Post Pregnancy Fit Club

Day 16, 17, 18

2010-03-18T09:19:00.000-07:00

Weight: 139!

I broke 140! It has been a long time since I've seen that. Only 4 pounds until my goal weight and only 7 pounds from my wedding day weight!

Overall, this past week has been hard on a few different levels: 1. I feel an overwhelming laziness and 2. Am starting to wonder what I will do when this is over.

Allow me to explain.

Overwhelming Laziness: I think this is contributed to a few factors. As I already mentioned, I am close to my period. So, I guess I should consider this to be more of low energy than laziness. Sleep has been rare since I am trying so hard to keep the house clean, keeping up with intense workouts, spending time with my kids/family, and working full-time that I find myself going to bed at 1 - 1:30am and getting up around 7am with the kids. In short, it has been harder for me to find the motivation to go to the gym when it is 9:45pm. I just want to curl up in bed and sleep.

What gets me to the gym? I think to myself, "I have come this far, I can't stop now.. only a week and a half left!". I am not a quiter, I am a goal oriented person. What has helped the most is that this is not a life diet, it is a 30 day diet. When the goal is to big, it is hard to keep up. Too many indulgences are made. Thus, 30 days helps me because there is an end in sight.

This leads me to my other struggle for the week: What do I do when this is over?
For the past two weeks I did nothing but think of all the things I can't wait to eat. Chocolate chip cookies straight from the oven, Burgerville milkshake, pizza, french toast, biscuts and gravy, salt, martini, and... well, this list goes on for quite a while.

Rather than thinking of all that I can eat when I'm done, this week I've been thinking more of "What should I eat?". Like I said in the very first post of this blog, I am exposed to pastries, bagels, samples, leftovers from the store everyday. Plus, I attend a home church where we have dessert after every meal (every week!). So if you think about it, I am eating a dessert potentially every single day. That adds up to one unhealthy mama.

Not just the desserts, but it will be my everyday eating as well. Now that I've been looking at calories, I've noticed that some of my other meals were easily over 1,000 calories (each!). No wonder I've been so unhappy and feeling like shit. I finally feel great.

I feel the next couple of blogs are going to be more of how I am going to eat for an extended period of time rather than 30 days. I'm sure it will change in 10 years because my body will be different then and react to different foods.

Please share insights on how you eat. What works for you (or doesn't work).

Day 12, 13, 14, 15

2010-03-15T14:55:00.000-07:00

Weight: 141

Life has been extra busy as you can see so I haven't posted for the last three days, and I don't really even remember the last 3 days. I do remember that I am consistantly working out and feeling great about that.

The diet is still doing okay. I have avoided counting calories, not because I go over everyday, but more so that I was so annoyed plugging in every single vegetable I'd eat on the computer. Can't I say, "Salad with the works!" No... there is no option. I plug in pepper, mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, red leaf lettuce, green leaf lettuce, and so on and so on. So it really became a time issue more than anything.

However, I am pretty sure that I've gone over every day with a little nibble here and a little nibble there. Like when I make Jordan's peanut butter and jelly sandwich, I take a lick of the knife before putting it in the dishwasher. 2 tablespoons of that stuff is 200 calories! So I'm sure I'm getting 100 with that simple lick and when I am trying to stay to 1500 calories a day, 100 lick doesn't go very far.

Basically I need to start diligently counting again. Good bye spare time.

But hey... half way there!!!!!

I did conquer probably the biggest challenges of all on Saturday.

My folks threw a dinner party and for dessert served Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies with mint ice cream!!!!! That was so so so so so so so so so so so so so hard to avoid. Matt and I were looking at each other for support but I think secretly wanted the other person to cave so that we could find the excuse to have some as well. I think the only thing that got me through it was the fact that my mom is gluten and dairy free right now, so both of those will still be in her freezer in two weeks!

Day 11

2010-03-11T21:56:00.000-08:00

Weight: Forgot (a little scared from the weight gain)

Kate I think was right in her comment, I think it is muscle. For this reason, I usually never weigh myself because muscle is way better than just being skinny. But I hear about those models who are my height and 125. I don't want to look like that, but it makes me compare the number and then I get stuck on numbers.

I am getting closer to my period (sorry for the period talk on a blog to all you male readers), but it has to be said. I am craving everything. Maybe it is just the diet talking and not the hormones (or a little of both). So it is a little harder to keep focused. It sounds so comforting. Plus, when I should be feeling sexy and hot, I feel slightly bloated. Boo. My cramps are actually not as bad with the diet (or just a good month).

Other than that, nothing new to report. A normal day, I guess.

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, 1 cup Cascadian high fiber cereal, 1/2 cup skim milk
Lunch: Bacon, tomato, cheese, pepper, lettuce wrap with whole wheat tortilla
Snack: yogurt, fruit, rolled oats, 2 little plums
Dinner: Asparagus, pepper, jalopeno, omelet with fresh tomatoes on top and 1 cup homemade oatmeal (sweetened with 100% maple syrup and little milk)

Workout: Weights, 4 miles run (it was on the treadmill, so to help make the time go by faster I would keep a 6:45 pace for 5 minutes, then 7:45 for 5 minutes, then back to 6:45 and so on and so on until I ran for 30 minutes which was almost exactly 4 miles).

