Wordless Wednesday

The Mom I Want to Be

This last week I have been taking Mason to the park in the mornings.
He loves running around, climbing UP the slides then walking down the stairs.

He watches close as other kids play with a smile on his face then tries to mimic what they did. He is shy and often times watches and laughs before warming up and slowly approaching them.

I usually go during Ryla's morning nap so I can peacefully snuggle her on a bench and watch. That was until one day I saw all the other moms this way, sitting on a bench, cigarette in one hand cell phone in the other. Their kids yelling and begging for their attention, wanting nothing more than mom to watch them climb this tree.

It hit me then that I did not want Mason to remember me as the mom on the bench.
I didn't want him competing for my attention over the phone or any other insignificant thing.
 I didn't want him to lose faith in my love and attention.
 I didn't want him to give up on me and do things without asking me to admire them.


From that moment on I decided I wanted to be the crazy mom, who looks 12 and like I belong on the jungle gym, climbing the steps and falling down the slides. I cradled Ryla in my arms and we ran up and down that play place. I burned my arms rolling down the slides, I sweated more than I wanted to. I chased him under bridges and between areas I could barely squeeze. I didn't take pictures to document on Instagram but rather made memories and adored smiles.

I often times get caught up in what I want to do;email, blog, workout, watch this news story, drink a cup of coffee before it goes cold but I realized all this can wait. I have 2 littles growing up too fast and I know they are taking in everything I do right now. I want them to learn what is important to me and that is them!

Dog Days of Summer

Its been HOT out

There is plenty to do in the summer time but if you don't make it out the door first thing in the morning you lose 10 pounds sweating!

Things you can do in the summer are...

Love on your best friend

Ride your bike

Sleep

 

Wash your car

 Amuse mom with a smile

Sleep 

How are you staying cool and enjoying summer?

Running:: The Plan

I have had a ton of people ask what my plan post baby will be as far as running.

I didn't even think that would be a question

It's my passion

I ran all through pregnancy as most of you know. It took a bit of a toll on my body. During the final month I had terrible knee pain and barely completed my half at 36 weeks. It was such a downer for me to not be able to run that last month. I was worried that after Ryla came I would still be in pain and not able to run. I made sure to stretch and take care of myself after she came and once my body was ready I was ready

Running to me has become a part of me. I don't run just to get fit and stay in shape. 

I run because I love it and I love how it makes me feel.

I run because it makes me stronger on the inside and outside

I run because of the confidence it gives me as a mom, woman and wife

I run because it clears my head and helps me let go of stress

I run to feel empowered

I run to feel accomplished

When I started running I couldn't run around the block. I spent hours pushing myself both physically and mentally. I became faster, stronger more sure of myself and what I could do. After I ran my first half I knew I could accomplish things I thought were unheard of. I became more confident in my skin.

After running my second half, 9 months pregnant, I knew I could do anything I put my mind to. This has helped me tremendously in my role as a mom. Having one child is difficult but having two has been more work, stress and tears than I was ready for. Running has become my me time. After I run a run where I just want to give up but don't I realize I am strong and capable  of handling everything life throws at me. This may seem silly to some but running has helped shape in many many ways

So, to answer the question of whether I am going to continue to run post baby, YES!

Siblings

I don't remember having this much fun with my sisters when we were small.

Probably because that was 25 years ago and who remembers that far back?

Mason ABSOLUTELY adores his sister. First thing in the morning when he wakes up he looks for baby sister, whether she is in her bed, swing, on the floor or couch he must find her and kiss her.

There will be fights and arguments and I hate you's along the way but I just know these two are going to grow up to be best friends.

Mom, she is touching me!

 It's okay, don't cry Ryla

Big girl at 1 month old, 8lb 12 oz!

 Camera Hog

Mason loves the camera, he says "picture Mason"

 

A Birthday Party

Two days before Ryla was born Mason turned 2!

Two days after Ryla was born we celebrated his birthday

Yes, I am crazy for hosting a party with a 2 day old but I had plenty of help and I planned on Ryla being here at least a good week or more before.

We rented a small little stable with mini ponies to ride, a petting/feeding zoo and play ground

We grilled hotdogs and ate cake

Mason had a ball and I believe all the other kids did too!

Thanks to everyone who came out and made my little man's day extra special

{Clean} Spaghetti :: Recipe

Happy Monday all!

Hope you had a great weekend with the family

I am starting this week with a quick little recipe post. We I am working on eating clean and making healthy changes for the family. Everyone who knows Austin will know how thrilled he is about this ;)

I found this wonderful website and am in love

I altered their clean spaghetti recipe and made it last night

*note: I am really bad with measurements because my family is so small I usually just wing it when cutting down the recipe*

ground turkey

dried basil

orageno

garlic powder

onion powder

chili powder

1 large can tomato sauce (15 oz) plus one small can (8 oz) {no added salt}

2 cups water

whole wheat spaghetti noodles

Brown turkey in skillet

Add seasoning ( again I just added to taste, for actual measurements you can look on web page)

Add tomato sauce and water

Bring to boil

Add noodles

cover and cook over low heat for 20-30 minute

Be sure to stir often to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan

I really enjoyed this recipe, it was easy and quick!

What's your favorite clean eating blog or website?