One week down...a lifetime to go :)

A week ago Thursday was my 1st day as an "official" kindergarten teacher!  I LOVE it.  Seriously.  It has been far from stress-free.  And I have a student that is completely placed wrong--but, even with the challenges that I have--it's perfect.  Today we finally got into a groove.  We got our lessons in--we got through the normal things as quick as we are supposed to..I have *extra* time--when normally I am short on time.  It was AMAZING.  Seriously--it was amazing.  And I can't wait to see how the rest of the year unfolds.  I have a few students who are going to need some extra love--and the majority of my class is going to need some pretty intense academics--BUT--I have an amazing group.  And we are going to have a blast I can already tell! :)

Noah AND Owen started school on Thursday.  Yes--BOTH boys started school.   Originally the plan was to have Owen spend another year in preschool--but last week (On Noah's birthday actually) our school decided to split the very large (we are talking 28 in our teeny tiny school district) into 2 small classes.  With this decision Owen's preschool teacher called me almost immediately to see what our thoughts were.  Owen is sort-of ready.  Yes--he isn't perfect, he doesn't know all his letters or numbers--but he loves school and loves learning.  And he is SMART.  He will catch up and as long as his teacher is able to get through to him, he will do such a great job.  He is as ready as he will ever be :)  His teacher agree's and the biggest reason for holding him back is because he wouldn't do well in a class of 25+. 

Noah is now in 2nd grade!!  Crazy right?!?!  Here he is Thursday morning:

He is SOO excited for 2nd grade!  I can't wait to see how the year turns out! :)

Here is Mr. Owen!  He was SOOO nervous for his 1st day--but he did such an amazing job and is totally pumped up for Kindergarten!

And here they are together! :)  So excited for school!

Funny note to that--I currently have 25 and we are getting new kindergarteners every day.  Although I have 1 student moving to another classroom and another that I was told today is going to a different school because downtown denied their transfer into our school :(  I like the idea of 23--but it won't last long I am sure!!

A week full of school 1st and lots of fun!  I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! :)

Happy 7th Birthday Noah!!

My big man is turning 7 today!  I am absolutely amazed at how much he has grown, changed, and become such an admirable young man!  He has had his fair share of struggles--and still can be tough sometimes--but he is such an amazing soul.  He loves deeper than many, worries like I do, and cares so so so much about so many different people/things.  It's amazing.  Noah will be starting 2nd grade next week!!  It's amazing to think he is already 7 and in 2nd grade!!  Wowzers!

From my baby:

To my big boy!

Happy Birthday to my leading man!! :) 

When you run without technology!

I am the person who ALWAYS runs with music.  I ALWAYS have my phone when I run.  A pair of headphones and a great pandora station to listen to.  If I am not listening to music I am usually running with someone--and even then when Dad and I run races together I often find myself listening to music. 

Last night--my dear darling children built a fort in our living room--and enjoyed a "movie in" aka--netflix on my phone.  They were getting along, having fun, and enjoying whatever they were watching (ironically enough I believe my BOYS were watching Barbie's Dream house.  :P)  When the rain let up and Justin (my wonderful husband) said he wanted to run--I asked him (ok--told him really) that I would prefer to go.  I hadn't been running in almost a week--rain, heat, humidity, dizziness, and a whole slew of other things had prevented me from running.  I NEEDED to get out there.  I was super crabby and just needed some space.  Well, I started getting ready and asked the boys for my phone.  I got it and the bar was barely there.  So--I plugged it in...4%.  Crap.  I got ready, and checked it again.  6%. Crap again.  There was no way I could go on a 30 minute run with that battery.  So--I had to make a choice--run sans technology or not run at all.  For the forementioned reasons...I choose to run.

And run I did.  It was INCREDIBLE.  I have been using the couch-to-5K app for my runs.  I LOVE the Couch to 5K.  It's such a wonderful app for many many reasons.  BUT--since I didn't have my phone--and I was only armed with my handy dandy polar watch (which I got a few weeks back and really like!) I figured I would take a tip from an article I read the other day: run until you can't run, walk until you are in control, and repeat.  So--that was my plan.  I have a 2ish mile route I use for my runs.  So I set out.  I walked until I got to the road I usually begin running on...gotta warm up my legs a little bit.  It was actually kind of chilly out!  I was surprised!  I walked for about 4:30.  Then I started running.  Slow and steady was my goal.  Keeping my breathing under control.  Make it to the end of the road. (The road turns)  I could do it. 

I made it to the end of the road.  I was feeling good--in control.  My legs were a little tired--but I was in control.  I wasn't going fast by any means!  Heck I was actually going quite slow.  BUT--I wanted to maintain the control.  So I continued.  Could I make it to the sign?  Got it!  Still feeling alright--my legs were a little bit better--still in control.  Could I make it to 10 minutes of straight running?  Yep.  Got it!!  I was excited about that--I debated at this point what I wanted to do.  If I wanted to keep running or start alternating running and walking.  I assessed myself--how did my legs feel?  Actually good--I could even push a little bit harder!  How is my breathing?  Wow, I am really in sync and my breathing is in control.  How am I feeling overall?  Strong.  I kept going.

