30 In the Next 30

I have come to realize that most of my ideas, dreams, and desires often come to me Sunday mornings while sitting in church.  I have all these things I want to do...all these ideas I want to create...all these plans I want to make, but it always seems there is not enough time in the day, or enough courage inside of me to take a leap of faith.  This year I will turn 30...in 6 weeks to be exact.  I remember when 30 seemed ancient...and now...well I feel like it is just the start of great things to come.  I have decided to make a list of the dreams I have for my next 30 years.  Here are 30 Things for my next 30 Years:

1.) Run a Marathon
2.) Ride in the Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race
3.) Start My Own Non-Profit/Business
4.) Get Involved in our Church
5.) Open My Own ETSY Shop
6.) Travel to Italy
7.) Have More Babies
8.) Climb a 14er 
9.)Take a Cycling Tour in Europe (Think Tour De France)
10.) Go Skydiving
11.) Learn to Knit
12.) Travel to Israel
13.) Raise Wonderful Children
14.) Take a Cruise with My Family 
15.) Read the Bible Front to Back
16.)Recover a piece of furniture myself
17.)Spend a day in bed with my husband....cuddling
18.) Be Published in a Fitness Magazine (or any magazine really!)
19.) Have Lunch with Jillian Michaels (I have a slight obsession with her!)
20.) Have a successful blog
21.) Serve on a mission trip with my husband
22.) Anonymously pay for someones meal at a restaurant
23.) Meet Lance Armstrong
24.) Make a difference
25.) Change someones life for the better
26.) Keep the house clean for a whole week
27.) Learn to speak Italian
28.) Build our dream home from scratch
29.) Read one book a month for a whole year
30.) Start a Book Club
I could go on and on ... cheers to my next 30 years!

Getting His Grow On!

People definitely don't lie when they say how fast a baby grows!!!  There are some days where I go to grab Baby E out of his crib in the morning and I SWEAR he grew over night.  Then there is the fact that when I take him jogging in his jogging stroller he feels heavier and heavier each time.  My husband and I have dubbed him "sack of taters" (as in potatoes) because he is like a little sack of potatoes to carry around. 

Anyone want to paint our closet doors white?

Seeing that this is our first child I am determined to document everything.  Every little milestone he crosses I want to remember. Every inch he grows documented.  That led to me researching DIY growth charts.  I came across a ton but none of them really were what I was looking for.  However, if someone asked, I wouldn't be able to say what it was I was looking for.  

And then along came Craft Gossip.  I started to follow Craft Gossip on Twitter and then on Facebook.  I absolutely LOVE this site.  There are always new and fun crafts popping up and thankfully one of them was a fun and VERY inexpensive Growth Chart.  It was advertised as an inexpensive gift for a baby shower...but I decided to make it an inexpensive gift for me.  Visit Whipper Berry for full Tutorial.

I think the total project cost me a total of $5.  The Jute Webbing cost me $1.60 at Wal-Mart, along with .99 cent Sharpies and $2.00 Stencils.  I LOVE cheap crafts...that are quick and instantly gratifying.  I didn't have a grommet thingy so I used twine to hang up the growth chart, and instead of labels with safety pins I decided to use mini clothes pins and tags. Even with my mistake (I apparently forgot how to count by two's sometime during my project)...I absolutely love it and it fits in Baby E's room perfectly!

I am looking forward to making some for the new babies in our family and experiment with different colored Sharpies to make some more "girly."  Keep an eye out!!!

I'm BAAAAAAAAACCCCCCKKKK!

Boy have I been a slacker!!!  Well, where the blog is concerned.  It seems like lately, Baby E, has been a real time suck and very needy.  Maybe he is going through a growth spurt.  It seems that is my excuse every time he is extra fussy or needy.  Oh well...it is nice to have an "excuse" other than "he is just a baby."  That one gets old REAL quick.  Baby Ethan turned 3 months over the weekend and we took a little mountain getaway with my parents.  

My parents own a  mountain house up in Leadville, CO.  It is the highest town in the United States; 10,200 feet to be exact.  Each year they have these insane endurance events that attract some incredible athletes.  Lance Armstrong for one.  This past weekend was the Race Across the Sky Leadville 100 Mountain Bike Race.  It is a 100 mile out-and-back course through the amazing terrain in Leadville. You reach over 12,000 feet twice during the race, and there are multiple points where 99% of riders will need to get off their bikes and walk. Many say it is harder than an Ironman Triathlon and many don't finish.  My husband and I have been wanting to go watch this race for 2 years and finally had the chance to this year. 

