FXB - Day 1

The alarm went off at 4:20 AM this morning.  A tad bit early but a time I'm going to have to get used to for at least the next 10 weeks.  Jace and I started our Farrell's Extreme Bodyshaping 10-week experience this morning.  Class starts at 5:15 AM...yes, AM.  On Monday, Wednesday and Friday the class focuses on kickboxing.  On Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday the class uses resistance bands. 

Yesterday, Sunday, we had to go in for our testing.  They measured how far we could stretch (not very), our measurements ("biceps", chest, gut, hips, legs--it's "biceps" since I don't really have any...yet!), a 4-minute step test to make sure we don't fall over dead, how many sit-ups in a minute, how many push ups in a minute and then the dreaded...scale and body fat.  Ugh.  After all that fun, we had to run a mile.  I remember in high school when we had to run a mile for volleyball tryouts that JR threw up.  Thankfully, we both survived that without any mishaps. 

There is a nutrition aspect to the program...eat smaller meals more frequently, more protein, watch the carbs, etc.  We're both going to try and watch our portion sizes and quit the snacking.  I'm sure it'll be a challenge being that we're starting the program on Halloween!

After the push-ups, my armpit muscles were already sore this morning.  And after the workout this morning, which consisted of punching, kicking, lunges, push ups, sit ups, etc., I'm already sore.  Water, water, water...Advil...water, water, water...

Depending on your results, you can actually win $1000.  But you can only win that $1000 if you take  your before picture.  We haven't taken that yet--probably tomorrow.  And that picture--at least mine--will NOT be posted on the family blog!  If you stick with the program for a year, you could win $10,000!

You may wonder why we're both doing this.  While we both want to feel better and look better, we're doing it for the kids.  We want to make sure that we're both happy and healthy for many, many years to come.  I'll be 54 when Trent graduates from high school.  With four kids, we could have many, many grandkids well into our 60's and 70's and we want to make sure we're taking the right steps now to enjoy them for as long we can!  Maybe even see the great-grandkids!

If you're reading this, you may not care too much about all the updates.  However, I'll probably just keep posting some quick updates so that after 10 weeks, at least Jace and I can go back and remember the pain at the beginning so when we're all svelte and sexy, we can appreciate all the hard work and PAIN!

Trent the Artist

Calvert Elementary School is part of the Artsonia Art Museum project.  According to the website: Artsonia is the world's largest kids' art museum. Our dream is that every child will have a special art gallery online, reflecting their masterpieces from pre-school through high-school, preserved for all time!

This is Trent's first art piece.  If you're interested in seeing his art online, finding out more about Artsonia or ordering any lovely things from their gift shop featuring Trent's masterpiece, you can find out more by clicking HERE.   

Fall Sports

Fall officially arrived several weeks ago and our weeks had been filled with football, gymnastics and tennis--plus church activities on Wednesdays, conferences and family time.  Here are some pictures of what we've been doing.


Trent has always shown a propensity for jumping, flipping, swinging, flopping, falling, etc. on any and all surfaces.  We decided to get him into gymnastics to see if we could "fine tune" his natural skills.  It seems that he's enjoying it and Jace and I have definitely seen a difference in his confidence in jumping from swings and hanging upside-down from playground equipment!

Swinging...

Jumping...

Upside-down swinging...

Drew was on Leon's midget football team and has been playing flag football at Mickle Middle School.  For most of the season he was playing defensive end (Karis says, "Outside tackler guy) and even kicked one off.  He did a great job and was a positive motivational factor on his team. 

Drew is #8 and going in for the big tackle.

Leon's #8 going sweeping the outside and going for the tackle.

Lining up for the attack.

Drew playing flag football.  He's #92 (on the left) lining up for the next play.

Cody spent his fall playing tennis for Lincoln Northeast High School.  He was on the reserve team and played both singles and doubles.  It was his first year ever playing tennis and as he says, "He has more to learn."  He did steadily improve in every match and seemed to enjoy the team dynamics.

Getting ready!

Serving it up.

Serving it up again.

And a little bit of family fun...

Dad and Cody challenging each other in basketball.

Cody and Drew challenging in basketball.

A little face painting going on.

Bailey started academic transfer classes at Southeast Community College the first of October.  She's taking Composition, Sociology, Math and a Learn to Dream seminar.  She also started working part time as a barista at The Perfect Cup and as a shoe associate at Famous Footwear.

The Perfect Cup is a small, privately-owned coffee shop offering many different types of coffee drinks, smoothies and shakes as well as sandwiches and wraps.

That's what the Ahlberg Family has been up to this fall!