Day 10

2010-03-10T22:39:00.000-08:00

"Meeting today at 2pm", is the email I read when I got to work today. A meeting on a Wednesday... how odd. Usually they are on Thursdays. As I am working out in my head the possibilities of what this meeting is about, I see a pizza delivery guy walk out the front door of my store.

"We're having pizza!" I thought to myself.
"Crap!" It hits me that I am still on a diet for 20 more days!

As I walk up the stairs to go to the meeting, the most warm, alluring smell fills my nostrils as I walk closer and closer to the office. Then, as I enter the room, I see it. The most beautiful pizza in the world. What kind is that, you ask? The kind where you can get 5 different varieties! Yes, there was vegetarian, chicken and garlic, combination, all meat, and another one. It doesn't matter that I don't know the last variety, it just matters that 5 different kinds of pizza were at my disposal.

I could have as much as I wanted! It was free! It was warm (did you know I work outside where it is freakin' freezing?)! It was pizza!

Pizza that is made of white flour. Pizza that has grease puddles. Pizza that has a high calorie count. Well, guess what?

I DIDN'T EAT ANY! Can you believe it?! I can conquer all! Who in their right mind can turn down pizza? Me, that's who!

Booya!

But get this... even after eating really well the last couple of days to make up for my challah choice, I've gain 3 pounds! I am sitting pretty at 143. This just goes to show that it isn't about weight, it is about how you feel... and I feel great! I am working out harder than I have in a long time. I am more disciplined that I have ever been and I feel damn sexy. 1/3 of the way through!

For all you on a diet or trying to loose that pregnancy weight... just keep working. You have to be realist about goals. Goals that you can actually reach in a reasonable amount of time. It will come. And tell someone about it. It'll help keep you checking in with someone.

20 more days here I come!

Day 8/9

2010-03-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

Day 8:
Weight: 140

A bad day for the diet. One week and I already am making excuses for myself on why it isn't a big deal if I get something that is not good for me. One week. Man, I wanted to make sure that I could go 30 days. To prove to myself that I have willpower. What I ate, you ask? Well, I didn't have plans for dinner, so I decided to take out some ground turkey from the freezer and have turkey burgers. Quick side note: Why is it called "ham"burgers when it is not made of ham? Yet if I were to have turkey, it would be called "turkey"burger. In fact, I don't think I've ever had a literal "ham"burger, just your tradition beef burger. Another thing, why is hamburger one word when turkey burger is two? Okay, thought of the day... back to the diet.

I was going to have my "turkey" burger with out the bun and lot of vegetables. Maybe this should be called a "garden burger". He he. Oh man, I wish Matt was awake to force laugh with me. Okay... seriously now (geez, here I am trying to inspire people to stay dedicated to their workouts and keep focus on diets and I can't even make it through this blog. Just imagine what God must think when I pray to him. I'm all over the place!) Now I'm talking about God! Focus, focus, focus.

When it came to it, I saw in my freezer, staring at me, some big, golden, challah hamburger buns. Oh my, they are so delicious. This diet I am not supposed to eat white flour. Only whole wheat. So I asked Matt (who is supposed to be supporting me on this diet by doing it with me), "What type of bun do you want? Challah, whole wheat, bread, nothing?" And do you know what he says?! He says, "Do you really need to ask? Challah of course!" That was it. I didn't say how much I was trying to fight it and I need his help. Instead I thought to myself so he wouldn't know the turmoil I was going through, debating back and forth if I should have some, or maybe half, a little won't hurt, right?

What do I do? I pull out 3 buns. One for Matt, 1/2 for me, 1/2 for Jordan, and 1 for Matt for lunch the next day.

What really happened? I pulled out 3 buns. One for Matt, 1.25 for me (I ate some of Jordan's), and .75 for Jordan. AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have very little willpower. And it was so deceptive too. I would quickly sneak a bit before anyone saw me. It was everything I was hoping it would be. Delicious. But afterwards, I felt awful. I was, am, disappointed in myself. I know a lot of you might think, "you're doing great... this was only once... it isn't that big of deal". That is sweet of you to think that, but it is a big deal. I wanted to make it 30 days with no giving in. I wanted to show myself I could do it. But I didn't. I won't give up, I'll keep going. It just sucks. That is two days in a row of going off the diet. Not a good thing. Because once I start making excuses for myself once, I'll do it again and it will be easier. After I do it a second time, it will be even easier and I'll likely do it again. And again. And again. And again. You get my point. I need to stay focused (obviously by reading this email you can see that is damn near impossible).

Day 9:
Weight: 142 (thanks Challah)

Did good. Good food, good workout. Now for bed (spent too much time on day 8 that it is past my bedtime).

Day 7

2010-03-08T12:02:00.000-08:00

Day 7:
Weight: 140

Day off from working out. I was hoping to go with Matt to yoga for my day off, but Topher is still sick. Oh well, I guess I was literally take a day off.

Sunday is our one day a week as a family. It is wonderful knowing that we get every meal together on Sunday and that the meals are healthy. There was a bad pattern we go into that made family day seem like a holiday or vacation (because it is so seldom) that we treat it with treats. "Oh special day... let's go get Burgerville milkshakes", or Voodoo doughnuts, or whatever seems most decedent at the time.

