Mo aon clann

The Two Coolest Guys I Know

2011-11-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

Patrick's Mothers Day Talk

2011-06-17T23:32:00.001-07:00

I'm so on top of it. How long ago was Mother's day? Anyhow, thought it was a great talk by a great young man:

My mom, standing with me at the bus stop in the snow for school. Doing school projects together until late into the night. Driving me to school with my friends to Elk Horn. Trying to help me with math, she gave it her best. Helping me with my Spanish home work, because she's fluent just ask her. Pushing me to get great grades, and get the work done on time. My mother has taught me the importance of an education.

My mom, never willing to buy junk food. Making me a great breakfast every morning before seminary. Making my lunch each and every day. Being my loudest supporter in all sports that I play. Spending family nights playing soccer in the gym. Refusing to give me rides and saying "ride your bike!" My mother has taught me the importance of physical health.

My mom, whether it is the elves or me, my room is always clean. My things will disappear, and be held for ransom if they are left lying around the house. My dresser seems to be a cornucopia of clean clothing. As soon as we walk in the door from one of my games the first words spoken by my mom are "go take a a shower". Don't anyone dare to drink out of the milk carton. At a young age I learned it is not wise to wear shoes in my mothers house.My mother has taught me the importance of cleanliness.

My mom, always reminded me to say my prayers. Family scriptures are read every night. To church every Sunday, usually on time. Awoken and sent to seminary every morning at 5:50 am. Taught to keep the Sabbath holy. Reminded to live my life in a way that the spirit can always be with me. My mother has taught me the importance of spirituality.

My mom, sent me to scout camp. Helping me with all my merit badges. Dropping me off at service projects. Making sure I'm wearing the proper scout uniform. My mother has taught me the importance of scouting.

My mom, we always sit down and have family dinners. Family night every Monday. Whether it be valentines day, birthdays, 4th of July, thanksgiving, or Christmas we have great holiday traditions every year. Laughing often together. Working hard at things we need to do together as a family. Making sure each family member is present at each others activities. teaching us to love one and other. Taking walks together with the dog. Family vacations multiple times a year. Making sure to see extended family in Utah, or here in California. My mother has taught me the importance of family.

There are so many things I could list, but this I'm certain, my mothers influence is teaching me to be a great man. Mom, I love you, and all that you teach me. Happy Mothers day. I am grateful to my heavenly Father for the blessings of motherhood.

Disneyland

2011-06-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

Took a great trip to Disney with the family. Little surprise trip. Tried to keep it quite. Had a fantastic time. It's so nice to take some time and get away with them. Strengthen the family bond. We hit every ride ride we wanted to hit, and a really were ready to go home tonight. We closed the park all three nights we were here. We always laughed hard on the bus back to the parking lot about the days events, and for some strange reason it always finish with a "last one to the car is a rotten egg" sprint to the car. Great fun, and great people. As the family gets older is so great to see what wonderful people they are. Life is good.

Hannah bear!

2011-05-27T13:07:00.000-07:00

Today was Hannah's last day as student body President. She had a fantastic year at Vinewood, and really as a person just shines. A fantastic student. I'm excited to continue to watch my baby doll grow, next year jr. high....... like I said.... really excited!

Sam's off to Lodi High

2011-05-27T12:57:00.000-07:00

Sam promoted to high school. An exellent student, and exellent person. Just the best of the best this guy. Not to mention he's a good looking guy.

2011-04-15T09:14:00.000-07:00

Fruit Bowl

2011-03-05T21:54:00.000-08:00

While putting away the groceries I asked Suzi, "Suz, do we have a fruit bowl?"........ Note to self.... eat more fruit.

Emu

2011-02-28T18:24:00.000-08:00

Patrick, and I were headed home from his soccer games in Oakdale on Saturday when we saw a huge bird in a field on the side of the road. Patrick says "What is the world is that?!" I said "It's an Emu." Patrick "That thing can't fly can it?" I said "No Emu's can't fly Puff." Patrick "Good thing, they'd rule the world."

The Garage Sale

2011-02-13T19:53:00.000-08:00

I had a great memory today. This happened a while back. Last summer I believe.

I asked Patrick to clean out the garage on a beautiful Saturday morning. He started hauling stuff out into the driveway. He came into the house "Dad, someone wants to buy your rolling rack." I said "What? What are you talking about?" He says "Someone thinks your rolling rack is for sale." I told him "Tell them it's not for sale". So he went back out and chased off the potential customer. Then he had another visitor, and another. He kept getting people in the garage. Trying to buy things, and negotiate. I asked him "What the heck is going on!!!?" I eventually thought it was hilarious watching Patrick chase people off while he was trying to clean out the garage. Every now and then he wouldn't notice someone, and they'd make it all the way into the garage with him and he'd have to chase them off. I took one picture from the neighbors side yard of a lady trying to buy something from Patrick, and she wouldn't take no for an answer. Eventually I told him. Close the door, we'll clean it next Saturday.

Turns out, I look in the paper, that it was Lodi's advertised Garage Sale day.

Yelp

2011-01-30T14:52:00.000-08:00

Downloaded about a year ago on my smart phone. Been using it to find new places to eat and try for a long time.

Recently started to contribute to Yelp, and I enjoy that even more! Nice to have a voice sometimes when I'm happy about a place, or not so happy. You should check it out.

Georgia Peach, So sweet...

2010-08-17T22:12:00.000-07:00

As Georgia and I were walking up the front walk of the house after returning from making a run to get slurpies for herself and I while we left the other kids at home.

Me: Thanks for sneaking out with me Georgia.

Georgia: Thanks Dad. You know I can't wait until the boys are gone and Hannah is in college and you and I can just hang out together. Those will be good times. Yep.

I am sooo wrapped around her little finger. She is just working me. Can you blame me!! She's awesome!

Weight gain, Insulin resistance, and Diet Soda's

2010-06-29T16:44:00.000-07:00

I know, I know it's been a while. Thought I'd jump back to it on a topic I find interesting.

I'm sure you've heard information regarding weight gain, and diet soda consumption. As someone who loves his diet Dr. Pepper, I know that I partake way to often, and I'm almost certain it messes with my ability to lose weight.

I find the topic a little difficult to explain without drawing pictures, so I thought I'd copy in some information that paints the picture fairly clearly and hopefully you find it enlightening. It also saves me a bunch of typing.

by Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN NP

Insulin resistance is a greatly misunderstood health problem among women. Many women have the mistaken belief that insulin resistance only happens in those who are overweight or in those who eat too many sweets, or that it leads inevitably to diabetes, or that there is nothing they can do about it if they’re insulin resistant. While it’s true that all kinds of women are insulin resistant — or well on their way — the wonderful news is that insulin resistance is something we can prevent and even reverse naturally!

Reversing insulin resistance is really a matter of understanding insulin’s role in the body. Insulin allows glucose to travel from the bloodstream into the cells, where it is used for cell functioning. When we eat foods high in refined carbohydrates, insulin levels surge to remove the sugar from the blood and get it into your cells. This mechanism works very well for the most part. But if insulin spikes too often from a diet rich in the high-carb foods that trigger insulin secretion, your cells respond by decreasing the reactivity and number of insulin receptors on their surfaces. Eventually, this prevents glucose from getting into your cells, leading to high blood sugar and depriving your cells of the energy they need to function. This is why many women with insulin resistance experience carbohydrate cravings, fatigue and weight-gain — their cells are literally starving for energy, even when plenty of glucose is available in the blood. Down the road, your body’s capacity to generate insulin appropriately becomes depleted, and the result is type 2 diabetes.

