Goal Summary 2017

You can view my 2017 goal list HERE.

1. Started several books.  Didn't finish one.  ...sigh...
   
2. No crops.  Zero.  I did grow some awesome flowers though!  Does that count?
   
3. There was lots of purging and ridding of uneccesary things.  Not in an orderly fashion, but the effort counts, right?
   
4. I did sell some antiques.  I did buy new furniture on December 22nd, for our new house... but it got done y'all!
   
5. Home repairs done.  We sold that house and the repairs were required for the sale! 
   
6. Nada on the exercise.  Next....
   
7. Nope on the MK sales director and nope on the quit teaching.  I have actually found a renewed passion for that one lately.  The MK is still fun, but less passion is present!
   
8. Still working on the debt payoff plan.  We sold our Mason Falls Drive house and we will be able to use our profits to pay off most debt.  We are still waiting on the closing of our new house to do that. 
   
9. We did repaint all those rooms listed.  We didn't do any of those other major repairs because we sold that house. 
   
10. Good GRAVY--a  lot can change in 12 months.  Looking back at this list... I see some of the things I wanted to do were a good idea, but I have learned that I have to create TANGIBLE goals with a way to track them.  Be on the lookout for #goalpost2018 soon with measurable goals that I can actually track and achieve! 
    
11. Meanwhile, Merry Christmas!  

2015 Re-cap Goals. Update. Laugh.

Goals for 2015.

1. Lose the last bit of baby weight and keep it off this year, possibly forever.
   My body has been in a constant up and down lbs. battle since mid 2009.  Pregnancy, baby, pregnancy, baby, weight loss, baby, better weight.... to be continued.
   
   This did not happen.
     
2. Declutter the house, one room at a time.
   Now that we have reached the 'last baby' stage I feel like we will be able to gradually remove things that are no longer being saved for 'later.'  I will also be able to remove my 5-6 size range wardrobe and focus on a smaller selection of clothing.  Advocare and exercise will help.
   
   We are working on this, but have made major progress this year!  Onto the last phase soon!
    
3. Finish decorating the living room, buy new couches/chairs, and paint that room.
   Finally.  We have lived there for almost 3 years.... long enough to have painted the rooms.
   
   Yeah, no.  Put that on the new list of 'honey-dos'...
   
4. Become a Mary Kay sales director by April.
   This will require multiple steps, but it is a goal... with a deadline.  And that deadline opens up so many other doors that I can barely stand it.
   
   Not that one either. but MAN, I'm ready for it.  This year.  Is.  My.  Year.
   
5. Organize my home office and my 'room' at the house.
   The craft room/office/crap room needs a face lift.
   
   Done.  Next, paint.
   
6. PLANT FLOWERS AND VEGETABLES.
   
   I planted flowers.  Half done.
   
7. I want to unplug myself once a month for a whole weekend and just be Carrie the mom, the wife, the cook, the cleaner, the house keeper.... and not respond to calls or texts or emails or any social networks. I feel like doing that in spurts makes me rely on that a lot less to entertain myself.  I look forward to it.
   
   I think this needs re-evaluation.  I did spend more intentional time in 2015, but I don't think I'm satisfied with the things that happened
   
8. Disney fund growth.
   Deposit a consistent amount monthly into the account for our 2016 trip.  :)  I'm hoping for a February or Spring Break trip!
   
   I depleted the fund for our LAST minute trip at Thanksgiving.  Give me a minute and I'll load those pictures..
   
9. Establish a fitness routine that I can maintain with my mommy lifestyle.
   I am 100% certain this will mean me buying a treadmill or something before it happens because I'm not going to the gym.  I am also 100% sure this means I will be exercising in the early morning hours because that is the best time for me.
   
   This did not happen.  At all.  I actually QUIT the gym.  I have GOT to work on that.
   
10. Actually complete tasks I start.
    
    This is going to be a LIFE LONG GOAL and nothing I will accomplish in 2016 either...

Overall, I need to work on setting attainable goals and creating a plan to achieve them.  I have great goals in mind, I just need to work on my plans to make them happen.

