Pinterest Projects

A group of my girlfriends and I have to decided to get together every couple of weeks and try to complete a project from our Pinterest Boards! Today I chose these pine cone candle holders because I had all of the materials:


Pine Cones
Paint or Spray Paint of your choice
Hot Glue Gun
Canning Jar Lids (Looks a lot better than the bottom of a can drink!)

Cut the tapered end of the pine cone off a little so they will stand on their own. Paint the pine cone and hot glue the lids....WaaaLa!

Cute and Easy.

"Momma said there'll be days like this..."

This song has been going through my head all morning. It's just one of those days that I want to throw my hands up in the air and give up! From my work out to my appearance to my beautiful little 3 yr old.... Serenity Now!

Today was the final day of Week 2 Boot Camp. I went outside to start my sprints and my tata's just couldn't handle it, see yesterday's post! I had pumped off the pressure prior to trying to sprint and I had also read that in order to reduce my supply the ladies need very little movement and stimulation. This one I did throw the arms up and came inside! TMI....sorry.

I did however finish the rest of the workout, but man my heart just wasn't in it and my body knew it! Then I walked by my mirror and just growled at myself. My weigh has been up the past two days and I know it's just what my body is going through this week, but it's REALLY frustrating.

Then there's the girl....This one is my own fault and I'm just merely venting! You know what, I'm not going to. I'm just going to ask for your prayers for my patience and for me to be able to give her the attention she desires!

"Momma said there'll be days like this...."

Who said it was going to be easy...

From the very beginning of this weight loss challenge, my one concern was breastfeeding. I want to lose weight however I do not want to jeopardize my milk supply. My little man is now two months old and after his two month check up, I have decided it's time for formula. This is a very hard and emotional thing for me to do... In a months time, Little E only gained one pound. At least he gained. I had been talking with the hubs about this and praying about what is best and Ethan's Doctors appointment helped me to feel confident this was the best decision.


So with this decision, I feel like I can have the freedom to really concentrate on my body. This my friends is intimidating! Now I have no excuses, if I fail, it's my own fault.

This week may be a set back in the weight area due to my boobs are like 5lb weights. I am relieving them on occasion but trying decrease my supply. This morning I was up in weight, but I'm sure the Johnsonville Brat Burger and potato salad for dinner last night did not help ;-)


Yesterday was weigh in day (173.6). I have successfully completed every day of boot camp and I know I have lost inches in my thighs and my waist. I have sucked at doing cardio on my off days. Going to hop on the bike as soon as I'm done!

**Update: I just did 30 minutes of Spinnervals on my trainer. WoW! However, time flew by and it was the best ride I had completed on my trainer to date. Troy it's on!

Next week will be hard, but I will make the most of my surroundings and do what I can.

Where does the time go...

Wow, it's already Sunday and I haven't blogged all week! Sorry 'bout that. I have had a busy week starting off the week with a sick child, then cleaning for company, a Dr's appt and lunch with my dear friend who recently moved away on Friday, a big day of family and eating and visiting with my Dad and sister on Saturday and here we are...Time to get back on track!

However I successfully completed my boot camp for the week, weighed in and lost a little (not quite a full pound) but 'm ok with that! I did not get any cardio in this week other than boot camp... Cleaning and racing around Walmart with a screaming child may have helped a little though.

I think I should set some goals for this week:

1. Cardio - on days I don't have bootcamp.
2. Water - (2) 32oz jugs...this one is usually not a problem
3. No eating after 7:00pm...this one will be hard

Sunday and Monday

Sunday was a really long day for us! I did get my exercise in and spent the rest of the day tending to a sick 3 yr old and waiting for my husband to arrive home. He and his co-workers took off on Friday and drove to the bottom of Louisiana to go fishing for the weekend! He had a ball, I'd say it was one heck of a Father's Day minus the fact his kiddos weren't with him :( (But we celebrated early and gave him a movie he loves and a mini photo album created by Lindsay Renee Photography. I actually won a photo session and (3) mini albums and he loved them! Lindsay is also a friend of mine, so it was really cool to have her capture our family with her beautiful talent.