But that’s just the basics — there is so much more than that going on here. The bigger problem is that insulin resistance lies at one end of a spectrum of related disorders called metabolic syndrome, a serious health challenge that takes on many different forms in the 21st century, leading not just to diabetes but a whole host of equally or even more problematic health conditions. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to the signals your body sends you when it is dealing with insulin resistance.

I’ve seen how, when women understand these factors, they have an enormous capacity to improve their quality of life by addressing their insulin resistance. How can they do this? By “turning back the clock” a little! Like our ancestors, we have to “hunt” for good food in a world saturated with unhealthy obstacles. We tell our patients to seek out whole foods, fresh from the source, foods rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and nutrients — in short, foods that take time to digest and allow for a more gradual, gentler rise in insulin levels. We also know that incorporating exercise into your daily life is another way to reverse or prevent insulin resistance because it increases the insulin receptors on your cells. And there are many other natural options available for improving insulin regulation and sustaining a healthy metabolism.Our patients often ask why insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes are on the rise. In many cases, the answer lies in the food we eat — and our lack of movement. Our early ancestors focused on hunting and gathering food. This simple act involved two key elements: they were obtaining whole foods straight from their environment and getting a lot of exercise in the process. In modern society, we sit parked at our desks and in our cars for so much of the day, and food is available at almost every turn — much of which depletes the body rather than nourishing it. Meanwhile, the research is mounting that shows how foods high in refined carbohydrates, preservatives, pesticides, trans fats, toxins and super sugars like high-fructose corn syrup all contribute to insulin resistance.

The following articles include information on preventing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, controlling insulin with balanced meals, using the glycemic index, finding nutrients and herbs to help insulin resistance and diabetes, and more. We hope this information will help you on your way to understanding more about your body and your choices when it comes to regulating insulin naturally.

This is an abstract from a study I read recently. If your not understanding something, keep digging until you understand. You'll get it, and this fun stuff to understand about how your body works.

Appetite. 2008 Nov;51(3):622-7. Epub 2008 May 10.

Cephalic phase insulin release in healthy humans after taste stimulation?

Just T, Pau HW, Engel U, Hummel T.

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Rostock, Doberaner Strasse 137-139, Rostock, Germany. tino.just@med.uni-rostock.de

Abstract

In humans little is known as to whether taste solutions applied to the tongue elicit cephalic phase insulin release (CPIR). The aim of this study was to re-examine if any effect of different taste solutions on CPIR occurs. Under fasting conditions healthy human subjects sipped, and washed out their mouths with eight taste solutions (sucrose, saccharin, acetic acid, sodium chloride, quinine hydrochloride, distilled water, starch, and sodium glutamate) for 45 s and spat them out again. The taste stimuli were not swallowed; they were applied in a randomized order, each on a separate day. Blood collection for determination of plasma glucose and plasma insulin concentrations was performed 3 min before and 3, 5, 7 and 10 min after taste stimulation. Ratings of quality, intensity and hedonic characteristics were also obtained. A significant increase of plasma insulin concentration was apparent after stimulation with sucrose and saccharin. In conclusion, the current data suggest that the sweeteners sucrose and saccharin activate a CPIR even when applied to the oral cavity only.

A Man Van?

2010-02-17T18:34:00.001-08:00

Me: Patrick & Sam, I was thinking about getting you a van for high school, what do you think? Patrick: A van? Are you serious?!
Me: Yeah, you could pile all your buddies in, you know a "man van!"
Patrick: Yeah, because that's about the only people who would get in it. A bunch of dudes, driving around town together. Sounds great...
Sam: Yeah, and we could blare that song "it's raining men" when we drive around town with our car full of men.
Patrick: Is that what you really want? ....Think hard, is that really what you want?
Sam: Yeah Dad, is that what you want?

Man they're funny!!

All Bark No Bite

2010-01-18T21:11:00.000-08:00

While sitting around the front room on Saturday watching football:

Suzi: Who left their dishes on the table? I'm going to break both your legs!!

The kids (except one, answering with a joyful tone, in unison): SAM!!!

Me: Seriously? Both his legs? I can't wait to watch this! Wow, you don't mess around.

I'm writing to report, no bones were broken. Must admit, I would have like to watch her:

Catch him
Wrestle him
Figure out away to break his legs while holding him still

Would have been fun. Lots of laughs. She couldn't accomplish task one, unless he was sleeping. Love her spirit though!!

2009-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Scary

2009-12-25T17:02:00.000-08:00

I was told this story, so realize I didn't experience this first hand.

Georgia came down stairs last night, and the house was quiet down stairs. Kind of scary when you're 8 to go down stairs in the dark when no one else maybe down there. Coming down the stairs she heard a noise that made her panic. She "ran" to find Suzi, and told mom that she thought there was something down stairs and reported "it sounds like a cat choking in the family room!" Georgia that's just your Dad snoring on the couch.

Very Scary...

Lodi Light Parade

2009-12-21T19:55:00.000-08:00

Sam's Soccer Team: The Lodi Crushers FC

The Parade gang: The Kelly and d McInness families

One of my favorite floats. Liked the music.

Santa!! He's there in the bucket.

Hannah turned 11!

2009-12-21T19:50:00.000-08:00

Such a wonderful girl ! So sad she's sooo big! Love you Shea Shea

YM/YW White Elephant Gift Party

2009-12-21T19:47:00.000-08:00

Man I've been busy! I bought a laptop for my own personal use and hopefully this will help with keeping the blog current. We had the YM/YW program over at the house for a white elephant gift exchange. Good times.

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-26T01:17:00.000-07:00

Forever Younger...

2009-10-19T17:22:00.000-07:00

I'm so young, and she's older! xoxo

Spelling Practice

2009-09-18T07:30:00.000-07:00

While practicing for her test...

Me: Suzi Georgia forgot the letters "Z, K, and W" in the word "next"

Georgia: ...."Dad I'm not stupid"

Oh! Well! Quite the smarty pants

Very Short Sports Shorts.

2009-09-03T14:59:00.000-07:00

High school soccer has begun!

First game of the year. Patrick spent his first game playing midfielder. I'm sure a whole bunch of running that he's not digging. I loved to run, him...... Maybe it will grow on him. Found his way onto the score board from midfield. Good on him! Go Lodi Flames!

Lodi News.com

Sports Shorts

Thursday, September 3, 2009 6:29 AM PDT

Frosh-Soph
Lodi 2, West 2

Patrick Kelly and Abel Carillo scored for Lodi and Randy Longoria had eight saves in the net (0-0-1).

Ryan Vandenburg and Nathan Shibler were solid on defense and C.J. Sousa had a nice game at midfield.

2009-08-29T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just another day at the office

2009-08-29T16:45:00.001-07:00

Georgia's first game of the season. She looks to be in good form. She had 3 goals in a 4-0 game. This first set of pictures are her first goal about 5 minutes into the game.

It was cute, after she would score she'd just put down her head, jog back to her spot without celebration, and get ready to go. I asked her about it afterward, and she said "That's just what Sam does after he scores."

Love this Soccer family. Patrick made the JV team at Lodi high, which was great news. I expect him to have a good season, and make some good noise.

Sam is playing with his competitive team, and having a great time with that club.

Hannah had a game at the same time as Georgia today. I caught the last 10 minutes. Hannah looked great. I was watching her compete for a ball about 20 yards away from her with a girl that looked to be a year older. Man she looks strong when she runs these days. I remember when she was little how quickly she would move, but it looked so out of control. Now she sails with her arms at her side, and her stride looks quick and powerful. So pretty.

