Kids, Kitchens and Cooking Shows

 Oh, Alton!

For today's TV Tuesday, I thought I'd do a quick post on what the kids have been watching. They have been fascinated with food, Food Network shows that is.  I remember watching "Good Eats" with the hubs quite  a while back. It was one we enjoyed (along with "Unwrapped"). But I was never really big on watching anything else on the Food Channel. I'm just too picky of an eater for anything to really apply to me. Cooking shows the last several years have seemed to morph into reality competitions and this past year ... my kids have discovered them.

It started with Cupcake Wars and I did a TV Tuesday about that about a year ago. They tried out the "Cake Wars" but didn't like them as much. My SIL recommended  "Cutthroat Kitchen" ... now that show is just mean! It isn't the best cook who wins, but the one who can outlast the sabotage! After the  boys finished up that (catching up with however many are offered on Netflix), they have been trying out some of the more traditional ones like "Chopped" and "Iron Chef". My munchkins discovered "Worst Cooks in America" and they loved that.

As I've mentioned, I rarely sit down and watch TV. I'll use it for motivation when I work out ... and cooking shows do NOT fit that bill for me (I like dramatic, action packed series that get the adrenaline pumping).  I'll catch bits and pieces of these productions as the boys are watching while I'm working in the kitchen.

I could NEVER be on a show like these. Not as a contestant, not as a guest judge. I'm just to "plain and simple" when it comes to cooking. I'm very limited even to "normal" standards without going gourmet or attempting to incorporate the things that come up in these weird challenges (an anchovy cupcake? Um ... no!)

My 12-year old has been enjoying eggs most mornings. I just went through the simple steps of making an omelet, and now he can do it all on his own (which saves me major minutes in the mornings). It's good for my boys to see that the kitchen is a great place for guys. My sweet hubby does quite a bit ... he makes the best steak, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, waffles and popcorn.

Hubs and #1 son making breakfast ...

Do YOU watch the cooking shows out there?

WWI #129 - Still the Same

Not a lot to report this week. Still not feeling back to my usual self, still not getting back to my usual activity, still not controlling the eating. Weight not changing much. There was actually a bit of a drop (1.3 for my official weigh-in, 1.63 for the average) but it doesn't really feel like anything other than the normal fluctuations unfortunately. Gotta get back into the 150s before I feel like there has been a CHANGE. Average intake was 2138. Average daily burn was 2255. This ended in an overage for the week of 2527.

Here's a quick week recap: 

• Friday (0108): Late start, early out. Extra chauffeur duty (but driving 15 year old boys around is rather fun) then cheering on #2 in his basketball game. Oops, no exercise, oops, a lot of eating ;(
• Saturday (0109): Still dragging. No exercise. Caved to candy today too. Watched/Videoed a couple of the boy's games, but did have a conflict, so had to send #5 with a teammate.
• Sunday (0110): Slow Sunday, not much movement at all. Spent some time on the computer and did get a little nap. Make cookie press cookies.
• Monday (0111): Not feeling well today. I'd thought about hitting Zumba, but I took a nap instead. Did get a little on the elliptical but it was SO hard. 
• Tuesday (0112): Zumba in the morning, then checked out the munchkins for a dentist appointment. Much sitting there. #2 had a game in the early evening. #5 had practice, but he wasn't feeling well so he skipped it. Not a good eating day as we stopped at Wendy's after the dentist, and I grabbed some Dominos after the game.
• Wednesday (0113): Got in a little elliptical and Zumba today. Kept calories in check as well. Pot roast for dinner. #5 had a 6:00 basketball game.
• Thursday (0114): Hit Zumba in the morning and stopped at the store on the way home. Hubs went to see Seinfeld, I got kids to practice and a 9:00 game.

*** Pictures from the Week ... All Basketball ***

 Driving this lot around was actually very fun! #3 and Friends.

They cheered the high school boys on to a win on Friday*Ü*

 #4 all ready for his Junior Jazz game on Saturday

#2 and the other starters taking a seat on Tuesday ... 

My boy  had 19 points and 9 assists!

Closing with a little clip from Thursday ...

Colton clips ... with his Thurs/4th grade team. Last night (Jan13). The other team was tough, trained, and taller. We couldn't get past their defense, but Colton did manage a couple of shots! @basketball_colt10

A video posted by BlackhamBall (@blackhamball) on Jan 15, 2016 at 10:22am PST

Featuring #5

Well... Okay, one from Zumba

Thursday Class

2015 Book Report

As 2015 as come to a close, I thought I'd reflect on my reading from this past year. I did several blog entries throughout these past twelve months (JenB'sBooks) so this is more of a general look. Although my boys are doing a bit better with their books, reading is still a chore, and writing a report is even worse. Here I am, reading and writing reviews of my own free will! I love Good Reads for keeping track of what I've read, what I want to read, and even other details, like where I got the book (shown in the graph above ... you can see I really use my local library's digital services as my "library-eborrow" presents the biggest portion of of the book I read this past year).

 

Here's my stat capture from Good Reads. I did find some memorable stories that warranted a 5-star rating from me. I look back quite fondly on several of my four-star rated reads too. It was a good reading year. I didn't quite get as many book as a couple years ago, in 2013 ... although I did input "The Fallen" series trilogy as one book (as I read them back to back and reviewed them as a whole). So, as indicated in the image up top, that was a 1,320 page "book" counted as one. My PAGES this year did exceed 2013. 

I read a good portion of these books while on the bike. I did a lot of reading/riding this year. I also often read while walking/waiting for my boy's basketball ... during practice or between games. I can often get a lot of steps, and a lot of chapters, in while I walk the hallways. 

