Happy Birthday Husband!

Well it's been a while since the last time I blogged so I have lots to catch up on. Really fast, Jon and I will be staying in UT for at least the next year. YEAH!!! I guess we'll see where life takes us at that point. I recently got a job with Mountainland Rehabilitation -- Physical Therapist Coordinator, so well see how that goes because I start Monday. Umm what else, Jon and I are currently living with my parents in Orem until our lives get back in order. And I can't really think of anything else so there ya go!

Anyway, Jon turned 29 on the 6th of May, so I've posted a few pics to capture the moment.

I really don't know what he is doing here, but whatever!

Wyatt, Jon & Jenni

Me and my babe!

Recent Thoughts...

So I know it's totally random, but I have a number of things on my mind and I decided to blog about them to get some insight and opinions. First of all, my life is crazy. Have I mentioned that before because if I haven't I am now. Well, now Jon and I are in UT and may end up being in CT within the next two weeks. Umm, have I mentioned I love adventures but value structure? Yeah, so this whole moving around thing as exciting as it might be definitely has it's annoyances. I'll let you know what the verdict is when we figure it out (seriously is life ever really figured out).

Second, I've been reading many of my friends blogs lately and have noticed a recent trend with topics, "itching for spring" and "losing weight". For all those that live in states with winter, I'm pretty sure we can all agree it's TIME FOR SPRING!!Now, losing weight...oh the dreaded topic yet seems to always be in the back of every one's mind. Is it really any coincidence that we want spring and immediately think "crap, warm sun, shorts, swimsuit...DIET". No, I think not!

Yet we find ourselves getting on the scale more, looking in full length mirrors (sometimes naked and sometimes not but that's always a secret), grabbing our stomachs, watching our thighs jiggle and wonder, "when did this all happen". We may reflect on what we thought we looked like last summer and then we start to think about the time since then...the holidays, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentines oh the good food that once filled our mouths and is now flubbering around our butts and thighs and reminding us everywhere we go and every time we get dressed that it's there.

I'm sure somewhere in the time between summer and now there was a New Year's resolution to lose weight or exercise more or eat more healthy OR something regarding food, body, weight, nutrition, and/or exercise. And seriously, can we talk about how annoying it is that in America as soon as you walk into a grocery store all processed foods are displayed appearing to be our friend but really they are the deceitful enemy seductively calling our name.

As many of you know, I am a huge advocate of health, fitness, and nutrition part of it because of my current health struggles and the other part is because I just absolutely love it. I love believing that change is possible in someone and then when just a little ray of hope is in them it happens. The look on their face is priceless.
So to each of you that fall into the category of recognizing summer is on it's way and wishing your body was a little less blubbery and a lot more lean I say this...

1. If weight loss or fitness is your goal, choose to be healthy and fit on purpose. Make it a lifestyle. Remember although weight loss and fitness makes us feel better, it doesn't determine happiness.

2. Remember the simple things, adequate sleep, lots of water, replace white foods with brown ones.
3. It's not always necessary to measure and weigh everything, but portion sizes are important. You have a hand so follow the guidelines from The Eat Clean diet. Vegetables - heaping handful, protein - the size of your hand (palm to finger tips but watch thickness), complex carbs/grains - size of tennis ball, fruits - handful. Don't forget healthy fats (raw almonds & walnuts & olive oil).

4. When you want to eat, ask yourself if it's your tummy that's hungry or your mind and then listen to your body as you eat. When your stomach starts to show signs of fullness regulate how much more you can eat before you become too full. It's not always about finishing everything on your plate even if they are the "correct" portion sizes. Believe it or not our bodies are smart so listen to yours you might be surprised by what your stomach tells you regardless of what your mind might think is the "right" amount.

5. While at the grocery store, stick to the outside of the aisles this is where the better choice foods are found. Think about replacing processed foods with fresh foods. (Don't go to the grocery store hungry definitely not a good idea.)
6. Enjoy your food, so chew it. By chewing slowly you allow the best digestion for your stomach. From the time you put something in your mouth, it takes about 15 mins for your stomach to signal the brain that it is comfortable or satisfied. Unfortunately we live in an extremely fast paced world and to accommodate the speed we make adjustments and in making those adjustments we usually make eating time fast. So the next time you eat think about having a seat and exercising the jaw by taking a few more chews (30-70) with every bite.

