In 20 min.

This is where I can be, in 20 min from my front door.

How could I resist right??  We went up the canyon a couple of weeks ago, and decided that we must go up more. A LOT more.  So, I packed up my kids.  And my sis-in-law packed up her 3 kids.  And my mother-in-law packed up herself, and we headed up to explore the Great Outdoors, once again.
We left our Hubbie's, (which meant I got to pull up the tent trailer and park it by myself) and went on a mother and kids camping trip. And we had a great time!

Here is the Trailer after I parked it.  Seriously people... this is not as easy as it looks!

And here is our beautiful campsite.  The tree's were towering around us, which gave us great shade all day.  It also was perfect for the kids to go exploring and look for pot bellies, and squirrels.

Once we set up the trailer and got camp organized, it was time to attempt a fire.  Now usually my husband is on the fire immediately, cuz he is like a fire-crazy man...but like I said, he was not with us.  SO, mother-in-law and I started working on it.  I built the tee-pee with kindling, and she built the cool looking Log Cabin.  And poof, just like that...FIRE!

 DISCLAIMER:
(We are quite capable of starting a fire by ourselves...BUT we did have a little help from a fire starter block that mother-in-law picked up from Wal-Mart.  We TOTALLY didn't really need it though, if you know what I mean).

 It rained on us the first night, so good thing we had the umbrella's and poncho's.  It was actually kind of soothing to go to sleep to the rain.  And when we woke up the next day, it was a beautiful blue sky.  So we cooked some pancakes and bacon, and packed up to go on a Hike.

I didn't realize that we were really going on a Hike...you know, like a REAL hike.  But my 3 yr old, and my 5.5 yr old did amazing!  They both hiked the whole way (except for 1 little spot where I held my 3 yr old) with minimal whining! My 9 yr old was in the lead pretty much the whole way, and I was at the end with my 3 yr old.  The way up was steep at times, so a break was needed every now and then.

 

We even saw some wildlife along the way...ok I didn't get any pictures of that, but I did capture this cool SLUG!

 

We keep hiking, and hiking.  My mother-in-law had a certain place she was looking for.  Once we found this sign she knew we were close.

We keep hiking for a bit, and then my mother-in-law decided to go ahead with the two oldest to try to find the turn-off for the place she wanted to show us.  My sis in law and me, stayed with the younger kids and slowed down and rested on and off.
Finally it had been a while and we started hiking again.  We passed some people on the trail, and keep hiking.  Finally thinking we had passed the turn off and nervous that we had gotten separated we sat down on a log beside the trail.  We sat there trying to figure out what to do, and discussing our options.  We didn't even realize that right behind us there was a trail!  And who comes walking up that trail...my mother in law and the two oldest kids! So funny how things work-out sometimes.  The place she wanted to show us was very overgrown and a lot of the tree's had died, so we keep hiking up looking for a meadow so we could eat our snacks.  

We finally found a meadow, ate some snacks, got eaten by flies, and turned around to hike down.  I tell you our kids did amazing!

We got home safe and sound, ate lunch, and then took a time out for a bit.  

I put together a Scavenger Hunt for the kids to play before we left.  I prepared a ziplock bag with a peice of paper with everything that they needed to find.  Who ever found everything first got a prize!  They had a great time finding things to collect in their bags, especially the bug requirment.  

That night we got word that another Storm was coming so we decided to pass on going to the Lake, and wait out the storm.  It came, and wasn't anything to crazy thank goodness, and passed just as it was dinner time.  So we got out and made dinner and roasted some marshmallows. Bree's husband came up both night's and joined us for dinner and marshmallow roasting.

The moisture in the air from the storm provided us with an amazing Sunset.  I absolutely love a perfect sunset.

 

 They must like SUNSETS as much as I do!

The two oldest kids...

 

 The next morning we woke up ate breakfast and finally made it down to the lake.  I brought our 3 fishing poles and we fished and waded in the water, and fed the ducks.  It was a perfect morning to end our trip with.  I didn't get any pictures of that, I was too busy watching the 3 hooks on the fishing poles and making sure they didn't end up IN anyone!!

And just for fun...an I SPY.  I spy with my little eye...2 squirrels!

 

And another, just for fun...just cause I love this kiddo of mine and he cracks me up!

All in 20 min...

Where can you be in just 20 minutes from your front door?  There are always places to discover and things to see.  Step out and see what you can discover. 

Loves,

Jill

Catch and Shoot!

 This post is dedicated to:

Basketball Training...Kids Fitness Style!

When I was little my dad built (yes, its true) and installed a basketball hoop in our backyard.  I was so excited about it!  Together we would shoot hoops everyday when he got home from work.  He taught me how to do lay-ups and how to shoot the ball.  Even though I was "a girl" he still took the time to teach me and I LOVED it!  I've always loved Basketball and I love that my husband is taking the time to do exactly what my dad did. (And funny enough, my hubsband's dad did the same thing with him when he was little)

  It's not just teaching how to play a sport, it's creating memories that last forever.

We love our dad's!

 Let's get going:

First off, just as any sport or activity that you are about to participate in, you need to WARM-UP.

You need to warm-up to loosen up your joints and wake up and warm up your muscles.  There is a fluid called Synovial Fluid located in the cavity of your joints and when you get moving, more gets secreted, therefore more protection.

A Good Basketball WARM-UP:

1- Running around the perimeter of the court 3 times.  Then switch directions and run 3 times around again.

2- Ladders.  Start at the first line, run to the second line, touch it then run back to the first line.  Then run       the third line, touch it then run back to the starting line.  On and On until you have hit all the lines.

