Category Archives: Family

Fasty Friday and Favorites…

not fasty as in fasting, but more like quick..you know?  Fasty.  Or you can just say Quick Takes and 5 Favorites combo’d.  QTs is over @ CampPatton again this week because new Mama Jen FINALLY GOT TO TAKE THE BABY HOME FROM THE NICU!!!  Awesome news in this week of ickiness.  Superb, in fact.  AND……in a bid to bring joyful and useful news among the rough news week, I am ALSO joining in with Hallie and her 5 Favorite Things link up….but mine will have 7-ish.  A two-fer if you will.  It’s always fun to see what people are up to during the week and I’ve been enjoying the  5 faves and seeing what folks around the internets consider their favorite products and such.  Go check ’em ALL out!!

It’s a clean eating theme.

This week marks the end of my 2nd week of eating clean.  It’s not a hard and fast “Clean” and/or Paleo, but a bit of a combined, best-of-both worlds and guess what???  It’s totally working.  Of course, the fact that I have planned out our meals and have made sure to have adequate food for my eating purposes has certainly helped….but, I think this is something that I could totes live with.  Now, that said, I’m heading into week 3 which is where I have generally sputtered and run out of motivation in the past, so pray for me and feel free to send on some encouragement, etc, etc!  Ok, ok, here’s my 7:

  1. Adoration.  I’ve been TWICE this week.  I love  Adoration.  Peace.  Quiet. Prayers.  In light of all the tragedy this week in Boston and Texas amongst other family and friend urgent prayer needs, it was a welcome respite in which I highly recommend.
  2. Pat Gohn.  Love her podcast.  And she has a new book out, “Blessed, Beautiful and Bodacious!” which is on my night stand in the next-to-read position.  This week she interviewed Mary Wallace and they talked of working moms OUTSIDE the home and incorporating your faith life in your work life.  It was a stellar podcast and has encouraged me to begin a “Positivity Project” .  Without going into detail, I’ll just say office morale is totally in the toilet…BUT Mary and Pat encouraged me to “be the change”.  Every person can make small efforts to turn the tide even if those who should be setting the example don’t.  I started yesterday with Gandhi’s quote, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.  I’d like to see a lot less whining, griping and people just doing their job and helping others…..
  3. Pre-cooked food.  Eating Clean-eo has been much easier with cooking up some roasted veggies and hard-boiled eggs on the weekend for some ease in putting together lunches and snacks for me for the week.  However, I’ll just say that I’ve now given brussel sprouts THREE separate tries and they really are not good.  I ate them.  They weren’t horrible.  However, I won’t be eating them again.
  4. Pre-planned meals.  Meal planning for the week just helps me stay focused.  No guess-work in the morning on what to take out, no fumbling after work for what we’ll eat.  It’s just working for me.  Winning.
  5. Almond milk.  Since I’ve cut out dairy, this is my substitute for my coffee additive in the a.m. and my smoothie base after workout.  No dairy.  No gluten.  Tasty.
  6. Spin bike and burpees.  Actually, I hate them both.  However, to get my cardio in on non-workout days the spin bike fits the bill and when I break it up into 5-8 minute sessions with a set of 10 Burpees in between it goes much quicker.  Not to mention I am sweating like a sweaty person when I’m done.
  7. Choco-cado smoothie.  Before you get all EWWWW, sounds gross on me….let me just say….it is so delicious I thought I was cheating.   The fact I’ve had no sugar and/or processed stuff for twoweeks probably increased the yum factor, but seriously…..DELISH!!!!  I’m including the link on the pic credit, but here’s MY version:  8 oz Almond Milk, 1 frozen banana (go ahead and peel that BEFORE you freeze it so you don’t have to nuke it to get the peel off…ask me how I know this.)  1 giant handful of spinach.  1/4 of a avocado.  1 scoop of chocolate protein powder.  Blend and enjoy.  You are welcome.

Now go check out all the other people and their QTs and Faves…Happy Weekend!!

WIWS…Spring has sprung!

Sunday Mass fashion sharing with the masses @ Fine Linen and Purple…here we go!!!!!

