Meat or No Meat

So for the next month starting  yesterday, I have decided to accept the challenge of eating NO MEAT.  My health & fitness guru friend Kelly has put anyone & everyone up to this challenge, and I quickly accepted.  She wants to see if there are any significant differences with a 'No Meat' diet.  It's not a full vegan diet with no dairy nor meat, so i can still have my  yogurt parfaits. :)  It's interesting to see how much meat I normally would eat in my diet.  It wasn't a whole lot, but now that I am restricting myself from all meat, I have noticed when I would normally choose to eat a little ham, tuna, or chicken.  I am excited to see the changes in how I feel, my energy level, and any other differences in my body.  Because of my recent and temporary change in diet, I am looking into different meals to serve.  Tonight I am going to make Tabouli.  Pax & I first tried it at a dinner we were invited to from a couple in our ward.  It's an Israeli meal with bulgar wheat, parsley, mint, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, green onion, tomatoes, & cucumber.  Once I try it out tonight, and if it's successful, I'll post the recipe.  It is DE-LISH-OUS! 

Anyway, here are my tomato plants and to the left are my green beans.  The tomato plants smell good- like tomatoes may actually come from it, so I'm just waiting and watering and waiting and watering more.  How fun.  Then the poor green beans- I've stabilized it with string so they don't fall over.  They don't seem to be growing much more.  I think birds or bugs are eating the green beans.  I don't know what to do.  I didn't even take a picture of my poor spinach.  They're still just little sprouts.  I think I may have planted them too late in the season.  At least my tomatoes are taking off!   

I just recently finished New Moon-- well almost. I have the last epilogue left, which I will finish tonight.  But now I'm looking for anyone that has the 3rd book Eclipse.... so if anyone is willing to lend it for a little while... I would love you!

And last but certainly not least- I ran my fastest mile today! Yipeee!  But let me just precede with a little story.  So last Saturday Paxton & I ran the bleachers at the Hebron H.S. stadium.  I think I ran up & down 7 times- across the whole bleachers.  Anyway, I was still feeling really good, not really phased by it, so I ran a 'snake.'  I don't know what else you call it, but it's where you run up & down the 5 yard lines across the whole football field.  I did that once, stretched and we went home.  I wasn't feeling sore that whole day, but Paxton was already sore by mid-day.  The next morning, I woke up with really sore calves and quads.  Pax & I could barely walk around normal.  It was ridiculous.  And that soreness continued on through Monday as well, so sadly I didn't get a run in.  Come Tuesday morning, I am pumped, feeling a little sore, but ready to get a good long run in.  So this is where my record fastest mile comes in.  I ran almost 5 miles with my first mile being at a pace of 6:07.  Yay! I was super excited.  I believe the bleacher workout strengthened my muscles, helping me run faster.  I will always be grateful to Kelly for teaching me those sweet track workouts.  I'm for sure keeping those up.  I just need to brush up on those few yoga poses you taught me.  Yeah- I can't remember any of them really.  

Ok, see ya for now.

...

nothing new or exciting really going on with the Hobson's. we're both keeping busy working, playing and sleeping. last night Pax said that the last post was kinda cheesy, and i totally agree- it is, and i knew it was before i even posted it. haha - sorry. there is just nothing to say or post about right now. we don't have too much going on. he said, Well you could post about the wasp nest up in our balcony, or how big your vegetables have grown. haha... so that just really shows how much is not going on in our lives. haha. but that's ok. i don't mind. i love my husband, he loves me, and we are happy. right now i'm anticipating a few things... sending katie a birthday package, planning mine & paxton's birthday par-tay(everyone will receive further notice on this:), and the summer season at work is almost over, which means i'll be done taking home the work phone. yay- can't wait for that day!
i went running this morning, and it felt so good. the past few days i have been pretty unmotivated. i would workout, but then i'd turn around and over eat, so i gain back all the calories i just burned- and some. when i get bored, i eat, and i seem to do this more when pax isn't around. he just keeps me entertained and i am never bored with him- that's why. is anyone else like this? what do you do to curb this craving? i hate it? a help i learned from one of the trainers on 'The Biggest Loser' show is to chew gum. anyway, i hope i'm not the only loser that does this every so often. haha. and i'm not calling anyone losers who does do this, it just can be hard to eat really well all the time.
sorry for the lack of pics lately- we'll be sure to get some up next time.

