Life Happens.

We've all heard the expression, "when it rains, it pours. " And we have all experienced this. This past week was one of those weeks for us. It just kept pouring. I am learning that if it's going to pour, why not dance in the rain? Isn't life truly wonderful? No matter our situation, there is always something to be grateful for. I am grateful for perspective and that I married a man with a constant, eternal perspective.

Yesterday I learned this... "Instead of laying down a list of expectations for what your life should be, you can participate in the ongoing discovery of what your life was meant to be." - Thomas Kinkade

I know that we have a loving, attentive, intimate Heavenly Father who not only loves us perfectly, but knows us perfectly. My life now is more wonderful than I could have ever planned for myself. Mostly because I married Mr. Niu. He is all and more than I could have imagined to be with forever. Just as an example... Two Sundays ago I was putting on my favorite red necklace when it suddenly broke. Every piece went flying every which way. I wanted to cry. The first thing that Mr. Niu did after church was find every, single piece and carefully (and perfectly) put back together that blasted necklace. Now if that isn't love I don't know what is, haha. I have never known anyone so kind, faithful, honest, happy, loyal, generous, and drop dead gorgeous! I am blessed.

You know what, life happens. And I believe life happens for a reason. The sting of the moment will fade into understanding... it always does. And then we will look back with gratitude for the experience. So come what may and love it!

Slim in 6

In my last post I mentioned our workout program "Slim in 6." To keep myself motivated I thought it would be wise to keep friends and family updated with our progress. Oh how I love accountability, haha. When we got married I promised myself I wouldn't gain the newlywed weight. But then the wonderful holiday foods of Thanksgiving and Christmas came, along with our fabulous cruise, topped off with our birthday week. Hello scrumptious food!!! I may not have looked too much different, but I definitely felt yucky! Just after our cruise I saw a commercial for "Slim in 6" and I was hooked! I bought it from Amazon. My sweet husband, being the supportive, incredible man that he is, decided he would join me. We began our vigorous schedule on January 25th. We also decided to create a balanced, healthy meal plan. Our schedule along with work and school (for the hubby) goes something like this...

4:15am (soon to be 4:00) - wake up (I have to be to work by 7am, hence the early start.)

4:15am - 5:15am - "Slim in 6" exercise

6:30am - breakfast

9:00am or 10:00am - 1st snack - Usually string cheese, fruit, yogurt, veggies or Slim Fast.

12:00pm or 1:00pm - lunch (one serving, healthy meats, veggies, and carbs) Our lunches are usually leftovers from dinner the night before, saves money and time ;)

3:00pm - 2nd snack

5:30ish - dinner (one serving, healthy meats, veggies, and carbs)

9:00 or 9:30 - sleep time!

And lots, and lots, and lots of water all day!

My main goals during this program are to:

• feel healthy & active
  
• lose 15 pounds
  
• maintain healthy eating habits
  
• create smart workout habits before I get pregnant
  

I want so badly to be a healthy prego! I know that once we have a child our schedules will change, but hopefully we can keep many of the good habits we are creating for ourselves.

Results so far...
"Slim in 6" is a pretty tough program. We have one more day of week two. To get the results you want it's required to workout 6 days a week. The first week is the first phase, a 25 minute workout called "Start it Up". The second week is the second phase, a 47 minute workout called "Ramp it Up". The last four weeks is phase 3, an hour workout called "Burn it Up". The first week I was extremely sore, but already felt healthier. The second week was definitely more difficult, but the soreness wasn't as bad. We are excited to move onto phase 3. The hubby has already lost about 10 pounds and I have lost about 4 1/2 pounds. We probably won't measure ourselves until we're completely done. My clothes fit better and I feel fantastic!! We are pleased with our results.

If any of you are looking for a good workout program "Slim in 6" has been great for us. The exercises are geared more towards women's bodies. A great workout to take off that baby fat! We will keep you posted every week or so!
Luvs!