Keep Running

I've mentioned this in other posts. My days are so busy and so much fun.

These guys are the best things that have ever happened to me (and my hubby). My goal is to make each day as fun and exciting as I can. That doesn't always mean to be out of the house and make them run all over the place. Sometimes, it's watching a movie on a hot day and eating ice cream as they play in the little kid pool in the backyard. 

I use to blog when Shane would nurse. Now that he only eats three times a day from me and only for about 5 minutes each time (otherwise, I;m on the move), I'm a very busy mom of 2 boys under 3. I'm loving every single second (even the potty training seconds that will start this weekend). 

My life is getting busier and busier as Shane eats less and runs around with Lars more (he's getting very close to doing that in his own). I'm going to take a break from my blog, for now. I will be still posting on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Follow me there and stay up to date on my body after baby, workouts, the boys and my food!!

Making the car seat life easier

Lulabloc was so kind to send me some products to try out (to make my mommy life a little easier). Anything that can make my life easier, I'm up for trying out. I can't wait for Lars to be old enough to use this. It help keeps the seat belt up, so Lars can buckle himself in. What an awesome idea!

They also sent me something for Shane to use. There are pros and cons to this one. It's great because it's magnetic and holds the seat belt out of the way, so it's easier to put Shane in his seat and makes it a lot faster. 

The con is that Shane loves to pick at things until he gets it (or he cries until you give it to him or hide it from him). These are attached by little pins, that I feel, he could easily work at and pull off. It's a good idea though. 

We are always going somewhere and whatever makes my life a little easier, I'm up for! My boys love all the trips we take (not usually too far away). 

It's almost time for our next adventure. We are going to play in water with some friends today.

Loving yoga lately!

I know I've been MIA for a while. Summer time is super busy in my house. If the boys are awake, we are out of the house. If they're sleeping, I'm trying to catch up on things around the house. I love this time of year! But, the good news is that I've been working out still (I don't plan on stopping). 

I still run, usually with the boys, and we end up at the park. They love going on runs with me and they make the time pass by so quickly. 

I've also been doing yoga now too. The nice people at Aurorae sent me some awesome products o try out.

This time of year, I'm always in sandals and these are pretty comfy. 

Their mat is the best. It's so thick and cushy (buy not too cushy that you loose your balance). They have so many patterns to choose from too. 

As I mentioned before, summer is super busy here and my boys are always involved in my life. Here's Lars testing out Aurorae's beach towel. It's huge! I have dried off Lars, Shane and myself (all at one time) from playing in the water in the backyard. Soft towels are a huge plus with little guys.

Aurorae has some great products to try out. If not saying this because they sent me the products for free, they are honestly wonderful products!

It's almost time for the boys to wake up and head out to swim practice for Lars. 

Summer running

I am loving this weather! It's cool in the morning (perfect for running/working out) and hot in the late afternoon (perfect for indoor playing/cool dinners). 

On Tuesday, I got in my second run (& I took the boys)! It feels good to run with them. Pushing the stroller makes the workout a full body workout.

This dinner was the perfect meal on a very hot evening. It's nice and cool and tastes great! All four of us loved it! Win, win, win, win!!!!

The boys and I try to spend as much time outside as possible, while its cool. We've been going to parks.

And of course, splash pads (this one was unexpected). That's why Lars isnt in the swim gear. 

Isn't summer time great?!?

This morning, I got up early and ran alone. I'm finally listening to podcasts. I'm  so behind on it too! I love it and it makes my runs go by so fast! Another run (with th boys) is part of my plan for this morning. I'm just going to do loops, because I have a friend coming over.

How do you stay cool during the summer? What's your favorite summer dish?

Keeping those legs moving

It's been pretty hot here lately (102). So, we play outside all morning, until lunch. And after nap, we stay indoors (unless we have an errand to run). Yesterday was spagetti play time. It was mainly for Shane (Lars had a coloring activity), but they both loved it so much!

I love my family! Aren't we cute?!?

After my run yesterday morning (& I got the boys fed and dressed), I took them out for my second run of the day. On the way back, we had a stop at the park to stretch their legs. It was so hot out there! This is the temp when we got home!