On Good Reads and other places, you often see "reading challenges" and encouragement to read more. I feel a bit guilty for how much time I spend reading already. Sometimes I feel like I perhaps need have my reading "goal" limited to a certain number of books. I am really glad I can combine some of my reading time with exercise time ... then I don't feel as bad about it.

How many books did you read in 2015?

WWI #128 - First Week of 2016

My weekly weigh-in and the new year fell on the same day, which is nice for record-keeping. Even with the return to routine, and the whole "New Year's Resolutions" thing, I still haven't been able to get back to my old, energetic self. Still struggling. NUMBERS: Official weight was down .6, but the average was up a smidge (to 165.9). Average intake was 2064, average daily burn was 2417 ... no deficit for the week, over by 564.

• Friday (Jan1): It's hard to start the New Year off on the right foot when you sleep in, don't exercise and overeat. That was my New Year's day though!
• Saturday (Jan2): Got in an hour of elliptical and kept calories low. Spent some time on the computer doing end of the year cleanup, and chauffeured the boys around for some basketball a bit. 
• Sunday (Jan3): 30min on the elliptical today. Should have done better on eating, as we didn't do our usual Sunday Circle breakfast but treat temptations abounded and I indulged.
• Monday (Jan4): Back to the routine. I just didn't quite have it in me to hit Zumba, but did get 70min on the elliptical, bike and WEIGHTS in. Kept calories just under 2000 too. #2 had a basketball game in the evening.
• Tuesday (Jan5): Did hit Zumba, and got in an hour of elliptical. Ortho appointment for #3 today and basketball practice for #5. I walked around while waiting but my legs felt ready to give out! Did keep calories under 2000. Hubs and #3 had a derby.
• Wednesday (Jan6): DOMS from Monday's weights affecting me, I hadn't been sure about hitting Zumba, then #4 stayed home from school sick. So no Zumba. Just 30min Elliptical, and a little over on eating. #5 had a game in the evening.
• Thursday (Jan7): Foggy roads this morning. Did hit Zumba, but only got in 10min Elliptical.Still not feeling very motivated. Ran out of gas ... literally! Hit a couple stores, and had meant to fill up but forgot, then didn't make it home from #3's school pickup. Luckily we were close to a gas station, but still, not good. Had to send #3 with a teammate to his game, while I got #4 to/from practice and #5 to his game. Snowy roads! 

 Pictures from the Week ...

Maga's Pastry Wreath (a NewYear's tradition) 

 The boys dress up on home game days.

They look snazzy!

Tuesday Zumba

Pretty good crowd - Love all the bright shirts

Double duty on the HRM again - 

my new Scorshe in addition to my ChargeHR

 One of #5's basketball games ...

Zumba Stats Catch-Up (2015)

For a while there, at the end of each month, I'd do a blog post reflecting on the Zumba classes I attended. I'd post pictures, and my stats, and give the record high and any other pertinent information. I slacked after September, and didn't get a ZumbaStats post up for Oct/Nov/Dec ... so here it is, finally. I really don't know if it's of interest to anyone else, but I like to reflect on how my classes compare

25 Zumba classes in October. I did double on Thursdays (and one Monday), hit several Fridays, and even got in a Saturday. In addition to my regular classes (Southziders, Marian's, MZL and MountainView) I was able to get to Debbie in Daybreak, Becky and Hollie, tried out Nina's paid class, and even made it back to "the Underground" (which was being held at Crossroads Gym, which then promptly closed right as I rediscovered it!). I only missed one regular day, when the elementary school had their Halloween parade at the same time as my MoutainView class. No new "highs" for this month. Hit an average HR of 130 only once, 7000+ steps six times. I threw in a few TRACK stats just to compare the numbers walking/jogging to my Zumba.

22 Zumba classes in November. In addition to my regular classes, I was able to hit  Becky&Hollie, Debbie and Nina's paid class. Basketball began to monopolize Thursday nights, so after the first couple of weeks, I was no longer able to attend Marian's evening class for my double dose. I did skip out on Thanksgiving and the day after, but got my highest stats of the month on Monday(Southziders) after that break (500+ calorie estimate, average HR 135). I was able to get 7000+ steps three times during the month ... all at MZL.

Only 12 Zumba classes for all of December ... I was struggling. Between the holiday season, feeling sick, and just being in a slump, it wasn't a great month. I only hit my regular classes. I only made it to Southziders once, MountainView took the last couple weeks off, and for a couple weeks there I only hit one class a week. I still got some some great numbers (at the beginning of the month). A high of 591/546 for calorie burn, and 142 for the average HR! I really didn't FEEL like I was doing much more that day, and joked that maybe it was because I couldn't really breathe with my cold. I had another day of average HR at 130, and exceeded 7000 steps four times.

So ... to look back, I picked out some of my "highs"

All my regular classes made the list at some point. 

These are the stats to try to beat in 2016!

Wearing purple at MZL for abuse awareness ...

... and purple again at Southziders

A couple more photos from Southziders

... a baby shower after class for Nina

She danced right up until her due date!

Halloween Zumba with Becky and Hollie

More MZL

Marian at MountainView

Me ... at Marian's Tuesday Morning

As always - a big THANK YOU 

to all the instructors giving their time and talent away for free here in Utah!

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Well, it's 2016! A new year. 2015 wasn't the best for me. I wasn't super satisfied with my weight when I started (around 155) and ended up the year 10 pounds over that. I'd actually been even higher in late Fall, which is weird, as Sep/Oct are usually good months for me (with the kids back in school, the return to routine). It's when I had my low in 2014. 