30 weeks #3

After the SnowJam2014 I decided to be slightly crazy and take the kids by myself at 30 weeks pregnant to see Frozen in theaters.  I packed tissue, snacks, and beverages for all.  It was a pleasant day and there weren't any major hiccups.  I decided to go ahead and take my '30 weeks SB' pictures that day since I had an available adult to help.  I had a slight delay/distraction with a stubborn, camera hoggin' 2 year old little girl.  But after viewing these photos... I couldn't help but laugh at her.

I mean, how do you say no to that?

Here I am.

30 weeks with Spencer Brynne Cochran.

27 weeks with Hayes

32 weeks with Hayes

34 weeks with Elizabeth

28 weeks with Elizabeth

Just some comparison pictures for your viewing pleasure.  Oddly enough, I haven't gained as much as I did with either of my first two.  I'm not sure my belly pictures reflect the weight gain, since I have a giant belly!  I know this girl is growing and active.  We will get to 'plan' her birth date this week at the doctor's appointment on Thursday morning!  I am secretly hoping that my doctor is working on April 10, 2014.  I would really like that to be Spencer Brynne's birth date.  Unless she decides to come earlier than that...

After the photo session, the Frozen viewing, and a meltdown from Elizabeth in the car... I got to spend time with Hayes as he watched every single song from Frozen on my laptop while he ate dinner.  His personal favorite, Let It Go, was played at least 15 times.  

As we are nearing the end of this pregnancy, and the last pregnancy we planned on purpose, I am becoming more tired and more sad about it.  I think knowing this is my 'last time to do such & such' or my last kick/roll/punch from inside my belly makes this whole thing bittersweet.  I am thrilled to be having another baby.  I would have 10 if I thought I could manage it.  But I cannot imagine chasing 3 little people around while pregnant again!  It has been so challenging for the last month and grows more difficult with every passing week.  Large belly+active preschoolers=hard time for momma.

I'm trying to soak up every last minute of the next 10 weeks and just enjoy being pregnant.

Remind me of that when I'm complain of exhaustion....

My 2014 To Do List

1. I am going to grow plants this summer.  I'd like to grow a lot, but I'll settle for a few.  Tomatoes, beets, cucumbers, carrots, squash, and zucchini, to start with.  I'm researching methods via Pinterest right now and will start seedlings as directed once the time is right.  I suppose I'll need to do this on the back porch or in the garage for the meantime.  I plan to use the small area by the garage to grow my veggies in large planters or raised beds.  Who wants to build me those?
   
   Clearly we won't be working on this until March-ish.  I have started buying some bulbs I need to bury ASAP so they will bloom in Spring.  Had I known we would be frozen for 3 days, I would have done it last week.
   
2. Run races.  As in, plural.  I have run my pregnancy races and I have one more to go.  I'd really like to be able to run a few more races after the baby comes.  I know I'll need time to heal since I will be having a child via surgery in April... I'm hoping I can schedule some races in June/July.
   
   I desperately want to run/walk another race before Spencer Brynne makes her arrival, but the countdown is on and the number of weekends decreases quickly.  Plus, I can't do all of the races with the kids, etc... I'm still looking for the RIGHT one before she gets here.  After she arrives, I'll start racing again in June and register for one every other month after that.
   
3. Buy the dang minivan.  This is a lingering 2013 goal... I wonder if I knew that my husband was going to let me have another baby AND we were going to and that's why I made that goal in 2013?  Either way, I cannot wait to be the proud owner of a minivan.  I see this happening in March.
   
   Yeah, hasn't happened yet.  I know I have about 10 weeks until baby gets here, so obviously that is a major priority.  After this past week's snow/ice drama I want something with 4WD.  We might reconsider that whole minivan thing and buy a tank.
   
4. Build my business.  I suppose this means I need to work on the business.  I have several of them I could work on, but none that I really focus on.  I love Advocare products.  I use them regularly.  I also love Mary Kay products, they are lovely.  I have a great love for my sewing machine and should use it more often.  I would like to be able to grow one or all of those into something successful that generates income so that I could stay home with my babies one day.  Yep, another goal for another year, but I'll work on it in 2014.
   
   Thankfully, I have been working on the hairbows!  I have had several larger orders and I even made myself a Facebook page for Knot Just Hairbows!  I'm going to market myself to local high school sports teams this spring and keep working towards that.  One thing at a time...
   