I love Saturday.

Avila

2009-08-17T20:33:00.000-07:00

Sam's Soccer Tourney

2009-08-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Took a trip down to San Louisabiso (sp?) for Sam's soccer tourney. Had a great trip. Sam's been playing with this same group for 4 years now. He plays with a great group of boys and the coaches do a great job with them.

Sat. night we played on Avila beach. Avila has to be my new favorite California beach town. It was fantastic! Everything was beautiful, and the town was as close to perfect a town as I've ever seen.

Monkeys

2009-08-02T21:11:00.000-07:00

Tough to keep out of the trees. They are so at home up there.

Yep

2009-07-23T19:41:00.000-07:00

Suz: Georgia take that up stairs.

Georgia: What!? That's Dad's tie!!

Suz: Yes, take it up stairs and put it on his bed.

Georgia: You mean he can just drop it on the ground, and I have to take it upstairs.

Suz: Yes...

Georgia- She picked up walked over to me, and put it in my lap. "Put your own stuff away." Kiss.

She's too much. Let the record show that my tie was right next to my back pack, and would have been moved upstairs. I had just walked in the door and sat down.

Ahhh the weekend

2009-06-27T18:01:00.000-07:00

It's been so long! I've been very busy, and this is the first weekend this summer I've had to just chill outside at the pool. Fun to watch the boys be boys. Stresses mom out. I love that picture of Sam, looks like he's just hanging out in the air. He said "Dad I look like an angel!" Huh. Glad summer's here, glad we had a chance to cool off in the pool all day. 1o3 today here in Lodi.

On to new things!

2009-05-29T14:41:00.001-07:00

Great student, and a hard working young man! Good job Patrick! One of the best and brightest among the best and brightest.

Mmmmm

2009-05-09T22:10:00.000-07:00

Get your grill extremely hot. 5 minutes each side, take it out and cover it for 10 more minutes in foil, and bam!! Perfect. Turn down the direct heat on the meat, but extremely hot inside the grill. Since I started cooking my steaks this way, they have all been perfect.

The Delta

2009-05-09T22:07:00.000-07:00

Headed home from APC campout Sam and I pulled over to grab a soda. The delta really is pretty in it's own way. Fun to wander around in at times.

So Pretty!

2009-05-09T22:04:00.000-07:00

Fathers and Sons campout

2009-05-09T09:59:00.000-07:00

Went on a quick over night with camp out with Sam. Patrick was out of town in Catalina with his school. Sam and his buddies had a great time catching all kinds of creatures in the dark. Including this poor bullfrog.

I Give Up!!!!

2009-04-25T23:13:00.000-07:00

Ahhh! Spring!

2009-04-25T23:12:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Patrick & Emma!

2009-04-25T23:11:00.000-07:00

14 already! Please, please, please. Let's just slow things down a little what's the big hurry. They both are fantasic young people! We had a great time, and had "the best dinner ever!" Wish you all were there.

Life Expectancy By California County

2009-04-23T17:27:00.000-07:00

Marin	80.6
San Mateo	80.0
Santa Clara	80.0
Santa Barbara	79.6
Orange	79.5
Nevada	79.3
San Luis Obispo	79.3
Placer	79.2
Santa Cruz	79.2
Monterey	79.2
Ventura	79.1
San Benito	78.7
Contra Costa	78.6
El Dorado	78.6
San Diego	78.4
Napa	78.4
Sonoma	78.3
Amador	78.2
Alpine	77.9
Calaveras	77.9
Alameda	77.8
Los Angeles	77.8
Inyo	77.8
Mono	77.8
Yolo	77.8
Mariposa	77.8
Tuolumne	77.8
Madera	77.5
Plumas	77.5
Sierra	77.5
Solano	77.3
San Francisco	77.3
Riverside	77.2
Imperial	77.2
Lassen	77.1
Modoc	77.1
Sacramento	77.1
Fresno	77.0
Siskiyou	76.8
Glenn	76.7
Colusa	76.6
Sutter	76.6
Butte	76.5
Mendocino	76.5
Merced	76.5
San Joaquin	76.3
Kings	76.2
Stanislaus	76.1
Tulare	76.0
San Bernardino	76.0
Tehama	75.9
Trinity	75.9
Shasta	75.9
Humboldt	75.8
Kern	75.6
Lake	75.4
Del Norte	74.9
Yuba	74.1

Live long, live healthy

2009-04-23T17:01:00.000-07:00

Read this and thought you'd all like it. Looks like mountain living isn't so bad. Your just going to have to go play in them.

Super Sam

2009-04-18T12:52:00.000-07:00

The two high schools here in Lodi, Lodi and Tokay High, put on a track meet for all of the elementary school kids that feed into those two high schools. The kids come from all over Lodi, North Stockton, and small surrounding communities. They do this get them interested in track and field, and to recruit kids for their summer track program that prepares them for high school.

Sam's elementary school P.E. teacher encourages the kids from her classes to go. She told Sam he should run the 800, and mile. Last year he did some shorter events as a 5th grader, and did fine. This year he decided he just wanted to run the mile.

So he jumped out of bed, and got himself down to the track meet early with a friend. Suz and I jogged down later a got there right before his event.

He ran the mile, and he's been telling me how he's doing at school. I knew he'd do well, but with so many kids from all over I didn't know how well.

The race must have had over 40 kids in it. It was packed, and I couldn't even spot Sam in the group until a couple of seconds before the race started.

When the race started it was like a sprint race for the first 200 yards. Sam was back about 8 spots. He hung with the fast kids, but didn't sprint like the kids out in front. After lap one Sam was in fourth. As he made his way around the track on the second lap he just ran a good looking lap. He didn't kill himself, but he passed each kid in front of him one by one. Toward the end of the lap two the two kids left in front of him saw him coming, and pushed themselves a little harder and added about 10 yards to their lead. Sam kept "pushing" them, and eventually they couldn't keep their pace and Sam moved in front on the last 200 yards of lap two. His lap 2 time was 2:34. Once he got in front his pace eased up a little on the back side of lap three. One boy came within 10 yards of him, but didn't come much closer. On lap four he turned it on in the back stretch, and opened up his lead a bit.

He won with a time of 6:09. The next kid was about 10 seconds behind him. It was hard to tell at that point who finished second because he had lapped a whole bunch of kids, and he was in the mix of all of them.

He really looked great running. His stride was "perfect" according to the high school coaches who want him to come spend the summer working out with them. I loved watching him run, it looked so easy. Never clumsy. Can't wait to see what he looks like as he gets older, and faster.

Sam's Favorite Commercial

2009-04-12T10:09:00.000-07:00

Sam watches this over and over, and I'm certain this is Uncle Spencer's favorite, if he's seen it, as well.

You tell her she's not coming...

2009-04-11T09:25:00.001-07:00

Suzi and I were talking about a trip we want to take around the table this morning. Georgia got excited and said "Oh my gosh, and I want my own room where it's real nice with one of those little tiny refrigerators!"

Are kidding me?

2009-04-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

Poor boys. They don't stand a chance. She's already breaking boys hearts. I know it. Lovely little girl.

Someone got glasses

2009-04-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

She loves the purple frames. She's really excited about seeing the world again.