Instead we went to OMSI and took the kids to their first movie, an IMAX movie "Deep Sea". Glad it was only an hour because I think Jordan was getting a little restless.

Not much to report on the diet though.

Breakfast: Usual (Scrambled eggs, Kashi go lean cereal)
Snack: Yogurt, blueberries, oats
Lunch: Salad with asparagus and bacon
Dinner: Grilled chicken, wild rice, artichoke

Late night snack with friend Kate: Carrots, cucumbers, apples (and my first little cheat... red wine). What can I say, a friend invites me over and pours me a glass of wine as we catch up, I can't resist. It was wonderful.

Day 6

2010-03-06T12:10:00.000-08:00

Weight: 140

It is getting a little easier. Sort of like a pattern. However, there are two big struggles.

1. I have to prepare (or at least plan) what I am going to eat the next day.

2. Peanut butter is HIGH, HIGH, HIGH in calories. Crap!

To address the first one, it is annoying to think of everything I am going to eat the next day, check the calories to make sure I am hitting the mark. What has often happened this week, is I don't have enough time to check the calories in my lunch. I pack a snack and a meal, and then later that night I check the calories. When I check I find out that earlier in the day I hate museli, or peanut butter on wheat bread with honey and a banana (oh my favorite) and find out I just at 500 calories for a snack! And since I have already planned the dinner for the week, I can't not make it... that's what is on the menu. So, I have gone over my calories by 100-300 for the past 3 days (and I've only been on this diet for 6 days!)

Now regarding that peanut butter... I love it. It is so incredible. I would eat just peanut butter for a snack if I could. That smooth texture followed by that wonderful crunch. Oh my... just thinking of it makes me want to put my finger in the jar right now. What stops me you ask, whoever is out there reading, peanut has 200 calories in 2 tablespoons!!! Before I started this I would say there was a time I may have enjoyed 1/3 cup of peanut butter by itself. Oh those days.

Speaking of "those days" when I was younger and my body could handle eating half a bag of Oreo cookies and still weigh a measly 120... I asked Matt last night if he was okay with his body getting older. He said, "yes". Then I asked myself the question. When I was younger, I always wanted to be okay with getting older. Excited about growing and having big birthdays like 30, 40, etc. I still want to celebrate like crazy, don't get my wrong, but when I really thought about it, I don't think I am okay with getting older.

Actually, I think it is a combination of getting older and having two kids. My body is not as firm as it used to be. My ass and boobs sag more than they used to. Wrinkles are starting to show, which I don't mind that much, but what I don't like are the age spots (or freckles) I've gotten. Seems to increase every summer. And most of all, I can't eat as much, but I still want to and before this, I did. I would eat as much as Matt! Why did I not find that is odd? I, little 5'9" compared to 6'5" eating the same amount of food. Crazy.

Jordan is choking me... I think I need to give her attention.

Breakfast: scrambled eggs, 1 cup Nature's Organic cereal, 1/2 c skim milk (mistake with the cereal... later realized it took a lot of calories)
Lunch: Leftover frittata
Snack: Salad, yogurt, tangerine
Dinner: Have figured it out yet, but I only have 200 calories left in the day.

Workout: Run... it is gorgeous out!!!!!

Day 5

2010-03-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

Weight: 140

So late when I have to get up early, but I want to make sure I get this out. Another day survived at New Seasons with free food calling me in all directions. Bread being the main one. I've notice how many times a day I would walk by free bread from the bakery, grab a chunk, and eat it. Crazy what you don't even notice, but finally take notice one you break a habit. I don't think any of my sentences tonight are making sense.

I am running on 4 1/2 hours sleep (I did go and workout last night once Matt got home - hooray for me for my discipline!) but now I am paying for it.

I'll keep this one simple.

Breakfast: Vegetable 2 egg omelet
Lunch: Salad with bacon, tomatoes, cheese, avocado, olive oil, and baslamic. Kiwi, and a chunk of whole wheat bread (about the size of a roll)
Snack: blueberries, yogurt, oats, 1 slice bread with peanut butter, honey,
Dinner: Vegetable frittata, 1 1/2 wheat pancakes with fruit and yogurt

I am pretty sure I went over my calories today... but I don't know how much. Damn! Breakfast for dinner is just so good. No excuses! Hopefully not too bad on the calories. But my stomach is feeling it. Gas, gas, gas... yet unable to fart (excuse my bluntness on a blog... I do that). I think it was the wheat. At least I made up for lack of veggies in my diet from yesterday!

Day 3/4

2010-03-04T21:35:00.000-08:00

Day 3:
Weight: 142

Yesterday started with Topher sleeping in unusually late, which would seem like heaven except for the fact that I have a 3 year old saying, "Mom! Mom! I'm hungry! Mom! Open your eyes! Mom!" you get the picture.

In order for me to run before work I have to be out the door by 9am. At 8:30am Topher was still sound asleep. Tempting to stay inside and play with the kids. But... day 3, can't back down already. I woke him up! Fed him on the run (thank God he started being able to hold the bottle himself).