And going.  And going.  I kept finding my legs going in and out of strength vs. tired.  I pushed through--reminding myself that it gets better--don't stop now.  I made it to my usual "ending" point on the couch to 5K app...and kept running.  My goal--the house for sale on my route.  I made it--could I make it to the house with the ramp?  Eeks!  I am getting there!  At this point...I was past running a full 20 minutes.  I haven't done that in AGES!!!  AND I was still feeling good--my legs were feeling good.  I was in control.

I ended up running all the way home.  Not stopping until I hit my front steps!  I was SHOCKED!!  I hadn't run like that in a LONG LONG time.  It felt good.  I felt IN CONTROL.  I was in a groove.  Even after I finished--I contemplated running the last 4 minutes to make it to 30 minutes.  However, I was already home and I could hear Jordyn fussing inside.  I walked a little bit to let my body cool down--and then went inside and stretched.

So...why did I write this huge blog post?  Well--not only am I super proud of my controlled run.  I have to say--running sans technology was pretty amazing.  I enjoyed being one with myself and nature.  I enjoyed hearing my foot steps.  I enjoyed just running.  No distractions.  I felt like I was more in control--and less likely to give up.  I was pushing myself--constantly evaluating how I felt and how my breathing was.  Listening closely to my body's signals.  I really think--I am going to start running sans technology.  It was exhilarating and refreshing! 

Have you ever ran sans technology?!  What did you think?  Would you do it again?

(On a side note--while I plan on running sans technology--I won't *really* be running completely sans technology like I did yesterday.  As I will carry my phone to be safe.  If something happened to me I would want to be able to call for help or have someone be able to track me!)

2014 Running Race Season

I posted about falling off the cart!  I have slowly gotten back on.  Doing a workout here or there--BUT, I am REALLY motivated now.  Not only to loose some weight--but I also need to get back into my running groove!  I love running.  I love the freedom and the act of being able to run.  It doesn't give me a "high" or anything else.  I just love doing it--I have always ran for my Grandma who passed away from Oral, Head, and Neck cancer--but it is so much more than that.  I run because I love a few specific races, I run because I love the challenge that new races bring.  I run because I LOVE doing it with my Dad.  I run because I love having that connection with my husband and brother. 

I have 2 races that I have run (and will run) EVERY year since I started running 3 years ago.  The 1st is coming up fast in September.  It's the Race for Hope.  This is VERY special for me--not only does it encompass the reason I started running in the 1st place--but is also for an AMAZING and LOCAL cause!  This race is for our Cancer center.  It's a small-ish 5K run that is just amazing.  I love the atmosphere, I love the path, I love the people.  I just love it.  The boys have also ran the "fun run" the last 2 years (not the 1st though!) And they look forward to it as well!  It is by far my favorite run. Here is our last 3 years of running:

Race for Hope 2011--My dad, me, my husband

Race for hope 2012--Me and my brother (My dad couldn't make it in and my husband was injured!)

Race for Hope 2013

 

 

 

My running partner and I! :) 2013

The 2nd race I have run every year since starting is called the "Hot Chocolate" race.  It's in Chicago and SOO much fun!  It has awesome swag every year and at the end of the race you get the most delish chocolate fondue and hot chocolate!  Yum! :)  This race is in November every year--and the last 3 years I have ran the 5K but this year we are doing the 15K!  (Because they are giving away medals for the 15K! LOL!).  I LOVE this race and it is MUCH MUCH bigger than the Race for Hope--but tons of fun!

Hot Chocolate 2011--My brother, me, my Dad

Hot Chocolate 2012--My dad, me, my husband, my brother

Hot Chocolate 2013--My brother, my husband, me, my Dad

We love running together and I can't wait to get back into the groove! :)  My "goal" is to be 1/2 marathon ready by mid-October.  I don't know how achievable that will be--but I want to be well on my way to training for it!  BUT first I need to get to the 5K distance! :) 

So yep--there you have it!  I am so excited--the races for this year are the Race for Hope (Sept. 20th) and the Hot Chocolate 15K (Nov. 9th).  I am sure there will be other's--but those are the 2 that we do EVERY year.  And we love them.  (Ok--I love them! LOL!)

Dreams: Big and Small

I am currently participating in a Piyo Challenge group.  This is a way that I can be accountable and be with others who are doing the same thing, motivating me and others, and just doing it with other people!  Every day we have "challenges" ways to motivate and stay active...today's challenge is my inspiration for this post! :)  I posted this on my facebook already--but I felt compelled to elaborate on each of my goals!  Now, there are more goals--but these are the most forefront in my mind.   Here is the picture:

And here is the ellaboration!
1) Loose weight.  This is pretty self explanitory--however, I feel the need to say that I need to loose a LOT of weight.  Far more than I want to admit.  Through healthier eating, exercise, and general weight concious decisions I hope to slowly but surely loose the weight and get down to my "feel good" weight of 140.  At this weight I feel thin, happy, and healthy.  It's a weight I can maintain without feeling deprived or that I have to work extra hard to maintain.  Now to get down to it!