Anyways back to my post...Oh wait, the Hubby did bring back some Red Fish (he caught), some mighty fine looking shrimp and some Daiquiri's in gallon milk jugs!!! YUM! Those will be consumed on cheat nights ;-)

Now back to my post... Sunday's Workout:
Bike Trainer - 30 minutes
Weights, Ball Squats

Today is a whole new ball game! Boot Camp is here and YES, I actually did it...Sorda.

I started off doing Mountain Climbers after 2 1/2 sets, I decided to head outside and do sprints! LOL. I did take a bigger break then needed to hop online again to view the moves one more time. My least successful move was the Side Plank Dips. I just couldn't do it, but I tried, even though I looked like a fool. My left side was a lot better than my right...is that odd since I'm right handed? Anyways, Boot Camp W1D1 is complete.

Tomorrow, if I can move my legs I will ride the bike trainer again...

Recovery Day

Today is going to be a recovery day....

Yesterday morning started off well. I rode my trainer, did my weights and squats and headed over to take a very special Nanna to lunch for her Birthday! We decided to have Mexican, Yum-O! It's been a while for me... I swore that I would eat light the rest of the day, well that didn't really happen! I had a girlfriend come to visit and she and the littlest child and I were going to go eat...Of course she chose Mexican ;-) Even though I had just had it, I did not turn it down. I really wanted a Margarita, but since I had the baby with me, I did not indulge! But I did eat a lot.

So today I will get back on track and prepare for Mondays Boot Camp! Woot Woot

Shout out to my friend and partner in weight loss crime Mae Anne who is running her first 10 miler today! Go get 'em tiger....

A Walk in the Park

Yesterday was a pretty good day... I didn't get much done around the house, but I did really concentrate on my eating. So I am pleased.

Today has been good so far as well. We had a good breakfast and then the kiddos and I loaded up to go the park and take a walk. It wasn't a long walk, maybe 2 miles, but I was sweating! It is H.O.T. on top of that I was pushing the kids in one of those school bus strollers that is so big and hard to control. So not used to that... But we all had fun and ended the trip with a stop at the playground!

This is about all I will do today, besides pick up my house. Tomorrow I will do a repeat of yesterday. I don't want to get burnt out to soon, it's only day two! Tomorrow Sisterhood is posting info about the 6 week boot camp we will be doing.... Looking forward to learning just how sore I'm gonna be ;-)

D-Day

So today is the first day of my challenge... It's 11 weeks long and I have to weigh in every Wednesday. 11 weeks is a long time in terms of eating right, exercise and losing weight, especially with a 3 year old and a 7 week old! I am pretty nervous, but I am going to use this time to eat better, add some kind of exercise to my daily regiment and feel good about myself.

My problem areas are:
My tummy...hence having a baby 7 weeks ago.
My butt
My thighs
My flabby arms

I guess it's safe to say...It ALL needs help! Here are some before pics I took this morning:

6/15/2011 - 176.0lbs
Cardio -Bike Trainer, 30 minutes
Weights - Arms, Ball Squats


Gross! But I guess that is why I'm doing his challenge...
*Yes the naked little girl had to jump in! Ironically, I did not tell her to cover herself ;-)

It's that time again!

Time to get my booty back in shape! You know the drill, every year or so I get really involved and my blog turns into my workout accomplishments, blah blah blah... Well it's that time again! Here I am almost 7 weeks after the birth of my amazingly handsome son --

And I'm ready to get this extra baggage off once and for all! I was doing wonderfully with my running and eating, until I came home to be with my precious little girl. I never had any time to get outside, then as you remember, I got pregnant...God had bigger plans for that sweet baby, but I never seemed to lose extra weight I put on. Then in August of last year I became pregnant again and that puts me where I'm at today! With two beautiful children and about 20 to 30 pounds over weight, but it is all so worth it!!! Now I am only about 4 pounds from my "pre-pregnancy" weight, but I want to go further than that, physically and athletically. This is my time, if I can find that precious time to actually do it ;-)

I have many challenges ahead of me:
First and foremost is Breastfeeding! I do not want to jeopardize this.
Next is time, I will have to be dedicated to in-home workouts. I have my bike on a trainer and videos to do the rest...however I have to do them for it to actually work!

So in order to get me started and all gun-ho about exercise again...I decided to sign up for a weight loss challenge; Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans Burst into Summer Challenge!

