Five on Friday

one. HM

My H&M baby! His shirt and pants are from them, shoes are Vans. I just love their clothes for kids. He is so much a kid now and not a baby. (cue mom cry) 

two. Swing

On Tuesday's, we go to a park with Gabby and Miguel. Well this Tuesday I was swinging and Miguel walked right over to me to sit in my lap to swing with me. I sure do love this kid! 

three. Lunch date

Today I had the best lunch date. Sometimes Brody is amazing at restaurants. He is getting better and better each day and I am loving it. He usually does really good at Mexican restaurants cause there is chips and queso but today at Cheesecake Factory, he was amazing. He just sat across from me and kept watching people and playing with his sprite, waiting on his pizza. Then when it came, he just sat there and ate it. 

four. Emerald Sky

Today is the last day to use the code MOM20 to get 20% off at Emerald Sky. With so much to choose from, it's going to be hard to not overload your shopping cart. 

five. Cars 3

The new trailer for Cars 3 came out this week and I am so stoked about it. Brody is still to young for the theater but there are other boys in my family who I am sure I can tag along with. 

Terrible Twos

Dear Diary,

The terrible twos. I believe we have already hit this stage for Brody. I honestly do. He's been advanced in everything (except talking) why would this be any different. People say I am lucky to go through it early. Better now then at 3. But what does the "terrible twos" actually mean. The true definition is a period in a child's early social development (typically around the age of two years) that is associated with defiant or unruly behavior.

I*N*D*E*P*E*N*D*E*N*T* to the max. Everything is about him doing it. And then he get's super pissed off when he can't. 

He's moody and does this fake cry crap I can't stand. 

He's acting out.

He's knows when he is not supposed to do something and he does it anyways. 

He pushes every button on us and knows that he is doing it. 

He wakes in a bratty mood and just cries when he can't have something. 

He throws food on the ground when I have clearly told him not to a thousand times. 

Did I mention independent? 

I just love this child beyond words and I want to be able to get through this period of life with my sanity. I am a stay at home mom so it's not like I can shove him to a pre-school and say "y'all deal with him" which on some days I would LOVE to do that! Any advice for me to get through this period of life? Any advice that you find to help me stay sane? Any advice for me not to spank him all day long? I could really use y'alls help on this. 

Thanks! 

Love, Me

My battle with food

On yesterday's blog, I spoke about my 1 year anniversary with Swink. And while working out is half the battle to getting fit, I have found that food is my biggest battle. I LOVE to eat. And I love to eat bad things. Chips are my number one killer.....I could eat chips ALL day. Flaming Hot Cheetos are my weakness and there was one point in the past year when I was eating them every night before bed. Since I do have a gluten intolerance (it doesn't always effect me, just certain times) I suffer from stomach aches. Well these past couple of months I decided to make a change in my diet....and I will tell you that is when I started seeing results on myself. I knew I had been working hard at the gym and I was losing the weight, just not physically seeing the results and always feeling bloated. 

I am here to tell you that I will NOT stop drinking wine. 

I am here to tell you that I will NOT stop eating Flaming Hot Cheetos. 

I am here to tell you that I will NOT stop eating pepperoni and banana pepper pizza. 

I just won't.

But I am here to tell you that I have up't my fiber intake. 

I am here to tell you that I up't my protein intake. 

I am here to tell you that I up't my veggie intake. 

I am here to tell you that I up't my water intake. 

And that is how I started seeing results. 

I took out the bad on a daily basis and put in the good. Now I enjoy pizza once a month instead of every 5th day. I still buy my Flaming Hot Cheetos, just don't sit and eat the whole bag, instead I grab a handful and walk away. 

I have found that if I deprive myself of something I really want, it ends badly. So if there is something I am seriously craving and it's day 3 of craving it, I get it for myself. But in a very small amount. Just enough to fill that void and I don't over indulge like I use to do. 

I have also started a food journal. I don't necessarily write down calories, fat, etc., just what I am eating so if I do end up with a stomach ache, or I can't see my ab muscles anymore....what am I doing wrong? What have I eaten this week to cause this and where can I adjust?

I know some fitness instructors/coaches might not agree with me. But I can't just eat clean. I'll go crazy and Lord know's how much this stay at home mom needs a nice glass of wine on rough days! I am simply telling you what is working for me and my body. 

If you need any help on where to start, I would love to help. I am in no way an expert on this but having someone to talk to, having someone to go to about this helps. 

1 year anniversary

Today is the one year anniversary of my first day at Swink. ONE YEAR! I can't believe it was just one year ago I was so nervous stepping foot into that door, not knowing what it was going to be like. I still remember the fear that went through me. Since I am a shy person, I didn't know what it was going to be like or if I would make friends or be able to see it through. 

