Mexican Layers

Ok, I have to write this down before I forget, it was so yummy! I found it on the internet, and it was actually made into a pizza. I just layered it with flour tortillas, and it was really yummy, I might try it on pizza dough though:

Cook about 1/2 pound of chicken, and at the end add a little water, and one pkg of taco seasoning
Layer tortilla's in bottom of 9x13 pan, then top with a layer of refried beans, followed by green enchilada sauce, chicken mixture, and then cheese, layer with another layer of tortilla repeat layers, and then end with tortillas topped with cheese. Bake @350 degrees for 30-40 minutes without cover, and enjoy.
Garnish (my favorite part): tomatoes and cillantro chopped up and put on top after you bake it.

I need to start saving recipes I like!

Cold Cheesecake

1 8 oz cream cheese
1 can sweetened condensed milk
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla

1 graham cracker crust

Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually add sweetened condensed milk. Stir in lemon juice and vanilla. Pour into graham cracker crust and chill for 1-3 hours until set. Top with fresh, frozen, or canned fruit topping (or eat plain)

52 blessings#5.... grateful for kids who have the biggest smiles

52 blessings #4.. Grateful for healthy bodies

52 blessings#3 ...Having a child old enough to help with the baby

In his own way of course. :)

Kemp Look-alike Meter

This was really fun, I did all my kids, Marcus looked more like me by 12%, Lydia looked more like me by 22%, and Payton looked equally like John and I.

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Family tree diagram - Family history

Easter picture

IT"S OVER!!!!!

before (12 weeks ago)

After

Well, three months of hard exercise, and trying to eat 1500 calories or less, is over!!! This last week I have worked so hard, my body is soooo sore. Monday, I got up and ran with my cousin Micheline (on the Meacham side). She is amazing, after 8 kids, she looks sooo good, and she is tough. I ran 8 miles with her, and I was so glad she was doing most of the talking, because I could hardly talk, and my legs were on fire. Her pace was so fast, and we never stopped!!! Of course the feeling of accomplishment was so worth it in the end. On Tuesday, I went to her 6 am kick boxing class, and I thought if I did one more squat, I would collapse. After her class, we lifted weights, oh I am a whimp, I followed her, and had to lower the weight on every station. Then I went with Cam and Michelle to Snow Canyon to run our famous trail. I pushed my stroller the first 3 1/2 miles, and then Michelle watched the kids, while Cam and I ran up the last 1 1/2 miles. I did everything in my power to stay behind Cam, and not let the distance between us get larger. Then Wednesday morning was the weigh in, and I met Micheline for one more run, this time only 5 miles, but then I ran to the spa, and weighed in. I lost 37 pounds. My body fat percentage when I started was 32.7%, and today it was 16.8%! So, I was in the lead, but there were a few more people who hadn't weighed in. After everyone weighed in, Cam called and said I WON by .2%!!! How close is that? The prize was $1000.:) So John and I, and Cam and Michelle went to Pasta Factory for lunch, and then Michelle and I went shopping!!!!

52 blessings #1

Ok, Laurie and some others started this in January; each week, they show a picture of something they are grateful for, and at the end of the year they will have 52 blessings. I thought about doing it, and of course like everything else I think about doing, I didn't do it. Well, I want to, and when I saw this picture on Laurie's blog, I decided I was going to start, and how fitting that I start with my savior, I am so grateful for his atoning sacrifice, he IS my Redeemer. (I'm going to have to do a couple a week, because it has been 12 weeks.)

52 blessings #2

I'm grateful for my van. We've had this van for 6 years. Chris bought it at the Vegas Auction, and we bought it for $4500. It has been a great van, we've had it paid off forever, and it just keeps running. It is great for the kids, I don't stress as much with all the snacks. John asked me if I wanted to get a new van, and of course I'd love one, but I think I'll drive this til it dies.

ONE WEEK LEFT!!

