Oh My!

Sorry -- missed a few days!

We had our Scout District camporee on Friday/Saturday and it was fun. They did something new, which was play night games starting at 9:30pm and going to 12:30am - we didn't get to bed until just after 1:00am -- it made for a LONG night, but one filled with fun none-the-less. There were 6 stations that you had to get too using a GPS and flashlight in the dark, in the middle of the night up and down mountain trials and forest -- once you found the station you had to perform a certain task before moving on - anyway we did ok - not the greatest, but they (the boys) did their best. Here are a few pictures:



The autum colors up here were just beautiful and I had to stop and take some pictures -- it's been awhile since I've seen the mountains all painted up like this and I really miss it.

Insanity is going insanely well -- it is very hard but I am seeing some awesome improvements. The warmup is now actually starting to feel like a warmup and this is the 2nd week and so we are doing workouts we already did last week and I am able to get through them easier than last time -- not easier mind you - just a little better than last time -- it still is a killer -- because even though I am able to keep it going as you get better you increase the intensity and that still makes is just as hard as the very first time you did it -- I actually feel like I am finally getting fit and that feels so good at my ripe young age of (almost) 48.

We got a new Bishop for our new ward - it is Courtney Snow and I think he is going to be awesome! He and his new councelors are going to do a fine job and it'll be exciting to be a part of this new 9th ward. I hope that I can support them in anyway that might be required of me and that Heavenly Father will use me to the best of my abilities and strengths. I love the Lord and the gospel and am grateful for it being in my life.

Stay strong everyone!!

Soreness -- Big Time!

Man -- I have been so incredibly sore from this workout -- it's crazy. It's getting easier in a few things - but then he goes and throws something new in and it get you all sore again -- but no matter, I love it because I am INSANE! .

Got two more of the garden boxes moved up yesterday - so only one more to go -- I was just tired and hungry when it was time for that last one and just figured I'd finish it up on Saturday when we get back from the Scout district camporee - that should be an interesting night -- they are doing night game activities starting at 9:00 pm instead of the usual Saturday morning activities -- so we'll see just how long I last before getting tired.

Anyways - short and sweet -- catch you later.

Insanity!

Ok - I've been saying how CJ and I are doing this Insanity program -- and yesterday I mentioned how the Fit test really beat me up -- oh my, that was nothing -- we did our first full workout yesterday and it was INSANE! I'm gonna put a little vid clip about it right below this picture so make sure you check it out -- it is incredible! I've always been in shape, but don't feel like I have ever really been fit -- this is going to change that. I was pushing, both mentally and physically like I never have before -- it was the hardest 40 minutes that I've experienced in a long time -- and, now get this, I LOVED IT!! (crazy huh?) CJ did great, for never doing anything like this before it is starting to catch on quickly.


At scouts tonight we just went over preparations for our District Camporee on Friday/Saturday - making final preparations, etc. It went well -- we will have 4 leaders and about 12 boys -- then all the district will be there so it will be a really huge group and it'll be good to see some of the other troops again that we don't see on a regular basis.

It appears the autum weather is slowing creeping in and I'm loving it - the mornings are so crisp and cool now and if just feels like such a relief especially after these hot summers -- definitely looking forward to the cooler (not cold) weather.

Ok all -- remember a great quote from Alexander Pope: "to err is human, to forgive is divine" -- may we always find the forgivness for those who we feel have erred us and remember we are all human and not perfect -- only our elder brother and Savior Jesus Christ was perfect ... live to follow Him and His example.

New pic and workout

Here is a pic of Terri and I at Nathan's birthday party -- I really love this picture -- Terri just looks like she is so comfortable and at home resting on my shoulder -- makes me feel really good.

CJ and I started our workout today -- and it was only the FIT Test part and man I got beat up from that! actually the warmup routine he had us too had me tired -- yeah, I'm not very fit. Anyway, it's Shaun T's Insanity and it is a kicker - whew! I can't wait to see how much I get destroyed tomorrow! CJ did really good for his first time ever doing something like that -- I told him that it only gets better from here and it'll be tough for the first week, but then your body will start getting in shape -- he's going to do so good.

I am trying to do what is right in my life. If I have hurt anyone in anyway I am trying to clear things up - so if anyone reading this who feels this way by me, please let me know and let's work things out because I am just wanting to live life to the fullest and don't like soap opera style living. Since I have been made a High Priest it has more meaning to me and has given me the desire to truly live as Heavenly Father expects me to and intrusts me - so, there it is - I am sorry and let me know how or if I can make any amends where they are due.

We are getting a new bishopric next Sunday - all part of the new members from the old 26th ward joining us that day for the new St George 9th ward - can't wait and it'll be a blast having new people to get to know and love. I found out that our 9th mile aide station in the St George marathon was taken from us because the guy who was doing it couldn't find anyone in the ward willing to take it over -- he somehow failed to contact me. So, I contacted the marathon and told them that I will take it over and be in charge for now on -- luckily the people they got to do it this year only wants it for this year -- so we get it back starting 2010 and I am in charge of it -- so that will be fun -- hey, it gives me an excuse for not running it!!