I am placed on a team with complete strangers who are all working towards the same goal...To shrink their jeans. In the end the team with the most weight loss percentage wins, not sure what they win, but they win! I feel this will really help me to be accountable to myself because I hate to let people down. My girlfriend Mae Anne is the one who found this challenge and is doing it as well! I am excited to be able to share my progress with her and all of you, if I still have readers ;-) My goal is to record my days and weekly weigh-ins here as well. It could get ugly, folks! I may even post some really awful pictures...YIKES! Some posts may be really long and some really short, but it helps me to write it all down.

So please encourage me and I hope to encourage you as well! BTW, this starts tomorrow ;-)

Few and Far Between...

I just don't feel like I have a lot to say these days... But I for some reason I feel like I need to do a blog post today, so here we go!

Life has been pretty busy lately, which is a great thing because I'm almost 39 weeks pregnant and in total shock that I'm still carrying this little bundle. My sweet little ball of fire was born at 37 weeks with a perfect and easy delivery, so as my husband would say I have been living in a dream world thinking this little guy would show up the same way. Not. So. Much. I started dilating at 35 weeks or so, that is when I had my first exam. Almost four weeks later I am just at 3cm. Knowing that this process is timely, I just take a deep breath and keep moving on. There have been ups and there have been downs, I have had some wild dreams and lots of sleepless nights. Legs cramps, nausea, bathroom issues are just some of the daily things I have become accustomed to. With my due date just a week away, I'm starting to think he is just going stay put. FOREVER! (ha!)



Ella has been so sweet, asking daily when baby Ethan will be here. I'm going to start telling her when she becomes a better listener, he will come ;-) God love an independent child! She is so fun and so full of imagination, but she is also very strong willed and when she doesn't think there is a need for her to do what I'm telling her she just flat out ignores me! We are working on this and I have decided it is mostly a "sleep" issue. (which is my fault and failure) No matter her nap schedule, bed time is always 10pm or later, even if the process begins at 8:30pm. So hard and I just can't even begin to think of the struggles we will have with our schedule in about a week or so... she is a wonderful little girl though and I love watching her grow into such a fun personality!
I am excited to see what role she will take when her little brother comes home. I know she is going to be a big helper, whether the help is needed or not, that is just how she is...She loves to be involved with Jeramy and I. :-)

Here's to a new journey for our family and prayers that God will continue to bless each and every one of us as he leads us...

It's the Final Countdown...

I had my 34 week check up today and little Ethan is growing just perfectly! His heart is strong, he is measuring exactly on 34 weeks and I have only gained 20 pounds thus far... I say that with pride and a big exhale! I will return to the Doctor on the 30th, then it's every week with an examination, from there. I have been so blessed with this pregnancy! A boy, he's healthy, he's beautiful (from what I can tell). With a difficult first trimester, I am so thankful that the rest of this pregnancy has been a breeze!

We are so ready to begin this next chapter in our lives, God has a lot in store for us and I can't wait to sing his praises!

(34 wks. No lipstick and just woke up from a nap!)

Remember when I showed you a little piece of something I've been working on? Well here it is! My Mother and I made a clock for Ethan's room. Since I don't have any artistic bones in my body, Mom painted his monogram on there for me. I love it!

When I nursed Ella, I had always said I needed a clock in her room. I had seen some homemade ones out there and always thought "Now that is something I can do!" So I did it. It's not perfect, but I think it is a great compliment to his room.

Birthday Bonanza!

Our beautiful little girl is 3 years old now! She celebrated her big day with lots of special occasions. These pictures are backwards, due to the fact it's been a while since I've blogged and forgot that uploading pictures is such a pain...

Birthday Morning!
Breakfast celebration with some gifts and cupcakes.



Birthday Evening!
Bonfire Celebration with Mom, Dad, Ella and Danner (Our Dog)Ella learning how to cook a hot dog on a stick!

And it wouldn't be a bonfire without SMORES!!!The weekend before her 3rd Birthday!