Ok, I am one week away from 12 weeks of competition. http://www.fitnessridge.com/ challenged all their employees and family members to a Biggest Loser competition. Next Wednesday is the weigh in, and the person with the most weight loss percentage will win $1000. Today Laur was in town, and so we all went up to Snow Canyon; Travis, Laur, Caden with his Heeley's, Matthew in a stroller, Sadie in a stroller; Michelle, Cam, Bryson on his scooter, brielle in the stroller, Trey in the stroller, Me, Payton on his Heeley's, Marcus on his Heeley's, Lydia in the stroller, and Brigham in his stroller, the WHOLE gang. We went up the first 3 1/2 miles, stopping to let the kids run some of the trails, and sometimes I would push 3 in a stroller, so I was tired, and weak, I convinced myself that because I haven't been eating as much, my body was too weak to be pushed, and that's exactly how I am in competitions--go hard in the beginning, and getting ahead, and then relaxing, and slowing down towards the end. When we got 3 miles into it, Cam told me I wasn't working hard enough, and I needed to go harder, so he told me to run ahead, and they took my stroller. So I did, I ran, and I kept running up 2 more miles straight up; I had to talk to myself quite a bit to keep running-'keep running', 'don't stop', 'you're almost there', 'just keep your feet moving', 'you want to win!' Well, the talking worked, it was totally mind over body. The body is a powerful thing, and way too many times we baby it, and convince ourselves we're pushing it too hard. Well, if you want your body to start having results, you have to shock it, you have to push it harder than you've ever pushed it, if you think you are working hard, your body can work harder. Now on to the eating---it's Easter weekend, and I think it'll be easier because I am so close, but now it is so important to not eat any empty calories!!!!

Be Still My Soul

Wyatt Lewis Larsen

Today, we walked in to church right after the Bishop made a few announcements, I noticed that the ward seemed a little different, and then John leaned over to tell me that a family in our ward just recently lost their baby. I gave him a dirty look because it angered me that he would say such a thing, because that could not have happened, he was a beautiful baby boy, he was two weeks older than Brigham, and his mom and I were often in the nursing room together. He passed away earlier this week, I'm not totally sure what exactly happened, he was life flighted to primary children's with heart complications. I'm not sure how to write my feelings, I have feelings of guilt that I still have my baby, and so much sadness for the loss of my friend. I'm not sure how I could go through a trial like hers, but I am so grateful for the knowledge that this is not it, this life is just a preparation for eternal life, she will be with her son again. I came home, and opened the hymn to this song, hymns are always so comforting to me; "Be still, my soul: The lord is on thy side; With patience bear thy cross of grief or pain. Leave to thy God to order and provide: In every change he faithful will remain. Be still, my soul: Thy best, thy heavnly Friend Thru thorny ways leads to a joyful end." click on here to see his goodbye from his familyhttp://www.legacy.com/HeraldExtra/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=105727998

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARCUS!!

Marcus holds a special place in my heart, he is ALWAYS smiling and always happy, he loves life, and today he is 6!!! This picture was taken when he was 5, and the picture below was taken when I was 5 what do you think, do you think he's mine? I am so thankful for him, and we've got a big day planned, so I'll post later and post some more updated pictures.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOUG!!!

I love this picture Michelle took of Doug couching Greg

I just wanted to wish my older brother Doug the best birthday. The things I remember most about Doug while growing up was that he just absolutely loved to hide behind a corner, and jump out and scare me. He would be talking to us all, and when he knew I was deep in concentration and listening, he would all the sudden turn to me, and say, "Rawrrr" (how do you type that?) Anyway, I would totally scream and give him the reaction he loved!! I remember when he was going to school at the U, and he lived at home for a semester, and I was just starting out doing hair at "Madison", he would call me up at work and ask if I wanted to go running. Of course since I was just sitting trying to build up my clientele, I dropped everything and he and I and our dog buddy would go up to Alpine and run in the mountains. He always beat me up the hill, but I think I had him on the distance.:) I remember working out with him at the little gym in AF, he always made me feel that he really cared, and he took time out to spot and show me how to lift weights. I loved going to every one of his basketball games at the U, and have truly enjoyed watching him coach, he is an amazing coach. He is such a great brother, and has the cutest family ever, Have a great birthday Doug. They have now joined the blogging world, click here and check out their new blog http://dougandtami.blogspot.com/

ok, who's running the St. George marathon?

