Is she really going to HS next year?

Lex with the KILL

How did this happen? When did she turn 14? Was I really at the HS on Monday with her trying on volleyball equipment?
Her time at SJS is over and I personally am SO ready to move on from that place. She has been there since she was 3 years old! Time to go.
My heart is a little sad because we are getting closer and closer to the time where she will NOT live with us any more. I can't even think about that right now.
I am doing my best to prepare her for the next stage and it is not easy. She's ready though. I can't wait to see her shine!

New Job, New Challenges and Taking Risks

I tell my husband this all the time and I never seem to grasp it for myself:

"If I had to bet on anyone I would be on you. Bet on yourself, babe. You are a rock star and you can't lose!"

It is hard for me to take that to heart. I guess no one sees themselves the way others see them. That is so true for me, good and bad. I have blind spots, as we all do. But taking a risk and betting on yourself is one that I have never done. Most of  my choices in my career have been safe. I was recruited to go to my last job.

This one is about me and it is not easy. When you have a wide breadth, sometimes things can go sideways. As a woman leader, we are often afraid to make a mistake because the ramifications can be greater than for a man in the same position. The key is to making educated and strategic choices when you choose to move. If it is a mistake, it clearly will be a huge learning experience for everyone involved. If you move just to move, bad things can happen.

I am moving, albeit in a different direction. It is scary! It is out of my comfort zone. I choose to bet on ME!

Father Time Stops for No One

My first pair of readers...

I need a haircut. UGH!

The one thing I will say is that I have never worn readers before so I went for the 1.25 version. I didn't know there was a 1.00 version that enhanced screens and reading abilities. I ordered those. The 1.25's hurt my eyes a little because they are a little too strong. I found these at Anthropologie and yes, the price ends in an 8. All their stuff ends in an 8!!!

One of my co-workers was stranded at Sprouts today. I had forgotten all about that place! I went to their website and they have all kinds of cool stuff for healthy eating. I told my husband about it (I was kind of excited to find it) and he only said "Cool". :|
I texted my friend Nik about it (who is in Tennessee to watch the eclipse) and she loved the ideas...except that we are schedule to get together this weekend and have cocktails and unhealthy food! OK...Next week.

Father Time has not been kind to my tummy. It is time to buckle down and do this for real. I am tired of seeing people thinner than me (that I hate) and my clothes not fitting the way they are supposed to. This getting old crap sucks...but it is not for sissies!

We can do it!!

Accidental time off

I took 2 weeks off from the gym. Lots of reasons. One was my husband was traveling for most of the week and that week turned out to be a week from hell.

The other was spring break but that is not a big excuse either.

My grandmother passed away while my husband was traveling.

It was complicated and I had no idea the emotional outbursts I would have until AFTER they would happen. I was yelling at anyone in my view, even a kid who I thought stole a dollar from my son (not my finest moment). I knew she was sick and I was prepared for the day that she would go but are you ever REALLY prepared? I thought that meant that if I was prepared, I would not cry. I would be relieved she wasn't suffering any more.

She had advanced Alzheimer's.

Junior High NHS ceremony. I look awkward, She looks so pulled together

Instead, I found myself crying in the middle of the night when I heard the news. I cried more than I thought I would. I wanted to be strong and hold it together but a lifetime of memories filled my heart and there was nothing I could do. 

She died on a Friday. Thursday afternoon, as I did my weekly hustle to get my kids to all their commitments, I prayed for her to be at peace. I assured God all was forgiven, and it was time for her to go home. 

I proceeded to eat my feelings! I ate CHOCOLATE. I don't even really like chocolate that much. But there I was, stuffing my face with chocolate marshmallow candy and chocolate covered Hostess donuts. HA! I told my mom to throw them away and instead, my dad "hid" them in their pantry. I found them easily and ate 3 more. :\

Needless to say, I need to get back at it at the gym. Enough rest. Time to go hard.

Praying for your soul grandma. Always!

Workout tights I love

I have 2 favorites in my drawer now.