Georgia's 3

2009-04-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

I was at the gap in San Francisco with the family when Georgia walked by and I asked her a question and she didn't respond. I turned my head to look at her a little harder and realized..... whoops that's not Georgia. After looking at the little girl with her twin sister I started looking at the whole family. They had 6 girls and these were the youngest. I said to the Dad, my Georgia could be one of your girls. He was a spanish speaker from Ecaudor, and didn't quite get what I was saying to I pointed to my daughter and said motioned that I wanted to get a picture with all three girls. That's when he saw Georgia and said "Wow.... three!" We both laughed. They certainly could pass as sisters. Maybe not twins, but if Georgia were a little thicker or they were a little thinner I think they would be pretty dang close to twins. Same color hair. Look at their eyes, noses, cheeks, and chins. Pretty tripy to me.

Kid Favorites SNL skit lately.

2009-04-05T18:23:00.000-07:00

This had Patrick and Sam in tears! TEARS!! Patrick favorite line was the one where he is asked how many dogs it took to make this shot and he answers "PASS."

I want to be a spy when I grow up

2009-04-05T18:14:00.000-07:00

Sitting around the table talking about what each of the kids wants to do when they grow up. I say "I want to be a spy when I grow up." Suzi says "Uh huh, you sure you're up to that?" Me, "Oh yeah I know all about spy life." Patrick says "Oh yeah Mom he knows all about it alright, he's seen Spy Kids 1, 2, 3, & 3-D." At which Sam falls off the the chair he's sitting on and can't breath for a good 30 seconds due to laughter.

Dream crushers.

Mmmm

2009-04-05T18:11:00.000-07:00

Patrick after tasting the tri-tip I just pulled off the grill: "I don't get vegetarians. Have they tasted this? Did they taste meat?"

Patrick is very much in touch with his caveman self. Hannah is our resident non-meat eater. However, I do think she eats Costco's beef hot dog. Those may or may not be meat anyhow.

Who am I?

2009-03-13T17:36:00.000-07:00

Me "What are you doing up?"

Mystery person "My lips hurt!"

Me "You did not just say, my lips hurt, to me."

Mystery person "What?"

Me "Yeah, you just said to me, My lips hurt, and that's why your not in bed"

Mystery "Uhhh, yeah, I did."

Me "Hey Napoleon, go get a big drink of water and get your butt in bed!"

Sammy J

Hannah's Diary

2009-03-12T21:16:00.001-07:00

I heard this out loud so I haven't been reading Hannah's diary.

Hannah "Dear diary today I...... Well.... What did I do today?"

Georgia "I went to Alli's house."

Hannah "This is about me."

Georgia "Oh... Well today you..."

Me "Just go to bed."

Hannah "Ok I'll do this tomorrow."

Me "Great!"

Heart Disease- Part Two - Insulin Resistance

2009-03-01T21:10:00.000-08:00

Last time I talked about the dangers of body fat, a belly that sticks out, becoming a diabetic, and diabetes in general. I thought I'd try to attempt to explain why this is the case. The above slide explains it on a very simple level, I'm guessing most of you have no idea what it means. HOWEVER, after reading this I'm hoping you well be able to understand this slide, and understand the dangers of insulin resistance. Maybe you won't be able to read it, but you'll know the story behind the slide.

Let me start by saying insulin resistance leads to type 2 diabetes. Many of you who have a belly, elevated blood pressure, and not a regular exerciser (Walk and hour a day and you're and exerciser) most likely have insulin resistance going on. You're headed toward type 2 diabetes that leads to so many other wonderful problems.

So what is insulin resistance? Let start by explaining normal metabolism. After you eat, in a response to your fed state, beta cells in your pancreas release insulin. This signals tissues that use glucose in your body (Fat tissue & Muscle tissue) to absorb glucose. Simple enough right? You eat, and your body recognizes you ate by the increase of glucose in your blood stream, it releases insulin (which is used to move glucose into muscle and fat tissue), and then your blood glucose levels drop to normal again.

In a person who is insulin resistant it requires more insulin than the normal person to get glucose into the muscle and fat tissue after you eat. Let's talk about why that might be.

We in our culture live in a constantly fed state. Our fat and muscle cells are constantly being forced to accept more than they have ability to accept. Part of this problem as well is that every time these cells touch insulin they get worn down a little, and it takes a little more insulin to get the job done. Remember that point last point. We'll talk about how to fix that later. Eventually it requires our pancreas to produce a lot more insulin than normal to get the job done after every time we eat because our tissues are constantly being hammered with more food/glucose than it can handle. This in turn leaves us with a higher blood glucose levels a lot of the time.

Side note- Remember, every time your get your blood labs done you're required to fast. Well this fasting can hide insulin resistance until BAM! Things are way out of control, and now your find out you're a type 2 diabetic. The problem is that it's difficult to get accurate readings on blood labs if you're not fasting.

So let's take the next step. Not only does fat tissue try to stop accepting glucose it also releases free fatty acid into the blood stream which is converted by the liver into triglycerides. So now we have an elevated trig level problem. Well I'm telling you right now it's a big, big problem. This increase in Trigs ruins, wrecks, and breaks normal lipid metabolism problems. Simply stated, it creates a horrible cholesterol problem that MOST doctors and many cardiologist don't take seriously. The reason why is because it's not just an LDL problem. LDL is commonly called "bad cholesterol." The problem is, that there is so much more to the story than just bad cholesterol.

So here is the next step, and I can't explain it completely and keep it simple, so I'm just going to keep it simple and leave out some detail. This increase in triglycerides does two things. One it effects your good cholesterol, and two it changes your bad cholesterol.

In regards to good cholesterol:

One it lowers the total number of good cholesterol levels in your blood. That is bad, bad, bad, and many doctors won't treat this problem until it's way out of control. Even then, many doctors won't touch it at all because they aren't convinced it's a problem. TAKE MY WORD FOR IT! Low levels of good cholesterol is a very bad problem.
It make the good cholesterol that you have less effective. That is bad new my friends. The good cholesterol is what keeps your arteries from building up plaque that narrows and hardens your arteries. It has been clearly demonstrated that even if you have very, very, low levels of bad cholesterol, if you have low good cholesterol your are at great risk of a heart attack or stroke.

So what is the other part of the problem of high triglyceride problem in regard to bad cholesterol:

It makes your LDL "bad cholesterol" even more dangerous by shrinking them in size(smaller and more dense), and increasing the total amount of bad cholesterol particles in your blood stream. This is a big problem. I'm willing to bet none of you have ever had blood test that looks for this problem. The normal blood test that you have done by your doctor does not look for this problem at all. It looks at the total weight of cholesterol being carried by your bad cholesterol in your blood, and not the total number of bad particles. That's tough to explain without a slide and I can't find one.

However, even if you have never had a blood test that looks for small dense LDL particles, you can guess you have them by these signs. You have low HDL, and elevated triglycerides. If your have type 2 diabetes you have this problem, and if you have metabolic syndrome (

Here is another kicker, this elevation of fat floating around in your blood forces your body to eventually store it as fat someplace. Where? In the belly area. Yes, it is stored all over, but predominately in the belly area for some reason. We'll talk more about why this is a problem in another post.

So where the heck is the good news in all of this? This is completely reversible! How? Activity! Movement changes those muscle fibers and makes them hungry again. They stop being insulin resistant. THAT IS THE SECRET! You have to move amigos y Amiga's.

Now listen here, you may think you can trick your body. There are diets, like Atkins, that keep your insulin levels low. Therefore your body looks to your fats stores for those Trigs that they need for fuel, and bingo you start losing weight. However, in my little mind there is a problem with this. We all know people who have done these low insulin diets (self included, I generally live a South Beach diet), they lost the weight, then go off the diet and bam they gain 50 pounds in a month. I wondered why, and in my mind it is because they never changed their insulin resistant muscles tissue through exercise. So, when they went back to a "regular diet", with no activity, their muscle which never were fixed through exercise. So they continue to resist this increase of glucose, there is a Trig problem, and bam it's all stored as fat. The crazy part to me is how quickly it can happen if you're not exercising. If you're not moving, you leave the Atkins diet and eat some pizza, heck yes it was stored as fat. Yes that gain in weight on the scale is for real. If you're running, it doesn't happen. I know this from personal experience.

