Has it Been a Year Already?

Wow I just realized it's been a whole year since I blogged. I guess I have four kids now, that must be why. Haha

Well, we had baby Marisa on September 30, 2010. She was a week late. She weighed 7lb 6oz. my biggest baby. And 20 inches long. She is now 9 months old. Not long before we celebrate her 1 year old birthday. She is such a fun addition to our family. We have really enjoyed this 4th little girl. She had her first laugh on Christmas eve. So far she can crawl, has 2 bottom teeth, says: num num, da da, ma ma, & ought oh. She loves people, but can be shy to strangers. Classic Mayfield.

Chris and I are going to Vegas for our 14th anniversary. We are going to lay by the beautiful pool and eat some yummy food. Chris has been busy as usual providing for our family. And he gets to go to Girls camp with Taylor, Fun Fun. We have been enjoying the new IMFIT gym. So far, since Jan, I have lost 7% body fat. I didn't even know I had that much to loose. I'm in the best shape I've ever been and it hasn't even been a year since Marisa was born. It usually takes me a year to feel totally recovered. We are just enjoying life as we know it and taking it one day at a time.

Taylor is about to turn 12 on the 21. She is gearing up for Jr High. Wow I feel old. But it is fun to watch her becoming a beautiful young woman. She also gets to go to yw camp, she's excited.

Brooke is 8 and was baptized in January. She is the bossy one of the family. She negotiates everything. We love her spunky attitude. She is a great help with Marisa and she is really good at organizing and cleaning our house, when she's in the mood. She is also very good at drawing and is thinking about doing ballet this next year.

Presley is going to first grade. She made it through Kindergarten, Yay. She finished her first year of ballet and loved it. Presley has a condition known as Selective Mutism. We have been working really hard with her and she is doing really well.

I hope I can update this a little more often. Enjoy your day!

A Peek at Our Week

We're glad that Summer is finally here! The girls are enjoying a nice long 2 week summer break before they head back to start a new school year. Haha...at least there won't be any time to get bored. July is the busiest month of the year for us besides Christmas time. We get to celebrate Taylor and Chris' Birthdays, Our Anniversary, and 3 other family birthdays along with the holidays. It gets pretty crazy remembering everything, but it's fun to party all month long.

Chris has been traveling to Riverton for work. It's a long way to drive everyday and we're beginning to see that we may need to move or win a lifetime supply of redbull and gas. But that seems like too much to take on until after the baby is born. His car is possessed. At least that's what the auto mechanic said. It randomly decides not to start and nothing can be found wrong with it. I guess it's sick of the long commute too, unfortunately cars can't drink redbull. Luckily, Chris loves riding a motorcycle in a suit. It's kinda James Bond. I'm not sure how that's going to work out in the winter though. Chris gets to celebrate his 36th birthday the end of this month.

Me...I am enjoying the nice warm weather. We've been making trips to the Roy Aquatic Center to cool off and work on our vitamin D. Chris and I will be celebrating our 13th anniversary this week. I can't believe it's been thirteen years, it's gone so fast. I'm getting nervous for this next year as I will be the most busy I've ever been in my life. I get to have all three of my girls in school. There will be a lot of driving with a half day kindergartener and two full time students. Then the girls will have ballet everyday except Tues. So my time in the car will not be limited. I'm really excited to welcome our new baby girl, but it's going to be very demanding taking care of a newborn in the midst of all the other demands. I hope I can do it all.

Taylor is turning eleven this month. She is having a Mad Hatter party with her friends. She is excited to be in the sixth grade this year and rule the school.

Brooke is happy to be in a new room downstairs with Taylor. She is getting ready to go to the second grade. She is a little jokester, always joking around and giggling.

Presley is a big girl now with her very own room, but not for long, she has decided she wants her new baby sister to share a room with her. It has turned out really cute. She is getting excited to start kindergarten. However, she wasn't too excited to get her kindergarten shots. She made it through though and is all set, new backpack and all. She has also decided to take ballet this year like her sisters. Presley still says some really cute and grown up things. She recently said to me "Mom my life is changing" and she recently said to Chris, as he was hugging her a little too tightly, "Dad I need freedom!"

