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

Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!?

I love this clip on utube! You gotta check it out! It has changed my perspective a little. It's called "Everything is Amazing and Nobody's Happy!"

I have to admit I have been a complainer, but I know better. I am human after all!

Pros and Cons of Life in a Whirlwind.

The word to describe my life for the last six months to a year is Whirlwind. I feel as if I am standing in the middle of one everyday. With things to do, places to be, Husband to love, kids to take care of, chores, bills to pay, callings to fullfill, errands to run, fighting children to deal with, friends to hang out with, fun things to do, illnesses to deal with, movies to watch, books to read, and many other things. Everyday I am to be here or there, do this or that, remember this and that. Every two hours I usually have some place to be or someone to pick up. So are the pros and cons of life in a whirlwind.

Consequently I have become a jumpy person. Nervous and tired. Not quite myself. Late to almost everything. How do other Moms cope? The other day my kids ran downstairs to play, and I was grateful for the break. Not 30 seconds after they got downstairs they came running back up the stairs screaming bloody murder. "MOM, MOM, MOM x3!!!" My heart began to pound and fear and tension took over my muscles. Whatever could be the matter? A giant hairy spider? A dead body? A leaky pipe bursting to flood our basement? A child in danger? A stranger in the house? No, not any of these, fortunately. My children have inherited their Father's great enthusiasm and expression of feeling. They were running up to tell me the Amaryllis had bloomed, and how beautiful it was. Dragging my limp, over adrenalized, body downstairs to look at it, I realized, no wonder I am a nervous anxious mess. You would have thought someone's arm had suddenly fallen off, or something, from the way they were screaming.

You should know that I love plants and especially flowers. I do a lot of gardening and it does make me happy and excited every time a plant thrives and blooms a new bloom. I guess my kids know that. It's cute to see them appreciating some of the same things as me. I really do appreciate all the excitement and joy my children and husband express 24/7, but I have got to find a way to cope with the anxiety it causes me. I am such a mellow calm person, but life in a whirlwind has changed me some.

I have found peace in reading scriptures and ensign, when I find a spare moment, which is hardly ever. I have tried taking a little nap midday, but life rarely permits. I do yoga! Hopefully my mind will rewire and I will get used to life in a whirlwind. Maybe a time miracle will happen if I keep praying for it.

I found relief from the whirlwind yesterday, as I attended the Draper Temple open house. I don't have words great enough to describe how beautiful it was or how good I felt being there with Chris and our Girls. I kept feeling guilty that we didn't invite more people to come with us. I had so many thoughts and peaceful feelings. We had a reserved time for 12. I was thinking, we would get to the chapel, get on the bus, and we'd be in the temple, look at it, and get back in no time. Wrong, we had to sit and wait 1 hour before we got on the bus. The only bad part of the experience, but as I was sitting there I reflected on life before earth.

We must have had similar impatient feelings, anxiety, and anticipation. Joy and happiness, excitement and wonder. How happy we must have felt as we learned our number had been called and it was finally our turn. Relief that the wait was over and something wonderful was about to begin. How our Heavenly Father must have felt sending us off knowing full well whether we would return or not, and that final farewell till we would meet again. I can't imagine sending my child somewhere knowing they would not return to me, and at the same time the joy I would feel knowing they would return.

I also felt the power of the spirit in the temple so strong the minute I walked in. I was having a very hard time choking back the tears as they were trying to escape. Each painting was so beautiful and good. Every corner and cranny was so intricately planned. The chandeliers were so sparkley, like a sparkle and shine I've never seen before. And the Brides room, where future Mom's of little girls will go one day, to help their precious daughters get ready for their greatest covenant ever...a temple marriage. The sealing room where we looked at each other in the eternity mirrors. What a magnificent experience to stand there with your Husband and children and see the future of a family sealed. Moving to the celestial room, the most beautiful and brightest of all. I realized the great worth of living righteously can only be glimpsed upon in this world.

I am so grateful for my whirlwind life and know there is a great reward ahead as I do my best. Try to be happy. And live righteously.