So as I read this I wonder how clear I made it. If there is a couple of key points I want you to remember it is this:

Constant eating of foods that are carb loaded eventually beats down your body, and your pancreas can't keep up with the demand of insulin over the course of years and then your pancreas shuts down.
Your doctor isn't going to tell you that your insulin resistant until you're a diabetic. A few will, but by far the majority won't.
This whole problem is completely reversible!
One of the ways to absolutely reverse this problem, and the best method by far is diet and exercise.

The moral to the story for me is this, you must start moving. That belly needs to be eliminated. Don't think for a second that just because you're thin you don't have to exercise. I'll make that case in a later post. Plenty of thin people die of heart disease.

Get your ipod and go for a one hour walk every day.

A Big Day for Sam!

2009-03-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

It's a big day for Sammy J. He is leaving boyhood behind, and is officially a young man. He'll be ordained a deacon today by dear ol dad.

Being a Latter Day Saint, I really enjoy the training young men get through the responsibilities given them through the priesthood. In today's world where young men, and even adult men aren't really sure where they are headed in life, the priesthood gives theses young men a lot of purpose and direction. It all begins today for the goose.

Heart Disease- Part One

2009-02-23T17:01:00.000-08:00

I know you've heard America is getting bigger. This first slide makes it very clear America has changed size over the last 40 years. Regardless of whether you agree the standards are too tight or not, clearly we are getting bigger as a population.

Part of the justification of standards as tight as they are is the growth of illnesses that are related to weight gain. As we get bigger as a population, there is an increased prevalence of many illnesses. Diabetes is just one of them. As you can see from the second slide, the top two maps are the growth obesity from in a 10 year window of time. The bottom two maps are growth of type two diabetes during the same period of time. Understand this!! Type 2 diabetes has exploded in our country, and it's directly tied to our weight gain.

Part of this sad story is that type 2 diabetes use to be referred to as adult onset diabetes. It was rare to have this type of diabetes happen in children 40 years ago. Now, 90% percent of the individuals that have diabetes have type 2 diabetes. That statistic scares me a ton!

What scares me as well is that long before individuals are diagnosed with diabetes they go 10-15 years with elevated blood sugars before diabetes finally kicks in. The truth of the matter is that the heart attack that you're going to have (if you're going to have one, and MOST of you are, MOST OF YOU! It's the number one killer in America) anyhow, the heart attack that your going to have is being built right now with your lack of exercise and the food you're eating. The disease has already started, and plaque is growing.

I can hear the thoughts of many of you who complain that the scale doesn't accurately reflect health risk. You're just a bigger person, and you come from a long line of bigger people. Certainly BMI (Body Mass Index) doesn't really accurately reflect risk. I agree! So does a bunch of data! However, take no comfort in that belly of yours my friends. It's no friend of yours!

As you can see from the last slide, BMI doesn't really show you whether you have risk of heart disease or not. Look at the bottom row of BMI tertiles. The bottom row, the risk stays the same from right to left at .05 as BMI goes up.

However! As that belly starts to poke out a little regardless of the fact whether your skinny or overweight you risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease goes up. That belly is a bomb! It's dangerous, and it's doing horrible things to your insides. It is telling you that something in your lifestyle is screwed up!

The point I'm hoping to make is that if you are over weight, you're headed type 2 diabetes. And with that joyful disease comes a long list of gifts: Heart disease, Stroke, Eyesight loss, Kidney failure, foot ulcers, nerve damage, loss of limbs due to poor circulation, and so many more!

A related point, some of you are genetically unlucky (see Jacob family). You have a gift given to you by your ancestors that puts you at risk of heart disease. The good news is it's easily diagnosed and treated with some pretty good natural solutions. It doesn't show up on a standard cholestrol panel, but a good doctor who knows your family history should send you to get an advanced lipid panel and this can identify what actually is wrong and help to identify the correct solution. FYI, most americans being treated for heart disease don't have the correct solution in place. I'll make that case later, but it's easily proven.

99 & 1

2009-02-15T19:54:00.001-08:00

Gave a talk in church today. I went way too long, but I enjoyed it. Spoke on Luke 15:4-7

4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine ^ain the wilderness, and go after that which is ^blost, until he find it?

5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost.

7 I say unto you, that likewise ^ajoy shall be in heaven over one ^bsinner that ^crepenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.

My favorite quote was from Elder Wirthlin:

The Lord did not people the earth with a vibrant orchestra of personalities only to value the piccolos of the world. Every instrument is precious and adds to the complex beauty of the symphony. All of Heavenly Father’s children are different in some degree, yet each has his own beautiful sound that adds depth and richness to the whole.

Nice

Fasting...Mmmm, makes me hungry.

2009-01-31T15:03:00.000-08:00

Talked to my dad a while back about fasting. Saw this article about how it's good for you, and how fasting often may have many health benefits. Makes a ton of sense to me.

So busy!

2009-01-31T14:32:00.000-08:00

I can't believe how my first month of 2009 has flown by! I've been so busy with work, and rarely home. It's been nice to be busy, and I must admit it makes me feel better to be busy when thinking about the economy.

The house is completely quite. Kind of weird. I stayed home so I can get some work done.

The boys are out camping, coming back tonight. Left yesterday.

Georgia is at a pool swim party. Even though it's beautiful outside, still a little too cold to be swimming. It's an indoor party.

Suzi, and Hannah? I think they are out shopping. Hannah had a soccer game this morning, but she came home early. Hurt her fore arm. I swear if it's broke, I'll brake her arm. Kidding. Hope she's OK, if it keeps bugging her will get her to a doctor.

Me, well I started the day with a run with Georgia. She rode her bike, I did some interval training. Then we grabbed a donut together, went for a walk. We stopped by some friends house because she wanted to say hi. Then she took off for the party, and I went and played church ball.

I'm a little tapped out, but ready to dive into some work. Obviously I'm not really wanting to "dive into it", if that were the case I wouldn't be posting this blog.

Oh, one other thing. I think the Volvo has taken it's last breath. I think. I'm kind of hoping we can save it. I really want the boys to drive that piece of crap in high school. I really want them to have the suckiest car ever.

We are car shopping, save your opinion on who, what, and where to buy a car. Everyone seems to have one, and none of you seem to have the same opinion. You all tell Suzi, and Suzi tells me what you think we should buy, and where we should buy, and who we should buy from. Don't tell me I don't want to hear about it. You all can tell Suz, cuz she'll listen and value your opinion, and I'm sure I'll hear about it from her.

Here's a thought that just crossed my mind. None of you suggested a Mercedes. Why is that? What do all of you have against driving a Benz? I remember when I bought that used blue one, "big blue" and you have no idea how many times I heard "they are expensive, and when they break down they are too expensive to fix." It wasn't expensive, it never broke down, and when I sold it it was just a 2K less than when I bought it. How about one or two of you go German, and quit driving Suburbans. FYI I think I'm getting a Suburban, or an Aspen. I swear if you say anything about gas I'll break you arm.

Christmas Eve

2009-01-11T20:51:00.000-08:00

The Young Men from Lodi 2!