It was an incredible sight to see all 1,900+ riders at the starting line. We then headed up to the Pipeline which was about 28 miles into the race.  This is a switch back decent and was so cool to see all these riders barreling down one after another.  From the top of the switchbacks all the riders look like little ants.  All I could think of while watching was that if I ever do this race...I better be at the back because I will be braking the whole way down - HA.  After some cheering we spent the rest of the day napping and going on our own bike ride.  The first since Baby E had been born.  It was like a little mini-date for my husband and I.  We also spent a good hunk of time cheering on the finishers as they crossed the finish line.  The winner, an Olympian, finished in 6 hours and 23 minutes.  The woman winner in 7 hours at 16 minutes...shattering her own course record by 15 minutes!!  Majority of the people took between 9 and 12 hours to finish.  Most looking exhausted and dirty!  We also celebrated Baby E's 3 Month Birthday...Boy do we love our little dude!  He is getting so big!!  

Now I am just trying to get caught up on craft projects I have going (I start WAY too many at once), blogging and cleaning (which I never get caught up on).  Here are some sneak peeks at some things I have been working on...

Growth Chart (idea from Whipper Berry)

One of Many Fun Headbands I am creating!

anything like me...

My husband has loved Brad Paisley's song..."Anything Like Me" since he found out we were having a boy.  The chorus goes something like this

He's gonna get in trouble, oh, he's gonna get in fights
I'm gonna lose my temper and some sleep
It's safe to say that I'm gonna get my payback
If he's anything like me

I LOVE this picture!

Let's just say my husband wasn't the easiet of children when he was young.  Got in trouble and punished a lot.  Was once told he could have chocolate if he said Thank You or if not he would have to go to bed...let's just say the chocolate was safe {Um...who could pass up chocolate?} .  However, as I watched him pray over our son, through the baby monitor, I became very aware of what a rarity he is these days and just Thanked God that he is my husband and our son's father.  Who my husband is now is EXACTLY who I want our son to be when he grows up.

He is loving.

He is kind.

He sacrifices for his family.

He loves his wife {That's Me :) }.

He loves Jesus.

He loves others.

He is humble

He puts his family first
I can count on him 100% of the time
He believes in me
He is an AMAZING Dad
He is honest and sincere
He is a MAN! {By this I mean he is manly...likes manly things}
He is silly
He is athletic
He is a leader
He has Godly values and expectations
He helps others in need
He puts others before himself
He talks {about feelings...not sure most men do this}

There are SO many attributes that my husband has that I pray our son will gain throughout his life.  There are too many to list and some that I just can't put into words.  So, honey I hope our son is EVERYTHING like you {even if he is a pain to raise when he is younger} :)....<3 you!!!

 "He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."

 ~Clarence Budington Kelland

Happy Pants Dance!!

Literally tonight I did the Happy Pants Dance...my husband even had to peak out of the shower to see what I was hootin' and hollerin' about.  So, as most of you know, I recently had a baby, as in 3 months ago.  I have had my "skinny" days, where I feel skinny and decide to go and try on all my pre-pregnancy jeans, capris, and shorts, in hopes that they will fit so I can quit wearing the same ones over and over and over.  Let's just say that, in the past, that was the most horrible idea ever...because None.Of.Them.Fit!  Either they wouldn't fit over my thighs or buns, or they would get past that point and not even come close to buttoning.  Then their were the pairs that would button, but looked like I was wearing my little sister's hand me downs.  I would then send myself to time out for doing something so stupid and be sulky the rest of the day.  Of course my wonderful husband would just remind me that Baby E hadn't arrived that long ago and that I looked better than ever {ha-yeah right}...Bless his soul. 

Any-hoo tonight was the miracle of all miracles.  I grabbed a pair of my favorite American Eagle jeans out of the closet to put on for church. One leg in, two legs in, a few wiggles, a suck-it-in and SHAZAM...They Fit...and quite comfortably I might add.  Then, the icing on the cake, I had purchased this totally cute tank top from Kohl's only to find out it was too tight.  Made me look like I had gone back to the buffet one too many times.  I had come to the realization that I would probably have to return it...however...I put it on tonight and it fit too!!!!!  It was like a two-fer-one deal!  And then the dance...I apologize for not capturing it in all it's glory...there was a song and jumping involved.  I did get pictures...that were very hard to take.  My leg started cramping...but I tried to capture all the glory!!!  :)

Ignore the Messy Counter

I do clean the bathroom...so once again ignore the goobered mirror!

Hope you all have a great Sunday :)

Baby Got Back!

I have a new best friend. She hangs out with me everyday and she brings along her friends. I often find myself talking to her when no one else is around. Her name is Cellulite and her BFF's name is Stretch Mark. They are roommates and both take up prime real estate on my thighs and bun cakes. Both of them moved in while I was pregnant and have decided they would like to stay...permanently. I can't say that I am thrilled. First, let's talk about Cellulite.

