30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 23

Level 3 must incorporate every muscle in your body, because I don't think I have a muscle that isn't sore right now. I really do think as challenging as it is, that this is my favorite level. This time next week, I will be finished with the challenge. Right in time for my trip. Hope you are enjoying the start of your weekend.

Friday Favorites

My week started out really rough. Raising a toddler will test your patience daily. Despite the rough start, the week has turned out well. I actually managed to capture a few pictures for this weeks Friday Favorites.


5. 30 Day Shred Challenge
I'm on Level 3 and when I first bought the DVD last year, I doubted that I would ever get to that level, let alone enjoy it. Mason really enjoys working out with me. I love that he can see me taking care of my body and trying to be healthy.

Taylor woke up from her nap and immediately went for the weights.

Mason is all set to work out.

Getting ready to Shred.

4. Brad & Jill are expecting!

This week, we learned that our very good friends are expecting their first child. We are so excited for them and know they will be fantastic parents. They are great with kids and we are so blessed to have them in our lives. They are also Mason's godparents.

Brad & Jill with Mason July 2008 on their visit to Bakersfield.

This picture just melts my heart.

Now that is love.

3. Mason reading The Bible.

I usually do my morning biblestudy each day, while Taylor takes her morning nap. I sit at the kitchen table, while Mason plays in the living room or in his room. I always tell him what I'm doing in case he needs me.

Last weekend, while we were in Anaheim, Mason opened the drawer in our hotel room and found The Bible. He immediately pulled it out and told us that he was "reading his Bible." It goes to show that kids are paying attention to the things you are doing.

2. Taylor took her first steps.

Tuesday morning, I was playing with Taylor when she stood up in the middle of the room and tried to take a few steps towards me. She took three steps and then fell. She continues to try, and usually can only get a few steps in, but she is making progress. I'm hoping she will be walking before we leave on our trip to Houston in a few weeks.

Taylor loves to talk on the phone.

Silly faces. She also refuses to wear bows, headbands or any clips in her hair these days. I hope this phase ends soon, because I miss her accessories.

Getting so big.

1. Revelations.
I've always valued my relationship with The Lord, but my walk has gone to an entirely new level this past year. Most people see Christianity as a religion and nothing more. I see it as a personal relationship, which involves spending time with Him, in His Word, and prayer. I believe with all of my heart that Christ died for our sins and I accepted Him into my heart at the age of eight.

I've always read my Bible, but not on a daily basis. It wasn't until this past year that I started spending time each day reading my Bible and keeping a prayer journal. It is amazing what The Lord has revealed to me lately. It's not always an easy walk and He doesn't promise that, but He does assure us that He will always be there for us.

One thing that stands out to me this week is that so many times I look to Adam, others, or material things to sustain me. It's so easy to rely on others or expect someone to make you feel better. No one can sustain you but our Heavenly Father. You can try and will fail every time. He wants you to call on Him. He wants you to have a relationship with Him. He loves you unconditionally.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 22

Another day of getting my workout in while Taylor took her morning nap. It helped that Mason kept asking me over and over again to "work" (workout) with Mama. That is motivation right there because he won't drop it until he gets to workout. I have to admit that it was nice knowing that I can enjoy my evening, once the kids go to bed.

After my workout yesterday, I started noticing my muscles starting to ache as I put the kids down for the night. When I woke up this morning, I was extremely tight and sore. Most of the exercises in Level 3 involve some sort of core workout. My abs are sore just as I sit here and type. It will be interesting to see how I feel tomorrow.

Weekend in Anaheim

Last weekend, Adam had a retirement party to attend down in Anaheim, so we decided to make a weekend of it. Taylor wasn't a fan of the traffic Friday afternoon and made sure to let us know. I really just think she was hungry and tired of sitting. By the time we sat down to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory Friday night, she was a happy camper.

About a month ago, we were in the area visiting Disneyland and California Adventure. Mason has a great memory and as we ate our dinner Friday evening, he pointed out every "mouse bus" he saw (Disney Bus). The best part about staying near Disneyland is the evening fireworks show. Every night at 9:25pm, Disneyland puts on a fantastic firework display.

