Virtual Coffee

Whew! What a morning. I've been go, go, go since 5 a.m.

Spin class, check

Photo day outfits for the boys, check

Workout clothes in bag, check
Change poopy diaper before we leave house, check
Finally arrive at work (on time), check

Now on to coffee...

First of all thank you for joining me. I'll treat you to a nice steamy cup and you can add some almond milk if you like. Because I bought a half gallon and I'm not going to drink it. Why you ask? Well, I took a sip and it's a little too sweet for me, plus when I looked at the nutritional info it has WAY too much sugar and not enough protein. Not sure what all the buzz is about, but anything that high in sugar can't be good for you. What do you think?

Of course our conversation must turn to the weather (I was soooo hoping it wouldn't go there), but mother nature kicked our ass again and it was snowing this morning. Pretty hard I might add. Slightly depressing, but I know it won't last the day. The only person that was truly excited about it this morning was E. He kept singing Frosty the Snowman all morning.

Anyway, I digress cause I have to tell you that I got to wear a fancy dress last week. Yep, with heels and everything.

I work at a retirement community and we held our annual Gala, which was themed "Our Senior Prom". It was so much fun, I danced and giggled with the residents. It was great to watch the residents tap their feet to the music, some of them even made it out on the dance floor. It's times like these that make me LOVE my job. Do you enjoy your job? I know many of you have the hardest job of all as a SAHM.

So, what did ya do this weekend? We did NOTHING! It was so nice, I didn't have to be anywhere (well Kindermusik, but that's fun) and didn't have clean anything (major). We hung out, watched some movies (The Rescuers for E and Unstoppable for the grownups). E even took a quick ride round the culdasac on his tricycle, till his hands got too cold.

And of course our Sunday wouldn't be complete without a trip to the mall and Target (FYI our Target is attached to our mall...it kinda sucks). We did our usual routine. Played in the play area (or germ central as we call it). I could see the moms freaking out as I let G crawl on the floor there, but seriously he goes to daycare he's already gotten every germ known to man. I took some fun photos (that will eventually get uploaded). Ironically that was the relaxing part, because then we went to Target. YIKES!

Here's one to tide you over ... also submitted this at

I Heart Faces  for the "Slice of Life" Challenge

Let me preface by saying they just remodeled our Target and moved EVERYTHING. So, now I walk around like an idiot trying to find the simplest things, like kids bubble bath. Checked the soap aisle, nope. Checked the baby aisle, only baby kind. Finally found it in the shampoo aisle. At that point E was like "just forget it mom, I don't need to be clean." Not only that, but it was CROWDED. Note to everyone, if me or my kids are in your way, just say excuse me. I'm not a mind reader, so having you stand behind me huffing and puffing really doesn't help, it just makes me think you have asthma.

Ok, now it's your turn. Did you go to Target this weekend too? Please tell me you did something fun.

I Heart Faces: Slice of Life

Hi All!

Since I've been taking so many pics of the kiddos, I decided I'd make the most of it and enter the weekly challenge over at I Heart Faces. If you are photographer or trying to be, this is a great site to get advice and input on your photos.

This week's challenge is to capture a candid "slice of life" shot. I figured this one was perfect, as G is ALWAYS cramming his paci in his mouth (that and other things.)

An Inspirational Sound Bites of the Week

TGIF!!!!

Hurrah! It's Friday!

Can I really have anymore exclaimation marks? Yes I can!

Anyway, I don't have big plans for this weekend (thank goodness). Which means I can get laundry done, maybe bake some cookies and just chill. Smiles all around. So do you have big plans for this weekend? Anything fun?

This week I'd like to share some inspirational Sound Bites of the Week, because we could all use a little inspiration from time to time. So let 'er rip...

3. "You get what you give."

This is SO true. You throw out negativity you get it right back. You give smiles and you know what? You get 'em back. Don't know about you, but I prefer smiles. Here's a couple to brighten your day...