Ugh! I'm already ready for fall! It's the only time I can take them on my runs & they love doing it!

What's the weather like where you are? What time do you workout?

Pounding the pavement again

After resting a little (aka sleeping for an extra 25 minutes), I was able to get my sleepy butt out the door this morning. I couldn't get my eyes to stop watering. It looked like I was full on crying. I love running while the sun is on the rise!

After I got a few things done yesterday morning (& some sleep), I took the boys out for a very sweaty 3.5 mile run. They weren't hot, just me doing all the work, so they could get a nice breeze.

I've been so busy lately because I was planning a surprise 50th anniversary party for my parents. Family was in town and the next day was Father's Day. I think everyone had fun!

I have so much food in my fridge and even more dessert on my counters. It's very important I log as many miles in as possible!

How do you stay on track when you are so busy?

Enjoying (running) life!

Over the weekend, I was able to get out with the boys and go for a nice, warm run. This morning, it happened again (sans kids). I really love seeing the sun rise through the trees at the park behind my house. I love being the only one in the park in the mornings. It's like I have the entire place to myself!

My entire family, was able to get out and played at this awesome park. They had two playgrounds, chickens, horses and tons of grass to run on. All of us loved it!

I guess you can say that I've been enjoying all aspects of life...family and running! I love this time of year and love being outside see it all!

How do you enjoy life?

Favorite part of my day

One of my most enjoyable things to do is to run. What makes it even better is sharing that time with my boys. 

I love hearing them talk and point things out to me. It keeps my breath under control, because I'm always having a conversation with them (mostly Lars). 

Yesterday, when we got back from out 2.5 (sweaty) mile run, we headed straight for the backyard. The water table was filled with fresh, cool water for the boys to play with (yep, Shane loves the water table). When I Jel Shane stand at that table, he splashes so hard, I am drenched!

Between all the water play, it was bubble time! Both boys love popping the bubbles!!

All in all, the run made a pretty good day a great day!!!! I run to make myself a better person. Lars knows when we are going to go run, it makes us all happy!

What's your favorite part of your day?

Yoga for the runner

This is something I haven't done in a very long time (probably 3 years). I love yoga! It relaxes me and calms me down. 

It was the perfect thing to do after the boys went down for a nap. It also helped me since I had done 1.75 miles alone, an ab workout and then another 2.5 miles pushing the boys. It was an awesome day for working out! I loved every (very) sweaty second!!!

After the yoga session, I had a very filling lunch! Yum! Just what I needed.

Shane has started walking around and that's all he wants to do. He doesn't want to be held, he wants to walk around, hanging out with Lars. It's cute, but my back is killing me and so are my knees. I'm hunched over or or my knees helping him walk. I remember this phase very well from Lars. They are both skipping crawling. 

How often do you do yoga?

Reflo cup-growing up too fast

I'm not sure when others have introduced "big boy" cups to their kids. I started a little while ago. The awesome people at Reflo sent Lars a cup to try out...and it's awesome!

Lars absolutely loves it! It's small and light and super easy for him to use. The cup has a Reflo so it controls how much liquid comes out. 

Don't mind the mess in the background. If your child (or myself because I'm clumsy) knocks it over, liquid can come out (but not too much), but when he shakes it, nothing comes out. My boy really loves his water and put this great cup to the test!

The best thing...the price is right!!

What's your (or your little one's) favorite drink?

The run that made me cry

I did get up early and run. But I ran out of time to post about it. Yesterday was a fun, but crazy busy day. Lars had a play date with a friend at a trampoline play place. He loved it!

Four days in a row, I managed to get my butt out of bed and out the door. This morning was one of those mornings where you don't wake up until the run was over. 

I was in bed about 10 pm, but I was so tired. Every time I opened my eyes, I would cry. Tears would pour out of my sleepy eyes and down my salty, sweaty face. It was just a mini run before the boys got up and Jason left for work.

After Lars got up, (Shane sleeps a little longer than Lars) I got in another ab workout. My abs take only about 15-20 minutes, so it's easier to sneak these in when I can.