I have always loved fireworks and I'm so glad that Mason shares my passion. We had a fantastic view of the show from our room. Each night, we would open the blinds and take it all in. Mason was so excited that each morning, he expected to wake up and see more. Now he thinks you are supposed to watch fireworks every night before going to bed. Wouldn't that be nice? Taylor slept through the fireworks, she was tuckered out by the end of each day.

We didn't really have an itinerary, except for the party Adam had to attend Saturday afternoon. It was nice to just walk around Downtown Disney, and eat yummy food. Mason loved the Hotel and couldn't wait to ride in the elevator up to our room.

Before we left Sunday, we made sure to take a short drive to Huntington Beach. It was Taylor's first time seeing the beach and Mason has been asking to go to the beach for weeks. It was a bit overcast, so we just strolled along the walkway and watched the surfers catch some waves.

Overall, we had a nice relaxing weekend. Of course, it went by too quickly, but I look forward to making another trip to the area before the summer is up.

Mommy with Mason & Taylor at Huntington Beach. Mason is very independent and when it comes to getting dressed for the day, it has been a challenge lately. Sometimes, I just learn to choose my battles.

I love this picture of Mason. We were at the hotel and he thought it was so funny to cover his smile, because it was playing hide and seek. The things he comes up with.

Reading the Bible in the hotel room. I'll touch more on this tomorrow, on Friday Favorites.

The stretch of highway between LA & Bakersfield is called the Grapevine. This time of year, there is a plethora (my fav word) of wildflowers. Nothing like the Texas Bluebonnets, but still pretty. The picture doesn't do it justice. It looked like a chalk painting as we drove through the mountains that Sunday.

Adam with Mason & Taylor at Huntington Beach. The actual beach was straight down from the cliff behind them.

Taylor & Daddy. It was Taylor's first time to see the ocean. She doesn't look too impressed, but that is probably because I woke her up from her nap to take the picture. Mean Mommy!

With Mason & Taylor walking around Downtown Disney.

Daddy with Mason & Taylor in Downtown Disney

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 21

I am so thankful for fresh new days. The last two days have been extremely hard for me and I wasn't enjoying my workouts. When I woke up this morning, I was determined to count my blessings and focus on the positive.

We are having dinner at our friends house this evening, and I didn't want to do another late workout. I opted to get my workout in this morning, while Taylor took her morning nap and Mason played in his room. I'm so glad I did.

Today I completed my first day of Level 3! I LOVE IT! There is no way that I would appreciate it or enjoy it, had I not completed the other two levels. My endurance has improved tremendously and although it was still quite difficult, I really had a great time doing the new exercises today.

I promised myself that I would take pictures every ten days to see if I could tell the difference in my body. It's probably a little more difficult to tell with my workout clothes on, although they are a little loose on me, but I can really tell the difference when I'm in my sports bra and shorts. I took pictures of those as well, and when I compare to Day 1 to Day 20, I'm amazed at the the transformation. If I ever get the courage to show you, I might just post the before and after, but I would have to muster up a ton of courage. So for now, these will have to do.

I have lost another inch off my hips and off my waist. I've also lost another pound. I'm not really interested in the weight loss as much as I am in the toning and sculpting of my body.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 20

It's only Tuesday and this has felt like the longest week. Today was another emotionally and physically draining day and it was very hard to motivate myself to do the last day of Level 2. By the time Mason went to sleep, all I wanted to do was watch the DWTS result show, Glee and go to bed. The DWTS result show had already started by the time Mason was out, and thankfully I have DVR.

Reluctantly, and when I say that, I mean very reluctantly, I completed the last day of Level 2. It wasn't that I didn't want a good workout, my body was just too tired to get in the spirit of it. It's way more fun when I am in the mood to workout. I knew if I didn't do it, then I would have to blog about it and then I would feel guilty.

Level 2 was very challenging, but I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would. I didn't know what to expect going into it and although the planks were the hardest, I could feel my body burning and my muscles working harder than ever. Tomorrow is the first day of Level 3 and I have no idea what to expect, so I'm a bit nervous. Hopefully I will be in a better mood to workout.

Ten on Tuesday

Normally, I have already posted this, but it's been that kind of week. Sadly, I had forgotten about Ten on Tuesday until this afternoon.

