Turkey Day & Christmas 2013

{Happy Turkey Day from the Renfros}

Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. I love spending time with family and I love eating turkey. This year we stayed in Arizona with Matthew's family. We had a great feast and enjoyed the family time.

{Mini Apple Pies I made for Thanksgiving}

{Gifts for our adopt-a-family}

We were also fortunate enough to participate in an adopt-a-family program for Christmas this year. We shopped and bought presents for a family of four whose son is currently receiving cancer treatment at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

{Merry Kissmas}

We were lucky enough to stay in Arizona for Christmas this year. My parents decided to make the trek from Utah and spent almost a whole week with us. It was nice to see them and enjoy the beautiful weather while they were here. 

On Christmas Eve, we went over to Matthew's aunt and uncle's house for dinner. His aunt Lisa cooked some delicious Italian food. We also did a white elephant ornament exchange. After opening presents, we watched A Christmas Story.

Christmas morning we woke up and opened the few presents under the tree. I got a Fitbit Force, a sweater (which still hasn't been delivered....but it's worth the wait), make up brushes, a cookbook, and a picture my dad drew. Matthew was spoiled this year, he got a Fitbit Force, socks, shirts, a Microsoft gift card, a picture my dad drew, and..................an XBOX ONE! 

He had no idea that I was surprising him with a new xbox. He thought my clever wrapping contained socks or underwear. I wrapped the controller in several different boxes. When he finally made it to the controller box he said "Now that is just mean." Looked at it for a minute or two, then looked at me with a huge smile and said "No S#!t?!! Where is it?!" I had a feeling it would take him a minute or two to put it all together. I was so worth keeping it a secret. 

The rest of Christmas day was spent lounging around. It was nice to take sometime off of work to unplug and enjoy family time. I always enjoy spending time with our families and making memories. Here are some pictures from Christmas Eve.

The Big 2-5 and Concert Shenanigans...

I can't believe I'm 25!!! My birthday has come and gone for this year, but I was definitely spoiled. Matthew finally bought me my kitchen aid!!! I love it and I have been baking up a storm since I got it. This year for my birthday, we went to dinner with some friends and then to a comedy hypnotist show. It was a very good birthday....even though I'm another year older (boo!)

In November, we got the opportunity to see the lovely Kate Nash in concert (again). She did not disappoint. The venue was pretty small which is always really cool. We hung around after the show to get a photo op and have her sign a couple of things. Matthew was so excited to meet her.

In December, we FINALLY got to go to the Justin Timberlake concert. I had been looking forward to it ever since we purchased tickets back in June! If you have the chance to catch this show, it is SO worth it! He such a talented musician and performer. We enjoyed every minute of the show and are even considering going back in August when he comes through again.

The Weight Loss Chronicles: Thyroid update...

About two weeks ago I had a follow up appointment with the doctor. I did a retest of my TSH levels as well as testing a couple of other things related to the thyroid. I suspected that the dosage of medication I was on wasn't right. I was still feeling tired more than a normal person should. I also hadn't lost much weight maybe 3-4 lbs. However, my clothes were starting to fit a little better. 

When I met with my doctor, my suspicions became reality. They started me on the lowest dose which didn't make much progress in the 2 months I had been taking it. My TSH levels started around a 5.2 and had only dropped to about 4.5 in 2 months. My doctor informed me that she would like to see that number at a 2. So she upped my prescription from 50 mcg to 75 mcg and I have to retest around the end of January. 

With that being said, I am feeling a little less tired than before. I've been on the higher dose for about two weeks now and my measurements seem to be going down. I haven't had them taken and will probably wait until after Thanksgiving haha! I've also started working with my trainer for an hour every Friday. He paired me up with another woman who has thyroid problems and he works us pretty hard every week.

xoxo,

Megs

Goodbye Summer, Hello Fall...

I can't believe it is already Fall again. Seems like just yesterday we were celebrating New Year's Eve with Matthew's Family. This summer seems like it was full of trips. I was fortunate enough to visit home several times this summer. Matthew and I also made our yearly trip to California. It was great spending time with loved ones and friends. As the holidays approach, I am looking forward to many more family gatherings. Fall truly is my favorite part of the year. Unfortunately for me, Arizona doesn't realize it is supposed to be Fall yet! haha! Guess that is what I get for moving here. I'm ready to break out my boots, jackets, and scarfs. 

Here are some pictures of things we did over the past few months...sorry for the overload. PS: if you follow me on Instagram, some of these are repeats :)

Ladies Night 

This summer we made our first trip to an amusement park together

Roadtripping to CA...

...making random stops to take pictures with Dinos

We were able to go to our first Pro Football game this summer

Lights of Vegas...taken on my way home from one of my many trips to UT this summer.

Sunset in UT

Family reunion trip to the rodeo

We went to a cult classic movie showing of Neverending Story

Sienna being a sunglasses model :)

Laura and Aria

Summer fun with these kiddos...water fight

Diamondbacks game

Jess and Laura playing the Michael Jackson dance game on Wii...I'm pretty sure Matthew still holds most of the records.

Ladies night ended at some crazy biker bar...this is one of the bands that played that night

Cute baby Aria...I helped pick her name...sort of :)

Jess and Sienna making Dixon's fathers day gift

Late night hangs with Parisa and Evan

Matthew and I in Vegas this summer

We witnessed a plane "crash"...more like a fender bender. It only crashed through a fence but we were stuck on scene for 2 hrs waiting to be told we could leave.

xoxo,

Megs

The Weight Loss Chronicles: Sometimes doing everything right...

...gets you no where!

