Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Birthday Maren!

Maren: 14 years old
She is now 14 years old! Everybody is amazed that she is 14 years old (including me). She is still quite little, which has it advantages! She had a great birthday. Her friends and Young Women leaders really showered her with gifts. Maren is such a joy to have around! She is so helpful and loving to all of us in the family. She is also very tender and aware of others. The Young Women leaders asked Ken and me to tell them which value best represented Maren. I chose Faith because she makes decisions based on her testimony of the gospel rather than what other people say or do. In Relief Society today, they spotlighted her because of her birthday (the YW leaders were in RS because of Mother's Day). They read what I said about her and then mentioned something that really stands out about Maren. Sister Arne said it is her commitment to gymnastics and her ability to perform gymnastics so well, but even more so is her commitment to the gospel. She told about Maren choosing to not go to the State competition because it was on Sunday. It made me cry. I so appreciate it when leaders and friends will praise her for this decision. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Maren! I really love you and am glad to have you as my daughter!









Maren got a cell phone for her birthday! She's been wanting one for a long time. She also got new clothes (see the above picture with Grandpa and Grandma), a movie from Emily (Barbie Thumbelina), a monkey keychain from Scotty, a movie from Brian (Aquamarine), some fabric and a pattern for a hand bag from Anna, a movie from Jonny (Another Cinderella Story), and we're still trying to get her Singer Pixie Sewing Machine from Wal-mart. We are waiting for a new one to come in. She also had her friend, Jamie Sanford come over for cake and ice cream and to watch a movie.

Posted by Janet Lightheart at 9:39 PM  

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My Thoughts on HEALTH and NUTRITION

The above slide show depicts the changes over the past 20 years in the percentage of Americans who are obese. During the past 20 years there has been a dramatic increase in obesity in the United States. The slide set illustrates this trend by mapping the increased prevalence of obesity across each of the states. In 1985 most of the states had a percentage of <10%.>25%. So why the change? What has brought on this increase in our nation? Here are my thoughts.

1. TECHNOLOGY
The 80s and 90s brought computers and game consoles to the world. Outside work and play have been replaced by many hours in front of the computer and electronic games. This has led to a nation that is much less active than before.

2. DIET FADS
The 80s is characterized by the LOW-FAT diet craze. If you ate things that were LOW-FAT you weren't supposed to "get fat." The food guide pyramid was taught. It focused on eating large amounts of grains (6-11 servings of bread, cereal, rice & pasta a day). Other diet fads have been the "low calorie diet" and the "Adkins" or low-carb diets. These diet fads have changed the way people think "healthy" eating should be.

3. EASY/PROCESSED FOODS
Our nation now has a "get it quick and get it now" mentality. Fast food restaurants are abundant and very accessible. The less time it takes to make or get our food, the better.

I feel that the three of these areas combined have led to an increase in obesity in our nation. SO NOW WHAT?

1995 Food Guide Pyramid

1995 Food Guide Pyramid
This is the old food guide pyramid

My Pyramid

My Pyramid
This is the new pyramid - it focuses on activity and more balance in foods.

My Solution

Coming Soon:)