Photo by E

2. "Excuses are missed opportunities."

"I'll do that tomorrow." "I'll save it for a rainy day." "Maybe someday." STOP! Just do it! Whatever it is just do it right now. Whether it's going to the gym, learning to knit, taking a vacation or just playing with the kiddos, because you never know what tomorrow will bring and you don't want to be the person who wonders "What if."

And the number one Inspirational Sound Bite is...

1. "Weakness is pain leaving the body."

You betcha'. Whether it's emotional or physical, pain can be a good thing. Like when your muscles burn while working out or when that jerk of a guy breaks your heart. Each time you learn something (that guy was an asshole by the way) or you gain something (like a more toned ass). So welcome the pain and all the joy and strength you achieve once you fight through it.

Ok, so hopefully this wasn't too sappy and you feel a smidge bit inspired. I know that I do, so I'm going to give lots of smiles today, make sure I spend quality time with the boys and feel the burn at Farrell's.

Have a great weekend.

BTW - I have some GREAT news that I'll be sharing in an upcoming post, so stay tuned.

A Quickie Coffee

GOOD MORNING AFTERNOON!

If we we were really having coffee today I'd be running late, because well, I'm always late and particularly today because my alarm didn't go off. UGH! I had every intention of waking up early and heading to spin class and instead I slept till 6:30 a.m. until I was woken up by a little voice saying "I had a bad dream." All I could say was "Awwww" and "oh shit we need to get moving". Great way to start the day.

Then I'd tell you how happy I am that B2 is back from his comic book escapade. He even brought back souveniers (pics to come). Nothing like a comic book t-shirt to brighten E's day.

I'd also tell you that I finished my ten weeks at Farrell's. I posted my results and before and after pics here. The program is so AWESOME if you have a Farrell's near you, I encourage you to try it. It's the BEST! We had our "graduation" party Saturday night, so I went out and had some drinks (unapproved by the Farrell's nutrition plan, but oh well) and actually stayed out past 9 p.m. I NEVER do that. I even wore high heeled pointy shoes. WOW!

The best news of the weekend is that I FINALLY got my new phone - an Android. And I'm in love (if I can figure out all the bells and whistles). You might actually see a blog post from my phone once in a while...you know cause I lead such an exciting life. HA! :-)

So what's up in your world? Did you enjoy your weekend? Let me know cause I'd love to hear about it.

 *Sorry for the lack of photos, posting on my lunch break. I'll add some when I get home. :-)

Ten Week Champ

Happy Sunday everyone!

Well, yesterday was my ten week wrap up at Farrell's. We had our testing in the morning, which included more measurements, my after photo and the final one mile run.

After a tough kick boxing workout on "fun" Friday, (the fun part is just an illusion...it's more like torture Friday) Saturday's testing was a little more difficult. Oh and I didn't really sleep the night before either.

Photo by fellow Farrell's team member, Natalie Zupek

Anyway, here's the final measurements.

Chest / 37 to 35 to 35 / 2 inches lost            

Waist / 35 to 31.75 to 29 / 6 inches lost

Arm / 11 to 10.5 to 10.5 / .5 inch lost

Thigh / 21.5 to 20.5 to 20.5 / .5 inch lost

Hips / 41.5 to 41.25 to 37.75 / 3.15 inches lost

GRAND TOTAL - 12.15 inches and 6 pounds lost

Brace yourself ... here are my before and after pics so you can see my results. Sorry about the blinding white skin, it's winter in Iowa what do you expect.

*The photo on the left is the before and the one the right is the after.

So, how do I feel about my results, well...ok I guess, but after looking at some other people I'm kind of kicking myself in the ass for not being more disciplined. It seemed like after missing one day due to the blizzard I kind of lost my momentum. I also dropped the ball on the nutrition plan, don't get me wrong I still did the six meals a day, but I ended up going back to the default frozen pizza for dinner too many nights.

