2016-04-05



For the most part, I think March was pretty good. I got back into a routine, and even with the Daylight Savings time change, was able to start getting up extra early (5:30) to jumpstart the day. Sleeping in on Weekends though! Near the end of the month, with Easter and Spring Break looming, I got a little lazy.

WEIGHT: Started the month at 162.4, ended at 164.7. High was 165.9. Low was 160.40. Average weight came in at 163.42. FOOD&FITNESS:  On weekdays I was quite consistent at getting in my Zumba and hour of elliptical. I hit the bike about 10times during the month, had a couple treadmill times, and got in some weights. 8 sessions. Overeating and empty calories a BIG problem. Girl Scout cookies, mint chocolate chip ice cream and Easter treats were temptations this month. STATS: Average intake 2603. Average burn 2654. Step average for the month was 19139. 265 minutes of weights, 3155 active minutes, 303.01 miles.

FAMILY: #3 was in his cast most of March (got it removed right there at the end). Hubs had a nasty Menier's episode. He's been very busy at work and doing derbies. Not too busy to take two of the boys and run a 5k! Not much basketball, just #5 starting up in a Saturday league. We had some TV trouble, but got it repaired. The boys been improving their eating, even unto wheat bread! Spring Break and Easter. I've been reading up a storm, and Hubs and I watched several movies this month.

*** JenB's Journal ***

0301 (Tuesday) 162.4. Steps 23416. Total Burn 2886. Exercise Burn 1190/1148 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Bike). Calories in 2200. It was the ACT at school today for #2, which meant he got to sleep in a bit (no early morning seminary) but he was pretty nervous when he left. I got in my early elliptical, and it was early Zumba day. Good thing too, as upon returning home, I needed to start scrambling three dozen eggs to take to the school, as the parents were providing breakfast for the boys before they left for their state basketball game. It took a while to cook that many eggs. Then I loaded them in the crock pot and headed to the school. The crock pot tipped over in the car, and there were eggs everywhere. I dropped off what was left (still enough) and one of the other moms said she'd return the crock pot to me so I didn't have to stay. I went home and cleaned out the car, then cleaned up the kitchen. Then, off to the middle school to check out #3 for a dentist appointment. Finished up that, then grabbed the munchkins from elementary. Busy day, but we didn't really have anything in the evening. I cooked some chicken for dinner, did some blogging and data entry. Hubs had slept in and hadn't got a workout in yet, so he hit the treadmill for a bit. I was a little over on calories in ... I just really like to eat, and like to eat treats.

0302 (Wednesday) 161.6. Steps 22800. Total Burn 2872. Exercise Burn 1125/1129 (60minElliptical, Zumba, WEIGHTS). Calories in 2350. With my early elliptical and Zumba, I'm hitting my 10x10 fairly often. This morning though, #4 told me he had 14k as we went to school (at 8:30!) Crazy kid! At Zumba, it was a little low on people (although Stephanie came, and I saw another gal I hadn't seen in a while), especially up on the stage. I wondered if they'd ask me to help out, doing a couple numbers. Then, more people came, both instructors and followers, but near the end they did have me do a couple of songs. MZL has added more classes, another one at the same time on Wednesdays (different location) and also an early morning one. After class, I stopped at Sam's to gas up and grab a few groceries. Back at home I got in additional elliptical and did 30min of weights. In the evening, #5 had a basketball game. It was downtown, so I had to hitch a ride with braver drivers than I. We'd anticipated this being fairly easy, like our first couple games in this tournament, but it was pretty even the entire way. At the end, we were up by one point with 10 or so seconds left. My munchkin got fouled, and hit two at the line to extend the lead to three and we got the win. I didn't have game brain or anything, but sure had a hard time getting to sleep.

0303 (Thursday) 161.6. Steps 25864. Total Burn 2991. Exercise Burn 1094/1248 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 1800. Got in early elliptical, and Zumba was fun today. We had a couple new (but certified) instructors joining Mountain View, so that added some energy and new songs. Sariah, from Heather's Friday class came too. I got good stats. I should have stopped at Smiths on the way home, as we're really low on cat food. I miss Fitstudio ... I'd always taken care of the cat needs with points. But, I didn't feel like stopping. I was wearing leggings, and I don't really like to wear them in public (just my own self-consciousness, no judgement on anyone who does). It was early out at the elementary, as they don't have school tomorrow. I grabbed Dominos on the way home from picking up #3 from middle school. It was the quarter-finals in the state playoffs. #2 was gone with the team, as JV sitting the bench. #3 wanted to go, and was able to find a ride with friends. Hubs ended up going straight from work. #5 had two games, 7:00 and 8:00 at different locations. That's a problem. Five of the boys had to leave the first game early to get to the second on time. Our boys had been ahead at the half, but the remaining team wasn't able to hold and ended up losing, which wasn't unexpected, as it was the top team from the other division. If we had won, we would have had another game at 9:00. I wasn't up for the mad dash across town, so I arranged for #5 to catch a ride to the first game, and I met the team at the second. It was pretty close, but our boys got the win and move onto the championship game on Saturday. Downtown, our high school boys won too, moving onto the semi-finals. Knowing I had weigh-in tomorrow, I did manage to keep calories in check, just barely.