I'm having trouble running and getting my leg day and arm day in. It's a motivation/time thing. I'm too lazy to get up earlier than I already do. 

Where do you get your motivation? Any to spare?

Sweat IS sexy!

Sweat is sexy, and I was damn sexy this morning! First run in about a week because a sickness took over my family. 

I got in a mini 2 mile run before the boys got up. It felt great running in the (semi) cool air and watching people drive to work. My lungs got a real workout this morning! 

I had been pretty weak this week. The sickness I had was that I couldn't eat without a huge pain! I forced myself the way some and tried to keep water in my body (to help with breastfeeding). I lost 4 pounds in 2 days (not the way I like/or even wanted). I prefer the healthy way: eating (mostly) right and working out. I've gained a pound back. My stomach has shrunk, so I can't eat too much at once.

After breakfast (and the boys were awake), I got in my second workout. A little ab floor time. Much needed ab time, and I loved it. The boys allowed me 4 sets!! Until the trash guy came, then it was all over. I'm totally excited for how much time I got this morning! Now we are just waiting for some friends to come over.

Do you workout when you're sick?

Sports bras I'm loving!

Every time I workout, I have to cool down, dry off my sweat, and then I can breast feed Shane. I haven't had any type of workout nursing bras...until now. The very cool people at Bravado Designs were so kind to send me a couple bras to try out.

The first time I put them on, I was having a stupid moment. I couldn't figure out how to put it on. Silly me, it's pretty easy, it is just a bra.

They are super comfortable and the best thing...no chafing!! I've gone running in them a lot (more than 15 times) and never have had a problem. I don't bounce, and everything stays in place. Shane can even get fed faster.

The other cool thing about these bras is that once I'm done nursing (only about 4 more months), they turn into a normal bra. It's not wasted! It came with a "conversion". So, the detachable area gets cut off and I hook on a part that came with the package. It looks pretty simple too! Anything that makes this running mommy (of 2 boys) life easier, I'm all for it!!

I think I like the pink one best!

Which color do you prefer on me? Do you have any cool ways that make your mommy (or daddy) life easier?

The quadruple workout

Yesterday was a pretty great day! I got a lot of sweat dripped! It started out with my morning run (already told you about that). Then, while I was waiting for Shane to get hungry, I got in my abs. A little floor time for all three of us. Once Shane ate for the second time, I took the boys out for a little sun (before it got too hot).

Pushing the double stroller is not joke. It's hard, but it makes me a stronger runner, sans stroller.

Once the boys were napping, I was finally able to wash my car. I think I last washed it just after Shane came, so it's been a while. I also had some "extra" time and energy to wax my car. BANG!!! My arm workout for the day. Four workouts in one day & im not too sore/tired this morning.

In fact, I got up early this morning and headed out for a morning run. Boys boys and I have a lot planned for the rest of the week, so I won't be able to get in any double workouts (let alone quadruple).

How are you enjoying the sun?

Workout updates

On Thursday, I didn't get up before the boys, but I still got my run in, with them. Shane slept through almost the entire run 2.5 miles) and Lars was my chatter box. I loved it all! It made the time pass by quickly.

These two are my world and make me want to set a good, healthy example for them.

In Saturday, a local police station had an open house. There were so many people there and things to do! He met a police dog, got a "badge" and other fun things. One of the free activities the kids could do is workout with a cop (crossfit). His favorite was lifting a 10lbs medicine ball over his head (off course, with help) and slamming in in the mat. 

On Sunday, hubs & Lars did some work in the backyard while Shane and I watched.

This morning, I got in a mini solo run and am planning on doing another 2.5 with the boys after I do some stuff around the house.

How was your weekend spent?

Getting stronger!

Every day I workout, the stronger I get. I didn't get up early enough yesterday, but I did this morning! I worked my arms, and I feel stronger for doing so. 

It's suppose to be 92 today, so shorts and a tank were in order. Don't you love my new socks (along with the other 5 pairs) that my boys bought my for Mother's Day?!? They're super comfy and light weight. Perfect for summer running!

