15 Years

As Taylor Swift says: It's a love story. And everday we choose to say YES!

 Two young pups met the first week of college at Texas Tech. We were friends for a year before starting to date. We dated for FIVE years before Eric decided to I was really the one. (I knew I would want to marry him before our first date!) We have been married for FIFTEEN years today!

Here is a photo from college days (above) and one from this past Christmas (below). Cause I KNOW you wouldn't be able to tell which was which if I didn't tell you. Hehehehehehe.

I love you Eric! More now than ever! :D Happy Anniversary!

And, now, for your viewing pleasure-- here are some photos of the wonderful day we became man & wife.

 

traditional church shot, taken before the wedding.

 

Actual moment we walked back down the aisle, wedding over, BIG smiles!

It was not the sunny spring day we had planned, it was overcast and VERY windy. But, it made for a cool blowing veil shot. :)

Progress (Disneyland Project 30 day results)

So Exciting! Here are the results of one month:

4- total inches lost all over
2.4- total pounds lost
16- number of total workouts
4- number of missed workouts

So, I only discovered I really liked the dance cardio about halfway thru so that should help as I continue. I also admit to doing the diet (mine, not hers) only half committed, so that should help. I definitely think I'm on the right track.

Since last month's pic I have put up my frames on the picture wall. I have NOT, however, replaced the pictures so they all face the correct direction. Don't judge :)

In reviewing some of the pictures that I did NOT post (mostly my backside!), I think I have more weight to lose than I originally planned. That's ok. I am having fun learning about less processed foods and eating REAL food.

This week's discovery? Baby food!! Yes, the little pouches in the baby aisle with Spinach & fruit mixed together. Not sure how big a fan I am yet but it's definitely a place I never looked before!

What's new with you? Have you hung any sideways pictures or been sneaking around the baby food aisle?

A Discovery of Twilight for Grown Ups?

Wondered where the book reviews went? Well, I've been reading THIS for awhile!! I wish I could recall who or what site recommended this book to me so I could thank them. (Please tell me if it was you!).

It's a BIG book and it started kind of slow. I was intrigued, but, still not sure where it was going (It doesn't bother me if a book is slow, per se. I think what annoys me is I'm not sure what details will be important later! Maybe this comes from reading so many mystery novels). However, after awhile I realized that it wasn't slow....it was a purposeful simmer.

If the Twilight Saga was a shot of whiskey, this is a beautiful glass of wine. It's about adults, not teens. And, yes, maybe one is a witch and one is a vampire. And maybe they shouldn't be together (you starting to see the similarities here?), but it's kinda beautiful.

If I had to make a comparison I would say it's kind of a Nora Roberts (aka Romance) meets Twilight (Vampires and other creatures) meets Dan Brown (of Da Vinci Code fame). If you liked the part in Breaking Dawn where Carlisle is talking with Jacob about some of his research on the chromosomes of vampires, humans, and werewolves then you will like all the 'science' in this book. I did. I was really disappointed when I was finished and found out the second book isn't yet released.

I think it was totally worth my time and what a nice break from the YA roller coaster I have been on lately. Although, I'm getting right back on that ride! (I'm an addict! Like my son with angry birds!!)

Can't Teach Young Dogs New Tricks

So, my latest food craze comes from a lecture I went to on nutrition at my fitness conference. She had TONS to say about everything (dairy, wheat, dyes, artificial sweeteners, organic) and she gave lots of great resources. I have heard of many of them and have already read or watched quite a bit on this. (Think: Food INC. and Skinny Bitch)

But, it's a journey isn't it? Trying to figure out what you think is just a good idea, what you believe in, and what you will actually commit to? Even though Eric thinks I am just swapping plans constantly, I know that I am slowly refining what I bring into the house so that we can be both healthy AND happy! It's easier said than done. I feel a TON of responsibility as the grocery shopper about what I am teaching my kids about food. I feel responsible for the weight of Eric and I as well. Maybe I am taking on too much responsibility. But, I know that 90% of what they eat comes out of my fridge and my pantry and I'm the one that fills them.

So, I took ONE thing she said at the conference and tried to apply it. It was this: "Just eat real food". So, I am back to reading labels and trying to tweak where we are. Force us ONE MORE baby step in the right direction.

Successes:
1) They both happily ate the almond milk ice cream sandwiches at dinner last night!
2) They both accepted natural peanut butter on their Ezekiel English muffins (Eric & I already like Ezekiel).
3) I love a Lara Bar and a Wasa bread with natural peanut butter for a snack (and I'm gonna take a shot at making my own soon).