But...I have to say it would have taken me six months to lose it all if I had done it on my own. So I can't complain.

The BEST part of the whole day was when I ran the mile. Mycah and I ran together and if it wouldn't have been for her I probably would have been a slacker and tried to walk. Instead we pushed each other and never stopped running. I finished in 10:34. Not the greatest, but I haven't ran since before G was born so that's pretty good, plus I didn't do the lame run - walk thing.

Me and the Farrell's girls Mycah (L) and Ashli (R)

*Note that alcohol and soda are NOT Farrell's approved, so we will be paying the price for these cocktails on Monday...OUCH!

After all the testing in the morning we were able to let loose and enjoy ourselves at the awards banquet. Oh, yeah if I didn't tell you before the male and female who achieve the best results win $1,000. Pretty cool. As I'm sure you have probably guessed by now that wasn't me, but I walked out of there with so much more. I met a great group of girls who will push me to do my VERY best and cheer me on when I feel like I can't go any more (thanks ladies, you're the best). I have a MUCH better relationship with food, and now actually ENJOY eating veggies and salads (I know so crazy) and I'm not so grouchy or stressed out anymore. I'm in such a better place.

I know it sounds cheesy, and like I've been indoctrinated into a cult or something, but Farrell's changed my life. Even though my journey is far from over, I'm off to a GREAT start!

A Maddening Sound Bites of the Week

Ok, I'm not really mad (ie.irritated or upset) but I might just be going mad (ie: insane). B2 is gone (again) only this time it's for fun (more on that later). So I am holding down the fort and preparing myself for tomorrow's testing. I'll let you know how it goes on Sunday.

Whew! Another week is behind us and many of you were lucky enough to have a vacation from work. Hopefully you went somewhere fun or at least did something fun. Alas, I had to work, but our vacation will come in May so not much longer...ok maybe longer than I thought.

Anyway, here's what you've been waiting for ... this week's Sound Bites. Enjoy and have a FABULOUS weekend.

3. "Stop feeding him. He looks like a bloated tick."

B2 mentioned this as I was feeding G dinner. This kid is a bottomless pit and even though he did look like a "bloated tick" he still wanted more. He's a growin' boy.

2. "It's a circus without the tent."
Lynn, you come up with the best one-liners. Love it! This is basically how I feel everyday. I can hear the circus music already...

3. "They call it March Madness because it makes women mad."
And this one is mine, because this time of year it is impossible to tear B2 away from the TV even for only a minute, and it makes me MAD. (ok not that mad, but slightly irritated.) Although, I do the same thing when GLEE is on so I guess we're even.

One last thing. I just want to thank everyone for all the virtual hugs and support I received after my last post. It really meant a lot, and although some of you mentioned that you were in the "worst mom" club too. I'd have to disagree, because I know each and everyone one of you are the BEST MOMS EVER!

Hugs to YOU!

Virtual Water (Coffee)

Good mid-morning! So I'll be having water and my Zone Bar (dark chocolate pecan ... it's like a candy bar) this morning because it's my last week of the ten week program at Farrell's. Our testing and banquet are on Saturday, and I'm looking forward to the final results.

The cute springy coffee cup is for you. Thought it would perk you up on the third day of this dreaded time change. So what would you like this morning?

Well, let's get down to business, because well I have to ask a favor. I need a BIG hug...because I feel like the WORST mom in the world right now.

Because after taking every precaution to make little G safe by putting up one of these.



He slipped out of my hands last night while on the changing table. He was so slippery from the sponge bath I gave him after he painted himself with dinner that when he zigged I zagged, mid-air flip and BOOM! A scream like the sound of a wild animal came out of my mouth and I immediately scooped him up and held him tight. Then he did that silent cry where he doesn't breath and it totally freaked me out for a minute then he wailed. 