These are my all time faves. Nike Epic Lux Crop running capris. Great for leg day. I do also love this Under Armour fitted shirt.  This was me after leg day. Make-up was jacked up and I almost puked that day. HA! They are comfortable and move easy for jumping, squatting and lunging. They didn't fall or show my crack at all, which is a plus. It is hard to see in this pic but they are deep red and black. TA bought them for me last year. Not sure if they are available but they are available here.
Word of advise...

I had skipped leg day a week and went HAM at the gym this day. I couldn't walk for 2 days. I should have eased back in but I had so much energy that day. I thought about scaling back but I didn't. Much better today but I suffered all weekend. yuk.

These are Reebok tights that I also love. You can find these  here. I am very in to full length tights right now. These tights also did not slide and let me move on this beast, Jacob's Ladder. I did a back workout and then that thing and these tights, along with the Athleta tank.

Bodypump 100 was so awesome! Here is Monica and I after launch.

Reebok tank, Athleta capris. I was not a huge fan of the tank but I love my capris!!

I have lots of work outfits to post. I will soon.

More to come. I have not stopped shopping since Christmas. I need to stop. :/

Everything is SORE!

My brother's wedding was last weekend. It was great! I didn't expect to have as much fun as I did but I don't know what I was thinking. Mix booze with my family and the fun never ends...until the next morning. I was paying the price with an epic hangover! I had to drive home too. I don't now how I made it. I am just feeling better today!

Me and my brother. I basically walked around with booze in my hand all night.

Needless to say, I didn't have time for my workout on Saturday. It was a plyo challenge and I was really looking forward to it. I had a hair appointment in Corpus Christi at 9 am, which means I had to leave my hotel by 8:15 am, which means I had to shower at 7. I am not a morning person. I do not do morning workouts. You can't make me! When I used to sub for 9 am pump, I hated every minute. I know that is not very early, but it felt like that to me.

This week, my coaches have turned up the dial on our workouts. Not only are we required to do the WOD, we have to add 30 minutes of cardio. The cardio has to have our HR up to about 130, which means the elliptical machine at work won't cut it. Twice a week, they are incorporating HIIT. I do love HIIT workouts. Did the first one yesterday. Not too bad. I went right in to the WOD, which was back.

The HIIT workout was simple but effective. Three sets, 90 seconds long, three rounds. I did 9 total rounds of exercise for 90 seconds. The exercises were body weight based, so it was stuff like skaters, jump lunges, squat thrusts, high knees in to a side lunge and planks. We would do exercise 1 for 30 seconds, exercise 2 for 30 seconds and then exercise 1 again for 30 seconds.

Set 1:
Skaters (30 seconds)
jump lunges (30 seconds)
Skaters (30 seconds)
[90 second rest]
Set 2
Walking plank with jack (30 seconds)
squat thrusts (30 seconds)
Walking plank with jack (30 seconds)
[90 second rest]
Set 3:
Side jump with 90 degree turn (30 seconds)
8 high knees with side lunge (30 seconds)
Side jump with 90 degree turn (30 seconds)
[90 second rest]

Repeat twice - 9 sets total

I. Am. SORE! Every muscle in my upper body is hurting. The only saving grace I had were my legs, and guess what today is....LEG DAY! Can't catch a break.

I need to eat so I have energy to do this workout but I am not hungry yet. Who am I kidding...I am ALWAYS hungry. But I want a hamburger, not this turkey meat with asparagus!

I had my fun this weekend. Back to the grind!

Leg Day!

I got home from work last night at almost 1 AM. I have been walking around like a zombie but today was LEG DAY! 

I caught a glimpse of the exercises on our Facebook page but I didn't pay attention to the reps.

Second to the last exercise was 2 sets of 45 degree leg press, 100 reps! That is after squats, leg curls, extensions, front squats and isolation lunges. The workout finished with 100 backward stepping lunges, 2 sets. WHAT THE WHAT?!?!?

