7 years

Today marks 7 years when my mother passed away. 

I woke up this morning and my stomach just hurt, which led to an “off” day for me today. I went to the workout at GPP but just went through the movements, didn’t really push myself to hard, I just couldn’t shake the feeling. Every year, since my mom passed away my sisters/family meet at her grave at 5 pm because that is the time she passed away. It was my week to teach body pump so I couldn’t be there today. After pump I went for a run. My favorite run course actually passes the cementary where she is buried, so on my way back I made sure to sit and spend a little time to reflect on her life and my favorite moments with her.
Due to my “off” day, I didn’t take any pictures of anything today… besides this beautiful sunset.

Purple and pink filled the sky and I was able to catch the very end of it.
I never get sick of Bountiful sunsets. They are always stunning and today it made me smile.
I spent the last hour watching womens Gymnastics! Congrats USA!!!

source
It’s a new day tomorrow!
Have a good night!

Gluten Free Chocolate Chip Cake Cookies and A Smoothie!

Happy MONDAY!
Do you ever get an itch to workout?
I get that itch almost every Monday. I think I do because Sunday’s are generally my rest day and I’m just plain lazy. (I’ll get back to the itch in a minute..) I even made a to-do list on Sunday to keep me busy, but it got tossed to the side and we ended up going for a walk and making cookies instead.  Something about not being able to keep two TWO year olds inside for a long period of time, which usually backfires on my to-do list that is usually cleaning anyway..
A walk and cookies it is!

Gluten Free Chocolate chip Cake Cookies.
How is that for a title?

These babies were BIG. They had a soft cakey texture and were worthy of eating along a big glass of milk.
GLUTEN FREE Chocolate Chip Cake Cookies
Yields about 16 cookies
Adapted from here
Ingredients:

• 2 1/4 C. Gluten-Free Flour (I used Bobs Mill)
• 1 tsp. Baking Powder
• 1 tsp. Baking Soda
• 1/4 xanthan gum
• 3/4 C. Apple Sauce
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 C. Firmly packed brown cane sugar
• 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract
• 2 C. Dairy-Free Chocolate Chips

Directions:
Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees
Combine Dry ingredients in a medium bowl (except chocolate chips, set them aside)
Combine wet ingredients into a large bowl
Slowly add dry ingredients by using your hand mixer at a medium speed, until creamy.
Stir in Chocolate chips.
Drop dough onto greased cookies sheet by rounded tbsp. or two
Bake for 9 minutes. Until Golden Brown

Let stand for about 2 minutes before digging in.

Amazing lightning, I know.. .(hey, it was 9:30 at night)
Going for walks is one of my favorite things to do on Sunday with my family.

We didn’t bring the strollers for the twins and they kept up pretty well! We even took a break on the grass for a bit, which turned into quite the wrestling match.


I just love these two.


By this morning I was ready to work hard,I had the “itch” and let me tell you, I got worked.

Workout with links of each exercise can be found here.
This was a new workout at GPP today, A new challenge, I was ready to push and that I did. This workout put me on the floor, and I feel good about it. I was able to complete the 4th round in 5:56. My goal was to sub six and I barely made it. Burpees and the lunge steps were the worst for me!
I came home and made this blueberry quinoa recovery shake! I changed it just a bit from Tina’s recipe.

In the mix:

• 1/2 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
• 1 1/2 C. Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/3 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 scoop Elite Egg Protein (Smooth Vanilla)
• Handful of Kale
• 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed meal

It hit the spot! I’m pretty sure it was 100 degrees by 9am today. This kept me full for hours too! I was able to run errands all afternoon without even thinking about food.. (that never happens… I love food…)
By the time I got home I got the babes down for a nap and settled down with one big salad.

Packed full of veggies, which was glorious in every way.
I have even better news for the day.

I finally got a new PHONE!! No more shards of glass in my thumb/face.. scotch tape or putting people on mute during important conversations! It is an I phone miracle.
Question of the day:
What is your favorite kind of cookie?
How long does it take you to get the workout “itch.”

I’m Cheap

Yesterday, after I signed off I headed out to lunch for one of my best friends baby shower! Luann worked with me in the dental office for several years and we became great friends. She is working on getting into dental school and moved to Connecticut last year but came to visit for the week. Her SIL put this little “dental office friend” shower together for her. We met at Brio in Murray at the Mall and had a good time catching up with all the girls.
I’m kind of cheap when I eat out and Brios salads were at least $14! No, thanks. So I opted for the simple side salad and added grilled chicken for a reasonable $9. The chicken was grilled perfectly and the feta cheese was perfect. Brios Balsamic dressing was light and tangy. I just wanted to drink it.


Before our meals arrived we devoured the bread basket! The crispy flatbread was my favorite, it had flax seeds on top and were baked to perfection.