0304 (Friday) 160.4. Steps 22584. Total Burn 2822. Exercise Burn 1075/1085 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Weights). Calories in 1850. The elementary was out today, and they are the ones that get me up on Friday ... so I slept in. I did still need to take #3 to middle school, late start. There was a Zumba class starting at 9:30 right by the school, so that worked out perfectly. Afterwards I stopped by the high school to fill out the permit for #3. He was accepted. Yea! I had been a little nervous as the school wasn't accepting permits (I was first on the waiting list and we have a sibling at the school) and didn't know how he'd handle it if he didn't get in. It's where all his friends are going. I had just enough time to stop home and clean up and change then head to the doctor's for my IUD removal. The waiting room was packed, but luckily I didn't have to sit in it long. It was a tough removal, but it was finally out. I went ahead and had the Merina put in as well. It eliminates periods in many women ... I hope I am one! #2 was heading up to the U again for the semi-final game. #3 wanted to go watch, so Hubs came home from work a little early to take him and his friends, and #5 went along too. It was actually on TV on a local station, so #4 and I watched at home. It was so fun to see peeks of #2 on the big screen. And Copper Hills won again, so it's on to the championships tomorrow. I wished I'd been able to watch the game downstairs in the gym, but it was only available via the cable box. I did bring some weights upstairs and did some strength training, not my usual weight workout, but hopefully still a good one. I also kept calories in check.

0305 (Saturday) 160.4. Steps 11298. Total Burn 2166. Exercise Burn 316/436 (30minElliptical). Calories in 3300. Not sure why I'm SO unmotivated over the weekends. I have time to get in some extra exercise, but then I don't do it. I really planned on trying some treadmill today. Didn't happen. Hubs was in the garage early setting up for his Pinewood Derby workshop. Every year, before our scout derby, he opens our garage ... his tools and know how to help anyone who wants help with their cars. That went on for several hours. #5 and I were off to the Junior Jazz championship game (hitching a ride as it was downtown). It was a close game, always just within a few points. After the press at last game, we asked the coordinator/refs. We just didn't want to be caught off guard again if they were going to allow a press in the final minute. And ... I realized WHY they do that. Our team was only ahead by two points, and there were about 20 seconds left on the clock. Our coach had my son hold the ball behind the half (where the other team wasn't allowed to press) for as long as he could (they have 5-10 seconds to cross) and the he called time out, and then they did it again, ensuring the win.The other team wasn't very happy about it, but I'm sure they would have done the same if they had been in that position (rather than risking a turnover and score to tie or win). One of the spectators, not even for either one of our teams threw a fit and got a technical and was thrown out. It was a lackluster ending, and I do agree a press probably should be allowed to be more fair and exciting, but, it wasn't in this game and both coaches had agreed to it at the beginning. Our boys got the win, took the championship, and got the cool t-shirt. Back at home, #5 had a birthday party to go to for one of the kids on the team. I dropped him off, as Hubs and #3 and a friend headed up to the U for the state championship game. Copperhills vs Bingham. The teams had played three times, and Bingham had won two of those. #4 and I stayed home and watched the game on TV. I quickly ran and grabbed #5 from his party at halftime, and then he watched the end with us. Our boys were up by one at the half, but then they just couldn't quite keep up, and had foul trouble, and Bingham took it. Bummer. This CHHS team has been aiming for the playoffs for four years, as several of the kids have been playing varsity since they were freshmen.  When Hubs and #3 got back, he suggested going out to eat. I was already over calories ... and yet still hungry! We went to Tepanyaki, sans #2, who was still with the team, and #4 who didn't want to go. It was yummy. Girl Scout cookies had also been delivered earlier in the day ... I can eat an entire box of Tagalongs so easy! I didn't eat the whole box, but I ate a few! Uber over in calories today.

0306 (Sunday) 163.4. Steps 5218. Total Burn 1834. Exercise Burn 160/80 (15minElliptical). Calories in 2800. Ahhh, slept in. Hubs went and jogged the track at the high school, even though it was quite cool and breezy and started to drizzle. We made our big Sunday Circles breakfast ... then back to bed for a nap. Sundays are lazy days! In the early evening we went out to my brother's house. He was hosting our monthly family gathering. This time there were scones, instead of waffles, and I'd been asked to bring Brazillian Cheese Rolls for the gluten-free guys, although they are really a favorite for many. It was a fun night. There was a bit of conversation about how all the picture frames in the house had family photos replaced by the cast of "Friends" ... I guess my brother's family are fans of the show, and my niece was bored one day and replaced the pictures, watching to see how long it would take people to notice. Funny. My boys are "Friends" fans too, and I'd purchased the "Friends" version of "Heads Up" a while back, and we pulled it out. Everyone was amazed at how much my 10 and 12-year old knew about the show ... which really is NOT something to be proud of. My niece pulled out a trivia game they had about the show, and my boys enjoyed it as well (we borrowed it from them). Hubs and I watched "The Imitation Game" before bed.