It was my day to take off from weights, so it was refreshing knowing that once I was done, I'd feel better and I would be done for the day! 4 miles

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, museli (found out later they have TONS OF CALORIES!!! and threw off my whole day), 1/2 cup milk
Lunch: Another chicken wrap, 1/2 carrot
Snack: Kiwi, blueberries, yogurt, oats
Dinner: Shrimp and broccoli whole wheat pasta

Day 4:
Weight: Forgot
Didn't start out great. I woke up late so I didn't have time to pack a good lunch, so I grabbed leftovers from the night before (500 calories!) and almonds/raisins. 500 calories is a lot when I am trying to stick to 1500. Especially with it being my lunch. What on Earth will I have for dinner that will not be so many calories? Carrots and bean dip?

I was hoping to go workout at the gym when I got home from work at 3:30pm, but Topher is now sick, so I can't take him. Matt has his academy and won't be back until 10:30pm, maybe 11pm. So... I can't believe I am going to do this, but I will hopefully sleep and then when he gets home, I will go to the gym (even though I have to get up at 5am for work). Am I totally nuts? Am I really addicted to working out?

I am driven by vain purposes. I want to have the hot body. I want to find the perfect swim suit that when I walk down the beach I have a sub-conscience strut that says, "Oh yeah... look at me... I had two kids... uh huh, uh huh, uh huh... booya!"

Breakfast: Scrambled eggs, Kashi Go-Lean cereal
Lunch: Leftover pasta
Snack: Nuts/raisins, whole grain toast with peanut butter, honey, and banana
Dinner: Scrambled eggs, 1/2 avacado, 1/2 cup yogurt

Wow... little vegetables. I'll need to work on that tomorrow

Day 2

2010-03-02T23:55:00.000-08:00

Weight: 142

Today was the first day at work, which is the most tempting place of all with free samples at the Solutions counter and day old pastries in the breakroom. I did triumph over them! It is easier having Matt do this with me, writing it down where people can see this (although I don't think anyone is actually reading it), and for the athlete in me that wants to be in the best physical condition ever!

Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs, Kashi Go Lean cereal
Lunch: chicken wrap and green beans
Snack: Blueberries, oats, greek yogurt, and a plum
Dinner: Taco salad

Workout: Jillian Michael's "Making the Cut" workout day two and 30 minutes cardio (machine unfortunately).

Several times today I thought about all the things I want to eat when this is over. I can tell that I will loose weight, but possibly gain it back quickly if I give into every indulgence. My mom just told me the wonderful, awful, decadent, sinful, refreshing, horrible chocolate thin mint cookies are in her freezer waiting for me. AHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

Love you mom!

Day 1

2010-03-01T09:41:00.000-08:00

Weight: 145

So far so good, but it has only been breakfast. I am really excited to begin and to finally get rid of this weight.

The plan for food today...
Breakfast: 2 scrambled eggs and 1 cup of Kashi Go-Lean cereal with 1/2 cup skim milk
Lunch: 1/2 avacado, 1/4 cup salsa, mixed with 1/4 cup bay shrimp, 15 almonds, 1 apple, 1/2 carrot
Snack: 1/2 cup greek yogurt, 1/4 cup frozen blueberries, 1/4 cup rolled oats
Dinner: Grilled Chicken breast, wild rice, salad

Workout: Run 5 - 6 miles, wieghts, abs

Obstacles: Jordan is sick so I can't take her to the kids club while I lift weights, which means I have to wait until Matt is home. But then we need to eat dinner, so weights are pushed back again until after the kids are asleep, however that is the time when Matt and I catch up. Thus weights are pushed back again until after Matt goes to sleep (early since he has to wake up at 3:30am). The reason why this is a problem is because by then, I will have already have been on a run and will feel extremely gross and want nothing more than a shower. Plus, I will probably want to go to bed too.

I am an athlete, I need to loose weight, I am committed. I can do this. Here I go!

Getting Started

2010-02-21T21:35:00.000-08:00

Starting March 1st, I am going on a diet. This is rather odd for me because all of my life I have been very active, in shape, and a fairly good eater (and yes, that means I have a good appetite). I have never been on a diet. Never had to. I am addicted to working out and the few times a year that I minimize activity by sitting on my ass and watching movies is when I am sick.

I have never had weight issues, and I still don't. However, I am noticing that my body is not as tight, toned, or strong as I used to be. I know, I know... a lot of you are shaking your head thinking, "What the hell, she looks great!". Thank you, but when was the last time you saw me naked? If you saw naked Jamie 4 years ago and compared her to naked Jamie today, you'd see the difference. Unfortunately, age has been a huge factor in this. I don't mind the idea of getting older, but I hate that I have to work so damn hard to look great! Believe me, there is the sag, cellulite, and bulge under my clothes.

Lately my pattern for my body not looking as good as I'd like is because I work for a grocery store that has samples of food EVERY FREAKIN' DAY and I have not been so good with my workouts. I don't know about you, but I feel exhausted having to manage my house, a department, two kids, a husband, and somehow finding time to keep my ass from sagging and my arms toned. Yes, I run, but it hasn't been helping. I have to take things to the next level.

So, this blog is to help me do it. I am going to commit writing everyday for 1 month as I go through diet and exercise. Yes, I will include my weight on a daily account.

Stayed tuned. First blog post will be March 1st!

3 Months Catch Up

2009-01-06T22:45:00.000-08:00

Okay, there have been some complaints that I have not updated this blog in three months and people would like to see some new photos.

Let me give a quick update...