See you all on the flip side!

Quiet Week

This was about as quiet a week as it can get.

On Sunday evening they announced the Stake boundaries change and that was good. Our ward remained intact and we added part of the 26th ward. I already know the younger scouts in that ward so it will be good having them with us now. Change is always good and I am excited for this one.

Also, last Sunday I was ordained to the office of High Priest after being an Elder for 27 years - everyone keeps telling me that I can now "officially" fall asleep in sacrament meeting! I don't do that now and doubt I will -- but it is said because most of the High Priest are much older and do have their "snoring" moments. And Nathan was ordained to a Teacher so we both moved up. This is the first time in 3 years that Nathan and I are in a different class during priesthood because I am still with the Deacons and he moved up....It was different without him.

The rest of the week was just work and stuff like that. On Tuesday with the Scouts, we did another round of the Physical Fitness merit badge and did our running, push ups and sit ups to see if there was improvement since last time. I, of course, overdid it and ran way faster that I was in shape to do - and did push ups and sit ups like I could - but really, I couldn't! So, I can't wait to really get fit - which, btw, starts on Monday with the Insanity by Shaun T program!

I have worked on the pile of wood, bricks, and just plain junk along the back wall all week and it is finally all gone and cleared up. CJ and Nathan would help on and off -- if I force them they help -- I just wish they would volunteer and be excited about work - I love working outside and doing manual labor -- it really is exhilarating. Anyway, it looks great. Next will be the moving of the trampoline somewhere else and then moving the garden boxes up under the big trees so that they will have shade for next year and not burn up and die like this year -- now that the place is really ours it is incredible the amount of projects I have but I am excited to do them all and can't wait to get started -- one by one, little by little.

Our neighbors, the Jensen's are moving -- they should be finished up by this weekend. They are the ones that have all the boys and so there goes 1/2 of our young men -- luckily with the new ward members coming in we will have more boys coming to replace them. This also means that my gym is back to just me -- they used it quite a lot -- and would often drink up all my water -- teen boys, gotta love 'em -- and I will miss them.

Ok -- well, I've talked my head off -- have a great Saturday!!

Happy Friday!!

Hello all - I hope people can remember, how on this day several years ago, the entire nation turned to God and weeks after that remainded close to Him -- why is He only remembered in times of great tradegy? We need to ALWAYS remember Him in triumphs and tradegies. This nation must always remember how it became the great nation that it is and it's because we are one nation under God!

Weight bar is gone - my days with HCG are also gone. It was good, brought be done to a good weight and now it's time to get back into physical shape as well. The program I ordered for me and the boys should be in soon (Shaun T's Insantity) - can't wait for that one! And I've just about got this Zone figured out and ready to start that soon...so all is well.

We closed on the house yesterday -- wait, did I just say that?? WE CLOSED ON THE HOUSE YESTERDAY!!! After 1 1/2 years of trying to - it was sure good to finally and actually do it. The banks of our seller finally agreed to release it and accept the payoffs and it is now our home! Terri and I went and celebrated with lunch out yesterday! The day I was spiritually "slapped" in the face by Heavenly Father telling me that this house is the one we need to buy and remain in this ward - was the day that I finally realized that it would be ours - I didn't think it would take this long - but our time is not the Lord's time and we saved $90,000 on the deal and can now afford to actually live in the home without worries of a high payment.

Have a great Friday everyone -- tomorrow Nathan turns 14!

Hey it's 09/09/09

And here's a picture I just took at 09:09 on 09/09/09 -- that's a once in a life time picture!

Had another crazy "eating dream" last night. This one was totally real - I just ate a piece of candy and then realized it was all over so I just went and started making some scrambled eggs -- it's crazy when your mind "thinks" it is starving what it puts you through. Anyway, I lost 1.4lbs today - that was good. I think I found out possibly the why I only did 1 the past few days - and it's my gum. I've been chewing gum like crazy the past few days and I looked on the box of each (they are sugar free) and said each stick is between 3-5 calories each -- well, the amount I chew that really adds up - so I didn't do any at all yesterday and lost an additional 0.4 - so go figure.

I have the weirdest scale - it doesn't tell me the same weight twice in a row - I had to get another scale because I thought the one was broke - so now I use two and try to get both to say the same number at least once - and I go with that number. It's the craziest thing - does anyone know of a scale that gives you the same number every time you get on it?

Well - have a great 09/09/09 day!

Hello Friends/Family

Well...another 1lb today -- however today was also measurement day and my waist is now a solid 38 -- wow, from 42 I can't complain - so we are getting there slowly but surely. I was (of course) hoping for more than 1 lb today especially because I went and did a 20 min heartrate interval on the treadmill followed by some brutal ab work - Terri just rolls her eyes at me when I say, "only 1 lb today" -- oh well!

Everyone was eating Burger King last night - that really killed me - not that I really wanted Burger King, but the fact that I couldn't have it is what irritated me. The hardest part of this is by far and away the "mental" game that your mind plays on you with the foods you used to eat -- it really attacks you.