Luxury Cars

I can truly say that luxury cars and sports cars are not over-rated. I used to think they were. The first time I realized that sports cars were not over-rated was when Steve let me drive his brand new bright blue Corvette. I felt so cool driving it. Too bad hardly anybody saw me driving it, as I was staying on the back roads so I wouldn't run into too much traffic or anything. haha. But before driving the Vette, I would see one, or any other sports car on the roads and the driver would always look like they were the coolest person in the world. I would always think, 'Get over yourself. You're not that cool, and your car is way over-rated.' Little did I know how true their actions were in that car, acting like they were The Man. When I got in that Corvette, turned the corner and got from 0-60 in like 5 seconds, I was The (woMan). Those cars are so cool and sure have some umph to em. Love it!

Now luxury cars- still not over-rated. When did I find that out? Today... when I drove one. We have Paxton's dad's Lexus with us, trying to sell it actually. But we have to drive it every so often so the battery doesn't die and drain out. So I drove it to work today. The leather seats, perfect suspension, and V8 engine power make the ride so smooth. I always thought that buying a luxury car was so not worth the extra money you spend- so over-rated. Honda, Chevy, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan cars work just as well as BMW, Lexus, Mercedes, and Cadillac, or so I thought. All I know is, again I felt so cool driving home in the '99 Lexus, and I will think people are really cool when I see them driving a luxury car. Pax can we get one someday?

"Hair Mixer"

So I know some of the picture's alignment is off with the face- but it's all to see what I'd look like with different hair-do's.  In some of them, my neck looks crinkled back or my eyes look weird.  It's pretty tricky to get them the exact size- as you can tell from the last pic. I know- my head is a lot bigger.  ha.  So if you want to try it out with their own pic go to hairmixer.com   Have fun.

. . .

Use the 1st letter of your name to answer each question:

1. What is your name? Abby
2. 4 letter word: ain't  -  hehe
3. Vehicle: Audi
4. City: Albuquerque
5. Boy Name:  Adam
6. Girl Name: Allyson (we'll use this for a baby girl name someday :)
8. Occupation: Auditor
9. Something you wear: apple bottom jeans .. hahaha!
10. Celebrity: Angelina Jolie
11. Food: avocado
12. Found in a bathroom: abreva- cold sore medicine :) that's def. in my bthrm.
13. Reason for Being Late: auto accident
14. Cartoon Character: Alice in Wonderland
15. Something you shout: AHHHHH
16. Animal: ape- wow that was hard to think of.
17. Body part: appendages a.k.a arms & legs. well i guess i could've just said arms. haha
18. Word to describe you: adorable, amazing, awesome, affable...
19. Something you like to do: aerobic exercise
20. Place you'd like to be: an island in the Carribean :)

Alright, so there's a fun little scattergories-type game.  It was pretty hard to think of all 'A' words. 

So this morning, I got 3 nice little surprises waiting at my door at 5:45 am.  We heard a gentle tap tap at our door, and Pax jumped up to answer it.  There were 3 sweet little Young Women from our ward, waiting to come kidnap me for an early morning breakfast at IHOP.  All along, Paxton knew about this, but he kept it a little secret from me.  These girls and I also went an kidnapped Lois, our ward camp leader.  It was fun to hang out with these crazy girls and eat eggs & hash browns at 6:30 am.  My plans for working out and burning calories turned into hanging out and gaining calories.  I guess I'll just pay for it tomorrow :)  Thanks girls- it was fun.  And I know what your little plan is-- I know you're trying to suck up to us so you can turn right around and pull a nasty prank.  Nuh-uh- that's not gonna happen!!!  These girls attempted to duct tape our door one night, but it got blown away by the wind. haha- nice try girls.  

I thought I would post an old pic just for fun.  This picture always makes me laugh.  It was taken when we lived in Rexburg back in October of 2006.  Paxton's hair was getting long, so we parted and combed it for fun. hehe- silly boy.  I Love him!

