Friday Favorites

I went from blogging everyday in April, to barely blogging at all in May. It was not the plan, life just got in the way. Isn't that how it always happens? We returned from our trip to Houston this week. We had a fabulous time. If I ever feel like re-living the flight home, which isn't likely, I'll blog about it. I cringe just thinking about it.

Since coming home, we have already been to the doctor once and plan on making another trip today. Taylor woke up with a fever the morning we left Houston but showed no symptoms of anything. When she still had a fever the next day, I decided it was time to take her to the doctor. Turns out she has an ear infection. It's the first time she has ever been sick, so it's a whole new world to me. I didn't feel well the morning we left either and my symptoms have only gotten worse. So I will be paying a visit to the doctor when Adam gets back in town. Not a fun way to start a long weekend.

If you can't really tell, this hasn't been one of my favorite weeks. However, I don't want to end on a bad note. So here is a short list of my favs.

5. Taylor's "Attitude" face.
One day, I'm sure it will get old, but for now, I love it and could see it all the time.

4. Mason asking for his best friend and cousin Connor.
Melts my heart.

3. Returning home to my husband and my bed.
Missed him tons and it's never easy being away from him. As far as the bed goes, it's just nice not having to share my bed with a toddler.

2. The long weekend.
Much needed.

1. Taylor's walking all over the place.
This started a few weeks ago, but I'm just now blogging about it.

Friday Favorites

I'm still alive and in Houston. Originally, the plan was to leave yesterday, but the flights out are super booked leading up to the weekend. Today was no exception, so it looks like we will be flying back to Cali on Tuesday, when the seats are wide open. In case this doesn't make any sense to you, we fly standby since my dad works for Continental.

This week, we had a nice surprise visit from my cousin Taylor. Now that she is done with school and doesn't officially start her new job until September, she has a lot of free time and it is much deserved. She has been working so hard and hasn't had much of a break, let alone a vacation in quite some time. It's been a full house at the Coverston home this week. I have taken a ton of pics, but I have to finish this post before my laptop dies, because I don't feel like going upstairs to plug it in.

5. Watching my nephew Connor play T-Ball.
I had the pleasure of getting to see both of my nephews play baseball. Jared is in more of a competitive league now, but this was Connor's first season. He has a great arm and the facial expressions he makes would make anyone laugh.

4. Watching The Blind Side.
I don't get out to the movie theaters very often, so it was my first time seeing this fantastic movie. If you haven't seen it, it has the best story and a good family watch.

3. Mason's comments.
He says the funniest things and I have no idea where he picks them up. He is quite the entertainer.

2. Extra time with family.
Don't get me wrong, it will be nice to be back at my own house and not have to share a room with the kids, and most of all see my husband. It's been way too long. But I am enjoying every minute I get with our family.

1. Afternoon with Mama.
My mom took this afternoon off and decided to spend it with us. I love nice surprises like this.

Friday Favorites

For some reason, whenever I visit our family in Houston, I always lose track of time. Time flies when you are having fun. I almost forgot it was Friday, until I spoke with Adam this morning. We have been at my parents house since Monday and I think we are finally getting settled in.

5. My dad meeting us at the gate at the IAH.
Since my dad works for Continental, he can meet us at the gate. I miss the days of family and friends waiting for their loved ones when they step off the plane. I'm fortunate that my dad still can. After 6 longs months of not seeing family, we were reunited. That is the longest span we have gone without seeing our family. I shouldn't complain, there are many others that have to wait a lot longer to be reunited with their family.

4. Meeting my brother for the first time.
Since Kris has been home, it seems like something always came up and anytime my parents tried to come out to California for a visit, it didn't work out. He was in the driveway waiting for us when we pulled in the driveway Monday evening. The kids knew exactly who he was, thanks to Skype and the pictures I have at the house.

3. My niece, Faith.
Wednesday evening, we went over to my in-laws to visit. Mason and Taylor had a great time visiting and playing with their cousin. Faith is exactly two weeks younger than Mason. She was a little shy at first, but soon warmed up and gave me lots of hugs and kisses. Her laugh is contagious and I can't help but smile every time she says my name. It's hilarious.

2. Being in Texas.
Seriously, the best state. Surely, I'm not biased.

1. Taylor's Graduation.
My cousin Taylor (who Taylor Reese is named after) is graduating from Texas A&M University this weekend. After 5 long years, she is graduating with her Masters. She was in a program where she completed her Bachelor's and Masters in Business Finance in 5 years. All of her hard work has paid off. I can't wait to celebrate this huge accomplishment with her. Whoop!

Taylor & Taylor Summer 09

Taylor while in Akumal for our girls vacation

Yes, we love making silly faces.

Congrats sweetie!