I really wanted to quit and had every excuse to since I barely slept all week (got home and my son was in my bed. didn't move him). I went to the gym. I did every rep even when I wanted to stop during that triple drop set of leg curls. :)

Love my Beetlejuice pants!

This whole outfit is from Athlete. I love these pants. 

100 reps of leg press.

I did every reps. I definitely had to stop in between to catch my breath but I kept going. I did every reps of this workout. I was so proud.

Then came dinner. I blew it. I had french fries. I know better. I know I should NOT celebrate a huge accomplishment with food. I had a few moments of weakness. I was just happy to get my work stuff complete and so happy to have pushed myself through that very difficult workout. I know what my coaches will say....30 minutes of fasted cardio tomorrow. I will do it. I deserve the punishment. HA!

Until next time, no more fries for this one!

Side note...

My daughter is playing in the City Championship Saturday at 11 am at St. Pius! I am so happy for her. This is the second year in a row her team plays for the championship. We are ALL going to miss the game! My brother's wedding is Saturday at 3 pm in Kingsville. :/

Send her some good vibes and prayers! I will be there for you in spirit Biggs. Love you so much!

90 Day Challenge

On October 3rd, I started a 90 day challenge. It is focused around building a better physical "you" and it includes nutrition and exercise. I have been looking for something like this for a long time.

I found this through Instagram. As a Bodypump instructor, I am a "fan" of several master presenters. One of them is Jeremiah Evans. I have been following him since I saw him present on both Grit and Bodypump master class videos. I noticed a while back that he had a workout partner...a woman...and I loved her legs!! Their workouts were intense and I wanted a part of that. They advertised that they were starting a winter challenge and I decided to take the leap.

I taught my last class in August and I was anxious to use that time I had to make a better "me". I was really tired of not looking and feeling my best.

I want to put myself out there but I am so anxious and nervous to do so. I have been committed to this challenge so I expect the results to show that. I am going to reluctantly post my "before" pics. UGH! I took them the night before I started the challenge.

October 2nd. 

Husband taking these so bad angle

Hard to see but back of my legs need work!

I really hate these picture. It is a good reminder of all the work I have to do.

One week in, I took this picture. I could see progress already!

Finally some definition

Have I slipped...yes! It does not help that this has been the month from hell at work. That is over, and I can refocus in November. My diet is ALL OVER THE PLACE but I am doing my best. This means I am not eating enough. I am trying, but I am not doing my best. I need plan better.

My brother's wedding is this weekend and there will be many temptations but I am not worried about that. I did slip today. I was tired. I had french fries and dinner. :( I am upset about it but I was in "I give up" mode. I will bounce tomorrow and be better.

I plan to update my progress as I go and then my readers (if I have any) can try it out for themselves. I really like the group of participants. They are from all over the country and a few from other countries. They are inspiring and I am desperately just trying to keep up!!

My leg workout on the next post...

Hanging up my mic - Connecting my heart and head

I have been considering taking a break from teaching at the YMCA for a while.  I have been debating this in my head for quite some time.

PROS -
I love my members
When I am up there, I love teaching.
I love motivating people.
I love when people come up to me after class and say this was a tough workout or that they are progressing to new levels.
It is a community. It is social. I started as a member and now I have a group of people I enjoy seeing all the time.


CONS
Time - My time is being stretched way too thin.
Kids - their schedule is killing us. With Alexis excelling at 2 sports and Joaquin also wanting to play 2 sports, we are constantly on the go.
Prep for class - It takes a while and I don't put the effort in to it that I should, which is a disservice to my class.
My fitness...

My fitness is suffering. I have no time for my personal fitness and it is starting to depress me. I am not in the physical shape that I want to be in and the more the time passes and slips away from me, the more I get depressed. It is hard to be in front of a class and not be in model shape. It is not good and I think I do my members a disservice. This is important to me and I have goals. When I don't reach my goals, I get upset and I am not too pleasant.