2009-01-11T20:48:00.000-08:00

Back: Mike and Sean. Middle: Gary, Ian, Chris, Christian, Greg, Patrick, Jacob, Bishop Brink. Front: James, Clay, Cameron, and Adam.

Georgia Art Work

2009-01-11T20:42:00.000-08:00

I told Georgia I would take a picture of her drawing, and stick it on the blog. She kept asking me "did you put it on your blog?" I said "no I still haven't even taken a picture yet, but I will, I promise." Well I never did take a picture of her drawing, but apparently she did, because when I downloaded my recent photos to the computer look what I found! Her picture! This is a drawing of me on my road bike on my trainer in front of the TV. Please note the dripping sweat, and puddle of sweat. Such great detail. The only thing that seems out of place might be the smile. Unless I'm watching something funny, or that's a grimace... I just don't smile that much on the road bike. That thing hurts my butt, and cuts off circulation to.... well it just isn't that fun for 60 minutes.

Heaven is....

2009-01-11T20:37:00.000-08:00

Sam might answer:

Sitting around on Saturday afternoon watching college football, and strumming the guitar.

Scary

2009-01-11T20:34:00.000-08:00

I don't know, kind of creeped my out. This photo was taken way after bed time. I heard some noise upstairs, and look what was found.

Sam's Super

2009-01-11T20:28:00.000-08:00

The Real National College Football Champs!

2009-01-07T21:52:00.000-08:00

The best article I've seen written so far. This is great, take a look.

Pass it along on your blogs!

"Life changing beans"

2009-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Suzi and I think it would be a great thing to add more beans in our diet to replace some other foods we'd like to drop. She happened across a simple recipe that I LOVED! When I tasted them I was blown away, and told her we have to have this more often. These are "life changing beans!" The kids all laughed, but I'm telling you they are great. The next time you want to add white rice, or potatoes try these. I'm telling you, you'll dig them. Great source of protein without having to eat meat.

cannellini beans

• 1 cup cooked cannellini beans

• 6 tablespoons olive oil

• 6 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 2 tablespoons basil leaves, cut in narrow ribbons (chiffonade)

• 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

I thought you might find this interesting.

2009-01-04T17:22:00.000-08:00

Low-glycemic-index diet beats high-cereal-fiber diet for glycemic control in diabetics

December 16, 2008

Toronto, ON - Eating a diet rich in low-glycemic foods, such pumpernickel and flaxseed breads, beans, peas, lentils, and nuts, provides greater improvements in glycemic control in diabetic patients compared with a diet rich in cereal fibers, a new study has shown. After six months of eating foods with a low-glycemic index, patients lowered glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels and raised HDL-cholesterol levels significantly more than those eating the high-cereal-fiber diet, report researchers.

"There's nothing fancy here," lead investigator Dr David Jenkins (University of Toronto, ON) told heartwire. "Slowly released carbohydrates seem to have a benefit in terms of metabolism in these diabetic patients. If you release carbohydrates into the digestive track slowly, it gets absorbed slowly, and over time the tissues become insulinized, taking up the glucose without much of it appearing in the blood or as a rise in blood sugar."

The study is published in the December 17, 2008 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association.A nondrug option for patients
In an interview with heartwire, Jenkins said that diabetic patients are typically advised to follow a similar low-fat diet that patients with heart disease follow. Although it is recommended they reduce calories from carbohydrates, many diabetic patients have been influenced by the Atkins diet, reducing their calories from carbohydrates from the recommended 50% to approximately 40%, said Jenkins.

In this study, the researchers studied the effects of a low-glycemic-index diet on diabetes control and cardiovascular risk factors in 210 individuals with diabetes treated with antihyperglycemic medications. Previous studies have suggested the dietary strategy could improve diabetes control, as well as improve various cardiovascular risk factors, such as raising HDL cholesterol and lowering triglyceride and CRP levels.

Patients randomized to the low-glycemic-index diet consumed pumpernickel, rye, and flaxseed breads, large-flake oatmeal or oat-bran cereal, fruits such as apples and pears, pasta, beans, peas, lentils, and nuts. Among those randomized to the high-cereal-fiber diet, participants consumed whole-grain breads and breakfast cereals, brown rice, potatoes with skins, and fruits such as cantaloupe and mango, as well as crackers. Caloric intake did not differ between the two treatment arms.

After six months, HbA1c levels were significantly better in individuals assigned to the low-glycemic-index diet compared with those who consumed the high-cereal-fiber diet. HDL-cholesterol levels were also significantly improved. LDL-cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not significantly altered with the dietary strategy.

Jenkins pointed out that a diet based on a low glycemic index differs from a low-glycemic diet. The Atkins diet, an example of a low-glycemic diet, involves the restriction of carbohydrates. A low-glycemic-index diet, on the other hand, does not restrict the consumption of carbohydrates but rather restricts foods that overwhelm the insulin secretion mechanisms and cause spikes in blood glucose levels.

The reduction in HbA1c was modest, said Jenkins, but the diet "is another tool in the toolkit for clinicians" and should help those not wishing to prescribe too many antihyperglycemic medications or who do not wish to significantly increase the dose of existing drugs. Investigators did not observe any appreciable hypoglycemic occurrences, something that is difficult to avoid with medications, said Jenkins.

In case you missed it.

2009-01-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Oakland Temple in December

2008-12-31T22:49:00.000-08:00

Scout Outing

2008-12-30T14:55:00.000-08:00

Our scout master arranged to have the scout visit the news studio of KCRA. They had a chance to watch a broadcast, get a tour of the studio, and sit and talk about the profession of a metorologist with Dirk Verdorn. We had a great time. Stopped by Leatherby's on the way home and ate an obscence amount of ice cream.

Air Temp of 48F

2008-12-28T08:44:00.000-08:00

I believe it started with "Uncle Sean, I brought my swim trunks, can I jump off your roof?"
"Kurt, it's freezing outside and it's raining..... You must have asked your Dad this question what did he say?" Kurt "He said it's fine." Me "What? Really?" Gerry "I don't care, I'm tired of trying to talk him out of doing it." Me (I kind of sound like a Mom here) "You understand if you get hurt, or the water is so cold you inhale underwater, your Dad and I aren't coming in after you right? And if you hurt yourself, you have to wait until after Christmas eve dinner to walk yourself to the ER, because you're not goofing up dinner right?" Kurt "Yeah, sure." Me "Well great, let me go get my camera then!"

The Christmas Card That Wasn't

2008-12-27T18:12:00.000-08:00

This was almost the card that was sent out. It's a nice photo, everyone looks nice. We shot about 20 that day. We ordered this picture, and finally I said, "listen, I don't really care that much, if you want to send it fine.....but the top of my head is missing. I know this is the photo that all the kids look good, you like you, I like you too, but again... not that I'm picky... the tippy top of my head... it's gone. If we can send the cards out a little late, I'll shoot a picture after church or something."

Suzi was kind enough to agree, so we did. However, I still like this photo alot.

It's just not right! Where is the loyalty?

2008-12-26T17:37:00.000-08:00

Suzi and I came home from shopping and I realized that the boys are out and about. For the first time since Christmas morning they aren't glued to the carpet in front of the TV from morning until midnight either playing new games, or watching a movie. I said to Suzi:

Me- You know what I'm going to do? I'm going to go in there play their dumb games and delete all their data while they're out.

Suz- Why?

Me- Because anytime I touch that PS3, that's what they do with my stuff. And you know what I'll just say? The same stupid thing they say, I didn't know what I was doing! It was an accident, I swear. Sorry. Watch, they are going to trip!

