Christmas Countdown

Can you believe we are 12 days away from Christmas?! I'm not going to lie it has been hard to get in to the Christmas spirit this year. I've been exhausted and stressed out more than normal the past couple weeks but it's time for a change! So for the next 12 days I'm going to "dig deep" and enjoy the most wonderful time of the year!

Over the weekend we went out on a family adventure to see a holiday light show. Our two year old loves looking at all the "cool lights" and Santa was there too which has been a big hit this year. Even the baby was gazing at all the lights in every picture I took and his little legs kicking in the Ergo were more than enough to know he had a good time as well. It was a wonderful evening filled holiday joy and minimal tears! ‪#‎holidaylights‬‪#‎christmascountdown‬ ‪#‎12daystilchristmas

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Getting in the Christmas spirit today with cute baby clothes! It's always unfortunate that they seem to get the cute clothes dirty the quickest! #santaslittlehelper#christmascountdown #11daystilchristmas

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Remember the days as kids when all we wanted was a snow day? These days I dread that message that schools are closed. Thankfully I have my holiday coffee mug to lift my spirits that I get to work with a baby AND a two year old today! #morecoffeeplease#christmascountdown #10daystilchristmas

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've got a great DIY for you today for my ‪#‎countdowntochristmas‬. I wish I could say I thought of this brilliant idea but it was actually my husband! These mugs are great because you can customize them to whomever you are gifting them to. 

WHAT YOU NEED
🎁 Plain coffee mugs (ours are from World Market but you could get them at the dollar store)
🎁 Oil-based sharpie marker
🎁 Pencil
🎁 Oven

WHAT YOU DO
🎁 Pick a design
🔸If you are artistic you can free draw a design
🔸 You can use scrapbook letters to make a dotted mug (remove letters before baking)
🔸You can use Word to make a design and then transfer it on to the mug to trace
🔸🔸For this technique you will cut out your design then trace it with a pencil. After tracing, flip the image over, place on the mug then scribble with the pencil over the design. When you remove the paper the design will have traced on to the mug
🔸🔸Also if you are using a phrase, make sure to print the letters reversed
🎁 Trace your design with the oil-based marker
🎁 To clean up your design or fix any mistakes a magic eraser works wonders
🎁 Once your design is complete bake the mug at 350 degrees for 30 minutes
🎁 When mug is finished baking leave it in the oven until the oven is cool to touch
🎁 For an added bonus you can even add something special in the mug: mini wine bottle, candy, coffee, gift cards, etc

‪#‎diy‬  ‪#‎christmasgifts‬ ‪#‎9daystilchristmas‬

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I've been slacking in my holiday cheer the last couple days so I'm back at it with dressing up for a holiday party! 🎄🎁🎉 #countdowntochristmas#6daystillchristmas 

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Some new cozy slippers always helps me get in the holiday spirit! ‪#‎gocats‬‪#‎warmtoes‬ ‪#‎christmascountdown‬ ‪#‎5daystilchristmas‬

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The Christmas music is on non-stop while I'm working these days! While this isn't my favorite Christmas song, it is my absolute favorite video to watch. No joke I watch it 5 times in a row, singing at the top of my lungs! ‪#‎notashamed‬ ‪#‎christmasmusic‬ ‪#‎pentatonix‬
‪#‎christmascountdown‬ ‪#‎4daystilchristmas‬
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJ_MGWio-vc

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A Christmas Eve tradition at our house is enjoying some good ole Kansas City BBQ! ‪#‎countdowntochristmas‬ ‪#‎christmaseve‬ ‪#‎onedaytilchristmas‬‪#‎jackstackbbq‬

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Christmas Day hike with the family! Merry Christmas!! 🎄❄ ‪#‎traditions‬‪#‎countdowntochristmas‬ ‪#‎christmasday‬ ‪#‎whitechristmas‬

T25 Transformation

When you keep up the motivation for the past 10 weeks to workout consistently and also complete your workout program you do a victory jump!! 💪🏼 ‪#‎fitmom‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day31‬ ‪#‎focus‬‪#‎T25‬