Here's a quick glance at the weight graph for 2015 ...

... and how 2015 compared to the last several years (starting in 2013)

I didn't do an official "annual" review post here (well, I guess THIS is it), but I did stick all my picture collages from each month on my family blog for an annual post there. It's fun to look back at the year. Now, this did require me to get all my monthly updates up to date (hanging head, I just barely did October and November.)  At least my  December  post was prompt.

Pictured up top is my cute little desk calendar for 2016. For me, it's a fitness calendar. I keep it in my gym. Each day I tear off that "day" and check out the inspirational quote, and then write my workout stats on the back, then transfer my numbers to my excel file upstairs. My son gave me a small desk calendar last year (Jan2015), and that replaced the plain notebook I had been using. I love that these are already printed with the date ... as sometimes I'd forget to write that down, and when I had a bunch of little papers around, I couldn't remember which one went with which day!

I haven't felt well for the past month or so. Not "sick" sick, but definitely not 100% and it has affected my exercise (unfortunately not my eating). My steps slipped, I fell on my Fitbit friend list. Instead of Zumba multiple times a week and an hour of elliptical, I just got a bit in here and there.

I'm still not feeling "back" ... but with school in session again, the return to the routine, I'm hoping to start the year strong and have a good 2016.

WWI #127 - Last Week of 2015

... and that wraps up 2015! It wasn't a very successful year weight-wise for me. I ended up about 10 pounds over where I started. This final week, we had Christmas, and New Year's Eve, and another week without the usual routine in-between. I only hit one Zumba class, only hit the elliptical here and there, and did no other exercise beyond that. Eating, as always, was an issue. NUMBERS were bad. Actual weight was down a smidge, but the average increased +1.6 to 165.6.  Average intake was high, ad 2571, burn was low, at 2140. That did result in a large overage, 5920.

I did do a little blog backlog, got the belated monthly updates for October, November and December done. The missionary blog is up to date, the basketball blog is pretty current (#3 was in a tournament over the weekend and had three games, all those highlight reels are done. But it's about to get CRAZY with the boy's games ... there are eight this coming week!) and while I'm still behind on the family blog, I am catching up. There's been quite a bit of time sitting at the computer this past week. 

Here's a quick week recap ...

• Friday (1225): Christmas Day! No exercise, and WAY over on the eating! We went to see Star Wars as a family (it was the third time for #3, first time for me). 
• Saturday (1226): Some Christmas cleanup, a basketball game for #3. I got in a little bit of exercise and did keep eating in check. Daddy and the boys went to a Jazz game in the evening.
• Sunday (1227): Not feeling good today, spent most of it in bed. No exercise, eating was high (popcorn while watching Homeland). 
• Monday (1228): I might have hit my usual Zumba, but #3's basketball game was at the same time (ironically, right down the road). I did get some steps in just trying to keep warm while waiting, the place was freezing, but still just 8250 steps for the day. High calorie intake today.
• Tuesday (1229): My usual Zumba was taking the week off. I did get in 50min on the elliptical and managed to keep calorie intake under burn, but just barely. #3 had his last basketball game of the tournament. Three of the boys and I went to Red Robin in the evening with my folks and brother's family.
• Wednesday (1230): Went to Zumba today, and still got in some elliptical too. Pretty productive day, but also overate (dang those Reeses trees!)
• Thursday (1231): New Year's Eve ... Hubs still went into work today. I cleaned the house as we were having my parents over for games. Did some errands (Sam's,Walmart,Nike) and ran the kids to the gym and friend's homes during the day. #2 had to work, but everyone was home at midnight, but #5 was asleep!

Chatting with #1 son via Skype

 LOVE, love, love this picture that he sent!

We did have a WHITE Christmas.

Daddy ordered a "mullet on the go" for the boys. Yikes!

Here's a quick clip of the Pie Face game ...

This season's game, pie face! Gray got it, Will rejoiced, and Clay caught it perfectly on camera! #piefacegame

A video posted by JenB (@jenblackham) on Dec 25, 2015 at 1:55pm PST

New Year's Eve ... Grandma couldn't stop laughing as we put a tiara on the sleeping #5. 

But we finally got a group picture ... Happy New Year! Zzzzzzzz....

December 2015

December ... basketball is in full swing, #2 and crew went to Orlando for a tournament there (and plenty of playtime at Disneyworld). They took 1st place, as did the Varsity team! The other boys had a bunch of basketball games too, and with my computer back up and running, I was busy making muvees, and started up my Basketball Mom social media (Facebook, Twitter and Instagram) to share the sports stuff without overwhelming the family accounts. Of course, it's Christmas time. We put up the tree, but never got around to decorating it, afraid of what the kitties would do! Santa stuff and snow, and that's the end of the 2015!

I wasn't feeling great for much of the month (not really sick like a couple years ago, but enough that it really impacted my exercise ... but not my eating). Lots of computer catch-up (blog, creating calendars and slideshow, basketball highlights and social media stuff) meant a lot of sitting, in addition to the general holiday and end-of-year drag. NUMBERS ... intake and burn were almost even (around 2200 each). Started the month weighing in at 164.7 and ended at 165.6. High of 167.20 and low of 160.7 throughout the month, quite the ups and downs! Average weight for December was 163.78.

Here's a look at the day to day doings ...