5. Paint and decorate the kid's rooms.  We have to move Libby to the bigger room and put Hayes in the smaller room since we will be housing two girls.  This project was on my agenda for Christmas break, but it is not likely to happen this week.  I have to buy Libby bunk beds and then we can make the move.  Hoping for February?
   
   This month.  Paint colors picked out.  Princess and Superhero murals are in the works.  Bunk beds to come in March.  Rooms will be painted in 3 weeks.  I am very excited about that.
    
6. Plant flowers in the yard this spring and summer.  I love seeing my neighbors lovely yards and I'd like to have my own this year.
   
   Bulbs bought.  Planters in the works.  Totally acceptable to spray paint the cheap plastic ones?  Yes....
   
7. Develop a budget/plan to save for future Disney trips and eventually yearly passes.  I love going to see The Mouse.  I love that my kids want to go there often as well.  I want nothing more than to take them there all the time.  As a matter of fact, we could just move there and I'd be thrilled.  I'm working on this part.
   
   I have booked us a trip to WDW in September of 2014.  Speaking of, I need to make a payment on that soon.  I also have been working on a savings plan for our 2015 trip.
   
8. I would love to be able to use my blog as a venue to make some extra income for my family as well.  I am going to investigate that and look for income via my blog while on maternity leave.
   
   I haven't looked into this, but I have been diligently increasing my traffic to the blog and plan to continue that through Facebook and Pinterest.  Hopefully I can be blog famous one day (or at least make mom-ney, so I can stay home)...
   
9. Purge.  Clean out the closets, rooms, drawers, cabinets, and garage and rid this house of unnecessary objects, clutter, junk, and excess.  We need to learn to live with less and be happy with that.
   
   In the great snow storm I managed to clean out 2 closets and organize the kids clothes for the upcoming season.  I need to take 'baby girl clothes' inventory and make a list of what I need for Spencer Brynne's arrival.  I also plan to tackle the garage shelves that I'm responsible for this week.  One room at a time, right?
   
10.  Wake up earlier during the week and make time for myself.  Enjoy coffee, or a book, or the quiet.  I could make breakfast for myself or the littles, or just put on my makeup like a normal person.
    
    Yeah, just no.  Just not happening.  I think I might be a failure at this goal.  Oops.

I am going to spend some time working on these and I will likely add to them as I go.  

I don't do snow.

Unless you live under a rock, you probably already know that it snowed a lot in Georgia.  Well, considering that it IS Georgia, it was a lot.  In our state we are not prepared to handle mass quantities of snow or ice.  We deal with winter storms this severe about once every 2-3 years, so it isn't a huge concern for most of us.  The government doesn't invest much money into winter storm prep or winter storm precautionary measures.  Most of the time you mention that 4 letter 's' word in Georgia and the whole state begins to panic, rush to the stores to buy groceries, head home immediately after that, and then we wait for the cancellations to roll in.  

I happened to be in a lunch meeting south of Atlanta when the snow really started coming down.  We finished up our meeting and headed home around 1 p.m. Tuesday.  The drive normally takes a solid hour.  I was planning to take the interstate all the way home because I figured it would be less congested.  I changed my mind and headed home my normal route.  The normal route included some back roads and those less traveled, but I was confident that I made the best decision.  Around 2 p.m. I realized I was stuck.  We had traveled most of the way home and only had minimal miles left to go.  Actually, I think my GPS (who I lovingly call Bonnie) said I had 19 miles to home from that spot where I was stuck.

I wasn't stuck because I couldn't move, but I was stuck because the people in front of me couldn't move and didn't know that momentum UP the hill covered in ice was critical.  So, nobody moving means stuck.  I am 7 months pregnant.  Thankfully I had a huge lunch and wasn't even hungry during the course of the whole adventure, but my baby was bladder dancing and that was NOT fun.  I spoke to my parents multiple times and assured them I was doing the best I could.  My children were safe.  My husband was safe.  My parents and siblings were safe, and I was stuck.  

Finally, my dad called one of his best friends who was about 10 minutes away from my location.  He quickly ran to my rescue in his 4 wheel drive truck.  I spent about 90 minutes sitting on the side of the road before their arrival.  Jim (dad's friend) and James (Jim's son) jumped out of the truck and quickly began helping.  Jim decided to move my car and I asked that James do all the driving.  At this point I was so grateful to see them that I was trying not to cry!  Just knowing that I was going to make it home before midnight and wouldn't be stranded was such a blessing to me.  