0307 (Monday) 163.9. Steps 27947. Total Burn 3140. Exercise Burn 1500/1394 (80minElliptical, Zumba, Bike, 40minWeights). Calories in 3000. Good exercise day, bad eating day! But ... Tagalongs. I did get in my early elliptical, got the boys off to school and headed to Zumba. As I passed the church there on the corner and saw a few cars there, I wondered if we were moving to it ... sure enough, as I went to the stake center there was a note to meet at the other church. Got in a good class, but I forgot my Scosche! Bummer, I like my backup readings. It often motivates me too. I did some cleaning around the house at home. Usually I was saving it for after school, but they kids were teasing me with my headphones on (pretending they were talking to me) so I did it while they were out. I got in some additional exercise too. #5 had a friend over, and requested Mac&Cheese for dinner.

0308 (Tuesday) 162.7. Steps 17123. Total Burn 2545. Exercise Burn 865/814 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2800. My son asked me to make him breakfast this morning ... who does he think I am? His mother? The boys are generally very self-sufficient, but sometimes do make requests. So cocoa and toast it was. I ate some too, and didn't get in my early elliptical. It was early Zumba, and I was subbing, so I had to be extra early, making sure I had everything as I took the littles to school so I could stop at the church on the way back. It was a small crew. Back at home ... I lost my motivation. Just didn't feel up to anything, except a nap. Picked up the kids after school, then went with #2 to Vasa, as he wanted to get a gym membership. I guess it's better than having him and his friends trying to crowd into our home gym like last summer. But I wasn't impressed with the prices. $20 a month, plus a $10 enrollment, plus $25 to cancel if you don't stay six months. A $40 annual fee after two months. Expensive! Luckily, he has enough money from working so hard at KFC. He stayed and worked out after. I stopped at Fantastic Sams on put our names on the list, then went home and got #3 and #4 who needed haircuts. Still quite a wait. #4 ended up with a buzz (I could have done that). Hubs was late coming home, then was ready for bed about 8:00. In fact at 9:00, pretty much everyone was in bed. We are early to bed Blackhams. I managed to overeat again today.

0309 (Wednesday) 163.7. Steps 20836. Total Burn 2800. Exercise Burn 923 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2900. Just out of the habit of getting in my early mornning elliptical this week. I put a roast in the crockpot, and that took some of my time this morning. Off to Zumba. Good stats today. I stopped at Walmart on the way home, grabbing some groceries. Not a lot of "exercise" but it does get some steps in. It should have been a weights day, but it wasn't happening. #3 had a dental appointment in the afternoon, and then I went with the two littles back to the school in the evening for Parent/Teacher conferences. Rave reviews ... as always. We stopped by the booksale afterward and picked up a couple. Bad eating day. Again.

0310 (Thursday) 163.2. Stepes 18597. Total Burn 2645. Exercise Burn 795/889 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3000. Just 10min early elliptical this morning. I had Marian's box, so I made sure I was on time to class to get it set up for her ... except she wasn't there. I'd known she was gone Tuesday, but I thought she was back today, and that Tirsa and Melanie would be there (Melanie was) ... so I hadn't prepped anything. I did try to quickly set some songs up (Christa and Silva were there to help too) and the three of us did the first 30min, then turned the time over to Melanie for the rest. I didn't get the best stats, still rearranging songs, and we were a little under. I did a quick stop at Reams, then hurried home and baked up some Brazillian cheese rolls and then headed over to the elementary school. It was "Invite your Grandparents to lunch" day, and my folks had said they would come out. The little one's lunch started at 11:10, and the 6th grader not until 12:40, but they excused him from class to come join us at the earlier time. My boys aren't lunch lingerers though, they eat and run, even with company there. They want their recess time! Even #4, who was getting over an extra hour of recess! I did manage to grab a picture before they took off. Then Grandma stopped at the bookfair and picked up a few books. I stopped at Macey's on the way home, but didn't end up getting what I'd gone in for. It was early out at the elementary, so I was back there again before long. At home, the TV hasn't been working. It's been having issues for months now. If it turns off ... it won't turn back on. We've always eventually been able to get it back on, sometimes after letting it sit overnight or something, but we'd been without it for a couple of days. Which had lead to early bedtimes for everyone ... another overeating day. Hubs and #3 did a derby ... #3 was grumpy though, feeling like he wasn't much help with his broken wrist.