2) Get debt free!  Definitely a dream/goal for Justin and I.  We have a SUBSTANTIAL amount of student loans and a chunk of credit card debt.  Slowly but surely we are working towards this!

3) CONFIDENTLY run 13.1--I have ran 13.1 before, however it was anything but fabulous.  It was miserable honestly.  If my dad wasn't there pushing me through--I dont' know that I would have made it to the finish line!  Seriously!  My goal is to train hard and run confidently through a 1/2 marathon!

4) Take an anniversary trip.  I would love to take a long trip for our 10 year anniversary--it's in 2016 so we have plenty of time to plan it--but I want it to be in a beautiful place where we can relax and enjoy WITHOUT the kids!

5) Get my snowflake/family tattoo!  This really has a double meaning.  I want to complete our family circle--whatever that may mean for us.  And I also do want to get my snowflake/infinity symbol tattoo.  It will have 3 snowflakes for the kiddo's and an infinity symbol.  Some mish-mash of that anyway.

6) Add a (bed)room or 2 in the basement!  This is a dream.  We would love to add at least 1 bedroom downstairs. and Justin and I do plan on doing this--but at this point--it's just a dream.  Hopefully debt free and bedrooms in the basement will come sooner than later!  For right now--we are just fine--but as the boys get older it will be nice for them to have a bit more space!

7) Take a family vacation!  We take lots of family trips--and lots of trips with our parents.  However, I would LOVE to take a vacation with just us as a family.  Maybe Disney, maybe the ocean, maybe Texas.  Who knows--but it's definitely a dream/goal! :)

Yep..that's the jist! :)  I hope you have enjoyed reading about my dreams/goals for the future!  We shall see what the future has in store for us!

The cart is getting away!

Seriously!  I had been doing SOO well for several weeks and although I wasn't loosing any weight I was feeling better!  Cue last week....Monday I had a HORRIBLE headache.  I don't think my head has hurt that bad in a LONG time.  I tried everything "natural" and finally gave in to a massive dose of motrin and it helped--but I still had a residual headache on Tuesday.  Monday night as I was falling asleep I had horrible visions and my anxiety SKYROCKETED.  And I think in my sleep I ended up having a mini-panic attack because Tuesday morning I woke up and my chest was VERY tight.  I skipped my workout Tuesday due to that--and attempted to make up for lost time on Wednesday--but only got through 1 workout before my chest still being tight got the best of me.  Thursday was a run in Des Moines--Friday I was lazy and yesterday I cleaned the carpet. And today I was working. 

So this week--I definitely fell short of my Piyo goals :(  I had some super awesome new workouts to try--but I just didn't get to them.  For one reason or another.  Or for one EXCUSE or another.  :( 

So here it is--this weeks goals:
1) Drink a GALLON of water a day.  Yes, a GALLON.  This is the perfect week to do this because I am not in school and I don't have anything planned.  It is going to be SUPER hot tomorrow so you bet your bottom dollar I am staying inside.
2) Do Piyo according to plan!  Everyday except Friday!
3) Maybe get out for a run! :)

We shall see how they go!  Bring on the water (and trips to the bathroom! LOL!)

This week I am also planning on going and working on my kindergarten classroom!  Eeks!  I am pumped!  The boys are going with Grandma to Papa's house for the week!  So it will be just Jordyn, Daddy, and I!  Should be quiet! LOL!

Until next time! :)

So far behind!

I am so sorry ladies and gents.  I am so far behind on blogging it’s not even funny.  I have SOOO much to update on–and so little time to do it.  I feel like the summer has FLOWN by!  Seriously!
So….for right now a quickie:

• Jordyn (baby girl) had a fabulous birthday party last weekend!  It was perfect!

•  Owen (little man) turned FIVE on Monday!!  FIVE you guys!  I just can’t believe it!  We celebrated with pizza and a stay at home day for me! :)  It was perfect!

• Summer school has been rough.  Seriously rough. However, 4 more days and its over!  And then just a few short weeks and it will be time for school to start!
• Eeks!  Hard to believe school will be starting so quickly!  I have a TON of work to do in my new KINDERGARTEN room!
• I have started Piyo (a new beachbody workout program) and I love it!  I am not loosing weight–but hopefully with time it will start coming off!  I enjoy getting sweaty though!
• My cousin just posted about buying a new house–it’s beautiful and I am so excited for her and her family!  Although she won’t ever see this–and won’t talk to me anymore–I am still excited for her!  It’s an exciting time!
• Grad school=sucky.  That’s all about that.

Ok….off to do my workout and head to bed!  The boys and Justin are camping out this weekend for boy scouts and I am chilling at home with little miss! :)  Have a great one!