Well, all is well here at the Hobson home.  Everyone take care.

New Motivation

This past weekend we visited Jake & Kelly & fam- one of Paxton's best friends- in Houston.  We got to see their new house and new home town.  Their house is so awesome.  It just works so perfectly for them.  So anyway, we got there Friday night, chatted for awhile.  Then Saturday morning Kelly and I did a track workout.  She taught me different workouts to help me run faster over time.  I am so pumped.  After that workout, that's all i could think about.  Of course on Sunday, I couldn't run.  Then Monday I just ran several miles, but I am still just thinking about how good it felt to do that track workout.  Thanks Kelly!  You've kindled a new passion for running!  It really is so much better when  you have variety in  your workout.  Many times I have dreaded going running in the morning- because it's same old thing every time.  So, this will definitely get me up and motivated to run and workout. I actually just bought a stop watch for my training. :):):):)

Anyway, after our workout, the boys played tennis.  Later that day Kelly, the kiddies, & I went to the arboretum, and then we had yummy mexican food and went swimming.  The boys (& Kelly) had a little swimming competition...and happily my handsome husband won.  We also got a sweet game of Cranium in,but they won.  Everything was so much fun.  Maria & Layla are the cutest little girls.  It was so fun to see and play with them.  Thanks for an awesome weekend Swanson's.  We'll have to do that again soon. 

Sorry for the lack of pics.  I realized 3 hours into our trip to Houston that I forgot my camera for the weekend. :(  I really wish I could've taken some cute pics of the girls- they were just so dang cute.  

Both of us are still just working and living happily.  We stay busy every day, night and weekend with who knows what- random things.  We had the missionaries over tonight for dinner.  I made biscuits, sausage, and gravy.  Then for dessert I made homemade carrot cake.  YUMMMM.  It turned out really good.  I think it possibly may be the best carrot cake I've ever had.  Now I have a whole pan to get rid of.  If anybody wants some, come on over.  I think I'll post the recipe so you can try it out-- and you'll also see how bad it is for you.  hehe.

Carrot Cake

Combine:                                Add:

3 eggs, beaten                           2 tsp baking soda

2 c. sugar                                    1 tsp salt

1 1/2 c oil                                    2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 tsp vanilla

Then add:

2 c. grated carrots                         

1 1/2 c crushed pineapple

1 c coconut

1 c chopped nuts(opt.)

2 c flour

Bake @ 350 degrees- 30-35 min depending on pan size. Once cake is cool, top with cream cheese frosting. Yummm.

Not too much else really going on.  Just living each day as it comes.  

Love you all.

Sold!

We promised everyone an update on the status of our offer on this house in Carrollton.  So here it is... it has been sold- to someone else.  This house had been on the market for 5 days, and on the 6th day there were several offers made, including ours.  Unfortunately we were out-bid, and the house has already been sold.  Luckily, Pax & I discussed our finances and realized that we would be able to afford the home, but it's better that we didn't win that bid.  We have decided to save save save!!!  Back to what we have been doing already.  We have many thoughts & ideas with different decisions in our life, and we're still trying to figure everything out.  It did get a little exciting to think we were going to get into a house.  Oh well.  

In the meantime, my latest addiction has been fruit/granola/yogurt parfaits.  I have one AT LEAST everyday, sometimes twice a day---- like today.  They are just so good.  You get the health benefit of yogurt and frozen fruit, and it satisfies your sweets/sugar craving!  

I've been feeling the urge more now than ever before to get serious food storage.  After the flood in Iowa, seeing people on TV frantically getting groceries for double the price, stocking up on essentials, and then with gas prices sky-rocketing, I just really feel it is so important to get good food storage & kits ready to grab n go.  It is just so hard with the limited space of an apartment.  These events happening throughout the world are definitely 'signs of the times.'  It's kind of exciting to think it's all starting- but then it scares me to think I haven't even started raising my children.  I can't imagine the kinds of struggles that they will have to face growing up. It scares me to think I will be their parent through these times.  I'll feel so accountable for every little thing they do. Hmm I guess I'll hopefully just know what to do when the time comes.  

