A Toddler's Discovery

Much about childhood revolves around discovery. From their hands, feet, parents, toys, and whatever is at their reach. It's fun to watch Ethan grow in his toddler years; especially now he knows how to puts words to objects. However, he discovered something yesterday, May 27th, 2008, that Nanette and I wish he never had...climbing out of his crib. We knew it was going to happen sometime soon and were a little surprised it hadn't happend beforehand. Yet even in the middle of the night he managed to come in our room and keep Nanette up for about 4 hours and I for 1.5 hours. Not fun! BTW, thanks Nanette for all you do for these boys at night; I know it's a big sacrifice for you.

Needless to say, we were laughing at times because of how funny it is. We are definetly making changes today. Nanette and I know we cannot live like last night for the rest of our lives. Any suggestions? I told Nanette that she should keep him up all day today as way to "punish" (I would never hurt my kids) him for keeping us up all night but really more for him to be tired enough to go to bed when he needs to.

Discovery is great. Nanette and I love our boys, are excited to see them grow up, and find great joy in them.

-Chris

Cool Things You Can Do With Blogs

If you know HTML codes, then you can do some fun things with blogs, such as create a Marquee or embedding a favorite music video from YouTube. Feel free to ask me any questions on how to do some of these awesome things.

-Chris


Check this out, it's one of my favorite Josh Groban and Alabama songs.

Odds and Ends

Nothing too exciting has been happening lately, just hanging out with the boys (which is always fun and interesting). Logan still hasn't gotten his first tooth, but he is getting better at sitting. On Sunday he was able to sit up by himself for about 15 seconds. I was so proud! He is getting so old. The other day we were at Chris' sister's house and he was being really cranky. His mouth was hurting and we didn't have any orajel with us. Chris gave him an ice cube and that really seemed to calm him down. Within a few minutes he was asleep and this picture shows how he fell asleep. It was so funny. I had to take a picture.

I also have to add a cute picture of Ethan. The other day I was hanging out in my room and Ethan wasn't dressed yet. He started bringing me clothes from a pile in the other room. He wanted me to put them on him. Well, they didn't really match... tan socks, brown shirt, blue striped shorts, and a blue jacket, but I let him wear it... even when we went to Chris' sister's house. I just thought that it was so cute that he picked his clothes out!

I just want to add a little comment about the book "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer. If you haven't read it, you should. I was a little hesitant to read it at first, because I love the Twilight Series that she wrote and I didn't think that anything could be as good as Edward and Bella and vampires... but I am glad that I read it, because it was so good. I lost a lot of sleep at night, because I couldn't put this book down until I was finished. Well, there is my two cents... for whatever it is worth.

Blessings

I just want to write a little bit about how grateful and blessed I feel. I am so grateful for all of those people who care about me. Yesterday was my birthday and I truly felt special. Thanks so much to all who called or sent me a message to wish me a happy birthday. That was so nice!

I want to mention all that my sweet husband did for me and does for me. Not only does he work 12 hour shifts (works ten hours, travels two), but he came home and went grocery shopping and then he made us these delicious sandwiches from scratch for my birthday dinner!

My parents, Grandpa Smith, and Chris' sister and her husband came.

Me and Ethan opening my presents

My mom (who does so much for me) and Logan

Chris' sister, Alison, and her husband, Nate (They are going to have a baby!)

My Grandpa
My awesome Dad and Logan

My sweet husband

The birthday girl!

I had to add this picture of Logi. It is so cute!

Discoveries and Friends

Logan has discovered himself in the mirror. It is so adorable. In our bedroom our closet doors are mirrors. I will lay him on the ground and he will roll over to the mirror. He will lay there for quite a while and stare at himself. The cutest is when he lifts up his head and smiles at himself and then lays back down. He must know that he is cute! Being 6 months old, he is at a really cute age where he loves to play and explore new things.