We went to the movie yesterday and saw "UP" - that was much better than I thought it would be and I laughed quite a bit - being the scoutmaster I have seen MANY boys like that little explorer scout in the movie. The fact that Terri and CJ went through 2 jumbo popcorn barrels really didn't help me just sitting there with nothing! Ok - I'll stop whinning and complaining - because it is working and I am losing my gut...oh, that's another great thing about this is that it only attacks your stored fat - and mine was the gut, the inner tube around the waist -- it is nearly completely gone!

Chat at you all again soon!

Happy Labor Day!

I got the boys up around 6:30 today and we got ready to put out the flags for the ward -- we do this every holiday. Nathan and I have been doing it for 3 years now and CJ is at 2 years. The scouts do this as a fund raising activity for us. If they want the flags in front of their home on a holiday then they pay the scouts for the full year and it goes into our budget for camp and activities. We actually put a flag out at every house in our ward (it's just a 2 x 2 block radius) whether they pay or not because it just looks good and we want everyone to know that we love America and the Boy Scouts!

I only lost 1 lb today - I know, stop complaining Chris - most don't even do that -- however, as I'm not "most" I fully expect to lose more than 1 lb every day -- so I guess I hit the treadmill some today! :-)

Hey - hope you all have a great holiday today and enjoy the "non-labor" Labor Day! Have fun, relax, kick the shoes off, ya'll come back now, ya'ere!

Finding Hope!

Here is a really awesome vid that just let's everyone know that "hope" is the reason for a lot of events in our life. There is always hope and with that you can make your life and the lives of others better and ultimately know that Heavenly Father is God and He is real and Jesus Christ is our Savior and that through Them we can achieve our potential and benefit not only ourselves, but our family, the kingdom and humanity!

I lost another 1.8lbs today - just moving along - as predicted yesterday, I am back to the "normal" daily weight loss that is to be expected. So next week at this time I believe I will be very near the 210 goal - stay tuned!

Have a great Fast/Testimony day all my LDS friends and family - and for my non-LDS friends and family have a super Sunday and enjoy life always!

Loved the Rain

It was awesome last night with the rain - we had a downpour for at least 2 hours and then it continued for a few hours at a sprinkle. I woke up around 3:30 am and just went to the window and was watching and listening to it, the thunder and watching the lightening. Nathan came up, as the thunder woke him and we just watched it for awhile. I actually fell asleep on the couch watching the rain fall -- just wonderful.

I lost another 4lbs today - so the two day total (since starting the 500cal) is 9lbs. Most of that is the weight I already lost and gained back from not doing the maintenance - anyway, I'm sure that tomorrow I will be back to the normal weight loss. Terri isn't too mad at me for losing so much in only 2 days! lol

We finally bought some bookshelves since it really looks like we are going to <> close on the house this coming week - I decided it's time to empty those last boxes - hey, it only took a year in a half - but they sure look great -- I'm sure Terri will probably put some pics up!

5lb Drop

As normal, I lost all the weight I gained during the load phase and this time I added a 0.4 loss to that. Since I gained 4.6lbs during the 2 days binge and I lost 5lbs today, that puts me at a 0.4lb lose thus far -- so, here we go!

It's all pretty much routine now - I mean I know how and what to eat and can pretty much fight the mental game so this is just going along as before. Can't wait to get the workout program in the mail that I ordered for myself and CJ -- that'll get us both nice and fit.

Sorry so short - just wanted to get this in - see ya all later!

HCG -- again??!

Yes - it's true - I'm doing another round - goal of 210 this time and to actually complete it propery - so keep an eye on my weight chart above and my posts - after this Terri and I are going to be doing the Zone Life (it's called Zone Diet, but as it's really a new healthier way of living than a diet - I call it the Zone Life).

I know it's a little hard to see (the chart), but yesterday was my first "binge" day -- and last time I gained 2lbs the first day and 2.4lbs the second day -- well...as you see, yesterday I ate 7,100 calories - and this morning that equated to a 4lb gain! that's right, I ate that much in one day! Needless to say I haven't eaten anything yet today - but probably will later. I just kept eating and eating, ugh! I actually can't wait for tomorrow when I can just eat the 500 calories!

Fun Times

Last Saturday we went down to Kingman, AZ for a get together with the Murphy family. Terri's brother, Scott's wife and daughter were getting baptized into the church. It was such a wonderful time being together. Terri and her brother Thomas gave very wonderful talks which added an even greater spiritual experience for the entire group. Here is a family pic of everyone.

We also were able to see Ann again! Haven't seen her since she graduated in May, so that was really nice. We got together and did a few family pics.

Terri and I had not been back to this chapel since we were first married. This is where we had one of our wedding receptions and we actually took a picture of us at this tree - so we decided to recreate that picture - it was pretty neat to know that we have survived and flourished during these years as much as this tree has and that we too are establishing deep roots together.

I had to take a picture of my Ann Marie and me together. Just something about daughters and I have the best one in the world!

This was a great time together and I can't wait for Thanksgiving where once again we will unite and have a blast!