Meet your new Best Friend :)

Meet your new best friend when you are sore. Its a foam roller. It hurts so bad when you are doing it. But then when you stand up to walk, you can feel a difference. They say you should also always use one of these after a workout. We ended up buying one to keep at home. If you don't have one, get one. Trust me! lol

Versus Momentum Promo

Enough said.....

Crossfit And How It Has Changed My Life

"Crossfit" Who would have ever thought that this would be such a strong word in my life. I am sure my friends are sick of hearing the word "Crossfit" come out of my mouth. But that is okay....I am hoping that one day I will be able to share what I am going through with others and they will want the same feelings. Crossfit is life changing, I am doing things now I would never have imagined myself doing.

It all started with this guy. My amazing husband. Who is now a Crossfit trainer for Viking Crossfit. Also after this weekend he will be an Endurance Trainer. Plus he is the hottest Firefighter out there. ;) Since we have been married(16 1/2 years now) he has been trying to get me to do some sort of fitness. I tried walking tracks, weight lifting, swimming, running, etc. It was just not for me. One day he came across this Crossfit stuff. He was doing it here at home. He would even sometimes have the kids and I doing it with him down stairs. A few months later he came across Viking Crossfit and we joined. The first year was a little off and on for me. I would get so sore I would only show up once a week. I just was not giving it 100%. Finally after quitting a job that made me unhappy, I started going during the day everyday. I learned that no matter how sore you were, you had to show up the next day and do a workout. I was so sore I would hold onto the walls to sit on the toilet, I would go down stairs on my butt, and I would have to ask for help to get out of my seat. But I kept showing up and they were right it helped! Why you ask, would I go through soooo much pain to be in shape? Well here is why......

Mount Timpanogos 2nd largest mountain in Utah

In Utah there is a Mountain called Mount Timpanogos. The 2nd tallest mountain in Utah. I never in a million years thought I would hike to the top of it. One day at the gym I said "hey lets all climb to the top." So a group of us did. It was so hard! I got to the saddle part of it and gave up. I just hid behind a rock waiting for my husband to come down. Finally he did and asked me what I was doing. I said, "I can not go anymore." He said, "Yes you are" and pulled me up that mountain. See that is what Crossfit is all about. You will always have someone there pushing you when you say "I can't". Go to Golds Gym and see if anyone is there yelling at you to keep going or to not give up. You will give up before anyone at the CrossFit gym will let you. It's all in your head. Pain is mental, you just have to get past that.

This is Will and I at the top of Mount Timpanogos in the tower. We signed the book together and everything. Woohoo! I did it!! I did it!!

Me on top of the world. See one of the benefits of being in shape is you get to see the most amazing things. That day I got to see a huge glacier, chipmunks that came right up to me, beautiful wild flowers, and the most breath taking view ever. I couldn't have asked for more.

Over the past several years we have gone on tons of hikes as a family. We have hiked to several waterfalls. This one is called Stewart Falls. With me getting myself in shape I am able to take my kids to some amazing places and experience it with them. Once again, you can't beat that!

In Nevada by where Will grew up there are these huge rocks called "Devils Kitchen". I was able to hike it with everyone in 104 degree temp. But who cares about 104 degrees. Without Crossfit I would not have been able mentally to get through the hike on the hot rocks. It's all mental and you will find those walls that you have to break down. Also that next day I hiked a mountain by the ranch that his family calls Alfred's nose. Never in a million years did I think I would ever hike that with Will. But guess what, I did!!

River Rafting has now become a family/fire station tradition. Those of you that have gone river rafting know that it is harder then it looks. That your arms kill. The first year I thought my arms were gonna fall off. But now that I am Crossfiting yeah they get tired, but they do not feel like they are gonna fall off. Several years ago I watched my husband do the "Tackle the Tower". I was actually quite jealous. I thought to myself "why can't I do the things he does?" I wanted to experience those accomplishments like he was. I wanted to do something so cool. I sat there and was feeling bad for myself. I thought, "yeah right this will never happen. "Well..... because of Crossfit I did it!! It was so cool. As I got to the top I wanted to cry I was so happy. I thought to myself, I FREAKING did it!!