I also have to note that Brooke kept telling us she was starving and that we had forgotten to feed her. Chris and I tried to deal with and distract her for an hour, until at last we watched the video about temples and were directed on how to proceed. In which we were informed there would be cookies at the end. Brooke lit right up, sat up, and smiled saying :"Cookies! After we see the Temple! Okay!" She didn't whine at all after that, and she seemed to have a marvelous time. And yes she was the first to seek out and get her cookie at the end.

A Peek at Our Week

We celebrated 4 Birthdays. James, My Dad, Quinn, and Julie. Soon to celebrate Kate's Bday. Holy Birthdays. People really like May and June I guess, if you know what I mean :)

We went skiing at Powder Mountain. It was so much fun, except for the part where I fell off the tow rope. It's not my fault I wasn't looking...and the handle was swinging back and forth enough to grab my left leg only. I'm not sure if you're familiar with tow ropes, but that's a bad thing. You kinda want both your legs involved and preferably your hands holding the handle. We also had fun following each other down the hill and watching each other try out the huge snowboarding jumps. My favorite was when I got scared and slowed down too much...stopping right at the top of the jump. Everyone was laughing, including myself. I eventually got a little braver and got some air, but not as much as the guys. A big thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Trump for planning this trip and paying for all of us! That was so nice. And for providing the yummy hot cocoa, chili, donuts, breadsticks, and veggies. So Yummy :b Another big thanks to Grandma and Grandpa for buying Tay her cute skis, boots, and poles, she loves them, that was so nice. All in all it was a great trip.

We had a big wind storm and one of our umbrellas perished, snap. But most of the Garabage and leaves that had been piling up blew away. I feel bad for whoever's yard it all ended up in.

Chris and I bought Britney Spears tickets, finally, after several attempts. It's hard to buy all your friends tickets and your own and coordinate everyones price range and seating preferences. But we finally managed it and we are already excited!

Taylor and Brooke went back on track Monday. They are happy to be reunited with school friends. Taylor's hives have cleared up. Taylor did so good skiing. A lady at the bottom of the hill came up to me and said: "Is that your little girl? She is so good and fast, how long has she been skiing?" Me:"This is her second time." Lady: "No way! She must be a natural!" Me: "Yep"

Presley is enjoying having me all to herself again. Her new thing is asking "And then what?" She needs a rundown of the day ahead so she can be prepared.
Our conversation on Wednesday, March 4, 2009, Presley 3yrs:
Presley: "Where are we going Mom?"
Me: "To the gym."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going to pick up Brooke."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we're going home to eat lunch."
Presley: "Can I have tuna and pickles? I like that!"
Me: "Sure! I know you like that."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are taking Brooke to dance, after I get ready."
Presley: "Can we go to Grandma's while Brooke is at dance?"
Me: "Maybe? I really need to pick up our car from it's oil change, so I don't know if we'll have time today."
Presley: "Oh ya and give this car back? (we had a rental car) And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to pick Brooke up from dance."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going grocery shopping."
Presley: "Can I get a treat?"
Me: "If you're good!"
Presley: "I will be...And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going to pick up Taylor and Maddy from school."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we are going home to read and do homework and jobs."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then we need to clean up and start making dinner."
Presley: "What is for dinner."
Me: "Chicken"
Presley: "Yuck"
Me: "I know, but it's good for you!"
Presley: "Can I have yogurt and milk?"
Me: "Sure"
Presley: "It'll be my last milkie, I promise."
Me:"Kay"
Presley: "And then What?"
Me: "Bathtime"
Presley: "Barbies?"
Me: "No" (but they always convince me, everytime)
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Reading time, then scripture time."
Presley: "And then what?"
Me: "Then time to go to bed."
Presley: "Can I take books in my bed?"
Me: "Yes"
Presley: "Okay"
She does this every morning, our conversations varying according to the events planned that day.

Hope you enjoyed your peek at our week;)

Summer Starved

We are going stark crazy waiting for Winter to end!
What up?
We are definitely "Summer Starved!"

When you start decorating your snowman with corn pops for eyes and a stacker pickle for a mouth...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you lay out your swimsuits and start trying them on...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you go shopping for summer clothes on a snow day...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you layout in your basement...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to play in the carpet like it's sand...you know you are Summer Starved.

When you try to float on a blue blanket...you know you're Summer Starved.