0311 (Friday) 163.3. Steps 5918. Total Burn 1880. Exercise Burn 100/91 (10minElliptical). Calories in 3450. Well, not a good weigh-in change from last week. The littles were out of school today, so I got to sleep in. Hubs even slept in, and took the day off. He went jogging in the morning, and I hit the elliptical for 10min, but it felt hard (even with a Grey's Anatomy, which is usually a show that motivates me to finish it). I was just feeling a bit off, or maybe more than a bit. I probably could have convinced Hubs to take #3 to school, allowing me to hit a Zumba class, but I wasn't feeling up to it and didn't even ask him. He worked a bit with #5 on his pinewood derby car and then ran some errands. He even grabbed #3 from school in the afternoon and took him out to the DMV for his driver's test. #3 failed the written test the first time, but passed the second. Yea! Not really happy about having another driver, but happy to have the learner's permit done. Not that he'll be practicing much with his broken wrist. In the evening, we were meeting my folks and my brother and his wife for dinner. We dropped #5 off to catch a ride to basketball practice on the way. We went to Braza Grill, which is good for the gluten-free guys. I was very full, and had eaten bad earlier too, so I was UBER over today ... and I had never gotten back down to my gym.

0312 (Saturday) 164.9. Steps 9693. Total Burn 2119. Exercise Burn 315/360 (30minElliptical). Calories in 3500. Feeling a bit better than yesterday. Finished up my show (Grey's Anatomy) from yesterday while on the elliptical. Still not a very productive day for me though. I did finish up the highlight video from #5's Junior Jazz championship games and did a missionary blog update. Made orange chicken and rice for the kids for dinner, then Hubs and I watched a movie (The Intern) and ate mucho popcorn. ♥♥

0313 (Sunday) 164.8. Steps 5612. Total Burn 1914. Exercise Burn 105/152 (10minElliptical). Calories in 2250. Daylight Savings ... all the clocks in the kitchen were changed and up to date (or time rather). I guess #3 had done it last night. It's nice that most of the electronic items update themselves. Hubs decided to hit his gym and drop off his food prep to his work (stocks a little fridge there). Without him, we skipped our big breakfast, and I just made eggs and sausage. I did get in my usual Sunday nap ... which was perhaps a mistake as I couldn't get to sleep when evening rolled around. Hubs made marinated flank steak and mashed taters, I added Brazilian cheese rolls. It was a yummy dinner. I hadn't eaten too badly today, but still exceeding my burn, as it wasn't an active day. In addition to my little bit of elliptical, #4 and I had a game of ping pong. Hubs and I watched a movie (Mission Impossible Rouge Nation) ... but skipped the popcorn, as we were both still quite full from dinner.

0314 (Monday) 165.4. Steps 23052. Total Burn 2952. Exercise Burn 1200/1187 (60minElliptical, Zumba, WEIGHTS). Calories in 2350. I thought the morning might be a rough one, after the time change. 6:30 would feel like 5:30 ... but I was actually up at 5:30 (so like 4:30!) to pack up a lunch for #2 and make him a smoothie for breakfast before he was off. Hubs was up then anyway, and I don't usually fall back asleep. Might as well get up and get started, right? All the other kids got up easily as well. Yea! My kids are so great. Got them off to school, and got in a full 40min of elliptical before heading out to Zumba. I was there on time, as was Nina, but still a late start, as it took a while for us to get more. I stopped at Kmart on the way home, not as great a deals as before with my Fitstudio points, but I did have some surprise points to use. Bought new  basketballs for the two little boys as they both said theirs were too old, going flat, etc. Stopped at Smiths too, grabbing a few groceries. Pelting rain as I left the store. Yuck. Back at home, I let laziness take up some time, but I did finish up my hour of elliptical and got in a weight workout. Made a spaghetti dinner and got a blog post up. Eating was a little over goal, but under burn anyway.  Hubs and #5 finished up his derby car, the race is tomorrow. I might have hit the bike in the evening, but Hubs wanted to get some walking on the treadmill in. Still, a decent day. I was pretty tired come 10:00. #2 was still working and #3 was to a late Jazz game. I woke around 11:00 when #2 came home. #3 didn't get home until midnight (on a school night!)

0315 (Tuesday) 164.3. Steps 25472. Total Burn 3072. Exercise Burn 1257/1315 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Bike). Calories in 2100. I prepped a lunch for #2 last night and alas ... didn't get up early to see him off this morning. I stayed in bed until my 6:30 alarm. I only got in 20min early elliptical, as I was baking up some croissants - for breakfast and for the chicken salad I picked up yesterday. Early Zumba as well, although Marian said she's going to switch it to 9:00 the week after next, as she's taking a step back from work. Even with our late start (Marian, Suzanne and I were all there on time, but no one else was ... we had a decent crowd a little later as people trickled in) I got my full hour and some extra. I finished up my elliptical and got in a session on the bike during the day. Got up a blog post, laundry, some house stuff. Derby in the evening. It's hard for me to handle the chaos and the kids ... I could never be a scout leader! I admire Hubs patience running all these derbies! #5 came in 6th, which was fine with him (he took 1st last year) and that is OUR last official derby! Hubs will keep running them all over of course, but our boys are now aged out. Eating was a little over, but still well below burn.