Alright vulnerability post coming at ya for ‪#‎transformationtuesday‬. I've always been self conscious about my body (and more specifically my mid-section) but that changed after completing P90X. I finally felt comfortable in my own skin and was proud of what I'd accomplished. Then I had kids. I know I should be proud of what my body was able to do and blessed with the two wonderful boys I now have, but that just isn't me. Don't get me wrong I am both of those things, but being comfortable in my own skin directly affects my self confidence and I do not want to be that girl again who hides. But instead of giving up and telling myself that I can never have my body back for whatever excuse I can come up with, I decided to make a commitment to myself because I CAN and I WILL get back to being proud of my body! So I set out on my post-partum fitness journey and here's where I am today.

10 weeks ago I was ready to commit to myself and dedicate the time I needed to make a change. It wasn't always easy to find the time to work out but I did! It was my ME time and I can tell it has greatly benefited my attitude, health and so much more than a physical transformation. But most importantly I've regained the mentality of loving to work out. Really, the sweatier I am or the more tired my muscles feel at the end of a workout, the happier I am! I am driven to push myself to get stronger and I'm having fun doing it! So take this as my progress update because I'm no where near being done! ‪#‎fitmom‬ ‪#‎focus‬ ‪#‎thisisjustthebeginning‬

Rudolph Workout Challenge

Ok I have something FUN for you guys today!! ‪#‎tuesdayfittip‬ is coming at ya via video this week and it's followed by my participation in a fun little holiday challenge! Hope you guys play along and have as much fun with this as I did! ‪#‎fitmom‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day29‬

WATCH YOUR TUESDAY FIT TIP HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exX2ttsio9U

Rudolph Song for the holiday challenge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zUjf78p92WI

No Excuses

My list of excuses could go on and on for reasons to not workout: there's too much to do around the house; the kids aren't napping; I'm tired; I'll do it tomorrow. 

But what are excuses going to get me? They aren't going to get me a lifestyle change and they aren't going to get me more energy and motivation. For the last 3 months I've made a commitment to take 30 minutes of my day for ME! And I don't plan on stopping anytime soon! I'm happier, healthier, more energized and aside from a few sniffles, less sick too.

What's your excuse? Whatever it may be, it's time to push them aside and put YOU first! ‪#‎motivationmonday‬ ‪#‎nevermissamonday‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day28‬

Cooper Thomas: Five Months

I wish I could say I have it all figured out now that Cooper is 5 months old but yeah, no! He does seem to be a little better scheduled with napping so that's nice, but unfortunately still wakes up multiple times at night. He's fallen back asleep a few times, but generally I go in to get him because I don't want the monster toddler waking up! And lately I've noticed he doesn't eat very much when I do go in, so now it's trying to figure out how to settle him back to sleep because he doesn't like the pacifier. He is now a tummy sleeper since learning to roll over this past month and just like his brother will instantly turn over as soon as you lay him down. Also just like his brother he is ALL OVER his crib! And it's not just the crib. You lay him down on his mat or a blanket and less than 2 min he can be halfway across the room! You can't leave him sitting in his bouncer chair because he either turns over in it or pushes himself backwards out of it. But he does LOVE the jumperoo! He also loves toys and will always pull down the toy on his carseat. He is working on moving toys from hand to hand, but he knows how to grasp...especially mom's hair! He also likes to reach out and grab your face when you're holding him. Silly boy! Despite being small, he is pushing out of 6 month onesies, 6 month pants still fit fine. We started on rice cereal but he is way more interested in the spoon and not so much a fan of the cereal! He loves splashing in the bathtub and has even had a couple splash battles with his brother! He's becoming mommy's running partner and likes being in the stroller or walking around in the carrier. Overall he is such a happy guy who loves giving you smiles and giggles! We love you Cooper!