Ok- so I know I am rambling.  I think it's time for bed.

Last quick thought- Pax and I are counting down the days til our Caribbean Cruise!!  129 days!

Feelin' a buzz

I thought I wouldn't like Paxton's hair when he said he wanted a buzz cut.  I thought his head was shaped too weird for it to actually look good on him.  After the cut, I was surprised at how good it looked.  He looks very handsome- even a little bit like Brad Pitt!! I'm feelin it! :)

My vegetables are coming along.  These first plants in  front are tomatoes.  I realized the reason that each little start is a different size is because the sun hits the biggest one more than the others.  The sun doesn't really hit our balcony at all.  I noticed after work while watering them that it hits on a corner of the balcony- so i scooted them all over so they'll hopefully see a little more sun.  This was a pic from a week ago.. they've grown a lot since then.
Speaking of growing- my hair is getting longer and longer. You can't really tell here but- it's LONG! I plan on growing it out through October, maybe even longer.  I feel like my hair is really boring though.  Pax doesn't want me to highlight my hair- he like the natural color that it is.  So I'll have to add in some style.  Any suggestions?
I am still training for my half-marathon in October-- slowly training.  It seems like since the event is still so far away, I'm not as determined to training super hard- but I am definitely running a lot.  I put in 5 miles and lifting this morning.  It feels so good.  I absolutely LOVE the feeling after you've just had a hard workout.  

Represent!

Sporting each other's work shirts :)

LOVE YOU MOM*

This past weekend Mom came down to visit us in Texas.  She got a sweet deal on a flight and jumped on it!  From Saturday to Monday we played, shopped, and visited family.  

We went to the Farmer's Market downtown, bought lots of yummy vegetables, and made a delicious, healthy dinner out of it! The appetizer was slices of fresh tomatoes, salt & peppered. The main course:Spinach and lettuce salad with fresh green onions, sugar snap peas, tomatoes, and cheese.  We also had steamed asparagus & new potatoes with half a chicken breast. Yumm.  

We shopped at Sam Moon, World Market, and the Galleria.

Glamour shot!  She didn't want me to take a picture of her with her glasses on :) Sorry Mom.    

It was tons of fun to have her come see where we live and visit for a few days. The moment she walked into the airport to leave, I missed her. Thanks for coming to visit Mom!  Hope more of the family can come visit soon!  Love and miss you!!!

The morning I dropped her off at the airport - early!

Guys and their...

  

... sunglasses. Wait those are girl's sunglasses.

Firstlings

  Last week I decided I wanted to plant a few vegetables.  We went to Wal-Mart, picked up some seed, potting soil, and planter trays.  After buying carrots, spinach, tomatoes, canteloupe, green beans, and bell pepper seeds, we finally decided on planting green beans, spinach, and tomatoes.  Here are the first little buds from each vegetable.  I didn't catch the green beans in time- I hadn't checked on them in 2 days and they just took off!!!  And I'm so surprised they're even growing.  These poor plants sit on our balcony with no sunshine all day.  I don't know how its working, but I'm so happy they're growing.  I just need to get bigger planters so I can grow more!  More More More!!!

Tomatoes

Spinach 

Green Beans

Quick Update

Good news: My foot is feeling better - for the most part.  I have been rolling my foot on a racquet ball a lot, stretching it often, and wearing good shoes constantly.  We'll see how all of this treats me.

More Good news: I am going to talk to Katie on Mother's Day!  She's calling home at 5pm then my cell phone at 6pm!!!  Yay!!

Nike + iPod

Thanks to Heather, I've discovered something that I've fallen in love with!!  It's called Nike+.  It consists of Nike+ running shoes, a sensor specially designed to fit into your Nike+ shoe insole, and a plug for your iPod.  Basically, once calibrated, it is able to measure your distance you run, pace, calories, and time.  After each workout you download it onto your Nike account online and it records your workouts.  You can also set up different programs and training 5k, 10k, half marathon**, and marathons, or just any distance you want.  I'm looking into getting better earphones- ones that hook over my ear, to make it easier for running.  I'm super stoked.  Now I can record how long my runs are!  Yay!  Thanks Heather!  