Hannah walks by both of us, apparently she was behind me the whole time, I didn't see the little beautiful rat, and she says:

Hannah: Just so you know...... (finger pointing at me, with dramatic pause), I heard the whole thing...... yes I did...... just so you know mister.

Me- What? What's that suppose to mean? (As I'm speaking to her, she continue to walk past me, raises her finger in the air, turns her back to me completely and continues into the house.)

Me- You know those two would never defend you! Why are you sticking up for them?!

She didn't even respond. Just kept on walking.

Ugh...10 year old girls, who do they think they are with their whole perfect world ideals? Trying to stop me from creating madness in my own home.

Ugh! I give up....

2008-12-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

Shooting a Christmas card photo in our family is quite an event. A couple of words come to mind to summarise the event: madness, tears, side splitting laughter, anger, persistence, threats, compromise, and good enough.

What a girl wants!

2008-12-19T20:29:00.000-08:00

Mom-Hannah Shea what do want for Christmas?
Hannah-Oh, I'd like a starbucks card for hot chocolate.
Mom-Thats it?
Hannah- Yep.

You got what!?

2008-12-19T10:31:00.000-08:00

So let me try to paint this picture for you so you can enjoy this, or not enjoy this as much as possible.

I came home from work, and sat down at the kitchen table where everyone hangs around from the moment they get home, until we eat dinner. It's always noisy with the six of us doing six different things, and all of us trying to talk over the top of one and other.

The kids and I were sitting/ standing around the table when Suz came into the room and announced "I got the kids grades today." And I responded "oh, good. How did they all do?Everything turn out well?" Suzi does a great job with the kids, they all are brilliant kids, and they all get fantastic grades.

Suzi say's "yeah, everyone did well." Here's where sometimes it's a little funny to be a member of our family. We tend to talk about everything in front of everybody. Accidentally, we know better, but we do. Suzi continues with kind of a tone of suspect, squinted eyes looking at Hannah, "yeah, everyone did great. However, Hannah got a 2 on "shows respect for others" and a 2 on "using time wisely."

Two things: First 2 is a baaadd grade on a scale of 1-4. Not good. Second Hannah is beloved by every teacher she's every had, and kind to every living creature. There are times where we are reminded she is human, but generally she's truly an angelic girl. She inspires me. Teachers always comment on how kind she is to everyone. If you can't get along with Hannah, and she's run out of patience with you....... well, my experience has been....... well... you must be a....... let me stop myself and take a page from Hannah's book and just say again that Hannah is just, very nice.

That is what make me so sad about how the rest of this story plays out.

So I snap around (possibly a little tired from the day), and say "You got a what!? Are you kidding me Hannah? Is this something new this year? Are you and you're friends trying on some kind of new attitude? A 2? What the heck is that all about?" I wasn't loud, I wasn't attacking. Well maybe a re-reading that line of questioning, one after another. I guess that can come across as a little attacking. I was baffled, and in my tone probably sounded a bit disappointed.

(Oh geez , just remembering how this all played out is making me sick to my stomach.)

Hannah responds, "I don't know?" In a bit of a sheepish tone, with a little disbelief. However, to me, where I'm sitting I'm thinking, how do you get a 2 and not know what's up? And the answer "I don't know" rarely is a satisfactory answer for a parent. It just isn't an answer that we dig, right? However, in this case, it probably was the right answer. I just didn't like it.

So I say something along the line of "we need to get this figured out. I need to talk to your teacher, little sister." She's got a little look of being beat down, rightfully so.

THEN SUZI SAYS........ "well... it could be a typo." Silence.....

We get a call later that night from a friend who is teacher at the school, who has a daughter in the class, and good friends with Hannah, and said "Hey did Hannah get some 2's?" And Suz said "Ohhhh yeah, I'm talking to Ms. Daniels tomorrow." And the friend responded "Those are typo's, I already talked to the teacher."

Ugh.... Oh so many lessons for me in there. Don't know where to begin.

Patrick & Sam?

2008-12-17T18:04:00.000-08:00

Patrick and Sam walk around the house quoting these two guys constantly. Driving me a bit nutty.

Armstrong & Getty

2008-12-12T22:52:00.000-08:00

Suzi, and I love a certain morning radio show, Armstrong and Getty.LOVE IT. Every morning we listen to it wherever we are, and if I miss it I can pick it up on a pod cast and listen to it on a run. Their humor is fantastic, and the topics for the show are always great. National news, California news, local news. Intelligent topics usually. When I'm running, at times I have to stop and laugh because it hurts too much to try and run and laugh. I must look insane.

So this is our morning routine: The alarm on our radio goes off in the morning and the radio is tuned to the show. As we lay in bed listening, without yet saying good morning, one of the two on the radio always starts us laughing. Without fail every morning we lay in bed until we start to laugh. It's our favorite way to wake up! I love that often the first sound thing I hear from Suz is her laugh. We love it, it gets the day started on the right side of the bed.

You can listen to it over the Internet as well, that how Suzi listens in the kitchen every morning. Give it a try regardless of what part of the country you live in. Listen for a week, if you don't enjoy it I'll be surprised. They are live 6am to 10am Monday- Friday PST.

Ding Dong!

2008-12-12T16:54:00.002-08:00

Suzi and I got home from getting something to eat tonight. Went and grabbed a late lunch/ very early dinner.

As we walked up to the door, Suz was four steps in front of me. I had the keys to get back into the house. She reaches up and rings the door bell, but rings it 7 times quickly. I say "Suzi! Don't do that, I yell at the kids when they do that."

Georgia then opened the door "DAD!! Don't do that! You yell at us every time we do that!!"

Me- "I didn't do it. Mom did."

Georgia- "Well tell her not to do it then."

Hmmph

What does "10" look like?

2008-12-11T18:17:00.000-08:00

Off to school!

2008-12-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Lodi Christmas Tree Run

2008-12-07T21:34:00.000-08:00

3 out of the 6 Kelly's did the 5k Christmas run. We were all over NorCal as a family that day (Suzi and Sam= soccer, Hannah @ a friend's house). This was Georgia's first big run. She was the only 7 year old to run it. Most of the kids ran the "one miler", she's tough!!! The next oldest to run it was a teenager. Wow! If you ask her she'll tell you her legs are sore, and that she didn't have any fun at all. But when you remind her of the early morning doughnut, the run with the friends, all the people cheering for her, and the Thai food afterward, and then you ask her if she'd do it again, then she might say "mmmm yeah, maybe. I had a great time." Patrick, and I have done two runs together and I look forward to getting my butt kicked regularly by the young whipper snapper. Families represented in the bottom photo: Hazelhofer, Robison, Kelly, Brink, Judd, Gonzalez, and La Viola. Great times!

New Tool

2008-12-01T10:38:00.001-08:00

I have a new application on my iphone that I love! The website version is www.livestrong.com .

The application on my phone is awesome. I set my goal of where I want to be in terms of weight gain, loss, or neutral. From there I add my exercise through out the day, and the food I eat through out the day. The calories I can eat goes up and down according to what I do with my exercise. It tracks thousands and thousands of foods, and exercises. Totally cool, and it syncs with the website automatically. Lots of charts and graphs to track my progress.

Run To Feed The Hungry

2008-12-01T07:53:00.000-08:00

Patrick, Sam, and I went for a 10k run Thanksgiving day morning with 30,000 other people. We had a great time with the Durnall family, and think this will be a fun family tradition going forward. Gerry's family has done this for the past several years, and it really was a fun way to start the day. I think they said it was something like 800k dollars raised to feed the hungry from this event.