Baby Girl #4 is coming along nicely so far. We don't have a name picked out yet, which seems to be the popular topic of discussion lately. I won't know her name till I see her, but Chris and I are working on a few ideas. I have ten weeks left. It has gone by so quickly until now, everyday seems like a year. I'm not sure time has ever moved so slowly. But I'm trying to enjoy my last days of summer, sleep, and heartburn.

And that's a peek at our week.

A Peek at Our Week

January has been a fun month so far. We enjoyed celebrating the New Year and we have already celebrated two birthdays. It's been quite the party month. We thought about making some new years resolutions but realized we're pretty much doing everything already. Haha...not that one can't improve, but we are actually doing pretty good at most areas and are going to try to maintain before adding.

Luckily we haven't been sick this winter (knock on wood). I think it's because we figured out sharing a toothbrush really wasn't that cost effective. We have enjoyed the snow...it's beauty, it's slickness, it's covering all the weeds and neighbors ugly yards. We enjoy it so much that we feel bad removing it from any part of our yard. Why do we even own a shovel? Speaking of snow we are planning to teach Brooke and Presley to ski here pretty soon. That should be interesting.

We have been busy with the gym, work, school, and never ending laundry. Somewhere in the midst of all the demands we find time to do fun things together. And sometimes we just resort to wearing dirty clothes from the laundry room.

Chris

Chris was awarded the Truman O. Angell award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That's who he works for if you aren't aware. It's a design award.

Chris has found time to play on the PS3 instead of shoveling. I don't mind though, as I love snow!

He has been very busy with side job ideas and prospects. It's all very exciting and I have enjoyed hearing his ideas.

He is now the mayor of Victoria's Secret on foursquare. He and I have a lot of fun together, maybe too much fun...if there is such a thing.

He has three little girls wrapped tightly around his finger. He recently took them all on a date to see "The Tooth Fairy" movie. They got all ready for the date by painting their nails and putting on some lip gloss. They loved the movie and felt so special to be out with their Dad. And thanks to the movie, we're pretty sure they will believe in the Tooth Fairy forever.

Michelle

I just celebrated my 32nd Birthday. It was more like a Birthday week with Brooke's birthday kicking off the fun. I had a fun day. It started with Chris surprising me and coming home early so I could go relax at Sanctuary Spa and get my hair done. Then we went out with some of our closest friends to Thaifoon, one of my favorite restaurants, where I always get the coconut shrimp and brown rice...mmm. I got spoiled by everyone, friends and family, with thoughtful and lovely gifts.

I had a surprise spur of the moment birthday party with family. The cake turned out interestingly. Chris told me he ordered a cake with shades of pink stripes. I thought "CUTE!" He said he told the bakery "You know stripes like on a Victoria's Secret bag." Surprise they actually made a Victoria's Secret Bag Cake. It was cute, but it looked more like a bachelorette party than a birthday party...haha. I loved it anyway. It was a fun party in the beginning of the evening. Chris served the best virgin mojitos he's ever made. Real mint leaf and everything. Actually, if you missed it you really missed out big because the party was derailed by a sad soul and I didn't even get to open my presents before everyone left. FYI at someone's birthday party it's important to be nice to them and not ruin their party.

On a more happy note, I got called to teach the 5 year olds in primary. I'm super excited, even though I'm going to need a nap after.

I got to do a photo shoot for Life Long Fitness on Jan 9th. It was really fun and intimidating. There are some cool payoffs to spending your whole life taking care of your body. But the best part was all the wonderful people I got to meet and hang out with.

Most of my time is spent helping my kids with homework and hanging out with them. And being in the arms of the most wonderful man in the world...Chris. Who could ask for more.

Taylor

Taylor has had a busy time at school. I was worried for a minute when the Science Fair Project brought her to tears, but she found strength and pulled it all together. There are fewer things more rewarding than watching your child succeed. She not only put together a wonderful Science Fair Project, but she did really well in school this term with only a little nagging from Mom.

Taylor loves to ski and enjoyed a trip to powder mountain with Grandma and Grandpa Trump, where she tore up the mountain. She was also spoiled with french fries and cheetos. I personally don't get how they go together, but that's just me. She has been a great babysitter of her sisters. She is very beautiful inside and out, and growing up fast. Too fast.