Dating Anniversary: 14 Years

When your hubby takes you out for your "dating" anniversary you get a wine flight 🍷🍷🍷 ‪#‎malbec‬ ‪#‎cabernet‬ ‪#‎winewednesday‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty

Somebody's Watching You

As parents it is so important to remember that our kids are always watching. This hit home for me because lately my toddler has been more defiant and controlling and I feel like nothing we tell him is good enough. But seeing this picture reminded me that actions speak louder than words. ‪#‎fitmom‬‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day20‬

The Start of My Fitness Lifestyle with P90X

Taking it back to where it all began! My first experience with fitness programs came with P90X. I had worked out before but wasn't really sure what I was doing. I fell in love with these programs for their pre-designed workouts. Being a busy mom to two boys that also works full time, I love that all I have to do is pop in a DVD (or steam a video online) and I am guaranteed to have an insane workout! I came back to these programs on my postpartum fitness journey because I know they work! If you are tired of spending money at the gym for minimal results like I was or if you are looking for quick effective workouts to fit in to your busy schedule, please hop on over to my website and read more about my transformation and see what has been working for me. Maybe, just maybe it can work for you too! ‪#‎transformationtuesday‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day15‬

Mom Life At It's Not-So Finest Moments

Ok, I'm about to be REAL honest? Why do I want to remember this "phase" in life? I don't particularly, but I do need to vent because I'm about to lose it...

My new baby doesn't sleep.  It's clock work he is up every 2-3 hours, day and night! My first was a dream baby. I had him on a schedule, he slept through the night at 8 weeks, he was happy. With my first baby I looked happy on the outside, but on the inside I was struggling. Why was I struggling when I had this perfect baby? With my second baby I'm happy on the inside. I love this little guy more than anything! But I'm EXHAUSTED and I look it. I'm unhappy with my appearance and I'm craving consistency but I can't seem to get there. All I can be thankful for is that he is the happiest baby who smiles all the time.

My toddler is up for the worst toddler of the year award! LIKE SERIOUSLY! Not only am I exhausted from baby, but I'm exhausted from hearing my toddler scream 80% of the day (here's my payback for dream baby). Most days I seriously question my ability to be a good mom. Not only do I feel like I have failed my child for his delayed speech, I feel terrible that all I do is seem to yell at him to stop screaming. He doesn't get to just tell us no to something. He has to turn it into a full-blown cry fest. And because he doesn't talk well, the situation only gets worse. He tries to speak but it isn't clear. So then he yells some more when we don't understand his "demands." And don't even get me started on sleeping. Bedtime seems to be a game now, with you guessed it, more screaming battles! What once was an enjoyable time of the night with him reading books and singing songs has turned into high pitch screams when we try to leave the room. And 2 hours later, he is maybe asleep and the baby is up again!

I don't feel like myself. I'm not the mother I thought I would be. I'm lucky to shower every other day. I work from home in pajamas or workout clothes. My hair is thrown up in ponytails. I feel the bags under my eyes. At least I have my workouts, that's the only thing I do for myself. I generally snooze my alarm til 10m before I need to log-in to work because just 45m of extra sleep sounds nice. I often head straight to bed instead of spending even 20-30m with my husband because too the extra sleep before the baby wakes up 1 of 4 times during the night sounds nice. I know this is not the way life will always be, but right now the struggle is REAL! So there you have it.

Believe in Yourself

Do you know who you are? I am a mom, a wife, a daughter a sister and a friend. I am dedicated, kind, caring, quiet and passionate. By discovering who you are and believing in yourself and your qualities you can succeed! ‪#‎beyou‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day14‬

Carson: Two and a Half

Where oh where do I begin with you Mr Carson! Even with your cute, cheesy grin, you are a two year old through and through! You are Mr. Active and are go, go, go ALL THE TIME! You love being outside and playing with sticks and rocks. You actually have just started taking an interest in your toys which I guess came at a good time because winter is around the corner. We can only get you to sit still for your favorite movies or TV shows. You like watching "Thomas," "doggie" (Scout and Friends, "Nemo," "Birds" (Rio and Adventures in Zambezia) to name a few. We actually don't have kids shows on too often because t's usually football games, soccer games and most recently basketball games. You still sometimes confuse soccer and football but you know the "Broncos" and love wearing your "purple shirt." And we taught you the SEATTLE "Sounders" chant ;) But I promise we will let you pick what teams to cheer for when you get older!

