Family time in pictures

In between the stomach bug and the Mooney's visit, we had some fun family time.

Mason & Peyton

Mason & Peyton have a special bond. They absolutely adore each other, which is evident in this video.

The Cardboard Diet Week 7

I have been absent for awhile from the blog world and missed weeks 4-6 due to out of town guests, and the dreadful stomach bug.

I just wanted to reiterate that this isn't really a diet. LFT came up with this great idea and you can learn more about it here. I'm participating because I feel like you are able to accomplish your goals when you have others hold you accountable. This is the perfect place to do so, especially since you are sharing your struggles and achievements with everyone else. You can read about everyone else's journey here.
My goal is two-part: I am training for a half marathon in October and want to cross the finish line. I don't care if I'm fast, I just want to finish. Second, when I take care of myself, I'm happier. That means eating foods that provide great nutrition for my body, which enhance my training. All of this eventually leads me to losing the last 30lbs that I would like to loose off of my 5'8" frame. By incorporating healthy habits into my life and continuing to make the right choices for my body, I'm overall a happier person. I don't expect this to happen overnight, but I promise myself that this will happen!

Weigh In: At the beginning of last week, I had a stomach bug, which led me to lose 5 lbs in a about 2 days. Not what I recommend. After my body getting back to normal, I'm still the same weight I was weeks 3 & 4.

Exercise Completed: My training took a short hiatus due to being sick. Slowly getting back into the swing of things. Race day is Oct. 27th.
Splurge/Guilty Pleasure:  We had a dinner party last Friday night and served Steaks, Baked Potatoes, Salad and Strawberry Shortcake for dessert.
Success Story: Building up my endurance and still being able to run the pace and distance I want after being sick.

Recipes: None this week. Sorry!
Photos:Sorry again, no photos this week.

The Mooney's Visit

When we lived in California, we met the Mooney's. They quickly took us in and we became the best of friends. Last summer, they flew down to Fort Worth and spent a week with us. Marissa and some of my other favorite California girls flew down three weeks after Peyton was born for some much needed girl time. I am truly blessed!

This summer, we were supposed to head up to Bakersfield to visit the Mooney's, but due to Adam switching jobs, we knew it wouldn't be possible. I was talking to Marissa in May and she told me that her and Ray decided to take a road trip down this summer to visit our family. I was floored by their love and so excited. It was exactly what I needed.

After a couple days of driving over 1500 miles, they reached our house on a Wednesday evening. The kids were so excited to see each other. Our current home is much smaller than our last, so we knew it would be tight quarters. Mason gave up his room, so Ray & Marissa could have his bed. Braden and Luke also slept in Mason's room with their parents. Madison and Taylor slept in her bed, while Peyton slept in her crib and Mason was on the floor in Taylor & Peyton's room.

We decided that the ladies would have a girls night, and the guys would have a guys night during the visit. Adam suggested we try out Pinot's Palette. If you haven't heard about this place, each night they feature a different painting and you sign up for whatever night hosts the painting you wish to paint. You bring your own appetizers, wine, cocktails or drink of choice. I used to paint when I was younger, so Adam was speaking right to my heart. I have been wanting to try this out for awhile and was thrilled that Marissa and I could do it together. We had the best time and I can't wait to sign up for another class.

 Step 1

 Step 2

 Step 3

 Marissa & I with our finished paintings

My finished painting

The guys chose to go see the new Batman movie. Originally they had tickets for a late night showing, but when they realized the movie was almost 3 hours long, they opted to sneak into an earlier showing. Of course, guys don't take pictures like the ladies, so we don't have anything to show for their male bonding time.

Over all, it was a fantastic five days with the Mooney's. It was so hard to say goodbye. Peyton and Taylor loved Uncle Ray and it's crazy to think that next summer, Peyton will be running around and have changed so much. I tried to hold back tears as we said our goodbyes, but couldn't help it. We just love that family so much. 

 Luke & Taylor

 They took all the blankets and pillows and built a fort at the kitchen table.

 Taylor, Braden and Mason making silly faces in the fort.

 Luke, Madison, Taylor, Braden and Mason on the couch for movie night. The guys were in charge of all the kids on Girl's night.

 Little Pirates

 Since it was hot, we headed to Memorial City Mall for some play time at the "Green Castle"

 Frozen Yogurt to cool you down.

 Swimming

Another one bites the dust

Remember how last week I said I would get around to posting pictures, well this week I will finally get around to it. Little Miss Peyton was struck down yesterday with the icky stomach bug. I thought for sure that since a week had passed since the last victim, that we were in the clear. I mean, I cleaned my house and every single toy the kids have.

As I fed Peyton breakfast yesterday, I noticed she wasn't all that hungry. She didn't even touch her bagel, which is her new obsession. Since she received 4 teeth all in one week about two weeks ago, I assumed she was getting another tooth and sucked it up to that. As we went to sit down in the living room, she threw up all over herself, me, and the floor. Thank goodness our living floor is tile. It made clean up yesterday much easier and less smelly. Poor girl got sick way more than Mason or I. Our normal wiggle worm, just wanted to sit in my lap and sleep all day yesterday. Normally, she can't sit still. I hated the circumstances, but loved every minute of the cuddle time.

She was able to take a bottle last night and keep it down. This morning, she is in a better mood, but still not back to her normal spunky self. One bottle down and a little bit of rice cereal. Hoping tomorrow is much better. This is the picture I took of her sleeping on me yesterday.

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!