Workout love, who me?! {TIU Giveaway!}

I will be the first to admit, I've never been big on working out. Sure, there have been times in my life (especially after having my kiddos) that I've buckled down and exercised to lose weight. I've even trained, well I say trained very loosely, and completed my first 5k. But, I've never truly enjoyed it.

Until now.

At the beginning on this month, I committed to taking care of myself spiritually and physically. I've really come to understand that I'm much better at caring for those I love, when I'm caring for myself. That means being intentional about meeting (and focusing throughout the day) with Jesus and exercising!

Enter the Tone It Up girls. {Thank you, Mia, for introducing me to the them!}

I knew I didn't want to join a gym, but rather, figure out a way to work out at home, around my schedule. So, I decided to join the Bikini Series. I'd been following Katrina and Karena for a while, doing some of their workouts here and there, and I really enjoyed the workouts. So, I decided to take the plunge and join the challenge.

I had no idea when I signed up how much this would change my life. Honestly, I wasn't even sure if I would finish the 8 week program. But, I'm going strong and loving, yes I said loving, working out!! In fact, I look forward to my work outs each day.

I commit about an hour a day to exercising. I do cardio on our elliptical for 30 minutes each day. {I know most people would prefer to run outside when the weather is nice, but I love doing the elliptical.} I turn on an episode of Army Wives and am off, enjoying my workout. Then, I do whatever exercise set the Bikini Series calls for that day. The workouts aren't too long, roughly 20 minutes, but are so good!

I've noticed a huge difference in myself physically and mentally since starting the challenge. When we were in Albuquerque, I wasn't able to work out and I just didn't feel good. I missed working out! Who would have ever thought I'd say that?! Not me!!

What I finally understand, after hearing people saying it over and over, is that you have to find something you enjoy doing for exercise. I've found what works for me and my lifestyle is changing to include exercise every day(or most days). It might be different for you and that's ok! The point is to take care of your body the best you can so you can be here as long as possible with, and for, those you love.  

What is it for you? What's your motivation to exercise? What's your favorite way to exercise?

Don't forget to enter the giveaway below for your chance at winning an awesome prize package full of Tone It Up goodies!!!
 

If you are looking to make a slight change towards a healthier lifestyle with yummy recipes, supportive women and workouts you can do from home, this could be your plan! Even if you are skeptical, entering the giveaway won't hurt! You could win a $110 prize package including The Beach Babe workout DVD, Tone It Up apparel and... well the rest is a secret! Who doesn't love a good surprise?

:: The Modern Tulip :: Kristal Strong :: Make Me Up Mia :: Birdie To Be :: 

Southern Style :: Jess's Designs :: Erica Jacquline :: Kids and Cabernet ::

The giveaway ends Thursday May 29th at midnight. 

Winning entry will be verified so please be honest.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Mother's Day Fun!

I feel blessed to say that my Mom is one of my best friends! And with each passing year, I appreciate her more and more...the love and sacrifice she made as she raised my brother and I {she is why I always aspired to be a stay-at-home-mommy} and the love and wisdom she offers today as I walk this journey of motherhood. She's everything to me.



Via

This year I wanted to do something a little different than I have in years past and take her out on a surprise Mother/Daughter date. My amazing Dad (thanks Dad!) offered to watch the kiddos so I could take my momma out on Friday. I didn't tell her anything other than to be ready at 9:45am.

Our first stop, of course, was manicures at our favorite nail salon {TLC Nails}. Next, was lunch and dessert at Memory Lane Tea Room. I was excited to take her there because I was pretty sure she had never been before. I was correct and she was thrilled to try it out. {The baked fudge is out.of.this.world! Seriously!!}

We enjoyed the best conversation and company together! It had been far too long since we had one on one time. Usually the kiddos are with us, which is fine and we enjoy that immensely, but sometimes just mother/daughter time is necessary!

Overall, I had a great time and I know she had a great time because she told me over and over how much she enjoyed it. Love you, Mom!!

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Linking up for Tuesday Tea:

Sassy Wife/Classy Life/The Ledford Life/Frankly My Dear

 

 



May Monthly Focus

I so enjoyed having a monthly focus last month, so I decided to do it again this month. I thought and thought over what I wanted to focus on and, in comparison to last month, I almost feel selfish for what I've decided to focus on this month. However, my monthly focus will enable me to fulfill last month's monthly focus. Ok, that was a lot of mumbo jumbo...if you're still reading, I'm sure you're thinking "Get to the point, Lady!". Well, here we go...

This month I'm focusing on taking care of myself. Specifically, spiritually and physically.

 

 

I love taking care of my family. Making sure all of their needs are met. But, many times that means I put my own needs on the back burner. And sometimes that's ok. But, my two areas of focus for this month require that I do not put them on the back burner. If I'm caring for myself spiritually and physically, I will be able to better care for my family.

