Workouts? Just to tired? I just sounded like an infomercial.. Oh well, did it catch your attention?

source

There could be several variables, maybe you have no idea what your doing wrong.. BUT don't give up, you can't! To get out of a rut you must simply just change a habit! One of my favorite quotes..

"If you always do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always got."

Today, I want to talk about the way you workout. Maybe you run everyday, elliptical, stairclimber etc. How about weights? I use to be a slave to the cardio machine. I believed the more calories I burned during my run was all that mattered. In fact.. I never touched a weight! Shame, Shame... The key to burning calories is not increasing your time in the cardio room but to increase your workout INTENSITY!

You need to but your mind into the muscle! LIFT WEIGHTS! 

source

Concentrate as you lift them and be there when it comes back down.. Incorporating your brain into each movement is going to maximize your efforts! When you do cardio you burn calories and when your done working out, your done burning calories. If you lift weights you continue to burn calories throughout your day.. even while you sleep! Cool, eh?

Interval training is a surefire way to boost your metabolism! Interval training involves performing a cardio-type movement at the max level for a period of time. Then drop the level of intesity for the same period of time. Repeat the short intervals for as long as you can manage. Short, explosive workout sessions boost a lazy metabolism, not to mention get done quicker and burn MORE calories then a hour long steady jog. Especially if you add some sort of weight training in the middle! Try it! You may find that your workout won't be as long, slow, boring etc. You will work harder, sweat more and make it home in time for american idol ;)" 

If you focus your mind to train your body and then the changes your body make will begin to take place and impact your mind. Dream it, believe it, and you will achieve it!!

for time & Burgers.

So some people ask how I get things done around my house, spend time with the babies, make food, & Blog?!
A lot of the workouts I do over at GPP are "for time", So the workout is on the board and once the trainer says GO! and hits the clock. You push yourself to get the workout done as. fast. as. you. can.
I took this type of training and implemented into my house chores ;)

Write all the things you need to get done. Wait till babies go down for a nap.. And start your timer... Then GO! You will be surprised how quick and clean your house can get! Even work up a little sweat! Then you may find some free time to do things for you! Such as reading, maybe a shower.. (if your into that type of thing), paint your nails, shop online (thats my husbands favorite!)  etc. 

Give it a GO and see if it works for you :)

Onto the burgers! Last night, Brents brother and fiance came over to make their infamous Deer Burgers!  

Yes, I said deer... My husband is a hunter, I came from a hunting family so the hunting of deer, ducks, etc. Doesn't bother me really. I could NEVER do it myself but I actually don't mind the fresh meat. That isn't pumped with hormones and such.. I know exactly where it comes from. Deer is actually a LEAN meat. 

{DEER BURGERS}

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds of Ground deer meat (You could use ground Turkey, Beef, Chicken)
• 1/2 C. Rolled Oats
• 1/2 Yellow onion
• 1 3 inch  jalapeno or more if you like it spiiiiicy!
• 4 T. or so.. Worcheschire Sauce
• 2 Egg Whites
• 1/2 t Garlic 
• 1/2 t. Sea salt
• Whole Grain Buns 
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Additional desired toppings

Directions

Heat up Grill--high heat

Mix first 8 ingredients together in a bowl

Form medium sized patties

Place on grill for 6 minutes on one side, 4 minutes on the other.

Transfer to dressed bun and ENJOY!

Rutabaga/Parsnip fries would totally compliment this meal... Give it a try! 

Look who is 9 months old today!! I can't even believe it...

Yes, they are almost crawling... I may be a little more busy in the future! 

Hope your having a great week!! YAY! For Friday tomorrow!! 

Q. Does anyone else get stuff done around their house in crazy ways like me?

Q. Deer anyone? Does anyone like any kind of "wild game" Bison, Duck etc?

sleep tight.

A miracle happened today people. T & B slept through the night!! Not only did they sleep through the night but B woke up at 9 and T didn't make a peep till 9:30!!!

Since they were 6 weeks old they slept through the night.

 I'm lucky I know.. AND THEN they got sick...

a few months ago they both had bronchiolitis and they would both wake up miserable and hungry. So I would feed them and rock them back to sleep.. of course they would wake up at different hours throughout the night.. making one tired mom and dad. And I think it just started a bad habit of wanting to eat in the middle of the night.. B more so then T. But I don't function well on no sleep.. something had to be done.
You see, my babies have been on a schedule since day one, when we first introduced rice cereal at about 5 months

 I would just give it to them at night and they would sleep all night and be happy and content. Now that they are 9 months (tomorrow..eeek!) I decided maybe lets start feeding them more baby food and oatmeal at each of their meals including the meal before bed + a bottle.

It worked like a charm! Well, Cross your fingers they do the same tonight!
I make my babies food, Bananas, peas, sweet potatoes, applesauce, mangos, blueberries etc. using this fun little contraption. AKA The Kid Co.

I got it as a gift from a neighbor and don't know what I would do without it!! (thanks Debbie!) It is quick and really simple to use! And its not very expensive like other baby food blenders. 

they both seem to love it to. The bottom part comes off and you put the food inside and then stick the bottom back on and turn the handle around till all the food is in the top bowl! 

sweet potatoes!

They love it, but also get a little distracted sometimes... give mom back that spoon!

So I'm going to continue to feed them baby food at each meal in hope of a full nights rest. We deserve it.