I am pretty sure I am developing plantar fasciitis, a painful inflammatory condition caused by excessive wear to the plantar fascia of the foot.  I get sharp pains in the heel and occasionally in my arch.  My great friend Kelly told me to roll a racquetball with my foot whenever I have a chance and that will stretch out the muscles there, relieving the pain temporarily. Unfortunately, plantar fasciitis is a long-term condition, and there's no way to cure it or anything.  But it's not going to slow me down from training for that half-marathon in October!  

Paxton is back studying away for the CPA exam.  He's taking the classes that prepare you for the exams.  I think it will help him a lot!  He's such a hard worker.  He is getting more handsome everyday.  I love him!

We've been staying so busy each day and every weekend.  We've always got something going on.  One of these weekends I want to relax!!  We need to play some volleyball again this summer!  Anyone up for that soon?  Let's plan a weekend and we'll make it happen!  I think this year we'll have some competition.  There is a Latino group of friends/family that play every Saturday.  We've got to form a team and we can play against them!  How fun would that be!!!

Sorry- no pics this time.  We haven't had anything significant of which to take pictures.  Maybe next time.

April has just flown by so quickly!!  And with April passing, a heat wave has come in!  Wow, I could really feel it today and the past couple of days.  Time to get a new swimsuit!!  Anybody seen some good finds? Let me know.

Peaceout!!  :) 

Flash Back..

...to LAST YEAR.  We have lived in Texas for ONE YEAR now!  It's hard to believe we've already lived in TX one year.  It's gone by so quickly, and we've had so much fun!  When we first got to D-town we stayed with Paxton's mom for a couple months until we got on our feet and found an apartment.  We enjoyed so much living w/ Ann and Steve.  

Once we moved into our apartment, we and our friends would play sand volleyball every Saturday in the summer.  We went to several Rangers games and sports events, lots of movies, many restaurants, and spent multiple late nights with friends playing games and talking.  Both of us have excelled in our jobs, have learned more about one another, grown in the gospel and grown closer through our trials and good memories.  We spent our first Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, & New Years together in Dallas.   It's amazing how fast time flies when you're with someone you love and having so much fun.  Although, the time may go even faster if my family would come visit me sometime....  :)  

April 2007

Our buddy Mark at graduation!

April 2008

(My hair has gotten so long!)

One year down in Dallas, many more to come!

99 WPM

While bored at work...
99 words

Speed test

Let me know, I'm really interested in what people get! :)

Reminiscing...

i loved this show as a kid. i remember watching it ALL THE TIME! that and Power Rangers, Garfield, Bobby's World, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. and then of course the classic Disney movies, but those are still around. anyone who watched Bobby's world will always wonder what Bobby's mother looks like. they always just showed her legs and feet, and every once in awhile, her torso and neck. i imagined her a blonde. funny how all the shows I watched were kind of boy-ish. but I loved em!
whenever we watched Power Rangers, basically after school almost everyday, we would always fight for who was the pink PR and who was the red PR. once the white PR came out, that was the envied one. haha. once PR was over, we'd all go outside on the tramp and fight off the bad guys. ya know how they all have their badges? well we would make our own of course, and in times of extreme danger we would combine our powers and kill off the bad guys. that was so awesome! :) i still remember the PR theme song, and Paxton teases me about it. for some odd reason, we have the urge to sing the theme song, and i do the little solo guitar part. paxton just laughs. now TMNT is a whole other story. maybe next time i reminisce...

