Family, Fun and FOOD

 

Fairly often, Hub grabs the boys, and then grabs some cousins, and they go grab something yummy. Family fun and food, they just seem to go together, don't they? Can you have one without the other? It's a little hard! And as I struggle to control calories, often it's easier for me just to skip these outings. I know I can go and not partake, but I don't know that I have the motivation if I'm there (and, I admit it, I'm a homebody). But I have missed out on some family fun. 

Family, Fun and Food.

They just go together, like movies and popcorn.  

I haven't been in a movie mood this summer. The thought of just sitting, combined with the consumption of calories. As Daddy has taken the boys to Age of Ultron, Pitch Perfect 2, Inside Out, Minions and Pixals ... I didn't go.

When Daddy drove the boys up to Utah County

 to catch Krispy Creme with the Hot Light on

  ... I didn't go. 

(They still brought me home donuts)

We had a family outing to Pretzel Maker.
I went, and I did partake.

I actually could have gone on this "Hot Dog on a Stick" outing ...

I don't do corndogs. I wouldn't have been tempted.

But then, it doesn't really make sense for me to make the trip.

When we get together for birthdays, there is cake and ice cream. There are big family dinners. As we met up with my brothers this weekend to finalize some legal documents, we turned it into a pizza party. Almost every time a group gets together, food is a major factor.

Even just at home, I find food is how I show love to my family. 

They love it when I bake.

 Nutritious dinners just don't get the same response.

It's hard. This association we have with food and fun and showing love.  Valentines and other holidays are all associated with candy gifts. Dates are so often dinners out, or movies with popcorn and treats.  A few years ago, Hubs and I really tried to get away from the traditional dates with some healthy alternatives. We went hiking a lot, or went for a walk, or  (my favorite) played racquetball. But we've slipped back into less healthful activities. There have been times these past few months when Hubs has suggested going out for a quick mini-date to grab a treat ... and I've said no, because I didn't have the calories in the budget. A true definition of "controlling calories" ... they control me at times.

Just Thinking Out Loud ...
Can you have family fun without food?
What do you do?

Weekend Wrap-up

I know many people dread Mondays and live for the weekends. I am the opposite. I like the routine of Mon-Thurs and the shifting schedule for Sat/Sun can stress me out so much! But this past weekend was good. Not great as far as food and fitness, but for fun with family there will be a lot of good memories.

Eating was NOT good ... after my low Friday morning, I was up a pound for Saturday, up another Sunday morning, and up again this morning. While I did over-indulge, I know I didn't eat 10,500 extra calories. So here's hoping I can get the numbers back down pretty quick.

Unfortunately, this Monday morning isn't starting off stellar. This blog post is late (sorry!) I slept in and didn't get my morning workout. #4 is feeling sick and staying home from school, which keeps me home (no Zumba). I'll get in what I can. Crazy schedule this week with sports and such. But at least with #1's nineteenth birthday yesterday, "birthday week" is behind us, so I shouldn't be tempted by treats at every turn!

Wanna peek at our weekend?

Saturday started with the first soccer game of the season for #5. He does not look happy in this picture does he? They lost, didn't get a goal (although there were several close ones!) After an undefeated season in the Spring, he is used to winning. It's good to have to learn to deal with a loss. He's now the younger of the crowd (3rd/4th grade), it's a bigger field, so a lot more running. I could tell he was tired. He did get about 7000 steps in. Fun to have a Fitbit to track it all.

In the evening, #1 chose The Cheesecake Factory for his birthday dinner. I'm not a big cheesecake fan myself, but the older boys and Hubs really enjoy it. That was a pricey meal!

On of the gifts #1 requested was this 

Lightning Action Reloaded

This is a SHOCKING game ... literally!

When the music stops and the light goes from red to green, hurry and press the button. If you are the last one, you get a shock. Levels from 1-4 in intensity. There was a  LOT of laughter over the past weekend in regards to this game!

Normally we spend Sunday at church, but it was such a nice day, and probably the last chance to take the waverunners out this season (and #1's last chance for a couple years!) to we headed up to the lake. Maga, Aunt Ana and her boys joined us. Other than a bit of wind, it was a beautiful and relaxing day. I'd planned to make #1 a nice birthday dinner but we got home too late. I did make his favorite treat (homemade Oreos) as I hadn't been able to find our usual Oreo Ice Cream cake. 

So I didn't get a lot of steps on Sunday ... didn't hit 10K even, but that was ok, as I'd already completed my Pact for the week. Calories in exceeded calories out Fri/Sat & Sun. That's pretty usual for my weekend. Then I have to try and make up for it Mon-Thursday.  So I'd better wrap up this post and get going!

How was your weekend?

Are you Motivated this Monday morning?

Linking up with MIMM and the Motivation Monday team.

An InLinkz Link-up

Badminton Boys

A while back, I was thumbing through a catalog when I saw an "instant up" badminton set advertised. We'd purchased a cheap net set before, but it was such a struggle to set up, that it never got used and we didn't even bother to store it (off to goodwill). In the catalog, this one was $100. A bit pricey. I checked on Amazon and found it there for $70 (also checking on the reviews, fairly positive). Still unsure whether it would be worth the investment, I waited. I then noticed it on sale at the local Big 5 for $50, and I had a 10% off coupon as well. I decided to buy.

It sat unopened in the house for well over a month, maybe two. The boys just didn't show much interest. Then a couple Saturdays ago, the conditions were perfect. A cool evening. Sun behind the clouds. Most important ... the internet was out *Ü*.  We set up the net and it was an instant hit.

I'd forgotten how simple and fun badminton is. It took a little bit for the younger boys to master, but they now love it, especially #4. He's my badminton boy. He and I have been playing almost every day!  While the net IS easy up, it takes a little bit to take down (I think ours is sticking), some of the sections are sticking a bit. #4 and I generally play without the net. We just stretch the hose across the lawn (to divide the sides) and just bop the birdie back and forth.  When we're up for a serious game (like this past Sunday when the grandparents came over) we went ahead and got the net back out.

In addition to badminton, it's a good setup for volleyball. Instead of a standard volleyball, I had picked up an inflatable beach ball. It's a little easier for the younger kidlets. 

I can't tell you how much fun it is to see all my boys playing together like this!

Makes a mommy happy!

This was absolutely worth the $50 investment for me! Spending time playing and being active with the kids, seeing them interact with each other. I am always on the lookout for good "active family fun" alternatives and this definitely fit the bill. Ironically, I think it's also helped with #4's weather phobia somewhat! On a cloudy day, we can play ... otherwise we have to wait until the early evening when the sun has set enough that it isn't in our eyes. He's even stayed out playing in a light drizzle ... until the lightening in the distance drove him back inside.

When is the last time YOU played badminton?

Linking up with Workout Wednesday and the Hump Day Blog Hop.