Fail:
I tried switching Evie to Muesli. She has been eating 1/2 and 1/2 quick oats with a flavored Quaker oats packet. Yeah, that did NOT go well. She resisted, she cried, then she threw it up.

Ah well!

So, no, everything isn't organic (still working on that). Everything isn't wheat free (tried that, it was a bust). I plan to keep eggs. I AM trying to eliminate cow milk without turning to soy (due to hormone concerns). No, I won't give up cheese. And, NO, I have yet to say goodbye (with success) to diet soda. Baby steps, baby steps!



What are you doing for more healthy eating? How do you handle all the conflicting information? What do we DO when words like 'cage free' and 'free range' are being diluted by folks meeting the minimum standards?

 Photo from here, here, and here

No Way To Take a Break (Disneyland Project Week 3)

This is NOT how I would recommend getting a day off from your workout! I just spent two 12 hour days at a Fitness Conference here in Houston. I hold a Group Exercise Certification (in order to teach yoga at the gym) that requires CEU's and this was a good way to get a bunch in one shot. So, even though I had to skip my Tracy Anderson workouts, I did about 5 hours of Yoga, 3 hours of Pilates, and 2 hours of cardio in those two days. WHEW!

I did NOT mean to do 2 hours of cardio the first day. I figured at least one of the yoga classes would be intense enough to consider cardio and I was right but the 'fusion' class I chose turned out to be a bunch of regular cardio and a little yoga. Nah, that is not what i like. I have never been a cardio junkie. I don't want to go to the gym and "kill it". I'm more of a get a good sweat going, then let's be done girl Hahahahaa. But, the yoga classes were great and I learned alot. I even really liked the Pilates and that is CRAZY cause I have never enjoyed it before...the teacher was AMAZING.

I had NO idea what my results were gonna look like. I did know that I FELL into bed the first night and was careful to take as much therapeutic yoga the second day as possible (that would be a soothing slow yoga class with lots of adjustments to postures and lots of partner work - read: EASY on my sore body!)

I am happy to report these measurement results: Weight is down another 0.2 lbs. (What is with this TINY weight loss?) AND 1/2 inch loss in each arm AND 1 inch loss at the waist! I think I would have showed a loss in the thighs up until the conference. There was a ridiculous amount of quad work going on this weekend and I think the muscles are inflamed and possibly bulked up from that work (Tracy Anderson would NOT be happy with me!). At least there was no gain!

I have to do a huge thank-you to my Mother-in-law (yes, folks, I actually get along well with my mother-in-law. From what I understand this is a truly wonderful and rare thing! But, we love her!) for taking care of my little guy for over half the time! And a grateful heart always to Eric, who supports and encourages all my yoga and is my biggest fan! He took on the kiddos (including a birthday party, that's right, he is THAT awesome!) all so I could do yummy yoga all weekend! If my life gets any more perfect I might just explode from joy. :D

Photos from here and here

I Love Paris in the Springtime

I found a picture in an old magazine with plans for this trellis. As usual, I turned to Eric and said 'Can you make me this?!' and he said 'Probably' (Understand that, with Eric, that is as close as you get to a yes if it's an 'action question').

Some time went by as other things got higher billing on the project list. But, before I knew it, we were at the Home Depot buying the wood. I got a little excited.

Then, more time went by as still MORE projects took priority. I wonder if Eric could be sabotaging the vehicles just to put off my project? Hahahahaha!

One day I arrived home to the sound of woodcutting. Construction had begun! After that it wasn't long at all before I had this beautiful trellis out back!

My plant (this is a Rangoon Creeper) was excited too! See how it is already reaching out for it's trellis?

After moving my plant from it's too small pot into the ground I sat with Shasta on the bench and just enjoyed my new trellis. That's when I realized it kinda looked like the Eiffel Tower. I had not thought of that before but it might explain why I was so enamored with it from the first time I saw the picture. I kind of have a thing about Paris and the Eiffel Tower. I like them ALOT! :D Now I have my own little eiffel tower and soon my Rangoon Creeper will be creeping up and blooming.

It makes me happy every time I see it! Didn't Eric do a GREAT job?! He totally loves me! I should have called this post: I love ERIC in the springtime!

