It is not over until the Preacher Man Says AMEN

Tonight Pete and I endured a pretty intense spin class at our 24-hour fitness gym. I have gone to spin classes over the past few years here and there and I always enjoy it. This was Pete's first time. He finally agreed to go as he promised me he would back in December. I checked to see who the instructor was before we went and it was a guy I've had before. WELL a substitute instructor was there when we arrived.

By first appearance, the instructor looked about mid-to-late 60's and was in great shape. He welcomed us with enthusiasm and instantly got us set up on our bikes. He introduced himself as Peter and started the class promptly; turning up the music and instructing us to pedal to the beat. It was evident that Peter was passionate about spinning.

About half-way through the class as sweat dripped down our faces, we realized Peter was not only passionate about spinning, but he lived and breathed this activity. I have never in my life met an instructor who is so motivated by what he is teaching. He challenged us and constantly encouraged us. He yelled out things like, "Pain and suffering will make you stronger. How do you think Lance Armstrong got to the finish line?" "Ignore the voices in your head telling you to stop. Shut up and Pedal...push yourself." "Don't be a quitter, don't quit on yourself!" My personal favorite was-"It is not over until the Preacher Man Says Amen!" I noticed smiles across the faces of many in the class. This man was giving his all into this spin class.

So we pedaled and we gave it our all too. We turned up the resistance full boar, we did hills, and even an intense team drill. At one point, Peter got off his bike and stood in front of us yelling, "Faster, harder, PUSH YOURSELF!" I have to admit it pumped me up. I felt like cheering, hollaring, and busting into jumping jacks. Pete enjoyed it too and found spinning to be much more challenging and invigorating than he originally imagined.

After the class, we thanked Peter and found out this Rhode Island native didn't start spinning until 60 and has turned it into his hobby so he won't "get old". He plans to go on an outdoor ride in 15 degree weather this saturday because it will be sunny, clear, and beautiful. He thinks Oregon is the greatest place to live in the world. So cheers to Peter the spinning instructor! We wanted to give him a shout out tonight because man this guy is motivated and he inspired us! He is living out his passion and lifting others up along the way.

AMEN!

Crock Pot Lasagna

Okay so by the title of this post you are probably thinking to yourself...yuck...is that even possible?! But let me explain! I love crock pot cooking, I always have. When life is busy and you want to come home to a dinner simmering and your house smelling fabulous..then the crock pot is really your answer. I have tried all sorts of things in the crock pot-taco soup, chili, dips, meatballs, roast, curry chicken, and now LASAGNA. My favorite crock pot cookbook is Fix-It-And-Forget-It (you can find it at Target or Michael's). When I was paging through it, I turned up my nose when I saw lasagna, but I decided to give it a shot and man it was easy, wholesome, and tasty. I was brave enough to take it to dinner at our friend's house and all four of us loved it! There is room to be flexible with the meat, cheese, and sauce you use. You could also turn it in to a veggie lasagna if your not a meat lover.

So check out the recipe below and try it. . .if you dare. ;)

INGREDIENTS

-1 lb. ground beef, browned (could be substituted for sausage, ground turkey, or veggies)

-4-5 cups spaghetti sauce, depending on how firm or juice you want the finished lasagna

-24 oz-container cottage cheese or ricotta cheese

-1 egg

-8-10 lasagna noodles, uncooked

-2-3 cups mozzarella cheese

1. Combine ground beef and sauce.

2. Combine egg and cottage cheese.

3. Layer of the ground beef mixture, the dry noodles, and the cottage cheese mixture, and the mozz. cheese in the slow cooker. Repeat layers.

4. Cover. Cook on high 4-5 hours or low 6-8 hours.

Little Dolphin Girl

Baby Kisses
Story Time

The past two months, I have been try to make my way to San Diego to meet my new niece Elle Grey Weg. It took me awhile to meet her.. I missed her birth by one day in December and had to delay my trip in January to February. As the time grew closer to meet her, I was counting the hours till I could hold her in my arms. Well I spent about 5 days with her this past week and each day was so rewarding. She is truly precious!

My brother Zach and his wife Laura nicknamed her dolphin girl because of all the cute little coos and caws she makes. She also smiles and laughs. She is beautiful, smart, and has an incredibly sweet spirit about her. I cannot brag enough!! :) It was so fun holding her for hours on end, picking out her outfits, and taking her on walks around the neighborhood!

I heard being an aunt was quite something, but I now know personally know why it is so special. It was amazing to see a little baby that looks so much like my brother and sister-n-law. I felt an unbelievable bond with her the second I laid eyes on her and kissed her full little cheeks. She is going to be spoiled by her Auntie Maggie for life and Uncle Pete is dying to meet her!

Everyone has a little love to share . . .

MY VALENTINE: ELLE GREY WEG

This post is for you Ashley :) . . .

With Valentine's Day nearly one week away, I thought I would share my thoughts on the day of love. My family and close friends know that this a day I have always had a special love for. It all started in kindergarten when I got my first Valentine. Yes. . .I know there are those who dread this day...the singing cards and teddy bears, endless conversation hearts, the array of flowers, chocolates, and cheesy valentine cards. All though this holiday can be silly, down right corny, and cliche, I believe it is a holiday that everyone can enjoy if you look at it in a different light.

Valentine's Day is not for only for those love-struck couples who can't keep their eyes of each other. It is a day for those who are in a relationship, those who are single, and even those who have no interest in romance. Many people can benefit from Valentine's Day. How you may ask? Well, it is a day to tell someone, anyone that you love them, that you appreciate them, or even that your life is more special with them in it. It is a day for a random act of kindness, to do something spontaneous, to throw a party, or even just smile at the lady who cut you off in line. Go for it...surprise your dad with his favorite coffee drink, put a note on your best friend's car, or bring cupcakes to your kid's classroom.

Don't let Valentine's Day pass you by with a chip on your shoulder. Don't laugh at the men running in to the grocery store last minute to buy roses AND Don't forget to tell someone that you have not told in awhile that you love them. It is simple day, yet a day to be expressive, crazy, and fun!

HAPPY VALENTINE"S DAY from my heart to yours!