0316 (Wednesday) 162.8. Steps 29982. Total Burn 3244. Exercise Burn 1400/1491 (80minElliptical, Zumba, Bike, WEIGHTS). Calories in 2500. I was able to get up early, make some scrambled eggs for #2, pack his lunch and see him off to school. Got caught up on my journal and dailymile entries. I was able to get a full 20 on the elliptical before taking #3 to school, and another 20 before taking the munchkins. Another 10 before Zumba. Good early start to the day. Stopped at Walmart and Sams on the way home from class, restocking and milk and eggs and such. Bought me some new sports bras, as all mine are very old. Got in some bike and weights during the day. Made chicken pillows for dinner ... the plan was haystacks but #3 objected so I switched up. I hadn't made chicken pillows since #1 left last year! If #3 hadn't broken his wrist, he would have had his first spring game tonight. I thought he'd still like to go and watch, cheer on the team, but he was too depressed about it. Kitchen clean up, a little laundry and to bed. If I'd noticed my steps, I would have done a few more to hit 30k.

0317 (Thursday) 162.8. Steps 23963. Total Burn 2876. Exercise Burn 1074/1129 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Bike). Calories in 2700. Got up early again, packed a lunch for #2, but he just did a banana for breakfast as he was up late and in a rush. I got in two 20min sessions on the elliptical between driving the boys to school. Off to Zumba, and dropping the bag off to Marian after. I was dragging a bit at home. I did manage to get in some bike, and finished up my elliptical. Got a couple packages from Amazon ... some smoothie cups/lids I'd ordered, and the box will work perfect for sending stuff to my missionary (I've been gathering items but needed a box!) and a couple pullover jackets for the boys ... one for each of the little boys, but even though they were a medium and a large, they were the same size (only fitting the 10-year old). I ordered a couple more (they were just $5!) that will hopefully fit #4. Not sure what "CB" stands for on the shirt (Champion Brand?) but it's the initials of both little boys, and they thought that was cool. Hubs had gone on a bike ride after work, so I understand why he was tired, but I was ready to drop too. Of course once I got into bed ... not quite so sleepy. Did a little reading until I finally dropped off. And even the day before weigh-in, it was a BAD eating day. TOM time?

0318 (Friday) 162.7. Steps 20853. Total Burn 2727. Exercise Burn 1000/978 (40minElliptical, Zumba, Bike, Weights). Calories in 2550. Slept in until 7:30 today. Made a lunch and breakfast smoothie for #2 and he was off. I dropped off the munchkins (#4 forgot his lunch) and then #3 for 9:30 late start. I got in a little elliptical, and then I did do an hour of Zumba on my own. In the master bathroom. Mirror on one side, open window with cool air coming in on the other. Not a lot of room though. Early out at the elementary. I'd ordered Dominos (they had their 50% off all pizza special running) and picked it up on the way home from grabbing #3. We actually had everyone home for a bit in the afternoon, #2 was around and Hubs came home early to leave for a derby. #3 wanted to grab some birthday presents for his buddies, so we ran to a couple stores trying to find Nike Elites (they weren't at the Nike store!) I got in some bike and elliptical, but my Grey's Anatomy had run short on the elliptical, and that threw me off, so I only got 40 minutes on that machine. Much overeating in the "empty calories" department, and then add in the pizza ...

0319 (Saturday) 162.6. Steps 11184. Total Burn 2174. Exercise Burn 410/425 (40ninElliptical). Calories in 2600. So Hubs had brought up the possibility of a 5k this Saturday. It was local, small ... at 11:00, which wasn't the preferred time. Although snuggling in bed Saturday morning we were more than okay with that. Hubs was planning on it and hoping that #4 and any of the other boys would try it too. #4 had told me that he was running three miles consistently on the treadmill (in 30min), so I figured this would be something he might excel at. #3 said he would, #2 said "I'd whip everyone" (and it's likely true) but he had to work. #5 ... didn't want to. I'd placed MY participation on #5's participation, and I did honestly try to talk him into it. But, we two stayed home. I was really anxious to hear how it went. Hubs said he planned on starting near the back of the pack, so the boys could pass people up. He hoped he could keep up with the boys! The boys had NO interest in starting at the back of the pack however, and they were off and Hubs lost them both almost immediately. #4 finished just under 24 min, 19th overall, second in his age group, with #3 right behind (2nd in the 19-24 age group, he should have been in the 15-18, not sure what happened there). No prizes, but they all got a medal and long sleeved running shirt. I think my #4, whose anxiety has driven him from team sports, really enjoyed it, and he did great! And that was wearing clunky basketball shoes. I need to get him some running shoes. #5 had a basketball game at 3:00 and #3 came along to watch (and commentate in a hilarious but annoying way). Our boys got the win. Hub suggested he and I go out to dinner, so we hit Archibalds, a new favorite, but possibly old favorite now. They changed their menu! Took off the cheese sticks, which were my main reason for coming! Raised the price (and cut down the portion) of the fish ... so who knows if we'll be back. It was Prom night, and tons of couples were there at Gardner Village taking pictures. #2 was just working KFC, no prom this year. He got home from work rather early (10:45) and I was happy my kidlets were all in, when he then said he was going out bowling with buddies. Sigh. #3 had gone to friends earlier. I'd picked him up at 10:00 because I told him I was too tired to stay up any later. I'm not a good mom to teens, I'm too tired!