Another weekend of a dress you haven’t seen on me here yet….exciting stuff, right??  With jewelry you may or may not have seen and if you look REALLY carefully you can see my budding herbs in the background.  My favorite time of year!!!

I’m including my female mininons this week, too….since they are always so helpful with the photo shoot and all.  The menfolk around here generally shun the camera or photobomb or make ridiculous faces….so they’re out!  This week anyway….

Full length....Target dress, many, many moons ago and one of my faves.

Full length….Target dress and shoes, many, many moons ago and one of my faves.

Bracelet gift from my mom a few years ago, ring you've seen this one before and funky necklace a thank you gift from a neighbor for cat sitting.

Bracelet gift from my mom a few years ago, ring you’ve seen this one before and funky necklace a thank you gift from a neighbor for cat sitting.

 

Our oldest girl and her VERY purple shoes (Kohl's) and matching hair bow (farmer's market)  and Aeropostale dress (thrifted) with my (Kohl's) sweater.

Our oldest girl and her VERY purple shoes (Kohl’s) and matching hair bow (farmer’s market) and Aeropostale dress (thrifted) with my (Kohl’s) sweater.

 

Youngest diva sporting her Kohl's blingy flip flops, and hand me down dress and cardi and a hairbow stolen from Mimi long ago!

Youngest diva sporting her Kohl’s blingy flip-flops, and hand me down dress and cardi and a hairbow stolen from Mimi long ago!

 

And the last shall be first….

THIS week, Jen has flipped the order and the procrastinators (AKA, MOI) are at the TOP of the list…so Friday Saturday QTs it is….b/c I can’t seem to get it together in time for Friday….but y’all pray for her and her health and her upcoming birth of her bambino…..she really needs ’em!!  Annnnnd, BTW…congrats to MoxieWife, Hallie on the birth of her tardy chubs, Charlie!!!  Now onto the QTs….

 

— 1 —

This was week 6 of my Groupon for Impact Fitness and it was AWESOME!!  So awesome in fact, I conned encouraged a friend to join (which scored me 1/2 off the NEXT 6 weeks).  We are both doing the next challenge which promises a $2000 prize to the person with the highest % weight loss.  I’M.  IN.  GAME.  ON.

— 2 —

I’m also apparently in the lead for a word-of-mouth contest the gym had for referrals and maybe, just maaaaaaaybe if I win….Mama will be reading these blogs on her new iPad.   The anticipation is KILLING ME!!!

— 3 —

And so, with the upcoming challenge and my aspirations on bringing home the multiple Benjamins I am planning my menu…except I’m not.  I’m on the computer.  Earlier this week I already sorta mapped it out.  Now to put it to paper.  And head to the grocery store.  And cook.  HOWEVER…my family is on board.  Might have something to do with the dinner out I promised with my winnings…….

— 4 —

Switching gears….Hubs and I are almost done with this season of Downton Abbey.  ONE.  MORE.  EPISODE.  I’m preparing for withdrawals.  And bracing myself for a shocking last episode.  Or so my friend has said, without spoiling it.  GAH!!!

— 5 —

Hubs and I have a date night tonight.  Gotta love Groupon…..Steak!!!!!  And date night!  Double W!!!!

— 6 —

On a camera/photography note….I need to send off my beloved Nikon for repair.  Sad face.  Any suggestions?   So far, I’m planning on sending it to Nikon…they diagnose online and price it before you even send it.

— 7 —

For the final QT…I’m sharing this video of a hilarious “prank” by Jeff Gordon at a car dealership…real or no….flippin’ funny.  My friend showed me at work and then I watched with the Hubs last night and laughed even harder.  Happy Weekend!!  I’m off to PLAN for my WIN!!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

EASTER…taking it outside to celebrate!

The whole-ish outfit.  My missed the shot.  Apparently.  the skirt is swingy and goes just below/to the knee.

The whole-ish outfit. My legs missed the shot. Apparently. The skirt is swingy and goes just below/to the knee.

Camp Patton

Joining in with Camp Patton,  Freckles in April, and North Meets South, in a nod to Fine Linen and Purple‘s wildly fun WIWS….EASTER STYLE!!  I’ve been COMPLETELY MIA for the last few months on the WIWS circuit, mostly because I was in repeat mode. buuuuuuut, now I have the spring clothes out so you might see me more frequently the next couple of weeks.

