Gym Guru Says

My favorite comment from 5 different people I've met at the gym in the last 9 years...
"Why do you workout? You already look amazing!"

Think about it.
-Gym Guru

A Peek at Our Week Jan 15-22

January is my favorite! Gee I wonder why? It's such a beautiful month as well. I love the snow and fresh crisp winter air. The last savor of cold Winter until alas Spring. We enjoy the winter sports skiing, boarding, sledding, and skating. We hope to do more of these sports as our family is growing up! Hopefully Santa will bring the girls some gear next year! It's a time to reflect and plan. A new beginning for adventure and growth lies in the year ahead!

Chris designed, texted, emailed, ate, drove, took care of sick wife, drove kids to school, talked, read, slept, planned a trip to paradise, repeat.

Michelle had a birthday, undecorated, ate cake, broke a nail, got tired, stayed up late, facebooked, texted, shopped, read with kids, ordered scholastic books, took girls shopping, got sick...barf, got better, repeat.

Taylor did homework with her new BFF Maddy, made a mess, listened to ipod, passed off times tables, got a new swimming suit, did her own hair, cleaned some boogers off walls, got sisters together to pray that Mom would get better, repeat.

Brooke made up some interesting outfits, has been using lipstick as deodorant, bounced, colored, colored all over playroom, getting good at reading, finished her homework in two days, got a new swimming suit, played with Presley, dressed up a lot, ate treats, repeat.

Presley played in Mom's shoes, played barbies, colored permanent marker all over favorite barbie's face, drank milk, fell asleep in the car, got a new swimming suit, played quietly all by herself, fell asleep on the stairs, read with Mom, practiced abc's, did a dance for parents, repeat.

And that's a peek at our week...repeat

R-e-s-p-e-c-t

I was getting Brooke ready for bed the other night. I had been gone most of the day, I went to a movie and dinner with friends. Chris had the girls to himself the whole day.

Brooke: Mom you didn't respect me today!
Michelle: I didn't? What do you mean?
Brooke: Well, you never did my hair today, so you didn't respect me!
Michelle: Oh, I'm so sorry I didn't respect you and do your hair!
Brooke: Ya, you need to respect me!
Michelle: Laughs...tried explaining respect to Brooke, then gave up!

What do Grown Ups do?

I was reading Presley a book about different jobs people do. She was so interested as we talked about the many different things people, grown-ups, do all day.

Michelle: Presley what does Daddy do?
Presley: Loves me!
Michelle: Yes, he does love you! But what does he do for work?
Presley: Works out at the gym!
Michelle: Laughs
Michelle: What do I do?
Presley: Give me hugs!
Michelle: Yes, but what do I do for work?
Presley: Workout!

I love the perspective of a 3 year old! So cute!

Gym Guru Says:

Try to get self motivated! I have been asked by many..."why are you so motivated, what is it that keeps you going?" I have given this a lot of thought as the question is reintroduced to me over and over again. The answer is simple: I am self motivated. Let me explain...

It is important not to rely on outer stimuli to motivate you. For example, I have found, relying on a friend to motivate ones self is not good...they may not show up, or may quit, then so will you. Doing it to win a prize, cash, or competition, what happens when it's over...no more reason to keep doing it! Competing with others can lead to self doubt and failure. Comparing yourself to others could lead to bad/skewed self image, low self esteem, and unreasonable expectations.