We waited behind a salt/sand truck for almost an hour and I snacked on sour gummy worms.  Jim follwoed behind as James drove my car to a nearby grocery store parking lot and I was finally able to use the restroom after almost 5 hours in the car.  We decided that my car wasn't safe to drive all the way home because it was spinning so badly on the ice.  We left my car there and I'm praying that it is still there, unharmed, tomorrow when I attempt to retrieve it.  I was a nervous wreck just riding home, so I was beyond grateful that I wasn't driving.  

We encountered multiple issues on the way home.  There were cars stranded on the side of the road and cars who still had people in them trying to drive forward or backward or any way just to get home.  At one point we saw a car that looked as though it was vertical and barely hanging onto the side of the road.  Not once did I feel unsafe.  Not once was I worried that I wasn't going to make it home.  We drove down and then back up two giant hills with cars lining both sides of the road just stuck.  The roads were in terrible shape and many vehicles were abandoned on the side of the road.  I suppose those people got picked up or managed to walk home.

Jim stopped to gas up about 3 miles from my house.  We had to drop off the student I was traveling with and then Jim made his final delivery of the night.  The stressed, crazed, hungry, and exhausted pregnant lady was finally home.  I managed not to cry throughout the entire day.  I will tell you that my two little ones running into my arms once I was finally home almost did me in.  I was able to swallow my lump and hold back the tears though!  I offered beverages and snacks to my rescue team and they politely declined.  I offered the restroom.... again declined.

I sent them home with directions back to a familiar road so they could make it home.  I will never EVER be able to explain how grateful I am for that drive home.  The men who came to get me and my student.  The time they took away from their family and the generosity they showed to me... it is something I will never forget.  The biggest 'favor' of my life during the most critical storm I can remember.  I can buy every restaurant gift card and say thank you 9000 times and it will never EVER be enough.

Carseat Lessons

Okay y'all.  I'm a car seat nazi.  I follow all the rules and I'm neurotic about installing them appropriately.  I blame my mother.  I was in middle school when she began working with SafeKids in Douglas County and I volunteered with her several times.  It was around that age that I learned just how important those giant chunks of plastic and metal were for tiny children.  I have been a stickler for the rules ever since 1994.  I can't help it.

When I found out I was pregnant I threw myself into car seat research.  I did more research about car seats and which ones were the safest than I did about birthing methods.  Regret that, yes... but only because I should have learned more about birthing options.  Lesson noted... moving on.  I found the highest ranked car seat according to Consumer Reports and several other reputable parenting magazines and journals.  I was determined to get the best for my babies.

About the time Hayes was born most seats had a weight limit of 22-25 lbs.  Well, I don't have tiny babies.  We hit that weight limit well before the first birthday.  I had to buy an additional 'bucket seat' as I call them about halfway through Hayes' first year.  His birth weight was 7 lbs 12 oz, and he weighed close to 17 lbs at 6 months.  No way we were going to get to that first birthday in the 22 lbs car seat.  I bought a seat with a higher weight limit, but it was just like the bucket we already had.  Same colors and all.  Thankfully I was smart enough to save ALL of my gift cards to buy that once we had received every shower gift under the sun.

Now, we have all these new recommendations for rear facing vs. forward facing until they are 2.  Both of my children began facing forward shortly after their first birthdays.  They both had reached the weight limit for the seat they were in and I was comfortable with them riding forward in a car seat.  I will never forget the first time Hayes rode facing forward and I got to watch his face while we drove through town.  He was amazed and his blue eyes lit up as we passed each new set of street lights.  However, with Spencer Brynne I do believe we will keep SB facing backwards until she turns 2.  Technically this should be easier because she should be seated close to her siblings and they will be facing forward, thus able to entertain her.

I see that some people have their reasons for facing them forward earlier, but I am concerned about safety and that's pretty much it.  So SB will be riding backwards until she's 2 and I'll be buying ANOTHER car seat to add to the collection I already have.  Between parents, nannies, and grandparents we have 9 car seats.  NINE.  I only have 2 children (currently).... We will have to buy one more for SB and then a new booster or two for Hayes once SB is old enough to face the front.  Should have bought stock in Graco and Chicco 5 years ago....