Hoping you all had a blessed Lent and a are enjoying a fabulous Easter celebration today.  I have a whopping T-20 minutes, so let’s see what I can throw together here what with cropping and editing and such with the photos!

Mass outside.  Breezy 69 degrees, sunny, cloudy, sunny.  Awesomeness.

Mass outside. Breezy 69 degrees, sunny, cloudy, sunny. Awesomeness.

neck

ear

bracelet

Disregard the scraped knuckle courtesy of porch project yesterday...post to come later...

Disregard the scraped knuckle courtesy of porch project yesterday…post to come later…

Love these sandals.  Disregard the sad state of the pedicure...just ran out of hours this weekend!

Love these sandals. Disregard the sad state of the pedicure…just ran out of hours this weekend!

danceDancers, pre-Mass practicing their carousel.  They were a little nervous with the wind, but did great!!

Pre-Mass warm up by the lake.

Pre-Mass warm up by the lake.

Strike a pose!

Strike a pose!

Papa and his girls!

Papa and his girls!

Even snagged the big boy for a quick shot!

Even snagged the big boy for a quick shot!

Deets:  Moi, Kohl’s for the outfit and shoes and Lia Sophia for the blingz.

Big girl:  Kohl’s except for the inherited shrug

Dancer girl:  Church for the dance uniform

French horn boy:  Church for the tux jacket/tie, thrifty for the pants and inherited shirt.

Big boy:  Thrift Volcom shirt, Old Navy khaki shorts

Dad:  Thrifted and inherited and  a total keeper!

Friday. Parenting. Blogging. Procrastination.

My morning prayer with the kids on Fridays as we drive to school ALWAYS includes a prayer of thanksgiving for “Friday, mama’s favorite day of the week“.  True story.

Today I’m joining in with Jen and friends with 7 Quick Takes….today, mine are super quick, because a) I have to wake up kiddos and b) I’m trying a timed experiment on myself…let’s see how it goes, K?  K.

  1. I’ve been doing a lot of thinking about parenting this week….and blogging…..and continuing Ed points (or my procrastination in obtaining them EVERY year and I thought I’d share a few points with you.
  2. Blogging.  I’ve been feeling my blog is about to go in a different direction.  I also feel I might have to take some time off to figure out WHAT direction that is.  So….just get ready.  It’s coming.
  3. My state license is up for renewal at the end of April.  I have ZERO CEUs.  ZERO.    I have all my periodicals out and have been reading and taking tests.  Why do I have to perform so well under pressure?  It’s a curse I tell you.
  4. Parenting advice I’ve received and taken to heart over the years.  (This might not work for YOUR family, but these are things that have worked for OURS).  On the birth of our first child….oldest son….still in shock from labor, resting in the hospital a friend said, “Quickly, hurry up and have 3 more.”  I told her she was crazy.  And then I did.  Best.  Advice.  Ever.  Big families are crazy and loud and so very worth it.
  5. One of my dearest friends always sends her children away with “Angels watch over you”….I loved the blessing, but didn’t want to copy  her COMPLETELY, so I incorporated a “Sign of the cross” on their foreheads.  If we are in a hurry, often the kids will say, “Moooooom, my blessing???”  Send your kids out with a blessing.
  6. One year we had a project due and I needed a poster board STAT, my girlfriend said, “Oh, come out to my car, I have some in my trunk.”  From that day forward, we have had a STOCKED school supply area.  Be prepared.  You never know when you’ll need that poster board—for us it’s usually Sunday night.
  7. Put your marriage first.  It takes constant effort, tweaking and pruning.  The fruit of your efforts is a strong, communicative, partnership, friendship and example for your children.  Children that will pick your nursing home one day.
  8. Lastly, and having FAILED at my time experiment and counting as this is now 8 Quick Takes…….PRAY, PRAY, PRAY always over and for your children and take EVERY bit of parenting advice with a grain of salt.  Some things you can use.  Some you won’t.

Blessings and enjoy the weekend and my favorite day of the week!!!