Ever wonder how Billy is so incredibly strong?
Every night he does 10 chest presses with Brooke in her burrito swaddle as his weight. She has grown rather fond of it.
I am trying to match his strength by hitting up the free weights. Our apartment gym used to only have weight machines and every day I would think, “Man, I need to go talk to the management and see if they can get some free weights up in here and also a bowl of Swedish Fish for everyone once they finish their workout” but my laziness prevented me from ever going to talk to them. I was STOKED when I walked in this morning and found these. I have a few weights at home but the odds of me doing them in my apartment (unless I am doing a Jillian DVD) for longer than 2 minutes is -4029. Added bonus, now I don’t have to buy 50 lb. weights to do my bicep curls because I can just use these.
I have officially called all of the important people that decide what day holidays should be on to officially switch Thanksgiving to this Sunday. I found this cornbread stuffing mix to make and I can’t wait to taste its deliciousness.
Today I have been thinking about our Sunday Thanksgiving meal.
This year Billy and I are spending Thanksgiving apart. Don’t start crying yet because we are doing our own little celebration just the three of us on Sunday instead. Billy has school until Wednesday and his bff is getting married the following Saturday morning in S. Cali and so instead he will just be driving to S. Cali for Thanksgiving and the wedding. This way he saves precious study time and mula not driving to Utah and then back to Cali just to be there for 24 hours.
I think I have only mentioned it 89 times that I get to go to Utah on Monday for TWO WEEKS. This is the perfect time to go because of the holidays but also because it is finals time for B$. He is already gone every day during the day (even Saturdays and Sundays) and some nights each week but now that it is finals time he will need to be at school 24/7 starting next week. I am kind of a people person and so for my sanity I will go to Utah while Billy is studying so much. This way he doesn’t have to feel torn between studying and spending time with Jarooke. Brooke and I will probably go back to Utah for every finals season and I think my family is pretty excited about that.
Picture from our first Thanksgiving spent together 5 years ago.
We had Thanksgiving with Billy’s family at Mimi’s Cafe… it was delicious.
So far on our Thanksgiving Sunday Menu:
-Cornbread Stuffing
-Mashed potatoes (with cream cheese mixed in… try it, it is amazing).
-Green bean casserole (the one with bacon and slivered almonds).
-Rolls (trying to decide whether or not to make homemade rolls).
-Chicken (I am not going to try and make a turkey because that scares me. Billy really wants a fried turkey from KFC so if I am feeling extra nice I might get that for us).
-DESSERT… I am stressed out about that because I don’t know what to make yet and it is clearly the most important part of the whole entire meal.
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Who are you spending Thanksgiving with this year?
What is on your Thanksgiving menu? What are you making?
Do you prefer using free weights or the weight machines?
When was the last time you did weights?
69 comments
Natalie @ Free Range Human
I taking Sweet Potato Casserole and these adorable Pecan Pie Tartlets. I’m so excited about both of them!
Chelsie @ Balance, Not Scale
Can I invite myself down to visit you and partake in the amazing menu and more than fabulous company?! Pretty please with a pigmy puff on top? ;)
Natalie @ Free Range Human
You have an open invitation!
Lisa
Thanksgiving has already passed here in Canada. I wish we had seconds Thanksgiving. That would be awesome wouldn’t it? I definitely prefer free weights to the machines. I’m always nervous I’ll use a machine wrong and end up breaking my leg instead or something. Which I’m surprised hasn’t happened yet, since I’m incredibly clumsy. I’m glad you and Billy will be celebrating this Sunday instead!
Kari @ Running Ricig
We always go to Mike’s parents’ for Thanksgiving, because it’s his mom’s favorite holiday and then we spend most of Christmas at my parents’.
You should make chocolate chip cookie brownies for Thanksgiving dessert. I just made these and they are glorious! http://www.evilshenanigans.com/2011/01/chocolate-chip-cookie-brownies/
Cathryn
Being a Brit, we’re very new to Thanksgiving here in California but I really love it. Any opportunity to say thank you for the things we love is a good opportunity. We’re spending it with American friends who have become our family here and I’m always thankful for them. I’m in charge of the sweet potatoes with marshmallows. CRAZY AMERICAN DISHES!!
I never do weights.
Cathryn
You should make a Caramel Pecan Pie – It is amazing and not too difficult!