7. Exercise. Find something you love and that works the heart and then stick with it. Make your workout YOUR WORKOUT. This is your time it's not a time to think about what you need to get done or the groceries you need to buy it's workout time. Allow your warm-up to be a time of reflection on your health and fitness goals the very reason why your there to begin with. Then allow your music or thoughts to think about what your workout is going to be that day. You're there to workout so you might as well give it your all. There really is no sense in just giving it 50% if you took the time to get dressed and sweat. Definitely make it worth your while, but it up to YOU!

8. If you "cheat" then make sure you love it and it's worth it because you work hard to make up for it. Also may I suggest you scoop it out or measure it or something before you start to eat it so you don't binge on it.

8. LIVE LIFE & BELIEVE! Remember, we are only here for a short time, so make the best of it allowing the bumps along the way to be tacked on as "experience". If you're nutrition and fitness are not as perfect as you would like, believe it or not it's okay. As long as you are doing your best and your committed, results will happen. Know you have what it takes to make the changes you want.

Okay, so I'm done being on my soap box. Good or bad I always have lots to say about health and fitness, but now I need to get to work myself and take some of my own advice. It's time for me to reflect on a few of my own personal goals and reevaluate and make adjustments as necessary. BEST OF LUCK!!!

"Nothing is as Constant in Life as Change"

Friends forever!

After much pondering, prayer, fasting, and evaluation Jon and I find ourselves back in Utah. As I spent the week packing up our apartment, my mind was filled with many thoughts and emotions. I thought about the life Jon and I created for ourselves in CA. The friends we made, the individuals we became, and the challenges that created the rock of our relationship. I ask myself, "did I do all that I was called to do and did I learn all that I needed to learn"? Was I the example I needed to be? Did I lend a listening ear to my new friends and was I the leader I needed to be for my Young Women girls? I hope so, I hope I gave my all and each person knows how much I care about him/her.

Jon and Lisa Blaser. Jon and I will miss FHE game night with them for sure!

Living in CA was one of the greatest challenges and most rewarding experiences. I will miss the area but more than anything I will miss the people. I met people from all walks of life. Each one had a different story and left an impression on me I will never forget. I'm grateful for my experience in CA and I will never forget the things I learned, the person I became, and the people who impacted my life for good. To my friends I left behind I miss you and I will never forget you! Thank you for your friendship and your love! (I'm grateful for technology knowing we can always stay in contact.) To my friends and family I come home to, I'm excited to share with you the new ME. More than anything, I'm sad to leave behind my CA home but I'm excited to see what new adventure awaits us. The last six months were filled with many roller coasters both good and bad, happy and sad, challenging and rewarding. Now I wait to see what the next six months will bring. I have no doubt it too will be filled with many challenges and struggles but there is no greater joy than knowing we're doing our very best and trying to do all we can to be faithful and do what we feel is right that in of itself is rewarding. Who knows, if our journey calls us to move again, I'm sure I will say all of the same things about UT I said about leaving CA I will miss the people.

Jen and I. One of my good friends I met at the gym.

Carmen and I. Another good friend I met at the gym.

Oh how I will miss all of my gym friends and the awesome gym workouts!!! I have always loved health and fitness, but in CA it reached new levels and really became a huge part of my life.

Kels, Jayme, Lauren, & Meghan. My Young Women Laurels.

Of course we had to get a funny one.

Oh how I will miss these girls so much. I hope they know how much I love them, enjoyed teaching them and getting to know them. They impacted my life in ways they will never know. I truly admire them for their strength as they fight daily battles of being righteous daughters of God. Girls, may your light ALWAYS SHINE BRIGHT FOR ALL TO SEE!!!

DOUBLE BEST FRIENDS WEDDING

So I'm a little late posting this, but I figure it's better late than never. For all you who know one of my best friends Alyssa, I'm proud to announce she got hitched! I know it may seem like a miracle but miracles happen and this miracle just happened to marry one of my best cousins, Jon Conley, which of course makes it all the better for me.


They were married Jan 22, 2009 in the Mt. Timp Temple in Utah and it was beautiful!! Unfortunately I was too busy talking with family and friends so I didn't take enough pictures to really capture the full event, but I posted everything I have.



Can I just say, I LOVE weddings. I love everything about them. I love watching the bride and groom, pictures, family, friends, meeting new people, talking, decorations ALL OF IT! But what I love even more, knowing both the bride and the groom! When this happens, it's twice the fun for me! The whole day is filled with constant "catch-ups". The list is endless of people to talk to and catch-up on their lives, what they are doing, and everything else. NEVER A DULL MOMENT!!

