Tuesday, April 7, 2015

Time to get real....

So, I've decided to step WAY out of my comfort zone and post about why I have taken a jump into this new healthy lifestyle and why I think you would even be interested in knowing the information! I mean I'm really comfortable showing pictures of the boys and our crazy days yet tend to not include much about myself. I think it's because I'm usually the one behind the camera! I also think I purposefully am always the one behind the camera. Anyone else like that?!?! So I decided it was time for a change. I really just have this passion at the moment to share what's been making me feel so much healthier. 

 Summer 2014
 This past weekend!

It all really started a few months ago when my five-year old, Max, asked me why I was always so tired in the afternoon. I mean I could totally take a nap every day when my two littlest ones were napping. That is the time when Max knew he could get a little one-on-one time with me before his older brother came home from school. But really, all I wanted to do was nap. Something just wasn't clicking. I have always really liked to exercise and even completed a half-marathon November 1 of 2014.
My sister and I before the race. It was really cold!
 But, my work-outs were hit and miss and depending on my kiddos schedules and if they were well enough to go to the gym daycare. I was happy, don't get me wrong. But I still felt not yet comfortable in my own skin. I mean, I was falling asleep every day, right?!?! My journey then took a change. And, I'm so excited to be along for the ride! I started the PiYo program at home (thanks Mom for letting me STILL borrow the discs!).  I was able to get great motivation for 5 a.m. workouts thanks to my early morning partner in crime (I could not get up that early without you Alicia!!). I knew though I needed to get my eating in check to really make getting up that early worth my time. It's precious hours of sleep you know. So, my when a fabulous friend (your really are awesome Traci!) asked me to try Shakeology and the 21 Day Fix program with her I thought, "Can I really do this?". It sounded like just the boost I needed but could I really do it? My answer now, YES!! Shakeology has really given me my energy back and the nutrition I was totally missing! I love the feeling that eating good non-processed foods has given me. I mean I still sneak a few bites of the kiddos treats now and again, no one's perfect! Brad and I still enjoy an occasional date night out. Every in moderation!!  I just now look at my eating habits a little differently. I have been able to incorporate the 21 Day Fix ideas into my everyday life. It's just the ability to enjoy a super nutritious shake with appropriate portioned size food and exercise has put my health and self-confidence into an entire new perspective!

My motivation for being as healthy as I can be. My reasons for doing a little something for "me" so I can be a better mommy to them. The MOST awesome job in the world!

 I decided to become a "coach" not for the money making aspect (although, really, who doesn't mind that perk!) but to be able to possibly give to someone this information that has truly impacted my life! I have studied health and fitness for that simple reason to help others. I honestly believe the ideas from the Beachbody workouts (especially for the the 21 Day Fix Program and Shakeology) can really help others! I'm still not perfect but it's really about the journey. My ability to stay healthy to keep up with my four munchkins! To help me stay accountable through this thing called life. And that is what joining this group has done! It's an amazing group of women who help motivate and support each other. We all have our own goals but helping each other be the best version of themselves is something we all have in common!

I actually meal plan now for myself and my family! It's amazing the relief of having dinner planned and not scrambling to find something to feed the hungry masses! Plus, I find myself doing a lot less "grazing" as I like to call it! Eating all the food the boys has left behind!

My first actual "selfie".  I am getting brave!

I took this yesterday at the start of a new 21 Day Fix Challenge!  Will keep you updated on the progress!

After the last challenge I got some amazing results!
My Measurements (you have to know it takes a lot to put this out there!)
Weight lost : 7 lbs
Waist: down 2"
Thigh: down 2"
Hips: down 2"
Mid-waist measurement: down 5"

Excited to see what the next month holds! So, if you want to learn more about my this awesome program now let me know! If you feel stuck in a rut like I did, let's chat (and no it's not a sales things, it's a maybe we can swap ideas and help each other thing!). If you have something that is working for you please let me know! I am always wanting to learn and get new ideas. I couldn't do this thing called life without the support of my family and friends. We need to continue to support each other! Keep striving to be the best version of ourselves. I want to keep growing, keep learning and keep experiencing new things! I've always heard "It takes a village" whether you're talking about raising a family or completing a project. 
Let's do this together!

Monday, April 6, 2015

Easter 2015

HE is Risen! What a time to celebrate!

So thankful God has given me these people to be a family. I can't imagine it any other way.

I can't say enough about this guy. Even though he refuses to smile in pictures (ha ha!), I would not make it through this thing we call life without him. He is my best friend and the person that supports me on everything. He is a AWESOME dad, hard worker and totally listens (mostly) to all my crazy talk. Thank you for making it through each day with me!

Now a little Easter festivities photo download...
 
Our Lenten message must have made it into this guys brain. He decided to bless himself with some dirt outside and then bless his siblings!
 
A little Easter egg hunting!


 Barbre cuties!

Cousins (minus Miles who was NOT going to get his picture taken!)  


A couple of notable from the week I didn't want to forget!

Typical Max. I truly believe he will save lives!

I can find Miles like this multiple times a day. He loves Trudie.


Spring has begun/Spring Break 2015

Yay!! After the bitter cold of the past few months we are all so excited to have a little more sunshine, a little warmer temperatures and the chance to be outside!! We are all counting down the weeks left in school (is that sad?) as the want to be outside in the evenings grow. Spring update and photo overload here we come!

A school delay for cold temperatures prompted us to get out for a doughnut breakfast!

Life happenings from the month!
On the lookout for Mason's bus to arrive
They thought this was funny!

Sweet boy!
 A little wall climbing. This was Max's first time trying. He did awesome!

Mason FINALLY got a Cub Scout uniform ;)

 

And then this happened...

Max was sooo excited for Kindergarten round-up. It was all he talked or asked about for weeks. We even marked it specially on the calender to count down the days. He came straight home and started on his "homework" in his goodie bag. He continues to ask when school actually starts and I have a feeling he will be ready!

Crazy Indiana weather. A heat wave after a foot of snow!


 So excited to be outside.

 Until you fall in the mud!


Due to all the snow days, Mason ended up with just a week of Spring Break. Brad thought he might need to travel to Minneapolis that week for work. I promptly decided we were NOT going to stay in town on Spring Break with just me and the kids. So, we tagged along and really did have a lot of fun as we headed NORTH to colder temperatures for the break.

A stop at the Wisconsin Dells for a indoor waterpark. Max and Mason had so much fun going down the water slides and swimming in the "big" pool. Matthew and Miles loves the "kid" pool. It really did have something for all ages. I see us going back there soon!
We stopped by the Minneapolis Science Museum...
They really did like it, just not loving their picture being taken!


The Mall of America...
They had an awesome aquarium where the boys could pet Manta Rays!



I think it's safe to say we wore them out.


And there was an awesome indoor playground close to where we stayed..





I think it was a pretty awesome trip. Brad went to work and the boys and I toured the city. They did so great staying in a hotel, driving around and exploring. I hope we can keep traveling so well and visit new things.

We ended the weekend in St. Louis to visit family and go to LegoFest. My parents meet us there and we stayed close to Brandi and John's house so Parker, Mac and Gabby could visit a lot too. We swam in the hotel both nights. Max started swimming without floaties. Matthew started swimming on his own with his floaties and Mason started swimming backwards. Craziness. The boys loved LegoFest and we are grateful for my Mom and Dad for keeping the Miles and Gabby so we didn't have to worry so much about naps. I would totally recommend going if you have kiddos into legos.















It was such beautiful weather we ended Saturday playing outside near in St. Charles. All the kids loved walking along the trails and a good game of freeze tag.