Back in the day

Today I've been thinking about how much easier it was to go about things (like going to the gym and actually getting the adequate amount of rest) before kids. I'm really struggling with getting into a structured workout routine. I do workout but its never consistent. Gone are the days when I could workout 2x's a day or at least get in 4 consistent workouts a week and eat clean. I'd love to lose this baby weight and am very frustrated that it's not coming off quite like I'd hoped. I feel like a failure. Does anyone have any motivation, suggestions for balancing life??

Things that make you go hmmm...

Lately I think that I'm losing it, or @ least am noticing that I'm losing it...

Examples:

1). Last week I put Gabe into Olivia's carseat (forward facing) and then went to go put Olivia into the car and was like, huh?! Luckily I figured it out before starting the car, but seriously...I am losing it.

2). Last night I went to make myself a protein shake after my Zumba class and put the pre-made-up ziplocked package into my shaker cup, only to taste FORMULA...nasty!!!!! Our protein supply is low and apparently I made up packets of protein and formula. What the what is wrong with me?!

Help me people~~~this momma is losing it~~~

Tumble Bunnies

I've been doing some research on my own to see which would be better, Dance class or Tumble class. I came to the conclusion that Tumble class is the better choice, at least for now.

Olivia will start a trial on 4/12 at Tumble X in their Tumble Bunnies class! I hope it goes well! One of my other friends is going to have her daughter in there too. Very exciting!!

To be continued friends...

Spring Jacket Search

Today I took Dan to his favorite place in the world, the Mall, to look for spring clothes for the kids. I was in search for sleepers for Gabe, bigger socks for both kids and spring jackets for both kids.

I found a sleeper in Gabe's size for sale at Children's Place. It's cute and has sports balls on it (blue & white and striped on one side). Then I also found a cute yellow & white striped polo shirt with a number on the upper chest for Gabe. Dan found him a pair of jeans (thanks honey)...haha...he hates to shop at the mall.

Next, we went to Target to get diapers for both kids, Pull-Ups for Olivia and wipes. Good times! I found both kids socks there too, but no matter where I went I could not find any Spring Jackets.

I was talking with a random lady in line at Children's Place and she seemed to think the same thing. She said that the only place she's seen them has been at Kohl's and that they were kind of pricey?! Huh?!

So, my friends, I have been searching online and have decided that this is a much better way to shop. The bad news is that I still can't find that perfect Spring Coat for them both. Therefore, I will make it my mission to have Spring Jackets on LivvieBlue's website. You just wait and see, they'll be awesome!

What is LivvieBlue, you ask?! Why it is my new Children's Clothing line, with styles much like Matilda Jane. It's not up and running yet, but someday...

Life is good, God is good! Gotta follow your dreams!

Peace

The After Zumba Post

It's amazing how a little workout can change your whole attitude, good or bad.

Today I actually got to Zumba 1/2 hr. early, hence how I was able to write a post earlier. It was nice to have some 'me' time. Then I went into Zumba and sat on the floor to stretch. Some lady, whom I know I've chit-chatted with before started talking to me. She asked me if I knew if the normal instructors were back (Kandi & Angie went on vacation together and they are the normal awesome instructors). I told her that they weren't back and that the instructor was some girl named Missy, but I've never been to her class before, I just heard that she was good (aka from some random post on some person's facebook wall).

Then my amazing Zumba partner, Angie (not instructor Angie), showed up. We talked and were ready to start the Zumba Party!

Some girl runs to the front of the class in a pink Zumba shirt. Angie and I looked at each other and said, "That must be her, huh?!"

The class started out rather slow. Ang & I looked at eachother like, "Really?!" Maybe I am just biased and used to the normal instructors, but she was in a league of her own. I understand that every Zumba place has a different vibe, for instance, KMonique's (dance studio feel) is different than Tumble X (fitness feel), the Y (I don't know, I've never been to Zumba at the Y, I've just heard about it) is different too. Each place has their own nitch and I think it's great.

What I don't think is great is the fact that this girl did not even tell us what she was going to do next. She just kinda did her own thing and some of the moves didn't seem like Zumba moves at all. Very weird. She was lifeless and it seemed like she wasn't getting into it at all.

Then around 40 minutes in, it was like her RedBull kicked in or something and she got into it. She did a random loud "Squak" in the middle of a song. It was really funny. Ang & I just looked at eachother like 'oh my goodness, this is too much!' She started getting into it and going up to random people and getting in their faces while doing her moves. She turned around and faced the class. It was like, wow, do you really want to see how bad you are screwing us up or what?!