0320 (Sunday) 163.6. Steps 13173. Total Burn 2280. Exercise Burn 500/718 (40minTreadmill Intervals, Bike). Calories in 2350. Ahhh, Sunday sleep in. Hubs took off for a big bike ride with a work buddy and was gone most of the day. Without him, we didn't do our traditional Sunday Circles, but I still made a big breakfast, with french toast, hashbrowns, bacon and eggs. The kids were loud and crazy playing ball and laughing over snapchat's faceswap feature. It was a fun morning. Yesterday #3 spontaneously cleaned up the kitchen, and today #2 loaded the dishwasher without me asking (and I don't ask, I just do it usually). I got in a lovely nap. Hubs was doing some weekly food prep in the evening, and I got a bit motivated and went downstairs and did a treadmill 5k. I still wasn't that tired, with my nap, so I did a session on the bike too. It was a fairly productive day for a Sunday. #2 did some Spring Cleaning in his room, and we packed away a bunch of clothes he doesn't wear. I got the boys to write their brother and got my own letter done and off. I had finished up the Pinewood Derby video yesterday, and got a blog post about it up, as well as my weekly weigh-in post on my fitness blog. Finished up a couple books (Ruby Circle and Virals) and TV series (Colony was the season ender, and Dark Matter is now done). Ready to start a new week ...

0321 (Monday) 163.6. Steps 23579. Total Burn 2970. Exercise Burn 1200/1215 (60minElliptial, Zumba, 45minWEIGHTS). Calories in 2300. Got up at 5:30 to pack a lunch for #2 and make him a smoothie breakfast. Packed up lunches for the other boys and then got caught up on some computer stuff. 20min on the elliptical before taking #3 to school, and then 20 more before taking the munchkins. I left a little early to Zumba, stopping at a shipping place, dropping off a package to go to #1 son in Mexico. Got good stats dancing today. Stopped at Big5 and Kmart on the way home, picking up some stuff for Easter. I got a weights session in and finished up my hour of elliptical. Making meatball subs for dinner. Hubs called around 6:00 ... he had pulled over into a church parking lot hit hard with a Meriere's attack :(  It hit fast, out of the blue, he was barely able to get off the street. He wasn't that far from home, but he said there was nothing I could do, he just has to wait it out. I finished up dinner for the boys and tried to concentrate, but finally got in the car and went and checked on Hubs. He could barely roll down the window to talk to me (couldn't quite find the unlock button, but opening the truck door probably wouldn't have done him any good). I grabbed him a bottled water, but that was really all. He didn't think he could transfer to my car without triggering things again. He waited there another hour or so and it finally passed enough he felt like he could get home. Got him into bed, where at least I can check on him more easily, make sure he's still breathing and get him anything he needs. An attack like this, out of the blue, is very unnerving! I'd planned on getting in a session on the bike, but couldn't concentrate enough to do so. I was stressed enough I lost my evening appetite, not that I hadn't already eating over today anyway, but I didn't have any mint chocolate chip ice cream today.

0322 (Tuesday) 162.8. Steps 20558. Total Burn 2692. Exercise Burn 1080/958 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 3000. Hubs said he slept alright, but I had bad dreams, didn't feel very refreshed in the morning. I heard #2 get up, and I'd already prepped his lunch, so I didn't get up to see him off. It's harder to stay in bed when Hubs is still in bed, and he was after his attack last night. I only got 20min of early elliptical in. As I was getting #3 off, I realized #2 hadn't left ... but at least he got off to regular classes (missed his early morning seminary). It was a cool morning, and started hailing after I dropped the little ones off. I hoped they brought the kids inside the school, as it was really pelting! Over at the church, there were a few people standing outside. Oops, the door much have relocked. Luckily I had Marian's number (she was inside with a couple others wondering where everyone was) and they let us in. The hail turned to snow, and our cars were completely covered after class. Isn't it supposed to be Spring now?? Between the gray skies and snowy weather, the stress of last night, and waiting for an appointment during the day (that always throws me off my game, I don't feel like I can do anything while waiting for a repairman to come) ... I wasn't very productive today. Just felt like curling up in bed and reading a book. I may have done just that. GeekSquad came and the TV in the front room will now turn on. I picked up the kids ... still snowing all afternoon. I hadn't received a letter from my missionary yesterday, but he wrote today. I updated his steps in Fitbit. Made dinner and early to bed. I managed to overeat by a lot today!

