How Blogilates Changed My Life

I feel like I have been pretty open on this blog about my thyroid problems. For the last few years they have not impacted my life like they had the previous five or so years. I feel like the dosage of medicine that the doctor has me on is just perfect. I am beyond grateful that I have a doctor who listens to me the patient and my symptoms and not just the results of the yearly blood work. I am also grateful that my doctor is still my doctor even though we moved to Boise. Before we moved that was one of my biggest concerns, how will I find another understanding doctor. I talked to my doctor and he said oh yeah I treat people all over the country. It will be no problem to keep you as a patient.  Now I just worry about when he retires. Anyway. I haven't been as tired or sick. I haven't been as depressed with my thyroid functioning as it should the last few years. I hadn't however felt like previous thyroid/pre-kids Diana though. That is until this past year.

At the end of May I sent a simple text to our cousin Karli. Karli is an amazing health coach. I said can you help me feel healthy/better. She said of course. We texted about how I felt and what we could do to help. She suggested I eat healthier (her maintaining phase if I were on a diet program). I asked her about exercise also. I asked about something I could do at home. She suggested Blogilates. I had never heard of Blogilates. I looked it up and was instantly interested. I started that very day. (That is the day Lou and I started running also) Cassey Ho started Blogilates.

Over the last seven or so months of doing Blogilates six times a week I feel like Cassey is my personal friend. Blogilates starts with a beginner calendar. All the workouts are from Cassey and they are all on Youtube. The first day I thought wow this is great but maybe too easy. The second day I thought nope not too easy. I have never consistently stuck with an exercise program like I have Blogilates. I have only missed a few days because of the flu. I have missed 4 days total in 7 months. I love it that much. So for 30 days you do the beginners calendar. It gets you used to her workouts. Everyday a workout is focused on a different part of the body but you whole body gets a workout. Its not just old late pilates. It is so much more. After the 30 days you do the regular workouts. She sends out a monthly calendar. You can also find playlists of her daily workouts on youtube. Usually workouts are anywhere between 45 minutes to 75 minutes. I have never had a better workout, not classes at the gym, working out on treadmills/ellipticals, not even that summer I did power yoga (which I still love). Blogilates has changed my life.

Blogilates has given my energy that was lost due to my thyroid. It has given me confidence. It has made me happy with my body. I have muscles on my abs! My legs are stronger. I am stronger. I feel like I am me again. It has made me happy. The healthy eating has helped that too. I have not done as well as I like with that over November and December but I'm okay with that. I still did my Blogilates. I look forward to doing my Blogilates everyday (rest day on Sunday). I am so glad  to have found an exercise program (for free!!!) that I love, will actually do and has results.

Counting My Blessings as the School Year Begins

School

School started this week. The kids love their teachers. I always feel more relaxed about sending the kids to school knowing that they are happy with their teachers. We attended back-to-school night last week. I was the only one who attended the second session for Josh's class, so we were able to talk one-on-one. It was super nice. I was impressed by Josh's teacher. Josh's teacher told me how sweet and nice Josh is, how quiet and well behaved he is in class. We talked about Josh's reading and spelling struggles. We have been blessed every year to have thoughtful teachers who work hard to meet my children's individual needs. After I talked with Josh's teacher for about twenty minutes I met Lou at Kira's teacher's classroom. Kira's teacher was just finishing up his presentation to the parents, he seems like a really cool teacher. Kira likes him a lot. I talked with him about Kira being placed in gifted and talented. He said that after only three days its very obvious Kira needs to be in gifted and talented. Again I was so impressed that both Kira and Josh's teachers knew them well after three days of school and both were willing to listen to my views of their needs.

My school also started this week. I was very stressed about going to school full time and still having time and energy to be the mom and wife I desire to be. I had a class every single day and a practicum 3.5 hours a week also. I was so scared and said many prayers. I had an appointment with my academic advisor this week and found out that thanks to a class I took freshman year at BYU I didn't have to take the math class I was enrolled in this semester. It was an answer to a prayer being able to drop that class. As a second degree bachelor student I don't have to take as many classes as the other elementary education majors. I can finish in two years. There are however certain classes they require you to take even if you have a degree already. This math class was one of them. I am so happy that I randomly took a teacher's math class my freshman year at BYU, and that 18 years later it still counts. By dropping this math class I only have to be on campus Tuesdays and Thursdays. I will have more time to do my practicum without having to rush to get to campus and I will have Fridays completely free from class and practicum!  I also switched one of my classes to an online class. I had a big break on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I switched the class that was in the late afternoon to online. I feel so much better about my schedule now. Homework and studying will still be crazy busy but at least this schedule feels so much more doable.