Thanksgiving Races and Pregnancy

My goal with this pregnancy was to NOT gain 700 lbs.

I haven't done well with weight gain prior to this pregnancy, but I'm proud of myself this go round.

I wish I had more time and energy to be active, but I just don't.

Kudos to you people who do just that!

I am trying to be more mindful of my eating habits and my body.

I eat when I'm hungry and try to be healthy...

don't we all!?

I decided that I wanted to complete some 5k races during this pregnancy.

My goal was one rave per trimester.

So far, so good.

I've got one more trimester to go and I'll have it done!

The pregnancy and the races...

First race was in August.

Run or Dye with the jogging stroller and the husband.

It was awesome.

I was barely pregnant and ran the majority of it.

Daryk and I decided a loooooooong time ago in 2013 we wanted to do the Turkey Day 5k.

So Thanksgiving morning long before the actual sun came up, we got up.

It. was. freezing.

I had on my favorite Old Navy running tights and multiple layers on top!

The race started & ended at Turner Field.

The porta potties closest to our car had ZERO toilet paper.

Um, gross and cold.

We arrived on time, parked the car, and sat inside until we absolutely HAD to go start.

Of course, you have to take pictures of it or it doesn't count, right!?

Selfie number 1.

After this Daryk says, 'hurry up and take another facie already.'

I burst out laughing because he said facie and not selfie...

I was dying laughing at his attempt at the cool vocab.

So I got this picture....

The race began.

We froze while running.

I wish that I could have felt my fingers.

The pictures available that day would have been hilarious.

There were people dressed as pilgrims, turkeys, and other food items.

Some people had hats that looked like turkeys as well.

I wanted to run as much of the race that I could.

Mind you, I didn't train and I'm out of shape.

As well as 5 months pregnant...

So I ran as much as I could.

The hardest part of running while pregnant wasn't being out of shape or being pregnant.

It was the bladder!

Thankfully somewhere between mile 1.5-2.5 there was a BP station open!

A very kind man let me use the facilities and I was able to run again.

As we were finishing our 5k there were people running across the finish like for the 

HALF marathon as well.

Insanity.

I was just proud to FINISH and not pee my pants or die.

Thankfully some sweet girl took our photos afterwards.

We got yummy snacks and some great race day goodies from the Verizon booth!

So proud to finish that race WITH my baby belly and hubby.

Planning a 5k in January and hoping for another in March!

After that, I'll be on light duty until August because of the baby girl!

Run or Dye

Just getting warmed up and checked in....
This is the part where you wait in line for the porta potties...

Hayes is so cooperative for photos.
He just loves them.
Pre race/pre color.

Again, with the cooperative child.
Isn't he so pleasant?

We found some color in the parking lot that we touched and threw at each other.
Libby LOVED it... Hayes still hates his life.

We do not like loud music.

See?

We were blue after the first color and SMURF attack!
Once we started moving Hayes was MUCH nicer to deal with.
I really think they liked running through the city.

And we are all finished!
I meant to snap a picture after every color so we could see the progression, but I failed.
We ran most of the way taking turns with our stroller and having water as we went!
The kids LOVED it!



These two are just so sweet!



I finally got a smile-ish from Hayes!





We had so much fun running in Atlanta for the Run or Dye race.
I love these 'fun' races that aren't stressful or timed.
It was nice just to be able to have fun with my kids and husband!





Update 2013

So, its 2013.

I vow to complete at LEAST 13 tasks.

I thought I'd provide an update on my 2013 life goals.

I'm still working on some of them.

1.  Run one race a month.  Half marathon, 5k, 10k, something.  Every month.

Let's just assume this one isn't going to happen.
It is July.
I have run zero races...
I have one scheduled in August, but um... 

2.  Pay off all the medical bills.

Welllllll, Daryk hurt his knee, again.
We are in the hole again with that one, but that is the ONLY one right now!

3.  Pay off Daryk's truck.... and buy a minivan.

Writing the last check for that truck in August.
Saving for a mini van for 6 months and then going to buy one... or something of the like.

