Bootcamp And A No Excuse Workout

A friend asked me to join her in trying out a 'boot camp' exercise class.  She knows the trainers from high school and wanted to give it a try.  I've heard of these boot camp classes and heard they are great.  The first class was free so I decided to go ahead and join in.  The class is located in the parking lot of my son's elementary school.  Yes, you heard it right.  Outside ... in a parking lot ... in the dark ... in the cold.  My first thought was what is she getting me into?  Actually, it wasn't that bad as far as the temperature was concerned.  It didn't take long before I went from being cold to extremely warm and sweaty.  It was a small group of people who were very welcoming, sweet and encouraging.  I don't see people like that in my Zumba class so it was nice.  The exercising itself was hard ... very hard.  At one point I thought I was going to throw up but I was determined to keep going.  I had a good workout and felt it this morning.  I'm not sure if my friend wants to continue with it.  I'd love to get myself involved in a class like this because when I'm around other people I feel the push to keep it going.  When I work out at home it's so much easier to give up and stop when it becomes too much.  You never want to stop.  The burn, the sweat, the torture you feel while exercising is good ... KEEP GOING! 

I found this exercise circuit on Pinterest and decided to give it a try this morning.  This was definitely a good start to the day. 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/11/13

Happy Veteran's Day!  A huge THANK YOU to those who served!

 

As I look outside my window::

The sun is shining, the leaves have fallen off of most of the trees and it's cold.  47 degrees so it's not too bad but they are calling for snow at some point this week.  Yuck.  I'm not a cold or snow person, but it does make my son happy.  

Right now I am::

Sipping a cup of coffee, writing up this blog and listening to my two children play together.  My son has the day off from school and we spent the morning playing and getting books at the library.  Then we had lunch and now the kids are playing for a bit in my son's room.  So far they are playing very nicely together and that makes me happy.  Also waiting for the dishes to finish in the dish washer and the laundry to finish in both washer and dryer before another load goes in.  

Thinking and pondering::

About my son's upcoming birthday.  These last 6 years have gone by so fast.  He's been asking for a few very expensive items for his birthday or Christmas.  I'd love to be able to give my kids everything they wanted but that's not realistic.  I know I write a lot about how hyper he is but truthfully he's an overall great kid.  He doesn't get into too much trouble (nothing outside of being a typical 5 year old) and is doing great in school.  I'm proud of him.  

On my bedside table::

My friend sent me a copy of 50 Shades of Grey for my Kindle.  I've been slowly reading it.  I think she gave me the download almost a year ago and I haven't finished it.  It's not typically my type of book and I got halfway through and grew bored ... but I'm determined to finish it just because I said I would.  

On my tv tonight::

I guess it will be whatever we find while flipping through the channels.  Matthew said he wanted to watch Jurassic Park since he got the book at the library.  We have it on DVR.  

Playing on the radio::

Alvin & the Chipmunks channel on Pandora.  Yes this is the kind of stuff I'm forced to listen to with small children ... I don't mind.  

On the menu::

I may just make a quick pasta meal since I need to be out of the house a little after 5 tonight.  Joining a friend for some kind of exercise thing.  

As usual the rest of the week is TBD

On my to do list::

~Clean house

~Birthday shopping and planning for Matthew

~List more items to be sold on Craiglist.  I just sold a toy tool bench that was my son's.  He got it for Christmas at age 2 but hasn't been playing with it anymore.  It's been collecting dust in his room and he gave me the ok to sell it.  

~Buy items to put in the shoe box for Operation Christmas Child, an organization our church helps out with every year.  They hand out shoe boxes and we buy different toys and anything that will fit into the shoe box to be sent to a child around the world.  We can chose boy or girl.  Matthew wanted to pick a boy his age.  We'll be picking up another box so we can do one for a girl as well.  

What I am sewing, knitting, crocheting or creating::

I made this for my parents' anniversary.  I wanted to give them real flowers but we couldn't afford it so I thought this would be the next best thing.  I bought the wooden vase at AC Moore for $1.  I used rocks that were in our garden.  I cut out flowers using construction paper and a flower cookie cutter and then put pictures of the kids in the middle.  My son colored the vase.

My simple pleasure::

Blogging.  I love having a place to jot down my thoughts and experiences and also getting to read others.  

Lesson learned the past week::

 As much as I love my kids and being with them it's healthy to step away and have some me time.  It is also better for them to have time away from me as well.  I was able to enjoy some time away last Friday during a wine tasting event with a friend.  It was fun.  I had a chance to step away, do something for me and come back feeling renewed.  It also gave me a chance to miss the kids. 

Looking around the house::

The kids are playing peacefully with each other and toys are all over the place.  It's nice having my son home today and being able to enjoy both children.  

From the camera::

On my prayer list::

Those who are on active duty in the military that they return home safely.