After four months of working out 4 times a week, I was hoping my progress would be right on track. Unfortunately, my genetics decided against that plan. From my initial weigh in to August 15th I gained almost 10 lbs. Gaining weight while working out doesn't necessarily mean that something is wrong. Muscle does weigh more than fat, so it is possible. All would've been great except some of my measurements went back up to their original size. This mixed with other symptoms made me wonder if something else was going on with me. 

My mother has a history of hypothyroidism (under active thyroid). Some of the symptoms include itchy skin, brittle nails, tiredness, and weight gain. Knowing this, I met with my doctor and explained everything I had been doing during the last three months. She decided it would be best to have my TSH levels tested, along with a few other things. I had my blood drawn the following day and two days later made a follow up appointment with her to review the results. As I thought, it was under active thyroid. She prescribed me medication and ordered a follow up blood test for two months down the road. I've been taking the medication for a month now and have seen some improvements. My hope is that by the time I see the doctor in two months I've lost the almost 10 lbs I gained.

On another note, I also switched personal trainers. Long story short, mine decided to quit. She was almost 7 months pregnant, in school, and working. I don't blame her for focusing on other important things in life. My new trainer has had me doing some interesting things. For example, he had me switch up my cardio routine. I do a total of 30 mins of cardio every time I go to the gym. Lately I've been doing the treadmill. I walk at a 8 incline and 3 speed for 5 mins and then turn around and walk backwards for 3 mins, same incline but I bump down the speed to a pace I feel comfortable with. I alternate back and froth until I hit my 30 mins.  Doing this will allow you to burn more calories and work muscles that don't normally get worked during cardio.

xoxo,

Megs

The Weight Loss Chronicles: Making changes...

After a six year hiatus, last month I finally joined a gym and signed up for a personal trainer. Even though it can be a bit expensive, it is important to me to be healthy...so I am investing in myself. 

The first couple of weeks, my trainer focused on body weight exercises. Even though I wasn't using any weight, I never left the gym feeling like I could've done more. Today I finally got to see my hard work pay off. We took measurements for the first time in about a month and here are the results:

Bust: 1.5"

Arms: .5"

Waist: 1.5"

Calf: .5"

Overall I am down 4" from where I started. Even though it may not seem like much it's nice to see progress. As a goal oriented person, I like to be able to see where I am improving along the way. It's helpful because some days I feel like I'm not making any progress. So seeing results on paper helps me realize that I'm beginning to accomplish something I've been saying I would do for almost two years now. 

For those of you reading this thinking "I wish I knew what to do or where to start!" Let me help you out a little bit. Below are the first couple of workouts my trainer had me doing. I try to workout 3-4 times a week. I usually start with 10-15 mins of cardio to get my heart going. From there I do about 5-7 different exercises per workout. I rotate between upper and lower body and every workout includes abs. Now for the part you have all been waiting for (if you made it this far haha)...the workouts.

Lower Body & Abs

Body weight squats (3 sets of 10)

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Jump Lunge (2 sets of 20 or 10 per leg)

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Squat Jump (3 sets of 10)

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Hip Lift (3 sets of 10)

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Stability Ball Pass (2 sets of 10)

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Upper Body & Abs

Chest Flys on Stability Ball (3 sets of 10...start out with 5-7lbs if you can)

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Shoulder Press on Stablility Ball (3 sets of 10)

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Dumbbell Chest Press on Stability Ball (3 sets of 10)

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Push Ups (modified if needed) (2 sets of 12)

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Up/Down Plank (2 sets of 12)

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To build my various workouts, I use an app called Fleetly. It's free and pretty user friendly. It has pre-built workouts and you can create your own custom workouts. You can also add new exercises to the constantly growing library. It gives you points and medals for working out. You can even join the various challenges that they have and compete with other users. So if you have a smart phone, iPod, or tablet you NEED to get this app! Also if you add me as a friend, you can keep up with what I am doing and even see some of the workouts I create.

That is all for now. I hope that if you are still reading this I've inspired you to get up an get moving. Being healthy is important, even if you just start by walking for 30 mins a day...at least you are making small changes! I challenge you all to make an effort to be more active with your families, friends, or even co-workers. Get up and MOVE!

Question for the readers: What are some of your favorite exercises that make you feel the burn?!

xoxo,

Megs

Thankful Thursday...

I've been meaning to post this for a while now but haven't had the time to sit down and write it. Lately I've been thinking about all the things I have been blessed with and how lucky I am to be where I am in my life today. I have A LOT of things to be thankful for but most of the time I dwell on all the things that seem to go wrong.

Today a few of the things I am thankful for:

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My job!...I recently switched positions at work (with high hopes it is a permanent position by December) and love the team I am a part of.

Embree...she may be a pill some most of the time! But I could never EVER give her up. She challenges me daily but makes up for it with all her cuddles at night.

My husband...I don't think I could ever tell him enough how much he means to me! I am so grateful that I found a person who understands me and loves me just the way I am, flaws and all!

My friends...they are the family I got to pick!! I don't know where I would be with out them. These girls have been through thick and thin with me and after 6+ years I couldn't have asked for better women to be examples for me! I love them all more than I could ever express and I can't wait to see some of them in June!

My ability to learn and ambition to succeed...I am grateful that I was able to finally graduate and move on to a career. I am grateful that I am a quick learner and have an amazing memory.

My family...my parents and siblings have always been a strong support system for me (even if they don't know it). I thankful for the good examples they are to me.

My bonus family...I couldn't have asked for a better family to marry in to! Being far from my family and friends is VERY hard at times but knowing I have people who love and support me as if I were their own means a lot to me!

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My health...even though I am not my ideal weight, I am grateful that I don't have any medical conditions.

xoxo,
Megs