Running/Spiritual Well Being 

Lou and I have started running. We began back in June. We have gone 3-4 times a week since we started. I absolutely love it. I never thought I would but I do. I really love the way I feel running consistently. I have also made a concerted effort to eat healthy. I feel so much trimmer and healthy. I have energy again, that I haven't had since my thyroid issues. I am doing blogilates in the morning also six days a week, its been nice making more of an effort.

Yesterday while I was running I decided I was going to think about the blessings in my life. It was a beautiful experience feeling the cool breeze, being alone, having it be so quiet, feeling the spirit. I thought of so many blessings, we have a good life.

Today in sacrament meeting we sang "The Lord is My Shepherd for the opening hymn. I love this hymn. I have had a lot of good experiences with this hymn, including one that made it clear to me that I had to serve a mission. Today while singing it the spirit overwhelmed me. I had this strong feeling of peace come over me. It felt like all my worries that I have had lately just disappear. I was so overcome with peace, visually seeing the blessings that Heavenly Father has given to me.

The Lord is good.

Catching Up and our Boise House

I have missed blogging!  I have thought of a lot of posts the last week but never sat down to write them. Now I can't remember what I wanted to blog about.  So maybe if I just start writing things will come to me.

Lou and I went to Boise on Sunday night. I was just there late Sunday and Monday. We picked out the colors, cabinets, flooring etc for our house. It took about three hours. It was a lot of fun. Its pretty exciting. Its hard knowing we won't be in it till the end of October though.

Some of our choices. The wood will be in our kitchen, walkway, pantry etc. the granite is for our kitchen counters, the little square on the granite is the color of our cabinets, the title is for the entryway and the downstairs bathroom and around the fireplace,  the stone is just for a small column out the outside of the house. the ugly patterned thing is just the pad for under our carpet.  The small tiles are our backsplash and then the vinyl is for the floors in the bathrooms upstairs. 

We met our neighbors across the street from us when we went to look at our lot. They were really nice, so that's really encouraging.

Lou showed me the apartment complex we'll be living in until our house is done. The outside is nice (didn't see the inside) and it was quiet, so I think it will do just fine.

It's all unreal to me still even though its so close, I am sure it will feel unreal until maybe the kids start school there.

One thing I have been thinking about and one of my best friends randomly sent me an email about the same subject today, is recognizing God's blessings in our lives. There is so much in our lives to be so grateful for, I tend to get caught up in worrying about things I can't control, things I don't have, things that I want. I need to forget those things and focus on the many blessings in my life.

Like Elder Holland said (and this quote is hanging on my fridge)

We must never allow our burdens to obscure our blessings. There will always be more blessings than burdens—even if some days it doesn’t seem so. 

I think I will need this attitude and reminder after we move.

Total blessing recently is that I found out my doctor can write prescriptions for Boise. So I don't need to find a new doctor! Also we found a pharmacy that carries my medicine (not all do) and its right near one of lou's store! I can't even tell you how this is such such a relief to me!

Primary Program and Sick Kiddos

Today was the Primary program. There was a definite hustle and bustle in the air in Sacrament meeting.  Its always my favorite Sunday of they year when the kids have their program.

I was involved in the program this year as primary pianist.  It was fun to be a part of the excitement.  Kira and Josh both had their parts memorized. I couldn't help but remember when Kira was four and Kira had to say "We can receive answers to our prayers" that wasn't good enough for Kira, Kira went on to tell two different stories of when Heavenly Father answered her prayers. This year she stuck to her part :)

Poor Kira started to feel sick in Sacrament meeting. In Primary she looked pretty bad. I asked her if she wanted to go home but she couldn't get herself to leave since they were getting snacks and watching a movie (Mormon Ad's). Kira by the time we got home was burning up, her head was killing her, her hands were numb.  Little Kira doesn't handle being sick very well, she pretty much cried on and off for an hour before bed. I felt so bad for her.  She kept saying she was having bad thoughts of being on a boat with a person without a head.  We said many extra prayers to help her fall asleep

This

reminded me of this:

poor kira

Josh was sick earlier this week

I was sick in between the kids sickness.  So the last few days haven't been super jolly at the Allen household.

I realized I think about my thyroid every day and a lot of the day. I can't keep this up for the rest of my life. I regret every day having it irradiated.  Lou says I can't think that way since we prayed about it and fasted about it at the time and felt it was the thing to do at that time.  Its really coming down to a faith thing with me. I have to trust the Lord that he has taken care of me this long (3 years) then he'll keep doing it. Its so so so hard though.

October is a Great Month!

I feel like sometimes because of Facebook, Twitter, now Instagram and of course my personal journals, this blog gets neglected, which is sad. I love this blog, I love going back and reading old posts. I want to be able to come back and read about this time in our life in a few years.