Brooke

Brooke has lost so many teeth I have lost track. The Tooth Fairy has been very busy and is starting to go broke. The Tooth Fairy is starting to wonder if Brooke is pulling out her teeth just so she can get money. An investigation is pending:)

Brooke celebrated her 7th Birthday. She didn't want a friend party, just a family party. That's how much she loves all of you! We feel lucky though, as it lasts only a short while and then they become friend oriented. Brooke is enjoying her two new frogs she got for her Birthday, Lily and Pad. But she doesn't want to kiss them, like in the story Frog Princess. But I think some days she considers it.

Brooke does really well in school even though she doesn't really feel like going. She got to be the Star of the Week. We made a cute poster of her life so far. She got to share it with her first grade class and take a treat. It was a big day! She is a fun girl and can always make us laugh.

Presley

Presley has been really really bored. She is ready for kindergarten. When her sisters go back on track she is a lost soul. Luckily they are off track the whole month of February to play again.

Presley has a new best friend, Lucy. She has been over for some play days and Presley just adores her. And lucky for me and Presley, Lucy's Mom and I workout at the same time, so they get to see and play with each other everyday.

Presley can't wait to be rich like Brooke, via the Tooth Fairy. But she's got a year or two...the Tooth Fairy hopes.

Presley's latest relief is that the gum that looks like band aids isn't really bandaids. Because chewing a band aid would be terrible.

And that's a Peek at Our Week:)

Can Drinkers and Non-Drinkers Get Along?

In light of a recent facebook post, I am begged to ask the question, can drinkers and nondrinkers get along? After asking a neutral question, "What is your opinion on alcohol consumption?" and getting a surprising amount of comments. I am taking it to the blog. Here's the discussion:

Michelle Mayfield

My opinion/belief: I am completely against consuming alcohol in any amount. It has so many negative effects on your body especially mind. It can be addictive. It makes you do stupid things you will regret later. It's bad for pregnancy. It's bad for children. It's a bad example to children. It ruins families. I'm proud to say I've never consumed alcohol.

David Wenk:
Michelle i thought u were quitting?

Joy Anderson:
Its the best pain killer there is.

Joy Anderson:
I meant that short term, obviously.

Jessica Ashby Silvernail:
The only good thing alcohol can be used for is a disinfectant for some wound on the outside of the body-definately shouldn't be used internally! I don't believe in cooking with it; no matter if the alcohol is cooked out or not!

Michelle Mayfield:
Ha ha very funny David!

Michelle Mayfield:
How are u David? It's been a while. We need to double sometime.

Amy Spalding:
I'm a proud non-drinker, too! I have to laugh because so many people Mark talks to are against anti-depressants, yet they drink!!! Hello-that's called self medicating- anti-depressants are much less dangerous!!!!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
I think there is NOTHING wrong with it in moderation! It IS possible to socially drink without having a problem....of course I am not from Utah or LDS so my outlook is completely different. Plus, red wine is good for the heart:)

Michelle Mayfield:
I appreciate all the comments and different views I am just curious what my friends think:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Is it possible to socially drink without the risk of addiction? Is this all handed down from parents examples/lifestyles. Is it a $ making scheme?How do you know when you've had too much? What about around kids...and having it in your house, they are likely to get into it. Especially teens. What good does it do to be a social drinker? Does good come of it. And is a heart benefit the only benefit? It's seems to me the bad out ways the good.

Michelle Mayfield:
Amy that's funny! Very interesting!

Christy Farrer Howard:
There are people that are prescribed it, even being LDS, because it is good for your heart and arteries. But that is only a glass of red wine a day. That is also in moderation which is a huge thing. I believe it is possible to be a social drinker for some but others have a harder time not getting addicted. But isn't that true with all things? Shopping can be an addiction and can lead to debt and trouble. As is food which can lead to obesity. The word of wisdom says moderation in all things and I believe that applies to more than meat and the specifics that are in there that applied to that time period.

Britney Yates Redd:
My view is a person isn't defined by whether or not they consume alcohol but how they treat others bc some of the nicest and most caring people I know socially drink.

Brandon Whimpey:
Well Christ was perfect and he did partake of the wine. So is it completely wrong?