Oh, Cellulite. I don't really notice you until I move a certain way and your beautiful ripples go down my thighs. You are sometimes referred to as cottage cheese and I can totally see the resemblance. Orange Peel and Pin Cushion Skin are also less known references to your glory. I don't appreciate you deciding to take up residence over the strong leg muscles that took me miles to build. Your uneven texture makes me never want to hop into a pair of shorts again...not that I currently fit into any of mine at the moment. I am determined to get rid of you...or at least make you less noticable. SO, be forewarned. Your time is running out...your lease is almost up! Lunges, Squats, Running, and more are one their way to kick you out! Now for your BFF Strech Mark(s).

 

Oh, Stretch Marks...otherwise known as Mommy Tatooes or Zebra Stripes...you are Cellulite's neighbor. You also reside on my thighs and bun cakes. Early on...while pregnant...I thought you were a rash. I mean who gets Stretch Marks on their rump while pregnant. It is your belly that is supposed to grow and stretch...right?! Well when you decided to permanently move in I came to the realization you were stretch marks and after doing some Googling of stretch mark pictures I was sure of it. Zebra Stripes make you sound so cute and cuddley...well you are neither of those. It is as if you glow in the mirror and say "hey look at me!". I really don't like you...you are even worse than your friend Cellulite. At least working out can reduce Cellulite. You however require expensive creams...which may or may not work. My pocket book cannot afford most of your solutions...so I am hoping the "cheap" cream I bought will at least lighten you up. I have decided to wear you with a badge of honor. As battle scars of mommyhood...just please...PLEASE...lighten up so I can enjoy the last part of bathing suit weather.

 

And to my precious Baby E. I love you with all of my heart...but I could have done without your little "gifts!"

 

Here is a Workout to Help Firm Up those Bun Cakes...and reduce the appearance of Cellulite!!!

 

No Buns About it Workout

 

This is a 20 - 30 minute workout with strength and cardio. You will do the strength workout first and then the carido intervals at the end. This will help to maximize fat burning. Each exercise contains an "A" and "B" portion. You will be doing theses in super sets. You will perform Exercise A then immediately doing Exercise B. You will need a set of dumbbells, an exercise band, and a stair or step. Perform 12 - 15 reps and repeat the sequence a total of 3 times before moving on to the cardio.

 

1A. Reverse Lunges - Holding weights at your side lunge back with the left leg making sure your front knee doesn't go over your toe. Push back up into starting position and switch legs for one rep.

  

NO REST

  

1B. Calve Raises - With your heels hanging off the back of a stair or step, drop heels down and then push-up on your toes. Pause at the top to feel the burn and then return to starting position. Hold a set of weights to make it more challenging.

  

30 SECOND REST

  

2A. Romanian Deadlift - Feet are hip width apart and knees are slightly bent. Hold a dumbbell in each hand so that palms are facing the body. Slowly bend forward, pushing those glutes behind you (you want to stick your chest out ... it helps drive glutes back). Keep knees slightly bent. Squeeze glutes and return to start.

NO REST

  

2B. Side Step with Band - Tie resistance band around shins...or step on band and draw handles towards hips holding them there. Step your feet out wide enough to feel tension in the band. Bend knees about 45 degrees. Step right foot out a few inches followed by the left . Walk 12 - 15 steps one direction than switch for one set.

  

30 SECOND REST

  

3A. Plie Squat - Stand with feet slightly wider than hip width apart. Toes pointed to the corners at about 45 degrees. Squat down to 90 degrees. As you stand back up squeeze your inner thighs and booty together. For added burn hold weights at your sides.

  

NO REST

  

3B. Squat with Adduction - Stand with feet hip width apart. Make sure toes remain pointing forward for the whole exercise. Squat down bringing knees to 90 degrees. As you stand up lift right leg off of the floor and raise it out to the side. Keep foot flexed as you do this to really feel it in your outer thigh. Perform all reps on one side before switching. Hold weights for an added burn.

  

CARDIO INTERVAL - Each exercise is 1 minute long. There is no rest between exercises. Take a one minute break after you have done all 5. Perform circuit 2 - 3 times.

 

• 1.) Football Feet
• 2.) Mountain Climbers 
• 3.) Squat Jumps 
• 4.) Jumping Jacks 
• 5.) Squat Thrust

ENJOY!

KRISTIE <3

Keep Calm and Carry On!

This is one of my favorite posts from my Friday posts on Inspired By Sarah.  I re-read it today after having on-of-those-days...with a fussy 12 week old that wouldn't nap and was driving mommy insane.  I hope you enjoy!!! 