1201 (Tuesday) 164.7. Total Burn 3055. Exercise Burn 1150/1294 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. Hubs got the computer to the shop today and things look hopeful it can be revived, but I'll still be without it for a while. Got in my Zumba and elliptical. #2 had a basketball game, but it was in WoodsCross (to far for me, and I was on chauffeur duty for the other kids), Hubs made the final bit to text me a play by play. Our boys lost, and #2 was so down about it.  #5 had basketball practice in the evening, and I walked around while I waited.

1202 (Wednesday) 164.7. Total Burn 3005. Exercise Burn 880/1252 (40minElliptical, Zumba).  Calories in 1450. Actually controlled intake today! Just wasn't that hungry. Had an appointment at the elementary at 2:00 to discuss #5, who has been in speech. I'm not sure his little issue with s/z is fixed, but we really don't care. He's ready to be done with speech and I'm fine with that. #5 had his first basketball game with the 5th grade team. It was downtown at West High, which I don't dare drive to. We both hitched a ride with one of the other player's family's. Our boys got smooshed, but #5 actually did quite well. He made 7 of the 13 team points. Hopefully not all the teams are better than us!

1203 (Thursday) 163.2. Total Burn 2740. Exercise Burn 882/997 (20minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1600. Another day of controlled calories. Zumba in the morning, but only two10min sessions on the elliptical. I was feeling so tired, I had to lay down for a little nap today. #4 had basketball practice in the evening, and I walked while I waited, getting in a couple "hallway" miles.

1204 (Friday) 161.7. Total Burn 2384. Exercise Burn 520/610 (50minElliptical). Calories in 1900. Happy that the lower calorie days have shown up on the scale. I should have hit Zumba this morning, but I'm really having a hard time getting motivated on Fridays! Didn't even get in the full hour of elliptical. #2 had a game today, at Herriman. I arranged to drop off #5 at a teammate's house to get a ride to his practice, and arranged a ride home for #3 from his practice, and I went out and watched. I love watching my boys play. I got video, and they won, so I'll need to make a highlight reel ... once I get my computer back!

1205 (Saturday) 160.7. Total Burn 1907. Exercise Burn 0/169 (no exercise). Calories in 2500. Back to basketball for all the boys! #4 had his first game and I loved seeing him play again. It's been a few years, as his anxiety issues have kept him from being on a team. This was a group of school friends, and I wasn't sure what the competition would be like, but our boys won easily, and #4 got in a few baskets. #5 also had a game. Again, it was slightly out of my comfort zone, but driveable. NOT my favorite gym though, no room for spectators! Our boys won this game and I got compliments on my little player from the other team. 

1206 (Sunday) 162.7. Total Burn 1752. Exercise Burn 0/0 (no exercise). Calories in 2100. Slow Sunday ...

1207 (Monday) 163.6. Total Burn 3328. Exercise Burn 1550/1574 (90minElliptical, Zumba, Bike). Calories in 2000. Ready to get back at it this morning. Got in early elliptical ... an hour before even heading out to Zumba. I did feel a little draggy in class. Amanda was back (morning sickness had been keeping her away), and Nina showed up and did a couple numbers too (just three or so weeks since she had her baby). I stopped at Kmart and Smiths on the way home. Time for additional elliptical and bike. Grabbed the kids after school and made haystacks for dinner.

1208 (Tuesday) 163.4. Total Burn 3125. Exercise Burn 1480/1371 (80minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2000. Had a little trouble pulling out of bed this morning, but did still manage to get in 30 minutes on the elliptical while getting the kids off to school. Hit Zumba, at the South church instead of our neighborhood one, as there was a funeral today. Unfortunately, a bit of an unproductive day. Did do a bit of catch-up on the computer (cause it is back! Updated the missionary blog, went through some video clips, made a muvee). There was a varsity game at the high school, #2 got a minute of playing time, and #3 went to watch. I took #5 to his basketball practice and walked the entire time while reading my book. They actually didn't have the signs barring the track, and there were people up there, but I stuck to the hallway.


1209 (Wednesday) 163.0. Total Burn 3088. Exercise Burn 1050/1337 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2600. #5 had a field trip to the symphony today. Usually it's downtown at Symphony Hall, but this year they were just going to Herriman (where I was last Friday night). The child wasn't thrilled about needing to dress up for school. I got in my Zumba and several small sessions on the elliptical (only one 20min, the rest were 10min ones). #5 had a basketball game in the evening, again, out in Herriman, at the middle school there (my first time to that school). I swear they had the a/c on ... a little cold for spectators but probably felt good to the boys. It was a pretty close game but our boys won it. 

1210 (Thursday) 162.9. Total Burn 2827. Exercise Burn 880/1074 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2900. Bad food day. I'd stuck a roast in the crock pot, and that was yummy, but it was overindulgence in treats that really pushed me over. I did get in Zumba and two 20min sessions on the elliptical. #2 was off to a tournament game. I wish I could have gone, but it was a little far and I did have the other kids chauffeur duties.  #4 had practice, and #5 went to play on one of the extra hoops. I dropped them off, and had Hubs do the pickup, as I was taking #3 to his game. They lost by three, as did #2 in his tournament game earlier ... the varsity team was playing in the evening, and it was being shown online, so the boys and I tuned in to watch. #2 sits varsity, and as they were winning by a bunch, he got some playing time! It was fun to see him, and hear the commentator announce his name in the play by play (although he said "Blackman" the first couple of times).

1211 (Friday) 163.1. Total Burn 2363. Exercise Burn 405/611 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2400. Yesterday I hadn't sent #2 with any food, not realizing they would be leaving straight from school and wouldn't be home until late. A bunch of parents got together and made sure the boys were fed, but this morning, I made sure to pack him a big lunch. I had by usual uninspired Friday ... just two 20min sessions on the elliptical. #2 did win his tournament game today, as did Varsity (but #2 didn't get any playing time as it was pretty close). #3 had practice, and #5 did too (but am just dropping him at a teammates to catch a ride rather than going myself).  