Michelle Mayfield:
On the flip side of that, alcohol can and sometimes does destroy the nicest, most caring people. Then they become mean, selfish, and nasty. This is not a discussion about whether people are good or bad or what defines or does not define them. This is a discussion about consuming alcohol and why people feel the need.

Michelle Mayfield:
Brandon the wine he partook of was grape juice/nonalcoholic. As was the sacrament wine in old times...we actually had a lesson about it at church today:)

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha...nice try at justification though!

Annie DeStefano Yates:
About the kids...why would I hide something that I don't think is wrong? It's not like I keep a bottle of wine next to the fruit snacks in the pantry...to me it's not even a question of right or wrong, I'm over 21 and I like it like I like my diet coke:).

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha funny & True...that makes sense. I was just thinking like kids want to be like their parents. Like my girls like to get into my makeup and lipstick especially, and yet they aren't old enough. They like it because i like it. How do you teach them not to do it until they're 21. If they're taught it's not bad for you why would they say no to friends who offer it to them in teenage years. Why if it's not bad for you do you need to wait till 21?

Michelle Mayfield:
I honestly don't think if you drink you are a bad person! I know a lot of people who drink and are good people. I do think alcohol is bad for you. But That's for me to think for myself and nobody else.

Annie DeStefano Yates:
It's like teaching them not to have sex before marraige....you tell them and just pray they listen! It's a personal choice...it's not for everyone!

Brandon Whimpey:
granted in the Bible there are more than one word translated from hebrew that we now use wine in place of. However, the wine that Noah drank excessivley in Gen 9:21 did cause drunkiness. And in those days without refrigeration how would you keep grape juice from fermenting. In Mat 9:17 we see they kept them only in bags of animal skin

Brandon Whimpey:
understanding the new or the old test is fun hu? I sure dont . I would be intersted to know what you studied today however, let me know

Joy Anderson:
Im kinda of the opinion in general anyone should be free to do as they please, so long as nobody gets hurt in the process. That goes for religious addicts too. Human beings are horrifyingly flawed creatures...we can addict ourselves to ANYTHING...and hurt many others, whether we intend to, or not.

Jason Lynes:
wine in those days was totally alcoholic. so was the wine early Lds drank. love those mormon myths.

as far as my beliefs, I see it as a modern commandment. I've never had alcohol either, but look forward to a day where I can get sloshed up on some good wine or rum & coke. ha!

Tonya Scoffield:
Actually, the benefits of a MODERATE drinker opposed to a non-drinker include longer lifespan, fewer heart attack/strokes, less likely to suffer: hypertension, high blood pressure, peripheral artery disease, arthrits, bone fractures/osteoporosis, kidney stones, digestive ailments, stress, depression, parkinsons disease, pancreatic cancer, liver disease, hearing loss....and many others.
It thins your blood when you drink, which is needed by a lot of people. Also helps relax you after a stressful day.
Keep in mind...this is MODERATE drinks, not heavy drinkers.
The french, and many other cultures, use it also after dinner to help speed digestion.
I enjoy it for many different reasons...relaxation, to relieve tensions/aches/stress, to windown, etc. Plus, there is a certain amount of bliss as your sitting on the beach, watching the waves, basking in the beautiful sun rays, and enjoying an ice cold beer.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm thankful I know what I know. I'm glad I don't need a beer to enjoy a sunset and a beach. And most child abuse does involve alcohol. Thanks for your comment I respect your opinion, but that said we are totally opposite in our beliefs.

Michelle Mayfield:
Sex within marriage is part of god's plan. It is the regeneration of the earth. It is a required action for the sustaining of life as we know it. Alcohol is not.

Tonya Scoffield:
I didn't say I NEED a beer to enjoy the beach...but it is a nice compliment for some things occasionally. It was an example of why I enjoy it at times, as per your earlier statement "why people feel the need". But mind you...it is not a NEED, just something that is enjoyed at times.
And I wasn't talking about actual child abuse, I was talking about childrens abuse with alcohol...abuse meaning drinking irresponsibly and getting into to trouble with it.
And you are correct....Alcohol is not required to sustane life, and don't understand the pertinence of the comment as I never said it was. I was just simply listing some of the many health benefits of alcohol in moderation.