Today, as I was enjoying my workout without kids, I got to thinking about the St. George Marathon. I ran the Salt Lake Marathon in 1997(?), and I just haven't had the desire to run one since. I absolutely loved it, it was definitely something I would recommend to everyone to do once, and it was such a spiritual experience, I've got pages and pages in my journal about how it impacted me. But running another one to me is like returning to heaven after this lifetime, and saying, "That was fun, when can I do it again?" I just don't really have the drive to do it again, but since I live here, I feel like I should run it at least once. I guess I'll try running the Hurricane 1/2 marathon and see if I get any motivation.

Today was a great workout, I got to go without my kids, and

I love running in Snow Canyon on Saturday. The park is full of cars, people from all over come to St. George this time of year to get out of the cold, and most people come to Snow Canyon to hike. I love to watch people explore little bits of Snow Canyon. Today I started running the Stop sign trail, and as I got a mile or so into it, I decided that since I did not have any of my kids, I was going to go off and hike. I love running up these mountains, they are safe, but tough, and it is easy to get a good workout in, and enjoy the beauty of Snow Canyon.This computer used to belong to "The Body Shop Spa", so I found this picture of Michelle doing a yoga pose in Snow Canyon.
Here is my back yard, I LOVE IT!!!!

Happy Anniversary John

weren't we cute nine years ago

Nine years ago we were getting married today, wow, we've come a long way.

I hope you're as excited now as you were then


We drove to California for our honeymoon, and stayed in St. George with Chris, Laurie and Jordan one night, look how cute Jordan was nine years ago.

Michelle Welch had a really cute shower for me before I was married, and she had people write their advice and I thought I'd share some:
Adrienne Higginson said,"Always remember to lauh a lot, igore a lot of things, and show a lot of love."
Eileen and Britanie Brown said," Take time to make each day fun."
Marianne Roberts said," Smile, smile, smile, and then smile! And keep your toenails clipped, and smile. Fix him what he likes to eat, and smile. Give him lots of hugs, and smile. Pray a lot, and smile. Don't sweat the small stuff, and smile. Spend less than you earn, and smile. Trust in the lord, and smile."
Heidi Binnall and Hillary said, "Leanne , take my adivice, not the advice of crazy friends that miht scare you, make him give you all his Money!!!! Don't ever let him know how much you make every day, because he will want it. Keep yourself a stash, so you can buy clothes and makeup and new things for your house."
Ada Eckles and Lindsee Shipp said, "Get on for the ride of you life!!! Always smile and have a good laugh, nothing is too big or too hard if you can laugh!"
Debbi Sermon said, "just keep lovin each other Forever!"
Diann Mott said, 'Remember that laughter is the best medicine and ven in the worst of situations you can find something to laugh about. It eases tenseion and reminds you of why you fell in love."
Michelle and Maryann said, "Go on vacations (invite your sisters!)
make traditions together. Attend the temple together. Make a weekly date night tradition. Always show your love for each other. Give us lots of nieces and nephews."
Cristy Dowse(then) said, " Go on dates together and spend time talking. Laugh and smile. Have fun notes for each other in random places."
Sharon Bell said, "Keep a sense of humor. When the kids start coming, make sure there's still plenty of time for John."
Sandy, Katie, and Rachel Barney said,"Don't listen to anyone who tells you to never go to bed angry-sometimes it's better to get some sleep so you can think more clearly. Always keep in mind why you decided to get married."
Lisa Radmall and Linda Bloodworth said, "Be flexible, learn to give and take. Laugh at the little things and some big ones too. Plenty more to think about but you'll have to figure that out too! ((I did) or at least I'm still trying.)"
Tami Meacham said, "If there is bread and milk in the kitchen at all times, John will always think there is something to eat! Enjoy every single moment with each other! It is GREAT!"
Diana Leiter said, "Always be best friends. Enjoy doing things together. If John likes something do it with him and have him do things you like too."
Candy Terry said, "Read your scriptures together and talk about what you think. It will give you a realy nice opportunity to get to know each other spiritually."
Arlene Heiner said, " This is advice for John. My husband John gives this advice often and I love it, "A Happy life is a happy wife!"
My mother-in-law said,"Stay home as long as you possibly can to raise your family. They are little for such a short time. Don't argue about methodology for family prayer, scripture reading and family home evening just do them and do them often."