Lou is on his second tour in Boise.  I am getting more used to him being gone. Lou did come home for a few days at the end of September. We celebrated our anniversary.

yes everyone has seen this photo by now but hey its my blog.  Lou and I  October 2, 2012

Lou and I walked around City Creek and ate at the Cheesecake Factory for dinner. Jeff and Leann watched Kira and Josh for us, they allowed them to spend the night.  It was great to have that one-on-one time with Lou since we *literally* did not get to see each other more than a few days out of the month.

Lately I have really felt so much better thyroid-wise.  I feel like I have more energy, I feel more fit, I feel more happy.  I hope I can always work with a doctor who listens to me and respects what I know about my body.

The kids had Fall Break the past few days.  It was a blast to have them home.  Lets be honest I was not looking forward to Fall break at all, not one bit.  I was worried that I'd feel that stress of when the kids used to be home all day and Lou was gone at work or school all day.  But nope we had a blast, the kids were great and I didn't tire or get frustrated with them home all day and Lou being gone.

It was not as cold as you would imagine with how Kira is dressed.  Nice Fall weather!

We did fun activities including : trips to Target, watching Halloween movies, reading Halloween books, playing with friends, Riverwoods, dinner with Nana and Gramps, dinner with the Jensens, friend's birthday party, and yummy treats.

Kira starts her musical practices tomorrow. I am helping out with the piano. Kira didn't get the lead of Virginia. Kira did get a solo and special dance numbers, we will find out more tomorrow. Kira was crushed but I think she will still have fun. (The musical is "Yes, Virginia there is a Santa Claus" its by Macy's. )

Kira and Josh's school pictures this year.

Tomorrow (Tuesday) the kids return to school.  I get to go back to my daily routines.  And in a few weeks we'll get to see Louis.

I Like Me!

Today I went on an hour walk/run, way more walking fast w/o the actual running.  I had my running playlist on my cute little Nano that Lou gave me for Mother's Day.  There are a little paths and trails behind Timpview High. I went up there and then ended up walking in Indian Hills.

As I was going up I stopped and just stared at the beautiful view of Provo from the trail. I felt such peace that we are we're suppose to be. Provo is home.

As I was cooling down I stopped and laid on the grass on a small hill at the HS, feeling just happy to be me.

pic of me on my birthday with the cake sweet Alyssa made for me 

Oh Sweet the Joy ...

In our ward we sing GREAT hymns. I love it. After living in a ward for six years with  the same Sacrament meeting chorister who loved to choose the uncommon hymns (so we could learn them she would say) it is so fantastic to be singing all the favorites on Sundays.
For our Sacrament hymn. We sang  "I Know that My Redeemer Lives" this is my most favorite hymn. I remember when I was first discovering my testimony, I'd hear it or sing it and it would solidified my testimony more than words or prayer alone.
Today while singing it and singing the sentence ".. Oh sweet the joy this sentence gives, I know that my Redeemer lives"  the spirit hit me so strong.  I felt such gratitude for my testimony of the Savior. I also felt gratitude that my health is getting better.   It hit me that whoa I am so happy right now, I don't remember in the last few years feeling as happy as I did right then.
God is good. I was promised in a Priesthood blessing from Lou 2 years ago that I would once again be perfectly healthy. Every hard day of health since that blessing, I would think of that promise. I am nearly there. I haven't felt this good in years.  I am happy I can focus, I am feeling thin, I don't experience aches as often. Its so nice, I have been on a new dosage of my meds for 2 months and it seems to be working.

While singing today I felt such gratitude for that blessing and that now over two years later it seems to be coming true.!
*the picture had nothing to do with the post but Joshy is just so cute!

• I love my job. I love being busy and around adults. I mean as a mom you're busy but  its different.
• Josh and I went to the Jazz game on  Wednesday, so fun! Lou and I went on Friday, such a blast! Lou and I were in the lower bowl. (doesn't happen often for us) both games we received free tickets to the game!
• My doctor thinks I have too much yeast in my system He wants me to do the Candida Diet to cleanse out my system .Its for three weeks  I have only done it for two days now.  No sugar of any kind (including fruits) no yeast or certain grains, strict on oils. After the three weeks you can slowly add in things. Three weeks would put me at Dec 26th.  I think I will end it Dec 24th or take two days off for Christmas.
• Lou and I are going to be called to be service missionaries. We will help young single adults to find employment. I am excited but worried what we'll do with the kids, hopefully we can alternate at the employment center.
• Three weeks till Christmas. I am so excited.  I have most of my shopping done but still have much that I want to do. December is the best month but always goes by the quickest!

Weekly Update- My Christmas Job and More!