Two weeks ago I went in to the Wellness Center Manager's office and told her after July 11th, I would come off the schedule. I am going to be around to sub for classes here and there but I could not commit to a regular schedule. My manager was sad. I was too. She wants to revisit in 6 months but I think I know the answer. I won't be coming back. I have stayed late at work this week and extra hour at work has made some significant progress for me in several situations.

I am going to miss it. I already do. But I don't miss it enough to go back. This was about connecting my head and my heart. That took a while. My head knew the right decision. My heart was nostalgic and staying for old reasons. As my family and career changes, I have to adjust priorities. This is on a small scale but it is also about finding joy. I had to ask myself that tough questions...am I still finding JOY in teaching? There used to be a lot of joy. The joy has faded. It is a distraction to other things that are more important.

JOY. One of my mentors brought that up to me and I knew that answer right away. I know I made the right decisions. My members are sad and disappointed but I am still around via social media and as a member to give them the motivation they need. The last 10 days have been really good for me. I am so much more focused and happy. I have been able to do 2 HIIT workouts for myself this week and I feel great. That is a tough one. I forgot about my happiness. I do that a lot. What I didn't realize is that the lack of JOY in my life was flowing in to other areas. It was spreading like a virus. Ten days and I can already tell the difference.

Find the JOY in what you do.

Extra Curricular Activities

I know the title of this post seems like I am talking about cheating, but I am not. I am talking about my kids and all the stuff they do outside of school.

I love that they are so active. I would not have it any other way. But it is killing me! I am stressed all the time about getting them to practice on time, especially my daughter.

I really hope, from her perspective, it does not seem like I am trying to live through her. I am not. I did all of this. I STILL do extra stuff outside of just work and family. The schedule is wearing me out a little. I am glad school basketball is over but now starts extra basketball to go along with club volleyball. In an effort to give her opportunities, I am pushing her and putting pressure on her. I have to. I see that in other successful people. She will regret it one day if I don't push her...if WE don't push her.

It has been a couple of days since I started this post and I am feeling better. Not stressed. This goes in waves. I am headed out of town today. I will miss her practice and training Thursday. My son had flag football practice and he did so well that they made him captain for his game. He loves it. I think she loves it too. She is having fun, which is the most important thing.

I need to keep telling myself they are young and having fun. The most important thing is that they are both getting better as time goes and working hard. Sometimes I get wrapped up in the attitudes of the other parents and I don't want that.

Speaking of parents, there are some shady parents at my kids' school. TA and I have decided to go around some of these people and do what's best for our kids. If that means we move schools, so be it. At the end of the day, I want them to value hard work, no matter what they do.

Sundays have the best shows

Are you watching The Affair ? If not, I highly suggest it. One of the brilliant things about this show is how it is told from the main character's perspective. Sometimes it is the same exact time frame but the take on it is completely different. Great show.

Homeland didn't disappoint either. Still gets my heart rate up. I am still hanging on to this show and my hope for Carrie Mathieson.

The show that is surprising me the most is The Leftovers. I love that show too. Watch it!

These are the shows that take up most of my time until GoT and Veep come back.

Any other shows I should be watching? Let me know in the comments section.

City Champs

In the midst of all the craziness this fall, I didn't get to talk about Biggs and her school volleyball team. They won the city championship in their division! This was a huge deal because the school team won last year with an entire team of eighth graders. This team started four sixth graders. They played so well and minimized mistakes. Great season!! My kid played great. So proud of her.

Congrats Biggs!

7 serves in a row in final game

Romo is BACK

I aint gonna lie, 7 in a row HURTS! I was kind of done watching football after 7 in a row on Sundays and the three ugly losses on Saturdays. It is depressing. I was always so hype for the weekends. Boo!

Please, sweet baby Jesus, give your team a win this weekend. We need something to smile about.

GO COWBOYS!