My family & friends

My children

My husband

Financial issues - my husband works hard and we're able to have enough to get by but in today's economy it's tough to know what the future will hold.  Only God knows.  

Bible Verse/Devotional::

"Going to church doesn't make you a Christian.  I can sit in my garage all day and that doesn't make me a car" -- Joyce Meyer

I heard Joyce Meyer say this during one of her television shows and I've loved this quote since.  She was referring to the people who believe all they need to do is show up for church for one hour a week and that's it.  God doesn't just want your time for that one hour each week.  He wants your time every moment of every day.  Being a Christian means constantly living for God. 

--Happy Homemaker Monday was created by Sandra at Diary Of A Stay At Home Mom.  Check out her page and below her HHM post is a list of others who are also participating. 

Celebrating 43 Years of Love

Today is a special day.  My parents are celebrating 43 years of marriage.  It's not often we hear of marriages lasting this long anymore and with the divorce rate of over 50% it's nothing short of amazing when couples make it this far.  Trust me, my parents didn't have it easy in these 43 years.  There were many times when I thought they were going to give up and leave one another.  Their marriage saw many hard times and probably worse than any marriage I have ever known.  Yet, they stuck it out and made it last.  They believed in working hard to keep the vows they made at the altar.

As parents they did the best they could in raising us.  I could never say that I wasn't wanted (according to my mom they tried for 2 years to conceive me) and they've loved me unconditionally.  We've had plenty of good times as well as hard times but we all got through.

After my mother had her stroke my dad stepped up and proved to be more amazing than we ever thought he could be.  He takes such great care of her.

I have learned so much about marriage from my parents.  I learned the promise you make at the altar is not one to be taken lightly.  In sickness and health, until DEATH do us part.  I learned that it takes a lot of selflessness; putting the other one above everything else.  I've learned the importance of forgiving each other in our mistakes.  I've also learned that marriage is worth fighting for and worth being a part of.

Thank you Mom and Dad.  I love you both so much!  HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!!

Happy Homemaker Monday - 11/4/13

Hello everyone!  I hope you enjoyed the weekend.  Mine was good.  My son's last fall ball game was Saturday and then I rushed off to attend a wedding for a friend from high school.  Sunday was just spent with the family.  We went to church and then relaxed at home.  My husband was able to enjoy a win from the Redskins so he went to work this morning showing team spirit with his burgundy and gold Redskins tie. 

And now it's time for Happy Homemaker Monday.  I do enjoy doing this so much!  I'm joining the creator Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom.  Go check hers out and the others that participate.  It's so much fun.  Thanks for the opportunity, Sandra.  I'll be typing this up while getting lots of other things done too. 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY - 11/4/2013

As I look outside my window:

The sun is shining bright.  However the weather is cold.  Too cold!  I don't like the cold.  According to my thermostat it is currently 34 degrees outside.  We were bundled up in winter coats this morning at the bus stop.  Also, the leaves on the trees have changed colors and most have fallen to the ground.  I love all the red, orange and yellow leaves.  Fall is full of beauty, isn't it?  I could live without the bitter cold though.  

Right now I am:

Doing a lot of things and taking breaks here and there to write this up.  The little one is eating lunch and when she finishes I'm going to lay her down for a nap.  I'm also working on laundry, dishes and lots of other housework.  My son's friend is coming over after school to play video games so I'm trying to get everything done beforehand.  Although, his friend's little sister will be here too so I guess there is no point in cleaning up the toys since they'll be playing with them anyway.  At some point I need to get some exercising done.  According to my 30 Day Challenge (see previous post) I have a rest day, but that doesn't mean I'm going to rest.  

Thinking and pondering:

About my kids.  I love those two so much but I will admittedly say they can drive me crazy.  Yesterday was filled with stress since my oldest was acting obnoxious and wild and my little one was just plain grumpy.  It was a lot to deal with and I get so easily angered about it.  I can only handle so much and I don't know why my son gets so crazy at times.  He gets so wild at times and I can't calm him down.  It's embarrassing when he acts this way around family.  They look at me as if I can't handle being a mother.  My son is almost six and of course has lots of energy but I need to find different ways for him to burn off that energy.  In the last few days I haven't even let him touch his Halloween candy.  He doesn't need the added sugar.  

Parenting is hard work and I just worry that I will fail. 

On my bedside table:

Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer

Bible

On my TV:

Super Why on PBS is just ending.  All morning it has been all kid shows and now that the little one has gone down for a nap I think I'll just keep the television off while I get stuff done.  After a busy and chaotic weekend I'd like some peace and quiet for awhile.  

Playing on the radio:

Disney Princess music.  Yes, you heard that right.  It's not on the radio but on the computer.  I've been downloading (don't worry - it's being done legally) some Disney Princess music so I can burn a CD for my daughter and our little friend who also loves the songs.  I'm sure they will both enjoy it since they both love Disney Princesses.  Oh and I will admit that I love it too! 