What a Week!  From taking care of a newborn, to computer troubles (reason for late post), to chores (which didn't get done), to Baby E's first shots.  It has been an up and down sort of week.  The little bright light in all the stress and exhaustion of this week was going to our Church's Prophetic Prayer night. I had only been prayed over once and the first time it kinda weirded me out. People talking in tongues, "hearing" from the Holy Spirit, telling you what the Lord has for you...not things you grow up with when you have spent the majority of your life in a Catholic church.  So, this time I was a little more prepared.  My husband discussed with me what to expect from this experience and I was VERY excited to go and see the words that the Lord had for me.
Many people don't know this about me...but about 7 years ago I started to have panic attacks.  The kind where all of a sudden you feel like you are having a heart attack.  Your heart races, you get clammy hands, you get dizzy, and you just have to drop whatever you are doing and LEAVE.  I can remember the first one...I was in the doctor's office with a friend and had this uncontrollable urge that I had to leave...that my life depended on it.  Then they would come at the most unpredictable times.  In line at the grocery store (there were times I would have to leave my cart full of groceries), in elevators, in my car, watching TV.  For no rhyme or reason they would just consume me.  These panic attacks ended up developing into constant anxiety.  Anxiety of them happening and not having a way out...Anxiety of them never getting better....Anxiety that I was broken...the anxiety lead to depression...it's a vicious cycle.  I was depressed because I wasn't myself anymore, because I couldn't do the things I enjoyed.  I was constantly putting together "escape plans" in case of an attack.  I was no longer my carefree, outgoing self.  It took me a long time to get help.  There is still such a stigma that goes along with "mental" disorders.  I was worried people would look at me like I was crazy.   Well my doctor put me on an antidepressant and it was a lifesaver.  However, I still struggled with the panic attacks and anxiety on a daily basis.  I was always on edge with worry in the back of my mind.  This brings me to the words the Lord had for me when I was prayed for.
The first words that were said to me were "the Lord gives me a picture of a calm ocean at sunset.  There are no waves, no ripples, just complete calm.  He has you in a place of rest right now.  You are calm and happy with where you are."  CALM?!  That is not the word I would have used to ever describe myself.  However since Baby E was born I have finally felt like God has brought me my purpose in life...to be a mom.  I have been at peace with everything.  I have had no anxiety and no stress.  I know that I cannot be a parent alone, and I think for the first time I have completely surrendered myself to God...knowing that I need his help...and he has blessed me with Peace.  Instead of worrying about worrying...or worrying about the baby, or about being a parent, or really about everything, I Pray.  I know God has me in this place for a reason and that He is  my rock...through all the ups and downs.

Philippians 4:6

The Message (MSG)

 ^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life.

WORKOUT

So, I am not a Yoga expert...however I love it when I am tired and stressed out.  You can get a GREAT calming mind-body makeover.  Since I am not a yogi,  Google has provided me with many-a-great yoga workouts!  Here is one of my favorite from Fitness Magazine!!  I hope you enjoy.  Just click the link below!

 Be Calm and Carry On

 

Guest Post - Inspired By Sarah

Come Visit me at Inspired by Sarah today for my weekly Friday Fitness Blog.  The next 4 Fridays will focus on the four most common excuses not to exercise.  This week we are tackling not having enough Time...and next week we will focus on being too tired!  Hope to see you there!!

Dear Colorado

Dear Colorado,

You are beautiful.  Your mountains are gorgeous and provide an amazing playground.  God knew what he was doing when he created you.  Your many trails and paths are great for running.  Your snow capped peaks great for hiking and skiing (well snowboarding).  Your long stretches of beautiful roads with breath taking scenery great for biking.  You are home to my beloved Denver Broncos and Colorado State Rams.  (However, I could do without the University of Colorado Buffalos...).  I love that you cycle through the four seasons.  You bring AMAZING colors to us in the Fall, with crisp fresh air.  Wonderful snow storms in the Winter that are perfect for cuddling up with the boys for hot cocoa and a movie.  Mild Springs that could still bring snow, but at the same time bring new leaves and flowers, and then summer.  Great sunshine with amazing thunderstorms at night. 

However, I have a bone to pick with you this summer, Colorado.  How many days does it need to be 90 + degrees?  I think we are on day 17 of 90 or higher.  I have to tell you I am tired of it.  As mentioned above, you have great paths and trails for running, but for me to enjoy those I would have to run at 4am...and that is just not happening.  Instead of getting to enjoy your wonderful scenery...I am wanting to stay wherever there is air conditioning.  I know it could be worse...but that is why I don't live in Vegas, Arizona or Iraq!  I would like to not be spending half of my husbands paycheck on cooling down our house so we can sleep at night without sweating to death.  So, if you get this memo, please try to dial it down a few notches...or just start Fall a little early.  I am sure no one would mind.