Happy Birthday Larry

We woke up to Larry's Bday. After going to some yard sales, filling in sprinkler system trenches at Ashlee and Paul's, weeding our back yard, filling the fridge with fresh fruits & vegetables from Costco, we made sandwiches and headed up the canyon. Then we played Ultimate Frisbee... a game we could play over and over again! Conrad had a great time playing in the water, doing somersaults and became fascinated with trying to catch his shadow... funny kid! He opened his presents and in trying to find his old stamp collection, he found his treasure box of Scouting and Birrell Bottling stuff, etc. We had a good time going through it with him. The girls made dinner and we watched one of his favorite old movies 'CaddyShack' (edited) while we enjoyed the Anderson's fireworks. He is loved by his girls. Our lives are so blessed with Larry in it and we all know it :)
Love, Brenda

10 Days. Done.

Just finished our 10 day cleanse. Probably one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, but I am also very glad I did it. Totally amazed I did it. I am left with a new perspective on not only my eating habits, but also life. Larry, Ashlee, Ransom and I stuck it out and persevered, though Ransom never expelled a mucous ball which was why he did it in the first place. Each day felt longer than the last, but knowing we were in it together helped greatly. While I was never real hungry and had good energy, I missed the gathering together with my family and the smells of good food in the kitchen. I felt disconnected from the world. I lost 19 lbs and have plenty more to go, but feel like I am on a fresh track with a clear mind and much greater appreciation for good food.

My new food rules:
Portion control. Try to eat lightly throughout the day and avoid going from starved to stuffed.
Fill my plate once and no seconds.
Only eat what I really like.
Eat slow and enjoy.
Be aware of what I am eating.

Love, Brenda