My arms are starting to have a tiny bit of definition 😊

After I feed Shane, I'm taking the boys out for a tiny run around the neighborhood. I just have to make sure the weather isn't too hot (which it shouldn't be by then). 

What's the weather like around you?

Jumping for joy!

Jumping for joy or actually doing squat jumps for joy. I've been half assing my workouts. If I don't wake up early enough, I do squeeze it in after the boys have lunch. 

But, I got my ass out of bed early enough

I worked out my legs and had fun sweaty it out!!! My legs are going to feel it, once they decide to wake up. I'm so glad I did this today. I didn't get up early yesterday, so I worked my abs while the boys played together yesterday.

How do you get your workouts in?

Late arm workout & a morning run

I managed to wake up this morning, before the boys (& before Jason left for work). So, I was able to go out for a tiny run. A nice crisp morning and Metallica playing in my ears made for a great wake up!

Yesterday, I chose sleep over an arm workout. I felt so guilty all day, but stil glad I chose sleep. I managed to get all my stuff done during the day. So, when Shane went down for a nap and Lars was watching Mickey, I managed a quick 20 minute, sweat drenching workout.

While I was working out, this is what was in the oven baking...zucchini bake. It was pretty good! Even Lars ate his entire plate.

What do you do when you miss a workout?

Longest plank & a fast breakfast

I'm on day 2 without any stupid injury or lack of motivation. I really wanted to hit snooze when my alarm went off this morning. But, I knew how much I'd regret not getting my workout in (only time I have throughout the day, until Shane can walk). 

Today was an ab day. I held a plank for 35 seconds!! That's huge for me. I haven't been able to do that since before I was pregnant with Lars. So proud of myself!!

Once I finished my workout, I got some things done around the house and enjoyed breakfast with Lars. He had cereal while I enjoyed my crustless quiche muffins. So good! I out zucchini, mushrooms and tomatoes in it. So good!

I made these a couple days ago and now I can just pop a couple in the microwave to heat up whenever I'm ready. Super fast!

What's your go to super fast breakfast?

Finally...leg day!!

I had a little company during the last half of my workout. Lars makes the time go by fast!

I was finally able to get my butt in gear to get up early enough to workout before the boys (at least Shane) woke up. It felt great to get a great leg sweat going! Oh how I've missed my heart beating like that (from something other than running).

I haven't been running very much for two reasons: (1) my neck had been hurting so bad, it hurt to hold my head up. (2) as soon as my neck healed, my knee started hurting. I know it started hurting because I've been too lazy to workout my legs. I learned a long time ago, that I must workout my legs in order not to be put on the injured list. The legs feel great this morning!

Here's what happens when you try to do a good, happy and energetic jump for your blog, but keep missing the right count. Oh well, OK try, I guess.

Are you injured? If so, what's hurt? If not, have you ever been & how long ago?

Squooshi review

A little while back (I really like to test out the products), the awesome people at squooshi sent me a great package. It had so many goodies in it.

Lars loves, what we call, squeezies: smoothies in a squeeze pouch. I've been buying them, but I prefer to make as much as I can from scratch. Squooshi has made that possible for me. Shane can also start to eat them too. But, I've been concerned about his gums in the hard plastic nozzle. Here's the solution:

It's a soft material that won't hurt the little mans gums! He loves chewing on it! 

I love the cleaning brushes they sent! They make cleaning the bags so easy! 

Of course, Lars loves them (the truly important part)! I have so many flavors I can't wait for him (& Shane) to try!

The bags are very easy to fill! They don't leak, explode or anything. The only complaint I would have is that they don't sit upright (which makes sense, since you fill it at the bottom). Lars set it down (on its side, one time and I didn't know it. Almost the entire (1/4 filled was left) slowly came out. We were outside, so it wasn't a big deal.

Another handy item they sell are their zip pouches. I keep at least one in my baby bag whenever we go out. They're great to store the boys' snacks. They are so easy to use, open and close!

Squooshi is making this mommy's life a little easier! Thank you so much for letting us try out your awesome products!!