1211 (Friday) 163.1. Total Burn 2363. Exercise Burn 405/611 (40minElliptical). Calories in 2400. Yesterday I hadn't sent #2 with any food, not realizing they would be leaving straight from school and wouldn't be home until late. A bunch of parents got together and made sure the boys were fed, but this morning, I made sure to pack him a big lunch. I had by usual uninspired Friday ... just two 20min sessions on the elliptical. #2 did win his tournament game today, as did Varsity (but #2 didn't get any playing time as it was pretty close). #3 had practice, and #5 did too (but am just dropping him at a teammates to catch a ride rather than going myself).  

1212 (Saturday) 161.4. Total Burn 2075. Exercise Burn 0/333 (no exercise). Calories in 2550. Busy day, mostly because of basketball. #2 was off for his final day of his tournament. I packed him a big lunch again. #5 had been invited to a birthday party. Luckily, the family was willing to let him come a big early and give him a ride to the venue, as the actual location was too downtown for my comfort, and it conflicted with #4's basketball game at noon. It was another easy win for the 6th graders.

1213 (Sunday) 162.1. Total Burn 1733. Exercise Burn 0/0 (no exercise). Calories in 2800. Slow Sunday. Just haven't been feeling like exercising, but I have felt like taking a nap, and I did today! Three hours! We'd done our usual Sunday Circle breakfast, and then went to Mountain Mikes for dinner. #4 didn't want to be there, not sure why he was in a bad mood.  Also overindulged in treats, some mint chocolate chip ice cream, and I made brownies for lunches, but ate some too.

1214 (Monday) 163.6. Total Burn 2356. Exercise Burn 450/600 (40minElliptical) Calories in 2300. We were hit with quite the storm last night and it was a winter wonderland this morning. It wasn't too bad getting the boys to school, so I headed out to Zumba as usual. About halfway there, I got stuck in unmoving traffic and knew I wasn't going to make it. I turned around and made my way home, still stopping at a couple of stores that I'd planned to hit after Zumba. I had to go to the high school mid-day for a meeting with #2 and the school councilor, a meeting for all juniors to look over classes, talk college/graduation, etc. Then I had to go back again at 6:00 for a parent basketball meeting, as the boys are leaving tomorrow for Orlando. I barely had time to pick up #3 from his practice, he had to come with and wait during the meeting. Only 40minElliptical today.

1215 (Tuesday) 162.9. Total Burn 2442. Exercise Burn 610/691 (20minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1800. It was a cold morning, and would be an "inside day" at school, so we left a little later, and I went straight to Zumba after dropping the boys off. I only got in 20min on the elliptical. In the late afternoon, Hubs and I went to Hale Theater with his company for the Christmas party. The show was good, a little different than when I was in it 30 years ago (wow, seriously, 30years??) Dinner afterward was included but Hubs ducked out. I'd had to arrange rides for the boys to get to/from basketball practices without me around, thankfully it worked out. #4 watched "The Voice" finale and doesn't know what he'll do on Monday and Tuesday nights now. #2 finished up packing and was picked up to go to the airport, off to Orlando. Hope they get some sleep on the plane!

1216 (Wednesday) 162.7.  Total Burn 2758. Exercise Burn 705/1008 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2400. I just haven't been able to pull myself out of bed to get in my early elliptical. A few weeks back, I was getting in 30min before Zumba, now I hope for 10min, and got 30min the entire day! I was a little late for Zumba, missed the first song or two. Didn't quite get my hour. Stopped at Sears and Sam's and Walmart on the way home. After school, #4 asked if I'd take him to a friend's house to play. After I picked my jaw up off the floor I said sure (this is my homebody child who has never gone to a friend's house to play!) and took him. When I picked him up a bit later, we stopped at Little Ceasers and grabbed some crazy bread. I'd also put a roast in, so it was a bit of a higher calorie day. #5 had a 9:00 basketball game, but at least it was close by. They won.

1217 (Thursday) 163.2. Total Burn 2680. Exercise Burn 740/933 (30minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1800. Dropped the boys off at school and hit my Zumba class. Instead of starting and stopping the timer on my ChargeHR, I just let the device track the workout on it's own (as sometimes I forget to turn it off and that skews the heart rate results). It worked well, although I did miss the running timer. Three 10min sessions on the elliptical throughout the day. I dropped off the little ones to basketball practice and arranged for Daddy to do the pickup. Then #3 and I headed out to his game. It was snowing, HUGE flakes! The boys had a pretty easy win, and Santa was there cheering them on. I grabbed a picture of #3 with him after the game. Then Hubs took the three boys to a late night screening of Star Wars. It started at 10:45 ... that's past my bedtime.

1218 (Friday) 162.3. Total Burn 2075. Exercise Burn 100/328 (10minElliptical). Calories in 2450. Late nights are not good for school mornings! #4 was in such a bad mood. That boy needs his routine. After dropping the munchkins off, #3 and I hit Smiths to grab some Jolly Ranchers as a gift for one of his teachers. I got him to school and returned home. I haven't had the energy for Zumba, not even for any more elliptical (I'd gotten in 10min). Early out at the elementary, and then packing for a weekend getaway ... just Daddy and the two little boys. #3 didn't want to miss his Saturday game. They got off, and #3, still at practice, was then invited to go see Star Wars ... again. So I had the house to myself. It's very quiet ... on more motivated days I'd get in oodles of exercise. Alas, that is not the case.

