Seriously, in June?

Austin and I went out for a walk tonight around 7pm. We had to put on our winter coats and hats. While we were walking I noticed that I could see my breath. Seriously? Are you kidding me? It's friggin' June! I WANT MY SUNSHINE!!! Mother Nature is in a seriously foul mood.

Detox

I recently completed a 3-week detox with a group of other people at Cottage by the Falls Wellness Center in Idaho Falls. Stress and eating seem to go hand-in-hand in my life. I was at the point where sugar and junk food were the main staple of my diet and I needed a health reality check. So, I signed up for this special “spring group detox” lead by a wonderful naturopathic physician and got back to basics. The goal of it was to “eliminate toxins in our bodies, freeing up our body’s energy for healing and increased vitality.” And that we did.

First, we had to eliminate everything from our diets that could cause havoc in the body (or that some people have food sensitivities or allergies to).

Here was my AVOID list:
Gluten (wheat, barley, rye, oats, spelt, kamut, triticale), dairy, corn, soy, eggs, sugar, alcohol, coffee, artificial sweeteners and colors, processed foods, hydrogenated oils and trans fats, and peanuts.

So, what did I eat?

Here was my OK list:
Fruits, vegetables, rice, quinoa, millet, amaranth, beans and lentils, fish/shellfish, lean organic meats, nuts and seeds, non-dairy milks (almond, hemp, coconut), non-caffeinated herbal teas, oils (olive, coconut, flax, safflower), and stevia.

I was also taking detox supplements and powders, increasing my water intake, and drinking one glass of vitality tea and a greens drink once a day. Oh, and dry skin brushing and deep breathing and soaking in hot baths. :-)

Seems a bit intense, and it kind of was. I had a massive headache for 3 days because of sugar elimination (in my opinion). I had to go 5 days only eating vegetables and thought I was going to go crazy by the last day. And I’ve never craved a donut so badly in my life (the awesome blueberry cake donuts from Baker’s Dozen)! But it was worth it. I’ve become so much more aware of what I put in my body and how it can affect it. I cooked and ate new foods I’ve never tried before like kale, quinoa, almond milk and beets. In our weekly classes I learned a lot about food, environmental and emotional toxins and ways I can reduce/eliminate them. And I lost a few pounds to boot; a nice perk for swimsuit season! My body just feels better.

I loved (most of) it. It was the reality check I needed. I took the opportunity to gradually add foods back in my diet to make sure I wasn’t having negative reactions to them, like gluten, dairy, and eggs. Nothing seemed to bother me so that’s good. And, I just feel better about myself. I can whip up a quick meal that is healthy and delicious. Brett is happy that I’ve started cooking again and is excited about all that I’ve learned. I did it for myself, but my whole family will benefit in the long run. It felt good to held accountable for what I was eating and feel a sense of accomplishment when the 3 weeks were up. I guess I am “revitalized” in more ways than one.

Summer is Coming

I know summer is coming. Granted, it snowed last week but I know summer will come soon because the Sno Shack is set up in my local Walgreen’s parking lot! Oh, the sweet sight of a Sno Shack makes my heart go pitter-patter! Reminds me of the good times I had at the Borah Pool growing up. Tiger's Blood/Pina Colada is still my favorite combo.

Change

Well, this post is long overdue…

Things are a-changin’ in the life of the Nagels. On March 17, Brett accepted a new job as Assistant Golf Professional at SpurWing Country Club in Boise, ID. It wasn’t totally out of the blue. Brett had been in contact with the Head Pro at SpurWing for a couple months. It came down to a handful of candidates and Brett came out on top. And we’re so thankful he did. Brett’s new position is an exciting opportunity for him to progress in his field, gain valuable country club experience, meet new people who love golf, and play more golf himself. There wasn’t an opportunity for advancement in Idaho Falls and we knew that one day that we'd have to pack it all up and head...somewhere. A year-round position in Boise couldn’t have been a better stepping stone. We’ll be closer to my side of the family and Brett's brother and still a short four hour drive to our family and friends in Idaho Falls.

But…change is hard. When I first moved to Idaho Falls in 2003 I can’t say I liked it much. But then we planted roots, bought a house, started a family, explored the area, and met some really great friends. Leaving isn’t going to be easy and our emotions have run the gamut; excited, nervous, sad, overwhelmed, humbled. Brett is leaving “home” and I’m leaving a place I’ve grown to love. That will be hard. Yet, we’re excited and thrilled about new adventures and opportunities in Boise.