For dessert, Luann’s SIL brought each of us a cupcake, I’m not exactly sure where she found these delectable little pieces of heaven but they were so good, we all had different flavors and shared so we could sample each flavor. I picked out Cookies and cream. But my favorite was the red velvet.



Lindsey, Britney, momma, Luann, Michelle, LuAnn's mom.
For dinner we made a quick tilapia with some steamed green beans on the side.

Dinner was quickly followed by a little dessert.

Orange leaf for dinner!! At least I piled a little nutrition in my dish! Kiwi, raspberry, peaches and crushed almonds. On top of orange fro-yo.
It was delicious!
I had a gift certificate burning a hole in my wallet so we took it to go and headed to the park to get some of twins energy out before bed. 

These two cannot get enough of parks, they run all over, climbing, sliding and swinging!

We played until the sun went down!

Definitely a good day!
Workout:
This morning I headed to the gym for Body Pump and completed this quick cardio mash at Gold's.

Source---> Via gppfit.com
I was able to do all 500 rope jumps unbroken!! Phew! My calves were on fiiiiiiiiiiiiire! A new PR!
I came home and whipped out some scrambled eggs packed with veggies and topped with organic ketchup.


Yellow pepper, mushrooms, broccoli slaw and purple onion with 3 eggs.

Throwing veggies in my eggs is an easy way for me to make sure to get my veggies in for the day!
After breakfast I headed to Ross to find some shoes for the twins because their feet just had a growth spurt. After finding a pair for each of them I decided to take a look for me and look what I found!!

Nike Frees!! I was eyeing these at the Nordstrom Sale (the hot punch color is obsessive). Ross had them for $32!! Even if they are white and will be dirty the minute I put them on, I couldn’t pass up the price!! A good deal is a good deal!
Pretty sure this post proves I am a cheap shopper..and I’m not ashamed. Cheap salad, free fro-yo and scored discount shoes. I love finding a good deal!
Question of the day:
What is the best deal you have come across lately?
Do you have secret to get your servings of veggies in?

2012 Olympics!

I can’t believe the opening day to the 2012 Olympics begin TODAY!  I love the energy and watching the top athletes work, compete and achieve their goals. Its SO exciting, I don’t want to miss a minute!

Source
My top favorite sports to watch are:

• Gymnastics
• Swimming
• Sprinters/Running

I got my eye on C-Rod this year! 

After looking through the schedule, I discovered a few different events that I never noticed even being an Olympic Sport!

• Handball
• Taekwondo
• Football

Julie did a post yesterday on the post of the most unusual Olympic events that I found pretty interesting. They came from this CNN article

1. Solo Synchronized Swimming: Discontinued in 1992
2. Club Swinging: Discontinued in 1932
3. Tug-of-War: Discontinued in 1920
4. Live Pigeon Shooting: Only present in the 1900 Olympics Games
5. Swimming Obstacle Course: Discontinued in 1900
6. Roller Hockey: Only present in the 1992 Olympic Games
7. La Canne (Like fencing but with a cane): Debuted at the 1924 Olympics
8. Rope Climbing: Discontinued in 1932
9. Trampoline: Current Olympic event
10. Race Walking: Current Olympic event

Source
Solo Synchronized Swimming? How is it synchronized swimming if your solo?? Oxymoron.
Trampoline?
My sister and I could totally compete.

Brent even has hops.

Watch out 2016!
Workout:
Last night Brent and I fell asleep on the couch until 2:30am before I woke up to the t.v and dragged my arse upstairs to go to bed for real. (Couch sleep does not count…its never as comfortable).
My alarm went off at 6AM and I pressed snooze twice before I finally got up. My stomach wasn’t feeling to hot this morning but I decided to go to the gym anyway and figured it would be fine once I got movin’! I did a mile run to warm-up then completed this workout.

Source ----> via gppfit.com, there are links to both movements on the website!
I completed the workout in 18:26 RX. I was a drippy sweaty mess within the first 5 minutes of this workout. At 70% capacity I didn’t charge it like I could of, but I’m trying something new with my daily workouts and altering my diet a bit. Nothing major, just different. I’ll be sure to clue you in soon!
After the workout, I went for a 2.5 mile run to shake it out a little, I discovered if I go for a run after workouts like this, that target my hamstrings I’m a little less sore later. It was a slow and steady few miles but if I can offset a little DOMS its worth it! I even spent about 10 minutes stretching and foam rolling after, which is something I am not good about doing but I DO NOT want to get injured again so I’m going to start making stretching a priority after workouts. I’m not a yoga person but I do believe stretching is vital and important to my fitness so I’m going to work on it.
Breakfast:
I came home and made a fruity recovery shake


In the blender:

• 1 1/2 C. Almond Milk
• 4 frozen strawberries
• 1/2 C. Frozen Blueberries
• 1/4 of a banana
• 1 scoop Elite Egg Protein (Vanilla)
• Handful of spinach
• Added a little water to get things movin’ a little more.