Vacations in Disguise

Vacation 1: Natchitoches, LA (pronounced NAK-uh-tush)

Paxton and I visited his dad and uncle for the weekend.  We got there Friday late night, then Paxton was up by 6am ready to help Jerry work at his new business - a scrap metal yard.  They worked non-stop from 7:30a to 2p!  I thought they would be home sooner than that, so I slept in a little, watched a bit of television, and hung out outside and by the river.  While strolling along the river bank, I heard something moving in the big long grass.  I looked over to where the sound was coming from, and saw a huge, thick alligator tail crawling back into the river!!!  Yikes!  I was actually super excited, not really scared, though I guess I should've been, I just didn't think they would attack me, plus I wasn't expecting alligators to be in that river!!!   I was poking around the grass and water for more animals to come out of there-- nothing came out.  I would hear a lot of movement, but didn't see much else except like 20 geckos.  I at least got a pic of that .. and the river.  We also went out to eat and drove thru the small town of Natchitoches. It was raining, so we couldn't walk.  It's such a pretty tourist town and college town.  For those of you who've seen the classic movie Steel Magnolias would like to go to this town and see the house where they filmed that movie!  We didn't get a chance to go inside, but it is now a Bed & Breakfast house, along with many other houses around the town.  It was really a beautiful town and a very relaxing weekend.  We had lots of fun- Thanks Jerry!  It was like a vacation in disguise!

This is the view from Jerry's porch.  It was so peaceful and beautiful.  I loved it.  

Vacation 2: Austin, TX (pronounced AWE-sten)
This past weekend we visited my uncle, aunt, cousins, and Grandma.  My aunt & uncle live off of Lake Travis in the suburb of Austin called Lago Vista.  It was, again, so peaceful and calm.  I had never been to their home, and I hadn't seen that family for probably 8-10 years!! We walked around a really cool park, and they took us to the Whole Foods Marketplace, which was amazing.  We loved it so much we went there again the next night!!  It was so good to see my family and visit. My cousin's birthday was celebrated this same weekend, so we went to Kobe, a very entertaining Japanese cuisine where they cook your food in front of you on a huge grill, and they cook it with various tricks and cool beats!  It was really fun!!  

 So we said goodbye to the family we'd been visiting and spent Sunday evening together in downtown Austin.  We went to the Congress bridge at sunset where we watched thousands of bats flying out across the river, forming huge black clouds in the sky.  It was amazing that they were continuously splurging out from underneath the Congress bridge.  After about 15 minutes, we walked away while the bats were still flying out!  It was amazing!  

Before visiting the bats, we walked down Congress street to the state Capitol building.  We walked around inside and took a few pictures outside.  It's a HUGE building and very beautiful.

Downtown Austin is a really great place to walk around.  We had a great time, and was yet another vacation in disguise!

What's a trip without a silly picture of Paxton??

Here at Kobe is where we celebrated Jessica's birthday- the birthday girl is the curly-haired one in front. On the far right is my mom's brother, Clay and Lora his wife next to him in the middle.  The three girls are all sisters, my cousins.  On the far left is Jessica's boyfriend, and then of course my grandma, my mom's mother, on the top right.  What a cute family!  Thanks for the fun visit guys! 

Nickname Generator

So, I've become a little obsessed with LOST lately.  Pax and I watch a few episodes every night. We're now on Season 2, about 6 episodes deep.  We think about it A LOT, and make references to it, for example, one day I received a text from Paxton saying, 'The guy sitting next to me on the bus looks just like John Locke!'  to which I replied,'You should ask him what's in the hatch.' Sweeeeeet!  And then later that day we were planning a picnic for that night so I made a list of a few things we needed at the store, including peanut butter. Pax goes, 'Be sure to get some peanut butter for us AND for Claire.'  haha. And then yesterday I went on the LOST abc website and found a 'nickname generator'.  For those that watch LOST, you'll know Sawyer calls everyone by a random nickname he makes up.  Sawyer's nicknames for me are: EINSTEIN. BUBBLEHEAD. STRETCH. COTTON. SAND DAB. HUCKLEBERRY PINHEAD.  Hmmm... I don't see a trend here, I wonder how they come up with these.  So, what's your nickname??

Besides LOST, we work all day, workout, sleep, cook... which by the way- I cooked a new recipe yesterday which was good but it made enough for an army! Sheesh!  It made a packed 9x13 pan full PLUS another packed 8x8pan!  Crazy!

  This is the latest pic of us- out to eat for Jennifer's birthday!  That was at the beginning of March though, a little while ago.. but a cute and worthy picture to post.  Thanks Jennifer.  