Teach the kids how to run appropriately! 

Sounds basic I know, but some kids have no focus when they run.

  Upright, arms in tight and moving as they run.

And, make sure all shoes stay tied :)

 

Now that we are warm, let's move onto some drill's!

1- Shuffle Step

Start at one corner diagonal shuffle to the inside, switch directions then diagonal shuffle to the outside corner.

Run down the line to the opposite side of the court.

Then, diagonal shuffle to the inside, switch shuffle directions and diagonal shuffle to outside.

And again, run the perimeter to the other side.

Repeat drill 3x

2- Running with the Ball

Run the perimeter of the court, while bouncing the ball.

Other hand bounces the ball the next time you go around.

Repeat 2x each side.

 3-Guarding

Practice the shuffle step guarding, and include arms out position.

Also show in the key guarding with hands and body tall.

 

Next up

4- Assisting, Bounce, and Chest Passes

Practice bounce passes and chest passes.

Whoever receives the pass, finishes it off and drives to the basket.

5- Lay-ups

Show how to perform a lay-up.

Practice: one-step lay-ups, and then running lay-ups.

Practice: right side and left side.

6- Have a practice game!

Have fun and be fair!  Kids like to win and make baskets too! Help them to feel successful by challenging them and supporting them.  Let them drive to the basket and let them hear it when they make it!

Have a great time!

Thanks to my hubbie and son for providing all the example shots!!
Fitness Loves,
Jill

It's the little things.

Yesterday evening we went outside to "jump on the tramp".  Jumping on the tramp doesn't exactly feel the same anymore.  I feel like I'm going to rip right through it when I bounce!  Secondly, I get dizzy on the tramp really easy...no more twirls or flips for me.  Thirdly, I've had 3 kids...meaning my bladder is a lot different (mom's you all understand!).  BUT what the tramp is really good for is laying down together and talking.  We took that opportunity last night with Asher and Bensen (Lily was already in bed).  We layed down and laughed and talked and enjoyed each other.  

 

 

And a bonus, one of the most amazing sunsets over took the sky.

  I.Love.being.outside.

 Workout: Ride the bike, 30 min of Zumba, lots of gardening, 50 push-up (long-legged), ab's.
Family:  Were goin fishin!  Family night tonight (which includes a treat, so I better add some extra cardio to my workout...)

Have a great week.
Loves,
Jill

Wanda and the Horses

Yesterday we were able to drive down to Payson and spend some time with nature.  My mom-in-law has a sister (Wanda) who lives in Payson and she has horses that she so kindly let us ride.  I honestly love the country.  It makes me so happy and brings back such good memories.  When I was little both my Grandparents lived in Midway Utah, which back then it was a little town with lots of wide open space.  Every summer I would go up and stay with my Grandma's and ride my cousins horses.  The time I spent up there are some of the most vivid memories that I still have of my youth.  There is something about leaving the busy city, and walking onto a quiet pasture.


Of course I documented our experience with pictures and here are some highlights:

 

 I think the horse had to sneeze.

We are having the best summer ever...enjoying each moment.
Loves,
Jill

A glimpse into Zumba, and what I'm working on.

I am a huge FAN of the new fitness craze ZUMBA.  It actually has been around for 10 years now, but its finally to the point where just about everyone has heard of it.  I remember when I went the the IDEA Fitness Convention in 2006 and I walked by the ZUMBA booth.  I stopped, sat there and stared at the 3 beautiful presenters, and thought to myself..."My hips do not move like that!  I am through and through fitness."  
BUT...did I leave...nope.  I.stood.there.watching.  I was inspired, and I actually wanted to run right up there and join in. To be honest, if there was a crowd gathered I probably would have, but that was back when no one knew what Zumba was and most everyone who walked by that both at that Fitness Convention probably thought exactly the same thing I did.

I try not to let myself think of how great it would have been if I would of jumped on the wagon back then and how much further along I would be in my journey of ZUMBA etc etc. O'Well right??? Some times cold feet hold us back.  Well not anymore.  I jumped in and this year I got certified and I have been including Zumba in my classes! And I am having just as much fun as those 3 instructors were having that I passed by 5 years ago.
Check out this clip about Beto, the creator.  I love his story.
http://www.realamericanstories.com/the-zumba-fitness-craze/

SO, in my DIY life I am working on the chandelier that is to go in my Master Bedroom.  I bought it at a garage sell for $15 bucks a couple months ago.  Here she is all taped and ready for primer:

 And here she is after two coats of Primer.  The final color will be white, but I have plans to cover the chain and get her hung and turned on here in the next couple of days :)

Now its time to get my workout in.  Today...ride the bike; 30 min of Zumba; then finish with ABS and probably shoulders.
The kids and I are going horseback riding with Grandma Nicole and a whole bunch of cousins.  Can't wait for that!
Loves,
Jill

Simply put.

Today I have a feeling of gratitude.
A lot of my posts are quickly done. Maybe even rushed.
As I try to accomplish one more thing on my to do list.
Today is different.
Simply put, I am grateful.
Grateful for my family.
Grateful for this time of year.
Grateful for my freedom's.
Grateful for the excitement that I see around me.
Grateful for the time that we take to be together.
Grateful for the 4 most precious people in my life.
Grateful for a gospel that recommits me to do good, and keeps me pushing forward or I should say upward.
Grateful for my calling, that I never thought in a million years, little ole me could do appropriately.
Grateful for uplifting friends, who I think of as my angels.
Grateful that I can touch other people's lives in the smallest way and hope to make a difference.
Grateful to be alive.


Simply put,
I.am.Grateful.