1219 (Saturday) 163.4. Total Burn 1951. Exercise Burn 105/197 (10minElliptical). Calories in 1800. With only one kid home, I had only one basketball game today, and it wasn't until later. I worked on some videos and calendar pages ... lots of time on the computer. Actually kept eating under control though.

1220 (Sunday) 162.7. Total Burn 1967. Exercise Burn 0/209 (no exercise). Calories in 2500. Quiet morning with the family gone. #3 was up and off to church. I admit I slept in and was still in bed when Hubs face-timed (thus catching me still in bed).  I finished up the calendar pages. Now to get the calendar together, uploaded and paid for printing and shipping. I wasn't sure how late Hubs and the kids would be home. They were on their way, but stopped at Hoover Dam. I grabbed a birthday cake for #5 ... double digits, 10 today! I wrapped some presents (birthday and Christmas) and got them under the tree. #3 pulled out some additional decor, the stockings and the ice skating rink. Hubs and the boys got home around 9:30, and #2 returned from his trip around 10:45. Nice to have everyone (sans #1) home again.

1221 (Monday) 164.1. Total Burn 1921. Exercise Burn 100/163 (10minElliptical). Calories in 2300. Attempted some elliptical today, but didn't feel up to Zumba. I was able to finish up the calendar and get it ordered, but alas, it won't make it here in time for Christmas Eve, which is when it is usually handed out.

1222 (Tuesday) 165.7. Total Burn 2208. Exercise Burn 375/441 (Zumba). Calories in 2300. I figured I would hit Zumba today as it's so close and often some of my favorite songs/steps. Still not feeling great though, and it was definitely hard to make it through the class. I cooked up some chicken, prep for making soup on Christmas Eve. Finished up wrapping some presents and such ... but had to stop and rest several times during the day. Just dragging!

1223 (Wednesday) 164.5. Total Burn 1765. Exercise Burn 0/5 (no exercise). Calories in 2400. I spend almost the entire day in front of the computer today. There was Zumba and I probably should have gone. I'm just still not feeling great and did want to get started on the slideshow. Every year I make one for the family part at my folks. I'd had all my siblings sent in their pictures and in making the calendar and prepping, they were fairly organized (chronologically or by certain subjects) but still, it takes a long time to get them all input, cover the cropping, rearrange as needed and then do all the finishing touches. But it's done!

1224 (Thursday) 165.3. Total Burn 2142. Exercise Burn 0/417 (no exercise). Calories in 2000. Christmas Eve. Hubs actually went into work for a bit today. I went to work at home, making the dough and getting breadsticks rising and finishing up the chicken soup. I'd cooked and prepped the chicken on Tuesday, and that did help it go faster today. A few last minute presents arrived today, just in time to get wrapped and under the tree. Did the final preparations for heading out to my folks for the annual Christmas Eve party. Soup and breadsticks, the slideshow, candy bar game and gift exchange. I'd been on my feet much of the day and wasn't feeling great. When we got back home, I pretty much just went to bed and Hubs had to handle all the Santa stuff (we were pretty much prepped). And to all a good night!

1225 (Friday) 166.6. Total Burn 1877. Exercise Burn 0/105 (no exercise). Calories in 3800. Christmas morning! The boys didn't wake us up very early, but did rearrange all the presents under the tree into their proper piles. We opened in the front room, instead of the family room as we have in the past. After our morning, we headed out to Maga's house and spent some time there. The PieFace game was a hit. We headed home for the call from our missionary, which was about an hour late. Very good to be able to see and talk to him (over Skype). The 40min went fast. Hubs suggested hitting Star Wars ... #2 and I still hadn't seen it (although #3 had seen it twice but was all for going again). So, popcorn and treats to end Christmas Day. I did like the movie.
 

1226 (Saturday) 165.6. Total Burn 2213. Exercise Burn 250/447 (10minElliptical, 30minTreadmillWalk). Calories in 1800. Did some Christmas cleanup. My sister's family is in town for the holidays, and they have a Pinewood Derby coming up and asked if Hubs could help (since he is an expert and has all the tools). So they came out in the morning and Hubs, my BIL and their boy worked on the car while the other cousins played and I chatted with my sister. Until I had to leave ... #3 had a basketball game at 1:00, I got a bit of walking around in while waiting.  Poor #3 got hit in the mouth, and with his braces it was bleeding pretty bad. Our boys lost, but managed to keep it pretty close. In the evening, Hubs and #4 had tickets to the Jazz game. #3's friend had four tickets but no rides, so four teenaged boys accompanied Hubs ad #4 (although they were sitting on the other side of the arena). Too bad the Jazz weren't able to get the win either.

1227 (Sunday) 165.3. Total Burn 1695. Exercise Burn 0/0 (no exercise). Calories in 2400. The usual sleep in Sunday, then our usual Sunday Circles breakfast. I wasn't feeling great, a little fuzzy/dizzy. Managed breakfast then went back to bed and stayed there most of the day. Hubs and I had a little "Homeland" blitz watching three episodes, and he did make me popcorn ... 

