Our very FIRST camping trip for our very FIRST Anniversary!

 When we planned a trip to go camping for our 1st Anniversary...I had imagined it a little bit different.  We were going to be in a nice shady secluded spot with the perfect stream running near us.  This is how it actually went--Driving, driving, driving through the mountains....dead end. Or "No overnight camping".  Dirt Road...."No Trespassing".  Driving, driving, driving.....no streams!  "This spot will do!"  We finally found a decent spot, broke a sweat (or lots of sweat in my case), putting up the bed and tent and then Cade got stung by a bee in the head.  Sad.  It was a rough start but turned out to be a really great time! 

After setting up, we drove a few miles back where we had previously seen a lake and took a much needed refreshing swim!  We had a lot of fun...except our puppy.  She didn't appreciate me pulling her into the water.  Wimp. 

              In our cozy tent, a little cold and sunburnt but completely enjoying the night!  It was a great camping trip!  Looking forward to the next one!

               Our cake topper!  One year  later, Cade took the first bite and I asked, "How is it Cade?  ...Good?"  He nods, gives a cheesy smile and then he replies, "No".  Ha.  It wasn't too bad. :)  We had a really great weekend celebrating our 1st year of marriage!    

Better than I hoped!

Growing up I had some pretty HIGH hopes for that "Mr. Right".  Yeah....some would say that there is no such thing as a "Mr. Right" yada, yada, yada....blah.  But I think I was pretty blessed to have such a clear picture in my mind of what I wanted and how I wanted to be treated in a marriage.  When Cade came along I knew he was that guy I had pictured marrying.  He had (has) everything that I felt I needed in a spouse.  ...Blah, blah, blah, cheese, cheese, cheese...I know :)

As wonderful as things were dating though, when things became more serious, I became more anxious.  It came to a point where I had doubts, fears and anxiety to an extreme.  It was like hitting a wall and I couldn't get past it.  Sometimes life just felt so dark and unclear.  It took a break up to learn that I really did need him.  After that, together we worked through my anxiety.

It didn't get easier for a long time, it was probably harder even.  I am grateful for the lessons I learned through all of this though.  Cade and I learned to communicate.  He saw me at my worst and still loved me.  I learned that prayers are answered.  My prayers were answered  through scriptures and also the people that were put in my path.  I learned that Satan is real and anything that is good he will present opposition in.  I learned most of all about faith.  I really did feel like I was walking into a dark room, I just wanted to see if my decision would be the correct one.  I couldn't see but I had faith that it was.  Each step I took, more light came.  Which really is true.  I had just had an anxiety attack, we'll call it, just before Cade proposed to me.  We went for a walk (which is what we did when I needed to calm my nerves), finally when we were at our favorite little spot he knelt down and asked me to marry him. (Talk about brave on his part!)  Every nerve that I had had, was replaced with excitement and happiness.  From then on it all became easier.  My engagement was exciting and filled with happiness, fear was not a problem.  We took that leap and were so blessed for it.

(Thank you Kami Seamons for the BEAUTIFUL picture!)

I can now say that my marriage with Cade is even better than I hoped it would be.  It's an amazing feeling to be on the otherside of that "Wall" and know that I was headed in the right direction.  The tough things that I went through were worth it.  Worth the blessings of a happy marriage.  I am grateful for the Gospel in my life and the light that it does bring into my life.  I am grateful for my friends and especially parents for their wonderful advice.  Life with Cade could not be better and this has been the best year of my life.

Together Forever

I LOVE YOU CADE!  Happy ONE YEAR Anniversary (Sunday)!!!   

And growing old with you is lookin' good babe!

Almost there and feeling ENERGIZED!

 

My whole life I have been a picky eater.  My eating mentality, "Green beans? Eh, that's ok, I'll eat some Cheetos." 
My Mom always seemed more concerned about my eating habits than my siblings, "Breanna.  Eat your meat!"

So, I got married and hello slowed metabolism!  I gained a good 20 lbs in one year.  (Ok, I will admit, I was a bit underweight before getting married due to a bit of stress, that's a story for another day). 
Anyways...my comfortable weight was 7-10lbs lighter than I have been.  Not only did I want to lose the extra 7 lbs that I gained recently but mostly I just wanted to be heatlhy.  I always have wanted to be healthy, but man, have you seen the things that come up when google-ing recipes for healthy food??



What is that? ------------------------>

I am determined to one day hold a Healthy Foods recipe book in my hands, and non of the pictures will look like this.  It will taste good and be great for me! 

Until then....I have really enjoyed the Medifast product.  I have been on it to:
1. Lose 7 lbs
2. Begin a journey to better eating
3. To understand what my clients are feeling

And guess what!  I only have 1.5 lbs left to lose until I am at my "Goal Weight".  SWEEET.  Let me remind you, I have only been on it since....Monday the 8th.  In a little less than 2 weeks I have lost 6 lbs.  (5.5 to be exact).  The biggest thing I have noticed, besides my belly fat gone, is the energy that I have.  I have always been an easily fatigued person.  Lately I have been waking up at 7 AM and going to bed at 10:30 PM, all because I just have amazing energy.

I've been reading Dr. Andersen's Habits of Health book and I am so excited about the chapter I am at right now.  It sounds nerdy, but if you have always wanted to understand what the heck "Fructose", "Processed", "Organic" means, and what the healthiest veggies, meats and fruits are...you would love it too.  After I hit my goal weight (should be by Sunday) I am excited to go shopping and start my transition phase.  I am understanding it all now.  It's awesome.

So today and yesterday I spent just a few ours at the Davis County Fair.  

My Dad has a booth there for Take Shape for Life.  

It's been great observing and learning.  These are a few pictures from the event! 

Our New Interest: What we are doing and WHY!

before

after

    This handsome guy!  My Dad.  He is the why behind the what.  August 2010 this Father of the Bride was in very poor health.  Soon after my wedding it took him JUST 5 months to lose 60 LBS!  And here he is June 2011, (once again Father of the Bride, to my sister this time) looking a world of difference.

    He looks GREAT but what the camera can't show you is what's most important, and that is the fact that his health is incredible. Words can't describe how much of a relief it is to have him in such great health.  We're so proud of him for the  

decision he made in 2010. 

So, what is it?  How did he do it?  And..what is our involvement?

    My Dad lost 60 lbs in 5 months because a good family friend of ours confronted him about his health.  Aren't we so glad he did!  This friend told him about this great program, Take Shape for Life (TSFL).  It is a division, or the "Coaching Arm", of Medifast.  Medifast has been around since 1980 and has been recommended by over 20,000 doctors and even tested at major research universities.  Contact me for more details or questions you might have!
   My Dad immediately began losing weight after starting this program, BUT in a HEALTHY and SAFE way.  He quickly turned around and has been helping others by becoming a Take Shape for Life Health Coach.  After seeing his success with this program, Cade and I are inspired to help others the way he has been helped!  My Dad highly encouraged us to become Health Coaches also.  It didn't take long for us to get on board.  We quickly became certified and are excited about helping others!  

We have a lot of exciting things planned in the future,

we'll keep posted on our experiences, trainings and clients.
Next Month: VEGAS for TSFL Training
(Crossing my fingers work will approve my time off request of course..)