* We are pregnant! Due June 8th. We find out next week what the sex is!!!

* Jordan was a pumpkin for Halloween

* Matt and I are coming up on 11 years together

* We went to Sunriver for Thanksgiving

* Matt and I took a small weekend trip to Seattle (so nice to get away together)

* We spent Christmas with both my folks and Matt's folks

Well, that is the basics besides work and my being sick (yes part morning sickness and part a bad cold that kicked my ass for 2 weeks).

Here are some photos.

Matt

2008-09-29T13:45:00.001-07:00

The other night I made hamburgers for dinner and they were great! It was hamburgers with the works, including a fried egg on Matt's burger. Homemade fries and a side bean and corn salad. A nice tasty meal. Matt was so proud of his burger, he felt the urge to take a photo (the whole time I was rolling my eyes). Here is the burger he was so proud of.

Now, after Matt has a good meal, he gets...how do I put this...stupid. His full stomach made him hyper and then a big crash came about 15 minutes later.

New Kitten!

2008-09-29T13:37:00.000-07:00

I don't know what I was thinking, but I went to the flower market for work, one of the girls that works there had brought in free kittens. My mistake was asking to hold one. It took about 2 seconds for me to call up Matt and say, "Honey, please she is so cute and we'll just try it out for the weekend. If Casper totally hates her, we'll give her back....p-l-e-a-s-e?" This is in my cutest voice that makes it impossible for Matt to say no. That day we brought her home and we tested it out. At first, Casper wasn't so found of her, but by the end of the weekend, they were playing together. And just the other day, I caught them snuggling. I guess she's a keeper. We've named her Rogue.

They're so happy together!

Tour De Lab

2008-09-28T21:35:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Matt and I finally had a date!!! Instead of going to a bar to get a drink, we would bike 30 miles around the Portland Metro area to get a free beer. Allow me to explain.

The Lucky Lab Brewery hosted the Tour De Lab bike race to raise money for the 24 hour animal hospital in Portland. The choices were to be a "Puppy" or a "Big Dog". We chose the Big Dog because if you do, at the end of the race you get a free pint (and the glass too)! The tour went to all three brew pubs. We started at one in SE where they gave us quite a spread for breakfast, then road to the second at Multnomah village. At this restop we were treated with smoothies, cookies, and of course our dog tails. That's right, we had to dress like a dog to get the beer. Amazing what we'll do for a free pint.

Next stop was in NW Portland where we had pizza, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and dog ears. Finally, our last stop was at the starting point and we got hot dogs, beer, and, to complete our look, dog nose.

It was good beer, good company, a great way to spend a date!

At the start of the race

Restop #1: Tails Getting in a quick stretch before getting our dog ears

Ear and nose! The race is done and we sat enjoying our beers!

The complete dog look

Coleman Hop Farm

2008-09-04T23:12:00.001-07:00

For those of you don't know, my dad's sister, my aunt, married a Coleman. For those of you don't know, the Coleman family is huge in St. Paul, Oregon. Why? Because they grow hops that make beer of course! Last weekend Matt and I were able to get a tour of the farm and had such a wonderful time hearing the process of harvesting hops. This weekend we are brewing beer with Willamete hops from the Coleman farm! Here are some photos...

On the hop picking truck.

View of the rows that have already been picked and the rows that had yet to be picked.

Once we collect the vines, we take them to here to get the hops taken off the vine (what a process!)

Inspecting the hops - John (my uncle: The farmer) shows us various damage from wind and mites. That is my aunt Liz in the photo with me.

Once the hops are clean, they are taken here to dry for possibly 7 hours. They dry from underneath. The hops cannot be dried too much or too little. It is a precise timing when to stop drying the hops - thus it is left up to John to decide when the process is done. For him, he can just feel the hop and know when it is ready. Neat, huh?

Thousands of pounds of drying hops. In Matt's words, "This is just beautiful"

A video of the truck picking the hops (it is all done by machine with a little guided help from the workers).

Who wants some beer?

We Can Breathe!

2008-09-04T22:14:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a busy couple of months. Since we moved into the new house, we have been unpacking, Matt and Jordan leaving for Michgan for a week, Matt starting a new job, doing some finishing touches to the house (and it is still going), going to Sunriver for a week, having an open house party, going to a concert, and now we have a chance to catch our breath and update our blog. Well there you go. Two months of our lives in one run-on sentence. Man life goes quickly!

Here are a few photos of the house with everything moved in. Granted, since the photos were taken we've put up some curtains and a few new plants (I can't resist). That reminds me...I need to water my plants.

Anywho...here are the photos. We had an open house party...that's why there is a beverage cart in the middle of our kitchen and many flowers and food.

The Mud Room

The Kitchen/Buffet for the Open House

Jordan's Bedroom. Andrea and I painted it when Matt and Jordan were in MI

Sliding Glass Doors to the Backyard

The Bedroom (Bow-chic-a-bow-wow)

The Main Room (sorry its blurry)

The Kitchen (duh)

Leavin' on a Jet Plane

2008-07-23T22:01:00.000-07:00

Next week (acutally, in just a few days - Saturday specifically) Matt and Jordan will get on a plane without me and head to Michigan. Sad day.

