My first Triathlon

 The three of us.  My friend Brittany (the one on the right) talked us into doing this with her and I am so glad she did!

 This is me swimming!  I have the orange cap on.  I swam a lot faster than I thought I would.

 Me and Brittany at the finish line!  I honestly love this girl!  She has been with the along the whole way!  I was getting pretty emotional after I crossed over the line and gave her such a big hug!  She has truly been cheering me on and just as excited as I have been all along the way!  She's MY inspiration!

This is the five of us!  We would all train together in the mornings at the pool.  Poor Matt (the guy on the right) wrecked his bike as well as got 3 flats during the race.  But he's been a good friend throughout too!  I have loved having such awesome support!  We truly surround ourselves with people that get us where we want to go, and they have really helped me push where I wanted to go.  I am so happy about my results!  I definitely wasn't the fastest by any means, but I cut 2 min off my swim and 9 min off my bike.  Yeah, that was good!  My run wasn't as good as I had hoped, but I am ok with that.  I was just starting to get into my groove and I got a side ache, so I couldn't sprint it out until the last hill, but I don't mind.  I passed someone at the end... that works right?!  hehe

Some deep thoughts...

So I read something this morning that got me thinking about a few things.  In the past few years, I have had a few friends come out and say that they are gay.  First off, for all of them, I think this is a very brave and scary thing to do.  I think it takes a lot of guts to do that especially where we all live.  I care about these people a lot, they mean a lot to me.  I have never had any struggle in this area and I honestly can't really sympathize with this.  But I have always had this internal struggle when it comes to this topic. 

I know that God has brought families here together to create such an amazing support system and to help us to get to eternity together.  I know that families are eternal and that having children is a very sacred experience and beautiful thing.  I also know that my family makes me the happiest I have ever been and also give me the biggest struggles. I love my husband more than anything!  I know how happy we can be together and I believe that everyone on this earth deserves to have what Todd and I have or even more.  But this is where I struggle when it comes to homosexuality.  I don't believe that lifestyle is condoned by Heavenly Father, but I also don't think it's fair that we ask these people to live in celibacy for the rest of their lives.  I know what the gospel says about all of this, but how do you expect people to live a lonely life?  I know that eternity is a lot longer than this life, but I just don't know what to do here!  If anyone has any viewpoints that might help, PLEASE share!  But only if you're loving and caring, I don't want any anti-gay discussion here!  

Protecting the Family

Lately, I have been very aware of how satan has been trying to attack the family.  I have seen so many different marriages fail or couples struggle so much with their relationship, not trusting each other or making bad decisions.  It has really had an effect on me.  Yesterday, I learned of a couple in my ward who had split up recently.  He has a girlfriend already and she is trying to take care of the kids.  I don't really know this couple very well but just learning that their family is no longer one, really had an effect on me.  I realized how much my family means to me.  How much my HUSBAND means to me.  It really is important that I put him before so many other insignificant things.  I know too many people who haven't been able to save their marriage and it just devastates me.  I am so motivated to stay close to my savior and doing whatever it takes to make our marriage work and to keep our family together.  I can not let myself get lax in showing affection or appreciation.  I can't allow myself to have relationships with other men, even the slightest.  If I justify one thing, how long will it take me to justify another and another?!  I guess the reason I am writing this is because it has scared me, and I want everyone to be aware that I am going to do everything I can do to keep what I have now, forever, and for even something better!

What you can reach, even if you don't know it!

Something kind of amazing happened this weekend!  First off, we were able to go to Todd's cousin's wedding at the St. George temple, which in itself was a beautiful most spiritual experience!  Afterwards, as we were hanging out and mingling with family members, I had a HUGE reality check!  It was such an uplifting day for me!  As soon as we started getting ready to take pictures as the wedding party, Todd's cousin turned to me and said, "Dang you and your stupid Game on Diet!"  I just kind of smiled at him and said, "What do you mean?"  He went on to tell me he has currently lost 37 lbs, and his blood sugar level is almost to normal.  I was so excited for him and asked him what I had to do with it, but then he told me because I had put up posts on Facebook about my progress and it peaked the interest of his wife, his family proceeded to do the Game on Diet and he obviously has been so successful in it!  I was so excited for him!  All throughout the day, I had people commenting on how "Good" I looked and that always makes me happy!  But then I had another family member who came up to me and told me of their success with the Game On and what not, just because they had seen it in action.  I am not claiming that I changed their lives, they changed their own lives.  But I was truly grateful that they told me how they have changed.  Lately, I haven't been posting as much just because my progress has slowed a little, but also because I didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings.  Also, I've had a slow in motivation.  It was such a tender mercy for me to know that even now, I am helping people to make their lives better.  Ultimately, that is my goal.  I am really so proud of these people and think they are going to do amazing things as they keep on going!  I hope that I can keep touching lives and helping people to reach their goals! 