Family Night at Papa Ron's turned into BIG Birthday Celebration for Ella!!! We planned to just eat pizza and cupcakes and play with cousins, but Nana T and Papa had other plans :-) They had a whole celebration set up for their special little Ella!
Ice Cream Cake!
Cousins! Noelle and Ashlyn, Owen was off playing....
Ella received a 12 gallon fish tank from Nana T and Papa along with 6 little fish! We are sad to report that there are only two remaining....
Mini Celebration with Ella and her Besties....Henry and Grady!

They gave Ella these awesome sandals and some lip gloss that we wear everyday!!!
Everybody wanted some chap stick!
Hugging her Boys and telling them thank you!

She also had 2 more celebrations, one with Nanna and Poppie and one with her cousins on my side, in which we shared an Ice Cream Sundae Party with Dylan who turned 5 that same week...

We are not big Birthday party parents, but Ella sure did have a lot of celebrations from those who love her! Thank you everyone who made Ella's day Super Special!

I can't really explain where I have been or what I've been doing....

We have definitely been busy, but it's not the "Oh I can't wait to BLOG about this!" type of busy. It's like most every day of the week is filled with good stuff like play dates and Dr's appointments, so I can't complain...I just feel kinda lame!

Ella:
Well she is doing great! She loves that she has had lots of play time this week. She has been tired and sleeping good, but doesn't go to bed early! We have had a great week though, she has been helpful and happy and is she is so excited about her 3rd Birthday coming up! She probably talks about it everyday. We aren't planning a big party, but we are having a joint celebration with my nephew Dylan and our family!


She loves dancing and Barbies and anything girlie! Despite her efforts to do everything by herself...She is such a sweet and loving little girl!

Ethan:
He is doing good! Really starting to make some big movement and he has started getting the hiccups almost daily, usually in the morning. I am 29 weeks and will be going to the Dr. every two weeks until I reach 36 weeks. My weight gain is about 18 lbs, I'm not sure why I just put that out there but oh well! I feel large some days and not so big on others. I have had a lot of sciatic pain, but other than that everything is going great.


I have not done a whole lot to his room. I did get all of the baby necessities from Heather this past week and Ella has had more fun with that stuff... I don't feel rushed to have every little thing right away because I have the basics, but my wonderful group of friends in Manchester threw me and another one of our friends, that is due right after me, a surprise shower last night! It was so much fun and I got some really great things! Cute outfits, diapers, monogrammed bibs, burp clothes and a diaper cover, medicine, wash clothes....I feel so blessed!



The next week is suppose to be really nice outside so I'm hoping we can get out a little and knock some of this dust off of us... In the mean time, I'll try to think of some interesting posts to write about!

Ticking Time Bomb

The past two days have been um, different. My little love bug is being a little terror! So it's about 3 weeks until her 3rd Birthday and I'm totally convinced it's not the Terrible Twos, it's most definitely the Terrible Threes! She is not being bad, per say...but crazy, sneaky, silly, rowdy, argumentative; I could go on.

Let me give you a couple of examples:

Yesterday, as I was blow drying my hair, I opened the bathroom door to find her slathered in Vick's Vapor Rub! "Look Mommy, lotion!" Oh boy...even though we bathed she looked like a grease monkey for the rest of the day.

As we are standing in the check out at the store, she had her back to me...As I peeked around her I found her opening a pack of Mentos! So of course I had to buy them, but she did not have one. ;-) I decided to share them with my bible study!

My phone rings, this monkey goes wild. Screaming, jumping, climbing all over me! What in the world...

I could go on with examples as well, but I won't. I know my nerves are a little short these days, so maybe it's just me. With all of this craziness she still looks at me with a smile on her face and says "Mommy....I love you!" Brings it all back together.

Speaking of Time...

I have a new little project! Let's just call it wall decor for Ethan's room. I will reveal the whole thing soon, but for now here is a couple of sneak peaks:

Goodwill find for .49 cents

A little paint...

The first coat!

Life AFTER Kids...

Is pretty amazing!

Don't get me wrong it is definitely hard, we have been through so many struggles. It's a new kind of responsibility, but at the end of the day it is so gratifying! But do you remember the days of just you and the Hubby or even just you, when life was a party?? It was a weekend ritual to eat out, you saw friends on a weekly basis, you both worked full-time jobs and money was never an issue....