They will visit Matt's grandparents on his Dad's side. This will be a trip of many firsts. Jordan's first plane ride. Jordan's first time Michigan. Jordan's first time meeting her great grandparents/great aunt and uncle/2nd cousins. All of which I will not be there to see with her.

I am going to miss them and what I'd love is to have some wonderful distractions while their away. Of course work will help, but would like to spend a great deal of time catching up with people, seeing a movie, or whatever you might have in mind. So, if you're free...give me a call! Tues/Wed off.

Hopefully I'll see some of you next week!

Gabel Vacation

2008-06-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

This past weekend we took a vacation to the Wallowa Mountains with Matt's family. It was relaxing and beautiful and we had a great visit with everyone.

We went hiking and get this...I took a nap everyday! I wonder how many more months it will be until I get another nap.

Here are some photos...

A walk by the lake

Views of the mountain.

Matt and Alan - trying to be cool, I guess =)

Alan and Angela

Playing in the pool

View of the mountains from Joseph

We're Buying a House!

2008-06-17T22:28:00.000-07:00

Okay, I'll try not to make this long, but God is so good! We found a house over a month ago and thought it was perfect. We put in an offer, they countered. We put in another one, and they countered. With that offer, we walked away. Three weeks later they call us up and say they'll take our last offer. Right before we make the offer, the call up and say, "Never mind, increase it $1,500 and we've got a deal". We were shocked at the bait and switch. We did not raise our offer and lost the house.

As you can imagine, we were upset to say the least. For the last month, we've been frustrated and discouraged since we haven't seen anything close to the other house.

On Sunday I noticed a house that looked to good to be ture, so we were able to see it on Monday and put an offer on it that day. As of today, Tuesday, the seller accepted our offer!!!

Here are some photos of our new home. All are invited to an open house party - give us a while to settle in of course.

Living room/kitchen entrance

Wood burning fireplace in living room

Double sink in bathroom

Hallway to the bedrooms

Shed in the backyard

Great News!

2008-05-19T22:46:00.000-07:00

God is so good! Today, Matt went to play basketball and his knee didn't hurt!!! Of course I was a little jealous, but thought, "My knee will get better, I just need to be patient". Later this evening I went for a run and I couldn't feel a thing! Even my lungs didn't bother me and I haven't run in 2 weeks!!!

Thank you to all of you who prayed for us. This injury was greatly affecting (or is it effecting?) our lives and now we were able to get out and do what we love!

Last night, for the first time at the Sunday night group, we all prayed together. It was incredible. Maybe mostly because I was nervous praying with others, but last night felt natural. I'd been praying all week for God to prepare my heart to pray as a community, and during our discussion before prayer He helped me realize that so many of us pray in different ways, about different things and people, and when we all come together, we...how do I say this...we are complete. The group fills gaps that I lack in my prayer life and vice versa.

My point being, that I have been praying for Matt's and my knee for over a month now, and today we felt NOTHING! God is fabulous! Prayer is fabulous! And all of you are fabulous! Thanks again for all of those praying for us. I can't speak for Matt, but I assume that basketball to him is like running for me...it clears my head, helps me to unwind, keeps me in shape, gives me fresh air, and I am just so damn addicted to it!

We're Getting Old

2008-05-14T00:03:00.000-07:00

I know many of you reading this are shaking your heads, assuming that we know nothing about getting older, but I have to say...I'm feelin' it.

For three, going on four weeks now, Matt and I have both been experiencing knee problems. Problems that has effected what we love to do - running and basketball. I have run maybe three times in three weeks (very rare - I usually run about 4-6 days a week). Matt hasn't played in three weeks (usually at least plays about twice a week). We are getting grouchy. Adjustments in our lifestyle have changed, for instance, when we lift weights, we have avoided leg excersizes or anything that involves us bending our knees. We have tried to make sure not to lock our legs and other various things that may help alleviate the pain. Nothing has worked. It doesn't help that our jobs require us to be on our feet for 8 hours at a time.

It isn't just the knees, although it is probably the most frustrating of the whole "getting old" aspect. I have to get up in the middle of the night to pee. We both wake up sore. And we can no longer workout without getting in a good stretch afterwards. I remember back in the day when I was young when I could finish a cross-country race and not even stretch and still feel good the next morning.

This year, we both turned 25. What did I do with my birthday money this year? Well, I decided to invest in anti-aging cream! That's right - I am trying to prevent wrinkles. All those year of sitting in the sun with no sunscreen has caught up to me. Speaking of which, when I went to Mexico in March, I put on sunscreen everyday (except for the first because it was cloudy - and yes...I still got burnt), not the point. I put it on sometimes even twice a day! That is unheard of for me!

Does anyone have any good remedies for a bad knee(s)? I am sick of this. It is a great time of year to be running and I've got nothing to offer. I was hoping to start competing again. If you are the praying type, please pray for us that our knees will be healed so that we can get back to what we love.

Thanks!

Weekend Trip to the Coast

2008-05-13T23:31:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago we were able to get away to the Oregon Coast at Seaside for a couple of days. Our good friends John, Kate, and Molly Pattison joined us on this trip and it was fantastic! A long overdue vacation for us all.

Matt and I own a time-share (I know...one of those silly impulsive buys that you tend to regret later), but the more we travel and take advantage of it, the more we are so greatful. Without it, we most likely would not have taken this trip or even thought about doing mini-vacations like this. Thus, it is proving to be quite useful (finally!).