Then an older song came on and it started out faster then she slowed it down to be the cool down, but it wasn't a cool down song. Very odd. After Zumba come to a hault, the substitute instructor told us to take a look at the oils. Ang & I were like, "Oils?!"

Apparently this lady sells oils too. She rushed to the front counter, where she had all of her oils setting out, so that she could sell her oils to us. As we were walking out she was telling people to try her oils out. We were like, no thanks. Ang & I looked at each other like, "Don't quit your day job lady." Oh my, I'm sorry, but wow!

Everyone was asking when the normal girls were coming back and if Kandi was going to be there Monday night because if she was going to be back Monday, then people would go Monday night. Again I say, oh my~

We didn't get much of a workout burn, but it was fun because Ang & I were together and we were moving and I guess that is all that matters.

So on my way home, I was in such a funk from this exhiliarating workout that I stopped at Dunkin Donuts to bring my family home breakfast and yes I did have a donut. It is not a snack, it is BREAKFAST (thats what I am telling myself anyway, since I gave up treats for lent).

Today, I am thankful for Kandi & Angie M. (the normal Zumba instructors at TX). I have missed you girls and have felt like I have been on vacation while you were on vacation (except I didn't have the nice FL atmosphere). I can't wait to have girls back! Lovies!

Saturday Sunshine & Stuff

Here is my Saturday so far:

Wake up for a party in Gabe's crib at 3am, followed by a happening party in Olivia's room. Good times!

Took Winston to the groomers at A Classical Touch. I've never been there before, but it looks nice. That poor dog needs a good groom!

Then I went to Walgreens to pick up some Rx's. After that I noticed the E on the gas gauge, so I went to fill up at $3.68/gal, gulp. After seeing a certain amount I just stopped pumping & then when it asked for a receipt, I said No thanks. I don't want to see what disguists me.

Now I'm sitting at Tumble X waiting for Zumba to start. Yay for Zumba! It's going to be a great Saturday with the beautiful sunshine! God Bless everyone!

Blah Blah Blah

This post is about nothing in particular. I'm just ranting to rant & get whatever is on my mind out there.

Do any of you have 2 year olds? So sweet & sincere one minute and in crazy fit mode the next. Yes, my precious O has def entered the "terrible two's"! I love her with all my heart but sometimes these fits wear on me.

Next subject, totally un-related to the one prior but I'll just put it out there. Dan & I have decided to go on a vacation this year, just the two of us (much needed but will be REALLY hard to leave the kids). I'm really excited about the get-away though!

Also, we are going to get a fence...probably a good idea with 2 kids & a dog. We put our $ down $ they should get it started in like 3 weeks. Sweet! Guess what I forgot to do though...ha! Submit a request to our lovely neighborhood association. Whoops! Big Whoops! I submitted the request electronically today & am waiting for the fence company to email them the plot map. Ours isn't that clear to read once scanned. I hope I didn't totally screw that one up! My mind lately, sheesh!

Ok, now I'm off to Zumba! It should be fun & I'm so looking forward to it! Peace!

March 2011 Memories

We have had many fond memories so far this month and I've posted pictures of these moments:

Miss O is excited about getting to swing outside again...Spring is on it's way...yay!!We love going to meet daddy for lunch from time to time. McAllister's is a favorite. They have awesome service and the food is great!

We celebrated Carrie's Birthday

on Saturday by going to Red Robin and then going to Grandma Rhonda's for cake. Olivia really wanted to eat the cake and thought that "Carrie won't mind!" haha!

Our friends, the Jurczak's had a 1st Birthday Party for their second daughter, Lucy. The Bowsher's were there and I finally got to meet Claire. She's absolutely precious!

We had an Olivia, Mommy & Daddy date night to see Disney's Princesses on Ice. Grandma Hunteman came up to watch Gabe. We had a great time and the show was absolutely amazing! We will def be going back next year!

Thank God for all of these blessings in our life, from our family to our friends. These are the moments that matter and we are so grateful for everything!

Olivia's 1st Mani

Since Dan was still out of town, I took Olivia to get her 1st manicure tonight. She did surprisingly well, as far as sitting still & cooperating. We went to V&N Nails by Ziano's and I'd highly recommend them. They were so nice to us & didn't even charge for O's mani. I think I'm in trouble though because when we left she said, "We'll be back!"

Gotta love my girly girl!

P.S. Thanks for the powder, Pat, O loves the "makeup" & got it on her carseat...lol...good times!

Terrible 2's

The past few days Olivia has been throwing huge fits whenever it's time to nap or go to bed. This isn't like her at all, normally she goes down right away. I wonder what's going on. Maybe it's all part of the terrible 2's?!