Ethan and Logan are becoming pretty good buddies. Ethan likes to try to get Logan to laugh. He makes really funny laughing noises and half of the time it makes Logan laugh. He talks all of the time to Logi saying "HI BABY" and things like that. The only problem is when Logan is sleeping and Ethan wants to play with him. He has figured out how to open Logan's door and he will go in and wake him up, before I even know what has happened. Also, Ethan has developed a little attitude (terrible twos?) and when he is mad he likes to throw things, bite, hit, etc. Sometimes he decides to take it out on Logan (I guess he gets jealous? ... or maybe he knows that Logan can't fight back) and then I have to jump in and protect him. I am looking forward to when they are both older. I hope that they will be best friends!

Last night, Chris and I visited my cousin's Megan and Ben. They had a baby boy on April 28th. He is such a doll! What I can't believe is that not too long ago, Logi was that small. Now he is a chunk. Where does the time go? Away and fast.

Calorie Equation

1. Find your Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR).

Woman: 655 +(4.36*Weight)+(4.57*height)-(4.7*Age)
Men: 66+(6.22*Weight)+(12.7*Height)-(6.8*Age)

2. Total Calories to maintain weight based on exercise:
BMR*(Exercise Index Below)=Total Daily Calories.

Normal, everyday activities: 1.3
Exercise 2-3 times a week: 1.4
Exercise 4-7 times a week: 1.6
Exercise more than 7 times a week: 1.8

3. A deficit of 3,500 calories over a week amount to a 1-lb fat weight loss (MyPyramid.gov, 2008).

To loose 1lb.: ((Total Daily Calories*7) - 3500)/7 = Total Daily Calories to loose weight.
To loose 2lbs: Replace 3500 with 7000
To loose 3lbs: Replace 3500 or 7000 with 10500

Note, the body needs a certain amount of calories in order to sustain basic daily needs. Most people probably shouldn't go below 1500 calories. Every week do a recalculation in order to ensure that 1 or 2 lbs is continued to be lost per week because the more weight you loose the less calories are required; thus a reduction in calories may be need.

The next thing that needs to be done is calculate how many grams of fat, carbohydrates, and proteins that contribute to calories per day.

Calories from Fat:
Fat Calories = Total Calories times .25
Fat Grams = Fat Calories divided by 9

Calories from Carbs:
Carb Calories = Total Calories times .55
Carb Grams = Carb Calories divided by 4

Calories from Protein:
Protein Calories = Total Calories times .20
Protein Grams = Protein Calories divided by 4

Hope this helps. I will have more information on "Walking for your Health." This type of exercise really interesting and potentially more beneficial (Walking places 1.5 times your weight on your joints, when running can place about 4-7 your weight).

EQP

So it seems that I am catching up to Nanette as far as the number of blogs written, but that is okay. So today I was set apart as Elder's Quorum President. It's sort of daunting to think of the responsibilities that are ahead of me. However, I must say it will be fun; and fortunately the quorum members seem willing to help when asked to do so. I have already felt the Lords help me out with some of my weeknesses, especially in the area being timid and my "pride". There have been some neat spiritual blessing and confirmations as to receiving this calling; and these types of confirmations have really helped to know of whom this call comes from, Jesus Christ. Anyway, more blogs to come.

This is my favorite image of T-Mac. He sort of really ticked me off this year; and I was guilty of overrating him like everyone else did. However, after ten years of NBA experience, he just doesn't seem like he is up to the challenge.

Nanette has written every blog on this site, so I suppose it's my turn to write some things. Today, my friend since Jr. High is graduating from college. I'm fairly excited for him because school isn't that easy for him, but he did. There is a lot to be learned from that experience. No matter how difficult a task is ahead of someone it is possible to overcome adversities and anxieties to acomplish a minor/major goal.

This type of learning will be my focus as I seek to shed a few pounds for the "Biggest Loser" contest. Unlike going to college for several years, this contest is only two months. However, it's not going to be easy because of the habitual lifestyle already led by eating fast-food or foods with high calorie, carbohydrates, and fat intake. These things are not bad with moderation and careful consideration; but who does that on the run?

Next Monday I am going to the doctor. I am sure he will inform me that you need to eat better and excerise more than the use of your thumb for a remote. So we will say, but at least I can tell him I am eating healthier. Until later.