It happened

I know. I have been gone for a while. Not that you all noticed. :)

Before I begin to explain my absence, I have to talk about my baby girl. Remember THIS post? Well, I got a call from the school nurse Monday at about 10:30 am. Nurse said my baby girls was in her office with menstrual cramps. Impossible, I told her. She has not started her period. Nurse put Biggs on the phone. She says she THINKS she started. UGH! No one there could give her any meds for her cramps (against school policy). She had to suffer all day with on and off cramps. Poor thing. She asked the nurse for some "supplies" and I said we would discuss when she we got home. This was a Monday, which is usually a very busy day at work AND I teach Bodypump on Monday nights.

I tried to leave work. No dice. My schedule has been insane at work. I work every night after I get home and do whatever it is I need to do that night. Biggs took the whole thing in stride. I asked her if she was prepared at school. She said she wrapped toilet paper and put it in her underwear (told her to do that). Asked her if she was ok or worried. She wasn't. This was a well covered subject between us. We have talked about this for a while.

I sent a text to TA and my mom. TA asked if there was anything he needed to do when he picked her up. I told him he didn't need to do anything and that I would take her to the store to get supplies after I got home. My mom was worried for some reason. She wanted someone to go to the school to check her. HA! No!! I am not driving to the school to embarrass her even more. And check what?? No one checked me and I was fine. I got my first period in 7th grade. I was a latchkey kid. I had been since I was in third grade. I called my mom at work to tell her I thought I started my period and she laughed. Well, first she screamed "WHAT?!", and then she laughed. I became so embarrassed and unwilling to talk to her about this AT ALL. Not a good way to instill trust.

When I got home, I talked to Alexis. I told her I didn't know what to say, congrats or I'm sorry. I told her this was a big step in her development and that I would always be there to help her with whatever she needs. We went shopping. While we were shopping, she spilled her guts to me. About everything! Any slight piece of drama happening at the school, I heard about it. Anyone giving her shit, I heard about it. I heard her opinions on everyone. It was so great! I loved it. I don't know when I will get that chance again, but I can't wait. I am SO GLAD she trusts me enough to tell me all this stuff. She even called me yesterday to tell me that her crush called her. She talks about him to me a lot. I worry, all the time, that I will do something to something to break this trust unintentionally. The best I can do is just keep being honest with her and constantly showing her she can trust me.

So maybe this was a good thing. A great thing. Hopefully during the next milestones of her life, she will share them with me. Her first kiss. First love. All of it. She is growing up so fast. I hate it. But I love the young lady she is becoming.

Maui

Torrey and I were able to take the family to Hawaii today, including my mom and dad. It was a great thing for us to be able to do for my parents. On the trip, they kept saying they thought traveling to Hawaii would be a dream they would never get to do. That made me so happy. They are there for Torrey and I all the time. Anytime we needed some help early in our marriage, they were there to help us.

We have travelled with my parents before and each time, there is something unusual that happens. This time was no exception. We were in the ER Friday before we left. J broke his arm. Luckily, the ER had waterproof splints. It worked out very well. Three days in to the trip, he caught a fever and a cold. He was a trooper though.

On the balcony of our resort as soon as we checked in

We had to cancel our zip lining tour. No way J could hang on with a broke arm. He hurt it twice while we were there. Once he slipped at the resort and tried to catch himself. The other was jumping off the side of the boat we were on while we were snorkeling. His orthopedic doc asked us NOT to let him swim any more. OOPS! He did all the activities we planned during the day but by the end of the day, he just wanted to rest. I missed the luau but that's ok. That's what moms do. Happy to do that for my boy and everyone else.

Checking in to the beautiful resort with mom and dad

Three generations in Maui

The guys hangin loose

On a mission to give mommy a heart attack

I had more pictures but I am having trouble downloading them now.

All in all, great trip. Thanks to my travel agent for recommending this place, considering the size of our group and age difference. There is no other place I would have stayed. Thanks to Yvette for the setting it all up for us. If you want to travel and don't know where to stay or get the best, let me know. I will put you in touch with her. She is great.

I worked a little while I was there. I wanted to. I am really enjoying my job now. 

