Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Fastest 2 years of my life!

How has it been 2 years since this little boy came into my life?


He's one of the best things that has ever happen to me and is a great running partner! Today, we are celebrating with birthday waffles, going out for a milkshake & one of his favorite dinners (BBQ chicken). 

How old are your kids? If you don't have any, who do you run with? 

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

The shadow workout

I love to watch (& join in) Lars play outside. While he enjoys his slide or the balls we have in the backyard, I'll start my workout (the things I can do standing, since it's pretty muddy back there). 

I'll do my 100 squats,


And my 100 jumping jacks (I do these at least 5 X a week). 


With the super cold weather, I can wear layers & be fine. 

Lars loves his water (he drinks milk with his meals). I think I did good when he calls his water "nummy". 


The sun has been playing peek a boo lately. I love it when it comes out. We (here in California), we need the rain, so that's nice too. We just love being outside.

Where do you workout? What's your weather like right now?

Thursday, December 24, 2015

Homemade stair stepper

As you may know, I don't have a gym membership, so I workout at home. Here's part of my workout at home:


My personal stair stepper. There's never a line & I can spend as much time as I'd like on it! It's the step in my garage. I run up and down this for 10 minutes (to start). It's such a great workout.

My thighs and butt need the most work, since being pregnant. This is a great workout for these trouble areas of mine. 

What are your trouble areas & how do you work them?

Merry Christmas

I hope everyone has had a great Christmas!


Merry Christmas from me & my boys (well, 3 out of 4)!

Monday, December 21, 2015

Great hubby = a great run

My hubby is the best! In order for me to get in a run, Jason needs to watch the boys (or just Shane when Lars comes with me). 


I love taking Lars with me for a few reasons: he points things out, so we have a conversation, he brings extra weight to the game & I love watching him explore our neighborhood.

This is how I spend my days: army men, dinosaurs & farm animals with Lars & tummy time with Shane.


I wouldn't change it for anything!

What fills your busy days?

Saturday, December 19, 2015

Great running weather

Doesn't great weather just scream for you to go outside & run?!?


Well, that's exactly what I did on our (probably) last sunny, cold day. 

I did 3 laps around our neighborhood, and kept a decent pace. If you notice, I never mention my paces. That's because I'm not fast, but I'm proud that I'm running again. I don't think it's important to say my pace & doesn't effect anything here. In case you're curious, this is probably the only time I'll mention it: my pace is about 11 min pace. I use to be 10 min & will get back there.


What's your pace? What's your opinion on talking about the actual pace in my blog?

Thursday, December 17, 2015

Holiday fun!

I have a list of 25 days of Christmas that I do with my sons (mainly Lars right now). Decorating sugar cookies is on that list. 


I made sugar cookies & he loved decorating them!

He loves art, in any way. The other night, we painted. So much fun! He chooses the colors & brushes himself. Such an artist!


What are your holiday traditions?

Wednesday, December 16, 2015

Santa is coming!

It was time to visit the big man in red, for both of the boys. It was a great night! 


It was all outside & we could take our own photos. 


There were caroling, bells performers, but roasting, carriage rides & so much more! It was a great for for all 4 of us!


What are you asking Santa for?

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Tiny Soles

A few weeks ago, Lars received an awesome gift in the mail from Tiny Soles. They have the cutest shoes and slippers for your little ones! They came super fast too!

I loved the presentation that they gave!


How cute are their moose slippers! I love their acorn line! It was so difficult to choose one pair! I may have to go back and get Shane a pair of slippers, too.


The bottoms don't have grippies, but Lars (being almost 2), doesn't need them anymore. 


He loves his slippers and they fit him perfectly! They keep his feet super warm on our cold tile kitchen floor (his favorite place to play during the winter (and not the summer)). 



I am now a huge fan of Tiny Soles! I think I'll get the frog slippers for Shane next!

A huge Thank you to Tiny Soles for sending Lars this awesome gift (and getting it to us so fast)!

I always wear slippers during the colder months. Do you? What is your go to foot wear (besides running shoes)?









Monday, December 14, 2015

Mini twins

I love night time with my boys. 


We have our routine in place & have been having a blast! Lars needs me to brush his teeth (he doesn't want his dad to), but Jason needs to be the one that reads him his books. Kids are funny.

What's your night time routine?

Tuesday, December 8, 2015

Workin hard!

So, I'm currently crib training Shane. He only sleeps on me. So, I have to train him to sleep on his own, by himself. The night time training is always fun! I went through the same exact thing with Lars.

Now, Shane in his his crib (sleeping 35 minutes out of 60 & crying the rest), in the morning & evening. I just have the afternoon & night time left. While he's in his crib, Lars watch a cartoon & I do little things around the house & have a mini workout session.


My night time routine is now, 100 squats (usually while hiding Shane...for the extra weight), my same old ab & leg routine & 100 jumping jacks. I got a nice little sweat on! I loved it. I am planning on making time for me (aka working out). After finding out that my pants finally fit me, it encourages me to work harder. 