When Ella came into our lives a lot of things changed. We both still worked, but time was precious and learned to spent our weekends at home. Don't get me wrong, we still played! We have some amazing family that is so willing to help us and spend time with our daughter, but lately we have become a lot more home bound and even including our Bean in anything we do. I guess you could say, we are becoming mentally prepared for two kids...

The Hubby laughs at me when I get so gitty about going out, with our family! Ella hasn't always been the easiest child to take to dinner, but lately we have had these family date nights that is such a treat... But something always happens, sickness. I try to make excuses, but you know when to call it quits. To me going out as a family is such a prize and being home all day, I look so forward to the company. Which brings me to life AFTER kids, how funny is it that things change so much. The things we look forward to now, the family time we crave.... It's all part of that unseen plan. Life after kids, I wouldn't change a thing!

Ethan John and Some Quality Girl Time!

Yesterday was a big day for Ethan and me! We both had a task at hand that needed to be very successful. I needed to pass my glucose test, in which I will get results for next week, and he needed to show his spine!

At 20 weeks, Ethan was immobile...curled up in a ball and not going to move for anything. Thank God he was proud enough to let us know we were having a precious baby boy! Since he was so snug, my Doctor requested another ultra sound to get the rest of his spinal views.

1. Spine is very important and it comforted me to know that everything was A.O.K.
2. I was thrilled to get to see my boy again!

Ethan really put on a performance for us yesterday! It may have been because I had just chugged pure sugar, but nonetheless he was a Rock Star...

(3D picture: mouth, nose, eyes, arms around face)

(3D: Same Image, maybe a little more of the face)

Thanks to my girlfriend Holly Jane, I knew to ask for some 3D images! WOW, is all I can say. I love it! It was hard to get a great 3D image of Ethan because his arms were hugging his face and his cord was right in that area too.

(Ultra Sound: Profile)

This is where my Rock Star comes in...

(U/S: Lateral View... "Hi Mom!")

I laughed so hard! What a cheese. He was yawning, moving his mouth, sticking his tongue out all things that a baby does. I just wanted to scoop him out and hold him right then and there and kiss is little yawning mouth! But he needs to stay just where he's at for now!

(Right Foot, I believe)

After my ultra sound, I had to do my blood work for my glucose. The Lab Tech assured me that pulling samples of blood is much more accurate than the good ole' finger prick, so I have a good chance in passing! (Let's hope so...) After that I had a great visit with Dr. J and she was very pleased with my progress. I've gained about 14 pounds, which she was was good, but I just laughed...Oh My Word! I still have 3 months to go.

After my appointment, I did some shopping and even bought some blue hangers for Ethan's closet. Yes, I got really excited about coat hangers! Then I met up with one of my best girlfriends to celebrate getting old. Since this time last year we have wanted to do one of those painting classes, but it just never happened... So this year with both of us turning 30, we were determined to go paint! It was so much fun, it was also pretty stressful. We left there saying "At least we can say we did it!"

Erin and I with our Master Pieces!

A Work in Progress!

It was such a great day! And some time away that I so badly needed!

There was a prediction for snow in Middle Tennessee! Looks like they nailed this one ;-)

We woke up to 6" or 7" inches of snow this morning. It's beautiful! Ella was eager to head outside, so we did...But the real fun came when Daddy got home. We broke out the sled and the coveralls and had a blast!

Ella loved sledding and did it over and over and over....
But got a little tired walking back up the hill! I cracked up at how Jeramy just scooped her up, she didn't care, she wasn't walking :-)
So the trick to sledding is to "wear down the path!" That way you will go REALLY fast. This particular path went between the trees so me, being over-protective, had to go stand down there just in case she strayed from the "path." Meanwhile, I thought it was a great time for a video!

What time is it? Resolution Time!!!

It's the new year and everybody sets new goals. Some of them are meant to be broken and some goals will go on to be routines within our daily lives. I've never been one to say "In 2011, I am going to be in the best shape of my life..." and so on, however I do always have it on my mind to do better than the year before! January 1, 2011 I felt inspired and inclined to do some sort of exercise. It didn't happen but that is one of the biggest resolutions set in a new year. What was your resolution? Spoken or unspoken.