This is a picture of Garrett, me and Troy. When Jon Conley was living in the same apartment complex as Lyss and me, Crestwood Apartments, Garrett and Troy were his roommates. They were all in the same stake in CA and decided to room together when they moved to UT. Anyway, these boys are like my brothers and I just love them to death! I hadn't seen them in quite a while so it was so good to see them!

Like I said I love weddings because of the people and this picture is a perfect example. These are people I worked with at Source XII. Oh how I miss them and I was so glad they came to the reception. Me, Lindsey & Kyle Nelson, Jessica Shields, Jon & Jordan Shields, Kris & Amy Morris.


Me with my CA bros again. (And Brityn's fiance in the background.)

These are some of my bestest friends. Jordan Shields, Jessica Shields, Erika England and ME! Love these girls!!
Oh yes, the roommates. Back in the day when Jess, Lyss and I worked at Source XII, Jess bought a house in Provo and we all decided to live together. These girls were some of the best roommates EVER especially considering everything we went through that year. Funny story, when we moved in together we were trying to decide who would get married first and I was definitely not on the list, yet ended up being the first and Lyss, who I think was picked to be first, was 3rd. So far, we are 4 for 6.

Me, Jess, Lyss, Brityn, Erika, & Holly
Friends from Crestwood Apartments...Troy, Jon Conley, Garrett, me & Jon Teherro.

So there you go that is a wrap for the Jonathan Conley & Alyssa Barrett wedding. I want them to know how much I love them both. I am so happy for them and their decision to get married. During the 2+years they dated, I hopped they would get married but really didn't know what the end result would be I just wanted them to be happy and I know they are! I LOVE YOU GUYS!!!

The Journey of Life

Today I find myself feeling like physically my body is here, but my mind who knows where it is I'm just numb. This last week brought a new set of challenges and I don't think I was ready.

So Jon and I decided to move to CA for his business and although I was kicking and screaming, there was a part of me that was excited. I will not lie, the first months were tough! Adjusting to marriage, being in a place where I knew no one, trying to find a job, make friends. All of it was hard. I missed the people I left in UT and didn't know how to find myself in CA.

Well, we've lived in CA for 6 months now and I love it! I still miss UT, family and friends, but I've worked really hard to make a life for me here. I don't care for my job, but it pays the bills and works with my schedule. I love the friends we've met and the new calling I received (Young Womens). I've worked really hard on trying to decide what I wanted out of my life and went for it. I'm very involved at my gym and am training to be a fitness instructor with a guaranteed job. I love it! More than anything, I love what this move has done for my marriage! Jon and I have really had to depend on one another for everything and it's been great! BUT all of that may change...

This last week Jon and his business partner Brian decided to dissolve their partnership. Because of their partnership dissolving, we're probably moving back to UT where Jon owns another franchise in the property management business. You would think exciting right? WRONG! I've cried all week long. I worked so hard to create a life here. I decided I was on an adventure that I knew wouldn't last long (but at least 2 years) so I put my whole heart into it. NO REGRETS was my theme. And now...ah!!! I'm so frustrated and torn. There is a part of me that loves the idea of going back to my home and being around the people I love, but I feel like I'm just beginning here. There is so much to take in and people to meet and share the gospel with. I'm really excited about the fitness training and awaiting job. I love my calling and the girls. It's just hard. Why can't I have the best of both worlds? I found a new ME here and if we move, it will be hard starting over again in UT and to take what I learned and make it happen again.

Seriously Heavenly Father, I don't get it!!!

So my life is at a cross roads, do be selfish and I talk my husband into looking for a job in CA and running our UT franchise from CA until I say, "K, let's go home"? (Would that day ever come?) Cause I know he would do it if I asked him to. Or do I do the "obedient" thing and follow the standard of everyone else and go where my husband's job is? LAME!

At least one thing is always constant no matter where I live, my husband and the love we have for each other (aside from the gospel and family & friends). What a blessing to have such a wonderful husband and best friend!!! I'll keep you posted on what the final decision is...until then hope you are all doing well!

My Health (the neverending story)

I've had a lot of people ask about my health lately, so I decided to just post it on my blog for those that read it. For you that don't know, my health is a little crazy. A couple months before I got married, I decided to go to the doctor for intense pain in my lower right abdomen. From this, I went into surgery a week after getting married and unfortunately it didn't end there. The surgery was unsuccessful with fixing my pain but a different blessing came with it and we were able to remove the fibroid on the outside of my uterus and determine I don't have endometreosis, which is what the doctors thought was causing my pain. So I'm thankful for my blessings.