1228 (Monday) 167.2. Total Burn 2009. Exercise Burn 0/234 (no exercise). Calories in 2700. Ooops there it is, the popcorn from last night! #3 had a basketball game at 10:00, ironically just a minute away from my usual Monday Zumba, which was taking place at the same time. The venue was Soccer City, which isn't that great a setup for basketball, and it was FREEZING. I walked around before the game started just to stay warm, then videotaped during the game. We lost, but after being down 19 at the half, our boys made a nice comeback, just not quite enough. The little boys wanted to go to the gym after we got back home. I dropped them off and then hit Kmart to pick up an order and spend some points. #3 went to hang out with a friend, making his brother drive him while I was gone (I was on pickup duty later that night). I worked on the computer (basketball muvee, blog). Hubs and I finished up "Homeland". 

1229 (Tuesday) 165.6. Total Burn 2368. Exercise Burn 500/602 (50minElliptical). Calories in 2100. My Zumba class was on hiatus for this week, but I did hit the elliptical a bit. #5 had a basketball practice and #3 had a game. We won the game, but it was very anticlimactic. In the evening three of the boys and I joined my folks and my brother's family at Red Robin for dinner (Hubs was too tired, as he'd gotten up around 2:00, and #4 just didn't want to go). I just had the "kids" fish (2-pieces instead of the usual four) but did indulge in some cheese sticks. Passed on the calendars, that had arrived today. 

1230 (Wednesday) 165.6. Total Burn 2572. Exercise Burn 830/806 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2800.  Pretty productive day actually. I got up and went to Zumba. I wasn't sure I was up to it, but felt like I should probably try for one hour workout this week. It was a little hard, but doable. I tried out my new Scorshe heart rate monitor too ... it came in HIGH compared to Fitbit estimates. Stopped at the post office to mail off a calendar to my sister. Happily the post office wasn't busy now that Christmas is over. The boys wanted to go to the gym, so I dropped them off. I made a muvee of #4's game, and I'm officially caught up on all my current clips. Of course, next week there are EIGHT games (with only two overlapping) so I'll have plenty of new material! I added all the upcoming games to the new calendar. Whew, that was quite a task! I did a little blogging, paid some bills, and even got some elliptical in (started catching up on TWD, I haven't seen any of this season, although I've heard some spoilers). Unfortunately while at the computer I did indulge in quite a few Reeses trees. I eat a lot of those quickly! Oops! The house really needs some cleaning. I did dishes, some laundry, but so much left to do! Tomorrow? 

1231 (Thursday) 165.6. Total Burn 2244. Exercise Burn 0/478 (no exercise). Calories in 2400. New Year's Eve. Hubs still went into work today. The boys wanted to go to the rec center to play basketball, so I dropped them off for a couple of hours. We'd invited my folks over to play games tonight, as we have done for the past several New Years, so I worked on cleaning up the house. No official exercise but that did get some steps. The boys had been looking at a Playstation4/Battlefront, after playing it at friend's homes. After discussing it for a few days, pooling money and such, they had decided they wanted it. It was out of stock most places, but I found it at Sam's Club (looking online) so #3 and I went to pick it up. We stopped at Walmart too (to grab another paddle and some groceries), then the Nike store (to get him a jacket) then I dropped him off at a friend's house for a few hours. I grabbed some Papa Murphy pizza on the way home for dinner tonight. It was super busy! I really wasn't feeling great, got a tiny rest before my parents came over. We played Speed RummyKube and then the adults had a full game of Progressive Rummy ... and I won! The two littles fell asleep before midnight, although #4 woke up for a picture. We surrounded sleeping #5 and even put a little "Happy New Year" tiara on his head for the photo.

WWI #126 - Been NAUGHTY

Oh dear me ... I've been naughty this week and it shows on the scale. Down right devilish (if the 666 has that meaning). It's been hard. With the holiday schedule, kids out of school, and I've just had a cold that has sucked away all my energy. 

I've been dragging for a couple of weeks now. No fever (I did get a flu shot), but a sore throat, cough and just absolute exhaustion. Some headache, a touch of nausea here and there, and just feeling "fuzzy". I'd dropped my PACT from my usual five workouts per week to four, then to three ... and I just put it on a break for this week all together! I didn't feel like I could really commit to anything!

I only ended up hitting one Zumba class this week. Only 10min here and there on the elliptical. Several days I went without any activity altogether. Unfortunately, unlike my sickness a couple years ago (where I lost my appetite completely and lost 10 pounds in a week) I have still been eating ... a lot.  NUMBERS: Official weight is up 3.9 pounds. Ouch! The average is up, but just (just?) 1.28 to 163.9. Average in was 2237. Average daily burn only 2004 (lazy, lazy week!). That resulted in an overage of 4598. Yikes!

Here's a quick recap of the week:

• Friday (1218): Daddy and the two little boys took off for a quick weekend trip to Vegas. Just #3 and I home. He had basketball practice and then ended up going to see the new Star Wars movie (again). I should have gotten in some exercise but ... only 10min elliptical for the whole day! 8227 steps.
• Saturday (1219): Did 10 minutes on the elliptical, and then didn't make it down to the gym again. Worked on the computer much of the day (videos and making photo collages for a family calendar) then took #3 to his basketball game. Did keep calories in check though, even while indulging in ice cream.
• Sunday (1220): Just dragging! Didn't attempt any exercise, eating was over, even though nothing even tastes good and I'm not feeling starving. Did get presents wrapped and under the tree. Hubs and the boys made it home, and #2 got in late from Orlando. Nice to have everyone back in the nest.
• Monday (1221): If Zumba had been close, I would have tried it (I think) but I just didn't have the energy to drive 20min. Didn't hit any elliptical either. Spent much of the day on the computer again, and then a family Christmas party in the evening.
• Tuesday (1222): Zumba can't get any closer than my Tuesday class, so I went, but it was HARD to push through. I was glad to be done. Didn't attempt any additional exercise (but did get over 10k today). Didn't get a nap, but had to lay down and rest for a bit several times during the day.
• Wednesday (1223): Pretty much spent the entire day on the computer working on a family slideshow (pictures of the year shown at the annual Christmas Eve party). No exercise, only 3193 steps. Unfortunately I like to nosh while sitting at my desk ...
• Thursday (1224): Christmas Eve ... the boys still wanted to go play at the gym (running them there and back have been my only reason to leave the house these last few days) so I dropped them off. Got breadsticks rising and finished making the chicken noodle soup (I'd cooked the meat, prepped it on Tuesday so I wouldn't have it all to do today). I was still active more today than I have been and I wasn't feeling great as we headed out to the party. We got home early and I went straight to bed, so Hubs had to play Santa ...

