I'm gettin' fit!!

So family I am participating in a body challenge at my work. My co-workers are totally serious about it. We had to get all our measurements, weight and body fat analysis recorded by a physical trainer and we even had to take a before picture! Yeah, Gabe took one with me to make me feel more comfortable. Sweet hubby:) I have to say that I have been inspired by The Biggest Loser. I'm sort of pretending that I'm a participant on the show. The fact that I'm not obese to begin with may work against me as far as winning the entire challenge but my "can do" attitude will indeed get me far. I am not dropping below the yellow line! So feel free to encourage me. The end date is in June so the pressure's on!

Phantom

This year for Brooke's birthday I got her tickets to go see Phantom of the Opera. It was a little cold as we waited outside but once we got in, it was great. It was Brooke's first experience seeing a broadway musical and she really enjoyed the show.

It was absolutely freezing! Humidity cold is so much different then dry cold. I am such a wimp with it too.

Just seeing the phantom sign had me a little frightened.

I shave!

I don't shave, ever. I left that business behind shortly after returning from my mission. The reason for this being the ingrown hairs, razor burn, and irritation I consistently get if I shave. This occurs whether I use an electric, disposable, or mach 3. However, recently my nephew Jed informed me that there is a better way. And it just so happens that it's the old school way. Thats right, lathering up with real shaving cream (not the goo that comes in a can) and a badger hair brush and shaving with a double edge safety razor. So I did some research and it turns out there is a whole community of die hard wet shavers out there that swear by this style of shaving. So thanks to a generous birthday gift from my wonderful mother-in-law Diane, I was ready to give it a try.
So here is all the new gear: A badger hair brush, a Murker extra heavy double edge razor with Derby blades, Nancy Boy original shaving cream and arter shave gel, and a bar of pure block alum.
Step 1: this may be the nicest part. put some hair conditioner on my face and then wrap it in a hot towel for a few minutes.

Step 2: Creat my lather. Apparently it takes some practice to get the lather just right but I think I did pretty good.

Step 3: Lather up. Mmm nice hot lather on the face.

Step 4: Start shaving. This is more difficult than you might think. It is nothing like shaving with modern razors. I'm told it taks a few weeks to really get it down.


More shaving
Step 5: After splashing some cold water on my face, I rub it with the Alum. this helps to close the pores and stop the bleeding of any cuts.


Step 6: Finish it off with some witch-hazel based after shave.


Ahhh a nice clean shave. this first time wasn't perfect but like I said, it takes a few weeks. But it feels great and the irritation is way less than the old days. It's time to grow up and start actually shaving. Thanks again Diane!

Chipotles...yumm!!!

Did you guys know that Chipotle's originated in Denver, Colorado? Maybe that's why we love it so much! Or maybe it has crack in it. Either way we sure do love those chicken burrito bowls!! Thank you so very much Krystyn & Brandon for our gift certificate to Chipotles. We have already put it to good use...twice.

Another interesting fact about Chipotle's...Over 500 restaurants have opened since 1993 throughout the United States. All are company-owned, rather than franchised. In 1998, McDonald's made an initial minority investment in the company. By 2001, they had grown to be Chipotle's largest investor. The McDonald's connection allowed the firm to quickly expand, from 14 restaurants in 1998 to 480 at the end of 2005.

Our Holiday Adventures

It was so great coming home for the holidays. Here are some of the adventures that took place over the two week vacation...

THE POLAR EXPRESS

It was freezing, but we cozied up together waiting to be warmed by the stoves inside the train.

Gabe felt just like the little boy in the book.

I think Gabe was trying to keep Sophie's head warm?

Gabe caught Mom and Dad off guard to snap a picture with Santa. Big Brent was lovin' it.

Pampering ourselves with Pedicures

We treated ourselves to a pedicure. The women were loving Gabe and David. "Gabriel, you look so smart and so handsome. David, you so tall and so strong." Or so the vietnamese women said.

Pedicure + Praise=David's Celestial Kingdom.

Go-Kart Racing at Fast-Kart

We has some healthy family competition at Fast Karts. No one believed in me(thanks a lot Daddy!), but I showed them! I got 2nd place to Wendy. If Gabe and Bruce didn't cut me off then I would have won. You better watch out Wendy!

Here's everyone lining up. All bets were on Bryson. Too bad the woman had to take the victory home!

Those go-karts got going up to speeds of 40mph! That's really fast when you're that low to the ground. Afterwards we were all quite sore, our ego's for some others just our bodies.

Overall the racing was quite the bonding activity. Prepare yourself for next time Brandon!

Christmas with the O'Neil'sGrampy couldn't resist getting his newest grandson a baby motorcycle. Too bad he's a bit young for it but he'll figure it out soon.

Doesn't everyone heart NY? At least Brooke and Gabe were hearting giving them as inexpensive gifts:)

Christmas with the Anderson's

The Anderson's house at the holidays means lots of games and puzzling. Ah, good times had by all.

We finally met Annie!! She's even more adorable in person, if you can imagine!

Cindy was gracious enough to have us over for dinner & games multiple times. I have to say you can always count on a good time at the Madsen's.

We also got to meet Chummy. Gabe and I have decided that our next family pet will be a havanese. Chummy is charming and I know Reggie will adore him!

Gabe doesn't think he'll ever be able to consistently beat David in cribbage. He has the most ridiculous luck ever. Or maybe he's just better than Gabe, sorry babe.

Playing Dress-Up

It's not a quality vacation until Brooke has played dress up.

Hotel Night

Uncle Bryson is the best uncle ever! He spoiled his niece and nephews to a sleep-over at the Holiday Inn. Swimming was the highlight of the evening.

Jack was big on flexing for us all night. If I had muscles like his then I would be too!

I've never seen a baby love the water as much as Chase. He kicked his legs so hard I'm convinced he thought he was swimming by himself. It was too cute!

Holiday Adventures cont.

Brooke's 23rd Birthday

I turned the big 2-3. I celebrated by discovering my first gray hair. Seriously, on my birthday. Thanks for the poster Soph & Jack!

New Year's Eve @ the Madsen's

We ate and ate and ate. The result a combined weight gain of 15lbs. Awesome.

We rocked out on Rock Band. I have to say, we are quite the talented crew. If all else fails in life, we can always fall back on a career in professional rocking!

Gabe did some serious rocking out.I held my own in the family band. Given time and practice I could contend for best rock singer as of now, Gabe holds that title.