Crossfit has built my confidence up in so many ways. I have now taken on belly dancing. Yeah I might not have a tight belly(yet!) or body. But that is okay, because I know I will and I am having fun. And now I am gonna try out for a belly dancing team in November. Woot! Woot!

UGH! Those that know me, know I HATE running with a passion. Well, since I have been Crossfitting I have now ran five, 5k's. Hated every minute of it, but I did it! I have to say that finishing one of those races is the most amazing feeling. Now I do it for that feeling.

That is a 44# Kettle Bell I'm swinging over my head. I am doing over 200# dead lifts and I started out with a PVC pipe. I am doing over 100# bench presses. Me! I am doing that! It just does not seem real when I think back on my life before Crossfit. Weight stuff is my strength, cardio is not(yet!).
Never thought I would be so happy about tearing my hands because I did so many pullups. And to even take pics of it... you know I am addicted. lol

It only took almost 2 years but I am now doing kipping pullups!! Booya! Me! I am doing kipping pull ups!! I am now working on butterfly pullups and chest to bar pullups. And you know what, I am gonna do them!
This girl Miranda, is pretty much my Crossfit idol. My goal is to look like her. Even after 4 kids I think I can do it. I am already seeing the muscles form in my shoulders, arms, and thighs. Now to get my belly like that. I will!

January of this year I watched girls and guys from my gym compete in a challenge. I thought to myself as I watched them that there was no way I would ever compete in it.

But this year I made a deal with my husband that I was gonna try the Utah Affliate Winter Challenge in January 2011. So let the training begin....

The Dirty Dash, yup I am gonna do it. Its a 10k run through mud and obstacles up ski slopes. eeeeeekkkkkk Check it out at http://www.thedirtydash.com/. I'm doing that in September. My team is called "Viking Crossfit Warrior Princesses". We are gonna have some fun!

I have this picture hanging everywhere for my motivation to get me ready for the dirty dash. Our picture is gonna be just as cool. Wait until you see our costumes. hee hee

Well its time to get my butt in gear. I am gonna hit this hard to prepare for my two goals. Giving up coffee and soda. I am trying to do "The Zone" as much as I can, watch what I eat and get healthy. Still trying to stomach the protein drinks. Gag!

I am making my yearly appointment this week to make sure I am healthy. If not healthy, then I want to see what I need to do to get there. I am taking my vitamins, fish oil, calcium chews, and iron pills. It's a start!

I do have a challenge with my work outs and that is asthma. Cardio and me are not a good combination. So this little guy is what gets me through them. Several weeks ago I had a huge asthma attack that had me in urgent care. But thats okay, nothing is gonna stop me. I am now in the best shape of my life and I am only gonna get better. I am gonna finish that Dirty Dash and the Utah Affiliate Winter Challenge. I am not looking for first place. I am looking for it to be an accomplishment for ME!

So for those of you that say "there is no way I can do that," yes you can! If I can then so can you! I guarantee that Crossfit will change your life. You will do things you never imagined. If you don't believe me ask some of my friends that I now have doing it. Ask the people at my gym that I workout with. Asks the thousands and thousands of people that are now doing it. I am not trying to sell you anything I just want you to be able to feel and do the things I do. Crossfit has changed my life!!

http://www.crossfit.com/ if you wanna see what Crossfit is all about, check this out.

http://www.vikingcrossfit.com/ my gym.

http://www.thedirtydash.com/ the mud race I am gonna do! Woot! Woot!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zone_diet to learn more about the Zone diet, check this out.

http://www.fishoil.com/ Info on fish oil. I get mine from Costco. The Kirkland brand. Omega 3 Fish oil.