4.  Learn to focus on the task at hand.

I am going to assume this is something God is teaching me daily.
I am still working on it and trying to get better.
I would venture to say that this goal has made taken my list making to a whole new level.

5.  Grow a summer garden consisting of tomatoes and herbs.

No garden for me, yet.
Thinking of growing some herbs this fall inside the house.

6.  Create or craft something new every month.

Doing very well with this one!
I've been making headbands, baby carriers, shorts, and I'm tackling skirts this month!

7.  Play soccer with grown ups.

I played in an adult women's league for FUN this spring.
I LOVED the calorie burn, the friendship, AND the fact that I got to play soccer.

8.  Read one book every month for fun.

I read 3 books for FUN at the beach in one week in July.
3/12 months... I better get another couple in the que.

9.  Use my food dehydrator for fruit and such.

I tried this and concluded that it was more work than it was worth.
Anybody want a dehydrator?

10.  Blog at least four times a week.

Yeah, no.
I'm better about it though!
Perhaps my more realistic goal would have been 2-3 times a week.

11.  Print pictures of my kids every month to give or mail to my family.

Oh my goodness.
I need to work on this one.

12.  Paint and decorate.  this.  house.  

We painted the kitchen.
I'm hoping to tackle the master bedroom and bath while Daryk is in Fargo.

13.  Organize the bleeping garage.

Garage was done in May.
It was a team effort with help from Daryk.
Funny story about that day....
It was a Friday morning and while we were cleaning the garage.
I bet 4 people stopped to ask if we were having a garage sale....
Nope.
We just have a lot of crap.

And these are the others that are floating in my head....

clean out the closets and storage areas of my home
worked in the kids closets some
cleaned out the master closet some as well
planning to work in the other areas this week

reward my fitness efforts with yoga pants, not for yoga, just lounging because I love those pants.
bought lots of walmart fitness clothes
love those!

potty train Libby James late summer
she is ALMOST done
almost

I shall update you all every month on how the list is coming along and what I get done, or not...

Obviously, some of these things will not get done until later in the year.

They are my goals.

My tasks to complete.

Push-ups and Wrestling

Just another day in the life of a Marine on vacation at the lake with a toddler.

Pushups and wrestling....

Miss you Buddy!

Tuesday Spring Break

Chick fil A day.
My baby sister works at corporate office so we got to take a field trip!
YAY!

We met the cows, fondled the cows, loved on the cows, and kissed them bye.

She was a bit hesitant of the cows.

But she LOVES to put on a show for everyone.

We had to carefully watch her because she almost climbed into the fountains!

One more grunt and she might have managed to hoist her hiney right over the stones into the water.

Wouldn't even surprise me ONE bit.

She is my adventurous child.

She has no fear and lovingly dares us to chase her as the runs off to another adventure.

This boy, however, is overly cautious.

He is very hesitant to try new things and doesn't want to be directed to do anything he doesn't choose to do.

He's a very careful little guy.

Curious, but cautious.

This is their BFF at the gym.

We cannot make a trip to the gym without stopping to take a picture with Armstrong the frog.

Monday Spring Break

I huffed it up and down and around my hood for almost 3 miles Monday morning.  

I almost died from pollen poisoning.

Does everyone else feel the same?  

Oh, wait, just all of Georgia?

Yes because our pollen count is enough for 50 cities combined.

Oh Spring, I love thee, but I could live without all the pine tree and flower sex that pollen creates.

I was huffing while these two commanded that I 'go wealllly fast momma' as they played on their iTouch.

Punks.

Also, their feet were propped up.

Seriously?

And occasionally Hayes would say things like, 'I got snot momma.'

Code for 'wipe my nose now, please.'

Of course I did, or else he's wearing a line of snot across his cheek and his sleeve.

Little potty break after the walk.

After the shortest nap ever we went to get yogurt.

Note to self, don't get the plain yogurt flavor.

Flavor matters VERY little to my children, they prefer the color of yogurt over flavor.

And sprinkles.

They love those.

Spoonful of sprinkles.

After we left yogurt land we drove across the street to The Mother Ship.

Hobby Lobby or Hovvy Lovvy as Hayes calls it.

Dinner consisted of taco salad?