Wonderful trip. THE BEST SPA EVER! I came back with no knots in my neck. Great to give this gift to my parents and memories for my kids. The first few days were a tough time adjustment but all worth it.

We came back just in time to watch Sharknado 3!!!

Happy Birthday to my sweet tiny tiny baby

He's 8. Can't believe it. How did this happen? It was yesterday that I could hold him in my hand. Now he is up to my nose and I can BARELY carry him. Yes, I carry him. I try to carry him. He is long and heavy but that's why I do squats and dead lifts. :)

iFly Houston. Look at the wind blown smile on that face!

I call him my "tiny tiny baby". TA stopped correcting me. He will always be the tiny tiny baby to me. I thought when I was pregnant with him that there was no way that I would love him as much as I loved Alexis. Impossible, I thought. I had no idea I had this much love in my heart. Both my kids have taught me this lesson. I have lots of love in my heart...more than enough for the both of them. They have taught me patience when I didn't think that was possible either. My instinct used to be anger and yelling. It does not work with either. I give Alexis the "I'm disappointed" speech and she's in tears. With J, I have to get to the bottom of why he did what he did. This is not easy. It takes a while and boy, does it take patience. Once I do, things get better and he is able to learn.

Our families don't understand that. They are old school. Yelling and the belt. That is where they go. I'm tired of yelling. Do I still yell...yes. Have I stopped yelling as much...yes. We have both come a long way as parents. I can't tell you how proud I am of my husband and the father he has grown in to. I told him that God took my competitiveness and TA's competitiveness and he doubled down on J. God did this because he knew we would understand it and help him.

Bottom line, we have taken responsibility for their growth and we will NEVER give up on them. How could you give up on that sweet face? God has a great plan for you, my son. I can see it. Daddy can see it. We are going to help you get there. I pray that my grandfather, my father and TA's grandmother look down on you with great pride. I wish they could have met you now, but you will one day. For now, we get to enjoy you and you are such a joy in our lives. You crack all of us up every day. Thank you for that!!!

I love you TJA! May God watch over you always.

Sunday Night

Between Game of Thrones and Veep, my Sunday nights are awesome!

This season of GOT is giving me life. I swear it is all I talk about. I think the 2 other dragon riders will be Jon Snow and Tyrion Lannister. 

My 2 fave insults from the Jonad files:

supercalifragilisticexpialidickcheese

Teenage Mutant Ninja Asshole

I am going to be so depressed when these 2 shows are over next week.

True Detective starts this summer. I hope it is good! The cast looks great.

Maybe I will finish watching The Wire this summer. 

I love a good TV series. I need more in my life. Suggestions??

Feeling better and attacking

My back feels much better. I pushed a little at the gym today and I think I won't regret it. I didn't push as much as I could have, but I did push a little more than I thought I would. While I was doing my shoulder exercises, I was trying to focus on something other than fatigue. I zoned in on work and how I might attack the next challenge that faces me.

I have a delicate situation at work. I have to get involved in an account, but not really. It is very hard to explain. Friday, I told my boss that he needs to make a formal statement on the status of this very high profile account. He agreed, but asked that I craft a draft for him. UGH! I am in the process of typing the first draft and I am sure it will go through many revisions.

One of the biggest challenges I have will be managing the people that have been on this account for a long time. They are going to remain there, but I am somehow going to be governing this account from behind the scenes. I don't think two of the guys will like that. Yes. I forgot to mention that all the people on this account are male. Not one female. The irony of this whole thing is that one of the guys I will now manage was a guy that showed me the ropes at work when I first got to this company. I do have the feeling that he will attempt to take advantage of me in different ways. It is always awkward. They completely ignore me when I am in meetings with them. I know I will have to start asserting myself at some point but I have this huge learning curve to go through. This is a big all around challenge and I have to focus on how I am going to attack. While it may seem easy to start on the people part, I need to look at the big picture. A strategy needs to be either formed or carried over. All we are doing is firefighting now. We can't live like that any more. I made my way in to an issue today. While I spent the day trying to gather info and really figure out WTH was going on, I got a message from my boss asking me the same question. I had an answer. I gave it to him and the team and he said "You have this under control. Just keep me informed." UGH! I really don't! I am glad he thinks I do but now I really have to get things under control.