Here is the recipe:
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/caramel-pecan-pie-10000001120407/
Christina @ The Athletarian
Yup, thanksgiving is WAY gone up here in Canada! Can I come to Utah and take Billy’s place??
Sonia the Mexigarian
We celebrated our family thanksgiving this past Sunday. Eric’s mom gets the official day. We had turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, candied yams, roasted veggies, cranberry sauce, gravy, bread and for dessert we had cheesecake, cookies and pumpkin pie. Everything homemade. My sisters and I did the cooking and baking.
I don’t think I have ever had a green bean casserole.
Can’t remember the last time I did weights. Maybe I should fix that. lol.
Glad you get to spend time with your family :) Hope Billy doesn’t get too stressed out with finals.
Katie @ Peace Love & Oats
Ah that’s so cute you’re having your own little Thanksgiving! I’m going home to Kansas City and running a turkey trot 5K with my dad, uncle and 2 cousins!
Allison
Because we live in the Mediterranean on a teeny, tiny island (10 miles x 20 miles…for real), we are going to Sicily to celebrate Thanksgiving with our friends on the military base there! So cool!! We have to take the ferry there and then drive so not sure if we are taking food, but my favorite is Chocolate Cream Pie (was my dads favorite that I made for him).
I sadly haven’t done weights in way too long. I prefer free weights tho. Definitely feel more in control and balanced using them.
TorontoRunner
Your daily pictures of Brooke keep me smiling!
The apartment gym looks pretty nice, I’d definitely take advantage! I do a combination of free weights + machine, but probably lean more on the free weights. It can get SO boring compared to running though!
Christine
I suggest making mini apple pies for dessert! There are recipes on Pinterest. I made them last year for thanksgiving and they were a big hit. They’re great proportion of delicious apple inside and pie crust. And so easy to eat multiple at a time!
RunInBoise
Billy’s schooling is hardcore! Boise State doesn’t have any classes next week. I kinda like machines sometimes, but luckily our clubhouse has a good weight set, minus one 10lb dumbbell that someone stole. I used the weights earlier this week.
Nicole@TheKidlessKronicles
We are flying back east on Thanksgiving and going to my inlaws. We won’t get there until late and I am trying to convince them not to wait for us for dinner. After a whole day of airports and traveling, I doubt we will even be hungry.
I prefer free weights but it has been a while.
The Kidless Kronicles
Rachel @ Operation Rosebud
Spending Thanksgiving Day with our Air Force family, since a trip back to the States would send me over the edge right now– we are SOOO over air travel for a while! But I’ve already had 2 other “Thanksgiving” dinners… and it’s only the 16th!!
You must try Cherry Crack Cake!!! That is, if you like chocolate! Careful, though— it’s highly addictive… you’ve been warned. :)
http://operationrosebud.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/i-may-be-high-on-crack-fumes.html
DEFINITELY free weights– those weight machines are made for tall people!! I’m only 5’2″ and usually the “shortie” adjustments are quite enough to make the motions natural for me.
shelly
For dessert, I’m going to make sweet potato pie and I bought a pie from Apple hill. My entire dinner is at my house and I’m making everything from scratch (1st time), except for Jason’s sweet potatoes with the little marshmellows.
Sarah @PickyRunner
I’m glad you found something else to do at Thanksgiving since you won’t be able to be with Billy! Spending time with family is the best, especially when you haven’t seen them in a long time. I don’t know about you, but my mom loves to spoil me when I’m home for a semi-short amount of time which means I get all of the best foods in the whole wide world! For dessert I’m thinking you should make your chocolate trifle that you had the other day… it looked so good!
RoseRunner
Billy’s probably a better student than I ever was, but finals are kind of…the period of most freedom and flexibility in some ways! You just hole up at home and study/write term papers when you want, as opposed to having a strict schedule of classes. I think it’s wise to try heading to Utah this time around (especially since 1L is the hardest year and the grades matter the most), but you may find that next time finals come around you’ll be able to see a decent amount of him!
Good luck to him. I would love to hear more about his experience so far!
Abby @ Change of Pace
Burrito Brooke is too precious!!
And your apartment gym sounds awesome! I just did weight son my lunch break. It’s either that or I walk to the mall. The weight room is a cheaper and healthier way to spend my lunch hour!