Along with all this pain we discovered I have an infection in my body called Candida or in other words yeast. This is not your typical girl yeast infection. This Candida thing is through out my body and the removal process is very intense. At first I was annoyed when I found out that I had the infection. My thoughts were, "Okay, I've worked so hard to keep myself healthy and fit. WHAT THE HECK!!" Then I came to terms with it and decided to work really hard to do my research and find out everything I can about Candida. I originally went on the Candida diet for two weeks some time before my wedding and thought that would be good enough. Little did I know that it was just the beginning of a long road.

In November 2008, it flared up again and this time worse than ever. Now the Candida is controlling my life. Basically I'm on a high protein diet where carbs only come from veggies. My food intake consists of Carbs: veggies only except high glycemic index foods such as potatoes, carrots, corn & rarely whole grains such as brown rice, oatmeal, oat bran and steel oats (I can only have these a couple times a week). Protein: pretty much anything as long as it's natural. I can't have protein powder because there are too many added preservative and artificial stuff, so fish, chicken, turkey, egg whites, tuna. Fruit: berries, tart apples, grapefruit, limes/lemons (can't say I love to eat limes/lemons on a regular basis). Fats: natural, raw nuts except peanuts and high glycemic nuts (cashews), oils, butter apparently these are all really good for the infection, but not very appealing to me. NO DAIRY except Natural Plain Yogurt and I've become extremely accustomed to this (gross I know but you do what you can). Everything is wheat free, gluten free. Also natural with no preservatives. I guess it could be worse like take away all veggies but I'm not going to lie sometimes I feel like I'm starving. It's fine though because I'm learning to adjust. Although the "Clean eating" is nothing new for me, I was already eating fairly healthy prior to my infection, there are additional changes I've made and food I've eliminated so it's challenging. And to be completely honest, sometimes I just want a bit of Jon's ice cream and brownie!!!

The most difficult part for me is dealing with what is called the "die off". Not only do I have a particular diet, I also take a pro-biotic and a bunch of other things to kill the Candida. The Candida die off symptoms include: SUGAR & CARB CRAVINGS (no joke, i feel like I'm a sugar addict and never before have I craved sugar like this), headaches, body aches, flu like symptoms, extreme fatigue/exhaustion, swelling/pain in joints & muscles, irritableness, foggy head/confusion I swear the list is endless and can I say ANNOYING TO LIVE WITH.

Anyway, I think I'm slowly getting better but it will take some time. I'm not perfect at the diet, but I really am trying my best. The fatigue is really really hard to deal with and the sugar cravings are crazy, but I know it will get better and it's definitely all worth it in the end because this infection is not fun to live with. There you go that's the update. I'm slowly moving in the right direction and I'm grateful it's not something worse. Of all the health problems to have, I'll take this one. Thanks for all the concern, it's much appreciated!

Christmas in UT

So the night before leaving for Utah we headed over to the Mormon Center next to the Sacramento Temple for one of Jon's best friend's, Brent Hollingsworth, wedding.

Jon, Brent, & Riley at Brent's wedding Dec 19, 2008
Kati & Jon at the Hollingsworth wedding.
This was the first "Christmas feeling" display I saw the whole holiday season in CA. I really struggled with the holidays this year because it just seemed really messed up in my mind to hear Christmas music playing and see all the Christmas t.v. commercials, yet I could walk outside in t-shirt and pants with no coat and not freeze. I would hear about the snow storms in UT and think, "Oh, Christmas" and then walk out my front door and think, "Ha jokes on me 10 second take back". IT just really messed with my head. So when we saw this display at the Sac Temple I really wanted a pic. It was the first of our UT/Christmas/Holiday escapade.

So here we have this beautiful manger scene displayed at the front of the temple and my husband decides to do the unthinkable and "oooo & ahhh" over the baby Jesus. It may be sacrilegious, but please don't be offended it was all with good intent.

This Christmas was a different than most for Jon and I. It was our first Christmas together so we had lots of family parties to attend. The adventure started with The Hales Family Christmas party (Jon's mother's family).

The following is a pic. of Jon and Ann at the Hales Christmas party pretending to be professional bell ringers while the rest of us sang the words to the song they were playing.

