Spring Break part Deux

Kenrik, Ash, and Dad before we began the hike up Angels Landing


ZION NATIONAL PARK

Yes, it's true - we went on TWO spring break vacations this year! :)

The second time around, we wised up and went to St. George! We went down with the Gibson family - and we rented out a gorgeous home down in "The Ledges" for 4 days and 3 nights.

Our vacation consisted of eating muddy buddies (thanks Allen), swimming, laying out, eating otter pops, more swimming, movie marathons, as well as a day trip to Zion National Park! Allen, Kendrik, dad, and I all hiked up to Angels landing - which was a lot of fun!

We enjoyed our trip and will look forward to making it back down there again in the near future!


The "staircase" up the mountain


Our lovely Southwest Adobe style home we stayed in!


Our fun hot tub/pool combo!

General Conference

I've gotta say, I love General Conference!
I was lucky enough to get to attend the Saturday afternoon session with Ashley and Andrew! We had a lot of fun making the journey up to Salt Lake City. We got to SLC early, so we had time to burn - PERFECT! We had fun walking around temple square, seeing all the many missionaries who were visiting, having fun watching the protestors, and then we made our way into the conference center!

General conference has a special place in my heart - the older I get, the more I appreciate it and value the topics presented.

I had a religion professor at BYU-Idaho who changed the way I treated conference. He challenged us to think of three questions or problems we were seeking guidance about, and pray to have our questions answered in conference. That way, when you watched conference, you went into it with a purpose. Well, ever since then, I have tried this, and everytime IT WORKS! :)

I hope everyone enjoyed Conference as much as I did!

Summer Bod

"To eat is a necessity, but to eat intelligently is an art."
- La Rochefoucauld

So about a month ago, I was feeling down about my outward appearance... and I was feeling really tired all the time, even if I would sleep for 8-10 hours a night. Finally, I went to my doctor and asked to get a blood-sugar test done...I have been diagnosed in the past with hyper-insulimia (my body produces an excess of insulin...weird, I know!)


Well what all this boils down to, is that I am really supposed to be controlling my condition with diet and exercise (whoopsie...) So about a month ago I went cold turkey from all of my favorite things to eat (ie: the entire CARBOHYDRATE family and SUGARS)

I have been working out a lot as well and really watching what I am putting into my tummy - and it's paid off! I've lost 10 pounds and lots of inches! I went to Buckle on Saturday to buy a new pair of jeans - they were much needed, trust me! And to my surprise and delight, I had to buy a pair of jeans that were two sizes down from my "normal" size.

Now, I do not claim to be a health guru, or even a personal trainer/dietician...but hey, if anyone wants a workout buddy, or has any healthy recipies they'd be willing to share, please let me know!!

Keep working hard towards your own personal fitness goals, and if you don't have any fitness goals, start today! Your body will thank you!

"The wise man should consider that health is the greatest of human blessings. Let food be your medicine." - Hippocrates

Update

Hey all!
Life has been pretty crazy this past month, and yet again I am making excuses for my lack of blogging...

This is my attempt at an update:

Dad - As some of you know, my dad lost his job about a month and a half ago. It's been fun to have him home 24/7, but I know he has been going stir crazy. Some happy news, my dad got a new job - and he gets to work from home. He is so excited about this new job and the opportunities it will bring him! :) Congrats dad! I am so happy for you!

Mom - Mom has been working a lot lately with Crate Paper (www.cratepaper.com) and has been taking care of the fam, as usual! She is such a good mother! I love you mom!


Allen - Mister Allen has been a busy bee! He has so much going on: working, school, and something exciting: Allen is filling out his MISSION PAPERS!! He will officially turn them in on May 21st, as that is his official 3 month mark prior to his birthday! I am so excited for him.

Andrew - Andrew is constantly busy! He has been really into Lego's and is building all kinds of creations! He is also busy with school, and is having fun with that!

Allie - My sweet baby sis and roommate! She is a go-getter (of course!) and is busy with school and all the learning she is doing! She is still on a princess high from the Disneyland trip we took last month!

As for myself, I am still going, going, going! I feel like time speeds up with the more I have to do. I wish there was more time in the day, but I guess I best make due with what time I have been given. :)
I am finishing up the semester strong! Lots of tests in the next few weeks, but I have enjoyed this semester. However, I will NOT miss my marathon days, ya know - the 4:00 AM - 3:00 PM days of working and school. I am so excited for SUMMER! I have a lot of plans and goals that I am so excited to get working on!

Wait for more to come... love you all!