Ben + Sara = LOVE

Flowers were sent.

The house was picked up.

Three kids were sound asleep in bed.

The candles were lit.

A mixed wedding CD was found.

She wore a certain white dress.

He came home, so handsome, in suit and tie.

There was dancing and laughter.

Sweet memories were shared.

And even after 10 years,

they fell in love all over again.

I DIDN'T DO IT!

I was getting ready for my first mother-son dance date with Kaleb, and in a mere 5 minutes, OR LESS, the following chaos broke out in our home. I emerge from my room to find Dylan hanging from our half wall like a monkey, and Ruby completely covered in yogurt. This is actually not too a-typical. I scolded D, turned around to get Ruby out of her high chair and into the bath, then heard my oldest say, "Mom, Dylan is writing on the couch, and I didn't do it!"

I looked at the couch, I looked at him, I looked at the couch again.

Do you want to re-think that, son?

"How did you know it was me, Mom?"

(For those of you who can't see the blue ink, D scribbled, and K wrote his name...in his best handwriting. :)

My Hero

Or should I say, heroine, is my mom. That's her, second from the right. Many of you know her and how amazing she is, but it seems to me she gets even better with age. She started the 10 week fitness challenge to support me and Ben, kind of on a whim. She rocked it coming in #3 just barely after me (I'm not entirely sure she didn't give me #2, but won't give her motherly secrets away) and was the only one over 35. We weighed the same going in, and out. She's had 5 kids, more than a few miscarriages, bad knees, heels, and arthritis in her lower back and hips. Not to mention menopause and very little sleep because of it. This Super Woman just ran her first 10 k, with two of her best friends, in one hour 11 minutes! She and her friends have been exercising together for 20+ years! I'm not sure which one is more impressive, but I sure am proud of my hot, skinny, LITTLE MAMA!

Wordless Wednesday

Fishing Derby

We live in a small town that has lots of great people, but not a lot to do in it. I mean there's the usual sports, church, park, friend type stuff that we do all the time, but if you want to shop, go to the movies, bowl, or do anything really, you have to drive 15 m. or so "into town." After 5 years of this, we've finally found a few small town things to do together. Our little city put on a great fishing derby, and we were happy to be a part of it. They stocked the "lake" of our only city park with blue gill and catfish. Each contestant (ages 5-12) was given a pole, a small tackle box, and a cup of worms. Kaleb and Dad scoped out a spot, baited the hook, and they were off. I We fished, played, and snacked for an hour and caught 7 fish! Kaleb was nice enough to let Dylan reel a few in, but we all know what he & Ruby liked best. They are after all, my kids, and we all know the best part of fishing is not the fish itself, but the worms, snacks, and tales that come with it. Papa Stock would be so proud!

Here's our pretty princess after mean ol' Mom dug worms out of her mouth. And that my friends, ain't no fish tale!

CHECK OUT MY HOT HUSBAND, YA'LL!

HERE'S HIS LAST POST FOR OUR 1ST 10 WEEK CHALLENGE.

Anyone that has been following the blog knows that I have been the worst at tracking points, posting progress, etc. I have been pretty diligent in just about everything else though.


Highs: very consistent in my diet, drinking lots of water, and taking my vitamins.


Lows: not many...


My goals from the very beginning were to support my hot wife (check), get in better shape (check), and not embarrass Sara at the beach when we go on our trip (I am sure I will still embarrass her, but won't be as big doing it). These 10 weeks have flown by and if nothing else i have figured out what I need to do to get healthy. I have created many new good habits, broken several bad habits, and feel much better.


Total weight loss over the 10 weeks: 11.8%

Points: No idea, congratulations to the winner.


Thanks to my amazing wife for her great example and rockin bod. She did awesome!! Thanks to everyone else for their kind words of support as well. Congratulations to everyone for their results. Even though I still have a ways to go (no break for me, working straight thru to my goal), I am happy with the progress so far.

Best of luck at whatever comes next!!


ISN'T HE CUTE?!? I just ADORE him so, so much!

My Results

Highs: Friday night on the extra exercise pop challenge, Ben & I snuck outside after we put the kids to bed & played basketball. It was so much fun! I was able to shave a few minutes off my mile and jog the entire 10k in 1:02:34. I think that averages 10 min/m. which is my goal time for Pat's Run in 4 weeks.

Lows: I'm a little sad for this chapter of my life to end. I was also nauseated & cleaning up after vomiting kids for two days, but that may have helped with the weight loss?!? I wasn't able to exercise on Sat., but we did plant a garden, which is sure to bring lots of healthy produce to our growing family.

POINTS: 68 (31 + 5 for 10k + 3 for email/blog + 2 for final reflection post+ 27 for weight % lost)
TOTAL: 424

% LOST:
WEEK: 2.56% *Half a pound from my 2nd goal weight, which is 6 below my pre-pregnancy weight!*
TOTAL: 13.6%

INCHES LOST: 14" (4 around my waist, 3 bum, 3 thighs, and a few here & there)
Starting mile: 10:33 pushups in a min: 20 situps in a min: 24
Ending mile: 7:54 pushups in a min: 34 situps in a min: 35

Reflection: I am proud of myself for the first time, in a long time.
Andrea shared this scripture with me at the beginning of the year, and now it has new meaning to me.
"...by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise." (Alma 37:6) I learned that by being consistent with these five SMALL & SIMPLE things (diet, exercise, water, sleep, journaling/accountability) I could have GREAT results. I learned that I can do anything I put my mind to, and I'm worth it! I feel amazing, more energetic and happier, like the girl Ben fell in love with so many years ago. I also learned that I have an awesome support system...my husband who is my hero, my family, and friends...you have all been there for me in so many ways, big & small. It has made all the difference, and I can never thank you enough! A special thank you to Jen Beckstead, Katie Gamble, & Valerie McRae who introduced the challenge to me. It has changed my life!

If you would like to join me on my next journey, I'm starting a 10 Week Spiritual Challenge this Sunday, March 20. It won't be a game or competition, but will bring an even greater reward! If you're interested, please email me at srmurdock@gmail.com.

***FFL11 winners will be determined & checks in the mail by Saturday.***
CONGRATULATIONS TEAM FFL11!!! You're all winners (& losers ;) in my book!

BEFORE & AFTER

My signature move...the leprechaun leap. More like a leap of pure JOY. Ha!

Antipasto Salad

This is something I came up with last night that reminded me of Floridino's Antipasto Salad, but A LOT healthier!

1 large B/S chicken breast, baked or grilled, then cut into thin strips
6 Romaine leaves, cut into strips
1 roma tomato, diced
1 bell pepper, seeded & diced (0range or yellow makes it pretty)
2 green onions, finely chopped
feta cheese (just a bit...or you can use parm or low fat mozzarella)

Asssemble salad and toss with your favorite low calorie dressing...I used a little of each of these
Marie's Italian vinigarette & Bernstein's Cheese Fantastico. If you wanted to make it more traditional, you could add olives & pepperincinis, but it had a lot of flavor without and left me really full.

Makes 2 servings