Too Bad, So Sad

I can't believe it. How has this happened? Last week I went up to the school and signed my TINY baby up for Kindergarten!!!! I felt so sad :(

When I signed Evie up for Kindergarten two years ago my emotion was excitement. And, I AM excited for Everett. I know he is ready. Without a doubt my little chatterbox will do fine getting on the bus (he has waited YEARS) and being in class all day (he amazes me with his preK work) but it is hard to let the last one go.

I love having this boy around. He is still snuggly (unlike Evie) and has been a great companion as we go about our weekly activities. Who will grocery shop with me? Who will watch CARS and CARS 2 every single morning?

I don't think I have a favorite child. However, I do think I get along better with Everett. Our personalities work well together. He is very easy going. I have always called him my 'mellow fellow' and it nicely offsets my anxiety ridden, obsessive- compulsive tendancies.

My job as mommy is by no means over, but, a chapter of my life is coming to a close and it is bittersweet. The balance of power is shifting. I have a few more years to be the person he listens to and believes (before he decides I am an idiot and he and his friends know best). But, in terms of sheer hours per day that someone else has his attention, well, I am beginning to let him go into the world. May we guide him wisely.

You Get Out EGG-xactly What You Put In (Disneyland Project Week 3)

Yep, We did all the usual celebrations this week. And I have the results to show for it.

Results: Up 0.2 pounds (measurements scheduled for next week). This is really quite amazing when you think about the week I have had. Surrounded by birthday meals and Easter treats.

Perspective: However, I can't deny that spending time with these great kids and this perfect husband aren't worth a few ounces of weight gain. I don't want to present to my kids that control freaking about diet and exercise is healthy. Balance, Moderation. That's what I'm going for....and struggling with.

How do I feel about things: Upbeat to be honest. I have noticed two things. First, my pants feel more comfortable even though I haven't had a lot of weight loss (That's the power of Tracy Anderson!). Second, my portions are starting to get smaller on their own. I'm having a lot of times when 'my eyes are bigger than my stomach' and I can't finish what I thought I wanted to eat.  I am happy with any type of progress and it motivates me to keep on keeping on.

Struggles: First, Avoiding cravings. It's helping to keep things out of the house. Second, fitting in the workout. I thought 5 days a week would be no problem. However, it's proving to be challenging. I am quite sore and just EXHAUSTED when i do 2 days of the muscular structure and cardio in a row and it gets hard to want to do that third day before my schedule rest day. When I caved and took an extra day off this week, it put me behind my schedule and I'm not sure I can make it up. Third, the fatigue is putting me behind in my housework. That was another reason I took the extra rest day this week. I simply had to commit a day to just doing what needs to be done around here. Maybe it's just a matter of building up my endurance. Maybe I'm becoming chronically dehydrated or vitamin/mineral depleted from increasing my cardio and not eating enough nutritionally dense foods (read vegetables). I will continue to work on this and try to find balance. Otherwise, I'm not sure how I can ever incorporate this into a lifestyle change.

Question: For those of you that exercise first thing- Was there an adjustment period? I can't seem to work out on an empty stomach. What do you do? Do you eat first? Does it get easier? It would be great if I could work out first thing before the kids got up. Just not sure how to make it work. Right now I'm stuck with afternoon 'rest time' and that's a 'slump' time for me as well and I have a hard time using that for my workout time. Any advice would be appreciated.

Below: Eric displays his mad multitasking skills- dying an egg WHILE reading the paper. :) I have so much fun with this guy!!!

Happy 39th Birthday To Me!

Happy 39th Birthday to ME!

I always like a day when I get to sleep in and having today be a school holiday meant it really was a GOOD Friday! Started the day out with a sweet card from Evie. She tried to give me a squinkie with it as a gift but I told her that he wanted to live with the (HUNDREDS) of other squinkies in her room and that I would come to visit him.

I went to let the dog out back and found that it was a cool low humidity morning so I yelled to the kiddos to get their shoes on so we could get a walk in before the heat of the day. It was lovely.

Next up was errands. We loaded into the van and hit the stores. We even squeezed in a mid-errand play date by stopping to drop off some composting contributions at my sister-in-law's house. BONUS!! (I also brought cookies. I think that may have totally scored the play date invite! Hahahahaha)

By then we were getting pretty hungry for lunch. We decided to refuel at one of our favorite places- the Target Pizza Hut Express. (Why my kids only like the tiny pizzas and not the regular size is a mystery to me)

Two more stops and Evie said she was so exhausted she couldn't even remember what our first stop of the day looked like (little drama queen) so we headed home for some rest time/play with our new toys in our rooms very quietly time. Mommy had a lovely nap.

