I'm so excited :)

and I just can't hide it!!  My daughter comes home tomorrow after being gone for almost 6 weeks!  I'm ready to road trip up to STL to pick her up tomorrow- I can't wait!


It's been a few long, hot days in Missouri.  The gym feels like a sauna, even at 5:30am!  (it's definitely a detoxifying experience- LOL!)  I am super proud of all of my clients that are pushing it and giving it their all despite the high temperatures and high humidity!  You guys are amazing!!  The determination of the clients that I'm working with right now is really strong- it's not always that way, and I thank you guys for your hard work and effort!  I know that you have some tough goals that you're striving for, and I have no doubt that you will reach them if you keep up the hard work & the improvements to your nutrition!


Here is a pic of my puppies- Lola is a pug, and Ray is a mix that we adopted from Petsmart last summer!  They are my babies, and they curled up together to avoid going out into the heat!

FAITH:

Today I am thankful for my family & friends!  You help me keep my sanity over the summer as I'm missing my kiddo!  And you have been there for Pat, myself, and E as we've faced some tough times the past few months- thanks for all of your love & support, and keep on praying for R & his recovery process!  

FAMILY:

We weren't able to see R again last night, so I'm a little bummed about that...  but I continue to pray for the entire situation.  I am super excited to see my baby tomorrow :)

Last night we were able to spend some time with some great friends, and the guys all grew up together!  It's always fun to get them together and hear all of their crazy stories from back in the day!  Despite all of their crazy past lives, (HAHA!) they have all grown into these amazing guys (with amazing wives :) !!)  

So, Josh & Katie- thanks for having us over!  And Chris & Vaiata- great spending time with you guys!

FITNESS:

I've been talking to several of my girlfriends about their fitness routines.  I like to get new perspectives on health & wellness.  While everyone has a totally different approach, they are all doing what works for them & their lifestyle!  I realize that everyone needs to find the routine that works for them, and that is do-able int their everyday life!

This was my breakfast today-

Eggs, Avocado, & Sweet Potato :)

And tonight it's salmon & acorn squash- here is the squash fresh from the oven!

Have a great night!  Time for dinner :)

Day 2: June 28th

DAY #2


Faith:  I'm continuing to read 'Forgotten God' (Francis Chan)  It is an eye-opener & it is definitely making me think! I seem to fall to the side of having 'lots of knowledge', rather than 'a stronger relationship.'  Our family has a lot weighing heavy on our hearts & minds, so I will keep the faith that things are not in my control, but in His!  We have some big decisions ahead!

Family:  I've spent a lot of time talking to E today!  I miss her like crazy!!  R is coming over this evening, and I continue to pray that he will start to feel better and that the doctors will be able to help him.  My hubby is home early from work (seriously, I don't know how he lasted this long!  It's 102 degrees, not counting the heat index!)


Fitness:  I didn't have a 5:30am class today so I did an at-home workout (in the air conditioning!!  It honestly feels strange to workout at home now- I'm used to a gym full of cheering kids!)  But I did a quick workout- squats, pushup's, lunges, core work.  I would like to fit in some yoga or pilates later today- yoga would be good for relaxing my mind!!


I'm working on some new class workouts, and have been getting more interest in personal training!  So things are good!!  I cancelled tonight's 5:00pm bootcamp- with temperature's & humidity so high, I would rather not risk any heat strokes or illnesses.  Paleo is going well- I've had a major headache today, so I don't know if it's due to detoxing or allergies...

While this quote is obviously meant for fitness (note the super fit chick jumping rope!) it is true in all aspects of life.  You can go through the motions & do everything with just enough effort to get by, or you can push it- give 100% of your effort- and see the amazing difference that it makes!  

In fitness, I see this all of the time.  People wonder why 'Jane' & 'Kelly' both come to the same classes, do the same 'amount' of work, but Jane looks 100x better & has better results.  The answer is that her effort is 100x more!  So quit cheating on your rep's or distance's, because in all honesty you are only cheating yourself!  When you really put it out there- push it further than you think you can- THAT is when you see results!  You have to be willing to do one more rep when you don't think that you can! (no, I'm not saying push it until you get injured.  But I AM saying push it through those mental blocks!) 

 The same is true in your daily life- give 100% to your faith, to you family, to your job...  whatever life throws your way!

Have a great Thursday!
~Jen