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter.  Paxton spoke in church, and I taught all the Young Women the combined lesson on the Resurrection.  Afterward we had dinner at Heather's house and had a stellar easter egg hunt. I lost, twice. :(  But it was still fun! To view any pictures from that lovely day, check out Chris & Heather's blog.  They've got us covered!  I love Easter- I love having that reminder of Christ's resurrection, and the blessing we have of the Gospel.

Well, that's all folks!

Dallas Stars Fight

I know this is long overdue, but for lack of anything better to post, enjoy.

Snack Swapper

Can you Texans believe this rainstorm that's passing through? Will it ever stop? This type of weather makes me want to go home and bundle up in a heavy blanket and watch a chick flic or just another good movie. But back in reality, this type of weather makes for a really slow day at work. I sit in front of a computer most of the day, so of course, it led me to browsing the internet.

I initially looked up what a "side ache" is.. ya know, those awful sharp pains in your side when you're running. I got one yesterday that lasted awhile, and tried all I could to keep running and make it go away-- like breathe out on my right side as I'm stepping down, breathe more deeply, contract my abs as I'm running(which works for the most part). I read what causes it, what's going on inside your body when you have those "side stitches" as the experts call them, ways to treat them as you're running, and ways to prevent them. It's very interesting by the way. But that led me to reading about different articles about yoga and pilates and yoga VS. pilates, since I'm looking into start doing one or the other....((p.s. what do you guys think? which is better?)) And then I found this fun website with a "Snack Swapper" activity. It has common "snacks" and "junk food" that you could substitute for healthier snacks. It's always good to see what other options there are for good snacks. Anyway, there are some good ideas and facts...

Check it out. http://www.ivillage.com/diet/snackswapper/0,,7k7xsw71,00.html?selSwapper=8

New Decor

Thanks for everyone's suggestions.  After many stops at many stores, such as Hobby Lobby, Target, Garden Ridge, World Market, and Kohl's, I finally found what I was looking for at Pier 1 Imports!  I converted my kitchen from maroon/green/dark yellow to dark blue and tan.  Pier 1 had everything. I was surprised because Pier 1 has such pricy merchandise, but the rug I got was $5 and then these place mats, napkins, and napkin rings were cheap too!  It looks so good.  

    

I am SO excited the weather is getting nicer.  I can feel the humidity stickin around!!  I just want to go picnic and play volleyball and go hiking-- wherever it is that you would hike in Texas.  If anyone knows of any fun hiking places, let me know!!

Alright, Paxton is sitting here singing Blink-182 and beat-boxing while patiently waiting to watch LOST.  He is such a silly boy, he makes every single day interesting. I love him!  Anyway, I'm anxious to watch LOST too, so SEE YA! 

Suggestions...

Does any one have any suggestions on good STORES to buy cute kitchen place mats and rugs and decorations. I REALLY want to change the colors of my kitchen to like a dark blue. I've looked around Target, Wal-mart, and Garden Ridge whenever I've been there. I thought maybe Hobby Lobby might be good. Any other cool little shops or stores that I don't know about? Or have you seen anything cute like that anywhere? Let me know! I'm actually going shopping after work today, so HURRY-QUICK- SUGGESTIONS!

So Pax and I started watching LOST last night. We watched the first 3 episodes of season 1. They were good, and weird, and scary. Anyway, we're pretty excited to keep watching them. We're watching them off of abc.com. They have all the seasons and episodes online. The only con is that you have to get up every 7 minutes to push CONTINUE. They STILL have little commercials, but not nearly as long as on TV. So, that'll be fun to get into that show. I don't really want to start any more shows, and there aren't really any good ones out there anyway. They're all pretty trashy.

Alright, that's about it.
Love ya, bye!