1. Think back a decade, do you remember what your first cell phone was? Was it as cool as Zack Morris's phone?
I don't remember the brand or who my service was with, but it wasn't as big as Zack Morris's phone, but compared to my phone now, it was rather bulky.

2. What is the first children's book you remember being read to you?
Cat in The Hat? Not really sure, but that one stands out the most to me.

3. What was your first car? Did you love it or hate it?
A blue 1990 Mazda 626. It was my parents car and I bought it from them. That's right, my dad always tried to teach us the value of a dollar, and they told my sister and I that they would give us $2000 toward our first car and we had to cover the rest. I loved that car and actually cried when it finally died. It had 330,000 miles on it and I put about 130,000 on it myself during High School and mostly college. By the end of it's life, it had no A/C, which in the Texas heat was horrible. Windows down, doesn't really help that much either. Also the sun roof leaked if it rained. I still loved the car, because it was my first.

4. Who was your hero growing up?
My Mom and Dad, and they still are.

5. Think back to your first kiss. Was it everything you dreamed of?
I don't know if I ever really dreamed about my first kiss before it happened. It was definitely a nice surprise and let me just say that I was extremely nervous.

6. What was your first bad hairstyle choice? (Extra points for embarrassing photos)
It's moments like this when I'm glad our scanner isn't working, because I have a ton of pictures of the horrible hairstyle choice I made my Junior Year of High School. I don't know why, but I decided to chop it all off, I'm talking boy short people. I cut it in January of my Junior Year and it took until the end of my Senior Year to grow out to my shoulders. I don't know what I was thinking.

7. What was your first realistic dream? (One where you had to think "Oh dang, was that a dream?")
I had to be pretty young, but I don't remember the exact dream.

8. What was the first phobia your remember developing?
Like most kids, I was afraid of the dark.

9. Which character on Sesame Street do you most identify with?
Cookie Monster. I love cookies. Although, I'm not a messy eater like Cookie Monster.

10. What was the hardest goal you ever accomplished?
Being a mom and it's a never ending. Giving birth, nursing, lack of sleep, making baby food, playing with them, reading to them, teaching them songs, how to walk, how to talk, and the list goes on. It's the hardest thing I have ever done in my life and it's the most rewarding as well.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 19

Not a good day. Work out done. That is all.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 18

We are home and after a battle getting Mason to bed tonight, I am done with Day 18. It just now hit me that I only have a few more days in Level 2. I feel like I should have a lot more, mostly because before this challenge, I really only did Level 1. For some reason, this workout seemed a lot harder tonight. Maybe it's just because it's been a long day. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 17

I give credit to my workout today to my husband Adam. No, he didn't do the workout for me, but he reminded me that I had yet to do it today and of course it was right after I bought a latte at Starbucks. So instead of drinking my hot latte, I worked out. I know I needed to get it done, but I was really looking forward to my coffee and wasn't very excited about not being able to drink it right away.

So while Adam kept an eye on the kids, I worked out in our hotel living room. Mason joined me occasionally. I mentioned previously that I've noticed my strength and balance improving, but it really struck a note with me today. I was doing the dreadful planks and it's getting easier to balance without feeling like my arms are going to collapse any minute. Please note that I'm still doing the modifications. I kept telling Adam that Jillian must think I'm crazy if she wants me to do exactly what she is doing. Maybe after a couple months, I will be able to, but definitely not yet. Tomorrow, I'll get to enjoy my workout in my own living room.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 16

Despite the fact that I've spent most of the day packing the kids and my stuff and trying to get ready for our trip, I was still able to get my workout in. I have to say, that I didn't really give it my all today. I felt rushed and I'm disappointed with myself for not really approaching it like I normally do. Tomorrow, I will do better. I packed my DVD and the weights.

Friday Favorites

5. Texting Adam while watching our shows.
When your husband travels a lot, it means that sometimes we miss watching our shows together. So as I watched DWTS and The Office this week, Adam & I would send messages back and forth. It was the next best thing to having him next to me.

4. Avocado.
Not only is it the most recommended baby food (take note all new moms or anyone that wasn't aware), but it's delicious and so versatile. Great on sandwiches, salads, in dips, on tacos or fajitas.

