Our $2000 tomato.

No we didn't just win, "best in show" at the county fair, this is actually a reference to about how much we've spent over the years trying to grow vegetables. Who ever said growing a garden is provident living is apparently much greener thumbed than we are but this year we finally have started to see the fruits or vegetables of our labors.
We have tried the tub planters, which apparently only grow if a stray sprinkler waters them (we never did it on purpose) A huge back yard plot, which became a weedfest very quickly since no one wanted to go out there in the rain. A square foot box made out of 2x4's plonked smack dab in the middle of my pathway (the book said somewhere where you'll remember to care for it)Then finally this beautiful structure of meditative permanence.

We paid far too much for pre mixed soil that hasn't grown so much as a weed.

So you see, this little tomato has quite a price tag and since getting it, we have had quite a harvest. so I had to share. Pictures anyway, your not getting the fruits of our (well Boyd's) labor.

Cashing in our Disney day

Back in March, our family took part in the Disney "give a day, get a day" program. We each made 3 children's blankets to be given to a child that is often with no personal belongings.


In return, Disney gave us each a free day (total value $380, not too shabby)
Not only did we get these cool badges which we wore with pride all day but

They actually had a mini parade to honor volunteers with a bunch of muppet characters in work clothes. Very Cool.

So if you thought Disney was the happiest place on earth before then imagine it being free and then the happy goes up a notch.

I'll let you in on a little secret, The last week in August(or the week before Thanksgiving) is the best time to go to a theme park. It seems everyone is back at school but us and the parks are still open, full, peak season hours.



We had so much leisure time with short lines that we went on all the little in betweener rides AND even hung out in toon town for a bit.
Am I the only person on the planet, despite meeting Mickey many times, that is still shocked at how small he is? He is a mouse after all.

My Happy Place.

We just got back yesterday from a relaxing trip to Sunny, southern California. As I started browsing my gazillion photos,I realized I couldn't possibly do this trip justice so let me just say that we love this place. We went to a few theme parks but had tons of time to just hang out and enjoy the relaxing ocean. We walked, ran on the beach, ate all manner of "bad for us" food, confirming the fact that it makes you feel junk. This is part one of a few days in pics. Hope you enjoy

Where we stayed.

Where we played.




Can you guess which picture I took ? I must be the only blogger on the planet that hasn't got mad camera skills! Or have I ? ;-) Maybe I took this silhouette to conceal my man's hotness. You'll never know.

Bragging Rights

It's not uncommon as I drive around that I notice the little vinyl decals on the back of people's vehicles that show pride in a achievement. I see the "Parent of Honor Student" or "I love my Eagle Scout". I see various team names and numbers and I smile. I see the parents with a row of kids and a dog and I smile.
Recently I have noticed the weird little "ragnar" logo and wondered what the heck is that? I see it all around. Now I know what it is, it makes me smile. I see the 13.1 and the 26.2 and again I smile.

The thing is, I didn't used to. I considered it bragging!! I mean I'm not likely to put a "my kids not on ANY team" sticker on my car or a "sat and watched TV for 6 hours straight" decal am I. Our church has started doing a good news minute where they ask, is there any good news? you get the "my son got a mission call" big news or a funny " I'm caught up on my laundry" happy news but I always felt that what might be my good news, could actually make someone else feel bad about their situation. So I tended to not say much.

I have changed my thinking in this. I am so grateful for all the good things that happen in my life that I should be able to share them and show that gratitude. My true friends are happy for me and my achievements. I would LOVE to celebrate your achievements.
I smile when I see those decals because now I understand more fully what it means to run a half or full marathon for that matter. Six months ago I wanted to die running one mile so 26.2 is a BIG DEAL!!
Ragnar? Well ask someone with a sticker and I know you would be proud of them and wish you had it in you to EARN that sticker.

For me today, what would my stickers be?
2 parents, 4 kids and 2 dogs (I consider 2 parents, a big deal)
17.4 (I have worked so hard to be healthy and the bodpod measured me to have 17.4% bodyfat, a big deal)
My Puma (speed agility, black beauty, all goals of mine. Oh and I have 15 pairs of pumas, a big deal:)
Maybe a national Honor society sticker with an Eagle scout sticker over the top.


So I say, celebrate and show gratitude for the things you work hard for. Be motivational to others. This is where we find happiness and Joy. Someone will always feel bad when reminded of their own, hard situation but how we feel is always a choice we make and is not in our circle of control. We can only control our own feelings.

I choose to be happy.

Book Club

This is a gathering of friends I have met through the Transformation website and book. We are all in this together, making positive changes and supporting each others desire to be more happy and healthy.
We had a pot luck style taste test, where we shared some of our favorite, healthy recipes.

These yummy cheese cakes taste as good as they look, totally low fat and containing protein. Who knew that was possible!!
Danielle has lost 50lb so far and is so bright and happy. Now her husband is joining in and this program is helping him deal with some PTSD. :)
We just chat, support one another and share some of our struggles, our plans and our achievements.
It is a great feeling to be around a positive, energetic group. I just love it.
Your ALL invited to the next one :)
www.transformation.com

Finally

a BMW we both like.

Big Air!!!!

So I have to do the bragging thing now.
We have started a Big air contest in the family since everyone is getting better behind the boat and the winner is based on height, distance, general coolness and of course landing it in style.







Current champion.

BOYD

now they are working on their switch, or riding with their bad foot forward so that they can throw some turns into their mad big air skills.