18 Weeks out- "Journey To The Stage"
Members update gallery this week...this is where I begin-

What A Great Thanksgiving Weekend!
I had a really enjoyable weekend with my family this Thanksgiving, as I always do! Friday was my mom's birthday and we went to the circus..because she's such a big kid:) The kids loved it and my grandparents were so pleased to see the joy in our kids eyes. They have to be the cutest couple I have ever seen. In their mid 80's, after raising 5 children, and still going everywhere together.
Friday I trained legs for the first time since my knee injury, setback, almost 3 months ago! I was sooo sore on Sunday! Saturday I took a kickboxing class in the morning and went to drop of the "Team Abrams" jackets& pants for the girls and I competing in May.
I added my interval cardio into my training last week so this week wouldn't be such a shocker on my body...my contest diet began yesterday! I will still have Sundays as a partial off day for now so there will be some break from all the chicken, fish and egg whites;)
Sunday was our annual tradition of cutting down our Christmas tree! What a BLAST! My whole family went and my husband and our kids. We always have such a great time picking out our trees, watching my husband Michael, Lucas (my sister's husband), and my brother Jack diving in the mudd for eachother's football passes between the trees. I took some great pictures...I will post more of them in the coming week. There are two below for now.
Well, time to get ready to go train my two in-home clients. I will be going to the gym when Alyssa gets home from school...I will miss only working out 3 days a week...I have to get used to 5 now, and 6 starting soon:)
I am ready though...I have the "eye of the tiger" like never before. I finally made the improvements to my upper body that I was always fearful to make. I am finally to a point in my life that no one's opinion matters more than mine. I am done trying to make myself something I am not...so watch out I'm finally free to reach my potential as an athlete:)
I am extremely pleased to be where I am 18 weeks out...163.5 lbs and 16.3% bodyfat! 7 weeks out from the 2002 Jr. Nationals I was 154 and 16% bodyfat...that means after having Wade I have built about 8 lbs. of muscle all in my upper body- which is where I needed it to be more symmetrical. I got down to 8% for Jr. Nationals where I placed 9th in the heavyweight class. I can't wait to see how I look at 6% in the lightheavy weight class!
I know it's the most competitive class but I'm competing against ME so it doesn't matter!!!
Have a great day!
I created my Christmas cards yesterday..I really love them!
My members area was updated with two great galleries yesterday and will be updated on Wednesday to get back on schedule from the holiday!
Jen:)

Alyssa & Lauren (My brother's girlfriend)

Looking for our tree...

A Walk Down Memory Lane... So Much To Be Thankful For!
The past two days have been quite fun! Thanksgiving Day, after playing in the early morning snow we celebrated the day with my husband's family in the afternoon and my family in the evening. Then, before making our way home I couldn't resist taking the kids sledding across from my parents' house:) It was a great day!
Yesterday was my mom's birthday..Happy B-Day Mom!!! She wanted to go to the circus...since she's still the biggest kid I know;)) So a big group of us went too! My husband, the kids and I met them there and both Alyssa and Wade loved it...watching them brings magic to my life!
On the ride home...my husband and I took a walk down memory lane:) to all the incredible places we traveled and the laughter we shared on all those road trips we took before we had our children.
I was reminded of the unique bond he and I share.
The memories that bind us to eachother and what an incredible "life" we have lived together...through the good and the bad.
We don't truely appreciate the good without some of the bad.
I was reminded how thankful I am for all that I have, and don't have in my life... and all I have had in the past.
I wish you all a great weekend!
Jen;)

Alyssa making snow angels!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!
Good Morning and Happy Turkey Day! We recieved a beautiful gift for today from above...the 1st snowfall of the year! The kids and I were up just as the sun peaked through the clouds to enjoy it. I have posted a few pictures here and several more to my members journal (Alyssa making snow angels and climbing in the tree). I'm having some trouble with the program I use to post photos to this journal.
My Members Update should be going up today or tomorrow.
Have a Great Day!
Jen:)

GINA DAVIS GOES PRO!!!!
Results from Nationals are posted to my Members Journal..Way to go Gina! I am almost certain she NATURAL too...that is the MOST exciting part of her win to me!!!
Two pics of Gina posted to my journal as well:)

Nationals 2004!..as we wait for the results from this weekend I have posted preview pics to my Member's Journal for this week's Member Update. "Black & White" and "Coach".
I'll let you all know when I get the news on Nationals.
Jen:)

Need A Laugh...this Is Great! HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!
This is a handy guide that should be as common as a driver's license in the wallet of every husband, boyfriend,or significant other during those certain "times in the month", during pregnancy...OR during the dieting phase of contest prep:))