B2 came running and between the two of us we checked him over, moved all his limbs, talked to him and put him down to play. After a phone call to our doctor we deemed him well. But I'll never forget the look in his eyes as B2 was holding him. They just bore into my soul. I felt like he was asking me "why did you let me fall mama?" Ugh...hence the need for a hug. 

Other than that drama, because you know my life can't be without drama. We had a pretty quiet weekend. Finally hung out with some friends for a play date, and made cookies our way. (You know open the package, put them on a pan and bake at 350).  

We've also been watching all the tsunami coverage, and trying to explain it E. He's been looking at it from the scientific point of view, which I think is good. But still hard to see over and over again. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the families over there.

Well, that's all from my neck-of-the-woods. Hopefully, you had a drama-free week...I'd love to hear about it.

Tick, Tick, Tick

Oh time where do you go?

Another spring another time change. Ugh...it truly drives me CRAZY! Muy loco!

I'm not sure whose bright idea Daylight Saving Time is, but they really need to spend the first couple of days with an out-of-sync three year old and ten month old. Don't get me wrong, when June rolls around I'll be praising the time change, as I enjoy my evening walk to the park in sunshine. But for now I'm gonna be a whiner, because well I feel like it. (and I'm functioning on one less hour of sleep.)

It just ticks me off (no pun intended). Like really do I need to lose an hour?

When every day my only goal is to SAVE TIME.

Hurry, hurry, hurry. Grocery store in 30 minutes, ready, set and go! So I can hurry home where I contine rushing around cleaning the house, making dinner, working out and hanging with the munchkins not to mention my sweet hubby.

In this whirlwind called my life time is flying by at the speed of light. Everyone told me this would happen once I had kids and got older, but I didn't really believe them until now.

It seems like just yesterday that my boys were like this.

E Newborn

G Newborn

And now they are like this.

STOP!!!!

I just need one moment to catch my breath. Which I only seem to achieve while I'm sleeping.

I find it ironic that the things we want to go slower, like weekends, and time with family go SUPER (speed of light) fast. And the things we want to come quickly take their sweet ass time...ahem...Spring where the hell are you!

So, I and the boys will rough it for the next week or two till we get back into the groove, and when Fall comes we will stop and catch our breath, and appreciate that extra hour just a tad bit more.

A Friday at the Doctor

As we head into the weekend I am feeling so relieved. I have my baby back. My cheerful, giggly, busy baby has replaced the boogie, grouchy and sleepless baby of last week. Ahhhh....

It was an early morning for all of us, but E was excited because he got to wear his Batman PJs to school. Rumor on the street is that he's still wearing his PJ shirt with jeans (that's my boy).

B2 dropped G and I off at the Surgery Center then headed to school to drop of E, but not before E kissed his little brother goodbye.

Then it was time to wait.

And provide a little comfort (for me).

Then we had to wait some more, but this time G rocked it in his hospital gown

and his little ankle bracelet.

He played with daddy's hat. Go White Sox.

Then it was time to go, and before we knew it he was back. A little grumpy (tired and hungry), but doing VERY well.

B2 rocked him to sleep before we left.

We made it home and after some breakfast and a nap for both of us. We awoke refreshed and ready to play.

So there he is my new and improved little G. No more sleepless nights and no more doctors. Now we just play, laugh and enjoy the day.

A {Special Evening Edition} Sound Bytes

Good evening everyone. I decided to do a special evening edition of this week's Sound Bytes due to G's tube surgery tomorrow. It will be good to have my baby well again. I'll check in tomorrow and let everyone know how it went. 

Have a GREAT night everyone, may you have pleasant dreams. 

3. "Get your chest down between those balls."

Another wonderful Farrellism. It seems like everything they say in class sounds pornographic, but let me tell you that was the last thing on my mind as I was trying to do push-ups on those medicine balls.

2. "I can't eat the seeds or a watermelon will grown in my belly."

Oh, Becky you crack me up! You know that's not true, babies grow in bellies not watermelons.