This filled my cup twice! Sort of looked like crap, but hey, it was delicious. Once you get over the whole green thing its all good. 
I have a busy day scheduled today so I’m off to run a few errands then I have a baby shower at Brio today for my best friend that moved to Connecticut last year. She came home for the weekend and I can’t wait to see her and her little bump!
Question of the day:
What unusual Olympic event would you compete in?
What is your favorite Olympic event to watch?

Strawberry-Banana Smoothie

Yes, please!

This morning was a hot one, and after my workout I needed something to cool down with. I made this recovery shake and decided to have some eggs on the side for a little extra fuel for my busy morning.

In the blender:

• 1 1/2 C. Silk Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk
• 1/2 tsp. Chia Seeds
• 1 banana
• 4 Strawberries
• 1 scoop Elite Egg Protein
• 5-6 ice cubes

It was good recovery after spending my morning here:

After a mile warm-up run, It was time to take on the BAT.


Source
I felt up to a challenge today and used heavier weights and even ended up putting a #25 plate on my back for the planks! Phew! My arms are DONE!
I made it home just as Bee woke up. I love cuddling her in the mornings, she is calm and snuggly. As soon as she gets going she never stops.. neither of them do really… Not sure where they get that one.

I think we will spend a little more time at the park later, they had too much fun yesterday and can’t wait to go down the “weee” (slide) again.


Catch ya’ later!
You may be interested:
Cartwheels? via gppfit.com
Kate Beckinsale Workouts via fitsugar.com
Get your good going! via mealsandmiles.com

Runwich

Happy Monday!  Wednesday!!
The week is half over! When there is a holiday at the beginning of the week, it makes the week go by a little quicker. You just can’t beat a 5 day weekend! (Shouldn’t they all be like that?)
This morning, Brent went on a bike ride so I will have to get my workout done later today, so I woke up, actually made my bed.. .and made breakfast!
 
I went with a veggie packed omelet!!
Inside the omelet was

• Spinach
• Chopped tomatoes
• Purple onion
• Green Pepper

Wrapped in 3 egg whites and 1 whole egg and topped with organic ketchup (catsup?)
Now, its off to work! Before, I sign off, I have a crazy, run circuit for you to tackle!
Boy, is it a sweaty one!  Since I was out of town the past few days and I had limited equipment. I usually just run for my workout, because its simple and easy to do. Monday, I wanted to do something a little different. I had a jump rope and a 35lb dumb bell. I whipped up this quick workout to do and I was dripping! It took me just over an hour to complete.



Phew! If you are looking for a breather this is it.
It is long, so make sure you have plenty of time. It would be easy to modify if you are looking for a quick sweat session, just make it one mile runs and 20 of everything with no breaks.
Have a great day!
Catch ya’ on the flip side!
Question of the day:
Ketchup or Catsup?

Our Weekend at the Ranch

We headed back to Wyoming again this week for the holiday weekend
(Pioneer day in Utah = Vacation!)
The PBR Rodeo was in town, so we put on our boots and headed to the stands. PBR is Pro Bull Riding, there were several good rides but my favorite part of the night was bull poker.


Bull Poker is a fun little rodeo game that takes place in Afton every year. The game goes like this.
Volunteers from the audience come down from the stand and sit in a chair in a circle in the middle of an arena then they let out a chosen bull.
The point of the game is to stay in your chair. Last one sitting, wins a cash prize. That night the winner actually ran away with $500!
The bull didn’t really pay attention the circle for the first little bit so the circle migrated closer to the bull. Genius right?


The bull didn’t seriously injure anyone, but did charge the group a few times.
Brave souls.
The next day we woke up to this.

We spent the last couple of days swinging, throwing rocks in the pond, riding four-wheelers and dropping from the zip line.
Here are a few pics from the trip!

My sister Heather and I

Tanner could of thrown rocks ALL day if I would of let him!

Swinging and running! These two can’t get enough of the ranch!

We took the babies on their first little four wheeling adventure, Not far or fast. Tanner loved it! Baylee had second thoughts and kept saying “I don’t want it, I don’t want it.” But never cried and even threw out a Yee-haw!
We spent some time walking down the streets of Afton and wanted to stop by the chocolate factory but didn’t make it in time before it closed. If you are planning a trip through or to Afton/star valley, all the stores and shops close at 6pm. Grocery store closes at 8!

Isn’t that the best scripture?

We made a stop at Red Baron to get the kiddos a ice cream cone!

Then I was home to watch some people ride/drop off the zip line. It was a little bit to chilly for me to drop. (I’m such a cold water pansy!)

Here is the zip line in action!! These are my two cousins dropping together! The zip line has always been one of my favorite activities growing up. I can’t wait until B & T are old enough to ride!

After a great weekend being unplugged (NO internet, or great cell service) for 4 days, which has to be some sort of record…. it feels good sometimes!  We are back home and it’s back to work tomorrow!
Happy Birthday UTAH!
Question of the day:
Would you play Bull Poker?