And back when Christ was born, what do you think they used for medicine, antiseptic, anasthesia...ect. = alcohol. And this "grape juice" they drank was fermented grape juice, otherwise known as wine.

Kenneth Swain:
WOW! I must be the devil.

Michelle Mayfield:
Thanks for your opinion Tonya. We are two very opposite people that's for sure! That other response was for someone else. I see your point and I'm very thankful for a prophet who receives revelation for our day. So we don't have to live like people did hundreds of years ago. I think alcohols one and only good use is medicinal, but that's a different topic. Hope your doing well and enjoying the Holiday!

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha Jason! There's some things I just don't want to know. I'll try not to remember that:)

Michelle Mayfield:
You said it Kenny. Not me! Lol

Tonya Scoffield:
also, most religious people I grew up around are the quickest to judge, the quickest to outcast, to belittle people...and are some mean awful people....because you don't have their same views.
then those who weren't are the first ones to let you in when in need, never judge, completely open-minded and loving people.
Anything can be "good" or "bad"....or turn people good or bad. Isn't that why we're here? Free-will, to see the person you become based on actions?

I don't believe that drinking is a sin....and have never been told it was. The only reason mormons believe you shouldn't drink alcohol, caffiene, etc is because it is addictive, affects chemicals in the brain and inhibits your "free-will"
But......chocolate is the same as these (among other things).
So why is it ok to eat chocolate, but you can't drink caffiene? Chocolate has caffiene in it and affects chemicals in your brain more than caffiene.
So why the picking and chosing of what is good and bad and who decided this and based upon what?

Kenneth Swain:
I like you Tonya!

Chris Mayfield:
This is a great string of thoughts.

I read in men's health that any alcohol including Light beer reduces your ability to burn fat by 40%. That kinda sucks. For that reason alone I would stay off the sauce no matter my personal beliefs.

Personally I am passionate about getting to a lean athletic form and keeping it. I know that many high profile figures have professed to avoid the stuff when they are trying to trim down. I'm sure they just go right back to it after meeting their goals tho. ... See More

As for the health benefits, it's so true that there can be some great benefits to red wine but there are also many great benefits from other things too that will give you the same results if you care about that kind of thing. I personally don't know of anyone who drinks red wine for it's health benefits. It's almost almost always for enjoyment, taste and so on.

For me personally I'm pretty sure I would be pretty addicted to drinking. It's probably a good thing for me that my religion keeps me in check on the subject.

Regardless of my own opinion on the subject it's a fact that substance abuse is a serious issue and has caused so much pain in a variety of ways. But that's in it's abuse not in it's consumption. That's really not the question you asked.

Michelle Mayfield:
I'm not judging anybody!!!!! I've already said I don't feel consuming alcohol makes you a good or bad person. I haven't accused anyone. I feel it is bad for me that's my opinion, take it or leave it. And yes Kenny you and Tonya would be perfect for each other.

Michelle Mayfield:
Let's all agree to disagree . What's bad for me is good for you. Now go take a giant poo!

Jason Lynes:
let's discuss this further over some drinks. I know a place.

Tonya Scoffield:
ha ha...thanks kenneth.
and ha ha ha cousin....i didn't say you were judging me...just using an example of how even something as holy as religion can be bad depending on how it's used.
and this is a perfect example of how u cannot get someones full emotion from text. but your posts always do get me going. i love me a good debate though. keeps your brain going strong =)
and i don't need to poo right now. ;) he he.

Michelle Mayfield:
Haha! Tonya Kenny's cute! We really should set you two up!

Michelle Mayfield:
Jason that was so "Micheal Scott!"

Tonya Scoffield:
ah ha...well only of kenny lives close to redondo beach. =)

Michelle Mayfield:
Ditto Chris...you always say it better than me! :)

Joy Anderson:
<~~~also likes Tonyas opinion. I realize at this point we are beating a dead horse, but back to my point about humans being capable of being addicted to, or abusing others as a result of...I still have a testimony, but in my life I have been slapped across the face in the name of God more than once, and that has been far more devastating and ... See Moredestructive to me, than any of my bad moments in my wilder days. EVERYTHING in fair moderation, I think would be the key point to any side of this debate...would we all not basically agree? Its more about how it makes us do unto others as a result, whether it be booze, religion, dog poop, whatever.

