SPAIN

Hello familia. We're still in the process of organizing our pictures so we can tell you about our trip, but in the meantime here's a few just to tide you over.

Zach at the Alhambra


The shops at Granada

Eating on St. Miguel Street

A real Ape of Gibralter

Smart Cars. Gotta love 'em.

Why we love our cats...

It's called a DOG bed.

I wedding crashed and I am proud

Mr. and Mrs. Kindee

Trip to Israel

Here are the pictures from Paul and Emilia when they visited Israel.

Eleanor's and Sebastien's First Pic Together

From L to R: Eleanor, Sebastien!

(Bonus pic of Elle being cute on the front porch!)

Heart-Health Shenanigans

I'm glad to know that you read my email. I was serious, and I'm glad you are, too. So, in thanks, we'll join in on the fun. This pic is from last spring, but we actually look exactly the same this year (go figure). As Amber progressed through her first pregnancy, Gabe somehow gained 17 pounds. It may not sound like a lot, but a few months ago he was on the verge of needing to alter his suits. Not cool. So he joined a gym in January. Since then, he's lost 4 pounds to date. Slowly, but surely there is progress. Right now he is +13 pounds above pre-Eleanor weight. His goal is to get back to post-Bosnia physique. Cholesterol, blood glucose, triglycerides, and blood pressure are all normal. It'll be hard, but I'll do my best to lay off the peeps and chocolate covered marshmallow bunnies this year.

Amber is doing well keeping her weight gain in check with established guidelines. Her weight gain was not what she was hoping for during her first pregnancy due to finals, a recital, and a 10-week bout of bronchitis. This time she's a woman on a mission. Since Gabe takes the car, Amber walks to the library, the store, the pediatrician, and to her friends' houses. Usually 4 or more miles a day. At week 7, the lower limit of healthy was to have gained 3.5 pounds above starting weight and the upper limit was 9 pounds - she had gained 4 pounds. At week 13, the lower limit was 4.5 - she had gained 5. At week 16, the lower limit was 6.5 pounds, she had gained 7. So, she's right on track! Her blood panel and blood pressure are normal. She's feeling the little sprout kick a lot lately. She's doing her best to get a lot of sleep and drinks at least two liters of water a day.

P.S. I made a pregnancy weight gain tracking chart in excel based on those who start pregnancy with a normal BMI. It's been fun and helpful. Let me know if you want a copy.

Not Quite There

Wow, I really don't like my arm in this photo. This was right when we landed in Montreal. Over the next few days I proceeded to eat the best food and drink the best hot chocolate I have ever had in my life. And a lot of both. The French know what they're doing.
I am at a point where I am happy with my hard work over the last year and three months(every day matters). But I am not quite where I want to be. My goals are to reach a weight and size that I will be able to maintain. As of today I weigh 154 lbs. I would like to weigh 145 consistently. I also need to tone up. I am convinced that there is not a magic formula. You have to burn more calories than you put in. Input vs. Output is the key. Exercise is also key for my mental health. I am more patient, a better listener, and a better mom. I love having an hour to myself to think my own thoughts and listen to music that I like, not Elmo or High School Musical.
I am excited to have my own personal cheerleaders and be the for you also. You are all my best friends and I love that we have a such wonderful, supportive family. I am excited to see everyone reach their goals.

Here it Goes!

So there it is....our Valentine Photo. Disgusting! Isn't is amazing how you think you look cute until you get the pic back! Anyway here are my stats....176 as of this morning at the gym. My goals are to keep working out at the gym 3 days a week and at home 2 days a week. Drinking all my water, and keeping within my points. Like I said yesterday I have girls weekend coming up where we will by laying by a pool for 3 days, then I go to Argentina where I would like to wow my friends and most importantly I want to be strong and healthy before I have another baby...which will be sooner than later. So there it is. I am commited.

SUCH A GREAT IDEA!

This picture is more embarrasing than you all knowing how much we weigh.
Chubby Chub Chubs. Puerto Rico was a Killer on our bodies.

This is a great way to keep each other on track!

Amber's Goals:


I think 20 would be not healthy for me- mentally- I NEED food huh chiq!
I'd like to lose at least 12 pounds- such a low number cuz when I hit the weights, I gain weight.
In reality, I want to be toned and lose inches.

I just want to be healthy, and be able to run
and help zach train for the TOU.

Mostly- Get Gweni Gwen Arms and Abs :)


OUR GOALS

Zach and I pay 80 bucks a month to go to the gym. our goal is to use it at least 5 times a week.

Eat less pizza/mt. dew and more veggies and water

Zach's goals:
Zach says he has dad syndrome. Skinny legs and a big belly, only dads better looking.

Eat breakfast.
Lose the belly.
Top of Utah Marathon in September.

March 5 2007
Zach's Stats:
weight 178 5'11
Amber's Stats:
weight 152 5'9

I'll Go First

This picture was taken in January at Aubrie's wedding reception. After seeing this photo, I'm realizing that it is time to get busy. I've had lots of excuses: new baby, new house, moving, busy with work... but the reality is I just haven't made the time to take of myself. And you know the old oxygen mask example: you can't take care of others if you don't take care of yourself first. So it's time! My weight today is 168 lbs which is 15 lbs heavier than when I got pregnant with Lizzie, and 25 lbs heavier than when I get pregnant with Sal...

Short term goal: Fit into my ski pants for at least one ski trip this year.
Long term goals:

1. Get back to pre-Sal weight.
2. Keep my joints healthy so I can be a "Ruth Harris 60 yr old".
3. Be a good example to my kids.

I'm getting back on the weight watcher's band wagon, which has worked for me before. I'm also going to work with a personal trainer once a week and work out by myself the other 4 days. It's hard for me to drink water, but I find if I mix it with a little crystal light and can choke it down better. Also, if you register at the slim-fast web site, it will kick out a weekly menu for free. Whether or not you actually use their products, they give lots of good snack and meal ideas.

Good luck everyone!

It' Time!!!

After Gabe sent the article about our hearts a few of us decided that it is time to really get healthy. So we are proposing Spencer Family Celebrity Fit Club! First, post a picture of you that you don't particularly like care for. Post your starting weight and we will have to post our weight every Monday. This is MANDATORY and will help us be responsible. Please post what your goal is. For example, I want to loose weight and strengthen my body to look good for my girls weekend trip May 3rd and get ready to have another baby. April 15th is our first goal day. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
1. Eat Breakfast! Oatmeal, a low fat yogurt, slimfast
2. Drink 64 oz of water.-Cut out Soda!
3. Stop eating 2 hours before bed time.
4. Bump up your exercise level. If you are doing anything start with 20 min a day of something...if you are already doing something...go a little longer.
5. Take a one a day multi vitamin.

A SUPER GOOOOOOOOOOOAL!!!

My favorite soccer team from Argentina is Boca Juniors. Last weekend Boca wan 3-1 to Independiente. The prettiest of the game was the last goal. This goal will be remember for all of history since it was a super goal. Please, take a look the video.
Cesar