Goings on in the Fisher Household

Daddy and Reese in the fort

 Our future nerd!

 Grandma coming to sing songs... Reese's hair is the best... hehe

Daddy and Lily playing... but what else is new?!

Our Jelly Fish!

 Putting it together

 Our super big helper!

 "You really want me to eat this?!"

 RRRRRRRRRRRRR

Here we go!

A few weeks ago, for FHE we decided to make these "Jellyfish" we found on Pinterest!  It was a fabulous meal that Lily could help us make and get into.  It was so much fun, super easy and apparently delicious.  I wasn't allowed any with my diet, but they looked pretty exciting! 

Nish tagged me, so here we go!

Here are the rules:

1 - you must post the rules.

2 - post eleven fun facts about yourself on the blog post.

3 - answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post, and then create eleven new questions to ask the people you've tagged.

4 - tag eleven people and link them on your post

5 - let them know you've tagged them!
(I didn't tag anyone, but if you want to do this, go ahead!)

11 Unique Facts About Me
#1- I have never really had a big passion in my life that I have been very good at.  I did theater and what-not in high school, but it wasn't really something that I could do much of after high school.  I have tried a lot of things that I thought I could get into, but it hasn't been very successful until the past few months.  Health and fitness has become a huge thing for me and I am loving every minute of it!  I hope I can keep going on this journey and help people on their own!

#2-From the time Todd and I started dating to the day we got married was only just over 3 months.    We had friends that didn't see us at all the summer we were married and when they came back to school in August were shocked to see that we were married.  We had been friends for a long time, and finally decided to take the leap, which turned into a plunge, which turned into eternity!  (Thank you Janell for the encouragement!)  

#3-I am a control freak!  I always have to have control and it really bothers me when I don't.  It is something that I battle every day!  I love to be a leader and be in charge, how stupid huh?!  If I don't keep myself in check, it can get pretty ugly, pretty fast!  I think that is why I married Todd because he is exactly the opposite and helps me keep myself in check.  I have become much more relaxed in the past 5 years and I hope to get even better and giving up control!

#4-All of my kids birthdays as well as mine, are just one day off from someone we know.  My birthday is a day before my brother Eli's, Gibson's birthday is a day before our friend Steven's, Lily's birthday is a day after my niece's Shayla, Reese's birthday is in-between my mom's and our friend's Berlin.  I just can't seem to get the exact day!  So if I am ever due around someone else birthday I can just assume it's either going to be a day before or a day after! 

#5-Secretly, I wish I was a fabulous interior designer!  I wish I had money to constantly be working on a project on my house and know exactly what I wanted to do.  Alas, we are not made of money and I do not know exactly what I want to do, but someday, I will take advantage of having a home I can work on. 

#6-I LOVE to cook!  It is very relaxing for me!  (Unless I have kids whining and crying for food).  If I could cook all day without pressure, I probably would!  I have just learned how to cook healthy food too and I want to find so many healthy recipes and just make them!  I love creating something that brings people together and bring them so much joy!

#7-Someday, I want to live outside of Utah.  I love it here, don't get me wrong, but I think it would be a very good experience to get out and see the world.  Todd and I have seriously considered moving back to where he grew up, and maybe someday we will, but I can't help but think that we'll end up out and about someday. 

#8-I am obsessed with The Biggest Loser!  Sometimes, there are really stupid people there and they become really annoying, but I LOVE seeing the change in people.  When that switch has flipped and they have chosen to become healthy.  I love that they can show so many other people who have weight problems and say, "I have actually been there!"  I LOVE IT!