0323 (Wednesday) 163.8. Steps 23473. Total Burn 2952. Exercise Burn 1100/1171 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 30minWEIGHTS). Calories in 2350. I did get up early this morning, and pulled #2 out of bed (promising him he could sleep in the next few days for Spring Break). I packed up his lunch and made him some eggs for breakfast. Got in some early elliptical as I got the other boys off to school, then hit Zumba. Not quite as crowded as in weeks past, and again it was slightly under the hour with a couple of cool down songs. So stats weren't great. Stopped at Maceys on the way home. Fruit snacks on sale. The kids go through a ton of them. Love my headphones for listening to my audiobook while I bring groceries in and put them away. Got in additional elliptical and weights during the day. Early out at the elementary. Picked up pizza on the way home from grabbing #3 from school. That was an early dinner. Hubs and #3 went to do a derby. I got a couple blog updates done (missionary and fitness blogs) and had to make some calls about insurance (apparently it changed last November, and #2's physical a few months ago isn't being covered, uggg!) Headphones on again while I cleaned up the kitchen and put laundry away. I've been getting through more books this way! I thought I was doing good on calorie intake ... totally forgot about that piece of pizza I ate. Really HAVE to record stuff immediately! So easy to forget!

0324 (Thursday) 162.4. Steps 21228. Total Burn 2675. Exercise Burn 1093/927 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2900. With kids out for Spring Break, we all slept in ... although I was awakened early (about 6:00) to a crash from the family room. #5, sleeping on the couch, had knocked the end table over. After investigating, I did go crawl back in bed. He did it again about an hour later! So strong in his sleep. I got one 10min session of elliptical in before Zumba. Not sure if not getting up and at early affects me negatively or what, but I could not get my heart rate up in class. It was fun too, with Marian there the whole time, and Tirsa and Melanie helping out. I did a quick stop at Reams after, and then stopped at Dunford. I should NOT have stopped there. Donuts. High calorie intake today! Not a lot on deck today. The littles kept themselves entertained pretty well. They went and played at the park for a bit. In the evening, Hubs and #3 went to do a derby.

0325 (Friday) 163.4. Steps 19963. Total Burn 2705. Exercise Burn 793/951 (40minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2600. Another sleep in morning. With the kids out, I could hit a Zumba class. I decided to go to Nicole's at 9:00. They were having some sound trouble, the av jack at the church was broken. At times like this I wish I had a backup box or cord. I've talked about it a bit and just need to do it. I carried a speaker in my car for a while too, but it was too bulky. We finally got the music up, but it wasn't very loud, and that does really make an impact. Again, couldn't really get heart rate up. I checked in at home, and then ran to Walmart/Sams for some groceries. We were almost out of milk! #3 got invited to go see a movie with his friends, so I dropped him off. I dropped #5 off at his ride to basketball practice (mentioning to her that I'd drive the kids to the birthday party tomorrow, only to discover I had the date down wrong and it had been last night. Mommy goof again!) I made meatball sub for Hubby, and texted #2 to see if he was around to come home for dinner. He said yes, and brought two friends with him. Luckily, I had enough. Another friend came over too, and I made skookie for them all, which they liked. Our house generally isn't the "hang out" house, so it was rather fun to host for once.

0326 (Saturday) 163.4. Steps 9233. Total Burn 2118. Exercise Burn 205/364 (20minElliptical). Calories 2500. It's so much better sleeping in when Hubs stays in bed too.  I started off the day with a session on the elliptical ... and never made it back down. I finished up some easter prep. Finished filling eggs (I'd had the boys work on it yesterday, and we don't need that many this year so it was pretty easy) and made some chex mix. Hubs left early, jogging, and we'd pick him up on the way to my folks, which we did. He got about five miles in and said he felt pretty good.  Only my oldest and youngest brother and their families were able to attend this year, my three other siblings didn't make it. Mom's Wii had gone out. I brought an extra power cord we had, and luckily that was the problem, so it was a fix. Hubs was able to straighten a tree that was leaning out front. We like to make ourselves useful ;) It was a nice afternoon, although a little chilly. Got to meet my new little niece for the first time too. The older kids hid the eggs and the two little girls found them. We sent out the 10 and two 12-year olds to gather the rest (as there were too many for just the two little ones).  Hubs picked up some Sonic for dinner, which filled us up too much, so we didn't have popcorn with our movie (Spy, on HBOgo). I had been SO tired during the day, but couldn't get to sleep that night!