I was dedicated to writing on our blog more and here I go a few weeks without writing.  I think because I have been writing in my journal more and being busy and tired it just hasn't gotten done. Plus it feels overwhelming thinking I have to "catch up" but hey is my blog so I am saying I don't have to catch up.

• The kids had Wednesday and Friday off due to Thanksgiving. Its been so fun having them home.  They are soooooo excited about the holidays.
• We had Thanksgiving with Lou's parents, its fun but it is different than my family growing up. I loved Thanksgiving with my family.  The food was always delicious but simple so it didn't seem my mom had to be working constantly.  We would eat snacks, chip and dip, fruit salad, cookies, veggies and dip. We would play games while watching Christmas movies.  I loved it.  Grandma Field would come it was great.  Lou's family celebrates a little different. Seems like no one is really allowed to eat before the meal (so I brought chips and dip for us) and we brought games but no one seemed to want to play with us.. kind of meh kind of holiday good but not the best.  I read my  friend Robyns post about their family's Thanksgiving it seemed so cool. The kids did a talent show, they played Turkey Bingo, played games, sounds like fun, how I picture Thanksgiving.
• I found my camera... yippee!!! So from now expect pictures with my posts.
• I got a temporary job at the BYU Bookstore for Christmas filling their online orders.  I have worked twice now, its hard work but fun. It will be nice to have the extra money this time of year. Plus it turns out a friend from my last ward Jessica Wilson is working there too :)
• Last week Robin and I went to our friend's Bridget's step-dad's funeral. He died at 59 of a heart attack.  I feel so sad for Bridget. She was close to her step-dad he was her dad. I am happy Robin and I could go to the funeral and support our dear friend.  Robin lost her mom 2 years ago this time of year.  Its nice they can support each other and truly understand what one another is going through.
• I have a follow up appointment with my doctor on Tuesday.  He did a bunch of blood work 2 weeks ago. Hopefully we figure out why I feel so hypo all the time.
• We want to do the 12 Days of Christmas with our Sunday School Class. We are having them decide on the family. If you have any good ideas of what we can do for the days, please share :)
• Jazz beat the Lakers on Friday. It was awesome!
• I have an idea for gifts for my friends and sisters I am excited about it.
• Its hard to believe its less than a month till Christmas.  I love my kids' ages they are so excited. I am always excited about Christmas. December is such a fun month!

Alright that is all I can think of to write about. Hopefully it will be sooner than 2 or 3 weeks when I update next!

I'm Awake

Everyone in my house is asleep. Its been that way for hours. The kids down at 7:30 and Lou well Lou went to sleep around the time I woke up from my nap. (6:00 pm) Lou had a bad headache (unusual for him) and said he wanted to lay down for a minute and as been in bed for six hours now.

I sometimes enjoy these evenings on my own although not as much as I used to when the kids were babies. I remember then that bed time was my most favorite time of day.  Now it doesn't seem to matter as much since well I have 7 hours to myself Monday-Friday.

Don't get me wrong I still love bedtime but to have alone time with Lou and since he was asleep before the kids well tonight was just kind of meh.

Tonight I've been thinking a lot about many random things.

• The kids Primary program was today. It was so nice. I loved hearing the sweet children sing their songs and say their lines.  Josh and Kira both were confident in their parts, having them memorized and not being nervous.  Josh's line was "But have everlasting life" he said his line so slowly and clear.. Go Joshy!  Kira's line was "the Israelites were blessed for following the prophet and we can be too" She did great too so confident even though she is sick.
• Lou and I have been teaching the 12-13 year olds Sunday School class since August. We love it. Our class is so great.  We finally remembered to get set apart today.  I like our Bishop. He set us apart. Although we were set apart for the same calling, our blessings couldn't have been more different from each other.  I love that the Lord knows what we need to hear, personally. 
• I have an appointment with a new doctor this week.  My friend Jen also has thyroid problems. I love my doctor but he doesn't accept insurance and since I'm not getting better its getting expensive. Jen's doctor also believes in naturpatholgy but is just a general practicioner so our insurance is accepted.  I am tired of having so many ups and downs with my heath.  I have a good feeling about this doctor. (wish me luck)
• I have yet to blog about my Uncle Bob's funeral that took place last Tuesday. I will. It has been on my mind a lot.
• I am reading Eat Pray Love. I am enjoying it like the movie.
• I missed nearly all the Jazz games this week because of other commitments.  I finally watched their game on Saturday.  The Jazz have won 5 games in a row (4 on the road) by overcoming double digit deficits in the second half.  That just doesn't happen in the NBA... fun times!
• I have been working on Sharon's gift for Roman since he was born in August (right August) it will get done in the next 2 days.No excuse for having taken this long.

Just my random thoughts on my night by myself.