On the menu:

Chicken (as requested by my  little girl) and maybe a side of mashed potatoes and another veggie. 

On my to do list:

Housework

Clean fridge

Vote tomorrow (even the non-presidential elections are just as important)

Hair cut for little one

Buy needed craft supplies

Attend a wine tasting event on Friday with a friend

What I'm sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating:

Still working on updating both baby books.  Just need to add a few pictures to Matthew's and his will be complete.  

Also, when I can grab a few extra bucks I'd like to go to the craft store and make something for Brianna's room.  A wooden B with small wooden letters that will spell her name, paint the big B white and the small letters pink and then glue the smaller letters onto the side of the B.  I've seen it online and thought it's a cute idea.  She needs more stuff for her walls.  

My simple pleasure:

At night when the kids are in bed I love curling up on the couch with my husband.  We'll watch some television and snuggle together.  After a day of chaos with the kids (which I do mostly enjoy) that moment of peace and quiet is so needed.  Even though we're a family and have kids to care for it's still so important for a married couple to take time out as often as they can for each other and I make sure the two of us have that time every night.  

Lesson learned the past week:

To handle everything with a positive attitude.  This is a tough one for me.  I always catch myself complaining about things and have trouble seeing the good in any situation.  Complaining and negative thinking doesn't accomplish anything.  

Looking around the house:

Do I have to say it?  Toys!  Everywhere!  

From the camera:

 Trunk or Treat in the Park last Friday

On my prayer list:

-The government - local, state and federal.  I don't like to get into politics on here but this country is in a huge mess and can use so much prayer.  The state of our country leaves me to feel nothing but fear for the future of my children and all they could be faced with. 
-My children and make sure they continue to grow into healthy and happy individuals.  That I'm able to see that all their needs are met.

- My faith.  It's not as strong as it should be.

Bible verse/Devotional:

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." -- Hebrews 11:1

30 Day Squat/Abs Challenge - November 2013

November is here!  I can't believe it.  The year is almost over.  How did that happen so quickly?  In a few weeks we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving which means lots and lots of good and not-so-healthy food.  

Since a new month is upon us it gives us a new opportunity to start fresh.  Over the summer I found a 30 Day Squat Challenge online and decided to give it a try.  I stuck with it for three consecutive months and then, for some reason, gave up.  I'm still very much interested in fitness and keeping up with it but a busy life happened and I wasn't as regular with exercising as I wanted to be.  Also, I had a goal to run in a 5K on Thanksgiving.  That's not going to happen either.  I haven't been consistent with running and haven't built the endurance and stamina it would take to run over three miles.  I know three miles doesn't seem like a big deal but it is to me.  I'm not a runner ... yet I want to do whatever I can to become one.  I had a goal set to run every morning in the summer but I barely made it happen.  Ugh!  I can kick myself for giving up.  My husband even took me to the store to buy a new pair of running shoes.  Well let's make this clear, I haven't given up and I won't.  It's time to get back into it!

I created another blog specifically to be a log for my exercise goals and achievements.  I wasn't updating that enough so I decided to shut it down and just write my progress on here.  So here we go.

 

I already completed Day 1 and also added a few other exercises.  My body aches right now but I know that's a good feeling, a feeling that will pay off in the long run.  I also use a barbell when doing the squats.  Adding weights is what adds the muscles (my husband keeps reminding me of that).  Start light and then keep adding.  The more weight the better the result. 

So if you're interested in joining me on this challenge I wish you lots of luck.   

How To Do A Basic Squat

 

Halloween

Halloween is tomorrow!  The kids are so excited for it.  It's one of my son's favorite holidays and he looks forward to it all year.  I know some people do not care to celebrate Halloween and that's okay.  You make the choices you feel are right for your family.  It was part of my childhood and I want it to be part of my kids' childhood as well -- along with Santa, the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy.  It's just fun little things that bring them joy.

After a trip to Walmart a few weeks ago we left with a Thor costume for my son and a Minnie Mouse costume for my daughter.  They both picked them out and luckily have been able to wear them multiple times.  Trunk or Treat night at Matthew's school, a benefit for our neighbor and the local amusement park during their "Happy Hauntings."  We'll be trick-or-treating around the neighborhood tomorrow and will attend a Trunk Or Treat In the Park event on Friday.  I'm glad they are making the most out of these costumes but ... sooooo much candy!  Oh my!  What are we going to do with all this candy?  They already have so much and will only be getting more tomorrow.  The worst part is every time I pass the buckets I'm tempted to take one ... and sometimes I do.  Shhh, don't tell them!