3. Mason looking at pictures.
My parents got a new dog and emailed me pictures. While looking at the pictures online, Mason then asked to see pictures of his Mimi & Granddad. When I pulled them up, he thought that he was Skyping with them. I felt so bad when I told him it was just a picture. He has such a big heart.

2. Mason's fuuny comments.
Each night, I tuck Mason in and lay next to him as he drifts off to sleep. It doesn't take long, he is usually out in 15 minutes or less if he hasn't taken a nap. He always asks me to "hold him" as he drifts off to sleep. He is almost out, when he lets out this really loud fart. It startled him so much, that he gasped and said "Mama, I hear thunder!" I couldn't help but laugh, which then caused the bed to shake which increased his fear that he heard thunder. Two minutes later, he was out cold. I should write a book at all the funny things he says.

1. Sitting in the glider with Mason & Taylor.
Yes, it was a tight squeeze. Taylor doesn't like to sit still on any lap unless her brother is near by. She looks up to him so much. So I put Taylor on my lap and Mason sat next to me. We sat like this for 30 minutes, just rocking as I held my babies. I was fortunate to do this a couple of times this week. It was pure bliss!

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 15

I'm half way there. I've completed 15 days and I have 15 more to go. There is such a feeling of accomplishment that comes with knowing that I'm the on the downward slope of this challenge. But really, it's only going to get harder from here.

The real challenge will be this weekend. Adam & I will be taking a weekend trip with the kids, so it will be interesting to see how I will be able to fit in the workout time. I'm determined to make it happen and luckily our hotel has a DVD player, although I could have just played it on my laptop.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 14

Normally, my workout is saved for when the kids go to bed. I actually have gotten into a routine and I find it doesn't even cross my mind to not include it in my schedule each day. As Taylor was taking her morning nap, I did my bible study while Mason played. When I sat down to play with him, he kept asking to work out. I went and got the 2lb weights for him, but that was just not enough. He put on his shoes and started begging to work out. So I gave in, and decided why not. He doesn't get in my way, so I knew I would still get in my normal workout.

I decided to grab the 5lb weights again. The 2lb weights still do the job, but it's gotten easier, and I promised myself I would go back up to the 5lb weights if it got easier. My arms now feel like rubber and I'm positive I will feel the burn tomorrow, if not later tonight.

Funny story to show that guys are definitely visual. As I was working out, I noticed Mason was lifting his shirt. I where a tank top and shorts when I work out, but on the DVD, Jillian is usually in a sports bra and jogging pants. I guess Mason was trying to do and be like them on the DVD. I was cracking up. He would get so frustrated if his shirt fell.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 13

Still out of breath, but I've noticed my balance and strength have greatly improved from day one. Now I'm going to reward myself by finally eating dinner and watching DWTS and Glee.

Ten on Tuesday

Simple but fun questions this week. Thanks Chelsea.

1. What two cities should be moved closer together?
Bakersfield and Houston. It would make my life easier.

2. What was the first plane ride you took?
That I remember, going to Little Rock, AR to see my grandparents at the age of 7 or 8.

3. What continent would you most like to visit?
Europe. So many countries that I want to visit and I get to take a train ride.

4. What's your favorite place to window shop?
Antique shops. I used to hate going to these places as a child. The beauty of something old, used, and with history didn't appeal to a child like me. I'm glad that all changed.

5. What's the least fun you have ever had at a place that's specifically tailored for fun?
A place called Celebration Station. I went as a teenager for a child's birthday party. Not my cup of tea.
6. Your stuck on an island with plenty of food, a companion, and a relatively stress-free lifestyle. What do you say when the rescue ship comes?
Where are my kids? Then I would politely send them away.

7. Which day of the week do you look forward to the most?
Friday. It means that I will have two consecutive days of having Adam home with us as a family.

8. What's your favorite place to enjoy the great outdoors?
The Lake! It's relaxing, beautiful and fun.

9. What's on your "to do" list this summer?
Trip to Houston in July, celebrate Mason's 3rd birthday, and possibly trying for #3.

10. Which natural disaster freaks you out the most?
Tornadoes

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 12

The optimist in me, must have short term memory loss when it comes to working out. Even though I woke up a little tight and sore this morning, ok really tight and sore, I didn't think it would be too bad to do the second day of Level 2. I was wrong.

