Getting in Shape

We started exercising on June 5th. We were walk/jogging. Today Jaremy ran an entire 5K and then walked a bit. Awesome! He is training in barefoot shoes. He says he's been sore for a month and a half now. He was a bit frustrated with how long it takes to get in shape, but this morning was good news. My jog is extremely slow, but I'm almost 5 months pregnant. So when I trot I'm only going 4 miles an hour, but the extra bounce I put in the step gets my heartrate where I need it. It also gets my body used to a little more impact, so I'll bounce back after pregnancy faster. It's slow, but fun and fulfilling. Our family is having a great time. Heavenly Father has given us health and knowledge on how to keep healthly.

Sleepover

The kids, all except Jessica (and Benjamin who's at scout camp), went to sleepover at Grandma Eva's last night. They were so excited! We had a relaxing evening. We even went to a movie, 17 Miracles. It was about the Martin and Willie Handcart Companies. It was wonderful and touching to be reminded of what some have given to follow Christ. It renewed my determination to serve the Lord, no matter what. I need to be more zealous in my discipleship. I need to help others and overcome weakness and sin with renewed gusto. I will!!

It was nice to have a quiet evening with Jessica. She is such a sweetheart and strong in faith and love. It's so fun watching her grow and experience life. She is proactive and just plain wonderful. I'm so glad Heavenly Father let her come to our family. She is a huge part of it!! She's growing up so fast. I will miss her terribly when she goes out on her own, but I know she will bless the lives of her future family and many others as she has ours.

I Love Summer

Yesterday evening we took the kids on a leisurely bike ride to Willow Park. There we met up with the Kellers, Melissa & Avie, and Melissa's in-laws and their new adopted daughter, Sierra. It was a beautiful evening and the bike ride was so relaxing. The kids loved seeing the animals and visiting with extended family. It was amazing to see Sierra. She is about 7 years old and is from the Congo in Africa. She doesn't speak English, but is already learning so much. She has never experienced ice, flushing toilets, or a million other things we take for granted. Yet last night she learned how to petal on Tank's bike. Tank (2) was so sweet to share with her. She just loved it, so we let her take it home for a few days. She repeated everything people said to practice English. And above all her sense of humor came shining through as she teased and smiled. It was neat to see!

Today we get to plant our fall garden. We will plant carrots, beets, turnips, peas, herbs, cilantro, lettuce, chard, collards, kholrabi, and tons of fun stuff. I love gardening. I love warm summer evenings. I love getting wet then sitting in the shade on hot summer days. I just love everything about summer! Heavenly Father has blessed me to live in a place with beautiful summers!

Jogging

Jogging has been a real neat addition to our lives. It's helped slow down my weight gain this pregnancy. It's challenging and fun to push ourselves. We've bonded while we workout. It's wonderful to get outside and experience the beauty Heavenly Father creates everyday. It helps me have more energy and pushes me to meet goals in jogging and other areas of my life. I'm grateful Heavenly Father has blessed me with a healthy body, a great family, and beautiful scenery.

Oh, today I walked 3 miles and jogged 3 miles. For me that's a record!

Spiritually Fed

Today I have been spiritually fed as I have studied, prayed about, and pondered the scriptures and the words of the prophets. My testimony of the prophet Joseph Smith has been strengthened. The Savior's life, ministry, and love seem closer and almost palpable. I'm so grateful for the blessing of the Holy Ghost bearing witness of these things and sharing God's love and encouragement. Heavenly Father is there watching and caring for us. He loves us so much. I feel His love often.

A Bit Worn Out

Yesterday we went on a 10-mile bike ride. Usually not a big deal. However, I was pulling almost an hundred pounds in the bike trailer against a strong wind. It was all I could do to just keep going. Most of the time I don't sunburn and no one else did, but my arms are toasted. Pregnancy makes my skin more sensitive.

This morning we played a barefoot game in the park and worked in the garden for a couple of hours. It's 3:40 pm and I'm struggling to get the basics done. I'm dragging myself through the motions of grooming and fixing dinner. I know I'm going to make a healthy, cherry cobbler and a green shake, but after that? Maybe I'll steam some veggies and have Moroni bake some bread. That should work. Maybe I just need a multivitamin to put the pep back in my step. Who am I fooling, every pregnancy has days where you are so tired you can hardly function. It's just part of it. I'm so grateful Heavenly Father blesses me with plenty of energy most days. I'm so grateful for naps as well.

Weeding

This morning we will head out to our neighbor's farm in Paradise to weed the garden. Sometimes the garden seems to be so big and the weeds so many. After several hours of work it doesn't seem to be enough. But I love it! This situation reminds me of my life. Sometimes, okay, most of the time, my weaknesses and sins seem to be insurmountable. But if I keep working on changing, repenting, and improving with the Savior's help I will be a productive garden. But only with lots of hard, patient, hopeful work and the grace of my Redeemer.

I'm so grateful for the chances Jesus Christ gives me to repent and try anew to become like Him. I hope to develop His Christlike attributes and bring joy and love to others as He does. I love my Savior.