I am here to tell you that GOD has plans for people. GOD had bigger plans for myself then I could see that day. HE was in total control. HE knew it was what I needed, when I didn't even know I needed it myself. HE knew what HE was doing when HE made Kristen text me, telling me about it. HE knew what HE was doing when HE put the push to push me into the heart of my husband. HE knew what HE was doing in my coaches....before I even did. 

I was going through baby blues very bad and HE knew it was my way to get over this hump. I just didn't know it but because I have been taught to trust my instincts, to give up my fear to GOD, I allowed HIM to take over that day and here I am. 

I have more girlfriends then I could ever imagine. I am stronger and more flexible. My stand is better and my ability to pick things up has improved. I use to not be able to squat at all and now I can properly squat. I want to wake up each day. I want to push myself. I will be the first to tell you that I have no desire to lift heavy or try to set personal records....that's just not me. This is why I love my Swink Sweat class because it is more cardio based. They never force me to do something, I choose my own weight. On certain workouts they might encourage me to try heavier for a deeper workout...to push myself and most of the time I will do it. 

My favorite movement is running...but besides running since that's more of an action, would be handstands or wall walks. My least favorite movement involves anything with a squat (which is almost over half of the movements haha). I have had many ups and downs along the way. An up would be learning how to squat properly (even though I hate it) and down would be feeling like I can't do something and not trying. Or giving up because I've done it. 

I want to tell you where I was and where I am now. I was 148lbs when I started Swink. I am now 135lbs. I was wearing a size 10 and now I am wearing a size 6. My arms aren't flabby anymore. My stomach is tighter. My legs are muscular. This was never about weight or size for me. I want that known. This was about looking in the mirror and liking what I was seeing. Half of it was physical, half of it is was mental. Being skinny wasn't a goal. But being fat isn't either. I like to look good but more importantly, I want to feel good. 
Before on the left, now on the right

If anyone is looking for a quick fix...this isn't it. But if you are looking for something to change you life forever...please come join me in class. Or find something that makes you excited about working out. I am the biggest example to Brody so for me to take care of myself is the most important example I can set (besides loving each other and God). 

There are a few people I need to thank! 

First off, Kristen Lewis! You knew exactly what I needed to hear that day I was so down and you didn't even know it. You pushing me, encouraging me, being there for me, never making me feel stupid or I couldn't do something. God had big plans when he put you in my life and I thank him everyday for that. 

Second, my husband. He never once complains when I rush out of the house, 3 nights a week. He never complains when I am too tired to do anything. He lifts me up, he encourages me, he ask me how its going, he keeps my wheels spinning. He is the best father and he actually loves his time with his boy. 

Third, Swink Athletics. You make your establishment home to everyone. You never make anyone feel uncomfortable or make them do anything they don't want to. You are my family now and I can't even begin to imagine my life without this gym. Betsy and Meg- you girls are everything to me. You are so night and day but it works for me. You make class fun for me and just enough of a challenge to where I won't quit and want to come back. You make me laugh and I am so blessed to call you my friends. 

Fourth, all the women in my class (and the few men who bravely come to class with us). Half of the reason I come to class is because of you. You keep my head above water. You gossip, you play fight, you encourage, you make me smile. You ladies (and men) are gifts from God to me. I love and adore you all!

Fifth, Fabletics! You are always there for me when I need you, you hold me in when I need you to and you make my ass look great! 

www.swinkathletics.com

Recap: Emerald Sky Sale

I just wanted to remind you guys that the Emerald Sky Mother's Day sale is still going on. They just released new designs. Use the code MOM20 to save 20%. Sale ends this Friday 4/28. 

Also, starting very soon (maybe as early as today) you can now do customize-able kids shirts like the one below. How precious is that? 

Five on Friday

one. SnapBack and Mickey

Whenever Bobby and I wear a hat, Brody likes to wear a hat. I love him in hats. He also loves wearing his Mickey slippers when we go on walks. He is the coolest person I know. 

two. Bang

This is my pre-workout drink. It taste great and gives me just the right amount of energy. I never feel shaky or overly hyper. Plus the cotton candy one (there are multiple flavors) taste just like the cotton candy dum-dums sucker. Delicious. 

three. Painting

Wednesday we went over to Gabby and Miguel's to work on a secret project and it involved paint. I think Brody liked painting himself more than the project. Oh well. It made for a great photo. 

four. On The Border chips

On The Border put out zesty ranch and nacho cheese chips and I have to tell you they are amazing! They are crunchy and crispy and full of flavor. You must try them! I found mine at Kroger but I'm sure you can find them other stores.

five. Best Friends

How blessed we are to have Miguel as our best friend....and someone we can sit on too.

Emerald Sky Mother's Day Sale

Emerald Sky is having a HUGE mother's day sale. 