Brett moved to Boise on April 8 to start work. Austin and I are staying in Idaho Falls and I will continue to work until we sell our home. My parents have graciously allowed Brett to live with them for the time being and we’re so thankful for their support. We put our house on the market April 13 and have had a few lookers, but no offers yet. I'm optimistic (most of the time) and know there is a plan for us. I'm trying hard to be patient. It’s been a long six weeks already and I’m hoping we don’t have to spend the entire summer apart. Anyone know of some buyers in the Idaho Falls market? :)

Austin misses daddy. He asks about him constantly and lights up when we get to visit him. He’s growing up so quickly and reaching milestones that I don’t want Brett to miss. Since we’ve been separated, Austin has transitioned into a toddler bed, poo-pooed in the potty, counted past two, sang some ABCs, and learned to jump. And watch out cause the kid will recite everything you say! He’s such a trooper and given me lots of hugs and kisses when I’ve needed them. But he also has his “off” days and I wonder if he’s confused by daddy’s absence and longing for a little rough-housing time with him. Those are the days I try to drop everything and come up with some creative game to make him giggle and smile. Recently it’s been the monster hiding behind the couch game. He loves that one!

Oh, and I almost forgot to mention a wonderful part of this whole thing! I finally get to be a SAHM! (That’s stay-at-home-mom for all you working girls out there) Bye, bye 8 – 5pm. Hello, 24/7. Now, I have to admit I’m nervous as hell. This is something I’ve really wanted to do for some time, but I’m not sure how I’m going to handle such a big change in my life. I’ve grown accustomed to the daily grind, juggling work/home, and getting things done at last minute. I talk to “grown-ups” all day and I’m challenged professionally. I’m not sure how that’s going to evolve into full-time mommy mode. But, I’ve realized that at the end of the day my family is what matters most and what brings me the most joy in life. Austin deserves my time and I want to be there to support him and watch him grow. And I can’t even imagine two kids in daycare. It makes me exhausted just thinking about it. So, if baby #2 is ever going to come along then I better get moving with this SAHM thing!

And one last little tidbit. Brett taught a lesson to a member at the club the other day. The member told him it was the best lesson he’s ever had. I’d say he’s fitting in pretty well already.

Austin Turns 2!!!

On May 4, my baby turned 2. I can't believe it. Where does the time go? Oh yes, I know...sleepless nights, dirty diapers, rolling, sitting, clapping, standing, first giggle, first step, first tooth, first word, first 1/2 sentence, first poop in the potty! All the highs and lows mixed together to equal one incredible experience with my first born. Austin is so smart and fun and amazes us daily. He has a sweet and easy-going personality and is quick with a "thank you" and a "sorry" these days. He's also a climber, as most 2 year olds are I suppose. He pals around with his buds at daycare and lights up at the sight of their faces each morning. He's often recites their names; Carley, Cooper, Bryce, etc...

Since Austin's big day was on a week night, we held a small party for him on Saturday, May 8 at Blast Off (a local play place). It was a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme, something very familiar in our house these days. I made my good friend Sadie's made-from-scratch Magnolia Vanilla Cupcakes (i.e. crack cakes b/c of their addictive quality) and they were a hit. Austin was all smiles when we sang happy birthday and loved ripping open his gifts. We have such wonderful friends and family that joined us to show support for our growing boy. We love you all!

Here's the birthday boy with his cupcake and 2 candles...

Riley (with dad Tim) enjoying his party favors...

Little Isley, already a cover model (with mom Saige and dad Corey)...

Having fun playing their hearts out at Blast Off! Austin, Isley, Riley and Ryker...

A big splash to end an eventful party!

And of course a hug for Mom...

Heavenly Orange

Oh, new, delicious, scrumptious Cadbury orange creme egg, how I love you... mmm, mm, mmmmm, m...

Olympics, Check. Blog Post, Check.

Whew, the Olympics are over and I can finally fit in a blog post. It's a love/hate relationship really. We love to watch every minute of Olympic coverage, but find our lives being consumed by hours of TV time and untouched to-do lists. Oh yeah, we had Olympic fever bad. We were swooned by Apolo Ohno, Shaun White, Lindsey Vonn, Body Miller, and all the other incredible athletes competing at the 2010 Vancouver games. It was exciting, nerve-racking, and humbling. Some people have done some amazing things in their lives even under the most rotten of circumstances. Those special 'athlete highlight' stories get me every time (sniff, sniff). It's just inspiring...