Towards the end of circuit 3, Jillian says that you should feel like you want to die. Well you know what Jillian, I certainly did. I still love the challenge, but after Level 1, I thought I already worked out all of my muscles in my body. Who knew there were more?

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 11

Today was the first day of Level 2. It was one tough work out. After trying to do the first strength exercises in circuit one with 5lb weights, I had to cave and go back to my 2lb weights. It was still hard with the 2lb weights, but I was able to complete almost all of the exercises with no modifications. If it gives easy at any point, I'm going to switch back to the 5lb weights.

The plank exercises were by far the hardest. You are having to balance your entire body and use your core, upper body and lower body to complete the exercise properly. That is A LOT of muscles.

So my overall thought regarding Level 2 is that I love the hardness of the workout and how it challenges my body to do exercises that I don't normally complete. With that said, it kicked my butt. Harder than Level 1 and it makes me scared for Level 3. But I did it, and I'm proud of it.

Here are a few pictures I took right before my workout. I don't know if you can tell the changes in my body, but I can and I can feel them. I've lost 2 inches on my waist and 1 inch on my hips and thighs. I didn't even bother to measure the bust area, because I have nothing really to measure. Ha! I have also lost three pounds.

Grabbed the camera right after to show you that this is not easy. I'm still trying to catch my breath and all I want to do tonight is lay in bed and not move a single muscle.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 10

Wow, 10 days completed and I'm still alive. Tomorrow is the first day of Level 2 and naively I'm excited to be moving on. I'll most likely regret those words tomorrow. I might even post stats or pictures tomorrow if I get around to it.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 9

You would think that I learned not to eat before working out. At least to give it some time so the food can settle, otherwise you will regret it. We went to dinner and got Taylor to bed once we got home. I told Adam how Mason tried to work out with me the other day and he wanted to see him do it again. Instead of me completing the workout in our bedroom, I had an audience tonight.

Mason only did a couple of the exercises, so Adam didn't get to experience the full entertainment that I had promised. Instead, I got to work out on a full stomach and complain the entire time. At one point I decided to pick up the 2lb dumbbells, and immediately realized that was a horrible idea. They were too light and I had to pick up the 5lb weights again. Thank goodness it is over and tomorrow is a new day.

Friday Favorites

As I mentioned yesterday, we have been pretty low key lately and nothing too exciting is going on at our house. This week's Friday Favorites are very simple.

5. Mason ate cereal with milk for the first time this week.
Let me preface by saying that we don't eat a lot of cereal in our house. I do have several boxes of Kix and Cheerios's that I got for free through coupons, that I use for snacks when we are out and about. I don't mind cereal, but I prefer a hot breakfast. When I was younger, my parents were great at making sure we all had breakfast together every morning. That usually included a hot breakfast.

I had some errands to run and thought I would give the cereal a try. Mason referred to the milk in his bowl as dip for his cereal. He did like it and didn't make too much of a mess. I'm excited to know that if I need a quick breakfast, he will eat it.

4. On our way to Target this week, Mason asked if he could walk instead of riding in the cart.
I have to admit, that I was very nervous, but I knew that it could be a battle to get him in the cart. I agreed. He listened very well and held my hand the entire time. We have a one finger rule, that he is allowed to touch whatever he wants, but with just one finger. You can't grab anything with one finger. After that trip, we tried this new level of independence out with other shopping trips and he continued to be on his best behavior. He is growing up so fast.

3. As of this week, Taylor can pull herself up to standing position on her own and balance for a few seconds, without having to hold onto anything to pull her up.
She will be 13 months on Saturday and she isn't that far away from walking. I'm ready. It's not that she is heavy, I'm just looking forward to the day that she can run and chase after her brother.

2. Glee started back this week.
I am very excited about this and love the music on the show. Honestly, how did the idea for a show like this not come out sooner? If you haven't already downloaded the soundtracks off of Itunes, please do, you won't be disappointed.

1. I've completed an entire week of The Shred.
Enough said.

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 8

I'm ready for the next level. I'm looking forward to Day 11 when I can move onto Level 2. Sure I could go ahead and move on, but I'm giving each level 10 days. The most noticeable difference I can visibly see would be in my arms. I have more definition, which I love. Pregnancy took that away and I miss my skinny arms.