My mother said, "Just realize the most important work you can do is raise children and keep the commandments, and encourage John in his priesthood responsibilities."

THREE WEEKS LEFT!!

Ok, I haven't posted about our competition for a while, too many other fun things to post about. I was at a Plateu for like three weeks losing only one pound if that a week, and it was frustrating, but all last week Brigham was sick, Lydia was sick, and although I still took them on the stop sign, there were a few days, it was just too cold, so I would try to do something else, or run when John got home or one day I ran before the kids got up(I am not a morning person). So on Monday I was walking the stop sign pushing both Marcus and Lydia, and I was so frustrated, because I had no energy, and it was hard just to walk, I didn't make it as far as I wanted and I was really mad at myself. Today, I decided I better step it up, because there is only three weeks left, and my kids really think I am going to win.; I am a very competitive person, and I start out hard, but I have always struggled with finishing hard and winning, it's like I feel bad for the other competitors or something. In fact tonight we had the Pinewood Derby, and Payton turned to me and told me he felt bad for the losers. But, I have come so far, and my kids keep asking if I am winning the competition, and I want $1000, and it is fun to fit in to my jeans again. So I decided today I was going to make it up to the stop sign. I started out running and feeling good, I was pushing Marcus and Brigham in the stroller, and I had more energy today, so I keep running, I was ready to turn around so many times, but I keep going, and I made it to the top!! If anyone is a fan of the Biggest Loser, you've seen how hard they work, and how hard they are breathing, that is exactly how I was breathing. I knew I needed to shock my body if I was going to get some better results. I came home and weighed myself, and I have lost 28 pounds. This competition has been such an eye opener to me. I have learned a lot about what we can really accomplish if we want to. I can not believe how hard it is to pass up food, or just limit ourselves to one serving, there is nothing easy about it, but when I do, I feel so good. I also always remember what my mom told me, "You know what it takes like, you don't need to taste it again." Some foods are just not worth it. On Sunday, my mom made her killer brownies, and I told myself I could have one serving, and I did, and usually, I would eat more than that for sure, they are KILLER BROWNIES!!! It scares me to finish this competition, because I already have a list of all the foods I want to eat, I just think that because I've worked so hard, I will still be more conscious of what goes in my mouth.

Fun Weekend

This weekend, my Grandma and Grandpa Johnson came to St. George, What a treat!!! They came down Friday night, and went to Kim's house in Vegas on Saturday, but they came with us to church today, and we got to spend time with them today.

Grandma helped Payton with his journal entry
I am thankful for Grandparents who have always been an example in my life.

Here we all are gathered around the web cam to talk with Travis and Lauralee in Arizona.


There they are, Travis, Laur, Caden, Matthew, and Sadie!!!

my awesome mom, and how could you not love Poppy doo(Maryann).




I am so thankful for my husband, he went shopping for me on Saturday, came home, put all the groceries away, got the meat out for Sunday dinner, tenderized it, marinated it, and made Strawberry jam. Then on Sunday, he amazed us all with his yummy beef skewers, very tender chicken, and yummy hot dogs for the kids.

Our fun weekend (two weekends ago)

We can't go up North without going over to Grandma and Grandpa Johnson's and performing---Payton sang, and Marcus played the piano
Bob and his girls were visiting Grandma, so we got to spend some time with them.

Marcus and Lydia ADORED Jemma's dog, Hooper.

Ok, I can't always be good, chocolate is just too hard to pass up.

John was a better teacher than I was. This is a picture of Marcus and dad getting off the lift.

Marcus, getting the hang of it

Payton picked up real fast.