I can't remember anything these days.

Oh yes!

Taco salad and Elizabeth ate 5 lbs of corn.

We all prayed that her digestive system held out on that one until AFTER she went to the lake!

Sorry MawMaw & PawPaw, but its coming!

We took the wagon out for a spin after dinner and went for some playtime on the swings.

Monday of Spring Break was pretty amazing.

AHHHHHHHHHHH!

The kids went to bed and I proceeded to make my 'dessert'.....

Strawberries, bananas, chocolate chips, and sugar free chocolate syrup....

I stumbled across this monster berry!

They were supposed to be organic!?

This guy was tasty, albeit and little weird.

Comparable to the Giant Hail we had last month!

Spring Break: 3 days in.

Kitchen has been repainted.

It was a heinous yellow color that was almost blinding it was so bright.

Now it is a glossy sorta green ish that barely looks like a color, but it is.

I love it.

I'm pretty excited to get some decorating done!

My step mom was kind enough to come help me paint it!

She's also taking my kids the last half of the week....

I'm going to shop at some thrift and antique stores for some decor while they are gone!

We went to play at the park today.

I didn't feel so well, so I didn't play too much.

The kids had a BLAST!

Success with the sewing machine today!

I bought a headband like this online a few weeks ago.

Actually, they were on sale so I bought four.

I became obsessed with them.

They stay put on my hair all day long, through any activity.

They are amazing!

I decided I would figure it out and make my own!

I ventured to Hobby Lobby (the mother ship as Kitty calls it) last week.

Got the ribbon, the backside ribbon, and elastic needed.

Made the headband today.

I might decide to sell them and pay back my college loans with the profit.

I need a catchy name...

Any ideas?

Got 3 things on my to do list done this weekend!

Maybe I need to add a few more things to the list?

If I have enough time and I'm brave enough I'll make a skirt or pants for myself...

Spring Break Goals

We moved in August. 

I have yet to paint any of the house on the inside.

It is beginning to annoy me.

Mind you, I'm the WORST about starting a project and not every finishing it.

THE.  WORST. 

Just ask my husband, it is probably the most annoying trait I have.

I have grand ideas about things.

Very lofty ideas.

And I start the project, get about 1/3 of the way through, and find something else to do.

Maybe I just have extreme adult A.D.D.

Either way, I'm beginning to annoy myself.

So, I have a week off from school and I have a to do list.

Here's hoping I'm going to check at LEAST half of them off the list. 

My goal is 100% completion, but I'm not going to beat myself up if I don't get it all done.

Clearly, #4 & #5 take priority.  :) 

And I can't take good care of the babies if I don't take care of me.

# 6 & #7 are also pretty important as well. 

The rest are just things I want to get done.

Here's hoping the babies take long naps during the week!

Chaos, but not cha-ohs...

I am selling Advocare.

I'm so excited about it that I bought all these cute bags and packaged things with bows!

Go read my story and order products here.

I'd love to sell you fancy stuff and help you with weight loss, energy, and looking fabulous at any age!

I'm excited to try the 24 day challenge and add new products this month!

Also, I want these shoes.

The end.

Why is Easter candy so daunting?

I swear it is making fun of me.

Poking at me because it knows I can't eat it this week!

Jacklegs.

I sent stickers instead.

I'm sure some parents hate me for that too.

This is my 'I just found out that one of my students got an amazing scholarship face'.

I sent her this pic after she sent me the text message!

I am SO very proud of her and all the work she has done to get this far.

I cannot wait to see how my Galia keeps going forward!

Much love to you sweet girl and sweet success because you deserve it!

Being a teacher gets better and better....

despite the hours and pay...

and papers to grade and such...

Pause Disney...for soccer..

I played soccer yesterday afternoon for the first time in 5 years.

I haven't played competitive soccer in about, um, 10 years.  Possibly 11.

I played briefly in college until I got hurt and couldn't play anymore.

Stress fractures=no more soccer for me in college.

So, for the last few years I've wanted to be able to find a league in my area to play in.

I looked online, but didn't find a whole lot that I was impressed with.

I wasn't looking to play for blood with big scary men.

I wasn't trying to be competitive and crazy with women either.

Co-ed kinda creeped me out as well.