Also I take Calcium chews. When working out you are always putting strain on your bones. To me it is important to keep your bones strong.

Check out my video I posted below. It sums it all up. :)

Much Needed Update!!!

Well this is a much needed update...... Where do I begin??? Life is busy and crazy as ever. But I am loving it. This past year Will and I had our 16 year anniversary. We are still going strong and having lot's of fun. He is my best friend.


William tried out for the High School wrestling team this year and made it! He won more matches then he lost. He now towers over Will and I. That's my boy!!!! Also, he turned 15 this past January. Where is time going?

Antonio is such a neat kid. He is sooooo smart. He loves reading. He is reading one book after another. And he is excited to try out for wrestling this year. The kids better watch out for him. He is soooo fast. It's hard to believe he is gonna be 13 in a couple of days.

Marian was on the Twister Cheer Team again this year. She loves it and is our rubberband. She also loves to read tons. She amazes us when she tells us the things she learns. And oh boy is she a daddys girl!! And she knows it.....when dad hugs her when boys are mean, she slickly sticks out her tongue at them. She turned 10 this past February.

My little Jose, he is a mommi's boy and he will tell you so. My baby turned 8 this past November. He is now in scouts and counts down hours and days for Wednesday nights. It's so cute. He still has a huge imagination though. Loves to tell tall tales at the dinner table.

And here is a pic of our newest member of the family, "Brindy". This is what she does when she is not tearing up things. She has been so much fun in our family. She has the funniest personality and is great with the kids.

Well is still loving his firefighter career. He is now a trainer for crossfit also. He does so much for this family. He is a great husband and father. We could not ask for better. The kids and I count down minutes for him to come home. He just turned 39!! Wow, one more year and he will be over 40. Over the hill and still hot as ever. lol
I have now started taking some college classes. I have been able to keep a 97 A so far this semester. I can't believe how much I have forgotten since high school. I have also taken on belly dancing. I am loving it and am hoping to make the team. I also am loving being a wife and mommi. I look forward to all the things we can do as a family. Life can't get any better.

I do have to share that several years ago, when Will did tackle the tower, I said I wanted to do it. Never thought in a million years I would. Thanks for Crossfit for getting me in the best shape of my life, I did it this year!!! Woot! Woot!

Life is good and we are still having fun. We cannot wait for the warm weather to get here. We are ready to be out doors and hike the mountains and travel. Loving Life!!

Gardening!!

This year we have had a wonderful garden. Been having fresh vegetables in all different ways. I wanted to just share some of the ways we have been using them. Yummy!!

We grew Jalapenos, Sweet Bananna Peppers, habanero peppers. We have been putting them in chilli mac, omlets, salsa, etc. Yummy!

We have so many tomatoes growing this year. They are divine! We have been slicing them and just eating them with salt n pepper. Adding them in omlets, salsa, tomato sandwhiches, etc.

The squash is one of our favorite things. I have been makin my grandmas famous squash. The kids can't get enough of it.

Are you hungry yet? We also have a cabbage growing that Marian got from school. Can't wait to cook it up.

1st day of School

School started and the kids were excited to go. William Jr. is finishing up his last year at the Jr. High. Can you believe he is in 9th grade? Antonio started Jr. High this year and he is in 7th grade. My big boys are growing up. (sniff) When we pulled up I said that I had forgotten to take their pic. They sighed and ughhhed. So I came up with a idea..... Just lean in the window and smile. No one will even notice. I think they liked that idea.

Then I told them to go stand by the tree and act like they were talking. They said just hurry and take it. lol They could not ruin their image. So as they walked off I said "I love you, I mean peace out". Why do they have to grow up???