When you're hangin on the beach in your basement...you know you're Summer Starved.

AAAAAAAAHHHHHH...SUMMER WHERE ARE YOU?
Maybe we just need to move to Florida or better yet Fiji!

A Peek at Our Week

Well it's a little blurry, but let's see if I can recall...

Chris got stuck in the snow at a Maverik parking lot. He had to abandon his car there and have me come pick him up. When we returned to pick it up, after work, it was gone. They had it towed 15 minutes before we got there. To make a long and weary story shorter, we finally found it at an Ogden towing company. And $141 dollars in cash later had our car back. So needless to say, but I will anyway. We former faithful Maverik users are boycotting Maverik. Chris has been working night and day. He's very busy from every angle. We finally got a break though, as Chris planed a trip to Sanctuary Day Spa, for the both of us. It was a surprise for me on Valentine's day. Chris fixed our garage, it keeps breaking, but now it only goes to a foot above the ground. So you have to wait and push the button again to get it all the way down. Chris killed a mouse with a cardboard box. He is planning a trip for us to get away, much needed, sometime this year hopefully.

Michelle had a severe hives attack and is now on 5 different meds to control it. Don't know what I'm allergic to, and have no way of finding it out. We had a family fast and it helped a little. I'm still waiting for an answer to my prayers. Getting a little desperate though. I got a nice surprise from Chris for Valentine's Day. A trip to Sanctuary, as above mentioned. I had no clue where we were going. Chris threw me off with a trip to Barnes and Noble for hot chocolate and a red velvet cupcake. It was fun and I enjoyed looking at some hair style books. Then we went for a walk and stopped in front of the spa. I had fun helping my kids make and deliver Valentine's. Took my girls to get a pedicure and manicure, it was so fun! My girls loved it and can't wait to do it again. Thought about shoveling, then decided not to. Cleaned a lot. Attempted laundry, but it keeps pestering. Went to the dentist, had no cavities, but had to get a few cracked fillings redone. Made some quilts, still working on mine. Got a new workout. Got some new swimming suits. I am so ready for summer, and hopefully that vacation Chris is planning!

Taylor lost two teeth, two days in a row. The toothfairy knows our house well now. Tay is enjoying being off track. Played in the snow. Broke out in hives, the same as her mom's. Her Mom is pulling her hair out trying to solve this! Tay went skiing with her 4th grade class at Snow Basin. It was her first time and she loved it. We are in the process of planning a trip for a ski day in the next few weeks. She is enjoying ballet, and has snuck a few treats to her class to share with her friends. Meanwhile, Mom is wondering-where did all the ramen noodles go?

Brooke had a Valentines Party at school. She made valentine's for her friends, and got a lot in return. Brooke has also been enjoying her break from school. Brooke and all of us went to the U of U/BYU/SUU/Texas Women's Gymnastics Meet. We had a lot of fun, Chris was a trooper. Afterward we took the girls to buy a treat. Brooke picked out cheetos and a propel. On the way home she fell asleep with her hand in the bag of cheetos. Colored on various items with permanent marker, denied it, but unfortunately she spelled her name on every thing, and miss spelled Taylor's on a few others. She made a quilt with her Grandma. Pink, her old blankie, went to Blankie heaven.

Presley had a Valentine's Party with some of the other 3 & 4 year olds from her sunbeam class. They decorated sugar cookies and exchanged valentine's. Presley was feeling shy so I had to pass hers out. They played a find the heart game. It was cute and fun. Prez enjoyed jumping on the couch, bed, other couch, and off the chairs and stairs. She is big into jumping on and off things. Prezi watched a movie, with her mom and sisters, in the basement. We popped popcorn in our popcorn popper. She had her mom go get her a drink 4 times. She is a big drinker, of milk and water that is. She also had to go to the bathroom 4 times during the movie. Presley is hoping her teeth will come loose soon so she can get money from the toothfairy.

And that is a peek at our week!

Gym Guru Says

Did you know 80% of your fitness is determined by what you eat? That's right 80%! The other 20% is made up of your genetics, weight lifting, and last, and most least to affect your fitness, cardio.

So like the old saying says, You are what You eat.