 

I've heard several parents make remarks about Halloween and why they choose not to expose their children to this holiday.  It certainly doesn't have to be about ghosts, monsters and everything spooky.  I make it all about kid-appropriate costumes, candy and fun decorations.  You won't find anything spooky and scary in my house.  All fun!  I enjoy these events for my children's happiness. 

Happy Halloween y'all! 

Happy Homemaker Monday - 10/28/13

I'm a little unorganized today so you'll have to excuse me.  Matthew has an "in service" day so there is no school.  We met my parents at Chuck E Cheese for lunch and spent a few hours playing games and winning lots and lots of tickets.  The kids redeemed some of the tickets for small, pathetic prizes and will save the rest for another time.  Now we're home.  Little one is napping and Matthew is playing games on my Mp3 player.  Trying to stay quite for the time being.

So here we go, teaming up with Sandra at Diary of A Stay At Home Mom again for Happy Homemaker Monday.  I did great last week with my meal planning ahead of time but as of now I'm clueless as to what to make for dinner so I'll have to save that for later.  Sandra changed things around, so I'll do it exactly as she did. 

HAPPY HOMEMAKER MONDAY - 10/28/2013

As I look outside my window ...

The sun is shining making the air warm.  There's a breeze but it's hardly cold, not as cold as it had been the last few days.  We left the house this afternoon with winter coats but suddenly didn't need them anymore.  The cold air seemed to have hit us pretty fast but luckily we have a little break today.  Until the sun goes down, of course, then it will be freezing again.  

Right now I am ...

Writing up this blog as quickly as I can go.  Hanging out with my son who sits on the couch playing video games.  If it's what it takes to keep him quite while little sister is napping then so be it.  We're also holding up a conversation too.  I love this boy!  He's getting over a cold but still has a terrible cough, especially once he's running around.  I'd love for him to rest but he just wants to run around today. 

Thinking and pondering ...

Of all the things that need done around the house.  It's so messy ... and yet here I am blogging.  ha!  Also trying to come up with a meal plan for the week.  I think I'm just going to skip it all and enjoy having my boy home today and worry about everything tomorrow.  I may bring the kids to the park if the warm weather stays for awhile. 

On my bedside table ...

Still reading In Pursuit of Peace by Joyce Meyer.  Actually, I haven't had much time to sit down and read.  I've been on my feet doing this and that for the last week and nothing seems to be getting done.  

On my tv tonight ...

There isn't a set show we watch on Monday nights right now so I'm sure we'll be skipping around between the World Series (though I don't care for either team) and maybe some other shows.  

Playing on the radio ...

My hubby bought me a speaker for my Mp3 player so while I'm in the kitchen cooking or whenever the kids decide they want a dance party I turn on Pandora and it's usually kids music.  For me, I've been listening to a lot of Contemporary Christian music lately.  If not that, then anything we can dance to.  

On the menu for the week ...

Like I said, I didn't prepare this yet.  I will get back to it once I have it done.  Last week I was able to get it all done ahead of time and I made some awesome meals! 

Monday - spaghetti and meatballs 

On my to do list ...

So much housework.  It just doesn't stop

Laundry, and lots of it!

One more baseball practice and one more game for Matthew and then we're done until spring.

Attend friend's wedding this weekend.  Her and I went to high school together and I haven't seen her for years.  Can't wait.  

What I'm sewing, crocheting, knitting or creating ...

I usually keep this one out because I don't sew, crochet or knit (although I wish I did).  I love being crafty, especially with the kids, but lately we haven't been doing anything.  I cut out some pumpkin shapes with construction paper so the kids could draw on them but they weren't interested.  I really have to work on updating both baby books.  Matthew's needs a few finishing touches (since it stops at age 5 and he's almost 6) and I hardly put anything into Brianna's.  

I also have a coupon to make a free photobook on Shutterfly and have been wanting to create one.  Just need to find the time to sit at the computer and gather the photos I want.  

My simple pleasure ...

Lately, it's been chocolate.  The kids have gone trick-or-treating at Matthew's school and also at a local amusement park and will be going around the neighborhood on Halloween.  I've been randomly diving into their buckets for a piece of candy or they offer me one.  My weakness is Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.  Bad, I know.  

Lesson learned the past week ...

 I'm always learning something, even if it's just a reminder of something I've already known.  For instance, I've been struggling with not worrying about what certain people think of me.  I know it doesn't matter what they think.  It only matters what God thinks.  Still, I like certain people in my life to understand that I am doing my best and trying my hardest and doing a better job then what I get credit for.  If they don't spend all day with me then they do not know me and what I go through, therefore, I shouldn't worry what others think.  

Looking around my house ...

Yikes!  A mess of toys everywhere.  My son is on the couch playing video games.  I'm glad he's home today.  

From the camera ...

 

On my prayer list ...

Family and friends, as always

My husband and the physical pain he's been going through

Bible verse/Devotional ...

"Let all that you do be done in love" -- 1 Corinthians 16:14