With weekends being so busy with Christmas so close, it's so hard to fit in a run, let alone have the motivation. At least I'm making some progress!

What are you training for? What time of day do you workout?

My old jeans!

I've been working hard & trying not to eat too many sweets & junk food. I'm seeing results because of all of this. My thighs & waist are get smaller. I'm not at my ideal weight. I have about 10-12 lbs until I reach my goal. I have a lot of toning to do, as you can see.


I can fit into all of my jeans now. There were only one pair of jeans that fit. They happen to have holes all over them. I guess I'm lucky that fashion is in right now. Now, I can wear jeans that are in one piece!


I've never been one to wear my pregnancy clothes after having the baby. Here's my pile of prego clothes. It's not a lot, I just did laundry often. Time to get rid of these. 

Do you wear pregnancy clothes after having the baby? Do you buy bigger "normal" clothes to wear afterwards?

Thursday, December 3, 2015

2 months already! & outdoor fun before the storm

How does time go by so fast?!? My youngest little boy is already 2 months old! It seems like we just brought him
Home yesterday. But, I don't remember what it was like before he can home. Shane is now cooing like crazy, smiling, laughing, loving his play pad. He loves to throw punches and kicks likes crazy. He loves to watch Lars play & can't wait to join him!


Lars loves our mommy and Lars time we have while Shane is napping (they take their afternoon nap at the same time). Today, we decided to enjoying the chilly weather & head out back. We kicked the ball around and played on the slide.


Once we got too cold, we headed in the garage. I mentioned before, I turned our garage into a play/workout area. Lars plays while I workout. 


We bought a portable heater to keep the garage a little warmer than outside. It works & we enjoy it a lot!

How do you stay warm while entertaining a little one?

Friday, November 27, 2015

Happy turkey day (a day late)

I love hosting the holidays! So, I had my parents over yesterday for thanksgiving. Here's our spread!


Everything was Lars approved. He had seconds on turkey & mashed potatoes. He normally hates mashed potatoes. 


I took the fam to a large local Christmas event. I love it so much when I can take my own pictures when my kids see Santa (which you'll see in another post). This was I can get the photo I want & not something else.


It was a nice event: caroling, bell players, roasting chestnuts and so many decorations to get anyone in the Christmas spirit. It was too early (for my taste) to see Santa, but this is the only place I know you get to take your own photos.

How was your thanksgiving?

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Running in the rain never felt so good

I went for a run last week that I haven't been able to do in way too long!


I ran in the rain! I do laps around the block (which is more than a normal block, it's around the park too). My first lap, it was about 55 and very misty. This is my perfect running weather! I love feeling the light water in my face and keeping me cool. The 2nd lap was some light rain and the 3rd lap (for a total of 2.8 miles), was kind of hard rain. I had a running rain jacket in, and it was soaked! I was drenched! 

It was such a great feeling! What a great and early Christmas gift... My ideal running weather! I hope this happens more often. 

Obviously, I didn't take Lars with me. He stayed at home with Jason & Shane. Shane was hungry when I got home, so I had to take off my wet clothes & towel off. I didn't t need to shower right away, because I don't really sweat in my ideal running weather.

What's your ideal running weather?

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Mile sprints

Hubby went into work early just so i could go for a run before it got too dark. It was just under a mile (.8). It was just one lap. I was able to run this in 7:45. That is fast, for me, especially since I haven't been running long now. 
I left everything out there! I got tunnel vision while running & loved it!

This is how I spend my days (hanging out with these 2 handsome men).


This little man is almost 2 months already! Where does the time go?


What do your mile sprints look like?

What my workouts look like

Here's a very small peek into what my workouts look like, while I'm at home with an (almost) 2 year old & an (almost) 2 month old:

Shane weights about 11 lbs, so I always hold him while I do my squats. I do 100 squats every single day (my legs need the help!). Plus, Shane hates it when I'm not holding him.


I work my arms and legs every other day (in addition to the squats). 


This is my back ground noise while I do this. I pick him up between sets. 


On days I don't work my arms, it's an ab day. Since I'm done having kids, I want to get my 6 pack back! I would love to be totally happy with my body by May. We'll see if that happens. 

With 2 kids under 2 (& being new at having 2 kids), I don't always have time to fit in my workouts. My days sometimes gets away from me & before I know it its bath time for Lars. I know ill get in a schedule with the boys & get into a normal routine where my workouts gets in every single day. It'll just take time.

How often do you workout?

1st run post baby!

I went for my first run since I had Shane! I take Lars with me, whenever the weather is nice. 



I was a tough run, but it felt so good to get back out there & sweat. I've missed the feeling of a little pain & fatigue. 

My plan is to run when my husband has a day off (so he can watch Shane), and the rest of the days to workout at the house. I'm setting up a little play area/workout area in the garage. I'll show pictures when it's more or less finished! I'm going to keep you posted on my "get my body back" plan!