While I was shoulder pressing, I could not help but smile about the challenges ahead of me. I smiled because I live for this shit. I live for the pressure and the chance to elevate myself. I can't be scared to fail. If that happens, I will be paralyzed. I don't have time for that. I must move, even if I misstep. Men are often allowed to make many mistakes. Women don't have that luxury but I think I am in an unusual situation. I may be allowed to stumble. I am looking forward to the chance to fall on my face, dust myself off, then attack again.

I Miss My Kids

My kids are with my mom and dad this week. They get out of school a week earlier than most and the camps we have them registered for don't start until next week. My dad is retired so he will be home with them all week. My mom took Thursday and Friday off so they will be in San Antonio for those two days. They are going to have so much fun.

They have FaceTimed me every night so far. It's weird. The older they get, the more I miss them when they are away from me. I thought it would be backwards. Alexis went away for three days to Camp Kappe for school. I was a mess. I missed her so much. If I could bottle up this time and their age right now, I would. I want them to stay 11 and 8 forever! They are so much fun. J constantly cracks us up and Alexis amazes us every day.

They FaceTimed last night. Luckily, we had finished Game of Thrones. If you know me, you know I am obsessed with this show. I feel it is my civic duty to tell everyone who reads this to follow the #demthrones hashtag on twitter for amazing little gems like this.

If you don't know what this means, please look it up now!

I typically have to watch the episode twice because I am reading the timeline on this hashtag the whole time I am watching the show. Last night, we were ten minutes behind so I had to exit the app because I was trying to figure out what was coming up.

Again, I digress...

They didn't want to hang up. How sweet! I love my babies! I will carry J until I physically hurt myself. I desperately want my children to be independent and have a mind of their own, but I need to somehow do this in a way where they do not move too far from me in the future. HA! There is a fine line there and I need to figure it out. I remember when Alexis was a baby and I was going crazy. I was trying to get her to say her ABC''s. One day, TA picked her up from the sitter and he said, "Listen! She is singing the ABC song!" I could hear her in the back and I started to cry. That was something I was trying to do but I didn't get her to do it. Sandra, her sitter, did it. I called my friend Teresa, hysterical that Sandra was teaching her stuff and I was missing it. Teresa calmed me down and said to me, "It is Alexis's life. You have to let go. She is going to do things on her terms and when she is ready." I think about this all the time when they hit milestones or when they do things differently than I would have. I am here to guide her but, it is their life. They live a great life. They are the most amazing things in this world to me. I don't know how these two amazing kids came from me, but they are so unique and wonderful.  I still want to be a big part to them forever so I need to work on this independent/dependent thing. HAHAHA!
Help me! How do I do this? I need answers!!!

I thought this week would be a great week to spend every night with TA but he just sent me a message stating he is busy almost every night this week. Now his weekend is full too! So much for that! I do enjoy my alone time but I want to make sure the marriage is first on the list all the time. As amazing as my kids are, TA is still #1. I have to make sure we remember that always. We have had a motto from day one...Us against the world. It is the mission statement of our relationship. We have now included this kids in this saying but it all starts from the two of us.

But I still miss my kids. :)



(As I type this, I see Bruce Jenner is now Caitlyn. WOW! Her cover picture looks amazing!)

Quick workout when you are in a time crunch

I saw this workout online and I tried it tonight.

10 minute fix

I actually did 12 minutes, 5 minutes of core, and 3 minutes of stretching. Instead of chest press, I did 15 push-ups. I only had an 8 lb weight at the time and it worked ok. I would rather have used 15 or 20. I got through 4 rounds. I was not rushing. I did not take any breaks. I controlled the weight and didn't throw it.

Try it and let me know what you think. Perfect for a quick lunch workout or when you are in a rush at home. I did it because I ate a big sandwich today. :/