RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!

Swimsuit season is coming! And I am literally running (ellipticalling) for my life. My New Year's Resolutions included beginning a consistant exercise routine so as to shed unwanted pounds. I have a wonderful husband who knows there is no way I can run on a treadmill being top heavy and all, so he purchased an elliptical instead. This contraption has become one of my best friends. It has various workouts for different levels (I can proudly say that I have surpassed the beginners level). It's very comfortable to use. It has a built in fan for my sweaty face. It has TWO cup holders. And, best of all, a ledge to hold my reading book!

The first step I took in my resolution was to create a habit. I knew if I began with a workout that was too hard, I would quit quickly. I decided to start with a 20 minute, easy workout that allowed me to read the Twilight series while exercising. I had to limit myself to only reading while working out to keep up my motivation. After about a month of this program, I moved on to adding weight training after 20 minutes of elliptical every weekday. I've now gotten to the point where I can exercise on the elliptical for 30 minutes at a faster pace and work a different muscle group every day.

I have really surprised myself in how much I enjoy the workout. I miss it on the weekends! What a great sign. I am very proud of myself. In my adult life I have never enjoyed doing strenuous exercise. After having three children and gaining a lot of weight I would go through bouts of lost self esteem. I didn't think I would ever find a way to lose the baby fat. I honestly didn't do much about my situation, just sulked a lot. I got really sick of feeling that way. I also realized that my girlies needed a good example of healthy living.

Now, you might think the pounds have just melted off my tummy and cheeks. Alas, no such luck. I have lost a pant size, which is good, but I expected a miracle in the first three months. However, I know I will see results gradually if I keep up on this new healthy lifestyle. The most important thing is that I have truly begun! No matter what size I am this summer, I am going to be so proud to go to the pool. I feel better about myself. I am a lot more confident and I can tell I am physically stronger. I have a lot more energy too.

Happy Easter

We had a great Easter and hope you had the same. We started the weekend with a fabulous HOA Easter egg hunt. The Easter bunny left a trail of jelly beans on Sunday morning with a basket of goodies for each girl. They looked adorable in their Easter dresses!

Jacque

Our first attempt at an engagement photo. Can you guess why we didn't use it?

I want to introduce you all to our friend Jacque. Before he was married my sister Heidi, I knew him as a kid that used to live in our ward. I knew his older sister and thought she was adorable with a great sense of humor. I met Jacque formally when he started coming to the local singles ward. I could tell he was enamored with my sis so we became immediate friends. Hanging out waiting for Heidi was the main thing we had in common. When he became a regular fixture at the Halverson house, he won us all over. He was kind and considerate, but best of all he made us all laugh.

Several years later and now responsible for the well being of five females, Jacque has become a great man. He takes care of my sister by letting her take breaks from the children, he is anxious to be with his cute little family, and he seems absolutely amazing at his job. We don't get to hang out as much because of kids, jobs and life, so it truly is a treat when we can get together. Jacque still has a magical way of making a gathering become a party. He makes up the greatest games! He has the quickest come backs. He can make me laugh until I cry.

Heidi is so lucky to have him in her life. They are a great team. They complement each other so well. When they fell in love I was sad that Heidi had a new best friend. However, as time has passed, I only feel happiness when I think of these two. They are our great friends. Since we got married only two months apart, I feel like we've grown up together. So have fun this month celebrating 8 years of marriage. Thanks, Heed, for bringing this lively individual into our lives.

Love the Challenge

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