DANGEROUS: What's for dinner?
SAFER: Can I help you with dinner?
SAFEST: Where would you like to go for dinner?
ULTRASAFE: Have some chocolate
(If dieting for a show; I'll make you some egg whites;)

DANGEROUS: Are you wearing that?
SAFER: Wow, you look good in brown.
SAFEST: WOW! Look at you!
ULTRASAFE: Have some chocolate
(If dieting for a show...I'll make you some egg whites;)

DANGEROUS: What are you so worked up about?
SAFER: Could we be overreacting?
SAFEST: Here's my paycheck.
ULTRASAFE: Have some chocolate
(If dieting for a show...I'll steam you some chicken dear:-)

DANGEROUS: Should you be eating that?
SAFER: You know, there is a lot of chicken left.
SAFEST: Can I get you a glass of wine with that?
ULTRASAFE: Have some chocolate
(If dieting for a show...I'll do your cardio for you;-)

DANGEROUS: What did you do all day?
SAFER: I hope you didn't over-do it today.
SAFEST: I've always loved you in that robe!
ULTRASAFE: Have some more chocolate.
(If dieting for a show...Do you need a massage:-)

I hope you all enjoyed that!! There are a bunch of comparison shots of me and another bodybuilder in my members journal..very interresting...she's competing at Nationals this weekend....can you guess who she is?? The photos in my members journal are from 20 weeks out:)

Barb Guerra...a very inspiring mother of two!!

An Inspiration To Us All...
Barb Guerra - 2004 John Sherman Classic Tall Fitness ChampionFrom Mesa, AZ,

Barb Guerra traveled with her friend Melissa Lehrer to compete at the John Sherman Classic, but she was by no means an outsider.
Having had an electrical accident while living in Pasadena, Texas when she was 2-years-old, Barb lost both of her arms. Guerra however, does not consider herself handicapped, and when the National NPC called down to let the Texas NPC know about Guerra entering the contest, Texas chairman Michael Johnston said "bring it on" embracing her entry into the show.
Melissa Lehrer was almost an in-law of Guerra's when she met her eight years ago when she was engaged to Guerra's ex-husband's brother. Since then, the two have formed a very strong friendship and Lehrer serves as Guerra's 'arms'.
Guerra initially was inspired by seeing girls in the magazines but was most driven by the comments of a naysayer who told her that "you will never win, so why even do it."
She also watched some handicapped shows, but wanted to compete in an open contest. Barb loves being on stage and is working on new gymnastics tricks for next year. Her choreographer Lashona is a Soul Train dancer, so expect some wicked moves.
Guerra is also the mother of two boys, one 8- and one 4-years-old. So while being a mother, working out and practicing her routines, she's also somehow had time to get ready for her upcoming wedding in March."....Article written by Ftvideo.com

If this doesn't motivate you nothing will.

Way to Go Barb!!

Well, big sissy Alyssa is quite sick:( She's had a lingering cough for about a month now, just like Wade, but finally got hit with a fever last night after gynmnastics. This morning was a mad dash for the bathroom with her over my shoulder as she started to loose her stomach:(
Poor little thing! I am taking her to the doctor tomorrow morning to rule out pnemonia.
Sooo, I don't know when I'll get to the gym tomorrow unless I get up at 4:30 am. and go before my hubby leaves for work...we'll see...I need to enjoy my time now before the dieting and cardio madness begins;)
The baby is a walking tornado...I've never seen anyone trash an entire house in such a short time...ahhh the waddler stage:) There are a few pics below.
MEMBERS: My Members Journal has several back shots posted tonight to follow my back training journal entry from yesterday.
Alyssa and I watched the greatest family movie tonight.."ELF" it was hillarious!!! I haven't laughed that hard in a long time...RENT IT!!!
Hope you all have a great day tomorrow!
Jen:)

Walking Wade..The Baby House Wrecker!!

I'mmm Gonna Getcha!!

My Advice Column...
A fellow competitor asked if I would consider including an advice column to my site tonight. I just wanted to remind all of you that I already have one;)
My "Ask The Trainer" page is for just that. You can click on "Ask Jennifer " at the top of the page and it will bring you to my e-mail address; jenniferlynnabrams@yahoo.com
You can send me your questions and I will be more than glad to answer them the best I can or direct you in the right direction:)
I will be adding a new testimonial to my Ask The Trainer section as well in the coming weeks.
Members: My training details & knee progress from today are posted to my Members Journal along with comparison pics from the past 10 weeks!
Have a great day,
Jen;)

Written by George Carlin;
(whose wife recently passed away)--

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings
but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints.
We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less.
We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time.
We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment,
more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.
We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little,
drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little,
watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions,
but reduced our values.
We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.
We've learned how to make a living, but not a life.
We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back,
but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbour.
We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things,
but not better things. We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul.
We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less.
We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait.
We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever,
but we communicate less and less.
These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character,
steep profits and shallow relationships.
These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes.
These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.
It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom.
A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either
to share this insight, or to just hit delete.