#9-I am completely, totally, and utterly competitive.  I will knock an old lady down to win if I don't think about it!  lol I hate to lose and I always do as much as I can to win!  If you hold me back from winning I have a hard few minutes afterwards.  Don't worry, I'll forgive you eventually!  ;)

#10-I love the temple!  The first year that Todd and I were married, we attended the temple every week!  It was so wonderful!  I grew to have a very big appreciation for what the temple can do for me, and my family.  After we lost Gibson that was my main source of peace was knowing that we were sealed to him and he was sealed to us, and no one could take that away from us!  I KNOW that families are forever!  There is no end!  I know that we can live with our loved ones again after they pass on.  I know that Heavenly Father wants to bless us and have us back in his presence again!  I take these covenants VERY seriously and know that God will not be mocked!  

 #11-I LOVE to dance!  Zumba is one of my most favorite ways of working out.  We got Just Dance 3 for Christmas, and honestly, I could play that thing every day and love it!  So You Think You Can Dance is one of my most favorite shows!  I wish I had danced in high school, but I had other silly things in mind.  I think the body of a dancer is beautiful and how they move is amazing!  Someday, I will take real dance lessons!

Questions from Nish:
1-What is your greatest accomplishment?

I think my greatest accomplishment is just showing myself that I have self control.  I CAN say no and that I can not let something take over my body or mind.  That was a long time coming and the most work.

2-What is your favorite song & why?

Right NOW, my favorite song would have to be Beautiful Heartbreak by Hilary Weeks, just because it absolutely speaks to me!  It explains exactly how I feel about life, and has such a positive outlook on where we have all been and how we can use it to get to where we're going. 

3-What is one goal you have not achieved yet?

One goal is having a substantial amount of money in our savings.  I am hoping to conquer that by the end of the year....

4-In your opinion, what is the best invention ever?

Dishwasher, Washer and Dryer... nuff said!

5-Who is your favorite person in the world?

Todd is my favorite person in the whole world!  He grounds me and helps me to become a better person than I was yesterday.  He's always good to make me laugh and make me feel better and not stress out, because I am really good at that.  

6-What is your favorite childhood memory?
There are a lot of fun childhood memories, but one would have to be going camping with my family.  I loved it!  I remember laying in a tent with my mom, brother, and sister and laughing until we were crying!  I miss those times and how simple they were, but I am glad I had them!  Love ya family!

7-What is your favorite holiday & why?
Christmas is definitely my favorite holiday!  I love that it lasts all month long, we get to celebrate our Savior and that we get to see our family so much!  It's nice to be reminded of why we are here and how to be better!

8-Who is someone that has influenced your life greatly?
I would have to say my mother!  I love her so much and she is really my best friend.  She truly has done so much for me and taught me so much!  She would give anything to help her kids and is one of the best grandmas I know!  I love her so much and love how great a friend she is too!  LOVE YA MOM!

9-What would you do with a million dollars?
I would probably pay off my house, buy another house, go on a trip, save some money, pay for my kids education, buy a new car for sure... that's about it.... lol

10-What was your favorite subject in school?
I think this depends on the year I was in.  In high school it was probably drama, but I always loved English and apparently I was really good at biology.  I think if I went back to school I would probably go into nutrition or some kind of health education.  

11-What is your best quality?
I am not really sure about this, but I like to think that I'm funny.  I really like making people laugh.  I try so hard to stay positive, so sometimes that doesn't happen, and that's what Todd is for!  hehe

What we have been up to

 the perfect bath picture!  They love their baths and it's fun to give them!

 Cheese!  My orphan child who will never let me do her hair!

 FHE on monday, we were playing around with Daddy's phone and got some fun picture!  It's hard to get a good family picture now a days

 Reese eating a cake pop... yeah it was everywhere!

Lily playing with the drum!

