World's Worst Blogger

I must be the world's worst blogger...I have ideas I want to share...pictures to post...but I forget to take the pictures...and then forget to blog.

I made zucchini bread again using my healthier recipe. Why didn't I take pictures? I have no idea. Maybe it's because the kids woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and I was just thrilled they were playing nicely at the table with Play-Doh that I didn't want to risk it by stopping to take pictures.

I'm making kebabs later to take to my brother, his wife and their new baby...well, obvioulsy, the new baby won't be eating any (at least not directly)...but it's because of the little Princess that I'm taking the meal in the first place. She's absolutely beautiful, and I am so excited and happy for the new family! I've somehow become Meal Coordinator for them...and I love it! I'm so amazed that people are so generous and thoughtful and want to help them out during this time of adjustment!

It's an overcast summer day, and while I should be taking advantage of it by getting outside with the little munchkins, I'd really like to be in the kitchen trying something new...like PW's coffee bread recipe or baked French toast casserole. Of course, neither of those things are helping me get back on track with my healthy eating. I've got to get back to making healthy choices, both when it comes to food and exercise. I haven't run in a week, so I'm going to do that again starting tomorrow...just jumping right back into my training plan. And yes, I am training. For a 10K. Again. This one is Sept. 25, so I know I have to get started. And part of that is running...duh. But part of that is eating healthy foods. We have lots of fruit and veggies now, so it's just a matter of choices.

Isn't that really what everything is about...making choices? Making the choice to be happy. To not yell. To model good behavior instead of doing the whole "do as I say and not as I do" thing. To smile. To laugh. To find joy in the little things. To be generous. To help others. To love. Those are my choices today.

Oh, wow!

Now I know what it feels like to have 4 children...and let's just say, I don't know how you parents out there with 4 or more do it! It's quite the circus around here...fun, but crazy! We took all the kids swimming yesterday and are going back again in just a little while. Thank goodness for my in-laws who helped us out in the pool. We just don't have enough arms for four little one in the pool! The plan for today is to swim, come home and eat lunch, take baths, and watch a movie. That should get us to the evening, and then I have no idea what I'm going to do to entertain them...alone! Chad has to work! I'm hoping for an early bedtime :)

Today's plan

We are headed to the Farmers Market. I just love that place. I can never decide what to get, but today, I know I want zucchini and squash! I'll let the kids each pick something as well, although they very rarely eat it :) I'm working on that! After that we have some errands to run and then it's back home for some cooking time. We're making pizza rolls for lunch, and they can help with that. Then I'm thinking a nap sounds good...for all of us! We'll have a healthy snack after that and off to a birthday party we go. Busy day...but that usually means a good bedtime.

Hello again

It's been a while since I've been on here...life does that.

I'm in a happy homemaking kind of mood today...I want to cook yummy things, like Pioneer Woman's Berries and Sweet Cream or her Lazy Chile Rellenos (with added ground beef for a meal). I want to make healthy snacks for the kids...one has already eaten homemade banana bread, carrots, string cheese and fruit snacks...the other has had fruit snacks, shredded cheese and a granola bar. I want to have a clean house. Please note: I did not say I wanted to clean house...just that I want one. I want to spend time outside...but it is so blessed hot out there! But I might not mind a little sweat if I was swaying in a hammock in the shade.

So, the snacks I have in mind for the next few weeks:
Tortilla wraps (ham and cheese, cream cheese and fruit, peanut butter and apples)
Quesadillas (same as above)
Smoothies
Yogurt parfaits
Trail mix
Dippers or skewers (meat, cheese, veggies, bread)
Pita pockets
Wonton chips (both sweet and savory)
Mini pizzas
Veggies and fruit with dips

We're headed to the Farmers Market tomorrow and I can't wait! I want some zucchinni and squash and anything else that looks good...tomatoes, beans, fruit. I have to be careful not to get too much since I will be out of town next week, and I know it will just go to waste if I'm not here to fix it.

What is it about summer that makes me want to eat healthy and light? Is it the heat, the lazy days, or the swimsuit I have to wear? I'm in the mood for some lemons to add to my water as well...just light and refreshing.

Mission...Accomplished!

I did it! I finished the 5K in Ardmore this morning in 30:35...and my goal was just to finish under 33. As a whole the family did great
Mom 31st woman 3rd in age bracket
Carrie 32nd woman 8th in age bracket (but only b/c she finished with Mom)
Me 69th woman 15th in age bracket (out of 54!)
Dad 51st male 5th in age bracket
Rob 44th male 8th in age bracket
Chad 81st male 13th in age bracket

So now? On to my next goals...under 30 minutes for a 5K and running a 10K. After that(as eventual goals)...an 8-minute mile pace for a 5K and a half marathon!

But how to get there? I'm starting with strength training this week. My sweet sister has put together a training plan for me for the next three months. I'm going to add in interval training once a week and increase my incline on my runs. I'd like to add in one more run each week or a longer bike ride with the family.

Speaking of which...we took the bikes and trailer to Grammy and Big Daddy's tonight instead of driving. Probably not the best idea after the run this morning, but I'm not going to turn down the chance for a little family exercise and outdoor time. Even if the pollen count is through the roof.

I am so proud of my mother...running a 5K to celebrate her 50th birthday and placing 3rd in her age division! She is truly and inspiration to me...and so is my Dad. He ran the same pace...and he's 54!

I am so proud of my sister. She is so strong, mentally and physically! She is working to accomplish her goals of being a personal trainer and a Zumba instructor. Actually, she accomplished that last one this weekend!

I am so proud of my brother. He jumped right in and ran the race with no training. And he was really hurting. But he finished with a great time! He and his wife are working to create a wonderful life for themselves and their little Gabby. So awesome to be able to share in just a little of it.

And I am so proud of my hubby. He is the one who suggested taking the bikes to the in-laws tonight. I know that exercise is not his favorite thing, but he knows how important it is to me. Important enough that he stayed home with a sick kid this morning so I could get my run in. I am so blessed and lucky!

Yuck

I am not feeling well at all today...and I can't figure out exactly what is wrong. Weird, I know. How do you "fix" something when you don't know what "it" is?! I wouldn't mind so much, but I'm running a 5K with my family in the morning to celebrate my mom's 50th birthday. And I really, really want to run a best time. I've been working so hard these past few weeks to improve my time. I do not need this right now! I'm hoping the next few hours bring a huge turnaround in the way I feel. I felt fine yesterday...and the day before...but not now. Aaarrgh!

What's next?

I've got a 5K in 5 days. I so want to do well, but I haven't been the best about my running. One of these days, I'll get it all together and get a real routine to increase my speed and distance and get some real strength. I so want to be that "fit" woman everyone wants to be...but more than that, I want to be the woman everyone wants to be because she has it all together.