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones,
because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe,
because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you,
because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones,
but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person
will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak, and give time to share the precious thoughts
in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take,
but by the moments that take our breath away. "
George Carlin

20 Weeks out from my next competition!
My "Journey To The Stage" members area will be updated with this gallery next week:)

20 Weeks out "Journey To The Stage"- members preview

20 Weeks out - "Journey To The Stage"- members area

Quote For Today...
All love that has not friendship for its base, is like a mansion built upon sand.
~~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Here She Is!!!

Nicole and her husband- Mike.

:)

Rockford Natural Update....
Nicole placed 3rd in her first competition and was an absolute class act on stage! I was VERY proud of her performance and composure on stage. Way to go nic!!! I have attached several pictures for all of you. There will be a "Steps To Success" gallery update in Nicole's section from her competition and a "Red" gallery update of me in the red suit my mom helped me make...it looks great, thanks Mom!!! Kelly also came to the show with a surprise for me...I will soon be selling t-shirts of various styles on my site...you can check out a preview below. Kelly you are such a thoughtful, creative friend...and you always keep me laughing! Thanks so much for spending Saturday with us! There are also a few great pictures of Kelly in my gallery update for this week as well:)
I would also like to express what a wonderful man Nicole's husband is! It is very difficult to watch your partner prepare for a show and go through all the ups and downs that come along with that. Mike, you have been an incredible support to your wife through all of this...I thank you and I know she has as well:))
Enjoy the pics everyone!
Jen:)

Me and my friend Kelly waiting for the evening show to begin:))

Look was Kelly has done over the past year! Great job!!

Nicole making weight!!! The cut off for middle weight was 125 and she weighed in at 123...can you tell she was happy;)

Way To go Nicole!!! I am so proud of you!

"Steps To Success" preview pic.
Nicole you were AWESOME!!! Here's a look at what this mother of two achomplished...her girls are 4 and 14 months!! Way to go...you made it! She was great on stage...sooo proud of her!

The front of the shirts that Kelly made! They will be for sale on my site soon:)
Thank you Kelly!!!

"Steps To Success" preview pic from Niocole's show gallery:)

The back of the shirts Kelly made for me...they will soon be sold on my site in various styles. Thanks Kelly You are the greatest!!!!!! Love you!

"Red Gallery" preview pic #2

"Red Gallery" preview pic #3...
Look what having a second child did for me:) Thanks Wade!!!

Quote For Today..."For Pat:"

"Sometimes the tasks we take on seem virtually impossible. But amazingly, when we harness the incredible power of the subconscious in our lives, we can accomplish whatever we set out to do, no matter what obstacles we have to overcome."
— Sarah Ban Breathnach

My Members Update should occur sometime this afternoon...sorry about the delay. There has also been a new "Ask The Trainer" Q & A added to my free area.
Just click the link below and remember to scroll down the page a bit.
http://www.jenniferabrams.net/ask_the_trainer.html
Saturday is the big day for my client Nicole! She is finishing up "Hell Week" and she will most certainly be a middle weight for the competition... Which is great! She'll come in at the top of her weight class.
I had client's this morning and Alyssa has gymnastics tonight so I don't get to the gym again until tomorrow for chest and shoulders. I am sore from my workout yesterday:) My knee withstood a bit of low tension biking on Wednesday which is great news. I am hoping to be able to put all my weight on it going up stairs by next week and then I'll be on my way to being 100% again! It's been over a month now since I have trained legs and I can see the difference between the two as slight as it may be.
Alyssa lost her 1st tooth on Tuesday!! Growing up sooo fast! Gosh I just love her so much and enjoy every part of her. Lately I have really enjoyed our conversations. She is so much fun to "hang out with"..funny even though she's only 6 I still find her to be the most interesting and multi- dementional person I know (is that a word? I think I made it up:))
Well, have a great day everyone!
Jen:)

MEMBERS ONLY CHAT...Wednesday Night- Nov. 3rd at 9:30 pm.
See you all there!

Quote For Today...
"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy:)
They are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."
— Marcel Proust

Did you all vote???
I just got back a little while ago..took me all of a few minutes.
can't wait to see the results..it's going to be a close one!
Jen:)

"Cheer Bear" Alyssa and "Super Baby" Wade:)

Happy Halloween!

"Super Mom" Members Gallery... Preview.