How often to you run? Do you have an at home "gym"?

Sunday, October 4, 2015

Mini man is here!

My second son has arrived! His name is Shane Colin. 



Here are his stats: born 10/3/15 @ 9:45pm. 7lbs 10oz, 19.5" long. He's doing great in every way!

It was a very quick and easy labor. I'm doing great & can't wait to get started in getting my body back & keeping you updated on my progress (once my body is healed, of course). 

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

33 weeks & still sweating

I am 33 weeks along with my second son. I'm not running too much, but I have had a ton of energy lately. I mostly use that energy to get things done before the baby arrives (before I run out of that energy).

I've been using this time to detail the car, move Lars' car seat over, prep dinners to freeze & other things like that. 

Lars is still involved in activites: gymnastics & a weekly outside play group. The gymnastics really tires me out! I think I need a nap more than Lars does afterwards.

How I've been working out is really all indoors. I'm such a baby with the heat during this pregnancy. I do a lot of leg exercises. While I do these (squats, fire hydrant leg lifts, ect), Lars practices his balance (well, kind of). 


He still does squats with me, but he didn't want his picture taken for that. 

Do you have a workout buddy? 

Thursday, August 6, 2015

Color Run Fun!

On Saturday morning, some friends and I got up too early to meet downtown for the Color Run. This is an annual event for me and my friends. We look forward to it every year! 

The very first color was blue (one of my favorites). Following that, before the next k, they had something special (which we all loved!), white (aka, sparkles). At first, I was wondering how white would show up when everyone was wearing white. Then, we went through it & we were sparkling!! It was a great surprise!


You can see the sparkles on my face.


They also had pink (another favorite of mine), yellow, orange and at the finish line, purple. 

They also handed out medals at the finish line this year. Another first that I loved! Sparkles were seen from miles away (no exaggeration). It was very cool, but I wouldn't want to be on the clean up crew. 


Do you do any runs like this (non-competitive)? I love this race & can't wait until next August!

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Feeling great & running at 30 weeks

Since my foot injury, I've been icing and took complet (unhappy) time off of running. Well, it worked! I went for my normal route & I feel great!!


Because of the heat, my feet have begun to swell. So, I'm trying to get my runs in as early as Lars will allow me (today was 8 am) and rest my feet and drink lots of water (never a problem). 

I have the color run 5k this Saturday with some friends and I can't wait! My foot is feeling oh so wonderful & my body can handle a (very) slow run. 

What's your next run scheduled?


Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Injured already

So this happened, already. I'm pretty bummed about it. I had been making running part of my weekly routine (3-4 times a week).


Nothing too serious. Nothing long. I stick around my house because I'm constantly using the bathroom (some little man pushing on my bladder). It made me happy and excited to get the stroller loaded up those mornings and head out in my out & back runs. 

I've been icing like crazy & (the worst part), taking time off of running. I need to get back in the habit of doing my in home workouts, but I'm just not motivated. This is the part of my pregnancy I need to be. There's just something about raising a toddler & being pregnant the wears you out. So, if I don't workout while he's awake, I don't workout. Maybe I can find motivation this week!

How do you keep motivated?

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

4th if July

Every year, for the 4th, we go to our friends house & have a huge firework show. There's lots of friends, food and fun. 





Hope everyone had a great 4th!!

Monday, June 22, 2015

Cheesy veggie stuffed shells

The other day, I made one of my favorite dishes...cheesy veggie stuffed shells. The hardest part of making this dish is chopping all the yummy veggies. You can use anything that's in season.


I used zucchini, red bell pepper and olives, all mixed in with the yummy, gooey standard cheese mixture. So good! I didn't even miss the meat. One of my best summer time meals (besides the heat of actually cooking the meal. 

What is a good summer time meal that you like?

Sunday, May 31, 2015

Summer Time Fun!

 I am determined to make this summer a great one for Lars! I think he's having fun already.


We had a 90 something degree day the other day, so I brought out his little pool from last year. He loved it! 


I think this face really shows how much he loved it! He mostly loves to splash & get water everywhere. Fine with me!


He also likes to drink from the nozzle. 

So far, we go to these weekly play times put in by the city. They have a ton of different activities and crafts and it all changes each week. We also go to gymnastics every week too. 

Running at 21 Weeks


On Friday, Lars and I went for a run around our neighborhood. I have to stay close to the house because I have to use the bathroom now. 



It was a good run. It was about 2 miles. Lars really loved it because of the time of day it was. We went at about 8:30 and there were school buses driving down every street. 

I felt great! I can't wait to run again. I think I'll make it happen tomorrow morning. I was so energized afterwards. I felt like I could tackle the world! I got so much done that day! I was out of breath and had to take fast walk breaks, but I did it! It's going to be even more difficult after the baby and trying to get my body back. I'm up for the challenge though!

How far did you run last week? How do the runs make you feel afterwards?