Although the weather said it was going to be windy, rainy, and cold, we were fortunate to have the best weather for the two and half days that we were there. There was some rain, wind, and it was chilly, but we enough sun breaks to keep our spirits up. We were even able to go for a long bike ride at Fort Stevens in Astoria.

Speaking of Astoria, I was able to see other friends of ours - the Bondurants who live near Astoria. They came down to visit along with thier 3 boys (their lastest only being 2 months - Melody looking good for just having a baby!) Sorry, no pictures of them.

All in all, it was good weather, great company, and overall a relaxing weekend. Here are some pictures.

The view outside of our balcony
Kate and John before our bike ride

Group shot (Molly is in the bike trailer)

Dad's and Babies (or baby and toddler I should say)

The family - wait...that's not my daughter!

Little Molly - Cutie

Molly (Able to sit up!) and Jordan (Ready to get running on the beach!)

Daddy and Jordan running (more jogging) on the beach

Mommy and Jordan RUNNING

Momma Kate and Molly

Thanks Grandma Dot for the shovel and bucket (I think it was more of a gift for Papa and John)

Cheese! Momma and Jordan about to head down to the heated pool!

Kate and John watching the sunset

Oregon Coast

Last stroll before we head back home to Portland

Crew

2008-04-02T17:57:00.000-07:00

Both my Dad and I rowed on the Oregon State Crew team, but we have never rowed together. Thus, for my Dad's birthday this last December, I called the new Women's coach at OSU and asked if we could get on a boat together and she said YES!

Last weekend, both my folks and I went to Corvallis for a night to row and to enjoy the cute town. It was incredible to get back on the boat. I was nervous if I would be ale to remember the stroke, but it was like riding a bike - it all came back to me. Some of the calls were different, but we managed to get by.

When we first got the boat, it was snowing, and as soon as we pushed off the dock it was beautiful and sunny the whole way. On the row, we did many similar excersizes that I did when I was on the team, for instance we did a few starts, power 10's, and other fun stuff that pushed my dad.

Here are a few photos.

My Dad and I taking the boat down to the river. Yes, you're eyes are not fooling you, it is snowing!

Us doing a power 10 excersize

Air Jordan

2008-03-18T23:38:00.000-07:00

Mark it in all your books - On March 11, 2008 Jordan Galluzzo Gabel made her first basketball shot! She has yet to make a shot with her tongue sticking out, but give it time. Watch the instant replay...

Molly and Jordan

2008-03-18T23:32:00.000-07:00

Those of you who don't know, a good friend of ours, Kate Pattison, watches Jordan once a week while Matt and I are at work. She has recently gone back to work after having her baby, Molly (about 5 months) and so I get to watch her once a week. So our two daughters have come to be good pals and today was my first day watching Molly. Of course their schedules were opposite - as soon as Molly woke up from her nap, Jordan went down for hers. Anywho, to make a short story long, here is a cute photo of the transition between the two naps.

A Quick Trip to the Park

2008-03-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

For a few short days after we got back from Mexico, it was sunny and warm. So we though we'd take Jordan to the park for the first time!

Unfortuntely, that was the day the weather turned back into winter and we all froze...but had a great time on the swing and slide! Actually, now that I think of it, Jordan was more interested in collecting pine cones on the ground. Who knew?

More Mexicali Photos!

2008-03-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos of the trip.

Tequila shots with my mom!

Pelicans were everywhere - freakin' scary when they open thier beaks

Right before we went sea kayaking in Mazatlan

Our Ship - the Golden Princess

Drinks with my folks before dinner - our last night on the ship

Formal night. Thats right...back in my prom dress after having a baby!!!

Hiking in Puerto Vallarta

A video of the end of our hike - walking back through a village in PV

We're home! That was the first time we've wanted to come home from a trip - since we had someone so special waiting at home for us.

Cruise on the Mexican Riviera!!!

2008-03-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

If you didn't already know, Matt and I went to Mexico last week on a cruise with my parents (and no, we didn't stay in the same cabin). My parents said to us last October, "Hey, if you get yourself to LA, we'll pay for a cabin for you two on a cruise to Mexico". It didn't take long for us to accept their offer! We had a fantasic time. I've never been to Mexico, and Matt had never been on a cruise, so it was a great experince for both of us. And what about Jordan, you ask? Stayed home with Grandma and Grandpa Gabel - thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the week off to watch her!!! It was a well needed break from work and a time to get away with my oh so sexy husband!

Here are some photos of our week trip. Enjoy. More photos to come later.

The four of us before dinner - I am wearing the dress my bridesmaids wore at my wedding =)

Me in our cabin by our window

My mom holding onto my dad so he wouldn't fall in =)

Matt and my dad - our excursion was hiking in PV.

Matt and I in our cabin (casual night).

Formal night - me in the middle of the ship

So fricken sexy!!! Matt wearing his late Grandpa Nelsons coat.

Out by the pool catching some sun - it was the first day (if you were wondering where our Mexican tan was)

In LA just after depature. Heading for Puerto Vallarta!

Jordan's 1! (Not again, but here's the photos)

2008-02-18T21:28:00.000-08:00

I've promised to show you all photos of Jordan's birthday, so here it is. Sorry for my tardiness.