Being six months pregnant, I should already have an exercise routine in place, but I don't. My first trimester was filled with sickness, homework and of course a lovely two year old! Everything besides those 3 things in my life were neglected. Husband and Housework were a thing of the past. The dishes got done only when there were none left or something smelt really bad and the laundry sat in a pile behind my couch. So needless to say I was not going to go for a walk!

So all of this talk about New Years Resolution has me thinking... Since I can't be an aerobic queen, what am I going to do in this new year? Besides birth a child, raise a 2 year old and love a most giving husband. What I have decided and what I have already accomplished greatly in this year is keeping my home in order, while doing the above listed items! I have these friends and sisters, that I'm not naming names, who keep an immaculate home and here I am praying that my neighbor doesn't stop by to see the mess we live in! For whatever reason, I have emptied my sink daily this week and folded and put away laundry, picked up toys and made beds....The hubby is enjoying my efforts as well as I. Maybe I'm just feeling really good this week, but I hope I can make this more of a daily routine. In a perfect world, there is no reason why I shouldn't already be doing these daily chores and for now this is my resolution!

Thousands of Millions? You Say....

I wanted to make some changes on my blog and one of those changes was the name of my blog. I feel like I am in a new season in my life these days and I am so blessed to be here! Last year, when we chose for me to stay home with Ella, I joined a group called MOPS(Mothers of Preschoolers). I decided to become part of this group to meet people in my area. Even though I had lived here for 5 yrs, I worked in a different town and had no connections right here. It has been an amazing opportunity! I have met some wonderful Mothers and friends. This year I was asked to take a leadership role in our Group. One of our Mommies made a difficult decision to go back to work and I was asked to fulfill her "Publicity" position. This turned out to be one of those answered prayers, that maybe you didn't want answered... or was to shy to volunteer to do something like this on my own. Publicity and I go hand in hand and God knew that this would be a great area for me to give and to grow! Even though I had a full plate, I accepted the offer and have been blessed so many times over.


(Some of my MOPS friends)

I have recently began a daily devotional, given to me by my dear friend and MOPS Director. On Day 2, it talked about Rebekah and how she was told in Genesis 24:60 to "be thou the Mother of thousands of millions..." Obviously Rebekah did not mother that many children, but she did mother two incredible children that influenced many. As a Mother of young children, I really want to share God's promises with my little ones and pray that my children will go on to influence thousands of millions. I can't imagine any great blessing in a Mother's life!

When I read this story, I knew that it was going to be one that would stay in my heart for a long time. As I grow spiritually, I want my children and even my husband to grow as well. This new season in my life is a struggle at times, but it is up to me and my actions to make sure that my children live and learn to be a follower of Jesus Christ. So through our life and through our actions, I hope that some day we will influence thousands of millions...

What's That U Say...

You've missed me ;-) Well I've missed you too!

Now that school is over for me for a while, I am needing an outlet. So it occurred to me that Once Upon a Time.... I had a blog! What better way to share the exciting happenings of my life. Let me take you back a minute; last time I blogged, was about May...Mother's Day I believe. That was a hard year for us as a family, but boy did we have an incredible summer! We camped, we went to the beach, we went floating on the river and so on, It really was a great time for us. August comes around and we find ourselves trying for another baby. September hits us with a BOOM! Baby and School. 3 online classes and one sick Momma! Hello. September through November were rough. December rolls around, school is almost out, Momma's feeling good, Daddy is happier with Momma, Ella is being a trooper and we find out that a little BOY will be joining us around the end of April. You still with me...

So I'm thankful last semester is over and decided to not go back for the Spring Semester due to baby and all. Holidays have come and gone and it seems as if I'm playing the waiting game. Not really, we have a lot to keep us busy! So let me show how big our little Ella has gotten:

Christmas Eve

Christmas at Gramma & Pop's!

She had a wonderful Christmas with all of her Grandparents!

Excited to open presents...

So glad to see you again and I hope you will come back ;-) I love blogging and expressing my thoughts! Now I'd like to leave you with a little "Eye Candy!"

Ella (24 weeks)

Big Momma's in the House! I'm definitely bigger then I was with Ella. Wow! Don't judge...hehehe There are a lot of round things in this picture... Can you spot all 3 of them?

Ethan (24 weeks)
(my ball, my belly and my booty)

Now which ones Bigger? Ha! Please don't answer that!