And the number one Sound Byte of the Week was submitted by my friend and co-worker Lynn who has the right philosophy on life.

1. "The difference between us and them is that we work to live and they live to work."

I couldn't have said it better myself. Sometimes we need to take a step back and realize what's important. Unfortunately, for the longest time I was stuck in a job that didn't allow that, but my current job is AWESOME and allows me to rock out with my boys.

LOVE IT!

Thanks Lynn! You win my undying gratitude and a cookie from the kitchen. 

Enjoy your weekend everyone. Sounds like it will be a nice one (even though we lose an hour...ugh).

Week Nine and Counting

Wow! Time has flown since I started Farrell's in January.

I'm so happy with the program. My five week testing went well and I'm looking forward to the final results on week ten.

So, everyone may think I'm crazy, but I decided to sign up for Farrell's F.I.T program. Basically, it's a one year membership. I wasn't going to do it, because I need to start biking and swimming to prepare for the triathlon in June. However, it was less expensive than a year long gym membership and better results.

Anything that can nuke the muffin-top in only six weeks has my vote.

Speaking of that...This week I was able to fit into two pairs of pre-pregnancy pants (without doing my "stretching") and tuck in my shirt. Nice!

So not only is Farrell's cheaper than the gym, but it's also cheaper than buying new clothes. Although hopefully I'll need new (smaller) clothes anyway.

*Note: These are a size 10 pants. I typically (pre-pregnancy) wear a size 6, so I still have a way to go.

A {Super} Virtual Coffee

Whoa! Oh how I wish we were really having coffee this morning. I could really use the break right now. B2 is on a business trip and I'm alone with the kids. Although, I can't complain it's not like I'm a SAHM. I do have the luxury of going to work each day and the gym at night. But after the bazillionth time of E getting out of bed I was longing for B2's negotiating skills for the bedtime routine. Oh and the 4 a.m. wake up call this morning with a nonstop screaming baby who also decided to vomit on me. I had reached my breaking point by the time I was in the shower at 6:30 a.m., which ended in a blackout because the breaker blew while I had shampoo in my hair. E kept yelling "I didn't do it, I didn't do it." Ugh...

So I'm on the verge of tears or major rage...it's a crap shoot right now, so let's move on before things get ugly.

And if we were together you would see my brightened, less gray hair. I'm still trying to grow it out after I unfortunately experimented with a shorter do. I'm thinking I'll just go back to my standard mom bob...it worked for me. But until it grows out this is me so I'll just have to deal.

My weekend took a detour to my bank, when I found out on Friday that my credit card was hacked. None of the charges made it through, so I just got a new card and signed some papers and all was right with world. Thank goodness. Although, I still feel a little violated.

Our biggest issue right now is that G might have the stomach flu and he's supposed to get tubes on Friday. Ugh...this poor little baby, even though everyday he has a bright smile on his face he's miserably sick. I feel so bad for him. Hopefully, we can make it through this week and get him the relief he needs. I hate seeing my baby suffer.

So, what did you do this weekend? What's in store for the week? I wish you the best and thanks for having coffee with me...I sooooo needed it.

Sundays in the Park

Everyone in our house is suffering from cabin / spring fever so we decided to venture outdoors and head to the local park.

It was still a little brown out there, but the trees are showing little buds (if you look REALLY close) and there's small hints of green here and there.

E made a beeline straight for the playground. The ground squishing under his feet and the cool, crisp breeze whistling in his ears.

In Iowa "spring" walks still mean hats with ear flaps, winter coats and gloves, but it didn't matter we still had fun.

Our first mission was to see how fast we could make the dolphin go. FYI it's faster than Superman.

A plethora of giggles could be heard throughout the park when G tried the swings for the first time.

He had fun watching big brother.

And soaking up the sun.

A walk isn't complete until we find the BIGGEST stick ever.

And we decide to take it home.

But first we must play in a puddle.

That's our Sunday in the park Iowa style.

What did you do this Sunday?