My Virtual Wishlist

Here is what I think would make my life easier:

1). Being able to order my groceries online & have them delivered to MY home or have a drive-thru service at the grocery store where you can pre-order the items online. I know that the online grocery to home delivery service already exists but they don't deliver in my area. The 2nd idea would be fab, just like a Walgreens drive-thru pharmacy, only better!

Yes, I desperately need to go to the grocery but dread taking O&G again. Last time was a nightmare!

2). Being able to book my dog's grooming appointment online. I do not like calling & having to figure out a time that will work for both parties. This way, like Open Table for dinner reservations, you could go in & easily set it all up!

Yes, Winston needs groomed like no other...it's bad!

3). Being able to book a hair appointment online too, just like the above idea only for ME & not my dog.

My hair stylist is awesome but it's ME that is hard to work with due to my schedule. If I could look online for a time that works, I'd be thrilled!

Who is with me???

The New Normal

I love my children with all of my heart! They are absolute blessings from God and I would not change having them for the world; they are my world! With that being said, I have to express some 'normal' parental frustrations. Here is my evening: I go to pick up the kids after work from my mother-in-law's house. Then I drove home listening to Olivia's Toddler Songs CD, feeling so tired and out of it and really wanting to turn off the CD and turn on some 'normal' music for once. I finally tried this and Olivia told me that she wanted to "hear her favorite song"...every song on that darn CD is her favorite song, btw...good times~

After what seemed like 18 hours of driving home from my mother-in-laws (she lives a half hour away), I finally made it home. I got Olivia out of the car and then Gabe. I tried to sit Gabe down in various toys so that he could play while I cooked dinner, but he was not having that, he wanted held. I could not cook dinner and hold Gabe, so I sat him in his high chair and he cried the entire time. Then Olivia started crying for no reason, just to try and get attention. Then she pushed one of our kitchen chairs up to the counter and wanted to 'help' me...precious! Finally dinner was ready and I fed Olivia and Gabe. Then scarfed down my food so that I could get ready for Zumba. I was hoping that Dan would be home from work in time for me to go. He finally got home around 6:40pm for my 7:00pm Zumba class. It takes 15 minutes to get there, so I was cutting it very close, but made it right on time.

I felt bad leaving Dan tonight, but after busting my booty, I am not giving up on myself. I needed this exercise! It was amazing and I am so grateful for my Zumba-time, for it is my new normal...mixed in with Gabe STILL crying at 10:36pm. Good times!

Life as we know it in March

I just wanted to give everyone an update...life is good, we just keep plugging away here.

Last week was full of unexpecteds...Olivia and Gabe were both sick...viral crud plus ear infections. Craziness, they both have tubes, sheesh! I ended up calling in 2/3 of the days that I work & was lucky enough to get to make up my time on Saturday and Monday. Thank goodness that my work is flexible!

Then I went to the Agape Prayer Service at Church for Christ Renews His Parish on Friday night. We had a nice service & it was great to see Team 38 again! Team 37 & I went to Applebees for appetizers/drinks afterwards & it was so great to catch up with everyone! I love my CRHP Sisters so much! I was going to go to serve soup to Team 38/39 on Sunday but felt ill & didn't want to spread whatever I was coming down with to any other ladies. :(

Then tonight we went to Ash Wednesday Mass at St. E's. Olivia wasn't quite sure what the ashes were about and tried to rub them off at first, until she saw that Mommy, Daddy, Gabe & everyone else had ashes on their forehead. Gabe just smiled & kept smiling all night long at the Mass & Simple Soup Supper. He's so sweet!

Speaking of Gabe, I'm having a really hard time but I think I might be coming upon a difficult decision that I don't want to make. I'm not going to post exactly what this decision might be, but lets just say that he has 7 teeth now and oh my!!! Ouch!

Ok, that is all, nuff said. Peace~

Potty Training

Ok, so here is my Olivia potty training saga...

We started potty training back in May of 2010 (2 months before Gabe was born). It was completely my idea and I tried pushing her. She was fascinated with it at first and did really well going on the potty chair for the first couple of weeks, but it wasn't consistent...not a bad start though. Then she lost interest and then Gabe was born, therefore reverting to baby-like behaviors.

Then we have slowly started back and this time I have just let it happen on her own terms. She has a new-found fascination with the big potty. She will turn her potty chair upside down to get on the big potty and go in there off and on throughout the day.

I need to make her a potty training chart that she can put stickers on, instead of her putting them all over her shirt. When I say all over, I mean all over...she found the Dora stickers today and stuck ALL of them on her shirt. Good times! Such a cutie pie though! By the way, does anyone have any potty training chart ideas?

We'll get there and be down to only buying one set of diapers one day, but in the mean time, I am so proud of my little Olivia Marie!