Here are the details: 

On Friday (April 21, 2017) from 12AM (central time) to 12PM, you can save 30% with the code MOM30. Then from 12PM-12AM, you can save 25% with the code MOM25. 

On Saturday (April 22, 2017) through Friday (April 28, 2017), you can save 20% with code MOM20. 

And just so you know, Emerald Sky just doesn't do women's shirts. They have men's and children's too, as well as accessory's. The children's shirts are to die for and so comfortable. 

{Website can be found here}

Don't forget though that all day everyday you can save 15% off your order with the code SHOPDL. 

Allergies

Y'all.....I am suffering majorly right now in the allergy department. So is Brody. It has hit us hard. I feel like crap so this is it for the blog today. 

I did purchase Xyzal today so I am going to try this new allergy medicine out. It recommends before bedtime so I will let you know if it works for me! 

Besides allergy medicine....is there anything you've done for allergies that have helped? Maybe home remedies or certain foods that help. I would love advice. I hate getting depended on medicine so if I can find something else to help...that would be great! 

Purl Lamb

One of my favorite children's clothing company is having a huge Easter sale. The company is called Purl Lamb and they are having 33% off everything! The sale ends today. You seriously don't want to miss out on this. The quality of this fabric is amazing and they are a Christian company. The sale ends tonight at midnight. They do run true to your child's size. Brody has on a 2/3T.  

Code is 33EASTER

www.purllamb.com

Easter weekend

Saturday mid-morning, Bobby, Brody and I went to the park to play. It is his favorite thing to do. We are surrounded by multiple parks here in Mansfield and they all connect by a trail. I love it. So it is easy to walk to each of the playgrounds and it always seems safe. After playground fun, we went and had lunch at Mellow Mushroom. OMG that pizza was amazing. I can't wait to go back. I just love being with my boys. It is Brody and I all the time so when we get the chance to get just Bobby to ourselves, we love it. 

Saturday night we went over to my mom's house to hunt Easter eggs with my side of the family. It was my sister's mother in laws birthday so we celebrated that too. Brody only cared about one thing....my mom and dad's pool. Someone had to stand guard by it so he wouldn't go in. He loved it so much, he even learned how to say pool. I want it known that Brody can say pool but not mom! Easter egg hunting isn't Brody's thing. He would rather steal other kids eggs and throw them in the pool. I find it funny....maybe not so much Hayden. 

Then on Sunday we met back up with my family and my dad's family for Easter lunch. We use to go to Red Lobster each year. We did that for YEARS! But as families grew and kids got married and lived in different cities, it became easier to meet at different restaurants. Luckily this year was a Mexican restaurant because I got Brody some queso and he was set. How beautiful are these children? 

Because Jesus Christ died on the cross for me, I get to have this beautiful life. Surrounded by beautiful people and the best kiddos in the world. I always tell people I am blessed because of the love that surrounds me and the people I get to call mine. All because one man gave up his life for mine! 

Five on Friday

one. Indi Jag

Yesterday, I told you I follow a lot of Children's clothing lines on Instagram. It is an obsession. Right after I saw The Beauty and the Beast....all the songs were stuck in my head, especially one. The one Belle sings in the beginning about wanting more life than what she has. That is me. I am always looking for more. I know I might just be a "stay at home mom" but making this life fun and adventurous for Brody, I feel, is part of my job. So when Indi Jag posted this photo, I knew I had to get this shirt for him. He is the most adventurous little kid I know and I encourage it everyday. 

two. Busted lip

On Tuesday, I decided to go to Michael's for a few things. As I was opening the car door to get Brody out, a gust of wind took the car door and smashed it into my face. I thought I was OK, but when I put my hand to my mouth, there was blood everywhere. Luckily the baby bag was at Brody's feet and I was able to grab baby wipes. I got myself back into the car and realized I had busted my lip. I raced home and had Bobby look at it, to make sure I didn't need stitches. As of today, I am so pleased to say that it is almost 100% healed. I was told the mouth heals the fasted and that is so very true! 

three. Toy Story

Brody has a love of Toy Story. He loves the movies and could sit and watch them for hours. Knowing this, I had my mom get him this huge Woody stuffed doll for Easter. He LOVES it! He is so much like me in the fact that he loves stuffed animals. Now he just needs the matching stuffed Buzz doll. 

four. Girls night

It has been over a year since just the three of us went out. OVER A YEAR! Sure we've hung out with the boys or other people at a party, but just the three of us.....Anyways. It was much needed. We talk about anything and everything and we get feelings off our chest with no judgment. We are honest with each other and make fun of each other, but most importantly, make each other laugh. It is my therapy with them. We all three are completely different but it works. I just love and adore you Kristen and Julie! 

five. Good Friday

Happy Good Friday everyone! 

Jesus Christ died for me and for you and we should never forget that.