Spain 2010, by Jenifer Nelson

I'd like to share my Walgreens Photo Center photos with you. Once you have checked out my photos you can order prints and upload your own photos to share. Todd and I went to Madrid, Spain with some friends, the Allens. Boy that was a long flight. Our first day we went to the oldest restaurant in the world, Botin. They're specialty is suckling pig(this is baby pig and just so you know tastes like the farm. Our favorite treat in Spain was Churros and Chocolate. Deep fried, chocolate goodness. We visited old churches, castles, and buildings. Our first day trip was to Segovia, about 20min by train. The castle there is the one Cinderella's castle is patterned after. Cute town that was having a special religious holiday. In their Cathedral we got to hear their choir and orchestra. It was beautiful. They also had a yummy dessert that they only make one time a year. Had to get it! We had a Tapas tour. Tapas are small appetizers and we went with a tour guide to about 4 restaurants and tried some interesting food. Blood pudding, tripe, octopus, anchovies. Most of what we tried was really good. This is the way the Spainiards eat. One of the highlights of the trip was our Segway tour around the city. We went for 3.5 hours and went about 10 miles. It was such a fun way to see the city. Todd is trying to figure out how to buy one I think. My favorite day trip was to a little town called Talavera and Legaterra. Talavera is known for centuries for it's handpainted ceramics. Deana and I had fun shopping and were able to get home with quite a bit. These ceramics are upwards of $100.00. We paid much less for them there. Finally we went to a place that for centuries has a tradition of hand stitching linens. We went to a shop that was in the back of this cute Spanish couples house. She was adorable and took so many table clothes out to show us. Couldn't pass that purchase up. All in all it was a great time getting to know another culture and enjoying the history. Hope you enjoy the pictures.

Things I Know

Today was a good day for me. I began this day fasting and praying for my oldest(G) who is struggling in life and school. We've found a school which would really help him learn to organize and get the individualized attention he needs. What 12yr old wants to change schools? In order to get in he has to tell the administrator that he wants to be there. Seemed like a big reach to me but I prayed and prayed hard. Then G prayed and prayed hard and told me he felt that he should go to this school. I know God answers prayers. I know God cares for each of us and knows what we need. I know being a parent is hard but having a belief in Christ makes it easier. I know that Christ died for everyone's sins so we could repent. I know as a parent I have to let my kids make mistakes so they can repent on their own. I know this is very hard for me but I must let them sin. I know the Father knew what he was doing when he created the Plan of Happiness. I know I am not driving this ship and there is a greater plan that I cannot always see.
Jen

Yo Yo!

You may be wondering what this blog is about...me of course! I am a yo yo! That's right, I have always struggled with my weight. Pre-baby, post-baby-all the time. I've struggled my whole life and figure lots of us do out there. I grew up in a home where my mom was very skinny. She would just forget to eat. HOW DO YOU FORGET TO EAT? I'm thinking about my thanksgiving dinner as I type. Anyway-always a struggle. Topped out at about 190 on my mission. I know, this is disgusting and there was a reason I wasn't a visitor's center sister! Anyway, my quest for health began three months before coming home and I've stayed on the bandwagon every since. I still yo yo though because I like to eat. Food makes me happy, it is social, it is comforting. Here's what I've discovered with my recent weight loss. It's all about calories. That's right ladies and gentleman...you must burn more than you eat. Everything you put in your mouth has calories, even fruit which I use to think I could eat as much as I wanted. Anyway I'm almost 39 and it's about time I figure it out. I've lost 10lbs in the last four weeks, just counting calories friends, just counting calories. Hoping to drop another 10 before November hits. I love my clothes fitting again and my knees not hurting when I run. Hoping to be able to do an unassisted pull up soon too! Here's to happy calorie counting! We can do it!!