Robin
I suggest buying a costco apple pie, they are sooooo good! I am due with baby #2 at Thanksgiving and just as a precaution am making a costco run tomorrow for an apple pie and a pumpkin pie to enjoy beforehand.
Jean
Haha, billy using Brooke to chest press reminds me of this hilarious video called something like “stay at home dad workout” or something similar. It’s great!
Annette@FitnessPerks
Ahhh yes, T-day is a tough one with school. My hubs has school on Wed, which is so sad, b/c he’ll only be with us (me & my fam) for 2.5 days. BUT at least he is coming!
YAY dessert. I say ice cream with something.
LOVE the burrito pic & chest press!
Renee
We’re hosting Thanksgiving this year. For like 20 people. We’re pretty traditional on the menu and we’re making the turkey, mashed potatoes, and sweet potatoes.
And I rarely do weights, but only free weights. I have no access to machines.
Jessica Allen
I’m spending Thanksgiving with both my husbands side and my side of the family and we’re eating out at Mimi’s Cafe in Orem!! So excited! It’s going to be yummy!!!
Megan@ The Running Doc
This thanksgiving we’re spending it with my boyfriend’s entire extended family. He has warned me not to get scared away by all his relatives. :)
I want to make a gluten-free stuffing, but I haven’t found one yet so I might stick to my usual which is a sweet potato casserole that has brown sugar and mini marshmellows.
Every week I promise myself that I’m going to start weight training, and yet in the past month I’ve done the 30 day shred only once. I need to work on this.
Elise
I’m spending Thanksgiving with my family, specifically my dad’s side. It’s tradition. My boyfriend and I, although we’ll have been together for 5 Thanksgivings this year, have never spent Thanksgiving together because he always goes to Ohio to be with family (we’re from St. Louis). I’ll miss him as always.
One of my FAVORITE Thanksgiving traditions is dressing patties! In our family, instead of cooking dressing in a casserole dish, my grandma forms patties so that every piece is CRISPY and DELICIOUS. It also makes them super easy to throw on a leftovers sandwich later that night…not that I’d do that… ;)
Katie
I like having free weights because there are so many ways to use them. Then again, machines are nice because I can just be lazy and not think about what to do with them since they’re pretty straight forward.
Meg
You should do a turkey breast in the crockpot. Super easy, and less bones than a chicken!
http://www.food.com/recipe/simple-crock-pot-turkey-breast-279220
Janae
Brilliant! Thank you!!!!
kristinp
Your Utah/finals plan is brilliant! Finals made me crazy through law school, and the first semester 1L finals were some of the worst. I could hardly cope with the responsibility of having to walk my dog, I can only imagine how stressed Billy would get if he was trying to get time in with you two! Even if his other years aren’t *quite* as intense (I don’t think I ever had an EASY finals period in LS, though I know some people do), I think that just sounds like a great way to allow Billy to focus on school without guilt and you to enjoy time with your family and not have to get stressed out that you never see your husband.
Law school can be so incredibly hard on relationships. I really admire the way you guys are balancing everything and remaining positive :-)
As far as dessert goes, I don’t know what I’m going to put in it, but eatliverun had a recipe for a candied pecan pie crust a few weeks ago that looked DIVINE! Maybe I will fill it with pumpkin pie?
Nicole V.
Say hello to my little friend: Pumpkin Dump Cake!
http://allrecipes.com/recipe/pumpkin-dump-cake/
Disasterous name….delicious dessert!!
Make your rolls homemade…..(and if they don’t turn out, then you can always grab a can of Pillsbury Crescents!) :D
Andrea Wheaton
Free weights all the way!
1. They make for a way better workout since you have to guide and stabilize your movements throughout each rep.
2. They’re one-size-fits-all – at 5’5″ (which isn’t THAT short), I’m too small for some of the machines.
3. Would you rather buy one set of free weights for dozens of exercises or dozens of machines to hit each muscle group? Exactly.
Danica @ It's Progression
-I definitely prefer free weights, and I read all the time that they’re way better/safer than most weight machines. I do upper body weights about 2 times a week and lower body once a week.
-My mom’s side of the family is all getting together for Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday too! I’m thrilled but also can’t decide what dessert I’m going to make and bring. I want to know you decide on!
Amanda @ .running with spoons.