 A few pictures ...

#2 son off in Orlando on Saturday

They won the JV tournament there! 1st place!

Hubs hitting the Hoover Dam on the way home on Sunday ... in addition to my two youngest, some extended family went too.  That's my nephew who HAS to do bunny ears in every photo *Ü*. Hubs likes the selfie stick I bought him, I love that he's putting it to use!

Monday festivities on the Hub's side of the family. 

Santa and his wife came!

... and of everyone!

(the big head is #1 son, our attempt to include him while he's away in Mexico)

Christmas Eve (my side of the family)

Every year, after Christmas is all set up (Santa has come) I take a picture, before the chaos of Christmas morning. Because I wasn't feeling well, I didn't get a picture this year ;( (I forgot to tell Hubs to include that step in the prep). I was actually up in the night with a coughing attack, and walked out and saw the scene, but didn't think of grabbing the camera then. It was such a pretty picture too. And by morning ... it had changed. But that is FriDAY, and part of next week's post.

I did feel like I got a lot accomplished this week ... other than exercise/eating anyway. I'm actually almost completely caught up on making the highlights from the boy's basketball games. I did finish up the calendar and get it ordered (for all my siblings), although I feel bad I didn't get it done in time for Christmas Eve. I completely the family slideshow, got all the presents purchased and wrapped, made the breadsticks and soup.

I AM horribly behind on the family blog. And here ... on my Daily Doings and monthly updates. At least I'm committing to my weekly check in. Internet accountability. Even on naughty weeks like this was.

WWI #125 - Wimpy Week

Well, it was a bit of a wimpy week. Things are busy with basketball and the holiday season, but the truth is, I've just been slacking off some. I haven't been getting in my early morning elliptical, and it's slipped from my usual hour per day to a lot less. I only hit Zumba three of the five weekdays. No bike, treadmill or weights. Wimpy week.  NUMBERS: Weight was down .9, although average went up a tiny smidgen. Average intake was 2293, average daily burn just 2344 ... that is quite low for me! That resulted in an overage of 2635.

Here's a quick weekly recap:

• Friday (1211): No Zumba today, and only 40min on the elliptical. #2 was gone to a basketball tournament. I wish I could have gone to see him play, but it's a little far, and I had school and  basketball practices to get boys to/from. Lost a little control with the candy eating today.
• Saturday (1212): Busy day, there was a Zumbathon but I just haven't been motivated lately. No actual exercise today. I dropped #5 off at a friend's for a birthday party then took #4 to his game. #2 was off to his tournament again. #5 had a double header, games at 5:00 and 7:00, I watched the first then left him with teammates, while I took #3 to his basketball game. Now to make highlight reels from all the clips!
• Sunday (1213): No exercise again, and eating was over. We did hit Mountain Mikes for pizza, but it wasn't as good and #4 was in a bad mood. Snowstorm in the evening.
• Monday (1214): Slow and snowy for the commute. Got the kids off without too much trouble and headed out to Zumba, but then traffic came to a stop. Not sure if it was snow or an accident or what but it wasn't moving. I knew I wouldn't make it, so I headed back home. I did still make my stop at a store or two. Only 40min Elliptical for the day.
• Tuesday (1215): Yea for Zumba. It's so close I could walk through a snowstorm if I needed to, but the roads weren't bad today. Only 20min elliptical though, as the late afternoon was occupied with Hub's Christmas Work party. I had to arrange rides for the boy's basketball practices. #2 left for Orlando with the basketball team.
• Wednesday (1216): Zumba and 30min of elliptical.  Ran #4 to a friend's house and grabbed Little Ceasers crazy bread on the way home. #5 had a late basketball game (9:00) but at least it was close.
• Thursday (1217): Zumba and 30minElliptical. Didn't do bad eating today. Dropped the little ones at practice (Daddy pickup) then took #3 to his game. They won this week, and #2 reported in that they had won their game as well. Hubs took the three boys to a late night screening of Star Wars. I didn't go, it was past my bedtime!

Some pictures from the week ...

 Got snow? Luckily #4 is so serious about getting steps that he volunteered to shovel!

Looking smart and slender in his new jacket (that should be under the Christmas tree, but oh well)

The team off to Orlando, playing at the parks in between balling!

Both JV and Varsity took the tournament! Big win!

Look who was cheering on the team on Thursday!

The boys were very good!

Star Wars ... starting at 10:45. Past my bedtime!

I'll admit. I'm in a holiday slump. I've had a slight cold for a bit now, I just can't shake it. Not really bad, just makes me feel run down. While I usually enjoy exercise, it's been an effort lately. With all the holiday stuff, the routine is off, and it will be even worse the next couple weeks with the kids out of school. At this point, I'm just getting through until the New Year, and then hope the return to routine will get me recommitted. New Years Resolutions and all that ...