Michelle Mayfield:
Why is it that being slapped across the face in the name of God is so devastating? Probably because it means so much to you. I feel God is the point of life. The reason we're even here. It would be devastating to me if I felt I was letting him down in any way. Good thing for repentance, for all of us.

I feel that most people that feel judged or get offended have low self esteem, probably attributed to guilt or ill life results from bad choices. Ive had people from my same religion offend me...but thats not going to take my testimony of its truth away. Usually that offensive person is having a hard time or needs a friend. And i just happen to be the one they take their frustration out on. I have rarely been offended by anyone in my religion btw.

Religion has rules and commandments and when you break those you are consequently judged, by God, Bishop, Priest, whatever leadership role is in charge.

People should be accepting of each other. Especially those who have fallen or don't know any better (basically all people), but it doesn't mean they should accept a bad behavior. I have friends that drink and I love and accept them, but I don't love and accept drinking in general.(per my belief that drinking is bad for you) People are not perfect. I am not perfect. God is perfect. Never judge a religion by it's people, because no one is perfect. But God and his teachings are perfect. Whatever religion you are...it would be a mistake to judge it by it's people.

Michelle Mayfield:
Free-will is why were here. But free-will is nothing without a path and plan back to our Father in Heaven. We were sent here with a our freedom of choice so we could choose the right and return to our Father in Heaven. Alcohol is a great way for Satan to take that free-will away. If you value a free-will, why would you want to risk it being taken from you?

Michelle Mayfield:
Chocolate doesn't remove your free-will. It doesn't make your senses dull to the point you don't know what your doing or saying. Caffeine in large quatities can be bad for you. But even in large quantities it doesn't take your Free-Will away. There's no picking and choosing, only facts. Too much choc on the other hand will make you FAT.

End of discussion so far...

Well can we get along? The Nondrinkers seemed to simply state their opinion, while the drinkers seemed to accuse the nondrinkers of judging, being mean, defining people, being non accepting, and being addicted to religion...which I'm not sure is such a bad thing.

Maybe deep down the drinkers know/have a feeling they are doing the wrong thing. This may be why they immediately feel judged. From all of the comments I think it's sad that nondrinkers are accused of all these things just to make the drinkers feel better about themselves.

It is true that you will most likely hang around with people who share your same values and beliefs. It isn't very fun for a nondrinker to be around people who drink. The conversation turns rank quickly, alertness is not equal between the two. I frankly don't want to see the drunk guy running around naked at the pool! And pretty soon you feel like your babysitting your alcohol loving friends. Not fun and cause for excuses not to hang out anymore.

When drinkers are with nondrinkers they have to hide the fact that they drink. They often say it's out of respect. That is sad they cannot be themselves for fear of being judged. And drinkers have a great fear of being judged. Maybe they should be worried a little more about the effects the alcohol is actually having on their lives. I've seen many people's lives ruined over drinking. Wives have lost husbands. Husbands have abandoned their families. Irresponsibility and partying. Alcohol often leads to drugs and spousal/child abuse. Drugs and alcohol lead to jail. I fail to see any good caused by drinking. Other than self gratification and a possible heart benefit, which can be made up for with proper diet and exercise.

It's okay to judge between good and evil for yourself...you have to. Unfortunately that may mean you don't hang around certain people very often. I do believe it's NOT okay to judge others, that's for God to do for all of us. Still you don't need to be like them, agree with them, or accept their behavior. We have to protect our beliefs and our families. The world is getting to be a more and more wicked place. Let's stand up for our beliefs. Let's choose the good that is still left in the world.

A Peek at Our Halloweek

Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday! I just love the fall, the colors, the scents, the treats, the music, and dressing up. For one day children and adults come together to be anything they want. The fashion police take a vacation. Play and pretend dominate the agenda and all things fun and spooky can happen.

Here is your peek at our Halloweek:)

This was our hayride at J&J. It's so awsome because it's FREE! You get a free hayride and get to pick 1 free pumpkin per person. This was our third year doing this and it's now a family tradition. Horay for Hay!

Brooke was having fun tossing handfuls of hay off the trailer. Until it got out of control and hay was getting all over us.

