love them

These beauties are some of my favorite ladies in the whole wide world. It was so good to see them all again.

Reunited because of this stunning bride...

It's always been fascinating to me how some friendships you make seem to last forever. No matter what road in life you've taken or how long ago you've talked or seen each other, you can pick up right where you've left off. It's so easy and so natural. You know that no matter what, that friendship you've once made will always be there.

Love these girls with all my heart!

mother

http://pinterest.com/pin/29132728809047149/

Saw this on pinterest. Definitely feeling that definition today. Love the "see also..."

pregnancy highlights

How far along: 12 weeks

Total weight gain: 2 lbs

Sleep: Gosh, I sleep -- A LOT. Or at least I want to sleep a lot. I am so tired all the time. By the time evening rolls around I’m ready for bed by 8pm. Not that it ever happens, especially if I have to work that night.

Maternity clothes: Still regular clothes.

Movement: Still have a while till I feel the little peanut move. It’s been hard. I get anxieties over it.

Gender:Everyone has their guess! :)

Food cravings: It’s more like food AVERSIONS. It’s hard to find anything that sounds good.

What I miss the most: My energy. I just feel so wiped out all the time.

Symptoms: Nausea, exhaustion, and then some more nausea. And lots of anxiety. So much, in fact, that I ended up with gastritis.

Best moment this week: Seeing Baby on the ultrasound and hearing the heartbeat! Best. Sound. Ever. Ultrasounds have become a huge source of panic attacks for me. I don’t like them. I shake and I cry and I think the worst. All I can think of is the ultrasound image of my little Chloe – still, no movement, no heartbeat. It’s almost unbearable.

What I'm looking forward to: GETTING OUT OF FIRST TRIMESTER!!!

Baby is the size of a:

I've embraced the fact that I am just not a consistent blogger. I wish I was, because I have about a million posts in mind. But the fact is it's just not going to happen. So instead here's a quick review of our last year.

our TOP 10 moments of 2011
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10. 2 visits from the tooth fairy for Benjamin.

9. Camping with family and friends.

8. A very successful soccer season for Benjamin.

7. First year playing t-ball for Andrew. He loves batting, hates the field.

6. Family vacation at the beach house in California.

5. New job for Diana, who is now an ER nurse and loving it!

4. Kindergarten for Benjamin and he is having so much fun!

3. Officially becoming triathletes - twice.

2. Getting our running grove on by completing some half marathons.

#1. Finding out we are expecting baby #4!

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Here's to 2012!

you know you want to...

run the Halloween Half Marathon in Provo with me. It just looks like so much fun! It's all downhill, really ALL downhill (check out the course map) and you get to wear a costume (if you want to). Here's the link to their site http://www.halloweenhalf.com/

imagine running in that...

I love Halloween! Combine that with running and, hello, I think I'm in heaven. I have a feeling this race is going to be the BOMB!

Who's in?

Scott T - Dude, this is the perfect event to wear your superman costume...I might even make you a cape...

Break a Sweat: black bean and corn salsa

This is by far my favorite summer salad. It so easy to make, it’s filling, it’s yummy, and it’s healthy. What more can a girl want?

Ingredients
• 1 can, 14 ounces, black beans, rinsed and drained
• 2 cups frozen corn kernels
• 1 small red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1/2 red onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• A few sprigs of cilantro
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a bowl. Let stand at least 15 minutes for corn to defrost and flavors to combine.

Go brake a sweat now and then have some black bean and corn salsa. That's exactly what I'm planning on doing...right now...off I go...

Break a Sweat: Motivation

Every once in a while (a lot) I have a hard time motivating myself to get out and exercise. The funny thing is, it’s during those days that I get the best workouts! Why is that?

During my i-just-don’t-feel-like-it days, I often ask myself what my motivation to exercise is. Here are the things that have been motivating me:

1. Time for me. I have to make “me” time a priority, otherwise I end up taking care of everybody and everything - kids, husband, house, callings, kids’ recreational activities, work and so on – and then there is no time to take care of myself. Selfish? Maybe. But I have a hard time being a good and happy mommy and wife when I don’t feel good about myself. And exercise makes me feel good and happy, which bring us to…

2. The way I feel after a workout. I love the endorphin release and the adrenaline rush. It makes me feel happy, relaxed, calm, and less irritable. I was thinking about this just yesterday. I had a really rough day c/o my kiddos. By the end of the day I was pretty grumpy and on the verge of tears. When Scott got home, he packed the kids in the car and we headed to the pool. He watched the kids and let me swim laps and get all my frustration out. When I was done, I was a new person. We were a happy family again. I love him for that, by the way. He knows exactly what I need.

3. It’s fun. I will only do it if it’s fun. I like running, I’ve been really enjoying swimming and biking lately. I like kickboxing. I do a Zumba class every once in a while. I do it because it’s fun and I enjoy it. Exercise should be fun! If you’re not enjoying it, try a different activity.

4. How I’m going to look. Yes, I’m shallow like that. I picture a slimmer, fitter, sexier me and let that visual drive me.

5. Workout buddy. Best motivator ever! I know I’m going to get out of bed bright and early when I know someone is waiting for me. I had a workout buddy in Vegas when I was training for my first half marathon. I loved doing it with a friend. It made it so much more fun and we motivated each other. Mandy, are you reading this? I miss you!

6. Fitness magazines/books. This is kind of a random one. Every once in a while I get a free subscription to a fitness magazine (would never pay money for it) or check out some fitness books from the library. I like reading through them. It makes me want to get out and a break a sweat or try a new workout.

7. A race. I like signing up for races - 5K, 10K, half marathon, triathlon, whatever. Once I’m signed up, there is no backing out of it. It’s a great motivation to train. Then when you are done, that sense of accomplishment will be an even greater motivator. Each accomplishment is followed by greater ability, greater resolve, and greater motivation.

8. Being held accountable. Post it on your blog, tell your family or friends. I don’t know about you, but if people know that I’m doing a race or set a goal for losing weight, I’m pretty determined to see it through. If you have somebody to report to, you’ll make it happen.

What are your motivations?

Go break a sweat now!

Love, D.