Things I Love - Part 2

Work out today was another 10.17 miles.  I was unbelievably windy, but a good run.  I don't want to speak too soon, but I might be getting the hang of this am really having fun with this!  I think it was about an 8:30+ mile pace.  I'll take it.

Quote of the day from Drew Man:  "Hey, old Lucky Charms taste like chicken!"  Gross.  Funny, but gross.  Don't worry, I'm  not serving my kids old cereal...I just never cleaned up the bowl from the table...oh, my house isn't a pit, really...usually...ummm, never mind.

A while back I wrote about a random few things that were my favs at the time.  I've got some more.

1.  As always, #1 are my peeps...

Story time before bed...

2.  Sweet Jordan loves to draw lately...here's her latest.  It's called, 'Mommy'.  It's beautiful.

You've just got to really appreciate the beauty in this one.

3.  I just can't say enough about my Camel Back!  It's like I just got it new, although I've had it all along.  Dorky as it may be, it's awesome because I can put my IPod in the zipper pocket and have water, all hands free.  Love It!

Had to make a re-appearance.  

4.  Another thing I can't say enough about is my Shakeolgy!  When I say the stuff is amazing, I'm not even exaggerating one bit.  There are so many benefits, but the one that comes to mind right now is the recovery drink that it is!  10+ miles feels so much better after a Shake!  No headache, no stomach ache, so much less a feeling of fatigue and "how am I going to get through the day without a nap" feeling.  It rocks!!!!!!

Another re-appearance, but I can't say enough about this product!  

5.  The Shop It To Me website.  This is an amazing place where I've gotten way too many bargains to even count.  I'll try though...I'm talking shoes for both kids on at least 35% off, Crocs for my parents at 50% off, Nike running shorts X2 (at least) for me at, the very least 25%off...we're talking any brand...you name it, all on sale.  Any time your favorite brand is running a sale, you'll know about it.  Click it and it's yours.  Doesn't get any better than that!

This is not me, and these are not my legs...but...this is a Shop It To Me image!

6.  Here's something I'm loving, but I don't have one yet.  I'd love a Kindle!  That's going to be my next big purchase.  I'm buying one.

7.  Oh, and I've been hearing more about Compression Socks.  I don't have any of those either, but they might be worth the investment.  They are supposed to help with blood flow and recovery from races and long runs.

Photo from runnersworld.com

Are My Kids Friends?

Today has been a one of a kind day here in our house.

First off, this really has nothing to do with exercise, outside of the fact that we (me and my little partner D-Man) did our nap-time Max Abs with Shaun T.

Why has this day, of all days been so momentous?  Because my children spent the entire morning playing together.  This has happened in spurts here and there; they've been known to play school and the super fun chase game - until someone runs into a wall or slips backwards on their socks - you know what game that is.

But today, they occupied themselves the WHOLE morning.  They woke up at different times, Sweet Jordan first...and when Drew woke up, you would have thought The Beibs walked into the room.  She was so excited.  That was not so unusual...but it gets better.

They ate their breakfast, talking and laughing with each other for over half an hour.  They both ate, and nobody whined about anything.  Drew got up and got his sis some water...never even asked me for help.

Next, they moved on to school.  Big Bro was the teacher; he's a pro since he's been in pre-school for 2 years.  They had calendar time, learned about the letter "J" for Jordan, and even a bathroom break.  I had to get them cheese sticks, apples and juice for their class snack, and was informed that normally the teacher doesn't have snack, but since today is Saturday, it's fine. 

Mr. S taking a snack break.

I had to go upstairs and clean the bedrooms and bathrooms.  Those two just followed me up, and went right into Big Bro's room and he read her books.  For over an hour.  Even her girlie princess books.  Then, they turned on his Hot Wheels boom box, and they had a dance party while I vacuumed.  

I had to keep myself from checking in too much, you know how that can totally ruin the momentum and throw the oh so peaceful situation into certain doom.  But, even the few times I peeked in everything was running smoothly and kept on that way until lunch!

