We've Been Busy

There have been some major changes going on here in our house over the last month that have kept us very busy. 

We have been going to the YMCA 4 days a week since the last week of February and it has been wonderful. The boys love going. They even ask to go and get very excited as we are getting ready. I love seeing them excited to go knowing they will get some time to play without Mommy. It's been great for me as well. I get an hour and a half to really focus on myself.  I can get out of mommy mode and just spend time with me.  Over the last 6 weeks I've lost 10 pounds, have started fitting into a size smaller pant and the shape of my body has really changed. 

I've never had a desire to be a runner, ever. I always thought it was boring.  When we joined the Y, I figured I'd be joining classes as my workout routine.  However, James got me on the treadmill my first day and I lasted much longer than I thought I would.  The next time we went I lasted a bit longer. After a few times, I thought it was time to try my hand at running again. I've tried in the past and due to zero endurance and shin splints, I always gave up. However, this time something was different.  My kind set is different. I am determined to run. I want to run. Where it has come from, I'm not sure, but I'm excited about it.

I've had a few bumps in the road, but I'm not giving up!!  I had a flare up of shin splints again, but thanks to Jeff at Fleet Feet, I got an awesome pair of turquoise running shoes with inserts that have made all the difference. And with the stretches he showed me, I've kicked those shin splints in the butt. Then I had some knee pain which I read was termed "runner's knee". Thankfully I have some awesome PT friends who told me to strengthen my hamstrings and get back at it.  I took a week off running to rest my knees and build up my strength.  That was followed by a week off from the Y all together due to entire family sickness.  Today was our first day back and I left so incredibly proud of myself. I finished a 5K in 49 minutes with 21 of them running.  In my adult life I have NEVER been able to run 21 consecutive minutes.  Apparently resting like I did was super beneficial.  I felt like I probably could have done more but I didn't want to push myself too far.  I've decided that I am going to register for the Oldham County Grand Slam.  It's a series of four 5K races, the first being May 19. I am so excited.

This is definitely a different me.  I'm running.  I'm cooking as healthy as I possibly know how. I have eliminated soft drinks from my diet completely which means my water intake has gone from little to no less than 30oz a day. We are making healthy choices for our whole family and it feels great.  I'll keep you updated on my progress!

Our Week In Review

It has been an exciting, productive, and yet sad week. The first half of the week brought beautiful weather so we took advantage. Monday we went to the Y so I could continue with my healthy lifestyle changes. For me, knowing how by now I normally would've slacked if not stopped altogether, think I've done very well. The boys have too. They are excited to go to the "gym" and play. This is a huge weight off my shoulders because for the longest time one or both would have a meltdown any time I tried to leave them somewhere without family. The lady opens the door to the kid area and they run in, not even saying bye some days. Makes focusing on me while there so much easier. After the Y we got to play with one of their favorite little ladies, Emma, at the park. Emma's mommy, Jessica, & I went to high school together and were really good friends-they live minutes from us now. I love having a friend close by with a little one their age. Lucas didn't want to get out of the swing.

Tuesday, after the gym, we went to the zoo with Jessica, Emma, and baby Mason. We walked around the zoo in t-shirts in February!!! It was such a beautiful day. Wednesday was storytime at the library followed by a trip to Target for big boy undies. They love their big boy action figure underwear! Wednesday afternoon, we took a 4 mile walk outside. Just loving the weather!! Thursday after the Y, we went to look at bathing suits. That trip was a big fail because they each just wanted to play in the bathroom at the mall because it has a child sized potty. Every 5 minutes, Mommy I gotta go potty. Had to cut that shopping trip way short!

Friday started out with a high threat of severe weather, ending with (last I heard) at least 33 fatalities. Tornadoes swept through our area, staying just north of us, destroying whole towns. My aunt and uncle living in one of those towns, thankfully were safe and did not lose their home. Just reminds you how in a second, everything can change. Church is collecting $25 gift cards to big superstores so people can buy food and supplies as needed. Thankful that we're a part of a community that feels compelled to give to those in need. We were able to find some joy in the weekend with celebrating Aunt Jennifer's birthday.

**If any one is interested in donating a gift card for the people of Henryville and Marysville IN, please let me know. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Please Check This Out!

I don't do enough to give back. Frankly, I get caught up in my own little world too much and lose track of others sometimes. It's one of those things I must truly work on. The Shine Project is doing something just awesome to help get people involved in giving to others, Pass It Forward. Please go over to their website and check it out! It's a simple and wonderful concept. You get a "Pass it Forward" card or it gets passed to you, you do something nice for someone else and pass the card along. You log on to the website and let them know your good deed with using the ID # from the card and you can track all the awesome things people have done who have come in contact with that card. What a wonderful way to inspire people!!!

Things My Kids Say

Welcome to this week's edition of Things My Kids Say!! Please leave a comment with the funny things your kids say. Share the laugh!

*Lucas told me my hair was blue so I corrected him and said my hair is brown. Then he said my hair is "pee pee!" He's done this several times. He thinks it's just the funniest thing.

*The guy across the street was taking his dog out and Bailey was at the window barking like crazy. Ethan ran to the window and said, "Hush Bailey, it's just Roxie". So grown up!

*Ethan got a hold of Bailey's Halloween dog collar managed to somehow get it on, attached the leash (in a matter of like 10 sec) and came up to me and said, "Mommy, let's go for a walk!"

*I was laying Lucas down for a nap and handed him the book he asked for. His response, "That's perfect!"

*We have developed a fascination with Spiderman. One day after watching an episode, Ethan put his shoes on and told me, "I'm off to help Spiderman catch the lizard!"

Simultaneous Poops!! (Pic)

I couldn't resist!! The joys of twins!

Grandma Jean

It's the sweetest thing to see how big their little hearts are. They love so unselfishly. 

When James went out of town back in the fall, my grandma came to stay with us.  The boys loved it.  To this day, they refer to our guest room as Grandma Jean's room.  They get excited to see her and visit her.  Lucas had been asking for Grandma Jean so we decided to have her stay with us a few days again.  We picked her up yesterday and Lucas didn't want to let go of her hand. He'd walk around the house holding her hand.  I love seeing them interact with her.  I'm very thankful that they are able to develop a relationship with her!! Thanks for staying with us Grandma Jean!!

Bubblegum

It's not for us!!  Ethan has an issue with wanting to chew on things, like paper and books, but he doesn't swallow it.  He only chews.  Someone suggested we try chewing gum but I knew he's just too young.

Today at the grocery my grandma got them this chicken from the Easter section.  You wind him up and as he walks, he lays egg shaped bubblegum.  Since she bought it, I figured it wouldn't hurt to see what they do.  I explained bubblegum you don't swallow, just keep chewing. Lucas was my champ. Ethan chewed till it got soft and then swallowed. Yup, still too young for gum!