Our life has been pretty simple lately.  A lot of family time and doing silly things.  It's been nice not to travel everywhere and have our own time.  I have been focusing on making myself a better mom and a better wife, and our relationships have gotten so much better!  Lily is constantly asking me to play with her kitchen or doll house and when I'm not doing some housework or other important matters, I join in.  It's funny to hear her say things and share her ideas.  She's so smart and loves to help out.  Reese is starting to walk along things and will take her little push cart to walk around our TV room.  It's coming and I'm not sure if I'm ready for another walker yet...  This week I start training for my triathlon in April and I am pretty nervous and super excited!  It's going to be a lot of work and time, but it's something I am willing to work towards!  HERE WE GO!

Before and after pics...

 July 2011...

 January 2012

I have had a few people ask for some picture, so here ya go!  I am feeling SO good and I am SO excited!  I am loving life and love that I am teaching my girls to be healthy!  LIFE IS SO GOOD!

Christmas... finally

 The kids playing with Uncle Jeremy in the snow!

 Todd and the girls on Christmas Eve in their new pjs! 

 The Christmas Story on Christmas Eve, Lily wanted to be Mary too, so she was "the understudy"  lol

 Reese with Auntie April

 This was the family room after all the presents were opened....yeah a big mess

 Lily's new kitchen!  she LOVES it!  that santa sure is awesome!

 Lily and Reese in their new wagon... a little small

Lily showing her playdoh creation!
This year for Christmas we were with Todd's family!  It was so much fun!  The week before Christmas, Todd's whole family was here.  There was a sickness that passed through everyone pretty much but luckily it didn't put too much of a damper on the festivities! 

Reese's early birthday party!

I love this picture!
It was like she knew they were for her!
The boys getting their dance on!

We had Reese's birthday party early this so Todd's family who usually aren't around could participate and party with us. It was a lot of fun! She totally just devoured her cupcake! She had a blast and it was good to have some fun time with the family! Lots of yummy food and plenty of Just Dance 3! :)

Lily Dances

This is Lily's Ballet dance, she is the one on the end, closest to the camera!

Cuties

I pulled this toy out for Reese today, and Lily wanted a part of it too! It was pretty cute!
I finally got a cute picture of Reese close up! If you look close, you can see her tooth! I just love her bright eyes!

Thanksgiving Weekend

Lily loved Santa, Reese on the other hand, wasn't very fond of him...
Lily was helping put up Christmas Decorations on Friday
I ran a 5k with some friends, it was great! It felt great!
Trevor with the Turkey! Yes, that 40 lb turkey took 12 hours to cook... but it was delicious!
The fam with our Christmas Tree that we put up on Sunday! Lily was an awesome helper!

Lily Dances

Time Out for Women

So yesterday I had the wonderful opportunity to attend Time Out For Women in St. George with some awesome friends and sister-in-law. Some of the speakers included Hilary Weeks, Brad Wilcox, Wendy Ulrich and Emily Freeman. It was so refreshing and wonderful to just sit and partake of the spirit without any distractions!

I got a lot of insights throughout the day, but one that really had some power on me, was something that Hilary Weeks said. She talked about eating lunch with her nine-year-old daughter and listening to a silly story that she was telling her and watching mac and cheese dribble out of her mouth. As she was spending that time with her daughter, something hit her. She is going to have eternity knowing her children as adults, this is the only time she will ever have knowing her children, as children. I had never really thought about that before. It had a profound effect on me. I have spent my life saying, oh when these kids grow up it will be better... or I can't wait until they are old enough to take care of themselves... and so on and so forth. At that moment, it was just like... stop wishing your life away! It was time to really enjoy these days and appreciate my kids for the stages they are in. I hope that I can stop complaining and more enjoying what I have and appreciate the silliness, messes, and the fact that I can just hold my girls to make it better!

Halloween

Ready to go trick-or-treating! (if you can't tell, Reese is a parrot eating a cracker)
Lily with her pumpkin
The traditional pumpkin...
Todd with his "death star"
Lily as tinkerbell!

We had a fun halloween this year! We went to a kid party, trunk-or-treat and other festivities. By the time halloween came, I think we were ready to be done with the costumes but it was still fun. Lily had a good time going in the neighborhood with a couple friends. Reese didn't really care what was going on. We got rid of a lot of candy, which made me VERY happy! hehe. Last week we carved pumpkins so that helped get us in the mood.