I was in amazement.  It's one of those catch 22 situations.  I've always said, "Boy, it will be so awesome when those two can play together on their own!"

But...I have to say, I felt a little lonely this morning!  They only wanted me around if they needed something...and then they were off again...no need for old Mom anymore!  I was the one who was waiting by the bedroom door for them to call my name...nope...not even Sweet J, who normally is by my side all. the. time.

I suppose this is just another one of those times when you realize your babies are growing up before your very eyes.  3 and almost 5, and BFF's (when it's convenient of course!)

Now, as one would expect, I'm the one stuck cleaning this mess up, but it's totally worth it!

The aftermath.

Bitter, Sweet Valentine

My Little Valentine is having his party at school tomorrow, which is a blessing for this procrastinating Mom.  One might call it procrastinating, but the other might call it:  Yesterday's Valentine prototype was for the birds, so thank goodness there's one more day to get it right.

We've got Football Valentine making going on this evening.

So, this is my first attempt at a real live craft.  We used all of the crafty stuff:  glue, yarn, hole puncher, construction paper, scissors...and of course, fruit roll ups.

Please excuse the current picture quality...I'm using my phone, which is NOT a smart phone of any kind.  Our camera was given as a gift to me from my husband on our first Christmas together...dating!  Needless to say, almost 10 years later, it's no longer working.

This year's VDay is a bitter sweet one.

The Sweet:  Sweet Jordan and Big Man Drew are digging the "holiday" this year.  Jordan is smitten with Daddy and the fact that they are Valentines.  Drew is feeling cool because he has Mommy and Jordan as Valentines...not to mention the little cuties in the Butterfly Room at pre-school!

The dining room all decorated, heart waffle faces for breakfast, goodies, and books.  They love it!

My Valentines...xxooxxoo

The Bitter:  Our sweet, white, fluffy, family pet lost a long health battle last night, and is spending Valentine's Day as healthy and happy as a lark in Heaven.  She was a feisty little thing with the cutest under-bite and was my Mom's little old lady.  She was such a loyal little lady to my parents and my Sister...I know she is terribly missed especially by her Best Puppy Friend, Frankie.  We love you Chloe and we will miss you.

The Weekends

I Love the Weekends.  Who doesn't?  2 days out of the week for time with the fam.

It's like I get to know my children a little bit more each weekend.  Time to talk to them, and watch them play is priceless these days.

With Sweet Jordan about to turn 3 in the blink of an eye, it's really crazy to think about how things have changed in a year.  We've gone from crib and diapers to full blown soon-to-be pre-schooler with an opinion, and sass, and a hysterical sense of humor and outlook.
She's my princess with a rugged edge.  Not too prissy, and not too tom-boy.  Just the right combination.  She's my be-bopper; just bopping around with her blonde waves, probably belting out a song at the top of her little lungs.
She loves her big brother more than anything, and seeing their connection is enough to make me cry...just thinking about it!

Drew Man is pushing 5 these days, and he is the most caring little boy I have ever known.
He's my sweet, loving, old soul.  He's best friends with both his Grandpa and Papa.  He's also best friends with Spike the dog.  Spike lives a couple hours away, and he gets emotional thinking about how he misses is doggy pal.
He's smart as a whip, loves to read and looks exactly like his Daddy.  He wants to be just like him and play football too.  Except not a teacher; no, he wants to be a train conductor.
He loves his family more than anything in the world.

I can't wait until.......we say it all the time.  It's true, the times ahead are bound to be awesome.  It has been, and will continue to be incredible watching my children grow up.

I love to sit and imagine my babies a year from now, and in high school, and all grown up.  I just feel it in my bones that they both are going to be amazing people and take the world by storm.  They show me that every day.

But, for the time being, I'm going to focus on them. now.

The Fog Has Lifted

For the Love!  I finally got out for a run after a hiatus of a few days.  I missed it!