Baking Halloween Sugar Cookies. I feel that no Halloween is complete without baking up some sugar cookies and letting the kids take out some creativity on them. Ok, and the adults. This year we made lots of colors of frosting...we had white, orange, purple, and green. Also, to get the proper amount of Scary and Boo into your sugar cookies, one must listen to Halloween music while doing this activity! It makes them taste better;)

Taylor decorating a bat cookie.

Be sure to do this on your free-day because your going to eat some!

Halloween

Presley was mixing up her witches brew.

Brooke was getting her Amadala on.

Taylor made a beautiful butterfly!

Happy Halloween!!!

Watch out John Travolta!!!

And that's a Peek at Our Halloweek

A Peek at Our Week

We finally fixed our swamp in the backyard. It all started thanks to our neighbors to the west and neighbors to the south. They both built up their yards higher than ours. We have had a permanent pond in the corner of our yard, as the water from all three of our yards collects there. My kids and neighbor kids are going to miss the swimming, fishing, boating, iceskating and mud fights...but not me. Last year Chris started fixing the problem by digging a hole to China. Or so he told all the kids. And they believed him. We had our neighbor kids convinced, and heard later from their parents how silly the children thought we were. They felt bad for us because they thought we didn't realize how impossible that would be. Ha ha! But this year we thought we would get a truck load of dirt and some gravel to fix it for real, and we ended up with four truck loads of dirt. Who knew it was that low. Chris got his way, we did a flower bed. I wanted grass, but I am glad we did the flower bed as it turned out really beautiful. I especially love the hydrangea and the rock path we did, and so do the children as they run around on it all the time. We wanted to create a little hideaway and it turned out just perfect.

We have been enjoying the rain even though it put a damper on a barbecue we had. We still had fun anyway! And it's forcing our kids to extreme measures. For example, they got into our bathtub. Let me explain, we have a big bath tub in our master bath. It is a really big jetted tub, great for mock swimming. So anyway, since it was raining and the kids wanted to swim and run in the sprinklers...they filled the bathtub. Taylor got in and splashed the girls (who were outside the tub) as if she were a sprinkler. Oh yes, it must have been great fun. But we had a mini flood on the floor and master bedroom wood floor. I'm sure this is going to cause me a few more wrinkles.

Chris is enjoying his work as usual. He has a great group of people to work with, who we both enjoy hanging out with even after work hours:) Chris had to drag us to the air show, but we all ended up enjoying it very much. Except, we didn't take water, food, money, or chairs so us girls couldn't last more than two hours. But it was fun. Chris went paint balling with his work group. Then we got to go out to eat as couples, at Sego Lily. It was really really good! I think Chris had an extra good week, well make that an extra good two weeks, due to the rain preventing him from mowing the lawn. But Today looks sunny so we'll see. Chris is loving the basketball finals as the Laker's are kicking butt! Go Lakers!!! Go Black Momba!!!!

Me I'm doing good. I need a vacation really bad, a big vacation, but it just isn't in the cards right now. Hopefully by the end of the year it will work out. I enjoyed the movie "Up" and I even cried. Yes, it's a bad sign when you start crying at the beginning of a movie. And to make matters worse one of my neighbors and her teenage son and his date sat by us...so embarrassing. Luckily, movie theaters are dark, and I blamed it on allergies. But it was a really good movie and if you haven't seen it...don't walk...run to the movie theater:) (I got that "don't walk run" from Rob btw. I wouldn't want to plagiarize) I have been driving little girls here and there, and doing homework, and cleaning and cooking etc. etc...but it's fun and I love my job. I seem unable to make decisions/answer questions anymore, I think it's because I answer a million questions, asked by a 4 and 6 year old, all day. I just don't have any answers left by the end of our conversations. I went shopping at hip and humble for myself and I love the dish soap "basil" it makes me happy every time I do the dishes. I also got some "grass" laundry detergent that makes me happy when I do the laundry. I got some really cute dish towels too. I also got some summer clothes. I had the most fun shopping for my girls summer clothes. I love summer!