Source

Being a busy wife and mother, I've had to get creative with how I put myself first spiritually and physically. I recently implemented a new routine for myself that involves waking at 5:30 to ensure I can spend some quiet time with the Lord and work in a little cardio before the kiddos wake up. Then later in the day, I'm able to do the rest of my workout. It's not always easy to get up early like that, but when I do, my day feels much better. Specifically, when I get up and spend the first part of my day with Him, my days feels much better.

So, this month I plan to be intentional with putting myself first, spiritually and physically. Y'all will have to keep me accountable on this, too. It's awfully easy to hit the snooze button. :)

Thanks, Maegan, for hosting such a good monthly link up!

Also, in honor of Cinco de Mayo, check out my favorite Mexican dip...that can also be a full meal. Mexi Dip!

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Spring Style Challenge

I am so excited about this challenge and sharing it with you. I've been following Alison @ Get Your Pretty On on Instagram for quite awhile and love the simple, fashionable outfits she puts together each day. When I found out about her Spring Style Challenge, I knew I wanted to sign up. My closest has been needing some help for quite a while now and this will be the perfect way to revamp my closest on my dollar.

Check out her post here with all the details to this Style Me Challenge. There are a few more days for you to sign up and revamp your Spring wardrobe, too! If you decide to sign up and are in my area, let me know and we can schedule a shopping date! :)

On Motherhood

Source

I adore being a Mom. Being Collin and Emma's Mommy. It's truly the best! I was talking with Robert the other day about how much I enjoy being a Mom. Sure, I reach my limit some days and have to put myself in time out. Or, I reach my limit and need a break, outside of the house, to refuel. But, even on those days, I am so grateful for the opportunity to be a Mom, their Mom.

I have never done anything that has required absolutely everything in me...and then more, all the time. Some days can be tough, really tough. But at the end of the day, no matter how trying and tiring it was, my heart is overflowing as I look in on them sleeping peacefully. 

I have never known such deep, unending love until I became a Mom. This love that I get to experience as a Mom reminds me of how much the Lord loves me...and then more! Sometimes it leaves me speechless and in tears...at my love for my kids and the realization of His love for me.

I have never felt so inadequate or ill-equipped until I became a Mom. I'm learning right alongside my children. But He is so gracious and has surrounded me with incredible examples and encouragement as I walk this journey through motherhood.

I feel so honored to have the opportunity to stay home with our kiddos every day. Sure, there are sacrifices that have to made for that to happen. And there are days that can feel lonely and isolating. But those days are not the norm and the sacrifices are hardly noticed. I am so grateful to stay home with them.

I love being a Mom. I love being Collin and Emma's Mommy. May I never take my days with them for granted.

Precious Moments

There are few things sweeter than when Collin or Emma shows me sweet love when they don't realize I'm paying attention. Both of my kiddos love it when I "go night night" with them for a little bit, either before naptime or bedtime. Collin is in a twin bed, so I'm able to lay with him for a little bit in his bed. But Emma is still in a crib, so we'll lay on "mommy and daddy's" bed for a little bit before resting. Two different occasions this week have absolutely melted my heart!

Nearly every night Collin will ask me to lay with him for a little bit. Sometimes I do, sometimes I don't. On this particular night that he asked me, I hadn't seen Robert all day and it had been a very stressful week at work for him, so I told Collin that I wanted to go out and see daddy, but that I'd lay with him the next day before he laid down to rest in the afternoon. So, that's what I did. The next day came and he hadn't forgotten what I said, so I laid down with him for quite some time. I was pretty tired that day and it felt nice to lay down and close my eyes a bit. Although I was resting my eyes, I didn't actually fall asleep. But while we were laying there, Collin took my arm so that it was laying across his chest and we were cuddling. That alone was precious, but then he completely melted my heart. He spent the next 15 minutes gently tickling/rubbing my arm and my hand. And then he'd stop and just pat my hand. Oh, it was so, so precious!! I kept peeking my eyes open to see if he was awake or asleep and he was awake, but getting so tired. He eventually got so tired he stopped and I quietly left so he could rest. Oh he just blessed my heart so much with his love!!

And tonight, sweet Emma topped it all off! She wanted to "go night night with Mommy", so we went and laid in my bed for awhile. I had the best time laying beside her, just watching her. She was so tired and kept rubbing her eyes. But then she turned to me and gently held my face with her hand and so softly and seriously said something to me. I'm not sure what she said, but I just smiled and said, yes I love you, too, Emma. She would turn her head and close her eyes, then turn back and do it again.  She did that 3 or 4 more times and I responded the same way. She would alternate between holding my face and rubbing my arm. Oh, so sweet!!!

Although our days are not always easy or "peaches and cream", I truly find myself thanking God daily for the two sweet blessings who call me mommy. I love being their mommy and can't imagine spending my days doing anything else than raising them.