All of the Thanksgiving talk is making me a little envious. We already had our Thanksgiving up here in Canada, but I’m thinking that I’ll have to celebrate again with you guys just so I don’t feel too left out. Heck, any excuse to eat turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce is good enough for me :D
Maria
I had to laugh at the KFC suggestion. Before I moved to CA (finishing school), my husband would get KFC for Thanksgiving and eat it while watching Planes, Trains, and Automobils (the only Thanksgiving movie we can think of).
Amylee
Whaaat?! No yams?! If you don’t make pie for dessert it will be a travshamockery.
I hope I can see you when you come down. I’ve been missing you, Rachelle, and Ash so much! If you can squeeze in some time for a Yogurtland chit chat, let me know and I will come down.
Janae
Yes!!!!! Yogurtland for sure! I must see you!!
Megan D
Free weights and on Tuesday. I totally do chest presses with my kids. It has been getting more difficult to say the least.
You need the candied sweet potatoes I made for gluttonfest. And excuse to turn a vegetable into candy? I am in! Also, you should make pie for dessert – my banana cream pie to be exact. I should send you the recipe. And if you dont make it, then I will be making it for when we hang out while you are here. Mmmkay?
I am spending TDay with a bunch of strangers. So I might be as sad as you will be without Billy. But we will survive :)
I hope your foux TDay is a good one. Are you guys doing it with friends too?
Christine @random runner ramblings
I’m going to be spending Thanksgiving with my parents and some of my Dad’s family. I’m also hoping my husband will be able to make it (as he is currently “deployed” 4 hours away).
I usually prefer free weights because I can do my own thing with them, but I like the weight machines when working the bigger, stronger muscles. I really need to do some more strength training, its been a week since I have touched the weights.
Christina
Brooke is too cute for words. I’m happy to hear that you will be celebrating your own little family Thanksgiving before you leave! :)
This year for thansgiving my boyfriend will be sprnding the day with both his family and mine! His is at 2:00pm and then we’ve got to high-tail it over to my family’s house. This will leave little digestion time in between. It’s OK though, if there is food around, I will eat it. I do hope I can control myself at ‘dinner’ numero uno though :)
My family has had the tradition of having pumkin pie, homemade-tweaked version of cheesecake, and chocolate cream pie with a huge layer of whipped-cream and chocolate shavings. I can’t wait!
Hope you had a fantastic Thursday!
Lindsey
As many fellow canadians already commented, our T-day already passed (sadly) My husband and I often roast turkey breasts and brussel sprouts but it just isn’t the same without the family around and massive bird in the oven….Enjoy it!!
I do weights 3-4 days a week and ONLY use free weights. Machines are great for beginners or lifting heavy without spotter (i guess) but free weight challenge not only the working muscle but core as well.
Enjoy your evening with Billy and cutie pie Brooke:)
Brittany @Berries and Barbells
We do a huge thanksgiving celebration with my husbands side of the family every other year. There are usually close to 100 people and it’s potluck style. When dinner is done we take down all the tables and play volleyball! I’m pretty excited about it this year.
Cait the Arty Runnerchick
little baby bench-press…i luv it!! hehe :)
i’ve become pretty flexible with my holidays too…more that on more than one occasion my family and i decided we can just create our own calendar and celebrate turkey day or even xmas whenever we darn well please!! lol. enjoy both of ur turkey days…and YAY for getting ur utah one! :)
Kay
Haha I love Burrito Brooke!
Joelle
Cream cheese mashed potatoes are my favorite favorite food in the world. It’s my dad’s specialty… :)
That photo of Brooke all bundled up being benchpressed made me laugh!!
Lyric
I already had Thanks giving haha (Live in Canada) ! Make pumpkin pie for dessert with lots of whip cream, you can’t go wrong!
Katheryn
We are living in New Zealand for the next couple years. I always host a Thanksgiving dinner for Americans in our church and hubby’s work. It will be a full house with about 25 people this year.
Megan @ Run Like a Grl
So glad you guys are going to be able to have an early Thanksgiving meal! I’m more a fan of the sidedishes than the actual turkey so my menu includes lots of stuffing, fresh bread, sweet potatoes, and beans! I can’t wait.
Colleen
I just taught my second bodypump class of the day—so my weights are completed until tomorrow! I think it’s great that you get to visit your family for so long. I always went “home”/to my parent’s house for Thanksgiving without my husband when he was in law school. I also completely moved out for three weeks when he took the Bar exam. It was so tough, but he needed to be 100% focused. I feel our pain, Janae!!