Marian is now in 4th grade and Jose is in 2nd grade. They were so excited. And I think their teachers are going to be awesome. Marian was such a good big sis. She told Jose where they would meet after school each day. And then told him if he ever needed her, to come to her class. And took him to it so he would know where to go. Sniff. As we walked Marian to her class there was all these boys in line. They came up hugging her and telling her how glad they were she was in their class. Should I be worried?!?!?!?! Then I walked Jose to his class. And proceeded to give him several kisses. I hear this.... mom you are embarrasing me. Look up and his teacher was just a giggling. I told her she was gonna have a lot of fun with him .

When I was done taking pictures, Jose asked for me to take a picture of his ear. My reaction was, What!! He said I want you to remember my hobbit ear. What the heck!?!?! I laughed my butt off. He says some crazy things. So I took the picture and he was happy. Boy I just love my kids!!

2009-2010 School year here we come!!

Mt. Timpanogos Hike!

Will and I got to hike the Timpanogos Mountain yesterday. One of the largest mountains in Utah. It was a beautiful hike but I don't know if I could ever do it again. Maybe to go up with my boys when they are older. On this pic I have a fake smile. I was in some pain and out of breath. The higher we went the thinner the air and the harder to breath. Our hands were so swollen by the time we got to the top and we don't know why.

Will ended up hiking fast to the top with Blake. I could not keep up. So Kevin and Sabrina ended up hiking up with me most of the way.

I love the views up there. Slowly but surely we were getting to the top.

Taking a must needed rest.

Funny story about this chipmunk. He climbed the flowers to eat them. I sat there for a minute and watched. Turned around to walk away and all of a sudden something was squawking like crazy. We turn around and he had a flower in his hands and yelling at me in the middle of the path. It was so funny.

Had to do the typical crossfit squat on the top. It was 20 degrees and so windy. brrrrrrr

I went a head of Sabrina and Kevin and was waiting for them on the saddle on top. I was hiding behind a rock because I was freezing.

Okay where do I begin with this picture..... I have to say Will is my hero. Like I said earlier he got to the summit before me. I was resting on the saddle and mentally trying to get myself up. When Kevin and Sabrina got there I said just go up with out me I am done. I was feeling a little sad because I did not make it to the summit with Will. So they were getting ready to leave and I turned around and saw Will coming down. He came over to me and said come on sweet heart lets go. I was thinking to go back down the mountain. So I was like okay. He said no I mean to the top. He came back down to get me so we could do it together. That made me feel so good and I even choked up. I love my husband!!! I know the last 30 minutes was the hardest. And he did it twice.

Take notice how small the path is behind me to the summit. It was even more scarier as you went up. Me and heights don't mix.

Proof I made it to the tip top. This is inside the little shed on the top of the summit. This is the historic marker.

At the top they had a book for you to sign your name. The top one is Will's. Although he wrote he was 39. HaHa he is only 38.

My signature. My hands were so swollen and cold I could hardly write.

This is my favorite pic of Will and I. Boy do I love him! I am so happy we got to go to the summit together. He said the look I gave him when I first saw him coming down made it worth going up again. (once again choking up)

Kevin, Sabrina, Will, and I. We made it!!!! Kevin proposed to Sabrina on the top. Notice huge rock on her left hand. I got some really good pics with his camera. The rangers said they were the first to get engaged on top so they took their pics to put on the web site. Once again we were FREEZING!!!

The clouds were the coolest thing every. They were moving sooooo fast right along the mountain. It was amazing.

Loved the clouds. The only bad thing is we could not see the valley from the top at first!

There was still a lot of snow on the ground up there. brrrrr

Loved the views.

The clouds went away long enough for us to get some pics of the valley. Look how beautiful Utah Lake is. To the right is where we live.
Love the views once again.
Look how high we are.
Will told me to stand in front of the red, white, and blue wild flowers he wanted a pic.
I think this is my favorite pictue. I am so glad I hiked the mountain. I did not think I would get to the top mentally. But I did it! One of the hardest hikes and something I never would have imagined me doing. I am glad I was able to do it with Will also. My knees are screaming so bad but it is worth it.