Your speaking is getting better but you were "diagnosed" with a mild speech delay. So we've been working with a speech therapist a couple times a month and you've improved tremendously. Right now you love to repeat whatever we are saying, and usually it begins with "no." Carson do you want to read a book? "No read book." Here's a small list of things we hear a lot: "I see big truck, or I see big red truck," "Hear me airplane" (translated in to I hear airplane), you call snow "snom," you walk around the house singing "winkle winkle wittle star," give Snyder commands, let us know that "Pooper crying," "Pooper bouncing) or "shh Pooper sleeping" (we don't say "C" sounds yet). And speaking of your brother, you weren't very sure of him when he first got here but you are doing wonderful with him now. You bring him all his toys, sometimes show him yours, help him bounce, give him kisses and tell him night night. It is so special to see you too bonding all ready.

Now for the terrible twos. You have a voice and you make sure to use it, very loudly I might add, when something does not go your way. We are working on patience with you and figuring out the best method to reason with you. It has and still is an ongoing battle and if the "threenager" holds true, we are in serious trouble! Maybe Grammy and Pop Pop will take you in for a year :) For the most part you are very independent. Lately you've been wanting mommy or daddy to hold you and you always give hugs and kisses when leaving or going to bed which we will take any day! But I will be honest, you are having a very rough patch right now and it includes not sleeping very well either which makes for an every more "terrible" two year old. Maybe our Christmas present will be the exiting of whatever phase you are going through!

I mentioned some of your likes up above, but some other things you like are pop tarts, cheese, applesauce, milk, "smoovies," cookie bars, reading books, picking out clothes, buckling things, singing your ABCs, using daddy as a jungle gym and "helping" in the kitchen. You are finally getting more proportioned with your height/weight checking in at 31lbs and 34in tall (90% weight and 75% height). You wear 3T pants, 4T shirts and size 8-9 shoe. A husky boy we like to say :)

So Much To Be Thankful For (2015)

I am Thankful for people in this world who still care about others and want to lend a helping hand 🙌🏼 ‪#‎givethanks‬ ‪#‎thanksgiving‬ ‪#‎grateful‬‪#‎journeytothirty‬ ‪#‎day6‬

I'm thankful for my home in the colorful state of Colorado! #‪#‎grateful‬‪#‎givethanks‬ ‪#‎thanksgiving‬ ‪#‎lovewhereyoulive‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬‪#‎100daysofhealthy‬ ‪#‎day7‬ 🌄🎄

I'm Thankful for my toddler. Is he a handful and makes me want to pull my hair out at times? YES! But asking mom to sing twinkle twinkle or wanting to "sit down" on my lap while we read books just melts my heart. He isn't a cuddler so I cherish those little moments, even more so now that I spend the majority of my time tending to his little brother. So thank you for opening up my heart, bringing me sunshine on cloudy days and just being YOU!?👩🏻👦🏻💙 ‪#‎givethanks‬ ‪#‎thanksgiving‬ ‪#‎grateful‬ ‪#‎journeytothirty‬

I'm Thankful for the little things. 💐when your toddler brings you a bouquet of flowers 🚿 when you haven't showered in what seems like days but your husband still tells you you're beautiful 🛌 when he takes the baby so you can get a couple more hours of sleep 🏔 being able to drive 30 min from my house and be in one of the most beautiful mountain ranges in the county 🐾 living 5 min from a state park where I can watch my dog run free 💵 feeling secure in my job and knowing I'm helping provide for my family ☀ sunny days and so so many more! ‪#‎grateful‬ ‪#‎givethanks‬ ‪#‎thanksgiving‬‪#‎journeytothirty‬

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours! ‪#‎givethanks‬ ‪#‎thanksgiving‬‪#‎family‬