Taylor has been doing really well at school. Getting her assignments done on time and turning stuff in without me nagging her. She and I enjoyed a Mother Daughter activity yesterday. It was so cute. It was about becoming the "Best You." We had a guest speaker who had her leg amputated and told her story of faith and inner strength. It was beautiful and so good for these mini Young Women. Taylor enjoyed a field trip to "This is the Place Monument." Taylor learned how to square dance and is really good at that. She performed the square dance in her school "Spring Fling" and she was happy to have a "cute" partner. She is looking forward to her ballet recital on the 18th. She rides her bike to school almost everyday with a group of friends and loves doing that. She is getting really tan even though I put sunscreen on her everyday. She has such beautiful skin. I think she's lucky to have blond hair and still maintain an olive complexion. She is also getting ready to turn 10 in a month.

Brooke is getting her two front teeth and I think she's grateful for that. She has been enjoying kindergarten, but still asks me to pick her up early if I can. She is also getting excited to dance in her ballet recital on June 16th. Brooke danced to splish splash in her school's "Spring Fling" she did a really good job splish splashing. Lately she's been trying to get Chris to take her bike shopping so she can start riding a bike to school with Taylor. She has expensive taste, so we're saving up. She keeps busy playing outside and coloring. Brooke learned to do a front flip on the trampoline. She has also been busy doing homework and reading to get ready for her Kindergarten Final.

Presley has been my little buddy while the girls are at school. She will be even more of a little buddy this next year as Brooke goes to school for a full day. Presley is thinking about starting ballet this year and getting excited for that. She is trying to learn to make her bed, but gets very frustrated that it doesn't turn out perfect. Another perfectionist I'm afraid. She pretty much lives in a swimsuit even with the rain. She is just glad she is allowed to wear them now. She enjoys coloring and jumping on the trampoline and is attempting to do a front flip, but still lands on her head a bit. As far as coloring, she colors way outside the lines, even so far that it ends up on the furniture I'm afraid, but we're working on boundaries:) Mostly she spends the day being cute and saying cute things.

And that's a peek at our week.

Gym Guru Says

I forgot that I gave all of you my blog address. Oops! I've been really busy enjoying my good life and totally forgot to post info about working out for you! Let alone anything for the past few months. So sorry! Recently I wrote an email to a friend and I thought it was a good brief summary of things to know to get you started! So here you go.

I have a handout and Hollie Warlaumont has a couple handouts, from enrichment night! I would be willing to sit down with you and talk to you about your fitness. I am available Tues & Thurs between 1-3. Or Wednesday evenings or Saturdays. Let me know what I can do!

My experience is 17 years of working out. I've learned the most from my personal trainer, took some weightlifting classes in high school and college and read some books. I am no certified personal trainer, but I do have some life experience in this area. The best thing you could do if finances allow would be to hire a personal trainer. I know some good ones if you're interested. Or go to llfit.com

I also suggest you get a Gym membership if you don't already have one. There's really no better way in my mind, because you get all the equipment you need, time away from home for yourself, and possibly some new friends, not to forget that cute figure and healthy body. Plan on 3-4 days of cardio 30mins minimum and MOST IMPORTANT...3-4 days of lifting WEIGHTS 30 min minimum! Change your weight lifting workout every 6-12 weeks, you always have to trick your body into working for you, the darn things are so dang efficient! Also I take a week off of lifting weights every 6 weeks, your body needs this time to recover and restimulate.

Womens Fitness Magazines have some good workout ideas in them as well as recipes and healthy ideas, but again a personal trainer would be perfect at setting it up for you! I also really like the book "The Abs Diet" It has my exact way of eating in it and a workout you could probably use to begin with. I also like the books "Body for LIfe" and "Eating for Life," they have eating ideas and "Body for Life" has a good beginner workout in it.
The NUMBER ONE WAY you can lose weight is EATING healthy. Eating healthy doesn't mean eating less it just means eating good foods at healthy portions. 6 small meals are best...Breakfast, snack, lunch, snack, dinner, snack. Hollie's handout helps with this a lot!

As far as motivation...I've always liked this quote by Lance Armstrong that goes like this: "Pain is temporary, quitting is forever!" So get to it!!! You're all welcome to email me or call me as well! My phone number is on the ward list and my email is mayfield.michelle@gmail.com Good Luck!

Love Your Gym Guru
aka Michelle