Ann's mom gave all of her children the same gift this year. A book of pictures filled with memories from growing up. Interesting, but I'm pretty sure I was the only one wiping tears from my eyes (and I have no relation to any of those pics go me apparently my eyes leak water at anything I think should be touching or heart felt).

Ann and her siblings looking at the books.

Ann and her mom. Parents, you never know how long they'll be around, so moments like this are priceless.

Well, Jon and I were attempting to have a "family photo" at the party but sometimes we really struggle.

And the next Christmas party...Cotant Family Christmas Party - Mama Johnson's family Christmas party

Kerri & Grandpa Cotant (and yes can you see all the food in the background? Welcome to the Holidays).
Cousins forever! Kris, Chad, Rhett & Me! Why do I love the holidays? Because of family. I just love doing anything and everything with family and this Christmas was the best ever because I didn't have a job to work at before or after Christmas we were just home to be home and it was wonderful. (I'm sure Jon wouldn't have stayed as long 2wks can be kind of long, but I loved every minute!)

Cole, Brittany, Tyson, Wyatt, & Tyler - Cousins!

Without fail every Cotant party we shed a few tears. It just comes with being apart of the family and this year was no different. My grandfather sharing his thoughts on Christmas, Christ & family.

Mama & Papa Johnson...The best Parents ever! How grateful I am to have such great parents!

Brooke, Jon, Me, Annie, & Chad - Christmas parties mean lots of pictures if you can't tell.

So every family has different Christmas traditions and right now our family dynamics haven't changed too much to change the tradition just yet. So one of the traditions we have is on Christmas Eve we have a spiritual message, do some family bonding, and open pjs. Then all the kids file down into the basement to prepare for the big slumber party and Christmas morning. Lucky for me, I'm married so Jon and I got a matress as well as Rhett & Annie. Yes, this is where all the kids sleep. It's couches, floor, mattresses and pretty much wherever you can find a spot. After we've all claimed our spots and changed into our pj's, we watch a Christmas movie and fall asleep until 6am Christmas morning when we all wake up to begin our Christmas day.

This is my favorite dog EVER Kiarra. Kiarra loved Christmas as much as any of us and the best part was she knew exactly which presents were hers.

Okay, so not everyone is as excited about the 6am thing. I guess Rhett thinks our family has out grown the getting up early part but I disagree.
Brooke, Jon & my dad. Jon is pretending to be happy about the 6am thing too. I'm pretty sure there is only one 6 o'clock in Jon's day and that is in the PM. In fact, I don't know that last time Jon was up at 6am. Well Jon, welcome to the Johnson family for Christmas you're not the youngest anymore babe so 10am on a Christmas morning just doesn't work.
Oh Wyatt, he was definitely the most excited. Although he is growing up and pasted the Santa stage, he is still young and heart and I love him for that.
Mama Johnson! Christmas wouldn't happen if it wasn't for her. She does all the decorating, planning, shopping, spending and everything else that comes with making the holidays so great. Thanks mom!
Our first Christmas morning together! I love Christmas, I love getting up early, I love getting presents, giving gifts, White Christmas the movie, white Christmas mornings, decorating, Christmas music, anything and everything that comes with Christmas and my husband, well he is just beginning to understand how much I LOVE CHRISTMAS!
So this year finances were tight. I mean we live in CA, which as a newly wed couple can be challenging by itself coming from UT. The cost of living is just a little different. Jon is in the middle of starting a company and well it's just life. So we decided not to do gifts this year for each other, but freakin Jon doesn't listen and bought me a present any way. This is his famous wrapping. Thanks babe for the IPOD we both know I needed a new one.
Merry Christmas in our new pj's.
This is Christmas at the Heaths. Jon's parent, Ann & Rod. I'm so grateful for wonderful in-laws!!!
Yes, this is the man I'm married to. He lives in his own little world and ticks to his own little drum and I love him for it. He thought bringing the 80's back was a good idea. Thanks goodness it only lasted a few moments because there are no words...
Oh how I love my niece! She is just the cutest thing ever and this is Chloe with your Sock Monkey. Apparently not having my own kids and not really being around kids I'm kind of out of the loop but I guess the sock monkey is quite the thing to have a little kid. Who knew something made out of socks could be such a hit???
So there you have it Christmas in UT. There were many other events but my computer isn't working right and I'm not able to post more pics but I figure you get the idea that Christmas was wonderful.

I'm so grateful for the husband, family, and friends I'm blessed with. My life wouldn't be the same without them.