Instead of cake, we gave her a chocolate covered strawberry - I wasn't ready to give her tons of sugar and processed foods.

I Busted My Butt!!!

2008-02-18T21:20:00.001-08:00

Not literally, but yes, my ass offically got kicked this last week. It was, as most of you know, it was Valentine's Day. Since I am the manager of the floral department, you can all image how busy I was.
Two days before, I worked 9 1/2 hours. The day before I worked 10 hours. And at the grand finale, I worked a whopping 12 hours!!! I am exhausted. I even had to wake up early the next day to go down to the market to buy more flowers. To make it even more tiresome, I had a wedding that needed to be ready for pick up the day after.
However, I loved it! I was, and am still, very tired, but the department was well organized, things went smoothly, we planned well and in the end my store was the top selling floral department for ALL of New Seasons!!! Some of you may know that my old store, Concordia is the busiest store, and they always have the best floral sales. But not on Valentine's and not even the day after! Boo-ya!!!
AND, we also were featured on Koin 6 News! We are the first store on the West Coast to sell Fair Trade roses and they did a piece on it at my store! If you go to their Website, just search, "Fair Trade Roses" and you'll see me for a captavating 3 seconds! People have been talking about it all over town. =)
Here are some photos of my department. I've done a ton of changes since I've been there, but hard work pays off.

Fake Spring?

2008-02-18T20:52:00.000-08:00

So it is known throughout the Portland Metro area that every February we have fake spring. The sun comes out and it is sunny, but it doesn't stay. It lasts for only a few days, but we Oregonians know to take advantage of it because we may not see it again until May. Tip: When the farmer's market returns on Saturdays, you'll know that the good weather is here to stay.
My family decided to get out and go for a hike at Tryon Creek. Here are a few photos of our hike. Jordan loved it! Sorry ladies, no pictures of my sexy husband.

I turned 25 and Matt and I Celebrate 10 Years!

2008-02-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

Yep, I am the big 25! But that isn't even the best part. Matt and I celebrated 10 years of being together!!! Can you believe it? 10 years ago Matt said, "Will you go out with me?" I said, "Yes" and it was at that point that we were offically boyfriend and girlfriend. We like to keep things old school (since we were 15). We started looking at our old photo albums and thought it would be fun to show you all some photos when we were 15, but I am fighting with my scanner. I will prosper. Technology will not win! So...photos coming soon. This is what happens when you use 35 mm cameras rather than digital.

New Job...so What's Up with New Zealand?

2008-02-06T12:19:00.000-08:00

You may be thinking, "You have a new job, are you still planning on going to New Zealand?". The new job has been an unexpected surpise in our plans. Therefore, we have stopped the planning, but there is still a desire to go. It may be in 6 months, a year, or unfortunately never. New Zealand may turn into a extended vacation instead of a move. We'll just continue to wait and see what God presents for us. Matt is going to continue to look into a new career and possibly go back to school. Again, we are looking for guidance from God and trust that things will work out.

New Job

2008-02-06T12:09:00.000-08:00

I know, it has been a while since I last wrote an entry...but it has kept you in suspense, right? I have some exciting news - I got a new job. It is still with New Seasons, but instead of being a service manager, I am now the manager of the floral department at the Arbor Lodge store in North Portland.
The move is a step that will help further my career with New Seasons and I am getting ready to take on my biggest challege yet - Valentine's Day. This is going to be interesting since I find Valentine's Day to be the most ridicullus "holiday" that we have. Especially when I am going to be selling the most cliche gift of all. Not that I don't appreicate flowers, but come on - it is expected on V-Day to give flowers, which makes it even less creative. If you're going to tell me that you love me, give me flowers on a random day or do something else that only I would appreciate (eveyone likes flowers, so it is a no-brainer to give it). Put a little thought into it. Okay - I'm done with my little speech.
Regardless, I am having a lot of fun with the new job.

Jordan Turns 1!

2008-01-03T22:34:00.000-08:00

Jordan 11 Months
Jordan 2 days old

Right after the epidural (Feeling Good!)

Jordan 6 Months

I can't belive Jordan is a year! Time has flown by but it also seems like she has been around forever. I'll post more comments later...the computer is frustrating me - I just spend 15 minutes writing some comments, and then it all erased. And now I feel like I can't get the same vibe as I did in the previous entry that you will never be able to read. Now it is all forced. So, when I am less annoyed at the computer, I'll update you on the year.

Are we moving to New Zealand?

2007-12-28T23:13:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know that an opportunity has come up for our tiny family to move to New Zealand for a year. Are we going?
As of now...yes! We are definitely making plans to move - hopefully by the end of April, but it all depends on how quickly things come through.
Many requests have been made that we start a blog of some-sorts to keep everyone in the loop - so I thought I would hang of it before we go.
It is scary and nerve racking what life will be like in NZ, but the idea of not going doesn't sit very well with us. Therefore I am led to assume that God is in support of this. We are praying that things go smoothly and that moving to another country will be a "working vacation" for us. Our prayers are that we spend this year away mediating on what God has for us and what we feel like doing with our lives. Who knows if this clarity we hope for will actually come in this year to come, but at least we're seeking it.
AHHHHHHHHH! We are so excited. Jordan is already packing up her diapers!