Update

Quick update of our lives. I've realized that since we have no babies/kids to talk about, we just talk about ourselves. Now that may seem selfish, but there's no way to avoid it. What else would I talk about? Politics? Celebs? How corrupt the world has gotten? That is something I realized this past week while at Chris & Heather's. Chris mentioned that we can't even watch some commercials of certain shows, they're so bad and inappropriate. I've thought about that and noticed all the different images and trends the world is trying to make us believe is cool and something we should strive to become. It's really sad that there are people out there that look to celebrities and the media to figure out how they want to become. I worry for my own children and I just hope that I can raise them to be their own individual person and personality. It's scary to think how much worse the world is going to become when my kids are growing up, and the power of the temptations that will come their way. It makes me want to get my kids here and start raising them soon, before it gets too crazy! Does anyone think that ever? :)

This past week Paxton only had to work 40 hours, versus his required 50 hours during the busy season. The client at which he is working didn't have enough work for him to do to put in those 50 hours. I really really enjoyed having my husband home by 6pm and not 7:30 . This "busy season" isn't as bad as I expected, and Paxton feels the same. That's very fortunate for us.

We also went to a Dallas Stars hockey game, thanks to Curt Anderson for inviting us. It was SO much fun as usual. And there were plenty of fights to enjoy throughout the game. Unfortunately the Stars lost 1-2, but those fights made up for the loss. We got the biggest fight on video. Once I figure out how to get it on our computer, we'll post it.

I am enjoying receiving emails and letters from Katie on her mission. She is in Ohio now. She has been sick lately, but is still being blessed with missionary opportunities. She is so excited to get out and start the work, and is determined not to let her sicknesses slow her down.

We are both hangin in there, working and playing. Same old.

Maybe I'll post a pic or two, once I take one. And I'll get that hockey fight uploaded soon too! Til then, take care.

Very Late Update

So I know this is a little late to talk about but I was going through my pictures on my camera and came across this picture...

.. a pic of our first course, Strawberry Avocado Salad, for our Valentine's dinner.  What we decided to do for Valentine's dinner was look up some yummy recipes online, pick up the ingredients at the store, and cook at home!  It was such a great idea, versus going out with the crowds, PLUS it was delicious and cheap!!!!  Unfortunately I didn't get pictures of the main course, Grilled Chicken Bruschetta, but you can imagine by the name of it!! We also made seasoned baked potato wedges. Yummmm!

Last week Pax & I made the Grilled Chicken Bruschetta for his family and they loved it!!  Because I've seen people post yummy recipes on their blog, I thought I'd share my super great recipe finds as well!

Strawberry Avocado Salad

2 Tbsp sugar                                       

2 Tbsp olive oil                                  

4 tsp honey                                        

1 Tbsp cider vinegar                      

1 tsp lemon juice

2 c. salad (I prefer spinach leaves)

1 avocado - peeled, pitted and sliced

10 strawberries, sliced  or however many you want!!!

1/2 c. chopped pecans  or however much you want!!!

*Whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside.

*Put salad in a bowl, top w/ sliced avocado and strawberries.  Drizzle w/ dressing then sprinkle with pecans.  Serve!

Grilled Chicken Bruschetta

1/4 c KRAFT Sun-Dried Tomato Vinaigrette Dressing, divided

4 small skinless, boneless chicken breast halves

1 med. tomato, finely chopped

1/2 c. mozzarella cheese (I used a mozz/asiago/romano mix that was GOOD)

1/4 c. chopped fresh basil (I used basil leaves that works great too)

*Place large sheet of heavy duty foil over half of grill grate; preheat grill to medium heat. *Marinate chicken in 2 Tbsp dressing for just 10 minutes.  Grill chicken until thoroughly cooked through.

*Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, cheese, basil and remaining 2 Tbsp dressing.  

*Top chicken evenly with tomato mixture.  Close lid and let sit for 2-3 minutes.  Take off grill and serve.

Ok so Super easy recipes that can be displayed really well and makes the plate look pretty!  Try it out!

Not much else really going on.  Paxton is out at Hole 3 or 6(can't remember which ?) behind our apartment practicing his shot.  It's getting warmer here!  I thought I would be excited, well, and I am, but today I've just been so HOT all day.  It's miserable.  And it's only 73 degrees!  Man am I gonna have a rough time this summer.  Actually I am really excited to be able to play volleyball outside, go on walks, swim, and other fun things you do in the summer!  I'm ready to soak up the sun!  I need it!