What we have been up to

Sorry for the blog hiatus.  Two weeks ago, our best friends from California drove down to Houston to visit us for five days. We had the best time, and I will write about it soon. This past weekend, I was taken down by the evil stomach bug. It attacked Mason last night. I'm hoping it will stop with him and everyone else will avoid it. I've been trying to regain my energy and cleaning the house like crazy. I'm also hoping to get back into training for The Chosen Half Marathon in October. Will write more when I'm not cleaning up vomit.

Cow Appreciation Day

Friday's are family night, so what better way to celebrate than taking our herd of cows out to Cow Appreciation Day at Chick-Fil-A.

We aren't ashamed to dress up like cows for free meals at CFA. After dinner, instead of going home, we headed out to Target, Walmart and then ToysRus in search for a toy Mason wanted for his birthday.

Mason with the cow. Taylor on the other hand didn't want anything to do with the CFA Cow. Mason and Peyton on the other hand, didn't mind.

I laugh at this picture every single time. Her face is priceless!

The Cardboard Diet: Week 3

If you are curious about what exactly The Cardboard Diet is go HERE!

Weigh In: Down another 2 lbs = Total 4 lbs lost! The biggest notice isn't so much in the weight, but the inches I have lost. My clothes are starting to fit better and that is a great feeling.

Exercise Completed: Since I'm in training mode, it's really important that I stick with my schedule. Five out of the seven days, I have been actively running, strength training, and doing Yoga.

Splurge/Guilty Pleasure: Last weekend, we celebrated my son's 5th birthday. Of course I had a piece of cake and pizza at this party. I notice that the more I workout and exercise, the better choices I make about what I'm feeding myself.

Success Story: I'm really trying to build up my endurance. I used to be a runner in college and before I got married and it tapered off after that. The biggest part of running for me is the mental aspect. I know my body is strong enough, but my brain gets in the way. I had PR on one of my runs this week and it felt so great.

Recipes: I don't have any recipes to share, but I have a tip instead. DRINK A LOT OF WATER! Everyone should be drinking half their weight in ounces of water a day. This is key to hydrating your body. Your body will function better, when it's hydrated.

Photos: I love Pinterest and pinned all of these this week for motivational reminders that I need every now and again.

Mason's Birthday Party

Last Saturday, we celebrated Mason's birthday with our families. We decided this year that the kids would just have family birthday parties.

 The Birthday Boy

 Mommy & Mason

 Daddy & Mason

 Peyton with Gram, her great-grandmother

 Granddad and Peyton

 Taylor & Grandpa

 Granddad & Taylor

 Cousin Connor

 Cousin Faith

 Mason with his presents

 He is into all things Transformers this year.

 Mason with his Transformer Rescue Bot Chase Birthday cake

 Singing Happy Birthday

 Blowing out his candle

By the end of the night, he was passed out

Happy 5th Birthday Mason

Mason,

Today we celebrate your 5th birthday! The minute you were born, it was love at first sight. There is nothing that prepares a first time mother for the emotions and joy she feels the first time she holds her child for the first time. Forever, our lives have been changed.

Yesterday, I called your Daddy to tell him that you are no longer a toddler, but a little boy. You are into all things cars, super hero's, sports, and transformers. This fall you will start football. I can't wait to see you play a game that you love to watch with your Daddy.

Today, you might see tears flow from my eyes. I promise they are not tears of sadness, but rather pure joy. It truly amazes me how quickly time flies. I remember your first gassy smile, the first time you slept through the night, the first time you rolled over, crawled, and walked. You were so independent and each milestone, I was there to rejoice with you. I will always treasure each moment.

This year will mark another big milestone for you with the start of Kindergarten. My baby boy is growing up and I am so proud of you. It will be an adjustment not having you at home during the day. Not just for me, but for your little sisters. Peyton and Taylor adore you. In their eyes, you are the best big brother ever! You are their Super Hero! Peyton squeals with excitement when you play with her. Taylor doesn't know a day without you. I have a feeling, she will have the hardest time. She looks up to you and wants to do everything just like you. I pray you remain close to your sisters. They are your best friends.

My favorite characteristic right now is your compassion. You have such a big heart and you aren't afraid to show it. Be proud of that always. Your kindness is sincere and you are a friend to everyone.
Happy Birthday to the coolest five year old I know! Mommy loves you to infinity and beyond!

Love,
Mommy

Celebrating the 4th of July

We had a fabulous 4th of July! Anyone that knows me, it is my favorite holiday. Who doesn't love family and friends gathering together to celebrate the birthday of our great nation?

We started our morning with a family swim day at Grandma's neighborhood pool. The kids have yet to be in the actual pool yet this summer, most of the time we head to the Splash Pads. So I was personally excited about getting in the water on this hot day. I wasn't sure if the kids would remember what they learned last summer in the water. Mason did great and was on his own (with us watching him and nearby) the entire time. Taylor preferred to be held and Peyton loved the water in her little float.

We can home for naps and then went back over to Grandma & Grandpa's house for an early dinner. Adam's other sister, Laura and Matt joined us. Afterwards, we took Peyton home to bed and my mom (Mimi) came over to sit at the house, while we took Mason and Taylor to La Centerra's Firework show. We have gone the last two years and decided this would be our tradition. They put on a great firework display and the kids loved parking along the highway to watch.

 Love these baby blues.

 Peyton's first 4th of July and wearing Taylor's dress.

 Taylor, Mason & Faith waiting eagerly for the show to start. They were so good the entire time.

 Btw, 7 years ago on the 4th, Adam asked me to be his wife! He knows me well enough to propose on my favorite holiday, thus making it extra special every year. Love you, Babe!

We were watching the fireworks and didn't notice that Daddy was snapping pictures of us.

The Cardboard Diet: Week 2

 If you want to know the story behind LFT's Cardboard Box Diet, look here.
Summer time is great for all things fresh. I really enjoy fresh fruits and vegetables. To be honest, I hardly ever buy canned veggies or even frozen veggies. Recently, some of my favorite fresh fruits are blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries.

This week was definitely interesting, especially given that yesterday was the 4th of July. It's my favorite holiday. I love everything about it, especially the food. Since I knew that it would be a splurge day for me, I decided to get an extra workout in.

Weigh In: Down 2lbs.
Exercise Completed: Since I'm training for a half marathon in October, I make sure to get in atleast three runs each week that follow my training schedule. I tried Yoga for the first time and absolutely loved it. I like Body by Bethany Yoga DVD. I can do it in the comfort of my own home and not look like a fool to all the other experts out there.  There are certain types or Yoga that I'm not a fan of, for personal reasons, but I liked this DVD. My body felt so good and tight after stretching my muscles. Great for the low key cross training days.
Splurge/Guilty Pleasure: All of the 4th of July! Haha, it wasn't really that bad. I have a thought that you should be able to enjoy the holidays. I didn't have any problem with eating the chips and queso or the cookies I ate yesterday, because I made sure to get in an extra workout. I like to look at it like your body is a bank account. You have to balance the good with the bad. So if I know I'm going to have a splurge, I make to even it out by eating a little more fruits and veggies the next time or getting in an extra workout. Yesterday I ran and went swimming.
Success Story: Every week checked off of my training for the half marathon is a success to me.
Recipes: I don't have a recipe, but I love the Flat Out Pita's made into a turkey wrap with baby spinach, Laughing Cow Swiss cheese, and salsa.
Photos: My breakfast of Oatmeal, ground flaxseed, cinnamon and blueberries.