Ten on Tuesday

Normally, this would have already been posted, but we just arrived in Houston last night and I was a bit tired this morning and just now got around to pulling my laptop out. Thanks Chelsea for always posting the questions.

1. What was you High School superlative (if you didn't have one - what would it have been)?
I didn't have one, but I guess it would be "Everyone's Friend."

2. What sports did you play in High School?
I didn't play any.

3. What was the best part about your wedding?
Just one? It's a three way tie - the moment I saw Adam for the first time as I walked down the aisle, being pronounced husband and wife, and the father/daughter dance at the reception. With the father-daughter dance, I didn't realize how emotional it would be for me.

4. It's your last meal - what Appetizer, Soup, Salad, Entree and Dessert would you choose?
Appetizer - Hot artichoke spinach dip
Soup - Tomato Basil
Salad - Ceaser
Entree - Steak and Lobster
Dessert - Tiramisu

5. What song is your guilty pleasure?
Madonna - Like a Prayer. It's been a favorite of mine since High School.

6. What is your favorite professional sports team, and why do you like them?
Baseball - Houston Astros - I love baseball and miss going to the games. I grew up watching them.
Football - Indianapolis Colts. I have been following Peyton Manning since he was at Tennessee University. I like the Texans as well.
Basketball - Houston Rockets. I just love my Houston teams.

7. What is your favorite reality show and why do you like it?
Dancing With The Stars. I just watching people learn how to dance and the costumes. It's very entertaining. I think it goes back to the days when I used to watch Dirty Dancing over and over again.

8. How would you classify your home decorating style (modern, classic, french country)?
Traditional. I want my house to feel like a home and not a museum.

9. Pizza - deep dish or thin crust? What sauce or red sauce? Toppings?
Thin crust with light sauce and I really enjoy Margertia Pizza.

10. Favorite weekend getaway within a two hour drive radius?
Since I live in Bakersfield, I would have to say Santa Barbara. Spent the weekend in the area last weekend and it was lovely.

30 Day Shred Challenge Recap - Before & After

As I began writing this post, it dawned on me that I hadn't worked out yet today. Yesterday, I took the day off because I figured my body needed some rest and it was well deserved after 30 days of consecutive working out. So before I finished uploading the pictures, I stopped what I was doing and did the Shred. I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Can you believe that, I wanted to.

That being said, I have a few thoughts on my 30 Day Shred Challenge. Going into this challenge, I wasn't expecting to enjoy it as much as I did. Even though there were moments I wanted to quit and pass out, I always felt great after each workout. I like the feeling of the sore pain. I guess I'm crazy. I hate the burn I feel as I'm working out, but love the feeling of achy muscles. To me, that means I'm in need for improvement and I'm on the right track.

After some positive feedback and the fact that curiosity gets the best of all of us, I have decided to show the before and after pictures. The before pictures are hard for me to post, but I see the difference and if it gives someone the motivation to be healthy, then that is all that counts.

Here are my stats:
Total Weight Lost: 5 lbs
Total Inches Lost off my Waist: 4 inches
Total Inches Lost off my Hips: 3 inches

I plan on continuing this process and hope to alternate the Shred, Running and I plan on attempting Jillian Michael's Yoga. I've never done Yoga before, but I have heard really good things about Jillian's Yoga DVD.

Day 1 - Before

Day 30 - After

30 Day Shred Challenge - Day 30

WOOOOHOOOOOOOO, I'M DONE! With little to no sleep at all (we didn't get home from picking Jeanna up at the airport until the wee hours of the morning) and the fact that Mason shared a bed with me last night, I was dragging this morning. However, I knew I wouldn't have chance to get it done, if I didn't do it as soon as I woke up. After 30 days, I'm finally finished. More to come later this weekend with the final results and my final thoughts.

Friday Favorites

5. Mason's haircut.
Every time Mason's hair grows out and it's time to cut it, we dread it. He hates the process but loves the end result. I think we feel the same. I just love this face!
4. My best friend is in town visiting me this weekend.
She is more like a sister to me and I miss seeing her on a regular basis. I'm so glad she made it out here for a visit. We will have some one on one time this weekend in Santa Barbara and I can't wait.


3. Taylor's many faces.

She will make a ton of faces for the camera, but it's hard to get a smile out of her. The funny thing is, she is one very happy and smiley little girl.

Look at my tongue

I'm not looking at you.

Mama, won't you just stop taking my picture already? Followed by tears.

2. Seeing family next week.

The kids and I are leaving Monday to go home to Houston for about 10 days. We haven't been home since November, so it's long overdue. The main purpose of the trip is to see my cousin graduate from college.

1. Meet my lil brother Kris.

My parents have tried on several occasions to make it out here for a visit, but something always came up where they couldn't make it. Kris joined our family in December and while we have talked on the phone and skyped numerous times, we have yet to meet face to face. I can't wait to give him a hug and have some serious hang out time.