I just wanted to find some ladies who wanted to play for fun.

I posted on FB and asked if anyone knew of such a thing.

I got a reply from a dear friend and began my search.

I found it!

League of women, who are fun and not terribly serious.

No practices, just games on Sundays!

March-May.

I can handle this!

Yesterday it was so nice to push myself to my physical limits.

To inhale that cold, crisp air and feel it rush into my lungs.

To feel that familiar sting when the ball collided with my thighs and knees.

The fancy imprint of the ball reminded me of that hours later...

It was windy and freezing, but I had a blast!

The race to beat the competition to the ball and the victory of the win.

The trash talk that is quickly shrugged off as soon as the last whistle blows...

I found some confidence that was hidden behind some of the things in my life.

I got complimented and encouraged by my teammates.

I played in the mud and squished around on the field, which is my favorite thing about soccer!

I spent 90 minutes grinning and enjoying every play.

I felt like I was me again.

I'm not sure if its the soccer, or the fact that I'm doing something only I can do....

But it made me really happy.

It brought me satisfaction on a level that I don't think anything or anyone else would.

This wasn't for my kids, or my husband, or my family, or my job or students... just me.

Soccer Sundays are my thing!

There is just something about competition that makes my day.

I love a good race and I love winning.

Who doesn't?

Today, however, my legs are on FIRE, and I don't feel like I'm winning.

Now, I'm active.

I run pretty regularly and the people at my gym know my name.

I don't spend every waking moment getting my sweat on, but I'm not on the lazy train either.

But let me tell you, running on the treadmill doesn't compare to running on that field.

And no amount of fitness classes can prepare you for the sudden stops and starts of a soccer game.

Now I know why my coaches made us condition for weeks before we actually played games.

First of all, I'm older than I'd like to admit.

Ughhhhhhhhhhhhh.

And my feet hurt today.

I can barely walk without cringing in pain.

Also, going up and down stairs, snail's pace.

Using the toilet, us ladies have to sit down every time.

It has become a bit of a production today.

Sloooooowwwwwly seated and slow to rise.

I keep telling myself that I'm reminding my muscles to function and look pretty.

Here's the bottom line:

1.  I had entirely too much fun, more than I even thought possible.

2.  I can't WAIT until my next game!

3.  I need new cleats and possibly some shoe inserts, since I'm old...er.

4.  Next week I shall stretch after the game...

It's my birthday. And I swear I'm only 31.

My husband loves me. 

He is so sweet and surprises me this morning with THIS!

Make a wish charm for the almost fulllll pandora bracelet.

And these.

I love Disney movies with some weird level of obession.

I made a list of the ones that I didn't already have and he got me two that I was missing from my collection.

I'd like to pretend they are for Hayes and Elizabeth, but they are for me.

I have a whole drawer full of them at home and I just let the kids watch them.

If you're reading and you want to buy me Lilo and Stitch, that's on the top of my list!

 

And my sister in law got me this.

My brother in law tried to pretend he helped pick it out, but I know better.

I love it! 

You can go get your own from this etsy shop.

I'm so pumped for my gifts and another year on this amazing planet.

My last 31 years have brought such great things and I am thrilled to see what the next year holds!

The last two gifts of the day. Mickey phone case for myself, from.... Myself.
And THE Magic Bullet from my brown child Don! Yay for smoothies and such.

My Fitness Pal

Wooohoooo! 

I get my own little party and such for logging in for 25 days.

I used to skip the weekends, but I've learned that helps me stay focused.

25 whole days.

I can't do anything else for 25 whole days.

I've been logging all food and exercise for 25 entire days.

I've been pretty honest about it too.

There are some reallllllllllllly ugly days in there.

Yesterday was one of them.

O'Charleys and the rolls...

Red Lobster and the rolls/biscuits/yummy goodness...

But, this--well this is dessert.

I love dessert.

Minimal chocolate and lots of fruit for dessert.

I'd like to reverse the quantities and just shovel chocolate in my mouth.

Or possibly just squirt the chocolate syrup straight into my mouth....

I refrain from both.

Instead, just eating the mostly fruit and sorta chocolate dessert.

Annnnnnddddddddd I just love it.

What's your favorite healthy dessert recipe? 

I mean, is that even possible?