Since it was almost 50 degrees in February, I had to take advantage!  Perfect weather, no gloves, no hat and no ice and snow to navigate around.  It was awesome!

And... I made a new play list...

1.  Umbrella - Rihanna
2.  Won't Back Down (feat. P!nk) - Eminem
3.  What's My Name? - Rihanna & Drake
4.  Cinderella Man - Eminem
5.  Cowboy - Kid Rock
6.  Get The Party Started - P!nk
7.  Not Afraid - Eminem
8.  F**kin' Perfect - P!nk
9.  Soldier - Eminem
10. Disturbia - Rihanna
11. The Sweet Escape - Gwen Stefani
12. Everything Zen - Bush
13. Can't You See (feat. Kid Rock) [Live] - Zac Brown Band
14. Learning To Fly - Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
15. Mean - Taylor Swift

I need some more song suggestions.  I've got to have at least 15 more to make sure I don't have to start it over during a long run.  A few I might repeat somewhere in the middle because the have a great Tempo for a pick-me-up!  There are hundreds, maybe more songs on our IPod, but half of them are nursery rhymes, or crazy stuff I just skip over when I'm on shuffle.

Oh, and we had a little snafu today with Little Miss Jordan and some markers.  She said she wanted to look like a baseball player.  I'm not sure exactly what that meant, all I know is that the markers are for use under -supervision only- until further notice.

The red was washable and the blue stamps, not so much.  It took a good scrubbing.  This coming right off of the heels of yellow in the same arrangement yesterday.  The placement of the markings seems to be key?

Have any song suggestions for my running playlist?

And...how are you taking advantage of this sweet February weather?

The New Friday

My favorite day of the week always used to be Friday.  Once all responsibility was officially over; at like 3:00, it was like a weight was lifted off my shoulders.  Nothing to worry about.  Free as a bird.  What shall we do?  Go shopping?  Go out to eat?  Go to the movies?  How about all three, and then hit up the bar after!  Sounds like a plan!

All of the sudden, I find myself in bed, on a Friday night at 10:00.  My husband might even argue it's closer to 9:30.

There are tons of chores left over from the week; the counter's still sticky from a cake making extravaganza, the laundry is still in baskets to be folded, there's dust on the side tables in the living room, there is a scooter in the kitchen, and Hot Wheels in the hall, piles of mail hidden on the other side of the fridge, not to mention the basket full of socks begging to be sorted.

It's always a struggle to get it all done.

I wonder if I'm the only one here, but I'm willing to stick my neck out.  Here goes...

It's Sunday, the week is about to start over again in less than 24 hours, and...there's still laundry to be done, there's now a scooter in the bathroom, there are Hot Wheels and trains in the living room and hall, the mail is still there, a few socks were sorted (a few is 2, right?), the bathrooms need to be cleaned, so does the living room, the house needs to be vacuumed (who decided to carpet the entire upstairs?)

But, we had fun this weekend!

We went to the library and stumbled upon a story time session.  Drew found a coveted football book, and Jordan fell in love with Pinkalicious.

We watched their new favorite movie "Everybody's Hero" a baseball movie, 2.5 times.

We played in the snow at our house and at Grammy and Pop's.

We had front row seats to watch Drew Sikora star as QB in tons of football games in the living room.

Princess Jordan debuted in her Rapunzel dress and crown to make breakfast and lunch today.

We  went out to dinner at Outback with a gift card Kent had in his wallet...Bonus!

I still have a lot of "chores" left to do.  I'm sure the ones that need to get done will...but spending the weekends with my kids is much more important to me than having 200 paris of matching socks  (clearly socks and their lack of organization is an issue in my house, and I'd be willing to bet that 200 is not an unrealistic number).

How could a weekend of rated G movies...on repeat, games of living room football, princess, and the occasional "chore" have won out over anything involving the words 'bar' or 'partying'?

Here's how... my party people are already at home!

My weekend party crew!