Next up daddy came home (always reason for rejoicing) and there was much playing of hide-and-seek, horsey rides, and showing off of new items by the kiddos.

Finally, Then it was time to take the kiddos to Granny's for the night so mommy & daddy could go out. Everett called shotgun in the miata and asked to leave the 'cover off' which cracked me up. So, we did leave the cover off because it was, in fact, a top down kind of day!

Eric & I headed downtown in the miata (still with the 'cover off') for a visit to the new Phoenicia market where my brother works (Love that guy!). It's kind of a mini Whole Foods type place in the building right next door to Discovery Green. We chose some new foods and desserts to try and hit upon some real winners. I got some tea (recommended by the brother) to try as well. YUMMY! (That's what all the workers' shirts say and we can see why)

After walking about in Discovery Green we headed home for a walk with the dog (and without the kids) during which we were treated to an amazing moonrise. It was for my birthday of course! :)

I am quite sure that I have had just about the best day ever. Happy Birthday to ME!

Going Down! (Disneyland Project Week 2)

RESULTS: I lost 1/2 inch off each arm and each thigh. I can feel the thighs! I LOVE it! Down 1.2 pounds! Whoo HOO!!





WORKOUT: You know how your mother always said not to wear yourself out or you would get sick? (see mom, I was listening!) Well, that's what happened this week. Through trying to help out and owing a favor I stupidly scheduled myself to teach 5 hours of yoga in 2 days. WHAT? Yes, and since I was stuck at the YMCA between classes I went to a Balletone class as well (Nice class, btw, I might try to get that teaching certification). So, that makes 6 hours of working out in 2 days. Not smart! By Wednesday night when it hit me it felt like I had the flu from the neck down and a migraine from the neck up. I spent 24 hours in bed sleeping and woke up Friday feeling better but still not ready to hit the mat. A bit scared of the mat if I'm being honest.

Saturday morning though, I was CRAVING my workout and did MS and dance cardio (on the trampoline). It felt GREAT! Sunday evening brought another opportunity to work out and I completed my 10th and final workout for level 1. I will not lie, I was rocking it! I was doing all the reps, I was powering thru, I was ALMOST not feeling any of my familiar Tracy MS pain. It told me this-- I'm ready for the next level. :)

DIET: Not a stellar week. Everett had his birthday  = cake & cookies in the house all week. Then when I had all that out of the house, they called and said I had to bring the snack again for Sunday School. WHAT? Apparently, I was not supposed to bring it last week (cookie binge) and had to do it all again this week (another cookie binge). I guess if I wasn't so cheap I would have just bought snacks and avoided the temptation but, yeah, I'm cheap. And I make super yummy cookies :D

Photo from here

I'm Not An Engineer

I'm not an engineer, but, I play one on the night before birthday parties. I get to make the cakes!

In the past, perhaps coincidentally, our children have chosen a cake from a source with instructions like Family Fun. Eric and I have spent many happy evenings doing these cakes together. It is something we enjoy and it saves us a nice bundle on the price of the cake. (Eric has his 'George Banks' moments and I'm not opposed to saving a buck!)

This year Everett picked one out of the book in the Target bakery (pictured below- but he wanted Lightning with Francesco and a 'winners circle' theme rather than a 'pit stop' theme with Guido). I snapped a pic with my phone. I showed Eric. He said 'No problem' (foreshadowing folks, foreshadowing). I gathered the supplies and on the appointed evening we tucked the kids in bed and met up in the kitchen for a fun cake creating evening.

This was pretty much the first time it occurred to us that we had a picture and no instructions. As we looked at the two 13x9 pans of cake we began to wonder HOW we were going to create a tall sloped grandstand from these. (Imagine us both with our heads tilted quizzically to the side). Eric had two years of architecture at Texas Tech and I waited for him to take charge-- cutting and stacking cake........silence. Eric now proclaimed "Yeah, I have NO idea how to do this".
Let's just say that in the end the ratio of cake to icing was....um....weighted heavily on the icing side. But, it all came together.

The important part is that it held together until after a certain small boy blew out the candles!. Everett was thrilled with his cake and that is all that matters, in the end.

As for Eric & I, we will be forcing steering our children in the direction of cakes with instructions (for goodness sake!) and I think we also might be ready for the Amazing Race!

Photo from here and here