There is one person to rely on, compete with, and compare yourself to...and that is yourself. Rely on yourself! Think of yourself/body as your own very best friend who wants you to succeed, who you can count on, trust, confide in, workout in peace with. Think of how disappointed your body (very best friend) would be with you for not caring about it, for not showing up to the gym, for not wanting to workout with it! Compete with yourself. Try to do better than last time, improve, do more, lift more, progress. Feel in competition with yourself and try to beat yourself every day! When you think, "there is no way I can go on, this is just too much!!!" don't let yourself fail push on, push through, do better, make it happen, keep going anyway! Make yourself win! Tell yourself not to give up, you can and will do it! Compare yourself to yourself, pictures to improve from, clothing sizes of yester-years. Look in the mirror and see the "you" you want to become. A little or a lot off the waist, arms, or butt, etc. Maybe the mirror looks perfect, but the inner you needs work...like a stronger heart, being stronger to prevent injury, being able to keep up with your kids, being ready for anything-anywhere-anytime, better physical endurance, the dream to live past 100 :), and so on and so on. What ever it is, be aware of it and realize you can become that. Picture yourself better, and imagine you're there. Feel how good it feels to be the way you should, to look the way that's best for you. Feel the satisfaction. Let these things be your motivation!

These are the things that I do to be self motivated, successful, and fit.
Be your own motivator! Only you can make it happen!
-Gym Guru

"Pain is only temporary, quitting is forever!"
-Lance Armstrong

How Popular is Your Name?

Chris is ranked #396 and is more popular as a boy name.
Michelle is ranked #66 and is more popular as a girl name.
Taylor is ranked #22 and is more popular as a girl name.
Brooke is ranked #44, Brookelle is not found at all, and is more popular as a girl name.
Presley is ranked #558 and is more popular as a girl name.

To see how popular your name is go to First names and what they mean.

What Guys do When they're Bored

Rob Foster posted this picture of Chris on northtemple. I just love it, check out the original!!!


Nice Rob! You really know how to make a fella look good! I've got more pictures if your interested!

A Peek at Our Week December 5-11

Back to school, work, and semi-normality...We had a week full of Birthday. Brooke turned another year older and I am about to. We had fun celebrating Wednesday and Saturday.

Chris got back to work and hangin out with Church buddies. Finally found a suit that fits. Ordered a bunch of books. Ate pink cup cakes. Found out Lucky Charms at 1 in the morning is not Griff (his personal trainer) approved!

Michelle has been dreaming of a vacation in the tropics. Has done everything she can think of to keep warm...layers, scarfs, hats, blankies, slippers, tanning, hot baths, running around...where are you summer? Made pink cup cakes. Is helping Chris save up for his dream suit. Thinks eating Lucky Charms at 1 in the morning is just so fun, but is willing to reconsider her options.

Mayfield family and Trump family gathered to celebrate Brooke and my Birthdays

Me getting ready to blow out 31 candles. Aaaah!

Look at all that smoke! I'm surprised we didn't set off the smoke detector!Everyone was amazed that I blew out all 31 candles in one breath! Including me!

This is me opening my Birthday presents, It was fun, but I hate being the center of attention! Good thing Brooke was opening her Birthday presents at the same time!
This is me with my Grandpa and Grandma Trump

Taylor had a room makeover, courtesy Mom. Had a friend come over and play and do homework together, but mostly play, and also mostly homework, but also mostly play. Earned enough Beckstead Bucks (her school teachers reward for good behavior) to buy a knitted snow hat. Has been spoiled rotten and it wasn't even her Birthday!

Brooke was the Birthday girl the whole week and still thinks it is not over yet! It all started Tuesday with a Birthday trip to Toys R Us. Wednesday she woke up to various Birthday songs rockin out the house. She took krispy kreme donuts to share with her friends at school. Then she celebrated her real Birthday with her BFF Lexy, who came to spend the day playing. They made pink cupcakes, played barbies, danced, and dressed up. Saturday she enjoyed a trip with Grandma and Grandpa Mayfield to Build a Bear. She is such a happy child, Thanks to everyone!

Presley was just around for the ride. She enjoyed all the fun and excitement, as did all of us. She got a special visit from her new sunbeam teachers, who brought her cookies, while I was in the shower (how embarassing). Got into my makeup and looked like an umpaloompa. Is learning ballet from Brooke, and can't wait to start ballet in August. Was also spoiled and it wasn't even her Birthday!

And thats a Peek at our Week!