Shay @ Whine Less, Breathe More
I will be home for the holidays for the first time in three years! Not sure about Thanksgiving menu yet. I am currently perfecting a pumpkin cheesecake triffle recipe I am writing for a family birthday party this weekend. Hope it turns out delicious!
Jaeme + Randy
I sampled that stuffing at TJ’s the other day, it is way good! I would totally buy it if Randy liked stuffing. BTW, TJ’s just opened here and that was my first time going, definitely will have to check it out more :).
My plan is to go home always during finals too! So fun! I will be spending Thanksgiving here in New York but am going home a week later until January! Yay!
michelle kim
I’m building up to doing pull-ups and working on doing more “real” push-ups (so my body is my weight). I also use 3-pounders for burnouts afterwards.
You guys haven’t aged a bit in five years o__O
Shannon
1L finals are not an experience that bring back happy memories for me. But you guys should remember that life after 1L year is so much better/easier/more manageable. My two tips are: 1. It is a marathon, not a sprint so tell Billy to pace himself otherwise he might burn out during the actual testing period, and 2. Taking law school tests is a skill so take lots of practice tests! Oh and candy/gum help too! Best of luck!
Jody
Have you tried the rolls from Costco? They come in a bag w/ like 30 or something. They are in the fresh baked section.. .They usually only come out around the holiday season.. and they are awesome.
Debbie
Pumpkin bread pudding. Easiest recipe on the planet and delicious. Add some crushed praline pecans on top (for protein?)! Made it for my family last year and it’s now a tradition. The recipe should be easy to find in google. Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving!
Christine
You guys have not aged at all! It’s just not fair!!! Seriously – you guys are so cute!
Erin
My mom makes the best praline pumpkin pie. As if pumpkin pie isn’t amazing as is, add a layer of candied pecans and it’s to die for!! I’m making it Saturday for Friendsgiving and can’t wait!
Kara
All this holiday talk is making me sad!! I am currently at a pretty intense training academy for a new job and I will be until the middle of January. I am going to be away from my two sons for both the major holidays. It makes me quite sad, but I try and remind myself it is for our future. Anyway, I get some “amazing” guess what it is cafeteria food for my holiday meals and will miss the green bean casserole and pumpkin pie this year. Enjoy your first holiday season with your beautiful daughter.
Suzanne @ Fit Minded Mom
I prefer free weights over machines for sure. I just feel like I get a better burn. Plus, I can do them at home if I can’t make it to the gym.
I actually just did a weights workout today but it was in the form of a Brooke Burke video so the most I used was 8 pounds. I prefer lifting heavier but I have to say, my muscles were burning multiple times during the video!!
Steph @ Steph Stays Slim
Of course dessert is that most important, that’s a given isn’t it?! I’m actually trying to make a few healthy options this year to see if I can bring my family to the dark side of healthy eating with me, muahahaha!
Kelsey
Another law school wife here! Mine is a 3L and we have an eight week old lite girl. We have the same plans as you for getting away during finals! Thank goodness for family and friends that aren’t law students : ) I can tell you that it does get better after the first year. Safe travels!
Grecia
You’ve made me realize I need to start doing weights again, it has been a really long time since I’ve done them. Oh well….
I am spending Thanksgiving with a friend because my family doesn’t really do thanksgiving. But I also have a post Thanksgiving dinner next Saturday!
Khushboo
I know pumpkin pie is more Thankgiving-y but I vote apple pie!
Barb
You should check out the Jenny-O turkey breast in the plastic cooking bag. Really easy, takes about 2.5 hrs to cook, and you can’t screw it up! You can find it in the freezer section of Safeway near the big full size turkeys.
Ashlee
Pumpkin cheesecake! You have to!
Connie @ Livin' Lean
Mashed potatoes with cream cheese are AMAZING! I think I’m going to have to make that for my fam on Thanksgiving this year..so so delicious.
Tausha
Pretty sure Billy has studied more in his first semester at law school at SCU than I did the entire 3 years I was there!!!
Alway always always pumpkin pie. I do a pumpkin marscapone pie :-)
Losing Lindy
We are off to V’s paternal grandparents. His Grandpa makes an amazing lasagna, so we are having that since he doesn’t like any poultry. We will hit up Boston Market afterwards for our supper.