0327 (Sunday) 164.8. Steps 10756. Total Burn 2293. Exercise Burn 225/530 (20minElliptical). Calories in 2700.  Sunday sleep in ... even with Easter. Mr. Bunny hadn't brought anything too exciting, and as the kids are getting older (and had already peeked) it wasn't a big deal. We all snacked on goodies, and skipped our usual Sunday breakfast. I got some roll dough rising, making orange rolls and regular dinner rolls. Hubs made mashed taters for the family party (his side today). We ate, had a pinata, and an egg toss. Took pictures in the ears and other photo booth props I brought. Some of the other grandkids were sleeping over, and #5 decided to stay too (even though we hadn't brought him jammies or a change of clothes). The kitchen was a mess after all our cooking. I'd loaded the dishwasher before leaving and thought I'd set it to wash, but alas, I must not have pressed the button. Further cleanup will have to wait until tomorrow (still Spring Break for the kidlets).

0328 (Monday) 165.9. Steps 22892. Total Burn 2877. Exercise Burn 1134/1109 (60minElliptical, Zumba). Calories in 2300. I did wake up around 5:00 when Hubs left for work, but I went back to sleep for a wonderful sleep in. Barely rolled out of bed in time to hit Zumba. It was a snowy cold morning, but luckily to roads weren't bad. Class was good. I was able to get my heart rate up this time. I stopped at Kmart on the way home, grabbing some Easter candy clearance. #5 returned home from his sleep over, and the two little boys wanted to go to the local gym to play basketball (as they couldn't outside) so I took them. I got the dishes from yesterday cleaned up, and also worked on getting all of Easter put away. I'd really planned on getting one more session of something in during the evening hours, but I was pretty tired.

0329 (Tuesday) 165.9. Steps 25867. Total Burn 3014. Exercise Burn 1246/1311 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Bike). Calories in 2900. I did manage to pull myself out of bed, and then pull the 17-year old out of bed. Packed his lunch and made him eggs for breakfast and pushed him out the door. Got in 30min early elliptical in. Zumba switched to 9:00 this week. I needed a store run, and debated trying to squeeze it in after dropping kids before class, but figured I wouldn't have enough time. Zumba was good, we had a nice crowd and I was able to keep my heart rate up. Got good stats. Back at home, the power went out for a while. I did a session on the bike, as neither it nor my book require electricity. I headed to the middle school to check out #3 for his doctor appointment and he got his cast removed. Back home in time for me to get the store run in before picking up the littles. Power was back on. I cooked up some chicken and made haystacks for dinner (chicken pillows for #3 as he'd been craving them). Very tired all evening though! Maybe my early rising. Ate way too much (Reeses eggs!) but according to estimates, did keep calories under burn, if just barely.

0330 (Wednesday) 164.7. Steps 25716. Total Burn 3016. Exercise Burn 1330/1253 (60minElliptical, Zumba, Bike, 20minIncline). Calories in 2400. Up early again, got in some elliptical before Zumba. Class was good today, better stats than the last couple weeks at MZL. I did a quick stop at Sears, just for a package pickup. I got in bike and some treadmill time. The incline didn't raise the heart rate as much as I thought. Nothing like a real hike. Not too much different than a walk without (although I'll have to try tracking that again to really compare). #5 had a friend come over after school. It was a good day for it, as Hubs and #3 left for a derby. The friend stays until 7:00 (even if I say only until 6:00) so it makes it hard on dinner days or when Hubs is home and would like it quieter than it is with friends over. I pulled out a couple Papa Murphy pizzas from the freezer, but they'd been in there too long and didn't cook up well. Into the trash. Oh well, I didn't need the calories myself. I almost made homemade oreos, but again ... calories. With Hubs trying to eat better, I'm not sure if he considers it a reward, or a temptation/punishment.  Still managed to overeat today.

0331 (Thursday) 164.7. Steps 25449. Total Burn 3019. Exercise Burn 1258/1259 (60minElliptical, Zumba, 1.5mileTreadmillIntervals). Calories in 2400. Up early to pull #2 from bed (literally), make him breakfast and pack his lunch. Hubs was still in bed (unusual) but his siatica has made it hard for him to get good sleep recently. Poor guy.  I must admit I crawled back into bed for a bit. I did still get in two 20min sessions on the elliptical in the morning while getting the other boys off to school. MountainView Zumba today, Tirsa and Melanie were there, and Marian had Christa and I do a number as well. We had a good group. One gal from Friday class had come on my recommendation too. Lots of energy and good stats. I wore a sleeveless shirt ... not quite comfortable in it, but my underarm rash has been painful.  I'm trying to prevent perspiration and rubbing. I stopped at Smiths on the way home to grab a few groceries. Picked up the kidlets from schools. #3 had his team dinner in the evening. Just socializing and eating, a few awards handed out. Home and to bed early.

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