This is How We do it

Here's a behind the scenes of Brooke and My Birthday Party Celebration.

Ta-Da

Chris helped too, but he was the one behind the camera! It was quite the lung workout, and yoga on a ladder, who knew, maybe your nearest gym will pick it up!

Bake Me a Cake as Fast as You Can!

So the girls got an easy bake oven, from Grandma for Christmas. Here we are trying it out! The highlight of our experience was not the end result, but the fun together time.
My Mom made the aprons for us. She even picked the fabric to match our personalities! Cute!

Taylor said: "Mom I think you better teach me to use the real oven. Or I might have to use an Easy Bake Oven to cook for my family when I'm a Mom."

A Peek at Our Week

Dec. 7-Jan. 4

We had a wonderful, magical, holiday! Full of wonderful decorations, scents, baked goods, and gingerbread houses. The kids were glad to get out of school and play in the snow. The excitement of Santa filled our hearts and house. We always enjoy the Christmas shopping hustle and bustle. People everywhere shopping for that perfect gift for that special someone. The restaurants and eateries were full of people, catching a bite to eat (including us) before they ventured out again. We definitely felt the true spirit and magic of the Holiday!

Chris did way to much shopping for me this year. He just loves to dress me up, and I don't mind at all! I did manage to get him a few things as well. He was able to have a true holiday break, enjoying two weeks off. We enjoyed him being home and playing with us! He took us to do fun things and eat at new places! He took the girls on a supper daddy outing to carls jr, then toys r us for a toy, then a movie, then swimming, then out for pizza. Two weeks of fun in just one day. This was also a supper mommy day because I got the day all to myself, much needed. Chris got plenty of halo and gears in this holiday, as no holiday would be complete without them. And even had a guys night with the Brothers-in-law.

Michelle made and ate way too many treats, but it was worth it! She wiped out gift wrapping in one night. She is finding new and clever ways to stay warm, as she is cold most of the time. Michelle actually got sick of Christmas music, thought it would never happen. So she bought a few rare Christmas albums to make it the last two weeks. She can't wait for the newbies at the gym to clear out, as it is much too crowded. She hosted a Christmas party and New Years Eve party. Michelle was introduced to Bunja Calda and thinks it makes your house smell like garlic for way too many weeks. She did enjoy the meal though, and the company of friends are hard to beat! Plus Jason made marvelous margaritas (virgin of course) and Gilbert made a delectable banana ice cream dessert. The 14 children contributed by making a giant mess, but had sooo much fun! My girls can hardly wait to have them back for more fun! Me too! I have to say...I think this was the best holiday ever! I have so many good memories and new friends!

Taylor could hardly wait to catch Santa this year and stayed up till 3 in the morning to catch him. Finally we had to shut her door so she could fall asleep. We finally understand how Santa could get too tired and almost forget to come. She decided she wanted a millennial falcon (ship from star wars) on Christmas Eve. She was sure that Santa would bring it. We had to explain Santa was told different and was already on his way around the world delivering presents. On the morn she held one present till the very end that looked about the right size, but unfortunately it turned out to be a doll house. She got a lot though and was happy in the end.

Brooke woke up while Santa was delivering presents. We had do do some quick explaining that Santa was in a hurry and needed us to finish up his work! She was cool with that! Santa had left some canopies to be hung above their beds and Brooke saw Presley's all hung and looked at us and said: "Uh, I want one of those!" She really wanted a Rosetta doll and Santa delivered.

Presley was the only one who got a good nights sleep on the eve. She was fun to watch this year, as she was capable of opening her own presents. She really wanted a Tinkerbell doll, and Santa came through. Presley also enjoyed playing with her cousin Kate, and wishes she could come over more often. Presley actually got sick of playing in the snow and has sat out the last two storms. It might be in relation to the freezing cold sledding trip the day after Christmas.

Happy New Year to you! Enjoy January...it is the favorite month of a certain two of us.
And that's a Peek at our Week.