Reindeer Food

2008-11-29T17:46:00.000-08:00

Georgia bought some reindeer food to put in the yard Christmas eve to draw Santa's reindeer to our house. We parents thought this was a nice idea.

The brothers on the other hand are pains in the rear.

Patrick - "Georgia, all that's really going to do is attract raccoons to the yard."
Sam - "Yeah, Georgia. We are going to over run by raccoons Christmas eve, great."
Me - "You know you two, when you were little, no one gave you crap. No one gave you any crap for going to barney concert and loving it Patrick. So shut it you two."
Georgia - "Yeah, shut it."

It was all pretty funny. I laughed through the whole thing.

Sam/ Flash

2008-11-24T18:42:00.000-08:00

Sam's new mile time is 6:10. Still the fastest in school....

Triglycerides

2008-11-24T18:38:00.000-08:00

Triglycerides are the chemical form in which most fat exists in food as well as in the body. They're also present in blood plasma and, in association with cholesterol, form the plasma lipids.

Triglycerides in plasma are derived from fats eaten in foods or made in the body from other energy sources like carbohydrates. Calories ingested in a meal and not used immediately by tissues are converted to triglycerides and transported to fat cells to be stored. Hormones regulate the release of triglycerides from fat tissue so they meet the body's needs for energy between meals.

No he's not perfect, but he's pretty darn good.

2008-11-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

The Super Cougar fans: The Brinks

2008-11-22T19:12:00.000-08:00

Corey & Cindy had some great practical jokes this week, and this was one of my favorites. I'll post the others as well. As you can see the day after the placeing of the Y's the were somehow wilted! I'll review my security camera's, and maybe I'll catch the problem. Not sure who that trouble maker is, but when I catch him I will make sure he......well..... he'll be in some kind of trouble.

Friend or Foe?

2008-11-10T19:50:00.000-08:00

Someone told me a story that I have to relate. He made me laugh with this one. I won't tell you who it is to protect his (the oldest one's) identity. His name starts with a "P" and ends with "shizzle." No that's not right it starts with a "P" and ends with a "atrick."

So I was in the computer lab sitting next to this kid I know. We have classes together, and we know each other. So I know him, and he knows me, but not really well. So he was talking to someone behind him, and while he looked away I hooked my keyboard into his computer into a different USB port than what his keyboard was hooked. So we both had working keyboards on his computer. When he turned back around, of course he had no clue I had done this. So what I did was every time he opened a website, I'd close it from my keyboard. He started talking to himself, "why is this doing this? " After a few of these when he would open a website I would zoom in on the page really tight, and he would stop touching the key board all together, and I would zoom in and out, in and out, while he just shook his head and say "what the?" So then I turn the screen black, and then I'd switch it back, and then black, and then I just shut off his computer all together. When he would try to log back in, I would goof up his password. Once I let him log in, I logged him back out 3 different times. Then the teacher let us know it was time to get ready to roll, he got mad started pounding on his keyboard and the teacher yelled at him "So and so! Don't do that your going to break the computer! That's a warning!" He got up, I unplugged my keyboard, and he never figured it out.

Super Sam!

2008-11-09T17:41:00.000-08:00

While everyone is about to leave, or leaving the dinner table.
Sam- Ok, ok, everyone hold it. I've got an idea. How about everyone clear their own plates from the table rinse them, and put them in the dishwasher.
Patrick- I already did.
Sam- No, you didn't. I saw you put in the sink.
Patrick- You can't prove that's mine.
Sam- Everyone still has theirs.
Patrick- So, I put mine in the dishwasher.
Sam- THE DISHWASHER IS EMPTY!
Patrick-...........hmm........since your standing there right next to it, how about you do it.
Sam- PATRICK PUT...
Me- Patrick, just do it.
Patrick- Ok.

I love Sam's sudden enlightenment. It's only been 6 or so years since he's been able to do this, and I love Patrick's "there is no way I'm doing this simple task" attitude. He's a good boy. Does what I ask him. Apparently not what anyone else wants him to do.

Jason Mraz

2008-11-08T19:12:00.000-08:00

Suz and I went to go see Jason Mraz at UC Davis together. The venue was awesome, a tiny gym, and it was general admission. This picture is awful, I used my iPhone camera and it stinks. When I closed my eyes it was as though I was listening to him in my car. He was fantastic sounding. The crowd was a dud, but we all had fun. So glad we went. Get out and play.

Hannah Shea

2008-11-08T19:10:00.000-08:00

Beautiful AND talented! Hannah made the mini season team (lodi city soccer all-star team) for her age group and she is thrilled!

Math whiz and little content...

2008-11-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Patrick took his geometry test and got all the questions answer right. However, Patrick does most of the work in his head. His teacher told him she took off some points because he didn't show his work, and told him if he showed his work she'd give him the points back. He said ".....I'm OK with that, I got them all right."

Made me laugh.

Back up your data

2008-11-03T16:27:00.000-08:00

Over the last 3 years or so I've taken thousands of pictures. I thought "I'd better back up the drive." I went out and bought a back up drive. I ran it, but apparently not successfully?! I had no idea at the time. Not until I tried to load all of my data back onto my new hard drive. Well, sadly, I've lost everything it appears. Trying to figure out a way to save it, but things don't look very good at the moment. Unfortunately it isn't a software problem, it appears the hard drive itself broke down! Not good. If I have any good news I'll pass it along, but mostly I mention this as a warning.

The scale lies!

2008-11-03T08:42:00.000-08:00

I've been stuck at the same weight for sometime now. I noticed when I posted this post the graphs don't show completely. Anyhow, I've got a goal I'd like to reach, but the time line is way out there. I've changed a little of my routine recently, and I expect that's going to make a big difference. However, the point I want to make it that even though I haven't necessarily lost any pounds, I've lost two inches around my waist. So my point is, just keep on doing the right things and don't pay much attention to the scale. If I were to include all the spikes up, and not just drops down this graph would be a lot more revealing. It's a way of life, and not a diet.

Our Scouts

2008-11-02T20:44:00.000-08:00

Handsome Boy

2008-11-02T20:38:00.000-08:00

Some of my favorite things

2008-11-02T17:51:00.000-08:00

1. My iphone - This hasn't even close to getting old. I've had it for months now and love it just the same as when I first met it. I'm not going to try and explain it to you. It just is.
2. Sling Box- This isn't even mine! It's Doug and Angie's! I love it though, and I'll say it again!
3. DRZ400- I am still in love with my bike. It's been a great toy. My bike is blue.
4. Trailguru- This is a free application I run on my iphone when I'm out exercising, and it tracks my every step.
5. Fleece Sheets- I love these in the winter! So comfortable, and warm. I have a tough time getting out of bed.

The Shamrocks! Boys U14 City Champs!

2008-10-31T21:58:00.000-07:00

Back to back to back! Last year we played the same team in the championship, and won. This year the same team went undefeated all season. They beat us twice in tight games, and tied us once during the regular season. I knew we could beat them, and felt like we had given them all their wins. We won in a great game! The final score was 5-4. Patrick had goals number 4 & 5 for our team. The best part was that the younger boys on our team were all new, and hadn't been on winning teams. I told them to get use to winning at the beginning of the season, and to never talk about losing ever again. We never talk about it. We went 7-2-1 in the regular season. Seeded number two in the playoffs, and won in the game that mattered most. What a team! Go Shamrocks!

Staying on flat roads

2008-10-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I've been trying to run on surfaces that prevent me from stepping on rocks and in holes, but it's tough when there is scenery out there like this close to home to run through. This is from yesterdays morning run.